TENSION IN FAR EAST

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21088, 13 February 1934, Page 9

TENSION IN FAR EAST

Soviet Allegations Against Japan STORY OF WAR PREPARATIONS (UKUEO PRESS ASSOCIATION— BY ELICTRIC TELXGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.) ( Received February 12, 5.5 p.m.) MOSCOW, February 11. "Japan is feverishly preparing for war," declared General Bluecher, Soviet commander in the Far East, addressing the communist party congress. "The policy of the Japanese Imperialists is not assuring that we shall not be drawn into military complications, in spite of all our strivings to avoid them." He described in detail the Japanese preparations. First he mentioned her tremendous strategical railway construction. Japan had built in two years 625 miles of railways in Manchuria leading toward the Soviet frontiers. No more than <>s per cent, were economically expedient. Second, he said, 1375 miles ot roadway leading either to the Soviet frontier area or in directions most advantageous to future strategical development had been formed irom Mukden, Harbin, and Tsitsikhar. "I know definitelv that since the occupation of Manchuria the Japanese army there has been increased from 10,000 to 130,000 men, which is more than a third of the entire Japanese army," he said. "In addition, there are 115.000 Manchukuo troops and 12,000 Japanese-trained White Russians. "The Japanese War Minister complains that the Soviet has concentrated 300 aeroplanes in the Far East, but modestly fails to mention Japan's 500 aeroplanes in Manchuria. Nevertheless, if necessary the Soviet will concentrate sufficient aeroplanes to outnumber the Japanese, whose Imperialists are undoubtedly preparing for war against the Soviet.

"We do sot intend to attack, but we arc forced to prepare countermeasures, including fortification of our frontiers, an army reinforced by the best cadres from the standard of quality and quantity, and tanks and aircraft sufficiently superior to ensure a Soviet victory.'' General Bluecher assured the congress that if Japan struck, the Red Army would answer with such a blow that it would make the strongholds of capitalism crumble and crack. MILITARY DISPLAY IN MOSCOW TANKS AND MECHANISED ARTILLERY MOSCOW, February 11. The most striking feature of a military parade in honour of the communist party congress was a display of 500 tanks and of mechanised artillery. M. Voroshilov, Commisar for War and Marine, declared that Soviet troops were ready to meet any disturber.