PACIFIC TENSION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 247, 18 October 1941, Page 7

PACIFIC TENSION

JAPANESE FORCES Russia's Danger Seen By U-S. In New Crisis tJ-P.A. *nd Brilish Wirdess. Rec. 1 p.m. , LONDON, Oct. 17. Information available in London shows that the strength of the Japanese troops in Manchuria is probably half a million, having been doubled by gradual reinforcements since the German invasion of Russia. If Japan had to draw on Korea or Japan itself for additional troops it is probable that the maximum number capable of transport would be a further 500,000.

It is estimated that at the time of the German invasion Russia had an army of about 3,000,000 on the far eastern front.

The Washington correspondent of the New York Times says there is an apparent determination in official quarters to meet force with force if. as a result of the Tokyo crisis. Japan should move into Siberia, the Netherlands East Indies or Thailand. The United States Government is calm and determined. It is convinced that further economic or political manoeuvres to check Japan's expansionist programme would be futile.

It is reported in usually reliable official quarters that methods of meeting naval and militarv contingencies were discussed by President Roosevelt with the inner War Council to-day.

After a tour of the Far East a personal representative of President Roosevelt described the situation as "very dangerous."

The Tokyo newspaper Nichi Nichi has quoted Admiral Sakichi Takahashi as saying: "I admit that in numbers the Japanese Navy is unable to match a certain country's navy (obviously the United States). However, our navy has been training in order to overcome that superiority. No longer is it a question of numbers, but of morale and technique. Consequently the Japanese people may rest assured."

The Nichi Nichi further states: "Japan is resolved to break through the impasse with the United States, and the people are united in demonstrating their unflinching power."

President Roosevelt to-day conferred with General Marshall, Chief of Staff of the United States Army. Admiral Stark, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Mr. H. Hopkins, supervisor of the lease-or-lend programme. Strict secrecy is toeing maintained. The Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, told reporters that he was expressly prohibited from saying anything about the conference.