AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN

Grey River Argus, 5 March 1941, Page 7

AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN

MR MENZIES’ SPEECH Conciliatory Tone [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received March 5, 1.30 a.m.). SYDNEY, March 4. The recent speech in London/ of Mr R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister, is the subject of comment. It is to be considered by th e War Advisory Council. . . ~ .. The Council is meeting in Melbourne on Thursday. It is reported that more than one member of the Council finds it ha’, c to understand Mr Menzies’, apparent deprecation c‘f the \signiiicance attached to Japan’s part in the Bei-lin-Rome-Japan Axis. The full text of Mr Menzies’ speech is being sought from London. The Japanese Consul-General here, Mr Akiyama, is highly pleased with Mr Menzies’ speech. The keynote of the speech,’ he said, is a plea Tor a better understanding and for tolerance as between Australia and Japan. Mr Akiyama added that there was an earnest desire on the part of Japanese business men for a cordial understanding with Australia, and a complete' restoration of the spirit of friendliness which has hitherto characterised the relations of the two countries. (Received March 5, 12.6 p.m.) SYDNEY, March 4.

The members of the Commonwealth War Advisory Council in Sydney expect that Mr. Menzies’ recent speech in London wid be wirelessed. It will be discussed in the War Advisory Council.

AUSTRALIAN ATTITUDE WELLINGTON, March 3. “One would think from the cables that there is real stage-fright in Australia; but that is not so, ’ declared Sir Charles Norwood, of Wellington, when speaking to-day of his experiences during a recent visit to the Commonwealth, and referring to Ministerial statements on Pacific affairs. His impression was rather that the people of' Australia' and the. authorities were summing up the real position of Japan with due regard to her proper place in the Pacific, he said. It was realised that J'apan’s need for direct association and economic co-operation with her neighbours was so pressing that she wa's unlikely to become a real menace to Australia. While this might be the opinion of the man in the street, Sir Charles went on, those responsible for the nation’s security could not afford to ignore, or even take lightly, the statements issued by Japan’s official spokesman. Australia’s leaders could not assume that the Japanese statements were purely propaganda. They could not afford to take a personal view. That was why the warning of the Acting-Prime Minister of Australia, Mr H. W. Fadden, was absolutely necessary, even as a reminder to his own people in the Commonwealth. Furthermore, the fact that even while this warning was being issued, a huge Australian army was being ’ transported to Singapore had left no doubt that Australia was taking no risks that might in any way jeopardise her security or her position in the Pacific. Sir Charles Norwood said that ne returned profoundly impressed by the determination with which Austia ia was pushing forward her war effort, and the manner in which she was cooperating with New Zealand in those undertakings. There was a great measure of co-operation between Australia and New Zealand, and a keen desire on the part of the industrial leaders to see that the economic resources of New Zealand should bused as wisely and economically as possible, in conjunction with those oi Australia, for the prosecution of * Empire’s struggle.

France and Japan NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE (Received March 4, 7.15 p.m.) VICHY. March 3. French official circles have admitted that important territorial con ' cessions to Thailand in Indo-China would result from the Japanese demands but they stated that France has not accepted all of Tokio’s terms. The negotiations arc continuing. FRANCO-JAPANESE FRACAS. (Received March 4. 9.30 p.m.) TOKIO, March 3. The Saigon correspondent of the “Asahi Shimbun” says: Increasing French hostility against Japanese reached a climax when four French officers assaulted four Japanese in the Saigon Palace Hotel on Sunday evening. Plain clothes police and French spectators aided the officers, who inflicted heavy injuries on the. Japanese. The Japanese Consul, M. Takashima, on Monday, protested to the French Governor. JAPAN ALTERS MEDIATION TERMS. (Received March 5, 1.20 a.m.) TOKIO, March 4. Mr Ishii said that after receipt of a French reply, the Japanese Gov--1 eminent has made minor revisions in 'the mediation plan. Therefore the French and Thailand delegates have requested fresh instructions from their home Governments. NO CHINESE TROOPS IN BURMA. (Received March 5. 1.26 a.m.) TOKIO, March 4. Mr Ishii, officials spokesman, has revealed that Sir R. Craigie (British Ambassador; visited the Deputies Foreign Minister, Mr Ohashi, in connection with the Formosan Japanese Army spokesman's warning to Britain cabled yesterday and he categorically 'denied that Chungking troops have entered BurTna