Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, JULY 28, 1941. JAPAN’S CHALLENGE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 July 1941, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, JULY 28, 1941. JAPAN’S CHALLENGE.

JJCR several years Japan has got away with progressive steps of aggression, but her latest move has

aroused Anglo-U.S.A. definite economic action, which may lead to active hostilities. Japan claims that her occupation of Indo-Chma is peaceful protection against AngloAmerican penetration, and the Vichy Government, which actively! opposed British occupation of

Syria, is co-operating with Japan, partly, perhaps, through the desire for “revenge” on Britain for her entry into Syria. Vichy realises that the French are not strong enough to retain Indo-China, and apparently prefers Japan to have the territory. The Anglo-U.S.A. offer to assist Vichy to withstand Japanese entry was ignored. Japan’s case would be that she has as much right to Indo-China as any other Power, and that the latest occupation is 'a necessary part of her Southern drive, about which she has given the world many warnings. It is not to be expected that Japan'will be content

with occupying naval and aerial bases, nor will she limit her future enterprise to Indo-China. There is no area in the vicinity, and far beyond, that is not now menaced. Were Britain and U.S.A, to accept passively the latest threat to their interests and possessions, both Powers might, as well clear from the Far East, leaving Japan to seize a rich inheritance, and aiding her to become the real master of all Asia, at least. Fortunately, the Japanese are to be opposed now. Drastic economic action has been instituted by British-Ameri-can lands, and Japan has the next move.

The crisis is real, and war in the Pacific is a closer possibility. Such a development would be most regrettable,' but the time was overdue for a definite halt being.called to Japanese aggression. The longer it was unopposed, or merely met with verbal protests, the more the Japanese were encouraged to be enterprising. It is not surprising that

Some circles in Japan believe that Britain and U.S.A, would not fight, seeing the concessions and forbearance hitherto exhibited, by those two Powers'. To-day, it would appear that this period of yielding has ended. There is no desire for war with Japan, nor to check her legitimate aspirations, but there is, also, no fear of Japanese hostility. The Anglo-American forces and bases should prove stronger than any combination the Japanese may possess. It is to be hoped that wise counsels will restrain the Japanese militarists, but the fact of the occupation of bases in Indo-Chilia must be countered by vigorous action. To compromise now would be postponing the evil day, and would leave the Japanese the real victors. Patience in the past has given Japan the opportunity to become stronger and better placed for hostilities. It is imperative that she should be taught that aggression does not pay, and that she cannot impose her will on Britain and U.S.A., whatever is possible with Vichy.