TALKS WITH JAPAN

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23496, 26 November 1941, Page 7

TALKS WITH JAPAN

Less Optimism In Washington A.B.C.D. ENVOYS MEET (Received November 26, 12.30 a.xn.) (U.P.A.) NEW YORK, Nov. 25. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says that while optimism about conversations between Japan and America has not been abandoned, it is less in evidence in well-informed circles than on Saturday. He stated that it appeared increasingly likely that “a limited status quo agreement” with Japan was now being sought rather than a final solving of difficulties in the Far East. He also stated that there was hope that Japan would agree to withdraw her troops from Indo-China and eschew moves either southward or northward in return, for some loosening of the economic curbs which are virtually blockading her. . • The United Press of America states that the United States Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) conferred for two hours'with the envoys of the A.B.C.D. Powers as the talks between Japan and America entered a phase of uncertainty. Mr Hull had hot met the Japanese representatives since Saturday, and there is no indication when the conversations will be resumed. In contrast to their cheerful appearance on Saturday, the representatives of the A.B.C.D. Powers attending the conference last night emerged grim and silent. Lord Halifax, the British Ambassador, said he had nothing to add to what he said on Saturday, but replying to a question he said he stood on Saturday’s statement that he was always an optimist. The United States State Department announced that “the meeting was a continuation of the discussions previously held. One or more further meetings are contemplated.” Earlier in the day, Mr Hull, at a press conference, said the negotiations with Japan had so far been confined to talk rather than definite undertaking of any decisions. The Japanese Domei, News Agency says that the Japanese Foreign Office has, sent a new communication to Mr Kurusu, the special envoy in the United States, and a new development is expected very shortly. The agency gave a warning that optimism was not warranted, but said the Foreign Office regarded the message as urgent. An official spokesman in Chungking told the correspondent of the Associated Press of America that the Chinese Government expects the Japanese-American talks to fail, but it does not believe that war will follow immediately. He added that the A.B.C.D. powers were in perfect accord. China had been constantly informed of the conversations. The United States Navy Department has announced that the United States will shortly withdraw a number of gunboats from the Yangtze river. An influential Bangkok newspaper predicts that the Thai Government will shortly submit a bill to the Assembly of People’s Representatives mobilising the nation’s resources on a war footing.

DISPUTES IN INDUSTRY

Legislation Likely In America USE OF COMPULSORY ARBITRATION (Received November 25, 10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, November 25. The United Press of America says that Mr Roosevelt and leaders of the House of Representatives, at a meeting at the White House, reached a general understanding regarding proposed labour legislation, including authority by which the President can resolve disputes by compulsory arbitration if negotiations and conciliation fail. It is stated that a bill will be introduced next week. A general strike of 8500 machinists affiliated to the American Federation of Labour began at St. Louis on Monday, paralysing factories with millions of pounds worth of defence orders.

SINKING OF U.S. DESTROYER

100 OFFICERS AND' MEN LOST (Received November 25, 9 p.m.) WASHINGTON, November 24.The United States Navy has announced that a final check has disclosed that 100 officers and men died as a result of the sinking of the United States destroyer, Reuben James. Forty-five were rescued. The Reuben James was torpedoed and sunk off Iceland in October.

ABYSSINIA AND BRITAIN

DEFENCE AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED LONDON, November 24. An agreement betweert the Emperor of Abyssinia and the British Government is expected to be concluded shortly. It will provide for the British defence of Abyssinia. The grip is tightening on the last pocket of Italian resistance, at Gondar. Enemy positions south of the town are now under artillery fire, and the Italian stronghold is being bombed by aircraft of the Hoyal Air Force ahd the South African Air ForceSupplies for Jibuti.—The Vichy News Agency, quoting the newspaper “Paris Soir," says a French submarine has forced the British blockade and entered Jibuti harbour, carrying supplies.—London, Nov. 24.