RIGHTS IN CHINA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 January 1939, Page 5

RIGHTS IN CHINA

BRITISH NOTE TO JAPAN

AMERICAN ATTITUDE SUPPORTED.

BLOC POLICY CHALLENGED.

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. TOKIO, January 14.

The British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, today delivered the British Note to the Foreign Minister, Mr Arita, disclaiming the Japanese right to establish an economic bloc in China to the detriment of the trading interests of the parties to the Nine-Power Pact. The Note closely follows the lines of the American one, presented last month, and requests a precise and detailed interpretation of the new Japanese policy in China which was outlined in the recent statements of the formei’ Premier, Prince Konoye, and Mr Arita. Britain reiterates her adherence to the principles of the Nine-Power Pact and declines to agree to unilateral modifications of the open door policy. The Note adds that it is realised that treaties sometimes require revision owing to the passage of time and states that the British Government is prepared to discuss constructive suggestions for modification. The British Government feels that the proper time for such discussions would be after the cessation of hostilities in China, Nevertheless, the British Government is prepared to receive the Japanese views immediately.

BRITISH CONTENTIONS,

NINE POWER TREATY UPHELD.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 10.10 a.m.) LONDON, January 15.

The text of the British Note to Japan says: The British Government desires to make clear that it is not prepared to accept or recognise certain changes proposed oy Japan as regards China and Inner Mongolia, which are being brought about by Japan. Britain could not agree that the Nine Power Treaty was obsolete or no longer met the situation, except in so far as the situation is altered by Japan in contravention of its terms.