MANY THEORIES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 167, 17 July 1941, Page 7

MANY THEORIES

JAPANESE MOVES British Opinion Against Blow At Russia British Official Wirtless. Rec. 11 a.m. RUGBY. July 16. th , at Japan win s °on seek to take advantage of the world situation in order to fulfil the double PnH P 2f e .£ f heI P ln S her Axis partners and at the same time obtain prizes herself grow in intensity. Varied suggestions of the directions in which rumour forecasts such a move might take place are held in some quarters indicate an endeavour on the part of the Japanese Government to test British and American reactions to each one of several possibilities. If such be the object of the attempted 'nerve war," the Japanese must be feeling considerable disappointment at the results.

Although the British and American Governments are carefully watching the situation and keeping each other informed, they are unlikely to satisfy Japanese curiosity. but strictly between themselves have discussed what steps should be taken in the event of a Japanese stroke materialising. Members of partnerships such as that existing between Japan and Germany are far more concerned with obtaining gains for themselves than for pursuing a cooperative effort, and this reason makes it unlikely that any Japanese movement will be made against Russia, however much such action would be welcomed by Hitler.

The fact of the Japanese-Soviet Neutrality Pact would not, of course, be any bar to a Japanese attack— repudiation is a common form in Axis circles. A more likely reason why a move in this direction may be discounted is that the Japanese Army would have heavy fighting to do for little advantage. Any attack on Russia by way of the maritime provinces and Siberia would be opposed by large and efficient Russian forces which, in spite of action in the west, are still untouched in the east.

In addition further military moves are unpopular among a certain section of the Japanese Government, which is extremely adverse to entrust generals with any more power which such an operation is bound, temporarily at least, to give them.

A more promising indication is that, any move decided upon would be in the southerly direction, where the Japanese Navy, hitherto more or less unemployed, could advantageously be used against Indo-China and Thailand, and where comparatively little resistance need be expected.

Occupation, either by "Vichy lease" or otherwise, of Indo-China ports would give Japan strategic bases which would be most useful should more ambitious action ever be contemplated.

Also, by movement in this direction she would gain what is dear to Axis hearts—loot. Eor southwards lie rubber, iron and other materials which Japan needs. The likelihood that should a Japanese Cabinet be able to arrive at any unanimous decision it would be to make the adventure southwards has received some support from the propaganda campaign against Indo-China now being conducted in the Japanese Press as well as the assiduous declarations that Britain is about to enter an alliance is an example.

The latter type of assertion is a well-known prelude to Axis "defence action," of which the declaration that Britain and Russia were about to enter an alliance, is an example.

FRENCH INDO CHINA

Contradictory Statement About Japanese Demands GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S DENIAL Rec. 11.30 a.m. LONDON. July 16. The Governor-General of French Indo-China, Admiral Decoux, has denied Japanese Press charges that Indo-China is failing to fulfil her agreements with Japan and is persecuting the pro-Japanese Annamite natives.

Admiral Decoux declared that Japanese demands had been received for further concessions and said that Indo-China will do nothing to trouble the situation in the Southern Pacific. Because of the geographical position Of Hongkong and Singapore. IndoChina will continue her trade relations with both, exchanging vital merchandise.

According to a later cable from Saigon, Admiral Decoux denies that he has received demands from the Japanese for further concessions.