AN INTERVIEW

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1932, Page 6

AN INTERVIEW

NO DANGER.

OF RUSSO-JAP WAR.

[United Press Association —By Electrlo Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(Received this day at.1,0.15.a.m.), GENEVA', May 29.

“I believe there is no . imminent danger of a Russo-Japanese war,” .saicL Count Matsudira, wKfelr interviewed 1 . - “The notion .is Only a nightmare create ed by pessimists, with’an exaggerated imagination. '<• Japan Iras no intention 1 - of making trouble, unless Russia takeish the offensive. Japan’s troops were only sent to Harbin and linienpao to: protect Japanese lives,hand . property 3 * from Chinese bandits, and will be withdrawn. when the purpose is accomplished. It is absurd to think the Japanese would use White Russians to assist them in Manchuria. The White Russians inability to change the development of Russia was proved many years ago. Common sense should show the impossibility of Japan invading Russia.”

Interrogated concerning the Communist allegation that the Great Powers were preparing for a. war on the Soviet under Japanese . guidance,. !h order to ruin the five . year, plan ,a:hd save Japan’s financial and industrial supremacy, Matsudira replied that the •pretensions-,-'were- aboslutely unfou/nd-. ed.' “It is so- much out of "the question thabT cannot reply seriously -to it.-*.