FULLY PREPARED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 193, 17 July 1941, Page 7

FULLY PREPARED

BRITISH IN - EAST. JAPANESE" CRISIS. LONDON, July 16. “Come what may, we are fully prepared. We are certain, that whatever the British Forces in the Far East maybe called upon to perform we shall not be found wanting.” These remarks were addressed by the British Commander-in-Chicf in the Far East (Sir Robert Brooke-Popham) in tlio course of an interview with Reuter’s correspondent. — 1 The lengthy debate which has been taking place in Tokio ever since the German attack on Russia culminated to-day in the resignation of the entire Cabinet. All reports emphasise the gravity of the situation. The official report says the resignation was made to give way to a stronger Cabinet to cope with the situation. The semi-official Domei Agency says the country is facing the gravest crisis. The decision took place in the absence of the Foreign Minister (Mr Matsuoka), who has not been present at the discussions for some days; lie is said to have a cold.

The Premier (Prince Konoye) liad an audience with the Emperor and was told to carry on till a successor was appointed. There is no news yet of his successor—the only news from Tokio is that there is to be no change in the Government’s policy. Speculation on the reason for the resignations is rife in many capitals. Reuter reports that Cabinet was sharply divided on the action to be taken over the German invasion of Russia. Mr Matsuoka was the leader of the extremists, with the War Minister (General Togo); the others desired to adopt a wait and see policy. JAPAN’S DILEMMA. BACKING THE WINNER. I (11.:30 a. 111.) NEW YORK. July 16. The New York Times’s Shanghai correspondent says Japan is marking time, as she wants to join the winning side. The Cabinet is said to have been facing a crisis because of disputes over the most profitable course. Government opponents believe Mr Shigemitsu has returned from London to succeed Air Alatsuoka as Foreign Min ister and institute a new policy wlierebv Japan-would withdraw from South China unu open the Yangtsej and Pei-lio Rivers to foreign trade.' Japan would maintain only small gai-j risons at Shanghai, Nanking, and | Hankow, but would keep her dominant! position in North China. The Shigemitsu group believes it can : interest Britain in this scheme. Japan j would then turn her attention to East-j ern Siberia The influential Tokio Diplomatic Review, which is supported by the Foreign Office, urges the Government i to attempt to settle the China affair i on the basis of national policy alone. It declares the incident should not become involved in a world war. Aleanwhile, Chungking remains watchful. Most of China’s huge arm' would continue fighting under any leadership as long as it was anti-; Japanese. i Dr. Quo Tai-chi said Chungking i would not sign even an American-1 negotiated peace settlement. The Sino- j Japanese war must be part of a worldwide post-iyar settlement. He added! that no attempt had been made by i Germany to settle' the hostilities be-• tween China and Japan. ( Prince Konoye’s Cabinet will remain. in office under Imperial guidance until a new Cabinet is formed. The Emperor and Empress are cancelling their vacation and are returning immediately to Tokio.

It is believed in Washington that Japan will make at least a gesture towards the norlh against Russia and move more southward, though with strict limitations. j Russia has notified Japan that three zones in the Sea oi Japan and one in the Kamchatka Peninsula between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Behring j Sea have become dangerous lor navigation- , .

The Tokio Asahi Sliimbun's Washington correspondent says the Japanese Embassy has protested to the United States against oppressive measures taken against Japanese ships. The Norfolk Maru was detained unduly before clearance, necessitating Embassy intervention. Another Japanese ship was held up at Boston although vigorously searched by Coastguardsmen. It is further alleged that other ships were detained unwarrantably.

DEMANDS ON INDO-CHINA

RETORT TO JAPANESE. LONDON, July 16.

The Governor of Ercnch Indo-China (Admiral JDccoux) * to-day denied charges by flic Japanese Press that Indo-China is failing to fulfil the agreements with Japan and is persecuting pro-Japanese Annamito natives. Admiral Decoux declared that Japanese demands have been received for further concessions. He said: “Indo-China will do nothing to trouble the situation in the Southern Pacific. Because of the geographical position of Hong Kong and Singapore. Indo-Chiim will continue trade relations with them, exchanging vital merchandise.”

Reports received in Sydney to-day reveal that the sailing from Japan of two vessels for Australian ports has been cancelled. It is understood some form of restriction lias come into force in Japan which temporarily at least is preventing the shipment of cargoes to Australia. The United States Navy announces that it has mined Manila Bay, in the Philippines. It says the entrances to Manila Bay and the nearby Subic Bay will be dangerous after daylight on Thursday on account of contact mines having been sown. In future departure from and entrance to Manila Bay will be permissible only in daylight hours. Private craft arc prohibited entirely from the naval area in Subic Bay.