EXPANSION MOVE CONTINUES

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 259, 29 July 1941, Page 7

EXPANSION MOVE CONTINUES

Japan Masses Armies THREAT TO THAILAND REPORTED u (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) LONDON, July 28. In Tokio today the seal is to be fixed to the Franco-Japanese agreement under which Japanese troops are to occupy strategic positions in Indo-China. The agreement is to be ratified at an extraordinary session of the Japanese Privy Council presided over by the Emperor. In the- meantime reports continue to arrive of Japanese preparations which indicate plans for still further moves in the Far East. Chungking dispatches state that the Japanese armies in Manchuria and Korea are being increased to 17 divisions. Large forces are also being concentrated on the islands of Formosa and Hainan. The Japanese navy is reported to have mined the straits between Korea and Japan proper. Japan has demanded that Thailand shall join the “new order in East Asia,” according to a statement issued by the Chungking Board of Military Operations. The Japanese Domei news agency stated that measures “to counter British and American encirclement” have been considered by the Thai Government, and adds that an emergency meeting of the Thai Government ordered its air force to prepare for an emergency. British newspapers are warning Japan that Britain would be compelled to resist any Japanese attempt to occupy Thailand, as such an action would menace Singapore. There is no confirmation of this report of Japanese pressure on Thailand. Expansionist moves by Japan are foreshadowed, however, as soon as the occupation of Indo-China is complete. The Japanese Minister ,of Finance, Mr. Ogura, told the Press that the urgent thing for Japan to do as the result of the economic struggle with Britain and America was to forge ahead toward the establishment of a greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere. “It is imperative to perfect a wartime system at the earliest moment possible,” he said.

Tire clamping down of the BritishAmerican “long-distance blockade” on Japan’s war factories is regarded in London as a red light warning that any further aggression would mean war.

A report originating from London says that the United States Pacific fleet is on the high seas, but officially this cannot be confirmed. President Roosevelt’s order bringing the military and naval forces of the Philippines into a command of the armed forces of the United States and reports of the strengthening of the Singapore defences are regarded in the United States as an indication that Britain and the United States are prepared to fight, if necessary, to protect their interests in the Pacific. Authoritative quarters in London believe that Japanese aggression against Indo-China has been anticipated for so long that Anglo-American preparations have been amply taken. It is probable that no British or American ship will have to be withdrawn from the Atlantic or the Mediterranean. Other British programmes in Europe or Africa will also not have to be weakened in order fully to protect the Empire’s Pacific interests.

General Douglas MacArthur, who has been appointed commander of the United States armed forces in the Far East, today spoke of his country’s determination to defend its rights and interests. In a statement to the Press at Manila, he said, that the action of the American Government in establishing the new Far East Command could only mean that it intended to maintain, at any cost or effort, Its full rights in the Far East. It was quite evident that the determination of the United States was immutable and its will indomitable. To this end, both American and Filipino soldiers could be expected to give of their utmost. Japanese Occupation. Reports from Saigon tell how the Japanese are occupying strategic bases in Indo-China. The first moves are described in a Reuter dispatch which reports the arrival of Japanese bombers and army vehicles. This was apparently the advance guard of the Japanese occupying force, as other reports from Saigon say that Japanese army lorries filled with troops appeared iu the streets today. About a hundred members of the Japanese military mission in IndoChina are already quartered in Saigon’s principal hotels, while Japanese officers have been landed by air at other main ports and bases. The evacuation of Saigon airport will be completed by the French today to make way for the Japanese troops. The complete occupation of Saigon is expected by next. Thursday. It is reported that four Japanese destroyers are to be stationed at Saigon and a cruiser and three destroyers at Cam Ranh Bay. The London “Sunday Times” says: “Having deceived Italy with France, Germany now deceives France with Japan. Japan announces she is going into Indo-China to protect France from China. There has been no word of Germany protecting France from Japan. After all, there might be more to be got out of her Oriental accomplice now that she is at war with Russia. I'his is her idea of realism.”

Correspondents in the Far East speculate about Japan’s next move. An Associated Press message from Saigon says that Japan will station a powerful force within easy striking distance of Thailand. A few days ago a Japanese newspaper, referring to Thailand, said: “This country is in need of external protection.” The German radio announces that passenger and merchant ships are no longer to call at Hong Kong.

THREAT TO SIBERIA

Reported Japanese Moves

(Received July 28, 10.15 p.m.)

CHUNGKING, July 28.

The Military Council reported a series of warlike Japanese moves largely in the direction of Siberia. It said that vast quantities of arms and gasoline with technicians were being sent to Manchukuo and Korea, and there were heavy air force concentrations in Manchukuo and at bases east of Harbin.

MANOEUVRES IN JAVA

BATAVIA, July 27. Extensive A.R.P. exercises and Army manoeuvres covering the whole of west Java were begun today. The Java: Press reports that the Netherlands East Indies Second Army and Country Guards are growing steadily. It is estimated that the present strength of the reserve totals GOO brigades.