Negotiations with Japan ?
Since Mr. Grew's outspoken and well-timed speech at Tokyo the Japanese Government seems to have become increasingly desirous to settle its differences, not only with America but also with Britain. It is especially anxious to obtain Chinese support for the new Government in China under Mr. Wang Ching-wei, and this is more likely to be forthcoming when Japan has composed her differences with the Western Powers. A report from Peking that orders have been issued by the Japanese authorities that the anti-British movement in that area is to cease is one of many indications that Japanese policy towards the democracies has changed. The Tokyo Press disbelieves the official denials of the Government's intentions to open conversations with Mr. Grew, the American Ambassador, and Sir Robert Craigie, the British Ambassador. These denials may be merely due to the fact that Great Britain shows no signs of weakening on the points on which she stood firm in the Tientsin dis- pute. On that it is believed that there is a sufficient basis for agreement to make settlement possible, provided there is the will to settle ; and in this respect the situation has changed for the better. Japan is suffering acutely from the prolongation of her war with China. The atmosphere is favourable for a resumption of the negotiations both on the particular issues of Tientsin and the more general questions.
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