ACUTELY AT ODDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 July 1939, Page 5

ACUTELY AT ODDS

GREAT BRITAIN & JAPAN COMMENT ON DISCUSSIONS AT TOKIO. OUTLOOK NOT PROMISING. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, July 20. Despite official reserve and efforts by the Japanese evening newspapers to gloss over the British firmness, nothing so far contradicts Ihe reports of a deadlock in the talks between Sir Robert Craigie and Alr Anita. On the other hand, the Tokio morning newspapers go a step farther, declaring that the differences over Tientsin became more and more evident as yesterday’s talks dragged out. The divergences are described as considerable. Sir Robert Craigfe is reported to have frankly accepted certain of Mr Arita’s points but strongly opposed others, particularly those affecting British prestige. The newspapers attach the utmost importance to tomorrow’s meeting, opening the subsequent formal negotiations. The Tientsin issues are said to depend on Britain’s acceptance of certain immutable Japanese demands. The Tokio correspondent of the British United Press says the principal conflict yesterday concerned Mr Arita’s request that Britain admit that her Far Eastern policy hitherto has been pro-Chinese and that she should pledge herself to co-operate with Japan in preserving peace and order. JAPANESE THREATS BOYCOTT OF BRITONS. CHINESE CO-OPERATION DEMANDED. LONDON July 20. The Peking correspondent of “The Times” says that the latest Japanese sponsored move in the anti British campaign is the appearance of half page newspaper advertisements asking all Chinese in British employment to leave immediately, and Chinese landlords to cancel all house leases with Britons. Those not complying will be treated as disturbers of the effort to establish a new order in Asia, and will be subjected to punishment together with their families.

The threat is already causing the more nervous of the Chinese to quit. The Shanghai correspondent of “The Times” states that a threat of new steps.against Tientsin has been circulated in Japanese sources if Britain docs not force the Chinese to leave British firms in accordance with the Japanese ultimatum. The American authorities in Hankow are pressing the Japanese to investigate the whereabouts of a missionary, Mr L. Holland, who has been missing since the Japanese raided his house in Nanchang last month.

The Japanese army spokesman at Peking, in denying that LieutenantColonel Spear had been placed on trial, said it is recognised that he is a military attache and therefore he has a certain diplomatic standing. The crux of the matter, ho said, was whether he had exceeded his duties and privileges. The spokesman said he hoped a British official would be invited to attend the court-martial. Lieutenant-Colonal Spear has been detained now for 54 days. REPORT TO BRITAIN EXAMINATION IN LONDON. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.35 a.m.) RUGBY, July 20. A full report of the Craigie—Arita conversations has been examined by Britain and a further communication has been sent to Sir Robert Craigie. It is expected that the talks will beresumed at Tokio tomorrow. ARMY DEMANDS SUCCESS OF NEGOTIATIONS. JEOPARDISED. By Telegraph —Press Association —Copyright. (Received This Day, 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, July 20. The Tokio correspondent" of “The Times" says the success of negotiations, which both Britain and Japan honestly desire, is jeopardised by the Japanese demand for a general declaration, which is most difficult to draft. The Army demands such general assurances, on the ground that only thus it can, be protected against a repetition of alleged obstructions at Tientsin, while the public believe that the war will be prolonged as a result of the British attitude. The success of the conference depends on Japan remembering that a breakdown will increase the difficulties in China. AMBASSADOR GUARDED INCREASED HOSTILE MANIFESTATIONS. (Received This Day, 9.15 a.m.) TOKIO, July 30. Owing to increased anti-British manifestations, the police have allotted the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, a special guard. Japanese were found hiding in the grounds of the British Embassy. Cinemas posted a notice reading: “No Britishers allowed."

PROTEST SHELVED

TREATMENT OF MR DAVIS

(Received This Day, 10.15 a.m.) TOKIO, July 20.

With reference to the protest which Sir Robert Craigie lodged on June 25. on behalf of the New Zealand and British Governments, against the maltreatment of Mr Davis at Tientsin on June 23. the Foreign Office is still unable to state what action can be taken, while Sir Robert Craigie has not yet received a reply. The matter is likely to be shelved, because of the strenuous efforts to achieve success in the AngloJapanese talks by - confining the conversations to major issues.

Mr Cecil Davis, a New Zealander, was stripped by Japanese while entering the British Concession at Tientsin on June 23. despite his protestation that he was an agent of the New Zealand Government.