Hint of Japanese-German Defensive Pact

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 228, 26 September 1940, Page 7

Hint of Japanese-German Defensive Pact

Nippon’s Answer to United States Move May Indicate Admission of Failure of Blitzkreig United Press Assn.—By Electriu Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Thursday, 12.2 a.m. MONTREAL, September 24. Authoritative reports from Tokio reaching Shanghai says that Japan, and Germany have agreed in principle to a defensive alliance to become effective in the event of Anglo-American collaboration, such as the Singapore base, in which case Japan will abandon her non-involvement policy. It is further stated that Hitler’s personal representative (Herr Stahmer) has negotiated a provisional Japan-German defensive pact which envisages a worldwide diversion of American attention especially in South America and the Far East.

According to a Tokio message, the Hochi Shimbun, commenting on Mr. Cordell Hull’s condemnation of the Japanese troops’ entry into Indo-China, says: “To blame Japan is as absurd as the alleged Anglo-American joint defence agreement regarding Singapore. The Niehi Nichi Shimbun charges the United States, Britain and Australia with preparing “aggressive formations” against Batavia and other South-western Pacific countries for the purpose of interfering with Japan’s southward policy. The paper adds: “Anglo-American economic pressure is powerless to restrain Japan, who will push her fixed policy with fresh energy.” It further points out that Australia since July has been refusing permits of wool exports, for which that country may be regarded as having completely fallen in with the AngloAmerican Far Eastern front.

A Shanghai message says the Japanese Army’s newspaper Sinshunpao, commenting on Indo-China, says: “Should a misunderstanding arise between Washington and Tokio leading to a crisis, Japan will give a blow to any opposition regardless of what happens.”

Authoritative sources in Tokio declare that the Imperial Conference on September 19 approved of the alliance with Germany in principle. However, the announcement is to be delayed pending the Privy Council’s formal ratification. It is understood it does not envisage immediate Japanese abandonment of her non-involvement policy, but sets a policy for the Anglo-American front.

It is further stated that the alliance includes German assurances of good offices toward Russia amounting to a RussoJapanese non-aggression pact, thereby freeing Japan* for her move southward.

. I* ** understood the alliance is Germany’s proposition and is designed to avert full United States support to Britain. Observers interpret it as an indication that Berlin has decided that the Blitzkreig against Britain may not succeed, for which reason the affiance represents preparation for a prolonged war. The alliance details regarding South America are vague and are believed to have been left mainly to Germany’s discretion as a means of further diverting United States attention presumably by the creation of political disturbances.