CHINA AND JAPAN

Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1931, Page 6

CHINA AND JAPAN

LEAGUE’S PROPOSAL ACCEPTED BY CHINA (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copy right.) TOKYO, Nov. 27. In conformity with the Government’s declared policy of avoiding hostilities the Japanese forces to-day commenced withdrawal towards the railway zone, within which, it is hoped, the Japanese forces will in a few days have practically entirely retired. PARIS, November 28. The hunt of the Committee of the League ■ Council for a formula continues. The Chinese cannot accept the League’s resolution until the occupation of Chinchow by the Japanese is prevented. The statement that the Japanese forces are withdrawing 'is not confirmed, though Japan has informed M. Briand that she will not act in a hostile manner, except in self defence, or as police measure. SHANGHAI, November 28. The Nanking Government has officially announced that it has telegraphed to Paris accepting the League of Nations’ solution of the crisis, with Chinchow’s establishment 'as a neutral zone, which cannot- be crossed by either side. Tientsin is calmer to-day, following on the arrival of Japanese reinforcements. Japanese troops who have been advancing southwards on the PeipingMukden Railway are reported to have halted at Yowpangtze, 45 miles distant from Chinchow. They are conolidating their positions. China’s acceptance of .the League’s proposals, however, is expected temporarily to check their further advances.

AMERICA’S DOUBTS. OF JAPAN’S GOOD FAITH. WASHINGTON, Nov. 28. A threatened diplomatic breach between' Mr Stimson (the United States Secretary-of Sate) and the Japanese Foreign Office, over the question of the veracity and good faith of Japan in her military operations in Manchuria, is believed to he averted. A Japanese mews agency, carrying a n exaggerated version of an informal talk made yesterday to newspper correspondents by the Secretary of State (Mr Stomson) here, made it appear that the latter had said that the Japanese Army was running amok in Manchuria, and that it was the intention of the Tokyo Government to absorb this territory.

The Japanese Foreign Office, in a * I ished in Tokyo, which, reflected deep resentment on the part of Japanese opinion, said :“If a man in Mr Stimson’s position loses his head in such a critical moment-in the affairs of Japan, the consequences would be yery grave indeed.”

Very much disturbed by this, Mr Stimson to-day conferred with Mr DeViohi, the Japanese Ambassador, and President Hoover, after which stenographic reports of his yesterday’s statement were published, the import of which is only that he could not believe the press reports of the Japanese Army’s advance towards Chirichow because he had been assured by Mr Sidehara that this would not happen. It is believed that requisite explanation will be cabled by Mr T)ebuchi to his Government. In the meantime, satisfaction is expressed here at General . Honjos’s recall of ten thousand Japanese troops -sent towards Chin chow and Tientsin from Mukden. -SIR J. SIMON’S STATEMENT. RUGBY, November 26. The statement in the House of Commons, which Sir J. Simon made on the Manchurian situation last night, was well received. The Opposition header, .who raised the subject on the motion for the adjournment, 'thanked Sir J. Simon for his speech. He suggested that in the circumstances the debate should not be continued, anc} wished Sir J. iSimon God-speed in his work of assisting'a pacific solution. “The Times,” which describes Sir J. Simon’s statement as wholly satisfactory, says; 'The Teague’s efforts seem likely at last to produce some positive result, for it appears probable "that both . parties, will accept its proposal to send out a 'Commission of Inquiry, armed with full authority to investigate the matter on the spot. If this hope should not be immediately realised, the League will still have the power, of which it should avail itself, to send out a Commission without the previous consent of the disputant parties. For obvious reasons, however, the Commission will begin its work under better auspices if it is appointed with the consent df all. Under Article XI., the policy of the British Government cannot outrun the collective action of the Council. It can only help to carry the League forward in its difficult search . for a just ] solution. 1