DEMANDS BY JAPAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 26 June 1940, Page 5

DEMANDS BY JAPAN

PRESENTED TO BRITAIN POLICY TOWARD INDOCHINA INFORMING AXIS POWERS OF MOVES [U.P.A.—By Electric Telegraph—CopyrUht] LONDON, 25th June. The Tokio correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says neutral sources declare that Japan has demanded from Britain: (1) Permission to station Japanese inspectors in Burma to enforce a ban on the arms traffic to China. (2) The termination of trade between Hong Kong and the Chinese hinterland. (3) The withdrawal of British interests, including troops, from the Shanghai International Settlement. ! Imperial headquarters in Tokio announced that it had arranged to despatch part of the Japanese fleet to South China waters to Haiphong “to watch for the time being conditions regarding the transportation of goods to China, via Indo-China.” ! The “Yomiuri Shimbun” said the Japanese Government was following up recent protests against the transportation of supplies to Chungking, via Indo-China, Burma and Hong Kong, with “fresh representations” to Italy, France and Britain for "correction of the pro-Chiang Kai-shek character of ,the foreign concessions.” The “Asahi Shimbun” said 40 Japanese inspectors would be sent to Indoj China. ! It is understood that the Japanese Foreign Office is not recognising General de Gaulle and is planning to deal directly with Indo-China, ignoring the home Governments. However, Japan is acquainting Italy and Germany with all her moves.

i The Tokio correspondent of the Asi sociated Press of Great Britain says (informed circles believe that Japan may attempt to declare a protectorate over French and Netherlands territories |in the Orient after discussions with Italy and Germany. Responsible quarI ters are concerned over the possibility of the colonies passing to the European victors, placing Japan a\. a disadvantage. BRITISH AMBASSADOR SUMMONED TOKIO, 24th June. The Vice-Foreign Minister, Mr Tant, summoned the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, and demanded the I stoppage of the transport to ChungI king of assistance and supplies via Burma and Hong Kong, i A similar request was made last week !to France concerning Indo-China, and j France agreed. I It was also stated that Japan is not j changing her policy concerning the | status quo of the Netherlands East Indies and Indo-China. Japan, it is stated, is giving the world evidence that she is the stabilising power in eastern Asia, i A Chungking message states that the j Foreign Minister, Mr Wang Chung-wai, I said: "In the event of a Japanese armed invasion of Indo-China the Chinese Government will preserve China’s existence and independence and will be constrained to take such measures in self-defence as are necessary to cope [ with the situation.” ; SUPPLY ROUTE FROM INDO-CHINA CUT CRACK TROOPS USED \ (Received 26th June, 12.15 p.m.) , TOKIO, 25th June. The Domei News Agency says that , I crack Japanese troops acted forcefully •lon 17th June and cut the supply route , from Indo-China to Chungking. It is not disclosed whether they entered Indo-China territory. It added that aerial observation convinced the Jap- ■ anese that supplies were still in transit ; from Indo-China.