HAINAN OCCUPATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23273, 16 February 1939, Page 13

HAINAN OCCUPATION

MORE JAPANESE LAND EXPLANATION BY TOKIO NOT PACIFIC STRATEGY LONDON, Feb. 14 A landing was made by Japanese forces at Samah, in Southern Hainan, at dawn to-day, says a message from Tokio. Two forces are now advancing from the west to the east, to complete the occupation of the island. The answer made by Mr. Arita, Japanese Foreign Minister, to the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, in regard to Hainan, was intended to imply that the occupation of the island was a war measure and not connected with the broader question of Pacific strategy, says the Tokio correspondent of the Times. It is claimed that Marshal Chiang Kai-shek is not reduced to a provincial war lord because he continues to receive foreign supplies. Japan, therefore, is playing with the French and British fears to induce the closing of routes across their territories, after which Marshal Chiang will be deprived of supplies, and will not bo able to continue guerilla warfare on a national scale. The Times says it is safe to suppose that the Japanese Admiralty has plans for the possible use of Hainan as a base for the southern advance, but it is doubtful whether visions of commanding the Pacific enter into its calculations at present. The occupation can be explained by the imperative need to end the war in China. AMERICAN ACTION

DESTROYER DESPATCHED Independent Cable Service SHANGHAI, Feb. 14 It is learned that the United States destroyer John D. Edwards has been ordered to Hainan "to investigate the situation and to aid United States nationals, if required."