JAPAN EMBARRASSED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 177, 28 June 1941, Page 7

JAPAN EMBARRASSED.

OPPORTUNITY FOR DEMOCRACIES TOKIO, Juno 27. The Foreign Office spokesman (Mr Ishii) said that iii the event ol American aid going to Russia via Vladivostock the situation would become very dangerous and would put Japan in an awkward and embarrassing position. “We are watching with the keenest interest.”

He said he was unable to comment on Japan’s Russo-German policy, but considered that the Government would not issue a statement immediately. He gave an assurance that Japan intended to fulfil her trade pact with Russia. London advices state that Hitler is exerting the utmost pressure on Japan to enter the war and to attack Russia to the exclusion of all other plans. The impression prevails that the Japanese leaders arc at loggerheads with one another.

Some observers consider the time is favourable to endeavour to drive Japan completely from tlie Axis. Military experts believe that the cooperation of Britain and Russia could provide the Democracies with important air bases in Russia’s Pacific outposts, thus bringing the Allies within striking distance of Japan. This would probably help considerably to checkmate Japan in the Pacific, as Vladivostock is only 590 miles from Tokio.

Tokio states that two more liaison conferences between the Government and the High Command will he held this afternoon and to-morrow to continue the deliberations concerning Japan’s attitude in the Soviet-German war.

Shanghai reports that the first shipment of United States materials to the Soviet since the outbreak of So-viet-German hostilities will he made soon with four Soviet freighters docked at Manila. The cargoes comprise tin, machine tools and other materials for Vladivostock. DUTCH WILL FIGHT.

A Batavia report says Mr ioshizawa (the Japanese trade envoy) suited lor Tokio to-day accompanied by eignt members of his delegation. Mr Yoslnzawa with Mr van Mook inspected a guard of honour and the regimental band played the Japanese National Anthem. The local Japanese lined up on the wharf shouting banzais. “We are ready to tight anybody,” said Major-General H. Terpoorten, leader of the Netherlands commission which is visiting Australia to present the Dutch hospital ship Oranje to the Australian and New Zealand Governments.

General Terpoortcn added: ‘‘We have tanks, armoured cars, anti-air-craft guns, and, above all, complete co-operation with Australia, New Zealand and the Malay States. We are superbly confident.”