BASES FOR JAPAN

Grey River Argus, 26 July 1941, Page 5

BASES FOR JAPAN

IN INDO-CHINA

EARLY ENTRY EXPECTED Denunciation by U.S.A. France and Japan AGREEMENT REPORTED. WIDESPREAD MILITARY MEASURES. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.J LONDON, July 24. It is learned ■ authoritatively that the agreement between the Japanese and the Vichy Government is so wia_ that it rnves Japan liberty to occupy any place she desires in Frencn Indo-unina, says the “Daily Felegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent. The agreement has not yet been signed, although the conversations are continuing. The only official indication as to the terms of the contemplated agreement Issued from the Vichy spokesman’s assertion that the F rencn share in the defence of Indo-China would be as full as permitted by the strength of the French forces in tne Far East. . 3 Passengers arriving at Singapore from Saigon, report intense ieeim„ among the French inhabitants against the handing over of territory to Ja-

Pa There are many signs that the people of Indo-China are being prepared for an early announcement that Vichy has handed over bases in Southern Indo-China to Japan, a report from Vichy says conversations between the French and tne Japanese .about iJJapanese pr°'ection” for Indo-China have not >et brought results but are continuingThe report repeats the Japanese-in-spired statements that Britain intends to move against Indo-China. Another report says a formal announcement of the occupation by Japan of strategic points in inaoChina is expected early next week. Meanwhile, reports continue to oe received of mobilisation in Japan and of movements of warships. The Associated Press Saigon correspondent reports that Japanese warships appeared off -ape Jacques, in Camranh 'Bay, to-day. Twelve Japanese transports are en route from Hainan to Singapore. „ The Tokio paper “Nichi Nichi reported that Japanese and French flags are flying at Hanoi and Haiphong, indicating that "Indo-China sees collaboration with Japan as the only salvation.”

Japanese Entry

TO INDO-CHINA BASES.

BELIEVED IMMINENT.

(Rec. 1.40). SAIGON, July 25. Diplomatic quarters here have reported that Japan and Indo-China have concluded an agreement for Japanese occupation of Indo-China bases and that Jaoanese occupation of these bases is imminent. It is reported that the chief of the Japanese Military Mission, General Raishiro Sumitra is leaving Hanoi for Saigon to-day.

U.S.A. Government Attitude

OCCUPATION OF INDO-CHINA. ACT OF AGGRESSION BY JAPAN. (Rec. 10.10). WASHINGTON, July 24. A Japanese move to the south was predicted yesterday by the Secretary of the United States Navy (Colonel Frank Knox), who told a questioner that the American Navy was in a position to do whatever was necessary to carry out the policy of the. United States in the Far East. In a statement by Mr Sumner Welles (Assistant-Secretary of State),, to-day, the United States Government strongly denounced Japan as an aggressor in Indo-China, and declared that Japan’s move there menaced American security and endangered American territory and interests in the Far East. Mr Sumner Welles, in his statement, said: “Japan’s action is primarily a preparation for further movements of conquest in adjacent areas.’’ He declared: “Occupation of IndoChina or the establishment of further military bases there would endanger the peaceful use by peaceful nations of the Pacific Ocean, and would also jeopardise American sources of vital defence materials, such as tin and rubber. It also endangers other areas, including the Philippines. .The Government and people of the United States fully realise that such developments bear directly upon the vital problem of our national security The present developments relating to Indo-China provide a clear indication that further changes are now being effected under duress. The present unfortunate situation in which the French Government at Vichv and the French Government in Indo-China find themselves of course is well-known. It is only too clear that they are in no position to resist pressure.” , , He recalled that Japan, last year, had expressed a wish that war should riot be spread to the Pacific, with special reference to the East Indies and Indo-China. The United States and other Governments concurred. At the same time they made it clear that any alteration in the existing status in such areas would be prejudicial to security and peace in the entire Pacific. 40 Japanese Ships REPORTED HALT IN VOYAGES TO U.S.A. PORTS. f (Received July 25. 10.10 p.m.E SAN FRANCISCO. July 24. More than forty Japanese ships which have been bound for United States ports are now reported to have hove to and to be awaiting orders, this action on their part, following on the denunciation of Japan regarding Indo-China by Mi’ Sumner Welles (Assistant United States Secretary of State) MR. STIMSON’S BILL. TO DECLARE STATE OF PERIL. (Rec. 10.10). WASHINGTON. J. 25. The Secretary for War, Mr. Stimson sent to Congress a Bill to authorise the retention on active service of all members of the armed forces, and also declaring that the national interest and welfare were gravely imperilled by the international situation. EMERGENCY PRECAUTION. NO STRIKES in the Office of Production Management has approved a stabilisation agreement between defence agencies and the American Federation of Labour wherebv there are to be no strikes in building trades on defence projects for the duration of the pre sent emergency. h The agreement affects eight nun dred thousand workers.

Anglo-U.S.A. Action A COMMON LINE TAKEN.

