JAPANESE EXTENSION

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 13236, 11 January 1941, Page 3

JAPANESE EXTENSION

SOUTH SEAS STATEMENT BY ADMIRAL BARON OSUMI Tokyo, Jan. 9. Admiral Baron Osumi senior naval member of the Supreme War Council interviewed by the “Asahi” newspaper, urged his countrymen to acquire a good knowledge of the South Seas region “preparatory to an expansion in that direction.” “The Pacific,” he said, “may prove a misnomer. I know for certain that the future will see an aggravation of the-situation. Japan has got to expand in some direction, and it is the common desire of humanity to expand in the direction of heat and light. “I have yet to hear of a great task performed easily. People- adhering to the old order or acting contrary to their preachment that God is benevolent to all are sure to put obstacles in the way of Japan. Admiral Bardu Osumi

“There is not the slightest intention by Japan to exploit the South Seas, but they have prevented an understanding of Japan’s intention. They are purchasing warships and planes, which I am afraid won’t be of any great help in trouble with us.”

“Would Strike Teri’or”

When asked to define the “South Seas,” Admiral Osumi said: “The region includes countries whose mention by name would strike terror into the hearts of some people. There is no thought of conniving at outrage and intolerance much longer.” Much significance is attached to the statement of Admiral Osumi, who is a former Navy Minister and delegate to the League of Nations. Hitherto the navy’s views had not been made plain, but Admiral Osumi’s statement exceeds in frankness the recent utterances of Prince- Konoye. the Prime Minister, and Mr Matsuoka, the Foreign Minister. It coincides with the bitter criticism in all sections of the Press of President Roosevelt’s policy. The Government is calling a fourday conference, beginning on January 14, with Diet leaders, representatives of financial interests and the Press, because “it goes without saying that a fuller measure of co-op-eration' with the Government is necessary in order to cope w.ith the situation, so as to make possible the hope for phenomenal development in our national destiny.” “Last Screw Turned” From Washington it is reported that diplomatic circles are of the opinion that the situation in the Far East is “balancing on a knifeedge.” It is felt that the last screw of indirect pressure against Japan has been turned on by the United States and that further clarification of the situation should be awaited. While the United States does not fear a declaration of war by Japan it Avould defeat her own purpose to provoke one. Both the State Department and British diplomatic establishments think Japan is at present in a highly excitable state of mind and woud most likely regard as provocation any further move by the United States.