FAR EAST MENACE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 77, 13 January 1936, Page 5

FAR EAST MENACE

SOVIET MILITARY BUDGET.

INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE.

JAPAN AND GERMANY SUSPECT.

United Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, January 11.

The “News - Chronicle” foresees grave developments between Russia and Japan. M. Molotov (President of the Soviet Union) declared amid applause at a meeting of the Soviet Central Executive that Japan and Germany were threatening Russia, and consequently an increased military budget was necessary. He added that the Soviet’s own forces would defend its frontiers. M. Molotov said that Russia’s relations with Britain had markedly improved, and he hoped this would continue. Herr Hitler, however 2 had never withdrawn his earlier anti-Russian threats, and consequently all his aggressive statements must still be regarded as valid in spite of the recent Russo-German trade agreement. Moreover, he said Germany was continuing its anti-Soyiet policy iji Poland, Finland, and tho Baltic States, while there were rumours of a military agreement between Germany and Japan. Meanwhile Japan was strengthening the Kwantung army and exerting stronger pressure in North China.

LONG FORTIFIED LINE. PROTECTION AGAINST JAPAN. LONDON, January 11. .The Riga correspondent of tho “Morning Post” says the Soviet fortifications on the 1500-mile front from Lake Baikal to Vladivostok are nearing completion. Details are kept secret, but they are known to include numerous forts, anti-aircraft bases, and underground barracks of reinforced concrete.

A. mile behind the first line is a second line, and between are numerous “tank traps” fitted with Sovietrinvented tank mines. There are also special sectors called' death traps where the enemy would be allowed to penetrate. Several auxiliary railways have already been built in the Baikal, Amur, and Vladivostok regions. Fortifications in the latter region extend two miles behind Vladivostok, while the Nilcolsk and Blagovyeshchcnsk stations are described by tho Soviet as “Verduns” of the Far East.