SIGNOR MUSSOLINI

Evening Star, Issue 21631, 29 January 1934, Page 9

SIGNOR MUSSOLINI

VIEWS ON JAPAN'S FAR EAST POLICY AMBASSADOR'S "FRIENDLY REPRESENTATIONS ", Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. ROME, January 28. (Received January 29, at 1 a.m.) The Japanese Ambassador dined with Signor Mussolini and made “ friendly representations ” regarding the puce’s article in the Hearst Press criticising the Japanese Far East policy. WHAT MUSSOLINI SAID MILAN, January 18. “ The future of Far Eastern civilisation, as well as the fate of the Pacific Ocean, depends largely upon the part which China will play in the course of the present century,” declares Signor Mussolini in an article in the ‘ Popolo d’ltalia.’ , Signor Mussolini characterises the Soviet Foreign Minister, M. Litvinoff’s, speech of December 29 as a warning signal, indicating the existing danger of war in the Par East, which is concerning not only Russia and Japan, but, directly or indirectly, China, the United States, England, France, Holland, and Italy. The Duce goes on to say that in closely examining the position of various Far Eastern countries one comes to the conclusion that Japan is passing through a period of Imperialist development. Japan is a fertile, sober nation, with strong martial virtues, and an unlimited capacity for making sacrifices. Her industrial equipment is nowhere inferior to that of other States. '

China has great possibilities for future development once she becomes united and puts an end to the oftrecurring civil strife. The Chinese undoubtedly make’ good soldiers. The significance of agreement reached between President Roosevelt and Litvinoff is rather moral than practical. It means-a warning to Japan, but does not mean that Russia and America will fight shoulder to shoulder if Japan should attack Russia or.proceed to further conquests in China. Japan is not bound to any international agreement, and consequently has a free hand alike for peace or war. The decision depends on Japan alone. There is no doubt we are contemplating a turn of events fraught with incalculable consequence's for the history of Asia.