INITIAL DIFFERENCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 July 1939, Page 5

INITIAL DIFFERENCES

AT FAR EASTERN CONFERENCE

Recognition of Historic Changes Demanded by Japan ATMOSPHERE OF HOSTILITY INTENSIFIED TOKIO PLASTERED WITH ABUSIVE POSTERS By Telegraph.—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, July 15. The Anglo-Japanese conversations opened in Tokio today and lasted three and a half hours. There will be another meeting on Monday. It is understood that the Foreign Minister, Mr Arita, proposed that Britain announce her intention of co-operating with Japan by recognising the historic changes in the Far East. The British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, suggested that the definite causes of the Tientsin dispute should be mentioned first. Air Arita replied that there should be an understanding of fundamental questions to enable the negotiations to proceed smoothly. On the eve of the Tientsin negotiations, Tokio-is plastered with posters reading: “Punch the British nose,” and “Let us all knock the British.” A huge anti-British parade is planned for today. A report from Sir Robert, Craigie on yesterday’s demonstration outside the British Embassy is now under consideration in London. “The Times” says that if the Japanese introduce extraneous subjects at the Tientsin conference, for instance, that of co-operation with them, Britain will announce that she will not discuss matters prejudicial to herself or to other Powers.

CONSULATE BOMBED

OUTRAGE AT TSINGTAO. STONES THROWN AT EMBASSY IN TOKIO. (Independent Cable Service.) TOKIO, July 14. Two bombs were thrown at the British Consulate in Tsingtao in the course of a big anti-British demonstration. Several windows were broken, but there were no casualties. The Japanese Consul called at the Consulate and apologised. He promised a full investigation. A huge crowd gathered at the British Embassy in Tokio at 2 p.m., shouting anti-British slogans. Extra police were rushed to the Embassy, but they failed to disperse the mob, which, being worked up to a frenzy, began to hurl stones at the windows. PORTS MENACED —« " THREAT BY JAPANESE NAVY. FOREIGNERS ASKED TO LEAVE. LONDON, July 15. The Japanese navy has announced that it will operate against the port of Swabue, 65 miles north-east of Hong Kong, and foreign warships and other vessels are asked to leave the port by July 18. The Japanese navy is also planning to operate against Hingwa on July 19, 300 miles north of Hong Kong. Anti-British leaders have delivered an ultimatum to the Britons in Kaifeng, who are mostly missionaries, to evacuate the town within four days.

BRITISH SOLDIER KILLED

SHOT BY SNIPER IN TIENTSIN. TIENTSIN, July 16. A sniper fatally shot Private Tomlinson, of the Durham Light Infantry.

SERIOUS DIFFERENCES

AMBASSADOR & FOREIGN MINISTER.

FUNDAMENTAL DIVERGENCE

(Received This Day, 11.0 a.m.) TOKIO, July 16.

It is reliably reported that ■ serious differences arose during the talk between Sir Robert Craigie and Mr Arita on Saturday over the scope of negotiations. The Japanese predict that fundamental divergence will become more obvious as the negotiations progress. NAVAL FORCE EMPEROR TO REVIEW ENTIRE FLEET. (Received This Day, 11.0 a.m.) TOKIO, July 16. The Navy Office announces that the Emperor will review the entire fleet on July 21. A spokesman said: “The Fleet’s responsibility is especially heavy when diplomatic warfare regarding the China incident is being intensified. Every member engages in daily drills and is ready for battle at any moment.” APOLOGY OFFERED FOR DAMAGE TO BRITISH GUNBOAT. DURING RAID ON CHUNGKING. (Independent Cable Service.) (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) TOKIO, July 16.

It is officially announced that the Japanese naval authorities at Shanghai have apologised to the captain of the British gunboat Falcon for damage sustained during the Japanese air raid on Chungking on July 6. The authorities offered to pay compensation.