OFFER REFUSED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 93, 21 April 1941, Page 8

OFFER REFUSED.

Russia Declined Invitation To Join Axis. SIGNED PACT WITH JAPAN. LONDON, April 20. The Soviet newspaper "Pravda" has disclosed that Russia refused an offer last November to join the Axis pact. It was theee representations which led to the renewal of negotiations between Russia and Japan. Russia refused to sign a non-aggression pact with Japan similar to that signed with Germany in 1939. J

The Japanese Foreign Minister," Mr. Matsuoka, upon his arrival in Manchukuo, denied a statement that only the Soviet would gain by the RussoJapanese agreement. He disclosed that the agreement was concluded in 10 minutes. The negotiations were conducted in a small room without any formality.

Tlic Minister spoke of his visits to Germany ancl Russia as a complete success, and said they had thrown new light on the tripartite pact.

Mr. Matsuoka said to the Pres«: "I hadn't expected at all the neutrality pact with the Soviet." He explained that although it was not originally included in itinerary, he paid a courtesy call on M. Stalin and M. Molotoff in order to thank them "for the warm entertainment accorded by the Soviet, and this led to the conclusion of the neutrality pact."

He said the aim of the trip was "successfully accomplished, on account of the fact that I discussed various matters with the German and Italian leaders, without reserve. As a result the tripartite pact was tightened up.

"To see for myself is worth all the hooks of travel, and I think I could well understand the present conditions of the Axis Powers."

Moscow has accused the Japanese Doinei news agency of spreading reports of tension on the border of Thailand and French Jndo-China. The agency alleged that Frentfh troops took advantage of the withdrawal of Thai troops and occupied certain positions.