White noting with satisfaction the Japanese' Government's declared tention partially to re-open the Yang-(zo River, well-informed circles. in Paris do' not under-estimate the difficulties surrounding the question, is felt here that the matter tone which primarily concerns Great Britain, because of her river trafic, although" France, other European countries and America are also con-
{ue to forcian shipping, the Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, at today's press conference refused 10 comment in-any way on Tokyo's decision, Meanwhile, the State Department is still examining the Japanese proposed faction, and no decision hax yet boon taken regarding The imposition of further restric ions on exports of aviation oil to Japan, added to the virtual embargo already placed on shipments of planes, spare. parts, aluminium and molybnum to "that country, seems. to fie, however, that. the United Statex Government Is not yet ready wdify its attitude towards Japan, circles here stated this it seems inevitable, observers thin that such questions must arise as the presence of Japanese troops along, the banks of the Yangtze, river barrages, Japanese demands for a strict watch on munitions to stop the Supply' of arms and war material to General Chiang Kai-shek's army, and the Japanese control of customs.
Whether the creation of a convoy system for the purpose of stopping rms trafic would meet the Japanese ease is a problem which must require lose attention, itis pointed out—Reuter, (ull Refuses Comment Washington, Dee. 20 Asked for his opinion of Japan's intention to re-open the Lower Yana-luton is divided as for the advisability "of accepting Fayan's omer te reopen the Lower ranitze to foreign shipping. Some Delieve that it is a sign of 'Tokyo's good-will which should be encouraged, while others are of the opinion that Japan's offer should be frm' and not Subjected t0 any conditions before it can be accepted by Washington as. basis for negotiations on other questions.
Diplomatic quarters point out that the "Yangtze question' is but one among many others which mist be seitied satisfactorily before there can be discussions for any new commer-lal treaty between the two countries, fr an extension of the present one which has been abrogated by: Waste ington.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.