ISLAND DISPUTE

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 258, 29 July 1939, Page 11

ISLAND DISPUTE

Japanese Naval Plan Against Soviet PRESTIGE GESTURE Major Developments Expected By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. LONDON, July 27. The Tokio correspondent of the “Dailv Telegraph” says that the new Japanese naval squadron, the forming of which was announced recently, is believed to be intended for the blockade of the Russian part of Sakhalin Island similar to the blockade of Tientsin. This is part of major developments which are expected as a result of Russia’s rejection of the Japanese protest over the Soviet’s alleged hampering of the working of the oil and coal' concessions. The dominant powers in Tokio feet the necessity for a large-scale demonstration in order to convince the public of their infallibility, which so far has not been proved by the AngloJapanese negotiations or the warfare in Manchukuo. . The Japanese navy spokesman sain that; the new squadron is being put on a war footing immediately, in readiness for emergencies, and also to assure Japan’s domination of Un.' Western Pacific, which is essential lor her construction of a new Asia. He added that negotiations with the Soviet are proceeding at present, but that the Japanese navy is determined to take the necessary measures to defend Japanese interests.