a day ago
From The Hindu, June 20, 1975: Japan allays Soviet fears on pact with China
Tokyo, June 19: The statement issued two days ago by the official Soviet news agency, Tass, which in effect warned the Japanese Government against agreeing to China's demand for inclusion of an anti-hegemony clause in concluding the Sino-Japanese peace agreement has placed Japan on the horns of a dilemma. The Russian Government's statement asked Japan to 'give a proper rebuff to any actions of third States to create obstacles in the improvement of the Soviet-Japanese relations' which is interpreted by diplomatic observers as a clear warning to Japan of unfavourable consequences from Moscow, should the Miki Government acquiesce in China's adamant demand. Officially the Japanese Government has reacted rather coolly to the Soviet warning and Government spokesmen from Premier Miki downward have sought to give the impression that they are not unduly concerned over the Soviet statement. The Japanese Government's reply to the statement is expected to be conveyed to the Soviet Government in a few days and it is expected to point out 1) that Japan has worked consistently for promotion of the Soviet-Japanese friendship ever since the resumption of relations in 1956 and will continue to do so; 2) that the Soviet Union shall be fully aware of this and Japan finds it difficult to understand the reasons for the Soviet Government's statement.
