JAPAN'S OBJECT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 37, 14 February 1939, Page 7

JAPAN'S OBJECT.

HAINAN OCCUPATION.

Building Of Bases Would Change

Pacific Situation.

MENACE TO GREAT POWERS. Independent Cable Service. (Received 1 p.m.) HOXGKOXC. February 13. It is reported that the Japanese have conscripted civilians in Hainan Island for th.'- building of aerodromes and the dredging of the harbour at Hoihow to take bigger warships. They have forbidden anyone to quit the island, and patrols are machinegunning refugees attempting to reach ithe mainland.

The gravest concern is felt in Hongkong, where it is pointed out that a Japanese air base at Hainan would menace Hongkong. Manila and Singapore, while a submarine base would threaten all the trade routes east of Singapore.

Marshal Chiang Kai-shek declares that if the Japanese are permitted to hold the island and establish a naval and air base, it will be the turning point in the international situation in the Pacific.

A message, from Shanghai says the Japanese liombed Liim-how and Sian, important links in the munitions route from Russia.

JOINT ACTION.

Franco-British Notes Sent To

Japanese.

NO BEPLY RECEIVED. British Official Wireless. (Received 1.30 p.m.) RUGBY, February 13. Mr. Chamberlain was asked in the House of Commons if he was aware that the Japanese had landed on Hainan Island, and whether be would immediately consult with France with a view to joint protection of British and French interests.

Mr. R. A. Butler. Foreign UnderSecretary, who replied, said: "Yes. Viscount Halifax is already in touch with France on this matter."'

He added that no reply had vet been received from Japan to Britain's Xote regarding China.

MILITARY NECESSITY.

NO TERRITORIAL DESIGNB.

LONDON, February 13.

The Japanese Foreign Office to-day issued a statement that the Forei«ni Minister, Mr. Hachiro Arita, had assured the French Ambassador that Japan had no territorial designs in Hainan, and would occupy the island only so long as it was necessary from the military point of view.

The Paris newspaper "Le Temps" ! states that if the occupation is intended Ito be permanent France and Britain might find it necessary to revise their attitude to the Sum-Japanese conflict and the general situation in the Far East.

JAPANESE BUDGET.

ONE-THIRD FOR FORCES.

(Received 11 a.m.)

TOKYO, February 13.

The Army and Kavy account for onethird of the Budget expenditure of f210.000.000. was approved bv the Diet, also a special War Budget of £77,000,000.'