Japan Will Fight if Challenged PRIME MINISTER’S DECLARATION

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 237, 7 October 1940, Page 8

Japan Will Fight if Challenged PRIME MINISTER’S DECLARATION

Appeal to U.S.A. to Reflect; Move to Adjust Soviet Relations United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. TOKIO, October 4. The Japanese Prime Minister, Prince Konoye, stated to-day: “Should the United States challenge Germany, Italy and Japan, we are ready to accept the challenge and fight to a finish.” He added that Japan was prepared to adjust her relations with the United States as well as with the Soviet. “The destiny of the Pacific Ocean depends on the degree of mutual respect and understanding of each other’s position,” said Prince Konoye. “The United States should understand Japan’s true intentions and collaborate in establishing the New Order in East Asia. I believe that the United States should reflect on the attitude she has been taking against Japan and obtain fuller realisation of the existing situation. “Should the United States recognise the leadership of Japan, Germany, and Italy respectively in East Asia and Europe, they would logically recognise the United States’s leadership of the American continents. “Adjustment of Japan’s political and economic relations with the Soviet will be continued, but this does not signify that Japan will accept Communism.” He added that the negotiations between Japan and the Dutch East Indies were progressing smoothly, and that fairly eatisfaetory results could be expected.