PACT WITH AXIS

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23446, 29 September 1941, Page 6

PACT WITH AXIS

♦ —— FIRST ANNIVERSARY • IN JAPAN NO CHANGE IN FOREIGN POLICY (Received September 28, 8.30 p.m.) TOKYO, September 27. Japan observed in subdued fashion the first anniversary of its adherence to the Axis, says the Tokyo correspondent of the Associated Press of America, The only official ceremony in Tokyo was at the Kyoritsu Auditorium, where a crowd of 5000 cheered the reading of a message from the former Foreign Minister, Mr Matsuoka, in which he said: “I firmly believe that Japan should proceed on her way, in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Tripartite Pact. “What we desire of Germany is that she should not lose her fighting strength against Britain on account of the war with Russia, which is of secondary importance at present,” said Mr Teiichf Muto, writing in “Hochi.” “It is highly desirable that Germany should bring the war with the Soviet to a close as soon as possible, and revert to warfare against Britain, which was the original object of the present European struggle. “Japan was taken completely by surprise when Germany made her pact with Russia, but decided that it was in line with the times. Japan was again surprised when Germany went to war with Russia. This war might be a prerequisite to the war against Britain. Nevertheless, Japan would be considerably encouraged if Germany and Russia made a separate peace when a certain stage of the campaign was reached.” ' ■ The Berlin correspondent of the “Nichi Nichi” says that the Japanese Ambassador, Lieutenant-General Hiroshi Oshima, in a message to the Japanese people, declared that the actual German capacity for carrying out war was so unimaginably great that it could not be rightly gauged without a personal survey on the spot. In view of these actualities the outcome of the present war must be clear, Japan, Germany, and Italy should further strengthen their co-operation, and strive for the attainment of their ideal. The spokesman of the Japanese Information Board said that Japan intended to co-operate with her Axis partners, this being an integral part °J Japan’s foreign policy. Japan intended to play an important part in the establishment of a new order in Asia. It was quite natural for Germany, Italy, and Japan to co-operate, because all three had the same aspirations. The Japanese press also urge loyalty to the Axis partners. The organ of the Japanese Foreign Office reminded Germany and Italy of how much they owed to Japan, and said that no doubt due recognition would be given. The “Yomiuri,” in a typical statement, says: "Japan, in coping with the predictable world conditions, should use the Tripartite Psct <is R shßip blade for pushing her policies.” The “Kokumin Shimbun” quotes an army spokesman, Colonel Mabuchi. as admitting that some Japanese anticipate that Japan’s policy will be shifted from the Tripartite Pact. “However, they arc greatly mistaken, he stated. “I think that Japan's sense of morality absolutely prohibits that. Actually. Japan would not gain anything by changing her policy.” MINISTER TO JAPAN RETURNING BRIEF DISCUSSIONS IN AUSTRALIA SYDNEY, September 27. The Minister for External Affairs (Sir Frederick Stewart) said that the Australian Minister to Japan (Sir John Latham) was returning for a brief consultation with the Prime Minister (Mr A. W. Faddcn) and himself. “There arc several matters of importance to discuss concerning relations between Australia and Japan. he added. , T Sir John Latham will leave Japan in the British evacuation ship, Anhui, which will sail from Yokohama. Almost all of the 1000 British subjects and 200 Indians in Japanese territory are expected to leave in the Anhui. They include 200 women.