LYTTON REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1932, Page 5

LYTTON REPORT

FAVOURS CHINA : DUTIES OF POWERS. (United Preso Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.; (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.j October I. The British United Press correspondent at Geneva says: No report was e\er so cioseiy guarded as the Lytton report. Heavy brioes were offered the translators, officials and printers being received by air from Peking, in order to discover the contents.

General Mu understood the report was unfavourable to Japan, recommending she would withdraw her troops in Manchuria to her own treaty zone, which would mean tlie evacuation of the new state of Maiichukuo. LO-nJjON, October 2. A Geneva message says the Lytton report on. Manchuria, is regarded as being distinctly favourable to China. The principal recommendation i s the ■ establishment ,of a Sino : Japanese advisory conference, with mutual observers to solve the problem, subject to maintenance of China’s sovd’igii fights.

The appendix to the report deolares the Sino-Japanese issue could be solved by arbitration, but their handling so embittered relations, that a conflict was inevitable.

The report reminds the others Powers of their obligations to assist in the reconstruction of China, whose disintigratiqn would lead to serious i.nternation rivalries.

It is clear that a solution of the problem, which ignored th e Soviet’s important interest, would endanger the future peace. The report recommendations include a settlement subject to Leagu e principles, and Soviet approval, also a conformation to the covenant, Kellogg pact and nine power treaty. Japan’s rights and interests in Manchuria must be* recognised and the respective rights, interests and responsibilities must 'be restated in the treaties, if future friction is to ‘be avoided. International order should be .secured by an effective gendarmerie and all otlfer forces should be withdrawn.

The interested countries should conclude a non-aggression treaty with the Sino-Japanese.