Paris, July 23.
The conversations in Tokyo retain the attention of the whole press here, most papers here commenting at length on the preliminary agreement reached yesterday.
"One should not indulge in unjustified optimism, but nevertheless reasons for hope seem to exist now" the rightist "Lo Jour L'Echo de Paris" declares. "The report of an agreement being reached has caused a strong dissatisfaction in Germany," the paper pursues. "Berlin is trying to persuade Tokyo that Japan can obtain as many results in Asia by fighting Britain than by coming to terms with her. This assertion is of course absolutely false, but Berlin is certainly right in being mindful and afraid of the parleys now going on in Tokyo."
Commenting on the same subject in "Lo Journal," St Brice declares: "One should not draw too hasty conclusions from the reports which are coming from Tokyo. There is a general tendency io mistake moderation for weakness. The communique issued in Tokyo yesterday, after the meeting of the Cabinet, announces a Japanese triumph—out it is clear that its wording is meant to give satisfaction to Japan's militarists. The truth is that we are witnessing a victory of moderate elements who have placed the negotiations on a realistic ground.
"It is quite certain that foreign powers must take into account the present status quo and the developments which have been taking place—in favour of Japan—during the last two years.
"But the Japanese too have to make concessions to Great Britain if they want to avoid complications which would benefit only Soviet Russia" the commentator of "Lo Journal" concluded.—Havas.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.