NOT A CHALLENGE

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 78, 28 September 1940, Page 12

NOT A CHALLENGE

JAPAN'S PART IN PACT

NOT ENTERING WAR

AXIS AND SPAIN

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright.) (Received September 28, 1.50 p.m.) LONDON, September 27. The Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr. Matsuoka, and the Foreign Office spokesman, Mr. Suma, both said that the alliance with Germany and Italy did not mean Japan's early entry into the European war. Mr. Matsuoka said: "Japan will not challenge any country. Although we will adhere to peaceful means as much as possible, there might arise a circumstance where we must make important decisions." Mr. Suma said: "We are not going to participate in the European war at this moment. This is a pact to end wars, not start them." The Rome correspondent of the British United Press says that the Italian authorities predict that the Axis Powers will shortly sign an agreement with Spain more militant than the Axis pact with Japan. This will be tantamount to bringing Spain into the war. Washington reports state that there are indications that the answer of the United States to the Berlin-Tokio alliance may take the form of increased aid to Britain, signs of which have multiplied during a series of important conferences. The British Ambassador, Lord Lothian, and Sir Walter Layton conferred first with the Secretary of State and then with the President. Mr. Roosevelt : subsequently conferred with the defence chiefs and the Secretary of the Treasury, who is the coordinator of the arms purchase plan between the United States and Britain. Later Cabinet met. Lord Lothian revealed that he had discussed the Pacific with Mr. Hull and that they had also considered problems relating to the establishment of United States bases and sites leased under the destroyer deal. Mr. Roosevelt received a delegation of-87 from all parts of the nation urging further immediate aid to Britain. The spokesman of the delegation stated later- "We were enthusiastically encouraged." .