London, Aug. 28.
The recall of 40 Japanese diplomatists to Tokyo has been variously interpreted in both the foreign and Japanese press, but the following statement by the Japanese Ambassador in London, Mr. Mamoru Shigemitsu, may be regarded as authoritative comment on this striking decision of the Japanese Foreign Minister (Mr. Yosuke Matsuoka), writes Reuters Diplomatic Correspondent.
Mr. Shigemitsu said: "I think I ought to say that the recall of these heads of missions in no way implies a change in Japanese foreign policy as recently laid down both by Prince Konoye (Premier) and the Foreign Minister.
"It might also be as well to add that my mission here in London, to bring about true Anglo-Japanese understanding, has the full approval and support of my Government, who are, as I am, most anxious to see relations between our two countries firmly secured on a solid basis."—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.