JAPAN WATCHED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 198, 23 July 1941, Page 8

JAPAN WATCHED

ANGLO-U.S. UNDERSTANDING. i (United Press Association—Copyright • (Rec. 1.4.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 22 5 Reports from Japan disclose grow l ing evidence, of largo-scale mobilisa ; tion and the calling nr* of reservistsi Alajor-Gcneral Sumita, on his retina i to Hanoi alter a flying visit to Tokio • conferred with Admiral Deeoux (Gov i ernor-General of I.ndo-China). Thei ■ interview is believed to have concern ] ed Japanese demands for the use o : naval and air bases in Indo-China. The Premier (Prince Konoye), with ' out explanation, cancelled the Pres; 1 conference at which ho was cxpectec to outline His diplomatic aim Reporting a sharpening of tin tension over Indo-China, the Times diplomatic correspondent says tlu British and American Governments have the fullest understanding o 1 each other’s policy. The evidence shows clearly enough which way the Japanese Government’s mind is at present turning. Following Vice-Admiral Toyoda’s affirmation of Japan’s adherence to the Tripartite Pact, the United Press correspondent says the Japanese Press predicts prompt and active steps to solve Japan’s three most pressing foreign problems—-firstly, an Anglo-Ame-rican encirclement in Southern Asia; secondly, a settlement of the China “affair”; and thirdl- preparations for any eventualities resulting iroin a possible Russian collapse. The armv spokesman at Shanghai admitted that Japanese reservists living in China had been called up, but said this was merely for training. “Tlio entiro Japanese force in China does not exceed one-sixth the number of German troops engaged in Europe, therefore the training of reservists is necessary.” The Singapore radio lias categorically denied the Japanese reports that the British are contemplating some fo.vi of unspecified action in IndoChina. The bogey of British intervention may be used to justify new Japanese demands against Indo-China. Vichv is exerting strong pressure on Admiral Deeoux, but it is hoped lie will bo able to resist. Air Ralph Ingersoll, the editor of P.AI.. interviewed in Singapore on liis arrival from Aloscow, gave his opinion tHat any hostile move by a totalitarian Power against Singa;>ore or a.nv other country in this part of the world would be regarded as a hostile move - against America. Ho did not think America would let anyone else except Americans move into Singapore. The Domei Agency announces the appointment of AH Kumaichi Yamamoto as Vice-Foreign Alinister. Air Honda (Ambassador to Nanking) has withdrawn his resignation.