Japanese Naval Move Against Russia

Northern Advocate, 29 July 1939, Page 7

Japanese Naval Move Against Russia

(Received 2 p.m.)

LONDON, July 27,

The Tokio correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says that the new naval squadron being organised by Japan for “wartime training” is believed to be intended for the blockade of the Russian port of Sakhalin, similar to the blockade of Tientsin.

This is part of major developments that can be expected as a result of Russia’s rejection of Japan’s protest over the Soviet’s alleged hampering of the working of oil and coal con- j cessions. j The dominant powers in Tokio feel the necessity for a large-scale demon- | stration in order to convince the public of their infallibility, which has so far j not been proved by the negotiations with Britain or the warfare in Manchukuo. |

The Navy spokesman said the new squadron would be put on a war footing immediately in re'adiness for emergencies, and also to assure Japan’s domination in the Western Pacific, which was essential to her construction of a new Asia.

He added that negotiations with the Soviet were at pi'esent proceeding, but the Japanese Navy was determined to take the necessary measurs to defend Japanese interests.