JAPAN’S POLICY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 89, 25 January 1943, Page 3

JAPAN’S POLICY.

RELATION TO AXIS PARTNERS.

EFFECT ON HITLER'S PLANS. (Special Correspondent, N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 24. “Germany is looking to Japan foi help,” remarks “The Observer” in an article, “Can Japan save Germans. The paper states that it sometimes suggested that the Japanese 'do not care too much for their European partners, and adds: “That false conclusion is drawn from correct premises. Japan’s policy will be not to do anything which might go against her own interests. She will therefore not embark on any venture merely to satisfy the demands, of her Allies. On the other hand, Japanese interests dictate very definitely that the two naval powers and one land power which can challenge her hegemony in Asia shall not be triumphant in Europe. To that extent therefore she is vitally interested in a German victory and will go to great lengths to prevent a German defeat. While doing so the Japanese policy pursues its own ends and pattern. This policy is; now becoming recognisable.” . “The Observer” points out that Japan has not increased her army in any appreciable form since the attack on Pear Harbour. There have been numerous reports that the army is engaged in industrial, agricultural and roadbuilding work in Japanese-occupied territories.

“Everything points to the single fact that the Japanese are utilising the pause in the fighting to mobilise the greatest possible amount of industrial strength,” says the paper. “For the next six months it will be the main object of the Axis to prevent the United Nations from concentrating shipping which would enable the building up of a great Allied striking force for an assault in Europe. Hitler’s urgent need is to create a second front against our shipping while U-boats maintain damaging onslaughts. His one great hope is Japan. It is evident that the Allies have given priority—rightly—to the European theatre of war. Such forces as are in the Pacific are maintained on the basis of strict economy of force. Only a major attack, either against Australia or India could lead to an alteration in the present distribution of Allied shipping and armed forces. Germany must tide over the next critical eight months. She needs time. Her hopes, are staked on Tunisia and Japan. These alone can delay a great concentrated effort by the United Nations on the offensive.”