THREAT TO THAILAND

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 42, 18 August 1941, Page 7

THREAT TO THAILAND

NO BRITISH CLAIMS

TOKIO PENETRATION

LONDON, Augast, 17,

The Thai Government has now officially denied reports that Britain has demanded control of a section of the railway line in Thailand and threatened to use force in the event of non-compliance.

An official communique issued in Bangkok said that there was no truth whatever in this foreign news report. The rumours have already been denied in London and by the British Minister in Bangkok and the British Commander-in-Chief in the Far East, Sir Robert BrookePopham.

Reports from Bangkok tonight say that Japanese are swarming into Thailand in ever-increasing numbers. One Bangkok journal published an article headed "Exit Europeans, Enter Japanese." The writer says that one sees the Japanese everywhere. Upper-class seats in Bangkok cinemas, which used to be occupied by Europeans, are now being taken by Japanese, who are also occupying many houses at rents which the Thais cannot afford.

Japanese shops" have been opened as Japanese Government concerns.

Reports from Tokio say that Japan has opened up new trade talks with the Netherlands East Indies in an effort to end the "freezing war." The Dpmei news agency says that the talks are making such smooth progress that the resumption of normal trade relations is expected next week.