GRAVER THAN EVER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 January 1939, Page 5

GRAVER THAN EVER

SITUATION CONFRONTING JAPAN AIMS IN EASTERN ASIA PREMIER'S UNCOMPROMISING DECLARATION. THREAT TO EXTERMINATE CHINESE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright TOKIO, January 21. The Premier. Baron Hiranuma, reopening the Upper House today, declared that the situation confronting Japan was graver than ever. He urged the fulfilment of the high purpose for which Japanese troops had died in China and its determination to achieve its purpose at all costs. The Premier added that no lasting peace was possible unless Japan. Manchukuo. and China were speedily united in collaboration for the new birth of China. He reiterated his reference to the Emperor Meiji’s “Divine Way," adding:

“I hope the Chinese realise that this is for the purpose of enabling co-oper-ation. If they fail to understand, we will have no alternative but to exterminate them.”

Baron Hiranuma declared that the elimination of Communism was absolutely essential. He paid a tribute to the whole-hearted support given by Germany and Italy throughout the whole Sino-Japanese conflict, adding: “Our friendship with them is growing more cordial." He asserted that the Japanese were not opposing needlessly the activities of other Powers. RIGHTS OF THIRD POWERS.

In a speech at the reopening of the Lower House, the Foreign Minister. Mr Arita, said that Japan’s schemes for China did not threaten the independence or interests of China or of foreign Powers.

He pointed out that as a result of Japan’s actions in Manchukuo 30,000.000 people lived and worked in security, and trade with England and America had improved. Referring to Japan’s plans for the creation of a new order in East Asia in which China, Japan, and Manchukuo would preserve their independence and individuality, and unite for their active collaboration and mutual aid. he declared that Japan was convinced that such a new order was not only necessary for the existence and healthy development of China, Japan, and Manchukuo. but would also be conducive to real peace in and the well-being of the whole world. Fie reiterated that Japan asked neither territory nor indemnity from China, and would respect her sovereignty. Japan was prepared to consider the abolition of extraterritoriality and foreign concessions. Mr Arita went on to say that vast fields were, left open in which the rights and interests of other countries and the commercial and other peaceful enterprises of their nationals were not affected, and were even, welcomed. He claimed that Japan had always striven for the removal of trade barriers. Mr Arita described the complaints of foreign Powers of interference with their rights in China as unavoidable because of military necessities. CONFLICTING CLAIMS ARITA’S SPEECH STUDIED IN LONDON. .ARGUMENTS DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, January 21. Mr Arita’s statement in .the Diet ' on the aims of Japan in China has been read with great interest in London and will be the subject of a careful study. In the meantime, well-informed British commentators confess to finding some of Mr Arita’s arguments difficult to follow.

It it asked, for example, how the outside world is to reconcile Mr Arita’s claim that Chinese independence will be fully preserved with the present policy of the Japanese Government, which, as seen from London, clearly has the military domination of China as its aim.