CHINESE TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1928, Page 2

CHINESE TROUBLE

JAP-CHINESE CONFLICT. BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S VIEWS. Australian Press Assn.—United Service LONDON, May 9. The British Government does not take a serious view of the Jap-Cliinese conflict, nor sees reason to believe it will become more involved than it is at present. Tile Coys political correspondent dispatches, reaching diplomatic circles, indicate the developments do not- suggest anything in the nature of what might be called warfare. Japan’s activities correspond with Britain’s in Shanghai. Her aim is solely at enforcing respect for her nationals and protecting them against Chinese attacks. Indeed it is bcleived that most attacks have been peiqietrated by similar bandit gangs to those responsible for attacking the British in Nanking, rather than representing any particular Chinese faction.

A diplomatic official in ail authoritative Statement to political writers this afternoon, apropos the Japanese situation, says Japan to-day can in no way be regarded as an aggressive nation. She sulfercd a succession of setbacks in recent years, politically, financially and by earthquake. Japanese arc now too much concerned in endeavouring to readjust their own affairs to worry about other countries. Japan is essentially a peaceful nation, to whom peace is a most vital problem. There actually is no political conflict with the Chinese, and moreover no nations have been working in China against Japanese interests, as Russia in German prewar activities.

It is true there has been considerable economic competition among the various nations in China, hut merely normal healthy competition, not producing political differences. There is everything to suggest that whatever action Japan takes in China is to ensure rather than to break peace.