The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-11-06
JAPAN DENIES
WAR intent IN
NOTE TO U. S.
Troops to Be Withdrawn
From Area of Battle,
Washington Told.
TOXIC LEAVES L00PHOLE
Only Unforeseen Events
Will Cause Seizure of
City in Soviet Zone.
BIZ United Press

IN UhtbcU Press
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6.-Japa-
nese Ambassador Katsuji Debuchi
today gave the state department
official assurance that japanese
forces, battling Chinese forces in an
attempt to repair the Nonni river
bridge south of Tsitsihar, in Man
churia, intended to withdraw from
the bridge area as soon as repairs
were completed.
He estimated that would be with
in week or ten days.
At the same time, Secretary of
State Stimson Issued a formal state
ment, declaring the policy of the
United States in the Manchurian
quarrel to be one of promoting
peace, while reserving independence
of action.
Debuchi understood that fighting
around the bridge had ceased and
that Chinese forces probably would
be withdrawn to avoid another
clash.
Meanwhile, Japanese commanders
have considered it necessary to
place forces on the north bank of
the Nonni river, originally occupied
by Chinese as a safety measure to
protect workmen at the bridge.
Follows U. S. Action
This explanation follows closely
upon representations which the
United States made in Toxic
through American Ambassador
Forbes, urging immediate with
drawal of Japanese troops back
within the authorized treaty zones.
The United States is deeply con-
cerned at the trend of events in
Manchuria and the constant advance
of Japanese troops has given rise to
fears here that Japan was at
tempting to wrest concessions from
China by force of military occupa-
ton.
Such procedure would conflict
with the Kellogg anti-war pact and
the Washington nine-poWer treaty
safeguarding China's integrity in
the view here.
The clash between Chinese and
Japanese on Wednesday, Debuchy
understood, was due to r1isunder-
standing. He said the Japanese
consul at Tsitsihar had obtained an
agreement with General Ma, COM
manding the Chinese forces, that
japanese workmen were not to be
molested.
Gives Reason for Battle
Apparently, so Debuchi under
stood, General Mas orders did not
reach his subordinates or else were
not obeyed. Consequently, the am
bassador was informed, the Chinese
opened fire.
Debuchi was informed that Toxic
planned to send troops to replace
some of those now in Manchuria,
but he did not know the exact num-
Der. He believed the reinforcementS
would not exceed the Withdrawals.
The ambassador is understood to
have informed the state depart
ment that Japanese troops did not
intend to capture TSitsihar. The
city lies north of the Chinese East
ern railway and in the so-called
Soviet Russian zone of influence.
He made it plain, however, that
this policy might have to be
changed as a result of unforeseen
events.
Expect No Clash With Russia
japanese do not expect that Rus
STA will be drawn into the Man
churian quarrel. Debuchi is under
stood to have pointed out that Rus
STA had no trouble in the area oc-
cupied by Japan.
Reports to the state department
from Consul General Hanson at
Hardin said there was no evidence
that Soviet Russia was modifying
troops for use in Manchuria.
His report was made on the basis
of personal observation at TSitsihar,
on the border of the Russian zone
of influence in Manchuria, and on
information about conditions in
Hirlar and Manchuria stations near
the Russian border.