THE CHINA MAIL, AUGUST 4, 1989
BOTH FIRMNESS AND UNDERSTANDING
Sir Robert Craigie's Task In Tokyo Talks
Long Survey By Lord Halifax
On China Outlook
blockade of Tientsin and the in entire
te structure of what one might creasing agitation against British call the old treaty methods that the interest in those parts of occupi-British Government shaped their ed China.
policy, and
He thought the Japanese Gov-|cealed on while we had never con-
view about the Japan- ernment and people must recognise ese action in China, and were bound that if this agitation was continu- to have regard to all the interests. ed it could not prevent relations involved, and particularly those of between our two countries growing China, we have been fully prepar- steadily more difficult.
ed to recognise the special interest and position which Japan, in view of her geographical position and economic need, is entitled to claim
JAPANESE RESPONSIBILITY It was worth remembering that
London, To-day. the Japanese Government, in the
cur-
this
Replying to the debate on foreign affairs in the terms of the formula, made them- and exercise.
House of Lords yesterday, the Foreign Secre-selves responsible for maintenance Referring to the Chinese
of public order in Japanese-controll- rency, and disposal of the Tientsin tary, Lord Halifax, said it had been suggested fed areas in China, and the Govern- silver stocks, Lord Halifax declar- in several speeches from various parts of the ment would accordingly expect imed that various solutions of House that the formula recently signed with plementation of the formula to put problem had been suggested but
down anti-British propaganda in Japan commits this country to a fundamental these areas.
none appeared satisfactory. change in policy;
ALL POSSIBILITIES to remember that' in, That we have, by signing the formula, recognised they might be local, they had a ties, but in considering these mat- some of the issues raised, although tinuing to examine all the possibili- The British Government was con-
a state of belligerency in China.
That it is in a spirit contrary to our obligations
der the League resolutions;
We had
significance much wider and had a un-ments besides ourselves.
direct interest with other govern-sight of their obligations towards ters they would cerainly not lose
That it is in danger of violating the Nine-Power in the Commons to the interests we
Treaty, and generally
That it condones actions which we had previously
condemned.
COLLABORATION
The British Government were acutely alive to the importance of collaboration with these govern-
"I wish to say quite frankly,"|tion on the formula, and we must said Lord Halifax, "that in my see that we do not unnecessarily judgment those who take that complicate the task of Sir Robert sort of line ignore both the plain Craigie, who is handling very dif-ments.. terms of the formula and the ficult circumstances with both firm- interpretation of the formula the ness
We had never failed to keep these and understanding in the Government themselves
governments closely informed both have efforts he is making to reach a of our intentions and our actions. placed upon it.”
solution. Proceeding, Lord Halifax said he knew from the experience he had had in India how extraordinarily difficult it was for people sitting in London to appreciate on one side or another the precise implications in the East of any of those care -fully-phrased formulas.:-
TARES AMONG WHEAT That being the case there could hardly be any ground more fertile in which an enemy could sew tares among the wheat.
Those who made that kind of loose accusation arising out of the formula lost sight of one fact of great importance the impression that that kind of accusation he had listened to that afternoon produced was exactly the, impression those wished to see produced who were most anxious to exacerbate difficulties by which we might be confronted at the present time, and accordingly we should be very care- ful indeed not to play their game. STATING FACTS After stating that he think any useful purpose would be not served by proceeding on the line of
did
any
the Chinese Government or the other signatories of the Nine-Power Treaty.
Reference had already been made
shared in several matters with the United States and France.
As regards the extension of fur- The general aims and objects of ther support to the Chinese cur- our three governments were close-rency, any such proposal that might ly similar.
or might not be held desirable from the point of view of China; would also fall to be considered in the light of the very many other finan- cial considerations and obligations incurred by this country at the pre- sent time.
COL SPEAR Regarding the case of Col. Spear, That was not to say that we all Lord Halifax said the position was NO CONDONATION
would necessarily do the same most-unsatisfactory. Therefore, while nothing we had thing in the same way at the same done, and he hoped, nothing
Sir Robert Craigie had made re- should do, could on any reasonable regard to a commercial treaty by Japanese Government had replied we time, and the recent negotiations in peated representations, and the consideration be taken as condoning the United States was a case action bearing the character
of point. aggression, and though policy was designed to promote peace and international order, none the less it seemed that the purpose to which we bent our efforts to endeavour to do two things. settlement that would be fair
First of all, to assist in finding a
between all the interests concerned;
our own
was
in that the case was almost complete. Within the last few days the Ja- "I can very well conceive cir-panese Government had held out cumstances in which His Majes- the hope that a settlement might ty's Government might also wish be expected in the very near fu- to give notice of their intention ture. to denounce their commercial No explanation had been given treaty with Japan, but as the for Col. Spear's long detention, and Prime Minister said on Monday, the Japanese Government had been that is a matter which would re- left in no doubt regarding the feel- quire most careful consideration, ings of the. British Government re- and in regard to which a close garding it. exchange of views with the Bri- tish Dominions would anyhow be necessary. as
as
Secondly, from the more narrow point of view of the interests of this country, to work for such an issue of the present difficulties would not impair our relations with China or Japan.
OPTIMISTIC He was
perfectly aware' that was a much too optimistic hope. many in the House thought that
“I do not feel for myself that the not we auc- depends only pr ceed in attaining such an
"I do not wish at this stage to say any more in regard to that subject."
There was no question of Col Spear being covered by diplomatic immunity, except in relation to China and Chinese nationals.
REAL GOAL
our
Lord Halifax said he could not ANCIENT PRIVILEGES -
resist the conclusion that on the widest and longest view of Referring to the suggestion by present difficulties in the Far East, Lord Davis that the Government it was the duty of responsible per- had been actuated by a desire to sons everywhere to look ahead and cling to ancient privileges, Lord try to keep clearly in front of them
| question of whe auch an object Halifax said he would not have that the real goal in the Far East
"It depends on the at dressed to the Japanese Govern- to suggest, adoption of a course overlooked a passage in å Note ad- must not be, as Lord Cecil seemed creating the maximum measure of the Japanese Government doubt on the minimum basis of fact, far the Japanese authorities.
how ment earlier in the year in which likely to have consequences very Lord Halifax said the general con- prepared to distinguish between as 1981 we had nearly completed dangerous than he appreciated, but are we reminded them that as long ago much wider and a good deal more siderations to be borne in mind were local and general issues recognised negotiations with the Chinese Gov. It should be to try and bring about that the Japanese Government had by their government, and how far ernment upon the subject of ex a just and equitable settlement of never asked the British Govern- they are prepared to refrain from traterritoriality, ment to reverse their general po attempts to represent generál as
the present dispute. licy, nor could the British Govern- local issues and vice versa.
JUSTICE TO CHINA ment do, so if they were asked.
on
These were suspended following the seizure of Manchuria by the HIRANUMA MISREPORTED
"I certainly hope that the British Japanese, but the Note went Referring next to the recent in- to say that the British Government tainly be ready some day, have an Government may, as they will cer- the panese: remier, had always been ready to resume opportunity to use their good offices was inform- the negotiations at a suitable time, if and when they could usefully be
he and was prepared to discuss these emp
and other questions with a fully the dependent Chinese
All we had done by this formula was to state the facts as they seem-terview ed to us to exist, and to attempt Lørd in practical fashion to deal with the ed by background against which the situa
tion in Tientsin had actualy:
FIRMNESS & UNDERSTANDING
It would be difficult enough Teach agreement on the issues without placing
ported:
the when peace was restored.
to
rument
OLD TREATY METHODS It was not, therefore, with view to preserving unc
ve it in beyond the
istion to