FAR EAST ISSUES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 December 1938, Page 7

FAR EAST ISSUES

DEFENCE OF BRITISH RIGHTS IN CHINA STATEMENTS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. FRIENDSHIP WITH BOTH PARTIES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, December 19. j Speaking on China in the House of Commons, Mr- Chamberlain said he could assure the House that .everything possible was being done to defend British rights. At the same time, the Government was not prepared to deny to either combatant the normal relations they were entitled to expect from a friendly Power. In connection with the loan to be granted by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation of the United States of America to China. Mr Chamberlain said he understood it was designed to facilitate United States of America’s exports to China, and added: “In principle. Britain would be very glad if it is found possible to facilitate certain British exports to China in the same way. That is a question which will be considered sympathetically when the Exports Guarantee Bill has been passed.” More than a score of questions were asked in the House on the Far East today, and, in the course of answers, Mr R. A. Butler, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, made the point that there was no clause in the Nine-Power Treaty limiting the period of its validity, and that Britain’s attitude was that it could not subscribe to any modification of existing treaties by unilateral action. REBUFF TO JAPAN EXTENSION OF AMERICAN CREDITS. AGAINST CHINESE GOLD RESERVE. WASHINGTON, December 19. The United States of America has decided to continue extending credit to China against gold held here. This is a serious rebuff to Japan because the Japanese have repeatedly criticised American financial aid. A further protest was received from Mr Arita today. It’ is understood that Britain is taking parallel action. The extent of the Chinese gold reserve is not revealed. It was obtained from the sale of Chinese silver. A fairly reliable estimate places it at 110.000,000 dollars. BAN ON IMPORTS. EXCEPT FROM JAPAN. (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) TIENTSIN, December 20. The Japanese are reported to have banned imports into Japanese controlled China, except from Japan. CONCERN FOR NATIONALS. BRITISH SLOOP ORDERED TO TIENTSIN. (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) RUGBY, December 20. The British sloop Grimsby has been ordered to Tientsin, to watch the safety and interests of British nationals, concern for which is felt in view of coercive Japanese measures against the British and French Concessions.