BRITISH THREATS

Grey River Argus, 3 August 1940, Page 8

BRITISH THREATS

JAPANESE PRESS_ Makes Allegations [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] > (Recevied August 2 9.0 p.m.). TOKIO, August 2. The paper “Asahi Shimbun” says: The Japnaese Gendarmerie author-, ities are indignant over “the fabricated versions” of the late Melville Cox (Reuter manager arrested on an espionage case) given by the British officials. It says: “The British Embassy is open to the suspicion that it is a hotbed of British espionage in Japan.” The paper “Nichi Nichi Shimbun” says: It is to be doubted whether the British will, owing to the present international situation, enforce easily their reported retaliatory threats, such as the arrest of Japanese residents in England; the abrogation of the Anglo-Japanese commercial treaty, the withdrawal, of the British Ambassador from Tokio, and the reopening of the Burma road. Japai/s Move IN TO THE SOUTH SEAS HOW WILL IT BE? (Received Aug. 2, 9.55 p.m.) TOKIO, August 2. The Japanese official spokesman, Mr Suma, was questioned regarding the meaning of the Foreign Minister, Mr Matsuoka’s “Greater East Asia.” He replied: I can definitely say that it includes South Seas areas. However, concerning an enumeration' of the districts to be included in that expression I cannot say at present. He was asked if the Philippine Islands are included in the South Seas. Mr Suma replied: “I must postpone Lie enumeration of the areas until a inter date.” When further questioned he red: “The Dutch East Indies de rot comprise all of the South Seas areas. There are other regions.” SPYING ON REUTER AGENCY. (Received August 3, 12.2 a.m.) SHANGHAI, August 2. Unidentified persons entered the residence of Kenneth Selby-Walker, the Reuter News Agency Far East manager, on Thursday night. They examined documents in a desk. They stole nothing. Mr. Selby-Walker flew to Japan on Tuesday in connection with the Cox tragedy. EX-ROME AMBASSADOR. (Received August 2, 11.40 p.m.) TOKIO, August 2. Mr. Shiratori. former Japanese Ambassador at Rome, visited Prince Konoye, the Prime Minister. The vernacular Press has conjectured that the former Ambassador to Italy might be appointed to a post assisting Mr. Matsuoka. the Foreign Minister.