Japan’s Reactions

Northern Advocate, 2 June 1939, Page 5

Japan’s Reactions

(Received 2 p.m.) LONDON. June 2

The Tokio correspondent of “The Times” says that M. Molotoff’s speech surprised Government officials, who expected neither rejection of the Franco-British proposal nor reference to the re-opening of commercial negotiations with Germany. Unofficial sources suspect that M. Molotoff’s moderation discloses “horse” trading for greater concessions. His maximum conditions, it is admitted, would restrict an agreement to Europe, but officials point out that if the Soviet' has reason to think that its European frontiers are secure, it can play a more aggressive role in the Far East.

Even that prospect, however, is less disturbing than a Soviet-German rapprcchment, the essence of which would give a free hand for Russia in the Far East, in return for a free hand for Germany in Europe. Mr H. Nishi, counsellor at the Japanese embassy in Moscow, said in an interview that Russia will not participate in the Anglo-French alliance unless it included assistance in the Far East, enabling Russia to bring pressure upon Japan. It is officially stated that the Foreign Minister, Mr. Arita, has advised the Slovakian Government that Japan is formally recognising Slovakian independence. He added that this was regarded as a neutral step in view of the special relations between Germany and Japan.