JAPAN’S REPLY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20621, 24 November 1941, Page 7

JAPAN’S REPLY

AMERICAN TERMS PACIFIC ACCORD SOME CONCESSIONS? EAST INDIES PREPARED (Elec. Tel. Copyridht—United Press Asan.) (Reed. Nov. 22, 2.40 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 21. Japan’s reply to the four-point proposal for the settlement of Pacific problems is reported to have been communicated to the Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull by Admiral Nomura, the Japanese Ambassador and the special envoy, Mr. Kurusu at an informal meeting at Mr. Hull’s home. Later, a guarded statement was issued by the State Department saying that the conversations are still exploratory, that no decisions have been reached and that Mr. Hull is willing to receive the Japanese envoys again. This is interpreted as meaning that little, if any, progress has been achieved.

It is understood that Japan’s answer to the four-point proposal was neither acceptance nor rejection, such as would have ended negotiations, but an indication that Japan is willing to make some concessions. Although the concessions are a closely-guarded secret they are believed to include a pledge renouncing further aggression in the north or south and probably 'an offer to withdraw a portion of the Japanese troops in China. Japan’s httitUde,to the Axis, however, is still undefihed, vyhlle the question of comrfiercia! opportunity is probably one of the main points at variance.

Determination to Push On

Cbnciuding the special session of the Diet in Tokio, the Prime Minister, General Tojo, said that Japan is determined to push , on with her iiatiorial policy. Backed up by unshakeable determination of the people, as witnessed at this special session of the Diet, the Government was planning to redouble its efforts to cope with the unprecedented national crisis.

The Shanghai correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that the British Embassy announced that the liner Anhwei will shortly call at Hong Kong to embark GOO British subjects. More than 1000 British residents have intimated their desire to leave Shanghai. According to an announcement from Batavia, Lieutenant-General Bakker, head of the Netberland East Indies State Mobilisation Council, says that the number of civil conscripts will soon reach the 500,000 mark. Lieut.General Bakker said there was a most satisfactory preparedness by that pari of the civil front which had the task of carrying out the “scorched earth” policy. .The enemy would not have the slightest chance to upset the dructiqn plans which were specially worked out in regard to the oilfields and oil supplies.