Talk of "Resort to Force"

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 56, 29 November 1937, Page 5

Talk of "Resort to Force"

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JAPAN & SHANGHAI If Powers Intervene, Tokio Will Denounce Pact STATEMENT BY PREMIER

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(Eeceived 29, 8.45 a.m.) TOKIO, Nov. 27. The Asahi Shimbun declares that the Prime Minister told Japanese Press men yesterday: _ "As regards the Shanghai International Settlement issue, Japan may find it necessary to resort to force. Everything depends on the attitude of the other party concerned.". The Asahi goes on to report Prince Konoye as saying that, since the NinePower Pact is a pretext for the Powers to intervene in Far Eastern ^ affairs, Japan will propose either revision or denUnciation of the Pact at the proper opportunity. He is said to have added: "As was made clear several years ago, Japan does not admit European and American intervention in the Far ^ East. W e should have resorted to this step long before" (namely, Tevisiou or denunciation of the Nine-Power Pact). He reiterated that if Nanking and Marshal Chiang Kai-shek made a volteface on their anti-Japanese policy, japan would be ready to respond, but if China were resolved to prolong hostilities Japan would accept the challenge. Any future change in the situation might necessitate a declaration of war. Prince Konoye hinted that a new administration was likely to be organised in North China in JaUuary.