CO-OPERATION WITH GERMANY

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 119, 13 February 1941, Page 8

CO-OPERATION WITH GERMANY

Possible Japanese Move In Spring

LONDON, February 11.

The tightening-up of the Rome-Berlin-Japanese Axis has not escaped attention in London, where some circles predict that Japan may soon be compelled to throw in her lot with the Axis and enter the war. Her action, it is thought, would probably be synchronized with a German offensive in the spring. Since tlie signing of the Tripartite Pact,\ Japan lias been drifting toward the Axis, and the Japanese Government now seems to be preparing the nation for some special event.

The armistice between French IndoChina and Thailand has been extended for two weeks from this morning. These talks are still going on in Tokio, and Japanese mediation in this dispute certainly suggests that she is hoping to obtain greater control in Indo-China, probably to secure air aud naval bases there which would be incompatible with British interests.

All Japan’s recent actions, it is believed, have been instigated by Germany, an'd there is a profound feeling of apprehension among sections of opinion not represented by those in power in Japan in the way the present situation is developing. Japan may feel that she ought lo start any offensive move she contemplates before we score any more victories. On the other hand, she might wait and keep on good terms with the winning side, for Britain is fully prepared to meet any situation that might develop in the Far East or in the Pacific. Recent events in the Mediterranean have no doubt reminded Japan that she might fin'd herself isolated from any Axis help and surrounded by powerful opponents.