FAR EAST

Grey River Argus, 8 October 1941, Page 5

FAR EAST

JAPAN’S DILEMMA British Commander’s Idea l'Aus & N.Z. Cable Assn.] 1 MANILA, October 6. , In a frank interview nefore leaving for Singapore, Air Marshal Sir Robert Brooke-Popham (British Commander-in-Chief in the Far East), said: “J think Japan is worried and does not quite know what to do. It seems to me that the Japanese are beginning to wonder if they have not been let down by 7 the Axis — as they really have —-and whether thev have not backed the wrong horse.” Sir R. Brooke-Popham declared that Singapore had been ready to meet an attack months ago. Sir R. Brooke-Popham and staff left by air for Singapore, concluding the conferences which United States armv officers termed hignly successful. MANILA October 6. Sir Earle Page arrived and. dined with the United States High Commissioner, Mr. Francis Sayre, otjjer guests being General MacArthur Admiral Hart, and General Grunert. In a statement to the Press, Sir E. Page said that Australians believe the Far Eastern situation is inseparable from the European war. The continued shipment of American. Dutch and Australian materials .to Britain, via the Pacific and Indian Oceans, was essential for the continued British war effort. consequently preparedness must bp maintained. NEW YORK, October 6. Complaining that Japan is choking from the effect of trade suspension with the United States and Britain, the Japanese Press has adopted an increasingly critical tone towards the Japanese and American diplomatic negotiations, reports, the United Press Tokio correspondent, tie adds that Mr. Wakasugi is en route to Washington bearing special instructions to Admiral Nomura, but informed circles say there is no immediate- prospect of an understanding between the two countries. FIGHTING IN CHINA. CHUNGKING. October 6 Th G Central News admits that thq Chinese evacuated Chengchow, after inflicting 5.000 Japanese casualties A spokesman in Chungking said the Japanese tried to storm the city using poison gas. The Japanese attacked Chengchow as a cover for their defeat at Changsha. The citv is of no strategic importance. The Chinese claim that their forces are- in contact with the Japanese forces retreating from Changsha, in the Hunan Province. MEXICO CITY, October 6 President Camacho has forbidden the export of mercury from the Western Hemisphere, following the discovery of a large quantity of contraband mercurv concealed in the Japanesp liner, Azuma Maru.