AMBITIOUS JAPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXXI, 14 September 1940, Page 10

AMBITIOUS JAPS.

GREATER EAST ASIA.

"Will Crush All Obstacles In

Our Path."

United Press Association.—Copyright. (Reed. 2 p.m.) TOKYO, Sept. 13.

The Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr. Matsuoka, addressing the Japan Trade Association, said that the Greater East Asia programme was at present concentrated on the acquisition of materials and arranging sources of supply, to which Mr. Kobayashi's mission to the Dutch East Indies is related.

"In establishing a great East Asia and common prosperity in that sphere, it ie necessary to co-operate with countries having similar aspirations, and simultaneously crush all obstacles in our path," said the Minister.

"Japan, in order to cope with the present complex international situation, must put her house in order domestically, strengthen national defence, mature national power, and in accordance with the spirit of the Imperial way, let each Asiatic race fulfil its own ambition so that all Asiatic countries may enjoy and maintain the common Japanese prosperity."

Regarding trade, with countries not longing to the East Asiatic sphere, Mr. Matsuoka said that barter methods will be increased.

FRONT AND REAR.

ATTACK ON JAPANESE.

(Reed. 2 p.m.) CHUNGKING, Sept. 13.

The Chinese report that the French repulsed a mixed artillery and infantry brigade, crossing the Indo-Chinese frontier last Saturday. They add that while the French were repulsing the Japanese the Chinese attacked the Japanese from the rear.