U.S.A. AND EAST ASIA

Grey River Argus, 9 October 1941, Page 5

U.S.A. AND EAST ASIA

MISSION TO CHINA. HONG KONG, October 7. The leader of the first United States mission to Chungking, Brigadier General John Magruder, declared that his mission was to make arrangements for the most effective form or assistance to China under the LeaseLend Act. Speaking at a Press conference at Honk Kong, he said that other members of the mission were expected to arrive at Chungking to - morrow. He had conferred with Sir Robert Brooke-Fcpham. The British Broadcasting Corporation observer at Singapore states that the arrival of the American mission is a plain warning to Japan that the Axis will not be allowed to pick off its victims one by one. That policy will not work in the Far East. MANILA, October Defence problems covering tne whole Pacific area were discussed at the week-end conference between the British and American Services’ ch.ets. Particular attention was paid to the united defence strategy by Britain and the United States regarding Hong Kong Malaya, Borneo, Burma, Netherlands East Indies, Australia and New Zealand. The problem of getting British-American supplies to China over the Burma road was also fully discussed. NEW YORK, October L The increasing belief that United States and British diplomacy is driving a wedge between Japan and Thailand, is reflected in the Japanese Press, says the Associated Press T'okio correspondent. The Tokio “Yomitiri” publishes a dispatch from Bangkok saying that the Singapore conference formulated the following demands: Firstly, Thailand to give a specific assurance ot neutrality; secondly, Britain to be given priority in vital raw materials; thirdly, the pro-Axis tendencies ot Thailand to be eradicated. The Tokiio “Kokumin” described the conferences at Singapore and Hong Kong as a threat to the establishment of the co-prosperity sphere, and warned Japan not to remain indifferent. The “Asahi,” quoting ns Manila correspondent, said that the U.Gcussiltns concerning joint aerzil action and the strengthening of the anti-Japan encircling front. The Japanese Press has adopted an increasingly critical tone towards the Japanese and American diplomatic negotiations. 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. Japan resents the Allied trade 1 boycott.