Tokyo, Jan. 19.
Although diplomatic relations between Japan and China have been "virtually severed," this does not mean a formal rupture of diplomatic relations between the two countries, spokesman of the Gaimusho told foreign press correspondents to-day.
"It ts very dimeult," the omeiat admitted, "to understand the actual situation' in" terms of "international law.
The absence of en Ambasstdor the the Charge d'Affulces, usually makes the senior member of
the spokesman explained. Therefore, he said, the retention of the Japanese Charge' Affaires in China follows the normal course of practice, "Besides,"" the spokesman pointed out, "the "Charge d'Affaires Is not accredited to the Chinese Nationalist Government, with which Japan now Yefusex to have further dealings."
Gaps between a logical interpreta~ tion of the situation and realities may occur in the future, mitted, "but such special phenomenon should' be interpreted politically rather than legally.
Asked whether Japan would pursue vigorous military operations in China, the spokesman replied that "all depends on the future development in the situation."
Chinese newspapers, he said, re~ port that the leaders of the National-Ist Government have decided assume an offensive against Japan.
true, this report must be talon into consideration in deciding the course of Japan's action, he declared,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.