JAP. THREATS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20625, 5 August 1941, Page 9

JAP. THREATS

GO OVER THE TOP BREAK BLOCKADE DEMANDS ON THAILAND GREATER EAST ASIA (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 4, 2.40 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 3. Messages from Tokio state that Japanese activities create the impression that Japan is ready to “go over the top.” The view taken in London is that the latest threats indicate Japan’s determination to break the British and American blockade or to frighten Thailand into granting concessions. The New York Times' Tokio correspondent says: “While Japan is bound irrevocably to her course in Asia, the Government is reacting cautiously to the tightening of the British and American blockade, because it realises that the present war effort in China is bound to eat up the reserve stocks quickly if the blockade prevents r replenishment. Thus, while the Japanese state they are unable to change their expansionist course, they do not want to plunge the pat ion into a total and probably prolonged war against nations richer and stronger than Japan, at least until the trend of the Russo-German conflict is clearer.” Economic Pressure Increasing The diplomatic correspondent of The Times says that the economic pressure by the democratic Powers against Japan is increasing. President Roosevelt’s order regarding motor fuels and oils constitutes a heavy blow to Japan. It is believed Unit Britain and the Netherlands Indies, far from lagging behind the United States, will follow parallel courses. Japanese reinforcement of garrisons in Manchukuo and northern Korea, if not absolutely confirmed, is considered highly probable, but at the same time there is no reason to suppose that the Japanese Government wishes to do more than oblige its German partner by maintaining large enough forces in these regions to make the Russians think twice before weakening their powerful Far Eastern army. The diplomatic correspondent, of The Times adds that all indications point to a continuance of Japanese activityin t!ie South Seas and plans for the “greater East Asia.” Japan may not be ready to apply direct and official pressure against Thailand, but the indications are that if the militarists come to believe that such pressure can be exercised without undue danger they will insist on the risks being taken ancl will probably get their way.