DISARMAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1932, Page 5

DISARMAMENT

JAPANESE BOYCOTT URGED. AMERICA FAVOURS CHINA. (United Dress Association.—By.Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, Fell. 25. AD' Stimson’s statement marked uii important stage in the gradual clarification of American public opinion, the trend of which now unmistakably lavmirs cJnna and t'.icrc is accumulative evidence of resentment, which is ready to urge some kind cf measures against Japan. Comment is still som*wnat restricted in official circles, the Congressional fen dors declining lo <t.sciiss to any extent Mr Stimson’s statement. but a popular reaction is in evidence in i liain-letter movements urgiiu, the iclusal' to use Japanese goods, an I steps arc being taken by College Women's Societies to advise membe's to refrain from the purchase of Japanese silks. There is an increasing discussion of the-possibilities of a League of Nation boycott, as tile “New York Herald-Tribune’s” correspondent summed up the position thus ■ “There is iu> ignoring the fact that the use of economic sanctions in the Sino-Japanese situation are coming more into consideration.” There is considerable comment, even criticism, in the press and otherwise, concerning the attitude of other great Powers towards Japan in the present crisis. The Frond) Embassy to-day was again compelled to issue a state-, incut denying French support of the Japanese policy, and is sincerely concerned about the serious position which such unfounded rumours may create in the Far East for the personal security of many innocent men and women.

A “New York World ” telegram, asks in a leader: Is Britain backing Japan ” and says, “The fears of Americans are that the Tory-controlled British Government would not cooperate in the proposed international economic boycott if Japanese we,re not quietened' by Sir J. Simon’s statement of policy in the House on Afondav night.” The “‘New York Eyenin™ Post,” on the other hand expresses satisfaction with the Simon statement and adds, “The boycott idea is

quashed.” The “New York Times” "Washington correspondent, interestingly comments: —“ Air Stimson and the President have been resisting this effort. AYhether a call for help lias been sene across the waters has not been revealed, but help came to the beleagured Liberal and Labourite in Air Stinison’s letter.” In a statement to-day by the Senate Naval Committee, in connection with a favourable report on the Hale Bi>l, it appears to give added point to Air Stimson’s letter. The Committee declares that it believes that the enactment of the Bill into law will have a stabilising effect, on world affairs and practical necessity demands that United States should take full advantage of the privileges accorded by the London Treaty. The report declares that Japan approved, and appropriated for a building programme to bring her navy to full treaty strength by 1936, with the exception of one air craft carrier, and six destroyers.. ft added that testimony before a committee showed that our navy is rapidly becoming a navy of obsolete ships.” ATTITUDE OF JAPAN. IS STRICTLY DEFENSIVE. LONDON. Feh 25. The League’s worst rebuff is bow newspapers describe the Japanese reply which contends that Japan’s action, is strictly defensive, and that the Chinese are the attackers. Japan neither favours nor desires war. If the Powers succeed in bringing about a naeific attitude on the part of China, nowhere will there he more sincere delight felt than in Japan.

CONVENTION TO BE PREPARED. LONDON, Feb. 25. The chief British delegate, Sir John Simon, at the General Commission of the Disarmament Conference at Geneva, this afternoon, urged that a draft convention is to he prepared after five years. The work hy the preparatory Disarmament Commission could be used as a framework for discussion. The Soviet delegate asked the Commission first to vote on the proposal for complete disarmament. The vote will he taken to-morrow,

NATIONAL ARMAMENTS. GENEVA, Eel,. 23. The Chinese Disarmament Legation submitted that the Secretariat suggestions for National armaments shall he decided by the size of (lie territory, length of frontier or coastline, national resources and number of population. Encouragement of warlike spirit shall he eradicated. Bombing planes, heavy artillery, aircraft carriers, submarines and battleships shall he abolished.

AN ANOMALOUS • POSITION. TOTAL DISARMAMENT URGED. (Received this dnv -d I O.L'» n.nO GENEVA, Feh. 25. Al. Litviimlf. urging total disarmament, said l hat. while Hie League Council u:i sending appeals 1.0 the F:r Eastern Si.lies, and delegates (o the I hsarmamci: !• ('onferenep, expressum sorrow at the bloodshed, shipload after