WAR IN PACIFIC

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 April 1940, Page 8

WAR IN PACIFIC

JAPANESE INTIMATION. [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] NEW YORK, April 14. The Tokio correspondent of the United Press of America says that according to informed circles, theJapanese Government is warning the belligerents that it will take counter measures in the event of the extension of the war to the Pacific. These informed circles added that should the Allies occupy the Netherlands East Indies, Japan might occupy the British and French concessions in China, Hong Kong, French indoChina and’ Malaya. MR. ARITA’S STATEMENT. (Received April 16, 11.40 a.m.) TOKIO, April 15. Mr. Arita made a statement that is interpreted to mean that Japan will at present make no move in the Netherlands East Indies, if other Powers refrain from doing so. According to well-informed sources, the Japanese Government is warning the belligerents that it will take counter-measures in the event of an extension of the European war to the Pacific.

Mr. Arita told the Japanese Press that Japan cannot but be deeply concerned at any development accompanying an aggravation of the European war, affecting the status quo in the Netherlands East Indies. Should an extension of the war to the Netherlands produce repercussions in the Netherlands East Indies, it would interfere with Japan’s economic relations with that quarter, and arouse an undesirable situation regarding the peace and stability of East Asia. The newspapers issue a warning of strong action, in the event of an attempt to seize the Dutch East Indies, with unanimity, indicating official inspiration. The “Japan Times” says: “Any change in policy regarding thje Far Eastern possessions of Europeans must be accomplished only with Japan’s full consent and concurrence Any attempt to ignore that principle will involve a revision of Japan’s noninvolvement policy.” DUTCH ATTITUDE. (Received April 16, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, April 15. “The Times’s” Amsterdam correspondent says: The Dutch regard discussions in the United States and Japan about the fate of the East Indies as being premature, and misplaced. Commentators point out that identical policies are followed in Holland and the East Indies, and for that reason the Government would consider an attempt to provide unrequired and unrequested protection as an act of hostility, necessitating countermeasures. TIENTSIN SILVER. TOKIO, April 15.

The Japanese Foreign Office spokesman confirmed reports of a solution of the Tientsin silver controversy is now near as a result of Mr. Arita and Sir R. Craigie carrying on further conversations. Only London’s approval _is now necessary for the North China Government to obtain five million dollars worth of . silver deposited in the foreign hanks.