NOTES ON THE WAR NEWS JAPAN MUST HELP IF AXIS HAS REVERSE TURNING POINT FACED AMERICANS TO LEAVE PEKING THAI TROOPS MASSED STRIKE IN SHANGHAI JAPANESE OFFENSIVE NINE KILLED RELATIONS BETWEEN SPAIN AND ITALY

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 91, 14 October 1940, Page 8

NOTES ON THE WAR NEWS

JAPAN MUST HELP

IF AXIS HAS REVERSE

TURNING POINT FACED

AMERICANS TO LEAVE PEKING

THAI TROOPS MASSED

STRIKE IN SHANGHAI

JAPANESE OFFENSIVE

NINE KILLED

RELATIONS BETWEEN SPAIN AND ITALY

COAL, POWER, AND OIL

PROBLEMS OF JAPAN

SUBSTITUTES SOUGHT

Two recent issues of the "Bulletin of the South Sea Association," a semiofficial Japanese publication, contain informative articles upon Japan's new problem of power shortage—Goal and hydro-electric power for iisdastry, and oil and substitute fuels "for transport. The bulletins state irankly that the problems are seriotis. Up *&U recent years Japan was slightly more than self-sufficient in coal, l&ut, about the time of the "Manchurian Incident" in 1931 a change began int the industrial picture, and mining coimpanies found the previous surpluses wiped out by the growth of heavy industry. Witfc the outbreak of the "China Incident," the demand for coal skyrocketed as the munitions and arma-1 men* industries rapidly expanded, and in I*3B the Government introduced a number of coal production plans. Though production had increased by threej or four million tons annually in the ijecent past, and coal imports had beem expanded concurrently, in 1939 the quantity of coal available could not meet the demands. Industries clanaoured for more and more coal, but pradWction and importation estimates we»*j. not fulfilled, "lowering" the amount of consumable coal for the year* far below the required quantity. Hydro^Power Problem. Om top of the coal shortage came an elepfcric r*ower shortage from a longxoistinued drought. "Fuel requirements in excess of estimated quantities' jumped as a consequence of the drought which (1939) crippled the generation of hydraulic power to as much as 60 per cent, at some plants in western Japan." Steam power plants from April to September ate up coal much in excess of estimates, and because of the abnormal conditions the domestic coal supply, October-March, was several million tons short of the required amount. & October the Japanese Government brought down Coal Sales Control Regulations to regulate distribution, ana at the same time ordered industries to reduce their fuel consumption by 10 to 37 per cent., according to their importance. Large consumers were reauired to obtain permission before purchasing coal. The control of production was also the subject of Government regulations. . Industrial activities, especially m January and February, were greatly curtailed by economic measures on pbwer consumption, states the bulletin "Coal stocks for the winter season dwindled alarmingly as hydroelectric generation failed to reach anywhere near the required kilowatts necessary to turn Japan's industrial machinery. High seas frequently disrupted ship schedules in v the autumn and held up the normal delivery of coal supplies. The lack of bottoms added to the difficulties of adequately supplying coal to power generation stations throughout the country. Cut Almost One-third. An ordinance on power regulation • imposed a 30 per cent, cut in.February but this was modified a little later to 20 per cent. Spring rains and thawing rivers eased the position and the power regulation ordinance was lifted in March. "The coal question, if but for a short time, appears solved," states the "Bulletin." Because of the "incident" (China) the number of experienced colliers has decreased and with the influx of inexperienced men efficiency has fallen off greatly. Fifteen thousand Koreans were added to the collier strength and it''was estimated that to increase production to meet demands it would be necessary to recruit 37,000 additional miners. Increased imports from Saghalien, Manchukuo, and North China, better distribution to industry, and subsidies upon production are other means decided upon by the Japanese Government, but it is noted that increase in the production of minerals requires a long preparation, and accelerated production is extremely difficult. Japan's Oil-Fuel Policy. Japan, states the second "Bulletin," has depended on foreign supplies for liquid fuel up to as much as 90 per cent, of the domestic demand. By the progress of the coal liquefaction industry, however, Japan has been steadily advancing towards self-suffi-ciency in liquid fuel. Not only is it extremely uneconomical to depend on ■imports for the supply of liquid fuel, but once imports are cut off the country would be greatly embarrassed. For .these reasons Japan has drafted various 'counter-measures with the object of .obtaining independence in liquid fueL Today substitutes form a vital link in the national fuel policy. No particulars of the production of oil from coal are given. It was made compulsory in 1938 to use a petrol-alcohol mixture except for special purposes, as for aircraft and various industrial processes: a 10 per cent, addition of alcohol was specified at the beginning of this year. The Government has eleven alcohol plants and there are several private plants, working with potatoes, cassava, and, in Formosa, with molasses; waste from paper pulp plants is being investigated as a possible source of alcohol. Alcohol costs much more than petroleum and is sold by the Government, which has a monopoly control, at below cost of production. Use of Gas Generators.

