IN SWITZERLAND

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 51, 24 November 1941, Page 8

IN SWITZERLAND

Japanese Arrive From

Berlin EMBASSY MEMBERS Position In Washington Negotiations (Bv Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.! (Received November 23, 9.50 p.m.) NEW YORK, November 22. A message from Berne, Switzerland, says that many members of the Japanese Embassy in Berlin, not including the Ambassador, have arrived at Berne. The reason is not known. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says that a prospect that the conversations between America and Japan might meet with, a modicum of success loomed for the first time today. There are certain hopeful factors, but the conversations are too delicate for the participants to discuss them openly at the present time.

The main obstacle to the negotiations between the United States and Japan is the Japanese adherence to the Axis, which Mr. Hull has demanded that Japan renounce as one of the basic conditions, says the -Herald-Tribune’s Washington correspondent. So far the Japanese have shown no disposition to sever the Axis link. The “New York Times” correspondent in Tokio, Otto Tolischus, says the general impression there is that only a miracle can lead the negotiations to success. Nevertheless, even if they break down no immediate move is expected by either side at least till further developments in the European war. However, the “Hochi Shimbun says: “For five years we have waged a big war on the continent, and now, whether we like it or not, it will be a training ground for a great war of th? future.” Political Friction. The Press gives a bad note to the Diet session. Some papers call on the Government to hold a new general election to reflect the true will of the people. The "Nichi Niehl” says: “The gravity of the situation does not empower the Premier to evade it.” Simultaneously there is emerging a drive for a reconstruction of the political parties in place of imperial rule, Mr. Tolischus says.

Mr. Tolischus also reports that th? vice-president of the Imperial Rule Association, General Kisaburo Ando, in a speech, said that Japan must prepare herself to meet the situation in such a manner as to gain victory without waging war. The “Kokumiu Shimbun” says: “Japan might be forced to denounce the Russo-Japanese neutrality pact and take firm measures in the event of Russia continuing her quibbling and procrastinating tactics regarding the Japanese protest over the Kehi Mani sinking.” Japan’s Reply Given?IVASHINGTON, November 21. Japan’s reply to the United States four-point proposal for the settlement of Pacific problems is reported to have been communicated to Mr. Hull by Admiral Nomura, and Mr. Kurusu at an informal meeting at Mr. Hull’s home It is understood that Japan’s answer to the four-point programme whs neither acceptance nor rejection such as would have ended the negotiations, but an indication that she was willing to make some concessions. Although these concessions are a closely guarded secret, they are believed to include a pledge renouncing further aggression to north or south, and probably an offqr to withdraw portion of the Japanese troops in China.

Japan’s attitude to the Axis, however, is still undefined, while the question of commercial opportunity is probably one of the main points at variance.

Concluding the special session of the Diet in Tokio, the Prime Minister, General Eiki Tojo, said that Japan was determined to push on with het national policy. Backed up by the unshakeable determination of the people, as witnessed by this special session of the Diet, the Government was planning to redouble her efforts to cope with the unprecedented national crisis. Planes Over Thailand.

A message from Bangkok says that reports of the. violation of the Thai frontier by planes and troops from the direction of Indo-China appeared in the local Press today. French planes were mentioned as having been seen reconnoitring north-east of the Thai border.

Reports that the Japanese authorities want to use aerodromes in eastern Thailand as well as in Bangkok are believed in London to represent Japanese aspirations accurately. There has been no news of any direct Japanese demand upon the Thai Government.

United States marines stationed in Shanghai are to leave for Manila next Tuesday, and preparations are going ahead for lhe evacuation of British subjects from the port. The British Embassy in Shanghai announced today that a steamer is expected there on November 28 to pick up 1100 Britons who desire to leave China.