NO GLOOMY VIEW

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 45, 17 November 1941, Page 7

NO GLOOMY VIEW

Sir John Latham On Pacific Prospects (Received November 16, 6.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, November 16. “Many people think war in the Pacific is inevitable, and though I recognize the danger of it I find myself'unable to share these gloomy apprehensions,” said the Australian Minister to Tokio, Sir John Latham, on his arrival at Sydney after nearly a year in the East. Sir John said the Japanese Government had tried to place the whole of Japan on a war basis, but there were many reasons why she should not engage on new warlike adventures at the present time. These reasons were appreciated by many prudent persons who had great influence in Japan. The increasing successes of Britain and her Allies have caused Japan to ask if she has not made a mistake in her pact with Germany and Italy. “Expressions of opinion in Japan, however, are strictly controlled,” Sir John said. “It is the patriotic duty of Japanese citizens to accept Government policy and criticism of foreign policy is limited. I believe there is a real 'chance of prudent counsels prevailing in Japan which will keep her out of a Pacific war.” Sir John said he had returned to Australia to discuss his impressions and eastern affairs generally.