The Japanese Legation in Shang-hal has courteously and. frankly handled the problem of the various reports which have gained currency jof late regarding the development Jof discussions between the representtives of the Japanese and Chinese Governments. "The difficulty of ascer-part taining the ration of certain comments emanating from Tokyo and elsewhere abroad was increased by the interpretation placed locally on observations formed after the recent visits of Japanese diplomats and military officers to Nanking. Yesterday various statements seemed to have taken concrete form and this Journal felt that reference to the Japanese Legation was desirable The result ig seen in the exceedingly detailed comment supplied by the Legation in response to that refer-fence. This attitude of frank anxiety to expound the Japanese point of view will be commended. The successful issue of the efforts rightly being made by Nanking and Tokyo to arrive at a proper Sino-Japanese understanding is generally desired. All who are anxious for the removal Jof sources of Far Eastern instability gnnot but wish both parties wel cir enterprise. The Japanese ¢x-position of the course of the discus: sions is reasonable and, on that basis, Jcommands respect. It lays suitable emphasis on the need for Sino-Japanese friendship and in 20 doing, it keeps well in view the interests of] [China as well as those of Japan. To that point most attention will be drawn, for the anxiety aroused over} the interpretations given to the discussions in some quarters was inspired by uncertainty" over the exact, significance of obiter dicta which, in the light of the Legation's comment, are now clarified. It is to be hoped that the eventual outcome of the dis cussions will confirm the confidence thus emphatically expressed in Japan's
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.