TRIPLE ALLIANCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 10 December 1940, Page 5

TRIPLE ALLIANCE

KEYSTONE OF JAPAN'S FOREIGN POLICY Better Understanding With U.S. Hoped For EAST INDIES NEGOTIATIONS "PURELY ECONOMIC"

[United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] (Received 10th December, 9.45 a.m.) TOKIO, 9th December. Mr Yosuke Matsuaka, Foreign Minister, in a general interview with foreign correspondents said: "The triple alliance represents the keystone of Japanese foreign policy. However, war against America originating from this could come only in the event of America being adjudged the aggressor in the conflict with Germany. If Germany attacks America, the tripartite pact will not be invoked. If the United States attacks Germany, we will have to join in the war. The three Powers involved must decide. They will first judge independently, then the three will get together and exchange views and determine whether this supposed American entry comes under Article three of the Treaty. If all agree, naturally Japan will he under an obligation to participate. I hope such a case will not arise. That wish is the very object of the pact. Continuing, Mr Matsuoka said: "I am hoping, even praying, that we can reach a better understanding with the United States. I do not see anything in the Pacific over which we should fight." Asked concerning the reaction to the possibility of American warships at Singapore Mr Matsuoka said: Such an eventuality would immediately become a matter for the serious consideration of Japan." He said that the East Indies negotiations were purely economic and the whole of the great East Asia programme was entirely removed from territorial ambition.

RESTORE THE OLD JAPANISM

"We are opposed to conquest, oppression or exploitation whether by Japan or anybody else. Some of our people advocate those very things and unfortunately those ideas of greed and conquest were imported from the West. A minority, including Prince Konoye and myself, while appreciative of foreign benefits believe we should restore the old Japanism and advocate great good for the greater number. If we cannot win that fight, Japan will go down. We are not fighting, conquering or exploiting China, although I admit it looks like that. 1 say, give us time and we will prove — perhaps thirty to fifty years hence —that we mean the things wo are saying.”