JAPAN FORCED TO MOVE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 358, 19 May 1928, Page 9

JAPAN FORCED TO MOVE

WARNING TO CHINESE PARTIES

TALK OF SOUTH MANCHURIAN PROTECTORATE

(United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (United Service)

Reed. 10.11 a.m. TOKYO, Friday. 'TE.ERE is an increasing opinion among foreign observers, * following a memorandum sent to-day by the Government to the Peking and Nanking Governments, that Japan is gradually being forced to a position where she may have to declare a virtual temporary protectorate in South Manchuria, possibly as far north as Changchun, which is the northern terminus of the South Manchurian railway.

The memorandum reads: “The life of the population of China is characterised by extreme unrest and distress, owing to constant disturbances over many years. Foreign residents in China enjoy no assurance of safety in the pursuit of their occupations. “It is, accordingly, the earnest desire of Chinese and foreigners alike that these disturbances should terminate as soon as possible. Especially is this keenly hoped for by Japan, -whose interests specially are deeply involved, on account of her being China’s nearest neighbour. “The disturbances, however, now threaten to spread to the Peking and Tientsin districts. In these circumstances, should the disturbances develop further, in the direction of Peking and Tientsin, and the situationbecome so menacing as to threaten peace and order in Manchuria, Japan may be constrained to take appropriate and effective steps for the maintenance of peace and order in Manchuria. “Should the course of events be such

as to render the above-mentioned measure imperative, Japan will exercise due care to provide against any unfair consequences arising to either of the two opposite parties.”