Evening star., 1948-12-12

government that 1t has no territorial
designs in China apply as well to
the islands as to the mainland. Ac-
cording to Craigie the Minister in
some instances in their intercourse
became very angry, inveighed
against the continual British de-
mands for renewed assurances, said
that under present war conditions
Japan had given all the assurances
that can reasonably be expected,
and asserted that If the warfare is
prolonged Japan may be forced to
occupy more territory whether in
sular or on the mainland. If the
warfare becomes permanent, said
Hirota, the occupation will also be
permanent. Referring specifically to
Hainan, Hirota said that the jap
anese could not possibly give a per-
manent pledge not to occupy.
Craigie pointed out that whereas
Hong Kong cannot be regarded as
threat to Japan the occupation of
these islands by japanese forces does
constitute a very real threat to Hong
Kong. The general tone Of this con-
versation appears to have been acri-
monious.
THREE. Craigie is aware that
there are large concentration of
japanese troops in Formosa (see
our 81, January 81, pm.) and of
Japanese ships in the Port of Takao
and he believes that an attack on
Canton or some other point in South
China is impending.
FOUR. Craigie's general reaction
to this conversation with Hirota is
that the longer the warfare is pro-
longed the greater will be the like
lihood of permanent occupation by
Japan not only Of the islands but Of
territory on the mainland. He be-
lleves that Japanese assurances of
mo territorial designs" are likely to
be withdrawn at short notice. These
prospects SO seriously concern Brit
ish interests that he contemplates
recommending or has already rec
commended to his government (a)
that continued support of Chang
kal-shek, whether by furnishing
war supplies and funds or other
wise, Is detrimental to British in
terests and (b) that the British gov.
ernment should be alert to foster
any outlook for peace negotiations
which might leave to China any
hope of eventual resurrection.
FIVE. Craigie is informed and
believes that it was the japanese
industrialists and politicians and
not the military who favored and
brought about the withdrawal of
recognition from the central GOV
eminent.
SIX. think that the nature Of
the conversation reported above in
dicates that our own practice of
concentrating our representa- tions to
the minister on important issues ,
and with discreet timing is likely
to prove more effective than the
British practice of constant ham
mering by almost daily notes, letters
and other communications with |
continual personal visits to the min
lister or the vice minister both on
and routine issues. The
British procedure appears to be
based on the theory that constant
hammering will wear away a stone,
but in the present temper of the
Japanese government and military
this practice is liable to defeat its
own object through the irritation
which it inevitably engenders.
clearly demonstrated In Craieie's
last interview with the minister.
The representations of the Ameri-
can Government are at least lis
tened TO with respect and an evi-
dent inclination on the part of the
foreign Office to meet our wishes so
far as the military can be Influenced
In that direction.
SEVEN. About two weeks ago
Craigie told me that he had heard
from a trustworthy source that
there was to be a change for the
better in the Japanese attitude
toward Great Britain and that press
and other agitation toward the
British was to be discontinued. I'll
lid not put much stock in Craigie,s
information. Since then General
Matsui in the interview which he
gave to Woodhead sharply criti-
,ized the British for trying to create
political issues out of the problem
If preserving British economic and
interests in China while
he japanese press has expressed
he conviction that it was Great
Britain which initiated the three
oower demarche with regard to ma
5al construction. The feeling in
Japan against the British is not in
,ur opinion altogether artificially
as Craigie believes it to be,
,ut flows from the conviction that
he British are constantly endeavor-
ng to establish a common front
against Japan in order to preserve
British political and economic in
erests in the Far East.
Repeated to Hankow.
Ambassador Joseph CDGrew.
MARCH 26, (ARTHUR BLISS
LANE, U. S. Minister at Belgrade,
a 1h1od.