FRANCE AND JAPAN

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 February 1940, Page 8

FRANCE AND JAPAN

RETALIATION WARNING.

[BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

SHANGHAI; February 9. It is understood that the French bluntly told. Japanese Army representatives that if bombings of t the; HanoiKuriiriirig' railway continued; they would recommend that all Frencn ports in the Far East, Africa and the Mediterranean be closed to Japanese shipping. _ The Japanese - had- stated that tne aerial: atta’cks on the: railway- would continue until the transport of arms and war materials to China ceased-.-

ANNIVERSARY AMNESTY. -

LONDON, February. 11.. The United Press' Tdkio_cprrespo.mdent states: Emperor Hirohito z has? granted'an:amnesty to 48,000 prisoners. He also has restored their civil rights to 180,000 persons, and has reprieved all -those iwaiting; execution. - This gesture is the third in Japan’s history, and has marked the 2600th anniversary of the Empire. THE POPE’S MESSAGE. VATICAN .CITY, February 10. Pope Pius XII, telegraphing to the Japanese Emperor,. Hirohito, on the occasion of; the 2,600 th anniversary, of the foundation of the Japanese Empire, said: “Weiask God, may you.cease hostilities, and may the Japanese and their sovereigns attain greater glory arid happy years through divine aid.”

RELATIONS WITH U.S.A.

NEW YORK, February 10.

The Tokio correspondent of the United Press of America states: During a heated Parliamentary session. Admiral Yonai, answering questions on foreign policy, said: .‘.‘Japan is fully prepared to act appropriately in the event of the United States continuing oppression.” -He refused to elaborate this statement, which followed M. Yoshiharu Yutani’s denunciation of what he termed M. Arita’s “routine • diplomacy regarding the United States and also Britain and the Asama Marti incident.”

EMBARGO DEFERRED

(Recd. February 12 3 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February 11.

A survey by the United’Press of America indicates that the Senate Foreign Committee will pigeonhole the Japanese embargo bills. Of twentythree members, twelve are against the embargo ..and- seven, including- the chairman, Senator Key Pittman, favour- economic reprisals,- while four are undecided. It is stated?’ that- the committee feels the bills: should be held: in reserve,’ while Japan, is given an opportunity as to whether or not to cease violating American rights in China.

APPEAL TO NATION.

TOKIO, February 11.

M. Horohito,’- in a rescript to the nation, urged the people .to use “the fundamental national genius to over: come difficulties, and hardships the country is facing.’ He-said the whole nation must stand united in order to uphold ; Imperial prfestigie, therefore the complete co-operation of all elements, is essential. Pie failed to refer directly to'thri/fcampaign- in China.