LONDON, July 24. . It is authoritatively stated that the Government is gravely concerned with the situation in Japan and IndoChina, and is closely consulting the Dominions and the United States. News converging in London, indicates that the British Commonwealth, the United States, and the Netherland East Indies will take combined economic action, designed to reduce the Japanese occupying forces to a minimum. TOKIO, July 24. The newspaper “Chugai’s” Shanghai correspondent says that Britain is liquidating her China property holdings, and that the United States ana Britain have agreed regarding the joint defence of Singapore, Rangoon, Bombay and Calcutta, with Lashio as the key-point. Japan’s Oil Supplies PROVIDED BY U.S.A. PRESIDENT HINTS AT ITS STOPPAGE. (Rec. 10.0). NEW YORK, July 25. President Roosevelt, at a conference with civilian defence officials, said: “The United States has been permitting Japan to procure oil in order to prevent war spreading to the South Pacific. If the United States had not sold to Japan this oil. Japan would have moved into Dutch East Indies a year ago, and you would have had war. “In order to maintain the flow of supplies from Australia and New Zealand to the Near East it was essential to maintain peace, in the South Pacific.” The “New York Times” describes Mr Roosevelt’s statement as a broad intimation that he might restrict, or else place an embargo on the' U.S. oil supply to Japan. Japan’s Assets in U.S.A, MAY BE “FROZEN.” (Rec. 9.20). NEW YORK. July 25. The “New York Times” says that the administration is considering the freezing of the Japanese funds in the United States. JAPANESE PREPARED. FOR FREEZING OF THEIR FUNDS. (Rec. 9.20). TOKIO, July 24. The newspaper, “Hochi” says: Japan is prepared to meet the position in the event of the United States freezing- the Japanese assets in the United States,i and consequentlV a panic is not necessary in the event of freezing being enforced. The paper pointed out that trade transactions as between Japan and the United States would still be possible in a modified form, depending on the extent of the desire for it: by the Government at Washington. Freezing Japan’s Assets U.S.A. MAY HESITATE. RETALIATION MORE COSTLY. (Received July 26, 1.41 a.mj, WASHINGTON, July 25. The freezing of Japanese assets in the United States by the Government would increase th e total of the Axis credits in the United States to be immobilised to over 700 million dollars. Officials said that approximately 500 million dollars of Italian and German credits have been affected by President Roosevelt’s order of June 14 last Available Commerce Department reports tlx the Japanese assets in the United States at ninety-one million dollars in short-term investments, and forty million dollars in direct holdings. However, these figures are not recent. Probably they d.o not include all Japan's ho'dings. Japanese retaliation for freezing assets, however, would make the United States the loser, since the . American holdings in Japan include the following: Short-term investments 45 million dollars;, direct holdings Jaoanese bonds 105 million dollars. Most of the Japanese bonds are owned by residents of the Philippine Islands.

CABLE CENSORSHIP.

WASHINGTON, July 24

Admiral Morell, chief of the navy dock yards, told the House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee that emergency necessitates the establishment by the Navy Department of a cable censorship over all incoming and outgoing communications. BRITISH FORCES. STRENGTHENED ON SIAM BORDER. LONDON, July 24. As a result of Japan’s impending occupation of Indo-China, the already strong British forces on the Thailand border are being reinforced. CHINESE PRESSURE ON SIAM ? TOKIO, July 24. The Tokio paper, “Chugais” Shanghai correspondent says: The Chinese are massing troops on the Burma border, preparatory to exerting pressure on Thailand. JAPAN AND SIAM. LONDON, July 24. The “Japan Times-Advertiser,” hitherto constantly stressing the need for Japanese protection of IndoChina, has now 1 turned all its attention to Thailand. An editorial said that Thailand is harassed, and the Thai Government is in need of external 'support, as well as internal consolidation. MILITARY MEASURES. ALREADY ENFORCED IN MALAYA (Rec. 1.41). LONDON, July 25. It is authoritatively stated here that certain defence measures have in Malaya been already enforced in view of a plain threat to British territories, which Japanese action in Indo-China implies. AUSTRALIANS IN MALAYA. 'BATAVIA, July 24. The Australian troops in Malaya have been thoroughly trained in recent months, and are now fully assuming the responsibilities of guarding Singapore’s back door. They are stationed in a position from which their full force can be exerted at any threatened point. AUSTRALIAN LABOUR LEADER’S REQUEST. , SYDNEY, July 25. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Curtin) from Perth telegraphed to Mr Menzies, urging him to summon the Federal Parliament, to deal with the Eastern situation. Soviet and Japan SHANGHAI, July 24 The Associated Press correspondent unconfirmedly reports that Russian and Japanese troops clashed on the Manchukuo-Siberian border near Changkufeng, the scene of largescale Soviet-Japanese fighting m August, 1938.

