STALIN'S NEW POST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 17 May 1941, Page 6

STALIN'S NEW POST

JAPANESE INTERPRETATION BLACK SEA LIFELINE London, May 9. The Japanese press interprets M. Stalin’s assumption of the Premiership of the Soviet as a reflection of Russian determination to defend the Soviet's I lifeline through the Black Sea and the Dardanelles, and, secondly, as a means of domestic consolidation, in accordance with the new Russian nationalism, by a formal dictatorship like Hitler's and Mussolini’s. The Tokio correspondent of the “Times” quotes the Japanese newspaper “Yomiuri,” which says: “If Turkey and Germany clash, or if Turkey resists the passage of Germans, Russia cannot stand aside. If the British and Germans engage in major hostilities in the Near East, the Soviet’s frontiers will be menaced.” The “Yomiuru” also alleges a British j plot to drag Russia into the war, saying 1 that, although Russia may try to maintain neutrality, it is doubtful whether she can reach an understanding with both Turkey and Germany. ’ The correspondent of the “Times” " adds: “Japan is convinced that Russian interests must be concentrated westj ward, and sees this as a supreme j opportunity for liquidating Chinese hostilities.”