CO129-560-15 Traffic of arms to China 18-2-1937 - 15-11-1937 — Page 62

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I can,

activities and instigator of every international movement

to checkmate Japan with United states as a somewhat reluctant

second (temporary flurry caused by Roosevelt's speech has

almost been forgotten). It is obvious that with feeling inflamed

as it is in Japan today the continuation of exacerbation of

public opinion by this method is a dangerous process. We must

I think make up our minds whether or no we are prepared for

trouble with this country. If not then a concerted effort

must be made promptly by both governments to put the brake on.

My concrete suggestions are (1) if I could be informed

that His Majesty's Government will do whatever is in their

power to exercise moderating influence on British press.

with this assurance, bring strong pressure to bear on Japanese

government to do the same (our press seems to have lost all

sense of proportion and in its efforts to champion the cause of

China is doing irreparable harm to our own interests here).

(2) Serious consideration should be given to stop arms traffic

via Hongkong (whether by general prohibition or export to both sides or otherwise). (3) Every effort should he made to improve

relations between British and Japanese military authorities in

Shanghai. I realize that the role of our authorities in Shanghai

is a very difficult one but there never was a moment when

restraint and display of impartiality were more necessary than

now.

I do not of course suggest that any change in our policy

of resolutely defending our own interests whenever these are

threatened. In this sphere I have always found a readiness to

meet us halfway and I should feel far more confident of being

able to defend these in the future if our press could display

more impartiality in the issue as between Japan and China.

Lest