1939-08-05 — Page 9

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS

CABLES

LORDS DEBATE ON FAR EAST SITUATION INTERPRETATION OF TOKYO FORMULA REQUESTED

Continuance Of Support Lord Halifax Reaffirms

For Chinese Currency

LONDON, Aug. 3 (Reuter)—The leader of the Op- position, Lord Snell, initiated the debate on foreign affairs in the House of Lords yesterday.

The Prime Minister, he declared, appeared to dis- play irritation and petulance towards those seeking. information which would be appropriate in a vain, ample spinster unsuccessfully trying to slim..

"I am not very much en- couraged by Mr. Chamberlain's reference to some just and oquitable settlement "of the Sino-Japanese struggle:

Lord Snell asked Viscount! Halifax for an interpretation of the Tokyo formula, and an assurance that the Govern-1 ment's policy in China was not to be changed, and that the Government would con- tinue to support Chinese cur- terms in connection with this

rency.

Referring to Russia, Lord Snell said the situation appeared to be continuously disappointing.

He was not going to assume that Britain was alone respon- sible," but he could not help noticing the speed with which the Tokyo formula" was arrang- ed compared with the exas-

•perating delays which taken place in Moscow.

had

Lord Cecil sald be wished the Government would give a more specific and clearer explanation of its Far East polley.

"Mr. Chamberlain's statement has left little doubt in my mind as to what that policy really 15.

The Government should demon- strate that it was not afraid of Japanese retallation.

A. POSSIBILITY?

"I recognise." he added, "that

for us to face a possible naval

attack on

"It looks to me as if there is a tendency on the Government's part to put China and Japan on equal

struggle."

ww

British Policy In China

LONDON, Aug. 4 (Renter)-"Nothing we have done, and, I hope, nothing we should do, can, on any reasonable consideration, be taken as condoning an action bearing the character of aggression,” said Lord. Halifax, Britain's Foreign Secretary, in replying to the criticism offered by the Opposition during the debate in the House of Lords yesterday on foreign affairs.

Viscount Halifax said that it had been suggested in several speeches from various parts of the Housë that the formula recently signed with Japan commit- ted Britain to a fundamental change of policy:

That Britain had, by signing the formula, recog- nised a state of belligerency in China;

That it was in spirit contrary to Britain's obliga- tions under the League resolutions, that it was in dan- ger of violating the Nine-Power Treaty; and, generally, that it condoned actions which we had previously condemned.

"The Japanese invasion is one of the least justifiable events that has ever occurred in the history of

"I wish to state quite, call the old treaty methods that the world. It has been asserted that the first object of the Japan-frankly that, in my judgment, the British Government has shap-

those who take that sort ofed its policy. and dominate China, secondly Asia, and to exclude all line. ignore both the plain European nations and individuals terms of the formula and the in any part of trade in Asia. interpretation of the formula

which the Government itself. has placed upon it.

ese "is to

CURIOUS RESEMBLANCE "One cannot help noticing the curious resemblance between this "I know from the experience I policy of the Japanese military have had in India how extra- party and the policy of the present ordinarily difficult it was "for German regime.

"people sitting in London to ap- This is partly accounted for bypreciate the precise implications in the fact that the Japanese army the East of any of those carefully was trained by Germans, who not phrased formulas. only gave them military skill, but views on political and international affairs.

JAPAN'S ARROGANCE The Japanese have displayed

That being the case, there can hardly be any ground more fertile in which an enemy can sow tares among the wheat.

"Those who made that kind of

RTÉ

While we have ever con- cealed our view about Japan's action in China, and bound to have regard to all in- terested involved, particularly those of China, we have been fully prepared to recognise the special interest and posi- tion which Japan, in view of her geographical position and economic need, is entitled to claim and exercise," he de- clared.

VARIOUS SULUTIONS Referring to Chinese, currency and the disposal of the Tientsin silver stocks, Viscount Halifax said that various solutions to this pro-

appeared to be satisfactory.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 1939. -PAGE

TRADE

MARK

We

are glad to

be

able

announce

a substantial

to.

