Moscow, Mar, 28.
Japanese circles here hope that the controversy would be settled in time for them to participate in the second auction of fishery lots at Vladivostok on April 3. Under the informal arrangement the Japanese would be allowed to bid without any competition for some 260 lots. Japanese sources said. The basic rents on the lots, however, would be raised, they indicated.
If the arrangements are not complete in time, the Japanese hope the second auction will be postponed for a few days and they expect that two, or at least three, conversations be tween M. Litvinov and Mr, Togo would clear up the matter for another veal The main point of the controversy at present was the Soviet desire to substitute other lots for 37 lots in which the Japanese formerly fished but which have been closed by the Soviet authorities for strategi sons. The Soviet Union has offered, it was understood, seven lots in e: change and of approximately equal value, leaving thirty lots the subject of the present dispute.
In the first auction of fishery lots held at Vladivostok on March 15 only four out of 293 lots offered were purchased by Soviet interests. No Jap: attended the auction, whic was not recognized by the Japane:
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