PROSPECTS OF WAR

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1933, Page 5

PROSPECTS OF WAR

CHINA AND JAPAN

EFFORTS TO AVOID CRISIS. United Press Association—By .Electric Teiegraph—Copyright.’LONDON, February 15. Shanghai messages state that .from the tone of the press and semi-official comment on the •League Committee of Nineteen’s recommendations for the settlement of the Manchurian dispute, it appears likely ahaL China, will accept the outlined basis of settlement, especially since China's sovereignty in Alu.ndiuiria as reaffirmed in unmistakable terms. Nevertheless considerable apprehension exists in Nanking regarding the League’s ability to enforce its decisions, especially as Japan’s reply announces her determination., to continue i the recognition of Manchukiio, even t-o | the extent of antagonising all of the League members. ■ Meantime, the Chinese attitude is stiffening, with official and semi-official warnings and exhortation® to the nation to prepare for the worst, since the Leagues’ intentions are good, but its recommendations are impracticable. Public bodies and officials are everywhere announcing that they are prepared to make any sacrifices to prevent further Japanese aggression. Large sums of money tire pouring, into Nanking for th e national defence. It is reported that the Japanese have already delivered an ultimatum to Tangyulin, the Governor of Jehol Province, requiring his submission. Peking reports, on the other hand, expect that three ultimata will be delivered—one to Pangyulin from Manchukuo; another ito Chang Hsvieh Liang, from General Aluto, the Japanese Commander-in-Chief; and the third from the Tokyo Government direct to the Nanking Government —all of these demanding the complete withdrawal of the Chinese troops from Manchukuo and givino- a time limit. China is unlikely to comply and therefore' it is expected that a Japanese invasion of Jehol Province will commence on February 27th,

LEAGUE COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

HOPES FOR NEGOTIATIONS.

LONDON, February 15.

The Cliiua-Japanese dispute, with the prospects of fighting at Jehol, and repercussions at Geneva, form the leading feature of most newspapers. The League Committee of Nineteen ha® finally approved its report, which, owing to the difficulties of printing, will not be available until Friday. Hence there is a summoning of the Assembly for Tuesday. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Geneva correspondent says: The report of the Committee of Nineteen uaniniously proposes that China and Japan shall be given three months in which to accept or reject the recommendations. Tt iis hoped the parties will agree to direct negotiations.

The '‘Daily Telegraph’s” Drench correspondent says: The report insists on th, 9 withdrawal of the Japanese troops within th? South Manchurian railway zone, and recommends the establishment of an organisation under the sovereignty of China, to deal with the conditions in Manchuria, taking due account of the rights and interacts of Japan and of third Powers; and also the formation of a Committee of Negotiation for the application of these and other recommendations.

The “Daily Telegraph’s” French correspondent says: The report insists ou the withdrawal of the Japanese troops within the South Manchurian railway zone, and recommends the establishment of an organisation under the sovereignty of China, to deal with the conditions in Manchuria, taking due account of the rights and interests of Japan and of third Powers; and also the formation of a Committee of Negotiations for the application, of these and other recommendations. A Geneva message states M. Matsuoka reiterated Japan was convinced that the maintenance, recognition and independence of Manchukuo is the only guarantee of peace in the Far East, so that the whole position will eventually be solved on that basis. He expressed the opinion that Japan would lie able to make the world understand I lie fairness of her position provided that ample time is' given for an explanation.

JAPAN’S AGGRESSIVE POLICY

OUTSPOKEN LEAGUE’S REPORT.

GENEVA, February 15

Outspoken passages in the Committee of Nineteen’s report, which .rivals ’the Lytton Report in size, deceive that- while Japanese officers in Manchuria on the night of December 9, 1931, niigiit have believed they were acting in tbe legitimate defence of Japanese military, ilia operations at Mukden and other places cannot be regarded ns in self defence any more than Japan’s subsequent • military u-rcs, which were jnspred by politic-!!, eons’’erataoms. Japan ‘enquired control of all the important towns. Moreover, she adoption of legitimate defence measures does not ovem.pt any or iini.ry from* its obligations under tbe Covenants of Article Twelve. Tbe renort. adds that tbe Jana nose cdv'l and military officers planned and carried out in Manchuria an independ-

ence movement ns a. solution of the situation that thus was created, using therefor, the names and activities of certain prominent Chinese minorities with grievances against‘the Chinese Government. This movement was supported and guided by the Japanese l general staff, and could he achieved owing to the presence of Japanese t-voope. It cannot be considered a spontaneous genuine independence movement.

The report dealing with the events producing the recent crisis, emphasises that both China- and Japan had legitimate grievances'. Japan took advantage of questionable rights. Chi”

obstructed in the exercise of her undoubted rights.

LORD LYTTON’S OBSERVATIONS

(Received tin’s dav .at 9.30 a.m.l LONDON, Feoruary 15

Lord Lytton, white the guest of •Tapanes,:, student,s in London, said that hie opposed to going to war to enforce peace. He thought that the League's only course wins to define the limits wherein the Sjno-Jananese settlement could b e achieved within tbe obligations of the covenant, and then offer the chance of using the machinery of the League for th e purpose of settling tbe dispute.

If Chin'll and Japan did not take advantage of it. he said, the League could only wait until the dnv when it. did so. person all v he believed that the interests of China and Japan we.r e reconcilable. (Received Feb. 16 a+- U. 30 a.m A GENEVA, February 15. It w understood that M. Matsuoka has been instnv + "l +~ leave Geneva on February ?Bth. This is interpreted a.? fi’-st step to Japan’s quittance of the Tmaquo.