DUTCH REFUSAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23994, 18 June 1941, Page 7

DUTCH REFUSAL

CONCESSIONS TO JAPAN NO AID FOE ENEMY STATEMENT IN PARLIAMENT BATAVIA, Juno 17 The Governor-General, Baron T. van S. Stachouwer, at the opening of Parliament, pointed out that the Netherlands does not intend to assist the enemy by shipping excess quantities of raw materials to Japan. Also she will not tolerate political or economic interference by an outside Power. The ceremony was attended by the Japanese representatives who on Sunday received instructions from Tokio about Japan's attitude on the Dutch reply sent to Japan on June 6. The Governor-General said: "The most elementary conceptions of our own interests and our national duty compel us to refrain, ;-t all costs, from supplying the enemy directly or indirectly with much-needed raw materials. Moreover, it would not bo right to hamper our own people's development by too liberal an admittance of foreign interests. "Another principle during the economic conversations with Japan lias been no discrimination to any friendly Power, and, therefore, the creation of no privileged positions. Our wish to further foreign trade extends to all foreign countries. "This policy leaves ample room for all foreign interests, as is demonstrated h.v their share in our trade and shipping. also for many foreign interests established here, and for numerous foreign workers enjoying this country's hospitality. Japan is well represented in this respect." A copy of the Governor-General's speech was sent to the Japanese delegation. OIL FOR JAPAN SHIPMENT HELD UP ACTION IN AMERICA (Kecd. 6.60 p.m.) WASHINGTON", June 17 The Secretary of the Interior and Defence Oil Co-ordinator, Mr. Harold L Ickes, has prevented the shipment of 252,000 gallons of lubricating oil from Philadelphia to Japan. It is stated that this is not because of international policy but is clue to a shortage of oil on the East Coast.

SORTIE IN PYJAMAS v FRENCH TANKS DISPERSED MAJOR GOES BACK TO BED SYDNEY, June 3 5 At 3 o'clock this morning French tanks launched an attack on our line, stated a recent despatch from the Sydney Morning Herald's war correspondent in Syria. They came down to the road from the hills which flank the narrow coastal plain on the east and attacked our positions. An artillery major, who was pulled out of bed, came forward with his greatcoat over his pyjamas and saved the situation. "I was awakened with the news that there were tanks in our lines," he told me. "I took one gun whose crew were the pick of the battery and brought it up through our iorward infantry. W>> moved along the side of the road, in low gear, making as little noise as possible, and when we were about 1000 yds. from the French strongpoints 1 fired half a dozen rounds along tho road. ! "We then quickly moved up another 500 yds., on the way cleaning up a house where the infantry told me a sniper had been causing a number of casualties. "It was moonlight, but it was impossible to pick out vehicles on the road, but I hoard tanks rowing and opened lire at about :100yds.—well out in noman's land, where no gun had any business to be. "We got one tank and two motor vehicles, which went up in flames. The other tanks revved up hastily and made off. 1 took my gun back as quickly as 1 could before they made things too hot for us. "On the way, we ran into a French machine-gun nest and cleaned it up. Then 1 went back to bed." "SPEED IS VITAL" LONDON PAPER'S VIEW GERMANY AND TURKEY I LONDON, June 17 The Daily Mail asserts that since the Vichy forces are offering stout resistance it is time the Allies converted the advance from a political to a military operation; and declares that speed is vital. "We want Syria and its airfields," says the article. "We want time to fortify them. Germany might at any time launch a lightning airborne stroke, especially if assured that Turkey is friendly. "Big diplomatic news can be '.expected very soon. Ankara has been the centre of Ribbcntrop's offensive. It is possible for Turkey to sign a nonaggression pact with Germany without dropping tiie treaty with Britain. Such a move would be disappointing, but no more than might be expected, as Britain has failed to impress her j friends with her ability for more than ! defensive actions. j "The occupation of Syria months ago I and the retention of Libya would have enabled Turkey to resist the blandishments of tiie Axis," the paper says. "'We are moving in Syria and Libya now, hut too late, and in Syria* too I slowlv."

SCURVY IX BRITAIN LOXDON, June 17 Professor V. H. Mottram. physiology professor in the University of London, has revealed that scurvy is appearing in Britain because of the difficulty last winter of obtaining vitamin C, contained chiefly in greenstuffs. He advocates that adults' rations be cut down and children's increased.