REACTION IN JAPAN

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 281, 22 August 1940, Page 10

REACTION IN JAPAN

American Defence Move U.S.-AUSTRALIA PACT FORECAST

Counter-Action Urged (Bv Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Received August 21, 9.55 p.m.) NEW YORK, August 20. Tlie Tokio correspondent of the Associated Press of America says the newspaper “Hochi Shimbun, commenting on the CanadianUnited States defence accord, as-

serted that it was the forerunner of a similar pact between the United States and Australia.

“It obliges Japan to be most watchful in view of the possible effect on the Pacific region,” the paper added. Other journals urged (lie establishment of Japan's new order in East Asia to offset future collaboration between the United States and the British Doni in ions. Another Tokio message says Dr. Minoru Malta, a widely-known lectuier and adviser, in an article in the “Asahi Shimbun,” said the Australian decision to accredit a Minister to Japan meant Australia’s abandonment of dependence on England. He said the appointment of Sir John Latham was clearly indicative of the Australian Government’s efforts to secure a rapprochement with Japan. Southward Policy. TOKIO, August 20.

After Cabinet talks, Ministers indicated that the Japanese Government is near to an important decision in regard to its southward policy, particularly regarding the Netherlands East Indies.

After a regular meeting of Cabinet three of tlie key members, Mr. Matsuoka. Lieut.-General Tojo, and ViceAdmiral Yoshida, discussed the problem, after which Mr. Matsuoka reported to the Premier, Prince Konoye. who then proceeded to consult the Throne. The American Association in .Shanghai, at an emergency meeting, decided to make a strong protest to Washington after receiving reports.that Washington had ordered Admiral Hart. Com-niander-in-Chief of the United States Naval Station in the Far East, to accept the new Japanese plan for the patrol of the British defence sector. It is disclosed that the Japanese first made a proposal that volunteers should take over the B sector instead of the Americans, to which Washington agreed and ordered Admiral Hart and Hie Consul. Mr. W. Peck, to abandon their stand for occupation of the sector by United States marines. Admiral Hart sailed for Tsingtao. Meanwhile companies of Scottish and Jewish civilian volunteers are being mobilized to take over the B sector. .» \ HUGE FIRES CAUSED Raids On Chungking CHUNGKING, August 20. Seventy-seven Japanese planes on three Hights raided the business area, causing the second huge fire 1000 metres long and 600 metres wide within 24 hours. The casualties were low, but 4000 people were left homeless. One Japanese plane was shot down, GENERAL EXODUS PLANNED Internees In Canadian Camp MONTREAL, August 20. The German who tunnelled his way to freedom from an internment camp is believed to have obtained wood for a 3ft. high tunnel from other workers. The careful construction of tlie tunnel suggests that a general exodus was planned while the guards were off duty or asleep above the prisoners as they crawled to freedom. The military authorities believe that the prisoners received help from outside. REPORTED SEIZURE OF . FINNISH SHIP (Received August 21, 7.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 21. The Berlin radio states that tlie British seized the Finnish ship Mathilda Thorden (3641 tons), which was laden with cargo for Petsamo.