FAR EAST CRISIS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 July 1939, Page 5

FAR EAST CRISIS

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S REPLIES TO QUESTIONS MORE ABOUT ATTITUDE j OF JAPAN. J REFERENCES TO BACKGROUND OF DISPUTE. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, July 17. In his statement in the House of Commons, on the negotiations with Japan, the Prime Minister (Mr N. Chamberlain) said: —“The local situation in Tientsin is on the whole improved,” Mr Chamberlain said. "Food supplies are entering in sufficient quantities, and adequate supplies of milk are now available. "Anti-British demonstrations have taken place in various towns in North China, and some damage has been, done to missionary property in the province to Shansi.. The Japanese authorities in China have given an official notification to the effect that vessels of third Powers will be admitted to the harbour in Swatow, under certain conditions, and as far as the military operations will permit, at the rate of approximately one a week. Negotiations are at present in progress between the British and Japanese authorities. Certain British subjects have been evacuated from Foochow. "Sir Robert Craigie has been informed by the Japanese Government that it believes Lieutenant-Colonel Spear has been put on trial, but it is making further inquiries. In view of the obviously unsatisfactory nature of such a procedure, Sir Robert Craigie has made the strongest representations, and has requested Japan to agree to the dispatch of a Japanese-speaking British military officer to Kalgan.” Asked whether the forthcoming negotiations would be confined to the local incident in Tientsin, Mr Cham■berlain agreed. Replying to further questions, the Premier agreed that outbreaks were confined to unrest under Japanese control.

Mr Anthony 'Eden (Conservative) asked whether it was correct that Japan had not asked for any of these conversations to be extended beyond the local issue in Tientsin. Mr Chamberlain replied: “I did not quite say that. The conversations between Sir Robert Craigie and Mr Arita did range over the general background against which the Japanese Government has considered that the Tientsin ingident should be taken into account, but Japan has not suggested that discussion or settlement of these general questions should be a condition of these negotiations.” Meanwhile, Britain’s observations on the discussions between Sir Robert Craigie and Mr Arita will be transmitted to Sir Robert, , very shortly after which another ' discussion is expected to take place. BLOCKADE POLICY EXTENSION THREATENED. PRESSURE ON KULANGSU. SHANGHAI, July 17. Vice-Admiral Kondo, Japanese commander in South China waters, stated that he expected that extension of the blockade to Hingwa and Swabue might affect the outlook of officials in Kulangsu. It is believed that the move is intended further to reduce Kulangsu’s food supplies and might affect those of Hong Kong and Tsingtao. The escort vessel H.M.S. Falmouth has arrived at Shanghai. The arrival of H.M.S. Cornwall at Tsingtao resulted in the abandonment of anti-British demonstrations. The entire Chinese staff of the British Emoassy in Shanghai have resigned as a result of Japanese intimidation. AUSTRALIAN PLANS NO LEGATION IN TOKIO .. . MEANTIME. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. CANBERRA, July 18. In view of the disturbed relations between Britain and Japan, the Commonwealth Government does not intend at present to establish a legation in Tokio. It is felt that this might be interpreted as a gesture favourable -to Japan and critical of British policy. The Commonwealth Government, however, will continue its efforts to promote good relations with other Pacific countries, including proposals for the exchange of diplomatic representatives with the United States and the setting up of legations in Java and China. A proposal to place an officer with diplomatic status in New Zealand will also be proceeded with. MONEY IN SHANGHAI. FURTHER FALL IN CHINESE DOLLAR. SHANGHAI, July 18. | (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m). I The stabilisation fund again stopped the selling of sterling and the Chinese dollar fell in value to five pence. BAD ATMOSPHERE ANTI-BRITISH AGITATION RAGING. INFLUENCE OF JAPANESE ARMY. (Received This Day. 11.10 a.m.) TOKIO, July 18. The Craigie-Arita conversations will be resumed on the morning of July 19 (today). Negotiations have seldom been conducted in a worse atmosphere. Tokio is quiet, but anti-British agitation rages elsewhere. The agitation in China could not have begun without the approval of the Japanese Army and provides evidence of powerful influence to prevent a settlement acceptable to Britain.