ON DUTCH INDIES

Grey River Argus, 6 February 1941, Page 5

ON DUTCH INDIES

Anxiety in Democratic Camp [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received February 5, 9 p.m.. LONDON, February 4. The likelihood that Japan will gain a naval base in Camranh Bay, as her reward for mediation in the Thailand-Indo-China dispute is causing concern in Br’tish, A.merican and Chinese circles. Chinese circles insist that Japan’s moves pressage an attack on Singapore. British and American diplomats admit that her moves mean that Japan has obtained an important jumpingoff place for South Pacific expansion plans, of which the Dutch East Indies are the present goal. Well-informed circles believe that the Dutch East Indies would be able to resist a Japanese attack for only two months. Japanese militarists are convinced that the proper time to launch an offensive against the Dutch mates would be at a time when Germany's expected “all-out” attack on Britain is delivered. There is no belief that Japan can be made to surrender her East Asia' policy, either by threats or by mildly punitive actions like embargoes. Since the embargo and the threat tactics have been evolved, there has been a great intensification of the “totalitarianisation” of Japan, and the militarists there are in complete control. The Tokio newspaper, “Kokumin Shimbun” says: “It is self-evident that Japan will go forward with her fixed policy. It will not matter what attitude the Dutch East Indies takes towards Japan's request for co-opera-ticn. Soviet’s Part TRADE TREATY WITH JAPAN ? (Received February 5, 9 p.m.) LONDON, February 4. Fresh developments in the Far Eastern situation was the statement to-day by the Soviet Prime Minister, M. Molotov, that he is willing to appoint representatives to discuss a trade treaty with Japan. It is believed that J’apan is making an effort to clinch the German assurances regarding the Soviet’s neutrality by the formulation of a RussianJapanese non-aggression pact. Russia has become an extremely important factor, but the paramount factor is Germany’s mooted “all-out” attack on Britain. A successful repulsion of this attack would be the strongest deterrent to Japan. CHINESE CLAIM. 9,000 JAPANESE KILLED. SHANGHAI, February 4. Chinese reports claim that over 9,000 Japanese troops were killed in the severest fighting in South Honan in the past five days. The Chinese successfully repulsed attacks on all fronts. Japanese Move TO CUT OFF CHINESE RETREAT. (Received Feb. 6, 12.40 a.m.) LONDON, February 5. The Domei News Agency Canton correspondent says: Japanese troops landed southeast of' Waichow tnis morning, and siey have entered Tamsui, the key point on the Mirs Bav route.

Japanese units are stationed along the China-British frontier, bordering the Kowloon leased territory. They have begun moving to cut off the Chinese retreat.

Sinking of Ships WILL JAPAN BEGIN IT? (Received Feb. 6, 12.45 a.m.) TOKYO, February 5. Mr Matsuoka.. Foreign Minister, was questioned by Mr Shinzo Imai at the House Budget Committee meeting as to whether a settlement of hostilities with China would not be expedited if the ships carrying supplies for the Chungking Government were sunk. Mr Matsuoka said; The Government actually is invoking belligerent right within the score of necessity, but their complete invocation is at present under consideration.