PACIFIC TENSION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 7, 20 October 1941, Page 5

PACIFIC TENSION

CHANGES IN JAPANESE CABINET. QUESTION OF FURTHER STEPS. TOKIO GIVES NO INDICATION. United Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 11.15 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 19. The London newspapers reflect the heightening tension in the Pacific caused by the change of Cabinet in Japan, hut though critical moves in Japanese-Russinn and Japanese-Ameri-can relations are forecast, Tokio has not yet given any indication whether the change indicates a resolve to take a decisive step. The press expects that whatever happens, any further encroachment by Japan on their interests in the Far East would be met by the firm resistance of Britain and America, and therefore the gravity of tiie moment is fully recognised.—British Official Wireless.

SHIPPING IN PACIFIC.

UNITED STATES PRECAUTIONS.

REGULATION OF SAILINGS.

LONDON, October 19

A. San Francisco message says that the United States Customs Department has announced that American ships must get the Navy’s approval for sailings until further notice. The order virtually places shipping on the west coast of the United States under naval supervision.

Pan-American Airways last night postponed the departure of clippers on the western sendees for 24 hours.

According to a Washington message it is indicated there that all United States merchant ships have been ordered out of Japanese and Chinese waters. The number of ships affected is said to be small. It is reported in San Francisco that all American ships bound for the Far East have been ordered to return to Honolulu.

The United States Navy Department announced yesterday that a few United States merchant vessels had been ordered to put into port for instructions. The Associated Press of America says it is understood that ships on the New Zealand and Australian run which ply south and oast of Oriental waters are not included, among those ordered into port.

Admiral Nomura, Japanese Ambassador to Washington, had a long' conference with the United States Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) and the Under-Secretary of State (Mr Sumner Welles). Some officials believe that he said the new Government was willing to continue the negotiations with the United States.

It is learned that Mr K. Wakasugi, Japanese Consul-General in New York, has conveyed to Mr Sumner Welles Japan’s desire to continue the peace talks. Observers say that the overtures were received with some scepticism.

Observers in Washington believe that Japan’s new Cabinet line-up means that the country has been saved from the extremists. Mr Togo’s appointment as Foreign Minister is regarded as a set-back for Axis sympathisers, because Mr Togo was recalled from Moscow. where he was Ambassador, when Mr Matsuoka was attempting to swing Japan to the Axis. Thus, his return to influence is considered a further, repudiation of Mr Matsuoka’s pro-Axis policies. Mr Togo has lately been acting as unofficial advisor to the Japanese Foreign Office, and his policies have boon contrary to Axis tendencies.

DEFENCE OF AUSTRALIA. MR CURTIN ISSUES WARNING. ALL PREPARATIONS MADE. CANBERRA, October 19. A warning that the war threatened to come to the very doors of Australia was given by the Prime Minister of Australia (Mr J. Curtin). “All preliminary measures for. the defence oi the Commonwealth and its territories have been .taken by tho services,” he said.

“The Navy is at its highest pitch of efficiency. The home defence Army is well trained and its equipment has been greatly improved. The strength of the Air Force has been largely increased, both with home defence squadrons and training resources of tho Empire scheme. Its equipment has also been much improved.

“Tho Government, since assuming office, has made a broad review oi the situation with Sir Robert BrookcPopliam, Connnandor-in-Cliief in the Far East. We have made several important decisions in co-operation with other democratic Powers in the Pacific, reflecting an extraordinary advance on what might have been considered possible a year ago. There is now the closest co-liesion among these democratic Powers.

“If the conflict spreads to the Pacific the Australian people will take an entirely realistic view regarding the defence of their vital interests. She is not a party to any policy of encirclement. and never has been, nor will she be guilty of any act of aggrossi >n that might lead to a breach < f that peace. Nevertheless, if nee'' be, she is fully resolved to defend herself to the utmost of her capacity.”