And with regard to reported Franco-Chinese parleys and the conclusion of an agreement on the construction of a South China railway. the. news organ recalls that these conversations were begun before the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese hostilities last August.
"The Japanese Press campaign is not only unjust but also blundering. We wonder what it aims at? "We are fully aware that the Japanese are seeking to frighten us, but in trying this, they show an ignorance of the French character. The Japan. ese Press accusations, General Ugaki's regrets' and hidden threats will merely result in French opinion becoming hostile towards Japan and arousing definite and true sympathy for China."
Pointing out why Japan should refrain from rousing antagonistic feelings in France, "L'Ordre" recalls that France's decision to ban the transport of war materials through Indo-China in the future was only a courteous move vis-a-vis Japan.
"We abided and will abide by this decision, but ohe must remember that international law does not compel us to apply such a measure and Japan cannot invoke our neutrality since legally a state of war has not been declared.... Suppose we are- angered and declare to the Japanese Government, The false charges you orel making against us will become a reality and-henceforth war materials for China will receive free passage through our territory.—this would only be a reply to Japan's attitude towards France. But it would certainly not simplify the Japanese Army's operations!"—Havas.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.