Nanking, May 27.
The explanations given by the Japanese Government concerning the ecent increase of Japanese troops in North China have been rejected by Nanking. and instructions have been issued to the Chinese Embassy in [Tokyo to make further representations on the subject.
As soon as the news of Japan's intention to increase her troops in North China was received in Nanking, representations were made the Japanese Embassy that the meas-lure is entirely unwarranted by condi. tions in the North: and that it would not fall to irritate Chinese feelings. Te was pointed out thatthe measure didn't accord. with Mr. Hirota's principle of "non-aggression and non-Menace," and should be dropped in the Interests of both countries, At the same time the Chinese Ambassador in Tokyo was instructed to make similar" representations with the Japanese Foreign Office.
Replying to the Chinese Ambassador in Tokyo, the Japanese Foreiga Office attempts to justify the increase of troops on the ground of "unstable conditions" in North China and holds that the measure is an "absolute necessity" for ensuring a Japanese garrison in North China to deal with any emergency, While contending that they have the right to make such increase under the terms of the Boxer Protocol, the Japanese Government] pledges that the number of the in~ [ceased troops will be limited to the "necessary minimum" and denies that the measure constitutes a menace to (China or injures her sovereign right.
Denying the Japanese allegation of "instability" if North China and holding that the increase of the Japanese troops cannot fall to arouse Chinese suspicions, the Foreign Office has. Instructed the Chinese Jbassador in Tokyo to make further representations wish the Japanese Government—Central News.
Strong Statement by Japanese Consul Kobe, May 30.
"The situation is such' that China must choose between mutual int dependence with Japan or war with Japan," declared Mr. ¥. Suma, Japanese Consul-General in Nanking, on his arrival here this morning.
He is on his way to Tokyo to report the China situation to the Foreign Ome, have' definitely stated this to General Chiang Kai-shek,' he added, "For Japan to retreat one step would mean a general retreat. Japan must fdvence straight ahead with its immutable convietions."—Reuter,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.