ENTIRE PACIFIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 93, 19 April 1940, Page 8

ENTIRE PACIFIC.

PEACE AND SECURITY.

Would Be "Prejudiced" By Change In Dutch Indies. MR. ROOSEVELT'S STATEMENT. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 10.20 a.m.) WASHIXGTOX. April IS. President Roosevelt at a Press conference, endorsing the statement made by Mr. Cordell Hall, Secretary of State, added: "A disturbance of the status quo of the Netherlands Indies would prejudice the peace and security of the entire Pacific area.*'

Mr. Hull in his announcement referred to the agreement between the I'nited States and Japan directed to the maintenance of the status quo in the region of the Pacific Ocean. "Any change in the status of the Netherlands Kast Indies would directly affect the Interests of many countries. The Indies are very important in international relationships in the whole of the Pacific. Ocean,"' lie added. '•They are also an important factor in the commerce «>f the whole world. They produce considerable portions of the world's supplies of essential commodities, such as rubber, tin. <|iiiniiie and copra. Many countries, including the United Stales, depend snbstantiallv upon tlteni for some of these commodities." Mr. Hull said America, was firmly resolved to respect the rights of the Netherlands and respect their insular possessions in the Pacific Ocean. A copy of Mr. Hull's statement is being handed to the Japanese Foreign Office. American Policy Hardening? Owing to the promptness with which Mr. Hull clarified the United States' position in the light of the Japanese Foreign Ministers statement of last Monday, it is Believed American policy toward the situation in the Pacific is hardening.

An eight-column streamer across the front page of the New York '"HeraldTribune" eays: "Mr. Hull Warns Japan Not to Take the Dutch East Indies." This indicates the importance placed on the statement. It is interpreted ae being intended to forestall developments that might precipitate an emergency. While both the United States and Japan have now declared for the maintenance of the status quo, their statements are pitched on different planes, which may prove significant. Mr. Arita declared for the status quo because of the close relations between the Indies and Japan. Mr. Hull spoke from the standpoint of international interests.

The gravity of the situation is indicated by the State Department's taking the nnusnal step of issuing a formal statement without awaiting official word from Tokyo as to whether Japan's intentions are honourable or acquisitive.