Japan Stands Firm To Axis Pact

Northern Advocate, 26 May 1941, Page 4

Japan Stands Firm To Axis Pact

LONDON, May 25.

Japan’s role as a member of the Axis was reaffirmed by the Tokio newspaper “Kokomunin.” said to be the official organ of the Japanese Army. It is stated that, in the eVent of the United States entering the war, it was as clear as daylight that Japan would strike a firm blow at the United States under “this holy pact.” The paper went on to say that such a decision by the United States would throw the entire world into chaos,, the responsibility for which would rest squarely on President Roosevelt’s already heavily-burdened shoulders.

Roosevelt’s Fireside Chat

The Japanese Government expects President Roosevelt to define America’s war attitude in his radio talk to the world on Tuesday (2 p.m. Wednesday, New Zealand time). “President Roosevelt’s ‘fireside chat ’ will have great importance in deciding the world’s destiny,” said the paper. The Japanese Ambassador in London (Mr M. Shigemitsu) has been recalled to Tokio for important talks. He will leave Britain as soon as an air passage to Lisbon is available. The purpose of his recall is not revealed, but observers believe it may be about Britain’s decision to blacklist 11 large Japanese whalers and tankers.