DISCUSSION WITH SOVIET.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 261, 2 October 1940, Page 7

DISCUSSION WITH SOVIET.

probable British step

EXAMINATION OF PACT

(British Official Wifeless.) RUGBY, Sept. 30. The terms of the Gerinan-ltajia.n-Japanese pact have not yet been officially communicated to London, but full Preys reports of the new development are under examination in London and there is naturally considerable speculation in the newspapers as to the reaction in various quarters. It is assumed that an early opportunity will be sought by the British Ambassador in Moscow for a discussion of the whole situation with the Government of the Soviet Union, and a hope is expressed by some correspondents that an understanding on the other outstanding problems consequent on the inclusion of the Baltic Slates within the Soviet Union may result. There is general agreement that among the subjects under discussion in Loudon is that of the Burma Road. Under the Anglo-Japanese agreement the British closure of the road ends on October 17, and newspapers here declare that the American view inclines to the belief that an immediate reopening of the road is imperative. , The Press opinion is interesting. The Daily Telegraph, examining world reactions to tlie jiact, says: “Germany, Italy and. Japan cannot agree in their public explanation of their exhumation of the Anti-Comintern Pact. In Berlin this is the grandest alliance of the ages, and hopes are expressed in a minor key that it may . keep the United States out of the war. The Japanese Foreign Minister docs not intend to challenge any Power without provocation.

SEARCH FOR MOTIVE

“Neutral observers in Europe are asking whether the pact was produced to soothe a frustrated German anticipation of some substantial success. Another motive, however, is betrayed in Berlin and openly admitted in Rome — that it had become necessary to frighten the United States. •There hay been a surge of resentment in America. Far from restricting the dispatch of armaments to this country, the pact is giving a fresh stimulus to the policy of rendering all material support and assistance. “Japan may thank Germany for leaving her to a crisis in her relations with the United States, and neither the American people nor their Government will be content to meet further Japanese aggression with words. ‘‘The Nazi pact of 250,000,000 people will go down beneath the strength of nations far superior in manpower and even more formidable in command of world resources in industrial energy.”