"BETTER UNDERSTANDING"

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 39, 15 February 1941, Page 12

"BETTER UNDERSTANDING"

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.)

(Received February 15, noon.)

WASHINGTON, February 14.

When the new Japanese Ambassador, Admiral Nomura, presented his credentials, President Roosevelt told him: "There are developments in the relations between the United States and Japan which cause concern," in reply to which Admiral Nomura pledged himself to do all in his power to bring about a better understanding.

Senator Wiley has asked the Senate to summon the Secretary of State, Mr. Hull, to an extraordinary close session to give a confidential report on the situation in the Far East. Senator Wiley said he believed that there would be so much dynamite in the world situation in the next few days that his suggestion should gain approval. He said he wanted to know "whether the Tripartite Pact Powers are engaged in another war of nerves or whether a synchronised and co-ordinated movement is in progress whereby Hitler will open a spring offensive and Japan will move against British and, perhaps, also American interests."

The Saigon correspondent of the Associated Press reports that Japanese newspaper correspondents declared that Japanese warships are patrolling the Indo-China coast as far as Bangkok as a precaution against possible developments in these waters. Japan is expecting Germany to attempt to invade Britain, whereupon Japan will move against British and American interests in the East, and also against the Dutch East Indies, first attacking Singapore.

Admiral Nomura, addressing President Roosevelt, said: "Recent developments in relations between Japan and America have unfortunately been such as to cause considerable concern on both sides of the ocean. It is more than ever necessary to bring about a better understanding of each other's position in order to secure the interests and well-being of our countries, thereby preserving peace in the Pacific and maintaining the traditional friendship.

"I am resolved to do all possible to meet this end. I hope that my endeavours will merit your confidence and be accorded the high privilege of your co-operation." President Roosevelt agreed that developments had caused concern, and added: "I welcome your assurance of your efforts to secure a better understanding. You may be sure that I and other officials' are ready at all times to facilitate in every appropriate and practicable way your duties."