London, Nov. 5. G¢QINO-JAPANESE relations were such not long ago as to give rise to anxiety, but, I am happy to say, there have been definite indications lately of a distinct easing of the tension," declared Mr. Anthony Eden, the Foreign Secretary, in opening the House of Commons debate this afternoon on international questions.
Discussions, he continued, have been proceeding at Nanking on outstanding questions and there now appears to be ground on which to base hopes that the former tense situation will be avoided. The British Government earnestly trusted that such would be the case and that a solution, placing Sino-Japanese relation on a stable and friendly footing, would be reached, There were certain guiding principles in determining British foreign policy, Mr. Eden said, and the first and most important of these was in relation to the League of Nations.
It was fashionable in some quarters to sneer at the League.
The British did not, join in that practice.
On the contrary, it was their hope and their intention to prove that those sneers were unjustifiable, They must, however, recognize the fundamental realities of the situation and, while it was real to believe that the principles of the League were the best yet devised for the regulation of international affairs, it was also cal to note that come nations did not at present, share that view.
It' was also real to recognize that, uuntit these nations did share that Germany, was generally reciprocated.
Britains Snerely Feeir 'There were, however, two condltions inevitably. attached to" any {lendship which Britain could proffer any other country—whether France, Germany "of any' other, hose' conditions. are," te declared, that such felendships cannot be ex" elusive and cannot be directed against anyone else'
Speaking of Germany, the Foreign Secreiary added. that' he found It necessary: to comment on the notice {ble tendency' In that country to Dit the blame for her present. economnle lmeutties on Britain. That war not accordance with fact and he could not accept it for a minute.
_Recalling the British contributions towards econemle and financial cor operation "with Germany" since. the War," Mr, Eaten mentioned the basis Of the 1094 Anglo-German Payment Agreement, "which lett 245 out of '2100 spent by the British on German foods, at Germany's own disposal for purposes of buying raw materials and" foodstuffs and for meeting her financial obligations, He made bold to say that there was no\ other country which had 10 favourable an agreement with Gore Mr, Anthony Eden view, the authority of the League of Nations could not be complete, though It could still be important and, therefore, it was their duty to make it-as important as possible, Finally, it was real to. make it] plain to the world that Great Britain Would "be second to none in the defence of its legitimate interests, Turning his attention to League reform, the Foreign Secretary said that the British Government favoured action at the earliest possible moment {in any dispute, and for any necessary modification of Article XI to remove the need for unanimity The Government had also pointed out the Impracticability of the rigid maintenance of the status quo recognized in Article 19 of the League Convenant itself. They would take their part in the committee, set up by the League to consider these and other questions, which would meet next month.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.