SMUGGLING PROBLEM.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19896, 27 May 1936, Page 11

SMUGGLING PROBLEM.

IN NORTHERN CHINA. INITISH GOVERNMENT CONCERNED STRONG PROTEST ‘TO JAPAN. (omciai Wireless.) RUGBY, May 2:» The Foreign Secretary Was called upon to answer more than half a dozen questions in the House at Commons on the growth or smuggling in Northern China. .\ir Eden stated that the report of the inspector-General of Maritime Customs was being examined. The information at the disposal of the Government tended to confirm that the Customs oulciais at those stations in the demllitarised zone. as well as vessels operating in its coastal waters. were prevented by the Japanese military authorities from carrying arms, and there was also reason to believe that omcers of the Chinese Customs service were being prevented from carrying out their duties on trains in the demiiitarised zone. The principal agents engaged in the smuggling traiiic in North China~ were said to be Japanese and Koreans; although some Chinese might be taking part. .\lr Eden declared that the House was already aware of the concern with which the British Government viewed this situation and the steps which had been taken to bring the need for more effective action to check this illicit trafilc to the urgent notice of the Chinese and Japanese Governments. The British Ambassador at ’i‘okio kept in close touch with the representatives of other Governments interested. The Foreign Secretary added that he understood that representations had also been made to the Japanese Government by the United States Ambassador. His Majesty‘s Government would continue to watch the situation i with the closest attention. ‘ THREAT 'ro FOUNDATION. OLIVE BRANCH T 0 JAPAN. DIMEDIATE DISCUSSIONS URGED. United Press Assn—Eton. Tel. Copyright. NANKING, May ‘25. Holding out the olive branch to Japan. the Foreign Minister urged immediate discussions to readjust the Sino-Japanese reintionships.’ He emphasised that China had never contemplated political alliances. and “as not attempting to play off distant Powers against its neighbours. SinoJapanese friendship was an immediate necessity. A slmpie move from Japan would end the smuggling. which was threatening the foundation of the Chinese economic structure.