The Grey River Argus THURSDAY, July 24, 1941. JAPAN’S UNCERTAIN POLICY.

Grey River Argus, 24 July 1941, Page 4

The Grey River Argus THURSDAY, July 24, 1941. JAPAN’S UNCERTAIN POLICY.

Jt lias earlier been suggested that Japan, if she took present military action outside China, would be likely to do so in a southward direction. So much appeared reasonable on the assumption that this line would be one of lesser resistance than a. northward move. Direct action against Siberia, would mean that Japan was making war on a country which is now Britain’s military ally. Insofar as the United States, moreover, is committed to Britain’s support, it would bring Japan more directly into opposition to that country than if Indo-China were made the object of Japanese military action. The latest news from the United States, however, while it goes to bear out the assumption that Indo-China might be invaded, does not confirm the inference that such an invasion might entail no military consequences further southwards. The Japanese are described by AngloAmerican ’ commentators as paving the way for entry to IndoChina by charging Britain and the United States with action in Thailand and Burma calculated to prove inimical Io Japan/ /Meantime, President Roosevelt is said to be preparing his countrymen for the likelihood of dramatic action in the Far East. The Japanese have for some days been mobilising on a grand scale, not only in Japan, but in China, and while a march into IndoChina is considered possible at any moment, forces are also being despatched to the borders of Siberia. The American press representatives in the Far East say Japan would wait to see it the Germans defeat the Russians before attacking Siberia, whereas they leave it to be assumed that resistance in the case of IndoChina is not to be anticipated, on account of the Drench Government’s reported willingness to allow a Japanese protectorate over the colony on condition that later it will be restored its sovereignty. Nevertheless, the British have large and increasing forces in the Ear East, and the Americans have also augmented their strength, and have taken precautions indicating the possibility of imminent hostilities. Much depends upon whether the Japanese are merely windowdressing when they allege to bo hostile Anglo-American action which may be purely precautionary. and designed only to defend their own territory. The Japanese desire Indo-Chinese products, but Whether as an aid to action further afield, should tin* war situation permit, is not definitely indicated. The Far Eastern situation at the moment is certainly the arena of diplomatic and economic hostilities, but whether these will result in armed hostilities remains uncertain. The trend, however, is rather in that direction.