TENSION GROWS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 264, 5 October 1940, Page 7

TENSION GROWS

INDO-CHINA DISPUTE.

THAI PLANES ACTIVE

(United Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 9.0) SHANGHAI, Oct. 4. The Domei. News Agency’s Tokio correspondent says the Indo-China anti-aircraft defences fired at Thailand planes reconnoitring the border.

Thailand lias sent 50 ’planes to the border, while the French are concentrating war material. Both countries are evacuating civilians from the borders.

A Bangkok message says the French community at Bangkok have sent a message to Vichy appealing to the Government to yield to Thailand’s request for territorial readjustments in lndo-China. which were under consideration long before France was involved in her present difficulties. Messages from Hong Kong say Thailand is massing planes and troops on the north-eastern frontier of lndoChina.

A Canton message says that reports, received there state that part of the Japanese troops from Haiphong entered the Hanoi suburbs yesterday afternoon and are reported to have been welcomed by the French. as well as the natives. . JAPAN’S PRANK THREAT. CO-OPERATE OR FIGHT. (Rec. 11.50 a.m.) TOKIO, Oct. 4. Prince Konoye stated that should the United States challenge Germany, Italy and Japan, “we are ready to accept t'he challenge and fight to a finish.” He added that Japan was prepared to adjust her relations with the bnited States as well as the Soviet. “The Pacific Ocean’s destiny depends on the degree of mutual respect and understanding of each other’s position,” said the Premier. “The United States should understand Japan’s true intentions and collaborate in establishing the new order in East Asia. I believe the United States should reflect on the attitude she nas been taking against Japan and dbtain a fuller realisation of t'he existing situation.

“Should the United istaces recognise the leadership of Japan, Germany, and Italy, respectively in East Asia and Europe, theyvwill logically recognise the United -States’s leadership in the American 1 continents. The adjustment of political aind economic relations with the Soviet will be continued, but this does not sigtoify that J apan accepts Communism.” He added That the negotiations between (Japan and tlie East Indies were progressing sirioothly, -and fairly satisfactory results '.could be expected.

japaneST strategy

NEGOTIaASSS' WITH SOVIET.

SINGAPORE

LONDON, Oct. 3. _ Rome radio states that Japan is making an effort to settle her diferenees witn Russia. The Japanese Ambassador in Moscow has been invested with “the necessary powers to enable him to solve outstanding llus-sian-Japanese jiroblems.” Inspired Italian comment asserts that Japan is attempting to place herself in the best strategic position against Singapore, in case of British hostility forcing Japan to attack the base. It is asserted that Japan is doing her utmost to extend her influence to Thailand in order to prepare for economic and spiritual penetration of the Dutch East Indies. According to a Tokio message, the Kokuiniu- Sliimbun says: “The first measure of increased Britisli-American pressure against Japan will probably be the reopening of the Burma route. It is obvious the United States_ is' ; behind this mischief. British anti-Japanese manoeuvres are understandable, lor Britain is doomed in Europe. “Whilst the Japanese evacuation from London does not mean the immediate entry of Japan into the European war, Britain shoukl know that the evacuation was not caused by the difficulties of living and trade.” The Chugai Shogvo Shimpo says: ‘Unless Britain and the United States openly show their teeth against Japan by deliberately perverting the _ tripartite pact or through imaginary fears, there is no reason why Japan should not try to remain friendly with them. Japan can adopt a calm ‘watch and see’ attitude.” The Domei News Agency’s Bangkok correspondent says the relations between Thailand and lndo-China are at “a dangerous point” over boundarydemarcation. It is said both are Steadily concentrating troops on the border areas.

The Tokio vernacular press give prominence to the report that the ActingDlinister, M. Akira Dlatsui, at Ottawa informed the Foreign Office that the Vancouver Municipal Assembly proprose to oppress Japanese residents. It has decided to close the Japanese elementary schools and deport Japanese who violate Canadian laws, also those considered to have illegally entered the country, and to prohibit the entry of new Japanese immigrants. A Manila message says tho High Commissioner (Mr F. B. Sayre) revealed that he had warned two foreign Consuls against disseminating propaganda in the Philippines. He declined to identify, them.