EASTERN DISPUTE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1933, Page 5

EASTERN DISPUTE

LYTTON 'REPORT

LEAGUE’S APPROVAL GIVEN.

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, Feb. 18

The report containing recommendations drawn lip by the Committee of Nineteen-appointed by the League to consider the Manchurian dispute has been published. The first part approves of the first eight chapters of the Lytton report as a balanced, impartial and detailed statement of the historical background of. the dispute, the second part examines the development of the dispute alter September 30, 1931, the third offers the League’s conclusions, and the fourth sets out its recommendations. These recommendations me contained in three chapters. A statement set out in the second chapter says that whereas sovereignty over Manchrtria belongs to China, and, considering that the presence of Japanese troops outside of the zone of the South Manchurian railway is ‘ incompatible with the legal principles which should govern the settlement of the dispute, the Assembly recommends the evacuation of these troops, with a negotiation committee charged as its first object to organise the evacuation and determine the stages and time limits thereof, " 'lt is further recommended that there should be established in Manchuria, within a reasonable time, an organisation under the sovereignty of, and compatible with, -the administrative integrity of China, which provides a wide measure of autonomy in harmony with local conditions and would respect the rights and interests of Japan. The recommendations in the third part provide a wide measure of auto nomy in harmony with local conditions and would- respect the rights and interests of Japan. The recommendations in the third part provide for a negotiating committee to be set up after China and Japan have accepted the recommendations, the United. States and Russia being invited to participate. The Assembly’s' ’ attitude towards Mancliukuo is defined in the declaration that maintenance and recognition of that regime is incompatible with the fundamental principles of existing international obligations, and with good understanding between tire two countries, on which peace in the Far East depends. The report adds tilt it follows that members of the League will continue not to recognise this regiifie either dejure or de facto. The League Asserhbly will meet on Tuesday and take note of the failure of conciliation and on Friday it will he asked to accept the report and the recommendations.

CHINA'S FIRM ATTITUDE,

WILL GIVE UP NO TERRITORY.

PEKING, February 18

"On behalf of the Central 1 Government, I pledge you that we will never give up the North East—iVe will never give up Jehol,” Mr T. Soong declared to a mass meeting to-day, attended by high placed military and civilian leaders (States, a message from Chengtehfu, in Jehol). Mr Soong added: "The enemy may blockade our ports, and may capture Nanking, but there will be no one to sign terms of surrender. We can safely rest assured that eventual victory will be ours; but we must steel ourselves to temporary disappointment and adversities. We must show the world that Jehol province like the three eastern provinces, is Chinese territory.

JAPAN AND -THE LEAGUE.

GTNEVA, February 18

The Japanese delegate, M. Matsuoka in a statement said: "I am awaiting official Cabinet instructions. The Japanese Cabinet, naturally, cannot accept the League Committee of Nineteen’s report, but that does not necessarily mean Japan’s withdrawal from the League. "If the Assembly adopts the reports I shall immediately return to Tokio. The situation is so grave that I suppose the Government will immediately place the matter in the hands of the Privy Council.”

JAPAN WILL WITHDRAW.

TOKYO. February 18. The Japanese Cabinet held a meeting to-day.

Japan has decided to withdraw from the League of Nations forthwith, ana to-morrow the Premier will interview Prince Saiohji, informing him of this.

INSURANCE OF CARGOES

LONDON, February 18,

The "Daily Telegraph’’ says that Lloyds’ underwriters and the marine insurance companies have decided to give notice cancelling all war risks on cargoes for. Japan and China, including Hong Kong. The notice takes effect ten days from next Monday, February 20. The notice enables the underwriters to charge higher premiums in accordance with the increassd risk of war.

LORD LYTTON’S observation.

(Received 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 19.

l ord Lytton in a speech at Manchester said that universal blockade of

Japan would not only be cruel in operation, penalising an innocent population rather than the transgressing Government, but would almost certainly precipitate war. Other pressure applicable if either arms, the refusal of financial assistincludes an embargo on the sale d. arms, the re.usal of financial assistance, the withdrawal of diplomatic representatives..

WAR OUTBREAK IMMINENT.

TITANIC STRUGGLE FORECAST,

(Received 9 a.m.)

SHANGHAI, February 19

According to a Pekin message no internal situation in China since the Boxer rebellion has been more serious than the pending warfare in Jehol. Tliougn Avar is not declared officially it is certainly Avar de facto. There is no longer a difference of opinion between the Chinese and Japanese militaritss, bun real v war.

Tlfe Finance Minister (Mr Soong) on his visit to Peking, made public utterances and exhortations t-o troops, and for the raising of a tAventy million dollars loan for providing supplies to the armies, and resisting the Japanese. These indicate a quiet determination to sternly face the inevitable. Peking remains calm, hut it is realised that only a feiv days Avill separate Norm China in a disastrous Avar.

A Chinese official communique reports that the Japanese commander an Tungliao delivered an ultimatum to the Chinese commander at Kajlu, in the north-east corner of Jehol, to evacuate the City immediately, efso ho AA'ould he attacked. The Chinese have ignored the threat.

Meamvhile there have been further considerable Japanese troops’ movements in the vicinity of Chinchow, Avhence a three-Avay drive is expected to commence.

Manchurian reports slioav that the Japanese preparations are practically complete. General Muto is merely nAvaiting the zero hours to launch his advance.

Ft is estimated that 150,000 Chinese, including volunteers. are massed an strategic points outside the Great Wall, and there is every indication that- He Chinese will offer the most stubborn fight in this country’s history.