WARLIKE STORIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21708, 25 January 1934, Page 11

WARLIKE STORIES

PUBLICATION IN JAPAN PROPOSED PROHIBITION (Received January 25, 12.45 a.m.) TOKIO, Jan. 2-1 The Ministers of War, Navy, Homo and Foreign Affairs are conferring with the object of prohibiting the publication in Japan of warlike stories or magazine articles liable to inflame so-called patriotic feelings. It is stated that the Cabinet realises the harmful effect at Home and abroad of recent writings of retired service officers and others.

FAR EAST MENACE MUSSOLINI'S WARNING MUCH DEPENDS ON CHINA MILAN, Jnn. 17 "The future of, civilisation in the Far East, as well as the .fate of the Pacific nations, depends largely upon the part which China will play in the course of the present century," declares Signor Mussolini in an article in Popolo d'ltalia. Signor Mussolini characterises the speech made by the Soviet Foreign Minister, M. Litvinoff, on Decomber 29 as a warning signal, indicating the existing danger of war in the Far East, which concerns not only Russia and Japan, but, directly or indirectly, China, the United States, England, France, Holland and Italy. "In closely examining the position of various Far Eastern countries," continues Signor Mussolini, "one comes to the conclusion that Japan is passing through a period of Imperialist development. Japan is a fertile, sober nation, with strong martial virtues, and an unlimited capacity for making sacrifices. Her industrial equipment is nowhere inferior to that of other States.

"China lias great possiblities for •future development, once she becomes united and puts an end to the everlasting civil strife. Tho Chinese undoubtedly make good soldiers. "The significance of the agreement reached between President Roosevelt and 'Litvinoff is rather moral than practical

"it means a warning to Japan, but does not mean that Russia and America will fight shoulder to shoulder if Japan should attack Russia or proceed to further conquests in China. "Japan is not bound to any international agreement, and consequently has a freo hand alike for peace or war. The decision depends on Japan alone. Thero is no doubt wo arc contemplating a turn of events fraught with incalculable consequences for Asia."