Singapore, July 15.
Efforts by the British Government! to bring peace between China and Japan, were disclosed in a broadcast last night by Mr. S.-W. Jones. Acting Governor of Malaya.
At the moment, he said, the British [Government was discussing with the Japanese Government certain pro: ossals affecting the war in China, which the latter had advanced.
"Believing an honourable peace to be the rea} desire of the Chinese and Japanese peoples, His Majesty's Government will go to the greatest length avoid seconding and prolonging the war in the east and will put forward every effort it can afford to end it. What the result will be we shall soon know."
the lone battle she was fighting against heavy odds, Mr. Jones continued, Britain was forced to summon up every effort and make very sacrifice to gain victory against Ger many. This vielory was the sole hope of civilisation. Britain was. stripped for the grimmest struggle in history.
it had been one of her saddest trials to see China and Japan—formerly Chinese Journals Warn Britain Shanghai, July 16.
News articles appearing in the "shun Pao" and other leading Chinese dailies in Shanghai indicate that the reported readiness on the part of Great Britain to reach an agreement in connection with the Japanese demand for closing the Burma Foute have shocked Chinese circles in Shanghai, "It is said that the ques~ tion thas been discussed at a meeting held by Chinese students and obscrvers of world polities here and that as a result of their deliberations is eld likely that Japan will make more demands if Great Britain complies with the Burma request.
Although the Chinese realize that] the British are facing difficulties because of the critical European situation and therefore Great Britain may not wish to have trouble on their hands in the Far East, the Chinese are of the opinion that there is no need for her to retreat in the face of Japanese threats, the reports state. Japan is already so. much involved the China war that she has not the strength to force Great Britain anything here, it is asserted, Those Chinese present at the dis.
are stated to have studied (nation from three sides: 1—If Great Britain adopts a conciliatory altitude towards the Japanese, how will it affect the former?—if Great Britain refuses to accept the Japan ese demand, what will be the results And 3—What will be the effect on China if the Burma route is closed?
More Demands Expected In reply to the first question they, fare' of the opinion that Japan will make mere demands "until all British interests in the Far East" are wiped out, The Japanese are likened 10 Speculators who will resort to "empty. intimidation" and will advance more if the other party gives in, If Great Britain refuses to accept the demand, the most the Japanese can do is to auinch an anti-British press cam~ paign. "British acceptance of the demand will not affect China since "free China" has made great pro gress in Industrialization,—which enables her to. be self-supporting. Besides, it is pointed out, she has another international route in the berth-west which Japan cannot Blockade.
One well-known student of international affairs is quoted os saying that any surrender to an aggressor will result in the reduction of the strength of the democracies, As to China, General Chiang Kai-ahel''s polley of "not to change" in order to face all changes is quoted to support the argument that China will carry fon the. war_no matter what happens, until she achieves her aim,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.