A Government subsidy is paid also upon the use of wood and charcoal gas generators for motor vehicles and engines for agricultural and industrial purposes. The number of cars running on generator gas is stated at more than a thousand in 1938 and a greatly increased number in 1939.

The use of natural and coal gas and of gas obtained from fermentation of waste in high pressure containers has been introduced during the past year. The bulletin mentions also the use of liquefied gases from artificial petroleum plants and experiments with acetylene gas, but its use in large quantities is considered difficult. Other experiments are being made with the use of a particular kind-of grass for making charcoal and briquettes and with the carbonisation of city refuse for the production of diet, charcoal.

PACT CELEBRATED

AN OPEN INVITATION

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright.) (Received October 14, noon.) TOKIO, October 13. The Foreign Minister, Mr. Matsuoka, at a mass meeting held in celebration of the Japan-Axis pact, said: "I think that Germany and Italy will win the war. However, in the event of the war turning unfavourably against them Japan must be prepared to assist them." Mr. Matsuoka said that Japan had concluded the alliance because Germany and Italy recognised Japan's guiding principle of 2600 years, that [of Hacho Ichiiu, meaning "the eight corners of the universe under one | roof." The Powers in the new alliance would welcome other Powers such as the United States should they desire to join in the spirit of Hacho Ichiiu.

"However," said Mr. Matsuoka, "we are firmly determined to eliminate any nation which obstructs Hacho Ichiiu. We want peace for China as soon as possible, but it must be an honourable peace."

PREMIER SPEAKS

MORE PRESS COMMENT

TOKIO, October 12

The Premier, Prince Konoye. in a speech at the opening of a national service association formed to establish a new national structure, reiterated that Japan was facing a great turning point, requiring the entire nation's co-operation.

The "Asahi Shimbun's" Batavia correspondent said the Japanese Commerce Minister, Mr. Kobayashi, in a speech asserted: "Japan is making the utmost efforts to establish self-suffici-ent and common prosperity in the Greater East Asia sphere through peaceful diplomatic measures. However, if any nation obstructs such diplomatic measures we will be compelled to take a firm stand." The "Yomiuri Shimbun" said the Railway Ministry's International Tourist Board has decided to abandon its long dependence on the United States and seek tourists from friendly Powers. It said that with German and Italian co-operation the board would undertake a world-wide publicity campaign, concentrating specially on the Near East, South America, and Asiatic countries.

LONDON, October 13. The complete evacuation of the wives and children of the United States Embassy guard at Peking is reported to have been ordered by the Navy Department in Washington.

INDO-CHINA BORDER

TOKIO, October 12

The "Nichi Nichi Shimbun" gives prominence to a correspondent's dispatch from Bangkok that Thailand has concentrated troops and aircraft m the Patinburi district on the . Indo-Chma frontier because of Indo-China's refusal to cede territory. The correspondent said Indo-China was concentrating its Asiatic fleet in the Bay of Siam, 25 miles from Thai territory.

WANG FOLLOWERS BLAMED

SHANGHAI, October 12,

A labour organisation favouring Mr. Wang Ching-wei's Government has succeeded, through kidnapping and terrorisation, in calling out all Chinese labour in the French Concession's public utility companies. The result is that buses and trams are again off the roads, while the water, electricity, and gas services are being run on a skeleton basis with temporary German and Russian refugees and volunteers.

The American Consul-General has sent official circulars to American residents in unessential positions advising them to evacuate at the first available opportunity.

(Received October 14, 11 a.m.)

SHANGHAI, October 13,

Japanese dispatches announce that the Japanese on Saturday launched a general offensive against 20 Chinese divisions along the border of Chekiang and Anhwei, west of Taihu Lake.

TRAIN SMASH NEAR LONDON

(Received October 14, 10 a.m.)

LONDON, October 13,

Nine people were killed and more than 50 were injured when an express train en route to London was derailed near London today after hitting a barrow which ran down a platform ramp and fell on to the track, where the engine collided with it and overturned. The driver and fireman were killed. A.R.P. officials helped the railway staff in the rescue work.

The engine buried its nose in the track. Several coaches were telescoped and rails were torn up and thrown through the windows.

MADRID, October 12,

Marshal de Bono handed to General Franco the collar of the Italian Order of the Annunciata conferred by King Victor.

General Franco replied: "In these moments when our Fascist comrades are renewing the traditions of Italian arms in African lands, I wish to express the entire solidarity of our people, whose feelings to your soldiers and to the Duce are of the most i enthusiastic nature."