BREAKDOWN LIKELY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 13 October 1941, Page 5

BREAKDOWN LIKELY

TOKIO-WASHINGTON TALKS TURN FOR THE WORSE REPATRIATION OF NATIONALS New York. Oct. 12. The Washington correspondent of the New York “Herald - Tribune'' says that relations between the United States and Japan appeared to have taken a turn for the worse, as the State Department announced the plans with tiie Japanese for a rapid repatriation of the nationals of both countries. This is regarded as indicating that a complete breakdown in negotiations is expected, if it has not already occurred. An earlier message stated that a critical situation in Japan, with the militarists and conservatives nearing a showdown, is reflected in Washington in the virtual suspension of the peace talks, which have reached the point where only a sharp reversal of the Japanese attitude would give any chance of success. Informed officials say that the Japanese are at present temporising because they desire to get a clearer picture of the developments in Europe, particularly the Russian .situation. The Tokio correspondent of the American United Press says that the anti-American tirade by the Japanese Press has been intensified on the basis of the German claims that Russia has been crushed. The “Hochi Shimbun,” referring to the oil embargo against Japan, says; Why has Japan not adopted counterattacks? Wars are not won by boasting and mere words, but by action. What do you say to that, konoye o ’* The Foreign Office in Tokio announced that negotiations with the United States for a reciprocal evacuation of nationals have been completed, and three ships will sail for America before 15th October. The arrival in Shanghai of the German diplomats, Herr von Stahmers and Dr. YVeidemann. is considered by British and American officials to foreshadow intensified pressure on Japan by the Axis. It is believed that Herr von Stahmers wanted to go to Tokio, but Prince Konoye objected because of his former association with Mr Matsuoka, the former Foreign Minister. Informed circles believe that the pair will endeavour to incite the army to resist a rapprochement with the United States. The Manila correspondent of the Associated Press says it is reported from Saigon that Japan has demanded control of Indo-China’s State railways and has requisitioned the Saigon arsenal.—U.P.A.