"Some adhere to the view that Britain intends to aid the Chiang administration, but I cannot subscribe to such an opinion, because I cannot believe that Britain, which is so keen about her interests, should bet upon a losing horse.
"The logical conclusion should he that Britain, if she wants to maintain her rights and interests in China, should depend upon Japan."
The Japanese diplomat also discounted reports that Britain was seeking to mediate in the conflict.
"Matters pertaining to East Asia should be settled out here," he said.
Efforts of various Powers with interests in tha Yangtsze Valley to secure protection of their rights and interests should not be confused with manœuvres for mediation, Mr. Tani declared.
is only natural that converstions regarding the protection of British rights should be going on between Britain and Japan, since the latter has pledged herself to respect such rights," he added.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.