Spokesman Over Blockade Japan Capable of Reprisals, Declares Mr. Y.
Suma to Journal; British Attitude Friendly Tokyo, Dec. 6. STATEMENT by Mr. Yakicl hiro Suma, Foreign Office spokesman, to the effect that "such a measure violates all known rights of neutrals and inflicts severe losses to them," is printed by the "Miyako Shimbun" in connection with the enforcement of the British Order-in-Council authorizing the seizure of German exports in neutral ships on the high seas, "Should Japanese ships in Europe suffer any losses, we are determined to take definite action to cope with the situation in accordance with international law," Mr. Suma is quoted as having stated.
"Replying to our protest, Mr, R. A. Butler (British Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs) said they would do their best in handling German exper! ts destined for Japan.
"That is because Great Britain is afraid of Japan's determination, Do you ask why? Because Great Britain and France have considerable rights and interests in the Orient, including Hongkong and Singapore, And if Britain and France clash, with Japan, they will be like chinaware, that is, easily broken. What great losses they would suffer, can easily be supposed, "Moreover, the adjustment of relations between Great Britain and Japan, for which Britain is now working hard, would come to naught, So Britain would have everything to lose and nothing to gain, as far as Japan is concerned, as a result of the enforcement of the Ordinance.
"At any rate," the "Miyako Shimbun" concludes in quoting the Foreign Office spokesman, "Japan has strong determination against the outrage, and I am confident our national power will serve to cause Britain and France to reconsider their attitude,"
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.