Measures to cope with a passible state in which Japan would be without a treaty of commerce with the United States after January 26 next year were being studied over all fields that would be affected by such a situation, the Premier stated.
^Tt would be fortunate" for both the United States and Japan, Gen. Abe declared, if the relations between the two countries could be readjusted before a situation where they were without treaty relations interfered "However, it cannot be helped if the 1911 treaty should lapse before a readjustment by relations has been effected," he remarked.
The Prime Minister declined to comment on the possible conclusion of a modus vivendi- between the United States and Japan to span the gap caused by the lapsing of the-treaty. He also refused to make a, statement on the reported intention of the Japanese Government to dé- nounce the Nine-Power Treaty.
American and Japanese diplomats, the Premier continued, were discussing pending questions between. the United States and Japan. He said he had "no idea" whether or not a formal conference such as the abore tive Anglo-Japanese conversations of this summer would be started. between Japan and America.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.