The Practical Politics of the Far East

Abstract

There were signs by the end of April 1934 that the pursuit of accommodation with Japan might prove harder than Chamberlain had so far supposed. Although the stated Japanese desire for cordial relations had not lessened, evidence was emerging that lent credence to the reservations expressed by the Admiralty and the Foreign Office. However, despite growing awareness within the Cabinet of the difficulties, they tended to be overshadowed by European problems, and the need to formulate a programme that would contain Germany, maximise public support and not threaten economic recovery. In these circumstances, it was hard to relinquish the tempting goal of diplomatic insurance in the Far East.