MILITARY PACT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23418, 7 August 1939, Page 9

MILITARY PACT

AXIS AND JAPAN NO LONGER DESIRED RISK .OF COMMITMENTS TOKIO ALSO RELUCTANT By Telegraph—Press Associatio/i —Copyright . , , LONDON, August ■1 The Italian press almost ignores the conference of the Japanese Ambassadors to Italy and Germany, indicating that an alliance with Japan is no longer desired, says the Rome correspondent of the Times. While it would be in the interests of Italy and Germany for Japan to become embroiled with Britain and France, they have no desire to run the risk of becoming embroiled in war as Japan's allies at a moment which would not siiit them. Jf an alliance is concluded, it will have' plenty of loopholes to save the Italian and German Governments being too far committed. The Tokio correspondent of the British United Press says' the Japanese Government, in spite of the Ambassadors' action, stands by its previous decision to undertake only limited commitments in Europe. A tussle on this issue with the Army leaders is inevitable. There is still no confirmation at Tokio of Japan joining the Axis in a military alliance. The latest story is that Baron Hiranmna, Prime Minister, cancelled ft meeting of the Inner Cabinet, which met later to discuss China, but did not consider the Axis. DANZIG DISPUTE POLAND AND GERMANY CONTROL OF CUSTOMS WARSAW WOULD NEGOTIATE (Received August 0, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 5 The Polish newspapers announce that Poland is prepared to negotiate on the Danzig Customs dispute, says a despatch from Warsaw. The Danzig correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says the Polish Government, in replying to the Nazi Senate's demand for fewer Polish Customs officers, urged respect for treaties, and added that the inspectors' rights must he preserved.

The Polish Army Chief, Marshal Smigly-Ridz, is to make an important speech at the week-end, which will be broadcast throughout Poland. In answer to a question about Danzig, the Foreign Under-Secretary, Mr. It. A. Butler, in the House of Commons today, said that in recent weeks there had been increasing military and indirect military activity in the Free City. The local situation was being carefully watched and the Polish Government was maintaining close contact with the British Government.

SOVIET DELEGATES MOSCOW NEGOTIATIONS ANGLO-FRENCH MISSIONS o __ (Received August 0, 7 p.m.) British Wireless LONDON, Aup. 5 The French and British military missions left Tilbury this afternoon in a specially-chartered steamer for Leningrad, whence they will proceed by train to Moscow. The British Government has been informed by the Soviet Government that the Soviet's representatives in tho conversations with the French and British military missions will be: Marshal K. E. Voroshiloff, the People's Commissar of Defence, head of the delegation; Army Commander of the first rank, B. M. ShaposhnikofF, Chief of the General Staff; Flagman Flotta of the second rank, H. G. Kueeo, People's Commissar of tho Navy; Army Commander of the second rank, A. D. Loktionoff, Chief of the Air Force; and Corps Commander I. Y. Smoridinoff, Deputy Chief of the General Staff.

A United Press Association message states that the Times says Mr. W. Strang, British representative, is returning after two months in Moscow. He has done all that was humanly possible to reach an agreement. Viscount Halifax, Foreign Secretary, desires to consult him. Tlio only remaining difficulty is ' the definition of indirect aggression.