Evening star., 1934-04-30
Sir John Offers Memoran-
dunn by Hirota--ModlfIca'
ton of Stand Seen.
ASSURES OBSERVANCE
OF NINE-POWER TREATY
Japan Previously Received British
Refusal to Permit Her to Be
Sole Judge of Acts.

LONDON, April 80 P.-Sir John
Simon. foreign secretary, told the
House of Commons today that Japan
has fully accepted the policy of the
"open door" for all nations in China.
The foreign secretary's statement
was made before house packed with
members and spectators anxious to
hear the governments attitude on the
japanese hands China" doctrine,
unoficially stated April II.
Sir John said that Sir Francis
Lindley, British Ambassador in Toxic,
had pointed out to Koki Hirota, the
Japanese foreign minister, that the
principle of equal rights in China was
very explicitly guaranteed by the
nine-power treaty signed at Washing
ton in 1922, to which Japan was a
signatory.
Offers Hirota Statement.
The British Ambassador had ex-
planned that the British Government
must continue to enjoy all rights un-
der that treaty in common with other
signatories, the foreign secretary said.
He told his hearers that Japan has
Informed the British Government it
. has no intention of interfering with
"the common rights" of other pow
ers in China and has reaffirmed its
policy of the maintenance of the open
door.
He said Japan had given assurance
that she will observe the nine-power
treaty. (The treaty, signed by Japan
China, Great Britain, France, Holland
and other nations certifieS the right
of the signatorieS to carry on legiti-
mate business in China and guaran-
tees the integrity of that nation.)
Assumptions Coincide"
In his definite statement Sir John
said:
"Hirota assured Ambassador Lindley
that Japan would observe the provi-
isions of the nine-power treaty ano
that the assumptions of the japanese
government and the British govern
ment with regard to the treaty coin.
Cided"
Lindley explained to Hirota, Simon
said, that Japanese anxiety in regard
to China could not apply to Great
Britain, "since 1t was the aim of the
British policy to avoid dangers to the
peace and integrity of China"
The British communication to the
Japanese added, however, that Great
Britain could not admit the right oi
Japan alone to decide whether any
particular act constituted such dan
ger.
Will Let Matter Rest.
Sir John concluded his brief expla-
nation and then, in reply to supple
mentary question, declared that ir
view of the statement of the Japanese
foreign minister the British govern
inent was preparing to leave the mat
ter as it stood.
"Great Britain" he said, sis re-
solved to assist to the utmost possible
extent the principle of international
cooperation in the progress of China
toward peace and prosperity and the
maintenance of spirit of harmony
and good will in the Far East"
The Hirota memorandum was ex-
pected to placate adverse critics of the
earlier statement, interpreted" II
more conciliatory terms in the for
eign minister's note.
It still has not been explained how
the foreign Office spokesman happeno
to release the April II declaration fol
publication.
Threatened Positive Action.
That pronouncement fatty warned
other powers not to meddle in Chinese
affairs in any way which could be
interpreted as threatening the peace
/Continyad ~, Doon q Column Ql