STILL OBSCURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24102, 22 October 1941, Page 7

STILL OBSCURE

JAPANESE POLICY REFERENCES TO CHINA MORE TROOP MOVEMENTS (Reed. 6.27 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 20 The Tokio correspondent of the New York Times, Mr. Otto D. Tolischus, states that in both his declarations to-day the new Japanese Prime Minister, General Tojo, significantly emphasised the necessity of settling the China affair. It was also noteworthy that, in referring to this policy, General Tojo added the phrase : "As laid down." Whether he had in mind previous army declarations that the "incident" can only be settled by crushing Chiang Kai-shek by military force and promoting the Nanking regime, or whether he was referring to some other unrevealed instructions, is a matter for .speculation. There is a disposition in the Japanese press to-day to drop the word "greater'' in reference to the co-prosperity sphere. The papers speak only of the "East Asia prosperity sphere," relating to China and Manchukuo. Eyes on Vladivostok The Japan Times and Advertiser, on the other hand, says that American aid to Russia beyond a certain point is almost sure to aggravate the situation in the Pacific. The use of Vladivostok as a gateway for American supplies is beset with the danger of spreading the war to East Asia. Well-informed circles in Shanghai state that Japan has obtained by duress Portugal's agreement to the airline terminal in Portuguese Timor by threatening Japanese occupation of Macao, the Portuguese treaty port on the Canton River. In return Japan has guaranteed the integrity of Timor and Macao. Moves In Manchukuo The Chinese military spokesman in Chungking estimates that Japan has massed the equivalent of 29 divisions in Manchukuo while three additional divisions are en route. Simultaneously, the Japanese are rushing more men and supplies into Indo-China and concentrating naval forces in the Gulf of Thailand, Camranh Bay and off Hainan Island. The Domei news agency predicts that the new Japanese Government will institute few changes in the nation's basic policy, but will carry it out more forcefully. Quoting well-informed observers, Reuter's Tokio correspondent says General Tojo will make a final effort for Japanese-American agreement and then break off discussions. A Japanese move south will follow. The apparent inactivity of the new Cabinet is misleading. The deputy-spokesman of the Japanese Information Bureau said this morning that negotiations with the United States have not been abandoned. DEFENCE OF MALAYA CONFIDENCE IN AIR FORCE LONDON, Oct, 21 The officer commanding the Royal Air Force in the Far East said in Singapore yesterday that what the Air Force had done in the Middle East in gaining control of the skies, it could do in the Far East. While the Japanese air force should not be under-rated, he was confident the quality of British machines and pilots would enable the Royal Air Force to defend Malaya and be successful in operations elsewhere. CHINESE SINK TROOPSHIP LONDON, Oct. 21 The Chinese are reported to have shelled and sunk a Japanese troopship on the Yangtse River. LARGE CONVOY TROOPS FROM CANADA NEW UNITS IN BRITAIN (Becd. 6.32 p.m.) LONDON, Oct, 20 One of the largest convoys of the war has arrived at a British port, bringing thousands of Canadian troops for armoured units, hundreds of airmen and anti-tank gunners, Polish and Dutch soldiers and American technicians.

The troops brought their own small arms and light equipment, but will receive' most of their heavy equipment in England. The Canadian Minister of Defence, Colonel J. L. Ralston, farewellod the troops in Canada, and then, having flown the Atlantic, was able to welcome them in Britain. Colonel Ralston said the Canadians' job was to defend Britain, although they would be trained and prepared for service anywhere they were needed. "WAR GUILT" TRIALS FORMER FRENCH LEADERS LONDON, Oct. 21 The trial at Riom of former French political loaders, including M. Daladier, M. Blum and General Gamelin, has opened. They have been charged with responsibility for France's entry into the war and for their country's subsequent collapse. The prosecutor is pressing for the maximum penalty, but the nature of this is not mentioned. Counsel for the defence have been given ten days to prepare their evidence.