JAPAN’S NEXT MOVE

Evening Star, Issue 23833, 13 March 1941, Page 9

JAPAN’S NEXT MOVE

FOREIGN MINISTER'S VISIT TO AXIS PARTNERS SPECULATIONS AS TO REASON Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 11. The Tokio correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says: “ The journey of the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr Matsuoka, to Berlin, Rome, and Moscow is an evil omen for the democracies in the opinion of anti-Axis circles, who claim that suggestions that it is only a fact-finding expedition are not consistent with the fact that the liaison conference of the Japanese Cabinet and the High Command has met four times. Such protracted deliberations by the highest executive authorities in Japan would not bo necessary if the journey were only a gesture. “ Mr Mntsuoka has disavowed his intention of mediating in Europe, but sources close to him know ho is profoundly impressed with a sense of the disaster that may befall civilisation Jf war continues till Europe’s leading nations arc bled white. “ Meanwhile, by visiting Europe on the eve of Germany's expected spring offensive Mr Matsuoka is marking his sympathy with the Axis. Some observers believe the gesture is all Japan will do till it is clear whether Hitler can expect a quick and decisive victory, or whether the war will drag on.” PURPOSE OF THE TOUR TO STRENGTHEN AXIS GO-OPERATION TOKIO, March 12. (Received March 13, at 10 a.m.) A Domei News Agency broadcast quoted Mr Matsuoka, before his departure for Berlin and Rome, as saying that he was going to explain the real significance of Japan’s foreign policy and tighten Axis co-operation with the aim of making substantial contributions towards the construction of lasting peace and a new world order which forms the objective of the Three-Power Pact

The newspaper ‘ Kokumin ’ declared that British and American influence in South-eastern Asia had been struck a heavy blow. . “ Now, step by step, we are going to face Britain and America, directly and frontally, in South-eastern Asia as was the case on the Chinese continent, for which reason we must have new determination.” EN ROUTE TO GERMANY TOKH), March 12. (Received March 13, at 10 a.m.) Mr Matsuoka departed by train for Germany. He was seen off by high Government officials and members of the German Embassy. The station was heavily guarded. VISIT TO SHRINE OF SUN GODDESS HONOURING ANCIENT CUSTOM TOKIO, March 12. (Received March 13, at 11.40 a.m.) Mr Matsuoka and party left the train to visit the shrine of the Sun Goddess at Ise, near Osaka, following the ancient Japanese custom of giving homage to the Sun Goddess before embarking on a momentous mission. Thereafter they will fly to Taikyu, in Korea, continuing by train on Friday. ITALIAN COMMUNIQUE SUCCESSES IN ALBANIA AND ERITREA CLAIMED ROME, March 12. (Received March 13, at 12.30 p.m.) A communique states: We repulsed the enemy in the Voyusa sector with heavy enemy Josses and captured arms and prisoners. The enemy on the night of March 10 raided Tripoli. There was slight damage and no casualties. Rhodes Island was also raided. There was some damage. At some points in Eritrea British planes caused slight damage. Italian units occupied an enemy position in the Keren sector. . SAFETY MEASURES PERSONS DETAINED UNDER DEFENCE REGULATIONS (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 12. • (Received March 13, at 10.30 a.m.) One hundred and twenty-nine persons who had been detained under the defence regulations were released during January. This is revealed in figures published in a Home Office report to Parliament dealing with particulars of the detention and release of persons detained under regulation 18b. On January 31 there were 977 persons under detention. During the month 18 persons ucre detained, all of whom were British subjects, although eight of them were of enemy origin. During the whole period of the operations of the regulation up to January 31. the Home Secretary had given 1,026 decisions in cases reviewed by the Advisory Committee to which detained persons may appeal. Nino hundred and fifty of these decisions accorded with the recommendation of the committee.