SOVIET POSITION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 303, 30 September 1940, Page 5

SOVIET POSITION.

HOPED FOR INCLUSION.

V APPROACH THROUGH BERLIN.

TOKIO, September 28. It is authoritatively stated that the Japanese are anxious for a rapprochement with Russia, similar to the Rus-sian-German pact, for which they are making overtures directly, and also through Germany. However, it depends on Moscow’s attitude, which at present cannot be determined in Tokio.

A Shanghai message states, that the Japanese Army’s newspaper “Tairiku” said the alliance was a factual reply to America’s loan to Chungking and the embargo on scrap metal. Should any one of the three signatories he challenged, the challenger will he dealt with by force. It adds that if the United States further assists China it will be considered a challenge and the alliance would become effective. .

A German spokesman said Italy, Germany and Japan had already decided on precise “spaces” in Europe, Asia, and Africa, where the word of each would be law.

Areas are also assigned to Russia, but it is not stated whether Russia was consulted in this connection.

It is pointed out .that tho three Powers would not be monopolistic rulers but “leaders” in their own areas.

The spokesman added that a joint announcement by Russia and Japan regarding future relations can be expected shortly. Press correspondents asked whether Russia’s supply of war materials to China clashed with the new pact. The spokesman replied that tlie transfer of American destroyers to Britain provides a parallel where the decisive point is what effect this supply might have.

Chungking • officials -said’ —that—"in spite of the alliance China was assured of continued -Russian- aid ■ against Japan. They said that regardless of the consequences, China was determined to continue the war.