Japan’s Object TO PREVENT WAR SPREADING. SAYS CONSUL-GENERAL. LONDON, July 24. The Japanese Consul-General at Singapore, Mr Tsumari, declared it was entirely wrong to say that Japan was getting bases in Southern IndoChina in order to promote aggressive designs against Malaya, the Netherland Indies, or elsewhere. Japan was solelv inspired by a desire to maintain the integrity of Indo-China, and to prevent the war flames spreading in the Far East. He hoped that Britain and America were ’ inspired bv the same spirit. Japan desired to settle the China affair, and to establish better trade relations with all( her neighbours, without seeking friction with Britain and America. Circling Japan U.S.A. AIR BASES IN CHINA. TOKIO OFFICIAL ‘ STATEMENT (Rec. 1 a.m.) TOKIO, July 25. The J'apanese Information Board spokesman said that the Japanese efforts to improve the relations of Japan with the United States were not contrary to the Tripartite Pact. He said that Japan regarded the attitude of both the Indo-China and Thailand Governments as being satisfactory. but there were certain groups in both of those ’ countries who were showing an unsatisfactory' attitude. The spokesman stressed in s statement that there were United States air bases in China which have made it possible for the Americans to bomb Japan if they so wish. However, details were lacking as to the exact American bases. “It alao is very difficult to confirm the details of the Anglo-Ameri-can encirclement of Japan,” he declared, “unless those Governments give us the information. “Japan has never given up her hope of approving Japanese-Ameri-can relations.” Japanese Reports BRITISH AND CHINESE TO ENTER INDO-CHINA. TOKIO, July 24. The vernacular Press is emphasising that Chinese and British followers of General de Gaulle, with American approval, are entering Indo-China immediately. JAPANESE PRECAUTIONS. "LONDON, July 24. The Japanese Embassy at Shanghai has announced that foreigners will not be permitted to book passages to Japan. No reason is given. TOKIO STOCK EXCHANGE. TOKIO, July 24. For the second successive day, the stock market is weak. Shipping shares are off two yen. DUTCH INDIES. FORCES READY. LONDON, July 24. News reaching London indicates Anglo-American-Dutch combined action designed to hamper Japan on the economic side of her expansion in tne Netherland Indies, whose oil may be one of the prizes sought by Japan. They are taking no chances. All points of military importance throughout the Archioelago including oilfields ana harbours, are closed to foreigners, and olaced under guard. The Home Guard is concentrating on the protection of the oilfields. Thousands of women have registered for war service, and under the conscription plan, 600,000 natives will be called up.

MILITARY PREPARATIONS.

IN DUTCH INDIES

(Rec 1.0.) BATAVIA, July 25. There are to be extensive mechanised forces manoeuvres next week in the Dutch East Indies. These will be synchronising with a West . Java black-out. The exercises will cover a area, including- the Bantam and Batavia districts. These are designed to give the East Indies forces practice under actual wartime conditions. DUTCH ANTICIPATION. LONDON, July 24. Netherlands East Indies’ opinion is that Jauan will exert pressure on Thailand and endeavour to threaten Burma, thereby cutting the Burma Road. FREE FRENCH STATEMENT. LONDON, July 24. The Free French authorities here have issued a statement as to IndoChina, indignantly condemning Admiral Darlan, as imposing “the latest humiliation on France,” and a “fresh squandering of the national heritage.” The statement issued by them says: “As long ago as March last, General de Gaulle and the Council of Defence of the French Empire declared that any cession which might be agreed to by Vichy or its representatives would be considered null and void, and that this resolution applied to the particular case of Indo-China. Vichy decided to light against the Free French and the British in Syria. In Indo-China, they oppose no resistance to the ambitions of Japan. Admiral Darlan’s spokesman states that Japan intervened in order to protect the colony. Japanese protection has already cost France her effective sovereignty over Tonkin, last September, and the vast territory of Cambodia and Lao was ceded to Thailand in March. Vichy not onl" refrains from protesting against Japanese intervention, but uses it as a pretext for trying to excite French public opinion against Britain and China, by invoking imaginary threats. This new cession by Vichy takes place on the very day following Marshal Petain’s solemn undertaking to defend all the territory of the French Empire. In point of fact, Vichy has never ceased, voluntarily or otherwise, to be an instrument of the Axis. A comparison of the Vichy attitude in Indo-China and Syria furnishes further proof of this. The alleged sovereignty of Vi.chy is no longer anything more than a fiction, which exclusively serves the interests of Germany. WAR SUPPLIES FROM INDIA. SIMLA, July 24 Mr. F. R. Picot, of New Zealand, after a tour of the manufacturing areas, said: “We can make it now,” is Indian industry’s determined cry as a counterpart of Britain’s famous “We can take it.” “India’s industry has been mobilised until now keen Indian brains and competent hands are transforming Indian iron ore into guns, tanks, shells, armoured carriers, bombs, and the numerous requirements of modern warfare. I revisited several factories I saw last year. In every case, considerable development and progress were evident. One factory, producing a range of intricate important military equipment, has increased the personnel from 2,000 last November to 12,000. This factory is . but one link in the chain of prc-- ( gress. Production is expanding rapidly throughout India.”