AMERICA AND JAPAN

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23417, 26 August 1941, Page 8

AMERICA AND JAPAN

Hopes of Alleviation

Of Tension

CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON

(Received August 25, 11.30 p.m.)

(U.P.A.) LONDON, August 25. The Tokyo correspondent of the “New York Times” says the newspapers in Tokyo have concentrated cn the conference between the. Japanese Ambassador in ' Washington (Admiral Nomura) and the United States Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull). The conference has aroused faint hopes of an alleviation of the tension. There are various hints that both sides may be seeking to work out a formula to prevent aggravation of the situation. .The "New York Herald-Tribune’s” Tokyo correspondent says the first criticism of Prince Konoye’s new administration is published in the newspaper "Hochi Hochi.” It mentions wavering and unstable leadership and questions the ability of the administration to secure united national support. .The “Hochi Hochi” declares; “Japan must unswervingly adhere to her expansionist policy, but she will be defeated unless she has a leader able to command unity.” ""

A home defence official. Colonel Nambu, warned the Tokyo public to be calm in the face of rumours that the city is likely to be bombed. “We must be prepared for raids," he said, “but they will not be frightful.” A broadcast from Penang in the Thai language asked why the Japanese Government did not come out into the open, and declare plainly that it would keep • its hands off .Thailand. The Thai newspapers have taken up the same question, asking Japan to follow the example of Britain in saying that she has no demands on Thailand.

,The Thai Foreign Minister said that Thailand wished to maintain friendly relations with all countries, but that depended on her integrity and nationality not being threatened. No outward changes have occurred In, Thailand, but the tension continues under the surface. The Thai GovernJhent, while clinging to neutrality, is warning the people to prepare for the worst.;

WARNING TO

JAPAN

MR CHURCHILL’S

STATEMENT

COMMENT IN UNITED STATES

(Received. August 25, 11.15 p.Jn.)

(U;P.A.) WASHINGTON, August 25. The United Press of America says administration supporters applauded Mr Churchill’s speech, particularly the warning - to japan, but Senator B. K. iWheeler, who is one of the leading isolationists,' claimed that it was designed to frighten- the - United States into the idea, “that wq have Jo, ge,t into the war now of “else Hitler Will get us.’’ Unofficial .sources interpreted Mr Churchill’s pledge that Great ~Brttain will stand at the side of the United States in the event of trouble in the Pacific as. one of , the most sweeping British commitments to America’s Far East policy. Senator wheeler, referring* to this pledge,'said: “We do not ne#i help.'from Britain or anybody elsa We are able to take care of ourselves.” Thg chalrman of the Foreign' Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives (Mr Sol Bloom) said Mr Churchill had given new hope to the conquered nations and enslaved peoples. .“Surely hone ban now doubt the real purpose of the 1 principles in the eight points of the charter conceived by Mr Roosevelt and Mr Churchill.” he said.