PACIFIC DEFENCES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20486, 21 February 1941, Page 7

PACIFIC DEFENCES

anglo-u.s. Aims . ALARM UNWARRANTED TROOPS FOR SINGAPORE GUAM AND SAMOA "INTIMIDATION” SEEN (Elec, Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Feb. 21, 10 a.m.) TOKIO, Feb. 20. Speaking in Tokio yesterday, the Japanese Government spokesman characterised the landing of Australian troops at Singapore as “another British demonstration” designed to create the impression that the Far East situation was very critical. “The British are needlessly and excessively nervous, whereas the situation actually, as Mr. Ishii pointed out on Tuesday, does not warrant alarm,” he said. “While the British are free to move troops anywhere in their own territory and even attempt to menace Japan, then Japan s attitude will be firm. Japan has done nothing to receive warnings from any Power. Our policies, including the southwards region, are entirely peaceful.” - “Plans to Strangle Japan” . / *1 The Japanese spokesman in Shanghai declared: “Britain’s moves at Singapore are part of the British and American plan to strangle Japan, which will be countered with appropriate measures.” The Shanghai spokesman did not amplify the statement beyond hinting that Japan in-, tended, to speed up the Thailand mediation. The general reaction in Tokio to the Washington decision to strengthen the defences of Guam and Samoa is that it represents “part of the British and American plans to intimidate Japan.” .This, it is considered, is certain to aggravate relations between Japan and America, in. connection with which it is felt that the United States will be “solely responsible in the event of the worst developments arising.” American Defences The Japanese spokesman said it was natural that the Japanese should be concerned about more American defences near Japan. He asked: “When ' has Japan declared that she would attack the southern regions, including Singapore? I think that the Japanese people are getting tired of such irresponsible statements abroad.”

The Tokio paper Yomiuri Shimbun gives prominence to a message from a special correspondent in Washington . that Japan’s withdrawal from the tripartite alliance is a condition of the United States for the adjustment of diplomatic'relations between America ■and Japan.! '

A special Berlin correspondent of the Yomiuri Shimbun said that Germany was Watchful against British and American manoeuvres towards undermining the Axis.