British—U.S. Naval Units Assembling In Pacific

Northern Advocate, 19 November 1941, Page 6

British — U.S. Naval Units Assembling In Pacific

Jap . Diet Brands America As Fomenter

(Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 18. BRITISH AND AMERICAN NAVAL UNITS ARE ASSEMD BEING IN THE PACIFIC, SAYS THE “DAILY TELEGRAPH.” This naval movement coincides with heavy Japanese troop movements in Indo-China. The Japanese House of Representatives swiftly approved a 3,800,000,000 yen (£380,000,000) military Budget, states a Tokio message. It is reliably reported that Japan has requested Indo-China to provide facilities for an additional 50,000 Japanese troops, says a report from Shanghai.

Towards Thailand The strength of the Japanese garrison in Indo-China is believed to have jumped from 50,000 five weeks ago to 150,000. The Japanese land and air forces massed in north Indo-China are reported to be moving south and west towards Thailand. The Shanghai correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says the Japanese are rushing construction work at Camranh Bay. At least a dozen shore batteries are being installed. Jap Optimistic At the conclusion of the conference at Washington between the special Japanese Envoy (Admiral Nomura, the Japanese Ambassador) and the United States Secretary for State (Mr. Cordell Hull), which lasted for 105 minutes, Admiral Nomura said he was still hopeful of reaching an understanding on Japanese and American difficulties.

roe Doctrine, in the European struggle by aiding Britain.

“To Cut Cancer” “On the occasion of Prince Konoye’s message to President Roosevelt, the Government explained that its purpose was to locate the cancer in Japanese and American relations. "It is clear that the cancer is the present United States leaders. It is absolutely necessary for us to make a big incision in that cancer.” Replying to Mr. Shimada, the Prime Minister (General Tojo) said the Government had completed all the necessary preparations and had anticipated all the possible obstacles. It had left nothing to be desired in the way of execution of Japan's fixed national policy. Ready to Meet Position W “The is firmly determined to defend 'our national existence, "■'Tie said, "but all the responsibility rests with you—a hundred million people. Therefore, I am reassured and know the people are fully prepared to meet the situation. “I am confident Japan will surmount the many difficulties facing her with the firmest determination.” The Foreign Minister (Mr. Togo) said Mr. Kurusu, the special envoy to America, carried no new instructions, but he intimated that the outcome of the mission would determine Japan’s interpretation of the Axis Alliance obligations. The Tokio correspondent of the Associated Fress of Great Britain says General Tojo declared today that the Japanese army was prepared for any eventuality. Admiral Shimada announced that the navy had completed ail the necessary • preparations.

Admiral Nomura asked pressmen: “Why are the newspapers so gloomy? We are very hopeful. You Americans are always in a fighting mood. Why are you so war-minded?" Mr. Hull said he expected to resume the conference tomorrow, but declined to say whether satisfactory progress had been made. He explained ihat the conversations were still exploratory, and had not reached the stage where the basis of a general understanding could be discussed. He described the conference as of a general consideration rather than of particular application. In Centre of Stage The Tokio correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says the Prime Minister (General Tojo) announced that another extraordinary session of the Diet might be called after the present special session if it were deemed necessary for presenting a united front in the current situation. He spoke to the entire world, not merely to members of the Diet. World attention had been closely focussed on the Imperial Diet. Therefore the significance of calling an extraordinary session was apparent. The United States Secretary for State (Mr. Cordell Hull), accompanied the Japanese Ambassador (Admiral Nomura), and the Japanese envoy (Mr. Kurusu), to the White House conference with Mr. Roosevelt. Mr. Hull later said to representatives of the Fress that it was too early to say whether the outlook was optimistic or pessimistic, since the first talks had been of a general nature. He would be seeing Mr. Kurusu today.

Atmosphere of Constraint An agency correspondent states that the talks began in an atmosphere of constraint, following the statement by the Japanese Prime Minister (General Tojo). There is no sign in Washington that the United States will consider backing down. It is thought, however, that the issue of peace or war may not be decided by the talks, but will help Japan to make up her mind whether she is going to continue to be aggressive. The Japanese Press, however, emphasised that this is the United States’ last chance. One newspaper states that scores of American instructors for the Chinese air force have reached China in recent weks, and it does not see any chance of the Washington discussions being successful if the United States continues to help China. Weary of Banditry The London “Daily Mail.” in a leader, said: “If Mr. Kurusu’s diplomatic bag contains no better ‘terms' than General Tojo advanced yesterday, then Mr. Kurusu is wasting his time. “General Tojo used strange language on behalf of a Government whose emissary is supposed to be negotiating. Japan for 10 years has been a troublemaker in the Far East, and has repeatedly taken advantage of difficulties in the West to overrun neighbouring territories. “Tire Western powers, whose forbearance has been exemplary, are growing weary of this large-scale banditry, and the lime has come to call a halt to Japan’s career of aggression. Hostile Resolution The Japanese House of Representatives carried a resolution supporting the co-prosperity sphere plan. The resolution declared that the greatest obstacle to the settlement of the China affair was the activity of hostile nations, led by the United States, whose inordinate dpsire for world hegemony was responsible for the present war, “The Japanese believe there is no chance of rising without fighting this battle through. Japan must strike while the iron is hot,” said an exMinister (Mr. Toshio Shimada), speaking in the Diet. “The United States is at the root of the world upheaval. Against Japan “She is .not only exploiting Chiang Kai-shek, but is interfering in Thailand’s domestic administration, putting pressure on Burma for a strategic base against Japan, and pressing the Dutch East Indies for the stoppage of vital materials to Japan. “The United States is threatening Japan with strengthened Pacific bases, and is participating, despite the Mon-