U.S.A. AND FAR EAST

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 January 1939, Page 7

U.S.A. AND FAR EAST

JAP. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

GUAM TO BE FORTIFIED

[BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

NEW YORK. January 19

Two developments, which are considered of paramount importance Io America’s official and unofficial attitude to Japan, and her relations with China, are seen in an announcement by the Washington correspondent of the "New York Times.”

The first is that he has obtained exclusive information to the effect that Mr. Roosevelt has approved a measure for' fortified bases, particularly at. Guam. A Bill authorising a total expenditure of G 0.000.000 dollars, including 5.000,000 for a major naval base at Guam, will shortly be introduced in Congress. A feeling prevails that the recent threat in Japanese newspapers that, the American Navy would bo destroyed if the United States fortified Guam had a psychological effect in hastening American plans for such a. fortification. It. is felt that, the Bill will be passed with a. substantial majority. The other development is the organisation of a committee of prominent Americans, headed by the former Secretary of State (Mr. H. L. Stimson). called the American Committee for Non-participation in Japanese aggression, to promote legislation to curb the sale by American firms to Japan of war materials, such as scrap iron, oil, steel and trucks. The support of 40,000 outstanding citizens will be sought for the movement. Mr. Stimson’s chairmanship of the committee, in view of his opposition to Japan’s policies in China, is considered especially significant.

FRENCH NOTE

TOKIO, January 19

The French Ambassador presented a, note, similar to the- English and American notes, refusing to iecognise the changed order in the . Far East without previous consultation and recognition of the Powers concerned. JAPANESE AIR RAIDS. (Recd. Jan. 20, 1.30 p.m.). SHANGHAI, January 19. The Japanese continue bombing interior towns. In order to avoid air raids, the place and time of the meeting of the Kuomintang Executive will not be disclosed. The stream of refugees from Chungking continues.

BOMBERS FOR SINGAPORE. (Received January 20, 8 a.m.) SINGAPORE, January 19. Bristol Blenheim bombers, capable of 280 miles an hour, probably the fastest machines of their type in the world, are replacing 'within the next few months, the Vickers Vildebeeste bombers, at present at the Singapore airbase. JAPAN’S WOOL SHORTAGE. (Received January 20, 8 a.m.) TOK 10, January 19.

The wool situation is becoming most acute, as is evidenced by an announcement that the Commerce and Industry Department has decided further to' intensify the restriction on domestic consumption, whereby textilers will obtain yarn through a ration ticket system.

Meanwhile, the Department is redoubling the efforts to collect woollen ■ags for re-manufacture, especially or army and navy requirements.

N.Z. DOCTOR’S RETURN. (Received January 20. 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, January 19. One of the four doctors sent to China, by the' New Zealand Red Cross, last year, Dr. T. A. Watson, of Masterton, arrived at. Sydney to-day by the liner Nankin. He served six months at the Baptist mission hospital, Changchow, in the centre of hostilities. He talked freely of his' exciting experiences when quitting the war zone to join the boat homeward.