WISH FOR PEACE IN PACIFIC

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 175, 19 April 1940, Page 10

WISH FOR PEACE IN PACIFIC

Japanese Attitude EARLIER STATEMENT AMPLIFIED (Received April IS, 11.20 p.m.) TOKIO, April 18. Amplifying Mr. Arita s declaration, the Navy’s vice-spokesman, Commander Kanoc, said that Japan’s policy was based on noninvolvement in the European war, and the Navy was greatly concerned as any change in the situation of the Dutch East Indies would mean an extension of the war to that part of the world, to which the Navy very strongly objected. Directing attention to the American interest in Greenland, he said: "It quite natural that Japan is similarly concerned with the situation. Moreover, Japan's vital interests in lhe Dutch East Indies are incomparably greater than America’’.-', in Greenland. ■ He reiterated that Japan’s interests in the South Sea region, including Hie Dutch East Indies, were economic and without territorial designs, lie added that it was impossible Io tell what would happen next or what sudden development would confront Japan. For this reason it was deemed advisable to aiinouiiee her attitude in advance. An Admiralty spokesman said that development of the natural resources in the East Indies must be made by all means, but Japan had no territorial designs there.