JAPANESE WATCHING SINGAPORE MOVES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 3, 5 January 1938, Page 7

JAPANESE WATCHING SINGAPORE MOVES.

BIG MANOEUVRES.

Clash With Britain Seen

Sooner Or Later.

RELIANCE ON ITALIAN AID,

United Press Association. —Copyright.

(Received 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, January 4. Japanese naval authorities are reported to be keenly watching British moves at Singapore, says a Tokyo message. Such concentration as that contemplated for the February manoeuvres is likely to be construed into an open challenge.

A strong element in Tokyo regards a naval clash with Britain as coming sooner or later, and believes that with Italian aid there would be a considerable chance of Japan emerging successful.

Moderates, however, naturally want to avert such a battle royal, but need strong support by moderates, not only in Britain, but in the Dominions to reach a reciprocal and comprehensive, political and economic agreement.

An earlier Singapore message says the military authorities have now released details of the manoeuvres to be held in the Singapore area at the end of February.

Ten thousand troops are to participate, including Malay and Punjabi Regiments and a battalion from Hongkong. Three bombing squadrons—the 11th from Risalpur, the 27th from Kohat an«J the 84th from Saibah—are proceeding to Singapore to augment the local Royal Air Force and naval forces.

The aircraft-carrier Eagle will arrive on January 14. It is stated that the land batteries' 15in and 18in guns will go into action. It is understood that this is the first official admission that Singapore has 18in guns.

WHITE YOKE MUST GO.

Sensational Statements by

Jap. Minister.

VANISH FROM ASIA.

(Received 10.30 ajn.)

PARIS, January 4.

"The white yoke in Asia must go," is among sensational statements attributed to Admiral Suetsugu, Japanese Minister of the Interior, quoted in the Paris Press from the influential political review, "Kaizo," published in Tokvo.

Admiral Suetsugu, it is alleged, also said that mercantile interests of white nations must vanish. British aid to China must be stopped, even at the cost of a war.

"I refuse to believe that Americans will fight us if we attack Britain," he is reported to have stated. "Rapid realisation of liberation will naturally bring general conflagration, but whatever precautions we take the result will be the same, namely; general conflagration. Thus fate wills it."