Nelson Evening Mail WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1936 TENSION BETWEEN JAPAN AND RUSSIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 15 January 1936, Page 4

Nelson Evening Mail WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1936 TENSION BETWEEN JAPAN AND RUSSIA

NEWS, received early in the week, shows that the tension between Russia and Japan is growing, but it is to be noted that the fault does not lie with Russia whose intentions to-day are peaceful, for the simple reason that her economic condition is such that she cannot put into force the policies enunciated by the Bolshevists some years ago. Indeed, Russia is in an attitude of defence, in Europe and in Asia. She fears Germany in the West,' and Japan in the Far East. It is noted, in Moscow, that “Herr Hitler has never withdrawn his earlier anti-Russian threats, consequently all his aggressive statements must sfill be regarded as valid. . . . Moreover, Germany is continuing an anti-Soviet policy in Poland, Finland, and the Baltic States.” At the present time Germany cannot adopt an actively aggressive policy, because in an economic sense her condition is so serious that she is practically bankrupt. Russia, therefore, is directing her chief attention to protective measures in the Far East, where she fears she may be attacked by Japan. That her* fears are not without foundation seems proved by Japan’s seizure of territory in northern China. It was known some little time ago that the Soviet Government had assembled strong military forces in Eastern Siberia, and now it is learned that at Vladivostok and other important centres in their Far Eastern territory the Russians have erected formidable fortifications. These measures, it should be noted, are purely protective. They menace nobody: they have been undertaken because the Russians fear, not without cause, that Japan’s plan of conquest includes not only all northern China, as well as Mongolia, but the whole region from Vladivostok to Lake Baikal. That of course is a large programme, which will take some time to carry out; but there is

little doubt that the ambitions of the j Japanese are such they will make the attempt. That would bring them into contact with the Russians. The straggle would be between Soviet Russia and Imperial Japan, and it is to be noted that Japan would he the aggressor. This trouble might have been averted if she bad remained in the League, but she left the League in order that she might satisfy her ambitions without breaking that body’s Covenant. Moreover, the League is fully occupied with the ItaloAbyssinian situation. Hence Japan pursues her plan of conquest without fear of serious outside interference. And today a cablegram says it is authoritatively stated that Japan has decided to withdraw from the London Naval Conference. If this report is substantiated it means that she has not only broken from the League of Nations, but has now severed association with the concert of Naval Powers.