JAPAN CONSIDERING PACT WITH RUSSIA?

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 214, 11 September 1939, Page 7

JAPAN CONSIDERING PACT WITH RUSSIA?

PREMIER SPEAKS.

Readjust Relations With

Other Powers.

MAY RESUME BRITISH TALKS. United Tress Association.—Copyright. (Received 10.30 a.m.) TOKYO, September 10. Referring to a suggested RussoJapanese non-aggression pact, which he said Japan was considering, General Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, said: "Ilerr von Ribbentrop distinguishes the Comintern from the Russian Government and emphasises the possibility of distinguishing a non-aggression pact from the spirit of the anti-Comintern pact.

"Such remarks are questionable and run counter to Japan's intention. She must consider the matter from the standpoint of her national character. The same can be said about rumours of a Japanese pact with Britain." Emphasising that JajHtn would not intervene in the European war the Prime Minister declared that there might i;i the future be some sort of readjustment of diplomatic relations with Russia, the United States, Britain and France. "Japan will not hesitate to talk with any foreign nation seeking with just means to readjust their relations with her," he said. "It would be a mistake to think that the outbreak of a European war provides Japan with a chance to settle the China affair easily." General Abe urged the nation to be prepared for economic and diplomatic difficulties as a result >i the European situation becoming more complicated and warned them against the belief that Japan might be able to force the Western Powers to ret real from the Far East because of the European War.

"A European war has broken out as a result of miscalculation by Hitler. He might follow Bismarck's example and withdraw troops from Poland conditionally on Danzig returning to the Reich. Japan will not hesitate t> resume talks with Britain, provided that Britain breaks the deadlock by showing sincerity."