NAVY READY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24101, 21 October 1941, Page 7

NAVY READY

JAPANESE BOAST GRAVE SITUATION WASHINGTON TALKS RESUMPTION INTENDED (Reed. 8.5 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. QO According to a message from Tokio, the now Minister of the Navy, Admiral Shigetaro Shinada, said in a radio speech : "The Japanese Navy is prepared to cope with any change in the situation confronting Japan, and as long as the army and navy ure closely cooperating, the Government and people are willing to surmount all difficulties. Japan will be placed in a position of perfect security." "Japan stands at the crossroads of life or death," announced the Prime Minister, General Tojo, "and the staff of the Japanese War Office must be prepared to sacrifice everything to surmount the crisis." Early Decision Sought Authorised quarters in Tokio confirmed that the new Government, will resume the Washington conversations, probably within a week. It will seek an early and complete clarification of views and a decision whether further conversations are likely to result in a satisfactory agreement. Concurrently, the Cabinet will rush internal economic and military measures and a,s a precaution will place the nation in a position to meet developments without delay. The Japan Times says that, with matters remaining strained between the United States and Japan, aid to Russia will lead to difficulties in the Pacific. United States supplies to Vladivostok mar result in war in the Pacific. Possible Warlike Move A message from Washington says fears that Japan intends to make some warlike moves grew during the weekend. following the announcement of the personnel and policy of the new armycontrolled Japanese Cabinet. The declaration of the new Cabinet that it will strengthen Japan's relations with the Axis is interpreted as undermining the whole effect of its reported desires to resume peace talks with the United States. In a broadcast statement, Mr. Wendell Willkie said: "We must abandon the hope of peace. We can no more negotiate for peace with the war lords of Tokio than with Hitler. Berlin, Tokio and Pome are irrevocably linked by the dangerous dream of world conquest." "Foregone Conclusion" Many United States newspapers and Congressmen are advocating that the United States should continue to take a strong stand against Japan. A Renter report from Tokio says that observers there consider that the comparatively mild aspects of the Tojo Cabinet are misleading and that possible approaches to Washington will not last. The view is taken that a move to the south is a foregone conclusion. London newspapers reflect the heightening tension in the Pacific, but, though critical moves in Japanese-Rus-sian and Japanese-American relations are forecast, Tokio has not yet given any indication whether the change shows a resolve to take a decisive step. Whatever happens, however, the London press expects that any further encroachment by Japan on their interests in the Far East would be met by the firm resistance of Britain and America, and, therefore, the gravity of the moment is fully recognised. An emergency meeting of the Thailand Cabinet has been held and Bangkok radio has appealed to the population to remain calm and prepare for all eventualities.

NEW AIR SERVICE

JAPANESE MISSION LEAVING (Reed. 8.10 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 20 It is reliably reported, says a message from Singapore, that Japanese naval and army officer?; and a diplomatic official will leave Tokio for Portuguese Timor by air shortly, ostensibly to discuss final details of the agreement for the establishment of an air service from Palau Island, in thp Western Carolines, to Dilli.

Referring to Australia's anxiety about the proposed service, for which eight survey flights have been made, the Singapore Free Press says in a leader: "The purpose of the service is obviously for aerial reconnaissance and the spearhead of a southward drive, but this development need not cause undue worrv.

"Australian concern, equalled by Dutch suspicion, is a sufficient safeguard against any untoward happening. In any case, Timor is in the middle of an area dominated by Anglo-Dutch power."

PRECAUTIONS TAKEN

EVACUATION IN MALAYA LONDON, Oct. 20 Arrangements have been made in Singapore for the evacuation of civilians in both eastern and western districts should the occasion arise. The ability of the Koyal Air Force in the Far East to withstand any attack was emphasised by the officer commanding, who stated that the policy of the service would be attack, not defence. TRADE WITH JAPAN IRAK SEVERS RELATIONS (Herd. 6.40 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 19 The correspondent of the British United Press at Cairo states that Irak has broken off trade relations with Japan. SIR JOHN LATHAM ILL (Rood. 11.47 p.m.) SINGAPORE, Oct. 20 The Australian Minister to Japan, Sir John Latham, who arrived in Singapore m ill-health, underwent a serious operation during the week-end. His condition is described as satisfactory. His departure for Australia will be delaved indefinitely.