THE FAR EAST

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 82, 7 April 1941, Page 6

THE FAR EAST

A CLOSE-UP VIEW

JOURNALIST'S VISIT

PEOPLE AGAINST WAR

(By Trans-Tasman Air Mail—From "The

Post's" Representative.)

SYDNEY, April 5,

How the Far East is reacting to current world events was outlined by Mr. S. C P. Turnbull. who has returned to Australia after a five months' tour as Australian Associated Press representative. Most people in Japan are neither proGerman nor pro-British, but are just "plain Japanese" who do not favour involvement in a European war, he said.

Mr. Turnbull went to Japan last November with the first Australian Minister to Tokio (Sir John Latham). He then visited Chungking, China's wartime capital, and later reported the arrival of A.I.F. troops in Malaya.

In Tokio Mr. Turnbull interviewed the Japanese Foreign Minister (Mr. Matsuoka). "The official Japanese point of view is that Japan entered the Tripartite Pact with a view to preventing the extension of the European war." Mr. Turnbull said. "Precisely how this was to be achieved is not clear. A large body of Japanese opinion questioned the wisdom of entering the pact. Presumably the events of the last two weeks have tended to strengthen that section. The position of the Prime Minister (Prince Konoye) and Mr Matsuoka is not particularly happy at present, as both must ultimately have the task of justifying to the Japanese people the adventure in China and Japan's participation in the Axis Pact." CHINA AND AUSTRALIA. Mr. Turnbull said he was told by Government officials at Chungking that China had approached the Australian Government for an exchange of Ministers. The Australian reply was that the matter would be favourably considered. "General opinion in China now seems to be that Canberra has pigeonholed China's request." Mr. Turnbull said. "Everywhere, Australia is regarded as one of the great Pacific democracies. She is on the crest of the wave in popularity, both politically and commercially. Many Far Eastern people think that we are not exploiting an excellent commercial opportunity."

Mr. Turnbull said the A.I.F. had won instant popularity in Malaya. Australian soldiers were being feted everywhere, particularly by the Chinese, who regard them as the most democratic Europeans in Malaya. "The A.I.F. boys are not concerned with Malaya's racial taboos, and have accepted people of all classes and creeds as they found them. One wealthy Chinese family living near an A.I.F. camp has a free house for all soldiers on leave. This is typical of .the reception being given A.I.F. troops in all parts of Malaya."