RUSSIA OR JAPAN?

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 26, 31 January 1934, Page 7

RUSSIA OR JAPAN?

Nitrate Shipments for Secret

Destinations.

AMERICAN CONCERN.

WASHINGTON", January 30. The "Washington Post" says it understands that high Government officials are concerned over the sudden chartering by unidentified persons of about a dozen vessels to load nitrates in Chile for delivery to an unnamed port.

The nitrates are presumed to be bound for Russia or Japan for use in the manufacture of munitions. The "Post" adds: "There is only one explanation of the sudden chartering of so many vessels to load nitrates. That is, that both Japan and Russia are planning the intensive manufacture of munitions of war."

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. H. T. Rainey, yesterday received a delegation of anti-war advocates, who requested the defeat of the Naval Bill aud the curtailment of the appropriations for military reserves.

In replying, Mr. Rainey expressed the hope that there would be no war between Japan and Russia this spring. "But," he added, "the disbanding of our Army and Navy and the turning over of the Civilian Conservation Corps to civilian management would greatly encourage Japan in her moves toward Russia."

Mr. Rainey indicated that he would not defer consideration of the bill, which he expects will be passed at an early date.