Tokyo, June 26.
Political quarters here yesterday confirmed generally speaking British press reports of a conversation which the Japanese Ambassador in London, Mr. Shigemitsu, had with the Foreign Secretary, They confirm that Lord Halifax protested against the indignities to which British nationals had been subjected at Tientsin, that the question of eventual negotiations with a view to the lifting of the blockade was likewise discussed, and that Lord Halifax hinted at the possibility of British reprisals in the event that the blockade was not lifted by Japan.
Political quarters here declare, however, that the British propaganda apparatus has circulated "obvious untruths" abroad about the indignities to which British nationals were subjected at Tientsin.
It is stressed that the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr, Arita, discussed this question in detail during a conversation which he had with the British Ambassaddr in Tokyo, Sir Robert Craigie.
Japanese circles emphasize once more that Japan is willing to enter into negotiations with Britain at any time, provided that absolute neutrality of the Concessions towards the Sino-Japanese conflict is guaranteed. It is added, however, that this also implies the recognition of the situation which has been created through the establishment of a pro-Japanese Government at Peiping. It is declared that any British reprisals against Japan would be interpreted by Japan as signifying that Britain no longer expects Japan to show any consideration for the British interests in China.—Trans-Ocean.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.