REDUCTION

in the price of our

AQUARIUS WATERS

as

1st from August

"Every Drop Distilled

95

CALDBECK, MACGREGOR & CO., LTD.

unreasonable as we have found many Japanese in China.

WHAT ARE “JAPANESE” With regard to the assertion that the Japanese are demanding joint police control in Tientsin I am not quite sure what is meant by "Japanese." because there is unanimity not always complete between Tientsin and Tokyo. In cases of doubt, I think we should our possessions in the arrogant indifferente to all inter-loose accusation arising out of the blem had been suggested but none accept the Tokyo view. And the basis on which the discussions in te all formula lose sight of one fact of Far East would be awkward, but national obligations and

principles of justice. while China great importance the impression The British Government was Tokyo are proceeding has not been that is a possibility which you has carried out every one of her that kind or accusation. I have continuing to examine all the pos- that of joint police control, but of must consider if there is a Jaganobligations and bas behaved with listened to this afternoon produces siblities, but in considering these the control remaining in the hands ese victory in China,

absolute propriety.

is exactly the impression those, matters, it certainly would not lose of the Municipal Council and its who were most anxious to exacer-sight of its obligations towards officers. bate the difficulties with which we the Chinese Government or to the were confronted at the present other signatories to the Nine- time, wished to see produced. Ac-Fower Treaty. cordingly, we should be very care- ful indeed not to play their game.

"In the latter event. the whole of our possessions would' be swept away. No reasonable man can doubt that that would be the result. The moment the Japanese have destroyed China, they will certainly tarn destroy us.""".

and

Referring to his own experiences Lord with Japanese diplomacy, Ceci says that he found that every concession made to Japan simply Invited further demands,

PARALLEL STEP

Lord Cecil said he hoped Vis- count Halifax would tell the House what parallel step the Government thought of raking with reference to the United States notice of abrogation of the treaty of 1911 with Japan.

BLAZING SHIP MYSTERY

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, air Aug. 4 (Renter)-The "search for the blazing oil tanker," "which sent a series of messages and distress signals saying that she was sinking and that her crew were, taking 'to the boats, but whose' · name, was not identified, has been abandoned by the coastguard authorities after a plane had vainly searched the sea for three hours,

It is incredibly humiliating that Great Britain should take action which is regarded "as favourable to Japan and un- favourable to China, and that this should give the appearance of abandoning a country which had done so much to deserve help."

160,000 GERMAN TROOPS

LONDON, Aug. 4 (Reuter) German troops, believed to number between 150,000 and 160,000, are reliably reported

"Though our policy is a cagn÷

ed to promote peace and inter- national order, nonetheless It seems that the purpose for which we bend our efforts is ain endeavour to do two things.

First of all, to assist in finding a settlement that will be fair as between all the interests concert- ed; secondly," from a more narrow point of view of the interests of

As regards the extension of further support or Chinese currency, any such proposz! that might or might not be held desirable from the point of view of China, would · also have to be considered in the light of very many other fin- ancial considerations and, ob- ligations incurred by this country at the present time.

GOOD OFFICES

·

་་

QUESTION OF HONOUR As regards the four men. I am not surprised that Olcre Wedg wood asked for an assurance that te no drcumstances would they be handed over. But I do not call him a fudicially minded person.

MF. Noel-Baker: "It is not a question of being judicially minded bit of national honour.

Mr. Chamberlain: I de not agree at On the contrary, it Is a question of evidence. If there is evidence that these mer were actually concerned in the murder will Colonel Wedgwood say that is a matter of odour not to

"I certainly hope that the Bri- this country, to work for such an tish Government may, as they will issue in the present difficulties as certainly be ready some day, havet will not impair our relations with an opportunity to use their good offices if and when they could China or Japan, ···

usefully be employed.

"I am perfectly aware that many in the House believed that is

A WARNING

to be concentrated along "Po- much too optimistic a hope. land's western frontier, ac- cording to the Warsaw cor- respondent of the "News Chronicle."

