JAP. AWAKENING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20499, 8 March 1941, Page 5

JAP. AWAKENING

ONE-SIDED PACT BIG END FOR NAZIS MATSUOKA MISSION TALK OF BERLIN TRIP (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Tress Assn.) (Reed. -Mar. 8, 9 a.m.) NEW YORK, Mar. 7. The Tokio correspondent of the New York Times stated yesterday that the rumours that the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr. Yosuke Matsuoka, would shortly visit Berlin with a stop at Moscow en route, though still officially unconfirmed, had acquired greater solidity from the imminent conclusion of Japan's mediation between IndoChina and Thailand and the departure of the German Ambassador, Herr Otts. It was suggested that the Japanese people are becoming conscious that the Japanese-German alliance as it stands is one-sided. It places Japan under an obligation to come to Germany’s assistance if Germany is attacked, but Germany has not undertaken a corresponding obligation to Japan. This arrangement was criticised in the Japanese house of Representatives. “Treaties Not Everything” Mr. Matsuoka replied: “Treaties are not everything. The situation must be constantly watched and situations met a:; they arise.” It is suggestea in some quarters that Mr. Matsuoka wishes to have this onesided condition rectified, in which case the Germans, also, it is assumed, might want to have Japan’s obligations tightened up.

The Japanese Cabinet Information Bureau spokesman, Mr. Ishii, when questioned regarding the reports that Mr. Matsuoka was considering going to Berlin and Moscow, said: “I have heard such rumours. However, f cannot confirm them.”,

It is reliably stated that Mr. Matsuoka was originally scheduled to leave on February 28. However, the final decision was postponed due to growing opposition on the ground that it might be particularly harmful to Japanese-American relations at present when there is some hope that the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, 'Admiral Nomura, may be able to improve relations.