JAPANESE CRISIS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 193, 17 July 1941, Page 8

JAPANESE CRISIS

SPLIT OVER OBJECTIVES. (United Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 10. ) I rt , T he diplomatic correspondent of the , | Times says that clearly a most delicate situation lias arisen in Japan at a ! critical time. Prince Konoye s Cabinet lias been discussing whether to attack Russia, thereby tailing in with German desires, demand or seize bases in Indo-Cliina and Thailand, or mark time temporarily while doubling the effort to end the China War. Many signs indicated that the Cabinet was turning to Indo-China and -Thailand. According to a private report received by the Times from France, demands had already been prepared in readiness for presentation to Vichy within a few days. Repeated reports s from Tokio stated that Japan would a move northwards ot southward: before t July 20. * It is clear that the Japanese Cubiuet was still undecided, prudent 2 voices being raised against tho cxs tremists, and it is evident that the ’ crisis was forced on this issue. Even if the new Cabinet is more prudent, 1 any change in Japan’s course is likely to be gradual. A Vichy spokesman denied that * Japan had delivered an ultimatum to J France concerning Indo-China and added that France’s relations with j Japan were excellent, i New York reports that one-third i of the population of South-Eastern ; Shansi Province have been wiped I out in the last few weeks by starvation and pestilence, according to a F report receiver! from Mr George Hogg, an American relief worker in China. The “scorched earth” tactics have accounted for most ot tho deaths. A report from Saigon says that Admiral Deeoux (Governor-General), denies that he lias received demands from the Japanese for further concessions.