Japan’s Four Points For A Settlement In The Pacific

Northern Advocate, 18 November 1941, Page 6

Japan’s Four Points For A Settlement In The Pacific

NEW YORK, November 17. IN HIS SPEECH TO THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE 1 JAPANESE DIET, THE PRIME MINISTER (GENERAL TOJO), LAID DOWN FOUR POINTS NECESSARY FOR A SETTLEMENT IN THE PACIFIC. (1) Third Powers must not interfere in China. (2) The lifting- of the economic blockade which is virtually bringing- Japan’s trade to a standstill. (3) Britain, the Netherlands East Indies and America to promise to end encirclement. (4) The restoration of normal trade which is vital to Japan. Referring to the four points, General To jo said that if these objects were realised by diplomatic negotiations it would be a matter for gratification not only for Japan, but for the cause of peace in east Asia and the world in general.

Chungking’s Pillar ‘ In view of past experiences, however, the prospect remained uncertain, and Japan, therefore, anticipating obstacles, was firmly determined to assure the existence of her Empire by perfecting all kinds of preparations and vigorously executing her fixed national policy. The task of settling the China affair had entered the final stage, but the economic and military activities of the countries aiding Marshal Chiang Kai-shek had become increasingly vigorous. They constituted the last pillar of the Chungking Government’s resistance. General Tojo said that in the northern region the situation since the outbreak of the German-Russian war had led one to reflect upon the possibilities likely to arise from it. Japan could not afford to be indifferent to its development. “Therefore,” he said, “we are taking all necessary measures to secure stability in the north.” East Indies’ Disappointment General Tojo recounted Japan’s entry into Indo-China, and added: “Japan’s cordial relations with IndoChina have been gradually established, and Japan’s peaceful advancement towards the south was about to commence, but, as the military and economic co-operation of Britain, the United States and the East Indies became strengthened, Japan’s economic negotiations with the East Indies fell through. “Britain, the United States and the East Indies, after the Japanese entered Indo-China, enforced an economic blockade and simultaneously rapidly augmented their military measures against us. “One hardly needs to explain that an economic blockade as between non-belli-gerents, constitutes a measure little less hostile in character than armed warfare." General Tojo concluded: “Japan faces a serious situation, where she must decide her course for generations to come.” Might End in Catastrophe The Japanese Foreign Minister (Mr Togo), in an address prepared for delivery at Monday’s session of the Diet and distributed throughout the world by the Domei News Agency, said: “The time for negotiations with the United States is drawing to a close. There is naturally a limit to our conciliatory attitude.” Mr Togo said that Japan’s relations with the United States had grown progressively worse, and unless checked the situation might end in catastrophe. Ke said the views of the two countries had been made clear through conversations which had now lasted for more than six months, and consequently it must be evident to the United States Government that, viewed even from the technical angle, there was no necessity for spending much time on negotiations from now on.

“Should an occasion arise such as might menace the very existence of our Empire or compromise the prestige of Japan as a great Power, it goes without saying that Japan must face it with a firm and resolute attitude,” said Mr Togo. “For my part, I am taking charge of the negotiations with a firm resolve regarding this point.’” Mr Togo said Britain and the United States had gone to the length of establishing encircling positions against Japan by inducing Australia, the Netherlands East Indies and the Chinese Government to join in. Only Basis of Agreement The present Cabinet, in order to preserve peace in the_JPacific, had decided to continue negotiations, which were still in progress. Mr Togo said the United States and Japan could reach an agreement on two conditions: First, if the United States were as genuinely solicitous for world peace as was Japan; and second, if the United States understood Japan’s natural requirements and her position in East Asia, and considered the position as it existed there in the light of realities. Japan intended to subjugate the Chungking regime and pictured her ether main interests as in the north and the South Seas. Japan had steadfastly maintained the policy of securing her safety in the north by the Japanese-Soviet Neutrality Pact, and was drawing still closer the bonds of friendship with Indo-China. “It is extremely deplorable,” said Mr Togo, “that malicious propaganda is let loose by some third Powers representing Japan as harbouring aggressive designs in these regions.”