IN THE FAR EAST

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20910, 15 September 1939, Page 10

IN THE FAR EAST

RELIEF OF TENSION POSITION OF FOREIGNERS CONFERENCE WITH JAPANESE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel Copyright) NEW YORK, Sept. 14 Fears of heightened tension at Shanghai as a result of a ©onferen*t of British, French, Italian and American defence commanders called for this morning by the Japanese naval commander were allayed when the Japanese suggestions were announced It was conjectured that the Japanese would present new demands, poasibly coupled with a time limit, for the disarming or departure of ths British and French forces from the Internationa] Settlement and the French Concession, says the Shanghai correspondent of the New York Times. To the vast relief of the international population the Japanese did not bring up the question of evacuation or disarmament of forces. Instead they mildly suggested that the time had arrived to revise international plans for defence, contending that this was necessary in view ol changed conditions. The upshot of a protracted session was a decision of the chiefs of staff to meet at an unstated date to devise revisions for submission to the commanders for approval. Determination to Reelet It is currently believed that the announcement by the United State* Secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull, ol American determination to resist further abrogation of rights and interests in China caused a last-minute change in the Japanese proposals. It has just been revealed that when the Japanese first proposed the withdrawal of the British and French forces from Shanghai, they offered to guarantee the inviolability of the defence sectors round the foreign areas, even although they were manned only by policemen. MORE TENSION BRITAIN AND JAPAN TROOPS FACING EACH OTHER (United Pre.t Assn.—Elec. leL Copyright) (Reeeived Sept. 15, 3.15 p.m.) SHANGHAI, Sept. 14 Reinforced British troops have been facing the Japanese at Tientsin since the British refusal to surrender two alleged Chinese anti-Japanese terrorists. FIGHTING IN MONGOLIA RUSSIANS BREAK THROUGH RENEWED JAPANESE ACTION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) PEKING, Sept. 14 It is reliably reported that the Russians broke through the Japanese centre at Nomonhat, in Mongolia. Renewed Japanese action to restore the frontier is therefore expected. DENIAL BY SOVIET NO TERRITORIAL AMBITIONS (United Pres* Assn.— Elec. TeL Copyright! (Received Sept. 15. 3.15 p.m.) MOSCOW, Sept. 14 The Tass Agency denies that Soviet and Mongol troops have occupied or . are planning to occupy a single inch of Manchurian territory. WAR CABINET A PROPOSAL REJECTED BREAKDOWN OF NEGOTIATIONS AUSTRALIA'S FEDERAL MINISTRY LiiiieJ preb» a—»n —*:•«•«• th C«oyr'riU) CANBERRA. Sept. 14 Negotiations for a composite Ministry between the United -Australia and United Country parties have ended abruptly. The Prime Minister, Mr R. G. Menzies, announced to-day that his proposal under which he should select his own Ministers fron the rank and file of the Country Party has been unanimously rejected, and the matter was thus closed. •• 1 am just going on with the Job I had in hand hitherto,” added Mr Menzies. The personnel of Australia's war Cabinet is expected to be announced to-morrow.