London, July 15.
Unperturbed by the latest developments, the Stock Exchange continue: io take the Sino-Japanese impasse quietly. There has been no selling of Chinese and. Japanese issues by large holders, such as insurance companies and banks.
On the other hand, fair buying interest at recently reduced levels was in evidence to-day, making for a reasonably steady undertone. The market is at present steady but inactive.
The bulk of City opinion refuses io believe that' war is inevitable, rs hoping that some face-saving solution will be found. Even the an; nouncement by a Nanking spokesman about assistance for the 29th Army is regarded as bullish for the long-term, as it is believed to indicate the strengthening of Chinese unity, The City's optimism is based on the belief that neither China nor Japan is at present in a position. indulge. in hostilities for economic reasons,—Reuter, Envoy in Nanking Nanking, July 15.
H.M.: Ambassador, Sir' Hughe Knatehbull-Hugessen, arrived here to-day aboard H.M.S. Danae from Peitaiho for the purpose of "delivering a message from the British Government to the Chinese Government."
Following the arrival of 400 Japanese troops and considerable supplies from Shanhaikwan, a company of Japanese troops, accompanied by three armoured cars, left here for Fengíai this morning by road escorting 36 trucks loaded with ammunition and provisions.
Seven Japanese troop trains, meanwhile, have arrived at Shanhaskwan. according to Chinese press reports.
Among the Chinese officials said! be participating in the present truce negotiations are Mr. Wei Tsung-hañ, Chairman of the Foreign Affoírs Commission of the Hopei and Charhar Political Council; Mr. Tsao Ju-lin, a member of the Council, and Mr. Kuo Tze-han, who participated in the*recent talks in Peiping.
Rumours were circulating at one time in Tientsin to-day that a truce had been signed, but these lacked. official confirmation.
The major difficulty apparently relates to the Japanese demand for the Temoval of high administrative and military officials—including, it is reported, Gen. Feng Chi-an, Governor of Hopei and commander of the 37th Division, and General Chi Teh-chun, Mayor of Peiping—and the wide scope of the Japanese desire for the removal of, anti-Japanese activities.
The Chinese negotiators desire that any understanding, for a truce should be long enough to-give time for other negotiations on wider issues.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.