EASTERN SITUATION

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1932, Page 5

EASTERN SITUATION

JAP OFFENSIVE CONTINUES POLITICAL DELIBERATIONS. (United Press Association.—By Electric TeiegrapU.—Cop.yrign t.; WASH INGTON, Fob *23. Dm* to a .sinks of lonieiomes uotuimn \* Into Jion.si* and oilic.als, tintor Borah expects Mr Stnn.son tomorrow to issue a statement bearing on me Sinu-uapanese crisis, jir i u,j—air reported that Japan s absolute de-

sire was to avoid any lnction ntn the United (states. JAmiiehi asserted that it was not known what number ol .Japanese iro.-ps were involved in tlie (shanghai balLm, hut any reimorccniciits audtd, would lie sent, to avoid lurt.ier aggravtum of the situation. Other Japanese authorities emphatically denied the reported cruelties by .Japanese troops to Chinese civilians. iii inquiry among oliicm.s indicate that the Government made no efforts to atLise Great Britain m advance ol what it may, or may not do, in response to any request from tiie League Assembly. It is proposed that United States join the arms embargo against both China and Japan, but it- is felt the American public opinion will not support such a move, since it strongly favours China. Moreover it is believed that China in such a case would only suffer, since it is felt that Japan is already well equipped. A distinguished friend of Mr Hoover ventured the opinion that the economic boycott proposal would find no support m the" Cabinet. It was stated that a few Senators somewhat favour the idea, but would change their minds in debate, especially if Senator Borah got into action.

LABOUR AGAINST WAR. COUNCIL EXPRESSES OPINION. LONDON, Feb. 23. J lie Council of the Trade Union Congress, Labour Party, and Parliamentary Labour Party, issued a manifesto declaring that the Japanese were violating the Treaty obligations, disregarding pledges to the League Powers, and had established a virtual protectorate in Manchuria. A state of nar existed between China and Japan, for which Japan was responsible, though she could have obtained satisfaction through covenant with China, or could have put her case into the League hands.

Japim can ensure prosperity only by friendly co-operation with China, instead ol iorce. If the nations of the world fail to uphold tile covenant it will destroy the collective system of world law, increase International insecurity and cause other wars. The Council therefore asks the League to consider requesting member nations to withdraw their ambassadors from Tokio. Hie British Government, if Japan defies the world opinion, must jiropo.se to the League such measures of financial and economic restraint as to restore' peace.

JAPANESE CAPTURE. ADVANCING ON TAZANO. LONDON, February 21. i A Shanghai message, states the Japanese have captured Kiaugawan, have crossed tjie railway line and are advancing bn Taxany. OPPORTUNITY FOR MEDIATION. LONDON, Feb, 24. The “Telegraph” says th e opinion in diplomatic circles in London is that the opportunity will arise for a renewal of attempts at mediation when the Japanese pushed back the Chinese from 12 to 2() miles from Shanghai. ii/e Powers should then seek to persuade the Chinese to accept the demilitarised Kune. Under their, collective guarantee Japan pledged herself lu accept some such solution

PRESS PASSES CANCELLED. SHANGHAI, Feb. 24. As a result of the local publication 0 stor,es alle ging Japanese atrocities the truth of which is highly questionable, meal press passes from the Japjmose headquarters for the front line 'ave been indefinitely suspended but foreign correspondents are unaffected. MARKING TIME. SHANGHAI, Eel,. 04. •At 8.30 a.m. to-day will, the*" e.v----(•t-jjf Kin of intend lie, It machine-.run ,in “ tJ "; 1,111 <’» "ie Chill,ei, Kaingwau, and \\ unsung fronts continued, each side watchfully waiting, neither |ike! v to take the offensive until (lie weather improves, as the ground is sodden a ff a night-long downpour.

foreign settlement. SHANGHAI, Fell. 2-1. Ihe C-luiie.se have replied |„ b"'mgn proles) regarding Ihe sliellii,. 1,1 (ll, 'h' H'dlle sliding she ~-u, ltul •'"''•'‘l’ 1 ' 'lie respoiisilii|i|y smf ,, || l( '' 11 '""' n t IS used as a Japanese mili(cry hasp.