NEWS OF THE WEEK
SOME satisfaction will be felt that at length negotiations will take place in Tokyo to settle the Tientsin dispute as a " local incident." Unfortunately, it is clear that the local Japanese authorities, representing the Army in Tientsin, who will take part in the discussions at Tokyo, will continue to use the incident as a means to force their demands on Great Britain; they include suppression of " terrorist " activity in the Concession and British co-operation in strengthening the Japanese currency in China. Japan has indeed made con- cessions: British subjects will no longer be stripped naked and fresh food will be allowed into the Concession. Never- theless, the blockade, with its disastrous effects on commerce, will be continued; and there is no sign that Japan means to modify its attack on British rights and British trade in China. Though the tension at Tientsin has been relaxed, negotia- tions in these circumstances will do little to restore Great Britain's prestige; indeed, the attack on foreign trade is being extended to Foochow and Wenchow. The least Britain can demand at Tokyo is satisfaction for the indignities she has suffered and punishment of those responsible; nothing else can demonstrate that in fact Tokyo has established its political authority over the Army, which favours an open attack on the position of Great Britain.
