POSITION IN THAILAND

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 5 August 1941, Page 6

POSITION IN THAILAND

REGARDED AS EXTREMELY GRAVE Japan Prepared to go Ahead With Plans REPORTS RECEIVED IN LONDON Rec. 2.15 p.m.) London, Aug. 4 With the completion of the Japanese occupation of lndoChina bases reports are being received in London that the position in Thailand is regarded as extremely grave. The opinion is expressed that events may move fast unless Britain and the United States guarantee Thailand’s independence. Most authoritative commentators think Japan realises the risks involved, but nevertheless is prepared to go ahead with her plans. The Saigon correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that military and political leaders in British Malaya, Thailand and Indo-China believe an explosion may be only a matter of days.

Burma is anxiously watching devt* lopments, hut is outwardly calm, reports the “Daily Mail’s” Rangoon cor respondent. A far-reaching announcement regarding defence is imminent. High military quarters point out that Burma’s part in the Imperial Far East defence scheme comprises holding off initial enemy attacks by land and air until the Royal Navy assists. Modern aircraft in the skies are a common thing. Masses of the R.A.F. indicate that Burma will not he an easy nut to crack. The expectations of Berlin and Rome may be summed up in the comment of Signor Gayda, Italian publicist. who writes in “Giornale d'ltalia”: “Anglo-Saxon nations should prepare to face a furious counter-blow which will be unleashed in Europe and the Pacific at the end of the Russian campaign.”—U.P. A.