U.S. AND BRITAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 200, 23 August 1940, Page 7

U.S. AND BRITAIN.

"PLOTS ,, IN PACIFIC.

Japan's Misapprehension Of Churchill Speech. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Reed. 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 22. The Tokyo newspaper "Kokumin," discussing Mr. Churchill's House of Commons speech, said the Japanese Government is watching BritishAmerican plots and will not permit any change in the Pacific status quo. A British official wireless message says the statement in Mr. Churchill's speech that "various agreements had been reached (with the United States) about certain smell islands in the Pacific, which had become important as air fuelling points," seems to have given rise to some misapprehension. In authoritative quarters it is believed the agreement referred to was that relating to Canton and Enderbury islands, reached in 1938. On August 11, 1938, a joint communique was made by the United States and Britain that they we,re going to "set up a regime for the use in common" of these islands. Joint Control of Islands. The arrangement was made for the purpose of international aviation and communications, and each party was to have equal facilities. Notes on details of the arrangement, which were exchanged by the two Governments on March 16, 1939, provided for joint American-British official control of the islands with a special ad hoc regime. Only civil transport companies incorporated in the United States and the Empire were to use the islands, and it was arranged that the United States should build an air base and the British Empire should have the use of it. All facilities publicly foreshadowed were, of course, civil. This arrangement was for 50 years, with the possibility of continuing it indefinitely. It is thought possible that these facilities may be extended to other uses should the occasion arise. A' subsequent cable message says official circles in London deny reports that Britain is seeking a military alliance with the United States. The talks between America and Canada are a prelude to full military accord.

SOUTH SEAS POLICY.

Powerful Japanese Combine Formed. COMBAT FOREIGN INTERESTS. (Reed. 10.30 a.m.) TOKYO, Aug. 22. Sixteen South Seas associations, comprising business interests, industrialists and research workers, have been organised into the "Japanese Federation of South Seas Association* , ? for the purpose of "close co-operation with the Government in the realisation of Japan's southward policy." Mr. Matsuoka, Foreign Minister, in a congratulatory message, declared that "o*ving to European Powers and America being greatly interested in South Seas regions with which Japan is greatly concerned, we must be fully prepared to meet difficulties arising from relations of these third Powers with the South Seas region." Prince Konoye, Prime Minister, also sent congratulations.

FURTHER TALKS.

Mr. Roosevelt Confers With Ministers. NO STATEMENT ISSUED. (Reed. 2 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Aug. 22. President Roosevelt conferred for 65 minutes with the Under-Secretary of State, Mr. Sunnier Welles, Colonel H. L. Stiraeon, War Secretary, Colonel 'O. V. Knox, Secretary for the Navy, and Mr. Robert H. Jackson, Solicitor-General. No statement was issued. A'message from St. Johns, Newfoundland, says that in an ofacial statement after the defence conferences between Canada and Newfoundland it was announced that a confederation of defences between the two had been completed. The statement stressed that the sovereignty of Newfoundland wae not involved. Observers believe United States 'defence interests were discussed. There is evidence that the islanders would welcome American soldier? and marines if they landed.