Vichy Accepts Japan's Demands

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 173, 24 July 1941, Page 7

Vichy Accepts Japan's Demands

INDO-CHINA BASES

fear of British and Chinese Massed Troops the Excuse

(United Press Association.—Copyright.— Rec. I pm) LONDON, July 23. The Japanese demands for the use of facilities in southern Indo-China have been accepted by the Vichy Government. The Vichy spokesman said that France saw no objection to Japan temporarily occupying military bases in Indo-China provided there is no threat to the colony's integrity and' French sovereignty. Japan has not made territorial demands, he saidshe merely wanted to protect Indo-China. Chinese troop concentrations in Yunnan and British troops and aircraft in Burma and Malaya had caused France and Japan to fear an attempt to occupy Indo-China. the spokesman said. France alone was unable to defend' the colony. A questioner remarked: We thought France was pledged to defend the Empire without foreign help. The spokesman replied: Events in Syria obliged us to make an exception. Why America Was Not Asked For Help Asked why France had not invited United States help to defend Indo-China instead of the Japanese, the spokesman said: "We asked the United States last year what help she would give us in Indo-China, but got nothing from Washington." The spokesman denied that Germany had intervened at Vichy on behalf of Japan, and added: "Japan's intervention comes within last year's agreement recognising Japan's predominant position in the Far East, also her responsibility for maintaining peace in Asia Negotiations are proceeding at Hanoi regarding the details of the proposed Japanese occupation of Indo-Chinese naval and air bases. The spokesman insisted that the occupation was not permanent.