TGKIO'S CONCERN

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 73, 23 September 1943, Page 7

TGKIO'S CONCERN

THE WAR OUTLOOK

FORCES TO BE INCREASED

Rec. 12.50 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 22. Flans to evacuate large cities are being prepared by the Japanese Government, said Berlin radio, quoting a message from Tokio. In view of the seriousness of the war situation, Japan has also decided to increase the size of her air force and to call up more men for the army. The commander of the Eleventh United States Air Force in Alaska, General Johnson, said today that Tokio is vow within reach of Allied bombers based on the Aleutians.

An official Japanese statement quoted by the German news agency referred to Japan's serious position at home and abroad, and then went on to make these main points: there is to .be a complete mobilisation of the whole Japanese people; military service is to be extended, and more women are to be put to work; the whole strength of the nation must be concentrated on the armament industry, and the Japanese air force in particular must be expanded and strengthened; all Government officers are to give up their weekend holiday; the air defences are to be tightened up, and preparations are to be made for the evacuation of Government buildings and industrial works, as well as certain sections of the population from Tokio and other important towns.