INDO-CHINA

Grey River Argus, 6 August 1940, Page 5

INDO-CHINA

UNDER JAPANESE CONTROL Blockade of China BEING ORGANISED THERE. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.l NEW YORK, August 4. The “New York Times” Shanghai correspondent says: Japan is already de facto controlling Indo-China. and is extending and tightening her grip even on the leased territory' oi Kwangchowan, which is under Japanese domination.

It is officially stated that Japanese inspectors at present control Kwangchowan harbour, and have already reduced the traffic to China 80 per cent. Large groups of Japanese navy, army, and aviation experts, also a commission representing the Asia Development Board, are at present in headquarters at Hanoi and Haipong. It is understood that the Japanese have demanded from the French tne following concessions:— Firstly, the right to move troops acros s Indo-China, in the event or the Chungking armies appearing on 1h a Yunnan border. Secondly, the right of a base for naval planes at Haipong. Thirdly, the right for militfA’y ana commercial planes to fly over IndoChina. Fourthly, the Japanese navy to control incoming and out-going tonnage in northern and central InaoChina ports. ‘ Fifthly, work on French fortifications to cease. Sixthly, French Government ana business men in Northern and Cen% tral Indo-China to consider Japan a» a most friendly Power, and fully io support Japanese trade development. Already Japanese military inspectors, ostensibly controlling cargo bound for China, have surveyed all highways from Indo-China to xtmnan. As the position in Indo-China i s solidified, the Japanese are rapidly reaching the position from wmen they could easily attack Yunnan and Szechuen, in which the Chungking Government is developing essential war industries. If these areas were invaded, Chungking would probably b e forced to remove north-westward. Presumably Lanchow would be the next war-time capital. DUTCH EAST INDIES. JAPAN-U.S.A. RIVALRY. TOKIO, August 3. The Minister for Overseas Affairs (General Koiso) told the Press that there may be friction between the United States and Japan over the Dutch East Indies rubber resources, which were indispensable for industry in the United States. , “A solution depends on Japan’s decision in the East Indies, which have lone been oppressed and exploited as Holland’s colony,” he said. “We will rot tolerate this view. The principles on which we are establishing a new order in East Asia are making it necessary to emancipate the Orienta races. We are destined to solve the P He added: “East Indies oil, rubber and tin control the world market. VW do not intend to monoponse them but it is necessary to ensure that they are disposed impartially.”