INDO-CHINA DISPUTE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 239, 6 September 1940, Page 7

INDO-CHINA DISPUTE.

JAPAN ALTERS PLANS. POSSIBLE ORDERS FROM HITLER SHANGHAI, Sept. 5. It is authoritatively reported from Indo-China that Japan has withdrawn her ultimatum and cancelled plans to evacuate Japanese nationals, it is l>elieved tlte action has been prompted by French assurances that the Japanese demands will be acceptable when the uouiils are worked out. It is further reported that any Japanese invasion into Indo-China would be in defiance of Hitler’s desire to keep Indo-Cbina intact. -It is said, that the Japanese since the collapse of v ranee nave been vainly awaiting Hitler’s signal to “go ahead” in the Ear East in return lor past Japanese co--operation with the Axis. A Tokio message says those well informed in Government circles expect a satisfactory solution of the difficulties. The talk of threatened Japanese occupation is “decidedly premature.” The Japanese Foreign Office asserts that the Indo-China negotiations are still progressing, but it is without information concerning any new developments. However, Genera] Nishihara has been authorised to act on his own discretion. '

UNITED STATES WARNING. Washington reports that the Secretary of Stale (Mr Cordell Hull) has publicly notified Japan any change in the status quo of Trench indo-Cmna and the Netnerlands East Indies as a result of Japanese military operations- would have an “unfortunate effect upon public opinion in the United States.” . “During recent months the United States and others, including Japan, have expressed a desire that tne status quo he respected and. preserved in the Pacific, with special reference to the Netherlands East Indies and Trench Indo-China,” Mr Hull said. “In the absence of official confirmation of the reported Japanese ultimatum to the authorities in French Indo-China, this Government is reluctant to give credence to the report. However, it is a matter to which the United States attaches importance, and it stands to reason, should events prove that the report is well-founded, that the effect upon public opinion in the United Slates would he unfortunate.” . Mr Hull revealed that the United States is standing adamantly on its refusal to allow Japanese troops to take over all the defence sectors in the International fc>ettlement at Shanghai formerlv patrolled by the British. Mr Hull stated that the American •and Japanese forces had conferred on the assignment of the sectors, but no agreement was readied. FRENCH FLEDGE?

The China Mail, in Hong Kong, reports that the commander ol the French Far Eastern Naval Forces (Vice-Admiral Decoux) assured Marshal Chiaiig Kai-shek that he would never allow Japanese troops through Indo-China. The paper says Haiphong is very active in defence preparations. A spokesman of the Chungking Government denied the China Mail report, and said the Government had not received such information from ViceAdmiral Decoux. JAPANESE FEARS. According to a message from Tokio the Japanese public visualise the likelihood that an Anglo-American front against Japan will be one of the ultimate results of the new naval base agreement though at present it is directed against tiie Axis. The Yomiuri Sliimbun comments: “With Germany controlling Europe Anglo-American interest in Australia and the other Pacific lands must increase.” The Asalu Sliimbun foresees the possibility of a strong British fleet shifting to Singapore, while Australia, India, and Malaya remain in British hands.

AMBASSADOR'S ROLE. Received September 6, 10.55 a.m. TOKIO, Sept. 5. Mr Hajime Matsumiya has been appointed special Ambassador to make a tour of observation in British Malaya, Indo-China, Siam, India, and Oceania. The latter obviously includes Australia and New Zealand, and possibly New Caledonia.