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

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FAR EAST SCENE

Statement By Mr. Eden In

Commons British omcial Wireless. Rec. 1.30 p.m. RUGBY, July 23. Although no definite news hasreached London to-day, there are indications—for example, the tone of the Japanese Press—which lend colour to the belief that events may develop fairly quickly in the Far East. His Majesty's Government, in conjunction with the Dominions, especially Australia, which has large forces at Singapore, is carefully watching the situation. One of the serious aspects of the problem may be connected with the "voluntary" cession by Vichy of strategic points which Japan may desire in Indo-China. The Japanese Government, it is felt, will be mainly actuated by a desire for what it hopes will be "quick returns."

Japanese policy m the Far East is the subject of a written reply by the Foreign Secretary. Mr. Anthony Eden, to a House of Commons question. Mr. Eden said the Government was aware of persistent reports to the effect that the Japanese Government intended to take action to obtain naval and air bases in southern Indo-China.

The reports, he declared, are more significant since they coincided with a Japanese Press campaign of innuendo against Britain in respect both of Indo-China and Thailand. He welcomed the opportunity, therefore, to state that the alleged designs of Britain in both those countries were entirely non-existent. As regards Indo-China, British relations had been much restricted since the collapse of France, though a limited amount of trade had continued.

As regards Thailand, British policy was governed by a treaty of non-aggression with that country. That treaty was not designed to obtain exclusive advantages, and it was not directed against any third party except in so far as such a third party might attempt to interfere with those excellent neighbourly relations, political, economic and other, which had always existed between Britain and Thailand. Training Jap. Youths Reuter reports that Japanese youths are to be instructed in the latest methods of warfare. Vice-Admiral Marquis Teruhisa Komatsu has been appointed commander of the Japanese fleet in central Chinese waters. He is a submarine expert. The Japanese Foreign Minister, Admiral Teijiro Toyoda, following customary procedure, will receive foreign diplomats on Friday. The Prime Minister, Prince Konoye, and Wang Ching-wei, head of the Nanking puppet Government, exchanged messages in which Prince Konoye asserted: "There is no change whatever in Japan's foreign policy, and in her fixed policy towards your country." He pledged increasing support for the Nanking regime.