"I don't feel for myself that the question whether or not we suc ceed in attaining" such an object At Stolp, in German Po-depends only on ourselves. It de merania, opposite Danzig, pends on the attitude of the Jap- large numbers of German anese Goverment, and how far troops equipped with long-the Japanese authorities are pres

range stationed.

guns have

beenpared to distinguish between local

Meanwhile, visitors to Prague from Moravia and Slovakia re- fortifications port extensive

along the whole Polish border, 'states the Prague correspon-

dent of the "Daily Telegraph.".

FISHING BOAT OUTRAGE OFF GREEN ISLAND

Woman Thrown Overboard

Is Feared Drowned

THROWN OVERBOARD FROM HER OWN. FISH- ING BOAT BY TWO PASSENGERS who turned out to be robbers, an elderly fisherwoman, Po, Ng, 50, is be- lleved to have drowned. Her husband, La! Hoi-chi, 53, and their son, Lai Wah, 17, were picked up by the s.s. Cambay Prince off Green Island some half-an-hour after they were thrown into the sea. Late last night, the elderly fish- erman reported the robbery and murder to the Water Police. His wife was thrown overboard first, and then he was thrown after be- ing hit over the head with a wooden rpwlock. His son jumped in after him.

The robbery occurred about

2 o'clock in the afternoon as the boat was being rowed near Green Island, about 300 yards to the west, there being no wind. When last seen, the fishing boat was being rowed the direction of Lalchikoki,

"I do not believe it is beyond the power of men of goodwill to find a solution which will do justice to China and take into account the interests of other Powers concerned in the Far East"

CHAMBERLAIN

Continued from Page 1

hand them over? ·

OTHER POWERS CONCERNED Dealing with the silver stocks, Mr. Chamberlain said that the dif- fculty in this connection was that an agreement had been reached that these discussions would be local discussions. The allver is in Tientsin, and any question that is raised about currency will refer to Tientsin. But in the view of the British Government you cannot deal with the question in Tientsin without really dealing with it elsewhere. Whatever we do about, silver or currency must affect a very much wider area than Tien-

tain

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STRATEGIC PARIS PLAN IN LONDON DISCUSSION

Closure Of Mediterranean To The Enemy In War

LONDON, Aug. 4 (Reuter)-Anglo-French military discussions of great importance will be held in London to-day between the French General Huntainger and General Viscount Gort, V.C., Chief of the Imperial Gen- eral Staff.

1

#

According to a report in the "Daily Sketch," Gen Huntzinger, who neaded the recent French mission to Turkey, was sent to London by the Premier, M. Dala- dier, bringing with him a strategic plan which, in the event of war, would, through British and French co- operation," result in the closing of the Mediterranean to the enemy.

JAPAN'S ANSWER TO STAFF TALKS

Unoticial" circles in London express the opinion that the declaration of the Japanese Ambassadors in Rome and Berlin, - "who are known always to have been the strongest advocates of a Japan-Italo-German alliance, is meant as an answer to the Anglo-French-Russian Staff talks. It may also indicate an at- tempt by the extremists to force the Japanese Government's

hand.

and general issues recognised by their Government; and how far they are prepared to refrain from same time we would much rather attempts to represent general as settle the differences with the

It is not only the British Gov- local issues, and vice varsa."

Japanese by discussion and nego-

ernment that is concerned in these

Best-informed Japanese circiès Referring to a recent interview tiation, provided we can do so

adhere to the conviction that by the Japanese Prime Minister, without sacrificing what we con- two points and we have made it

the Japanese such denunciation would have con-Japan will not join the Italo Viscount Halifax sa ne was un-ceive as fundamental considera-perfectly clear to formed by Sir Robert Craigle that tiens and principles, than do it by Government that we are not pre-siderable repercussions in the Do German Alliance for the obvious pared to settle with the Japanese minions and it would be put reason that there is nothing to he had been incorrectly reported, threat of force.

