STEP TOWARD WAR

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 280, 21 August 1940, Page 10

STEP TOWARD WAR

Japanese View Of U.S.Canadian Pact NEWSPAPER COMMENT (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyrigl.t.) (Received August 20, 11.55 p.m.) TOKIO, August 19. . The vernacular Press has generally interpreted the agreement byPresident Roosevelt and Mr. Mackenzie King as a further step by the United States toward participation in the European war. The ‘‘Asahi Shimbun” says the United States has already, stepped into the whirlpool of the European war. The "Hochi Shimbun” says President Roosevelt’s action is primarily aimed to protect the Aloni oe Doctrine; but can be interpreted as a scheme simultaneously intended to induce Canada to join the United States and apply pressure on Japan. CONTROL OF SHANGHAI SECTORS U.S.A. And Japan Negotiate LONDON, August 19. The commander of the United States naval forces in the Far East, Admiral Hart, issued a statement that the dispute between the American and Japanese military authorities in regard to the control of the British sectors in Shanghai is the subject of negotiation between Tokio am’ Washington. He pointed out that, pending the outcome of the negotiations, the United States marines had agreed to permit the Shanghai Volunteer Corps to take over duties in the B sector, which embraces Hie central district on the waterfront and the British area north of Soochow Creek. The Japan Bar Association passed' a resolution in Tokio urging the Government to take steps for the immediate occupation of Hie British sector in Shanghai. In Shanghai gunmen shot and seriously wounded Mr. Whang Han-uen, who is believed to be a high agent of the head of the puppet Government, Mr Wang Ching-wci. About 100 Japanese planes bombed Chungking, setting lire to the walled city. PROGRESS OF U.S. REFUGEE SHIP Nazi Radio Allegation LONDON, August 19. The United States refugee ship American Legion is reported to be steaming through the Arctic Ocean 500 miles from Petsamo. The Berlin radio last night referred to the ‘‘criminal folly of the voyage,” and added that the United States was providing Mr. Churchill witli a splendid opportunity for another torpedo similar to those which sank the Albania and the Helle. SEARCH FOR GENERAL ALMAZAN Mexican Action Against U.S. Steamer SAN FRANCISCO, August 19. The American freighter Herman Frasch (-1494 tons) lias sent the following message by radio to all United Slates naval and commercial stations: “Stopped and boarded at 3.20 p.m. G.M.T. by Mexican gunboat 70 miles north-west of Agapuleo and not allowed to proceed. Now being boarded by armed forces.” The message did not indicate the reasons for the hold-up, , (Received August 21, 12.20 a.m.) MEXICO CITY, August 20. It is confirmed from an unimpeachable source I bat the gunboat halted the Herman Frasch under special orders to apprehend Hie I’residental candidate, General Almazan, who was last reported to be in Havana. The informant said that the Herman Frasch was halted within Mexican territorial waters and also searched for arms. It is understood it was detained an hour and then allowed to proceed. The same source said it has been feared that General Almazan, who apparently was defeated in the recent election, might slip into the country and start a revolt.

A report from San D'ego says it is understood that the United States Stack has been ordered to Acapulco to investigate the stopping of the Herman Frasch.