CLOSE ALLIANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 282, 29 November 1938, Page 9

CLOSE ALLIANCE.

Reported Pact Between Japan,

Italy and Germany.

MILITARY PROVISIONS

LONDON, November 28

After several months of negotiations to transform the Anti-Comniunirit pact into a close alliance of great military significance, the German-Italian-Japanese Alliance awaits signature, says the "Xews Chronicle."

All three Powers have officially endorsed the text, the main points of which provide that the members will assist diplomatically, politically and economically any one which an outside Power or. group of Powers threatens.

All three Powers will consult regarding the measures for assistance by the other two if one is attacked. No separate peace or armistice will be coneluded if two or three of the signatories are simultaneously engaged in war.

The duration of the alliance is ten years, and a further five years if it is not denounced.

Herr Hitler is ready to sign the treaty immediately. The Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, agrees in principle, but seeks a few months' delay.

The recent Italo-German and GermanJapanese cultural pacts are a prelude to close collaboration in direct military alliance.

A pact of similar character between Japan and Hungary will be signed ahortlv.