SOVIET AND JAPAN

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 81, 30 December 1940, Page 8

SOVIET AND JAPAN

Evidence Of Friction LONDON, December 27. Evidence of friction between Russia and Japan is given by the publicity organs of the two countries. Tlie Japanese newspaper "Niclti Nielli Shimbun” complains that, though tlie new Japanese Ambassador in Moscow, Lieutenant-General Tatekawa, tried hard, he was unable to improve relations witli the Soviet. Simultaneously, the Moscow radio stated that anti-war feeling 'is spreading among the Japanese troops in China, and reported that, troops in the employ of the Wang Ching-wei regime had deserted lo Marshal Chiang Kaishek.

It also declares that recent assassinations of Japanese officers in Shanghai were the work of anti-war Japanese. A long article on Japanese conditions printed in Moscow newspaperS'described the instability of the new regime, the growing domestic and foreign difficulties, the worsening of the economic and food situation, and mounting discontent over the Ohjnese war. The article is one of a series, the widespread publication of which is causing alarm among the Japanese.

AWARDS BY KING (Britisli Ollicial Wireless.> (Received December 29. 7 pan.) RUGBY. December 28. Awards which are announced in the London Gazette include three George Crosses, four George Medals, and (wo British Empire Medals —one to a leno ing "Wren,” Miss Nina Marsh. For gallant and successful service in destroying the Italian cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni. two officers from H.M.A.S. Sydney gain the D. 5.0.. two the D.S.C., and six ratings the D.S.M. Four D.S.C.'s and six D.S.M.\s are awarded for courage ami continuous service with the Channel mobile httiioon barrage, two D.S.C.'s and six D.C.M.'s for good service in action against enemy raiders, and one D.S.M. for courage and devotion to duty in the first battle of Narvik.