London, Dec. 22.
British politicians, including those convinced of Japan's almost unlimited ambitions in China, were surprised tonight by the declaration of Tokyo's China policy made by the Premier, Prince Konoye, They declared that General Chisng Kai-shek cannot accept the Anti-'Comintern Pact and pointed out that hhis Government is the only one recognized by Great Britain, Prince Konoye, they stated in explanation of their comment's, said that Japan does not intend to establish an economic monopoly in China and that! she does not intend to demand China's Timitation of third Powers" interests.
Diplomats asserted, however, that Japanese aims in China are s0 evi+ dent that it is surprising Tokyo pretends to cope with the Communist danger by the establishment of Japan jose garrisons in China, The conquest Jof China Is far from being concluded, they also added.
British circles were chiefly prejoccupled tonight with Prince Konoye's Statement concerning foreign inter fests in China, The competent quarters here understood it to mean that Japan would only respect the foreign interests of those powers, willing to ppanticipate in the economic organiza~ tion of China as conceived by Japan. nical Situation They pointed out that in their view this could be the only meaning of the [Japanese Premier's words that Japan would not hinder the interests powers which have grasped. t meaning of a new Asia and which are willing to aet accordingly."
Washington, Dec. 22.
Mr, Sumner Welles, acting Secrelary of State, today declined to comment on the statement made by the Japanese Premier, Prince Konoye, in 'Tokyo today. He said that he could' not offer any comment until he had Feceived. the official version of the slatement, Meanwhile unoMeial Washington circles considered that the newest aspect of the situation revealed by the Japanese Premier's statement was the Projected abandonment of oxtrater~ ritorial rights ju China, provided China entered into an accord with Japan. "The belief was generally expressed that the United States would oppose this proposal as strongly she did Japan's larger policy of "Asin for the Asiatics."
'These circles maintained that the United States would probably regard the plan as a part of the Japanese attempt to" gain exclusive' and come Plete control of Chino, instead of {iberating the. Chinese' people. from admittedly un-ideal rostrations under which "they have labored in years past was pparadoxien for Japan {0 propose Some observers contended that to free China from small foreign cone cessions while proposing herself. lation soldiers throughout all. Chins {nd while proposing to obtain for her-Self spociat new economic advantages from China, Pact Quoted was pointed out the United States' programme to free China {rom extraterritorial restrictions was, incorporated in the Nine Power Treaty. In this past the Powers agreed to Political circles considered the irony lot the situation. still greater when [Japan proposes "to free China of her {foreign settlements" in order to prove Japan's own good faith and desire to) Fespeet Chinese independence.
They added that it was strange for the country which was invading [China and imposing military garrisons fen her, to consider foreign settlements contrary 40 China's independence.
British quarters were waiting this evening to see how Japan herself would understand Prince Konoye's Jwords with regard to foreign interests In China.
Since the last conversations between JSir Robert Craigie, British Ambossador to Japan, and Tokyo's Foreign Minister, Mr. Hachiro Arita, the comppelent circles here have expressed Janxiety and" it is understood the British Government are only waiting for Sir Robert's report before decid-Ing whether they should make another demarche to Tokyo—Havas.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.