BRITISH POLICY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20920, 27 September 1939, Page 8

BRITISH POLICY

CONTRABAND CARGO REPLY TO GERMANY n RIGHTS OF NEUTRALS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 27, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 26 In view of passages in Mr Neville Chamberlain’s statement in the House of Commons to-day on the exercise of contraband control by Britain, special interest attaches to the following authoritative reply made in London to the German misrepresentations of British action in this respect as illegal and inhumane: “Since the beginning of the war no neutral life has been lost as a result of British naval action. Though many neutral ships have been examined in British ports and subsequently released none has been seized and no neutral property except contraband destined for the enemy has been condemned.

“The British policy is not to interfere with neutrals’ normal requirements of goods for their own consupmption or legal non-contraband trade.”

USED AS PAWN

JAPAN’S DISILLUSIONMENT HITLER’S CYNICAL DISREGARD (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 27, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 26 The Tokio correspondent of the Times states that disillusionment with Germany deepens with the disclosures in a Blue Book, revealing Hitler’s cynical disregard for Japan. The Japan Times says that Hitler is ready to use Japan as a pawn in his dealings with Britain.

FOOD SUPPLIES

GIFT FROM SOUTH AFRICA RECORD CROP OF MAIZE (Ofilcial Wireless) (Received Sept. 27, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 26 The Ministry of Information states that the South African maize crop shows a record yield of 30,000,000 bags of 2001 b each, of which 12,000,000 to 13,000,000 bags will be available for export. South African advice suggests that maize will figure largely in the Union’s’ scheme to buy £1,000,000 worth of food-stuff for the Allies. Sugar, butter, cheese, frozen meat, crayfish, dried and preserved fruits, wine and spirits are other foodstuffs which South Africa can supply in large quantities. A National Supplies Board was set up long before the outbreak of war and a comprehensive survey made of the country’s agricultural production resources.

ITALIAN AMBASSADOR

CHANGE IN ENGLAND COUNT GRANDI’S POPULARITY HOPE OF EARLY RETURN (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 27, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 26 Viscount Halifax has received a telegram from Count Grandi, former Italian Ambassador in London, expressing sincere regret at being unable to return to London to take official leave of the King and Queen and the British Government. Count Grandi hoped in the near future to be able to do so. The Count and Countess Grandi are kindly remembered by the many friends whom they made during their seven years’ stay in Britain. Real regret is felt at their departure. Meanwhile the arrival of the new Italian Ambassador is warmly awaited.