JAPAN’S POLICY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 265, 8 October 1940, Page 7

JAPAN’S POLICY

ANTICIPATING WORST.

MINISTER’S STATEMENT. f United Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 9.20 a.m.j TOKIO, Oct. 7. The Foreign Minister (Mr Matsuoka) said it was impossible at the present to state definitely the repercussions from Japan’s part with the Axis, but Japan must make the necessary preparations in anticipation of the worst to come. Mr Matsuoka added that the conclusion of the pact did not mean Japan would immediately enter into a war with any non-signatory nation and emphasised that Japan was only “too eager” to maintain friendly relations with all nations which were willing to co-operate. “While in the past Russian and Japanese relations have been far. from satisfactory, this is not the time for the two countries to be at loggerheads. They should co-operate for a higher objective. Nothing would please the rest of the world more than a RussianJapanese clash.” “WAR INEVITABLE.” A Chungking message says the influential newspaper Takung Pao said the United States should realise that a Japanese-American war was inevitable, lor which reason the United States should “strike first” -before Japan consolidated her position in Indo-China, formed a military, alliance with Thailand, and made a drive against the Burma Road. The paper said the United States should declare a complete economic blockade of Japan immediately and utilise tlio“ Singapore and Australian naval and air bases because in this lay the only hope of possibly averting war, or at least assuring a shorter war. The Takung Pao added that _ a Japanese-American war would be like a fight between a lion and a rabbit in view of American superiority. Such a war would result “in the execution of international brigands.” A report from Hanoi says the tension between lndo-China and Thailand mounted after Thailand’s representative (Major Chai Pradipasena) went to Bangkok last night after a conference with Mr Sumita and Admiral Decoux, at which, Major Chai said, Admiral Decoux rejected Thailand’s demands. Chungking reports that the latest estimates are iIOO killed and 500 wounded in yesterday’s bombing of the Chungking suburbs. Chengtu reports that 120 were killed and 500 wounded on Friday and Saturday in bombings, including students of the Central University Medical College. The Vichy Government has notified Thailand of its readiness to establish a French and Siamese Commission to investigate the frontier incidents.