OIL FOR JAPAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23850, 28 December 1940, Page 8

OIL FOR JAPAN

NEEDS FROM INDIES REOPENING QUESTION DUTCH ATTITUDE FIIOI POSSIBLE DEMANDS Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received December 27, 5.35 p.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 26 The Batavia correspondent of the New . York Times says officials in ■ Batavia are certain that the question of oil exports from the Dutch East Indies to Japan will be reopened with the arrival of Mr. lYoshizawa, former Foreign Minister, and the new members of Japan's socalled economic mission. The departing Japanese Consul-' General, Mr. Saito, openly declared that Japan was most dissatisfied with the oil agreement made last autumn by Mr. Kobayashi. "Certainly Be Reopened" Mr. Saito added that the oil question would certainly be reopened, and that exports of rubber, tin, manganese and other war necessities acutely needed by Japan and Germany were a secondary consideration. Tho ..Dutch authorities, says the correspondent, _ will stoutly resist any Japanese demands for a reconsideration of the oil allotment, and also demands for essential war materials beyond Japan's needs. If pressure by Japan should become intolerable, the negotiations will be broken off and the details of such demands and pressure will be published to the world. Present Concessions British and American oil companies operatingfields and refineries under Government concessions already have long-term contracts to deliver their entire output of aviation gasoline and crude oil to Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa and the Straits Settlement. Under the concessions the Netherlands have first call on production only in the event of a "national emergency." It might technically be claimed that -Japanese pressure is an emergency, but the Netherlands will refuse to exercise this right because of their determination not to aid the Axis. Japan is particularly irked by the provisions of the original oil agreement ■under which she is forced to provide her own tankers and pay for purchases in American dollars. A despatch from Tokio says the Diet ■has gone into recess until January 20. AUSTRALIAN AIRMEN ARRIVAL IN LONDON PARTY FROM CANADA (Received December 27, 5.33 p.m.) British Wireless LONDON, Dec. 26 The first contingent of Australian airmen to complete their training in Canada under the Empire scheme have arrived in London. They are all pilots and come from all parts of tho Commonwealth. Since the beginning of the year a squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force has been operating with the Royal Air Force Coastal Command. Another squadron has been engaged against the Italians in the Western Desert, and in combat has destroyed six Italian aeroplanes. The Australians trained under the Empire scheme, although they will be posted to Royal Air Force squadrons, will retain their Australian identity. The expansion of the Empire air scheme is being discussed in London. BRITISH MILK PRICES LACK OF FOOD DENIED (Received December 27, 5.35 p.m.) Eritish .Wireless LONDON, Dec. 20 The Ministry of Food announces that during January maximum prices to be charged for milk sold retail will continue to be Id a pint more than the price charged at the corresponding date in 19:50. Under the national milk scheme a daily allowance of one pint will continue to he available to expectant and nursing mothers, and children under five years of age. at a reduced price of 2d a pint or entirely free, according to circumstances. Children of school as;e may obtain a third of a pint daily at a cost of £d under the milk in schools scheme. The lie direct is given a curious Statement by a steamer passenger on arrival at Montevideo recently, who said, "London is a hell where one cannot live any longer," and added that the serious shortage of all foodstuffs included a total lack of butter, cheese and milk. This lack was not apparent to the London housewife carrying home her ample shopping bag at Christmas, and the traveller's tale must be attributed to serious myopia—or Nazi propaganda.

AMERICAN LABOUR AID FOR BRITISH WORKERS NEW YORK, Dec. 20 The formation of an "American Labour Committee to aid British Labour" was announced by .Mr. Matthew "Wall, vice-president of the American Federation of Labour and president of the League for Human Rights, Freedom and Democracy. Tvocal groups would he formed in all parts of the country, he said, and would appeal to the big trade unions to raise funds, clothing and medicines for British workers who were victims of air raids. AUSTRALIANS ABROAD MR. MENZIES' MESSAGE British Wireless LONDON, Dec. 20 The Australian Prime Minister. Mr. JL G. Menzies, sent the following Christmas message to Australians serving overseas: "On behalf of the people, I extend good wishes for Christmas to all ranks of the Australian forces. Your welfare is of the greatest interest and concern to all of us at home. "Australia is confident you are ■worthily upholding the traditions established by her sons at Gallipoli and in s*ranee. We have no doubt of the result. Nothing will be left undone in Australia to ensure that we play a part in the achievement of victory and also • Jo prepare for your itomecoruing. n -