Tokyo, June 4.
Describing foreign criticism of the new customs tariff in North and Central China, alleging preferential treatment for Japan, as "sentimental or prejudiced," Japanese Foreign Office circles today challenged critics to adduce definite figures to substantiate their charge:
Foreign Office observers said the new Chinese tariff reverts to the first statutory tariff of China. that pf 1931, from which Japan suffered "most of all foreign Powers.
They pointed out that Japan up ie 1930 occupied the foremost place in foreign trade with China, her exports to China in 1930 totalling $500,- 000,000. more than 26 per cent. of China's entire incoming trade.
But since the enforcement of the statutory tariff of 1931. they said Japan's exports to China steadily declined, amounting to $450.000.000 in 1931, $230,000,000 in 1932, and $130,000,000 in 1933
This explains the g at disappointment voiced by Japanese traders goods, 44 per cent, to British, and 25 per cent. to American.
Other figures on reductions were given as follows: woollen fabrics:—Japanese, 11 per cent.; British, y2 per cent; chemicals—Japanese, f per cent; British, 13 per cent; American, 14 per cent.; Sugar:—Japanese, 80 per cent.; British, 68 per cent; American 68 per cent; Paper:—Japanese, fou per cent.; British 36 per cent. can, 44 per cent; Poxcelain:—Japanese, 18 per cent.; British, 15 per cent American, 12 per cent; Sundries: Japanese; 42 per cent.; British, 42 per cent; American, 42 per cent It was pointed out that foreign Powers derive more benefits from the new tariff than does Japan, which receives no preferential treatment The Foreign Office circles said Japan has no direct concern with 20 items ai the tariff which was revised on January 20 by the "Provisional Government" and retained in the new tariff schedule, because they cover materials needed for r Work or rehabilitation—Domei, over the new tariff in North and Central China, which reverts to the tariff of 1931, they declared.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.