I am thinking of all the lonely, on the allver and currency ques-rageous to "shut our eyes to this vain and much to lose by commit It he were correctly reported the Government could not accept the unprotected and defenceless Bri- tions. They will only be settled fact.

tish people scattered in different after consultation with the other implications of the statement

parts of China. Even if we are Governments concerned." determined to-morrow that we are going to the last extremity we "The British Government is bound to take a very grave view could not protect many of them,

We have a duty to them and of the blockade in Tientsin and the

ought not, If we can avoid it, to increasing agitation against Er-

GRAVE VIEW,

ting herself to participate in E- ropean wrangles,

NO COMMITMENTS We have been compelled to un- Well-informed foreign observera I am not going to lay down de- dertake some very heavy respon-hold a similar view pointing out finitely what our attitude will be. sibilities and commitments in that nothing is more likely consultation or no consultation, Europe. Their effect is that, if exacerbate American feeling at will say that I don't take excep certain things were to happen, this delicate moment, when the tion to what Mr. Moel-Baker said this country would have to go to fate of future Japanese trade with

tish interests in. those parts" or put them in greater peril than regarding the connéšom netween war." It is impossible for us to Amèrica hangs in the balance,

occupied China.

"The Japanese Government and the Japanese people must recognise that if this agitation continues, it cannot prevent relations between

our wo countries growing steadily more difficult.

that in which they now stand.

AIBUTE TO CRAIGIE

Chamberlain paid tribute to the British Ambassador, Sir Ro bert Craigie, who was carrying on coolness and with great skill,

courage, extraordinarily difficult negotiations.

BANČNO DIFFICULTY»

the maintenance of Chinese cur- undertake the same commitments and to precipitate Russia into the rency and the capacity of the Chi-

fare..

to carry on guerilla war

NO DENUNCIATION

in the Far East, arms of the democracies.

This is a country whose, re- sources are difficult to measure, a

great country inhabited by people we shall endeavour, in of a determined and resolute the negotiations, to pre

As regards the denunciation of spirit, but there is a limit to what the utmost extent the the Trade Treaty, we have not it is prudent for us to undertake which he hither

inning

conduct, the sand the interests and fortunes of British subject

We had endeavour to

gone back on anything and there

ME, CHAMBERLAIN'S is nothing in the obligations we

BLOOD BOLLS It is worth remembering that

At any rate, this formula has undertook at Geneva or Brussels the Japanese Government, in the

However our feelings may be terms of the formula, made them-enabled us to discuss the very which obilges us to denounce the selves responsible for the main acute situation at Tentsin and Trade Treaty with Japan. Texasperated by the things hap- patience and reasonable tenance of public order in the with regard to some of the d will not not give Mr. Noel-Baker pening in the Far East and I can tion, recogulsing that Japanese-controlled areas in China, culties there, it looks as though the assurance he wants, it may assure this House that I fully these outrageous things there

the British Government we should not have any great seem that I am determined that share the most violent reelings of be some renaine sumición on the accordingly expects implements-difficulty in coming to an agree the Treaty shall not be renounced, anyone on this subject and it part of the Japanese în Unna

But don't let anyone put that in makes my blood boll to hear and our treatment of them. Lai Hol-chi, who made the re-tion of the formula to put down ment with the Japanese,

I say this deliberately because, terpretation upon my words read of some of the things her We must tot forget, The robbers are described as port, is a native of Macao. He was anti-British propaganda in those

although there is no use coming The Prime Minister pointed out pening there, let us not forget the that there are graver dressed in good middle-class style, released after treatment at the areag

to an agreement on one point if that twelve months' would have to liabilities we have already assum" be considered, much one of them about 50-years-old in Kowloon Hospital, the crown of

there is no agreement as a whole, elapse before the denunciation ed or the position of our country in the coun Bppearance. They hired the boat, his hand and his jaw being plas-

not, therefore, with a It does show that those who are could become operative, and men and countrywomen on the months and

serve our forces at an agreed to price of $3, at tered over where he had been hit.

was accompanied by trestles with spot. Mongkok Wharf to take them to The mumber of the pirated fish-view to preserving unchanged the conducting the negotiations are

lons Hence Mr. Chamberlain concluded that ergency that might arise. Cheting Chau "Isländ

ing-boat is 4219 A

entire structure of what one might by no means so extreme or so some of the Dominions

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