FAR EAST POSITION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 August 1939, Page 5

FAR EAST POSITION

DECLARATION BV LORD HALIFAX NO CHANGE IN BRITISH POLICY. MEANING OF THE FORMULA OF AGREEMENT. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.40 a.m.) RUGBY, August 3. The position in the Far East came under review in a speech which Viscount Halifax (Foreign Minister) delivered in the House of Lords, when replying to the debate on foreign affairs initiated by Lord Snell. Lord Halifax said it had been suggested in several speeches that the formula recently signed with Japan committed Britain to a fundamental change in policy—-that Britain had by signing the formula recognised a state of bellingerency in China, that it in spirit was contrary to the country’s obligations under League of Nations’ resolutions, that it endangered the Nine Power Treaty and generally that it condoned actions that the British Government had previously condemned. Lord Halifax continued: “I wish to say quite plainly that in my judgment those who take that sort of line ignore the plain terms of the formula and the interpretation Britain itself placed upon it. The general consideration I would ask to be kept in mind is that Japan never asked Britain to reverse its general policy, nor could Britain do so if it were asked. 1 can assure the House that I am not unmindful of any obligation whatever —whether the Nine Power Treaty or League resolutions and there is no intention of Britain disregarding British interests in China or disregarding her obligations to third powers. AH we have done by this formula is to state facts as they seem to us and attempt, in a practical fashion, to deal with the background against which the situation at Tientsin unfortunately has arisen.”