JAPAN’S AIMS

Grey River Argus, 5 February 1941, Page 3

JAPAN’S AIMS

IN SOUTH SEAS Said to be Economic Only [Aus. & N.Z. .Cable Assn.] LONDON, February 3. The representations made on Friday last at Tckio by the Minister for the Netherlands, General Pabst, have keen rejected by Mr Ohasi, DeputyForeign Minister. General Pabst's representation was that the Netherlands East Indies should not participate in Japan's new order in East A.sia. Mr Ohasi said that Japan was concerned only with the economic, and not the political aspects of Asiatic expansion. Hence the Batavia parley would be continued, despite the objections of the Netherlands Government in London.

The newspaper “Yomiuri” warned the Netherlands Indies that obstinate adherence to the British and American fold would forfeit its existence in Greater Asia, under a combined attack of all the Asiatic Powers.

The Japanese Minister, Mr Hoshino, President of the Cabinet Planning Board at Tokio, told the House Budget Committee that Japan was justified, under the prevailing circumstances in utilising neutral resources in the South Seas; as the only means of strengthening Japan’s national power, as soon as possible. The South Seas region was Japan's life-line. CHINESE AND SOUTH SEAS. HONG KONG. February 3. My K. T. Loh, a special emissary of Marshal Chiang Kai-shek, will shortly leave on a tour of the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and South America, a's Commissioner of Overseas Affairs, investigating hhe conditions of the Chinese, and strengthening the ties of the Pacific democracies with China. U.S.A. MINISTER TO CHUNGKING CHANGE INDICATED. (Received February 5, 1.7 a.m.). CHUNGKNG. February 4 The American Embassy here ha.~ comirmed that Mr Gauss (United States Minister io Australia) i s replacing Mr Johnson here, but declined to comment pending a Washington announcement. (Received February 5, 1.11 a.m ). CHUNGKING,' February 4. Th e Chinese press said Mr Gauss is going to China as soon as possible It added that he command widespread friendship in China. STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. SINGAPORE, February 3. The Straits Settlements Legislative Council had passed the War Tax Bill, with the object of increasing the contributions to the Imperial exchequer for the prosecution of the war. The Bill imposes a' direct tax on the incomes of individuals associations, and companies above 4,800 dollars annually. The tax is on a graduated scale, two per cent, on 4,800 dollars, rising to eight per cent, over 20,000 dollars. The proceeds are conservatively estimated to yield 20,000,000 dollars in 1941. '

Dutch Representations TO BE IGNORED BY JAPAN, (Received February 5, 1.14 a.m.). TOKIO, February 4. Mr Ishii said that Japan is nut replying io ihe Dutch Government’s rejection of the proposal for participation of the Dutch East Indies in the East Asia co-prosperity sphere. He also said tliat Japan’s po.icy in regard to the Dutch East Indies will not be affected by the Dutch protest. He denied that the Batavia trade negotiations are at a standstill. JAPANESE PAPEFL BARKS AT NETHERLAND INDIES. (Received February 4, 10.10 p.m.) . TOKIO, February 4. The newspaper “Teito Niehi Nichi” (not “Tokio Nichi Nichi”) says: ‘‘The Netherlands Indies are taking such an audacious and impertinent atti' tude in rejecting participation in tly Japanese-advocated East Asia coprosperity sphere because Japan has not bombed Hong Kong or Singapore. If such drastic action is taken by' Japan, the Netherlands Indies authorities will be unable to raise a finger.”

Jap Offensive HALTED IN SOUTH HONaM. CHINESE CLAIM SUCCESS. (Received February 5, 1.13 a.m.L CHUNGKING, February -a The Chinese High Command states: The Japanese offensive m South Honan Province, which has been proceeding since January 23, has resulted in the capture of all the Pinghan railway towns south of Yencheng. The Japanese sent columns east and west. •The offensive has now been hailed. Chinese counter-attacks have resulted in 20,000 Japanese casualties. Th e Chinese have routed the Japanese spearheads, which were intentionally permitted to penetrate deeply.

Surprise Landing BY JAPANESE. TO CUT OFF ROAD TO CHUNGKING. (Received February 5, 1.10 a.m. > TOKIO, February 4 The newspaper “Nichi Nichi's" Canton correspondent says: Japanese troops, under the prolection or warships. effected a surprise tand.n-’ today n' dawn south-east of Waiclnw ■n order to cut off the Hong KorwShrton.m'-' Road, on which the Chunga Government is depending heavily Hr supplies. JAPANESE MILITARY MISSION. TO REMAIN IN INDO-CHINA. (Received February 4, 11.10 p.m.) SAIGON, February 4. The J'apanese Military Mission have