WAR STRUCTURE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 260, 3 November 1941, Page 7

WAR STRUCTURE

JAPAN PREPARING Pacific Tension. Gradually Extending NEW YORK, Nov. 2. According to the Tokvo correspondent of the Mew York Times, Otto Tolischus, trie Domei news agency, in quotation marks and attributed to "well-informed observers" (a euphemism for official quarters) in substance said to-day that Japan is completing her war structure for an armed clash in the Pacific, "which now seems inevitable," and which can be averted only if the United States alleviates its economic pressure. Apparently the statement is designed to refute the supposed Washington Government viewpoint that Japan can be brought to her knees by economic pressure alone, without resort to war. This is underlined by the fact that the Japanese Foreign Minister, Air. Togo, has postponed his trip to a shrine to make the traditional report of his assumption of office to the gods.

The Domei statement says: "The tension in the Pacific is gradually increasing, in spite of all sincere efforts on the part of Japan. Such tension can be ascribed solely to the strengthening of the anti-Japanese encirclement. In the present international situation, which is characterised by the imminent fall of Moscow and the danger of American participation in the war because of the frequent sinkings of American ships, tne United States is making every effort to avoid a clash in the Pacific.

"It must be pointed out, however, that the United States Government vaingloriously assumes it can force Japan to abandon her national policv bv aggressive economic pressure without resorting to arms. Such an assumption is evidently based on under-estimation by America of Japan's national strength."

The Domei statement then reiterates the familiar contention that the co-prosperity expansion policy is essential "and immutable, and threatens that if the economic blockade continues Japan will be compelled, whatever the consequences, to seek sources of vital supplies as a measure of self-defence, even in the face of a situation where she must break through hostile encirclement.

The Domei agencv also reports plans for adapting Tokyo subways for air-raid shelters. A general programme of expansion of the underground railway network is being devised, including the lengthening of platformsSOVIET AND JAPS. AGREE Rec. 2 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 2. M. Lozovskv announced in Moscow that the mixed commission appointed to fix the frontier between Outer Mongolia and Manchukuo had completed its task and an agreement had been signed.