CHINA AND JAPAN

Hokitika Guardian, 23 October 1931, Page 5

CHINA AND JAPAN

LEAGUE COUNCIL. Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. 1 GENEVA, October 21. To-dav saw the close of another black day in which the League of Nations’ circl.es have been pessimistic, some fearing that China would he let down. The position is believed to be little, if any, more favourable, with tbe announcement that the Council w 11 tomorrow consider a resolution urging China and Japan mutually to settle the dispute within a specified period, which is b lieved to bs one of months.

Much still depends on the instrucj tions from Tokio, which bad not arl rived to-day at a late hour, although it is boned that the message will be | a concilinitorv one. If it is otherwLe, ' the League Council may insist on a precise date for the withdrawal of tbe | Japanese troops from Manchuria. SETTLEMENT IN JEOPARDY. IfIDNpON, October 22. ‘lTlie Times’ ” correspondent at Geneva believes that there is little chance of the C'hinaljapanese conflict ending, unless the" League of Nations’ undertakes to provide a guarantee for the good faith of both sides by exerting simultaneous pressure on both Governments, and making sure that this pressure will be effective by posting neutral observers on the spot. This method was successfully adopted with Greece nnd Bulgaria in 1920. The “News-Chronicle” says: The League of Nations’ Council’s resolution urging the Chinese and Japanese Governments to mutually settle the dispute lias caused dismay. The Chinese regard it as a betrayal of their interests, and the placing of a premium on aggression. The situation is described as profoundly disquieting. JAPAN’S REPLY. GENEVA, October 22. Japan’s reply to M. Briand's proposals are unsatisfactory. The Counci; meets in the a.fternon when tbe whole situation will be made public.