FUTURE OF TIMOR

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11765, 12 October 1932, Page 5

FUTURE OF TIMOR

TRANSFER TO JAPAN UNLIKELY

BRITISH NAVAL EXPERTS CONCERNED.

WOULD OFFSET SINGAPORE

(U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright.) LONDON, Oct. 10

In. reference- to the report that Japan contemplates negotiating for the purchase of the. Portuguese section of Timor, naval expert's say that with Timor, plus the Carolines, Japan could straddle Australia, eventually offsetting the value of Singapore. The Jupanse Ambassador stated:— “Wo are quite uninformed of any such intention.” The Dutch Embassy also is uninformed.

The Portuguese Embassy declared that it is unthinkable that Portugal would sell. Timor. "Possibly Japan, contemplated overtures,” it was stated, "but she would get little satisfaction. Public opinion in Portugal, despite the military dictatorship, would, not tolerate the sale. It can he said without even communicating with Lisbon that the transfer of Timor is unikely.’’

“REPORT INCORRECT/’ OFFICIAL LISBON MESSAGE. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright.) (Received Oct. 12, l a.m.) LONDON. Oct. 11. A Hague Message in connection with the Japan-Timer report says that the story has been received with scepticism. The Rotterdamsche Couranfc reveals that Article 13 in the DutchPortugueso Treaty of 1004 gives Holland preference in any transfer of rights, while both agreed, in an exchange of Notes in 1897, not to concede any third Power the right to establish coaling or marine stations on the East Indies.” LISBON. Oct. 11. The Foreign Minister says the report is incorrect.