Manawatu Evening Standard. THURSDAY, NOV. 13, 1941. A WARNING TO JAPAN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 291, 13 November 1941, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. THURSDAY, NOV. 13, 1941. A WARNING TO JAPAN.

With infinite patience the United States Administration has tried to convince Japan of the dangerous situation she has created in the Far East, and of the awful consequences should the peace of the Pacific be broken. With the some degree of patience it has sought to reach a settlement with Japan on matters in dispute, but even the most optimistic commentators do not anticipate a favourable result io the negotiations, the thread of which Mr Eurusu is to take up within the next few days. It is at this stage that Mr Churchill has given a warning to Japan in words that are bluntly plain, even in these days when it is necessary to speak clearly and precisely on grave international issues. “Should the United States become involved in war with Japan,” he said in his speech in Lomlun on Lord Mayor’s Day, “a Dritisk declaration will follow within the hour.” That is a straightforward intimation to Japan that the British. Forces in the Ear East have reached a strength, both naval and military, that enables a war with Japan, should it unfortunately occur, to be waged with the fullest prospects of success. For some time now there has been a steady flow of reinforcements to Malaya and Japan must realise surely what war would mean to her. Chauvinism lias been carried to inordinate lengths, and while both Britain and the United States are quite prepared to give her the fullest opportunity to advance her legitimate claims, both have interests in the lar East which cannot be placed in jeopardy by Tokio.

Mr Churchill’s statement comes at a most opportune time. The Japanese view is, according to a high spokesman, that the strain in the relations with the United States is too great to continue, and that it must be settled for better or for worse before November 15. This is the date fixed for a special session of the Diet, w hen the Premier will announce Japan’s future policy. Prince Konoye’s Cabinet resigned h(J* cause it could not determine Japan’s role in the war, or report satisfactorily on the desired settlement with the United States. The new Ministry under General Tojo must resolve this deadlock or fall like its predecessor. A noted United States military commentator has declared that the hour of Japan’s destiny is at hand. She must make her decision, for having sown the wind she must reap the A\hiilwind. In her own interests she has the chance to keep the peace in the Pacific; in the declared interests of expansion she may feel it necessary to force war with the United States, and that would be a course that would not only arrest her progress but thrust her backward for many years. These are facts that cannot. be ignored in Tokio.