MORE THREATS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24104, 24 October 1941, Page 7

MORE THREATS

JAPANESE PRESS POSITION IN PACIFIC OFFER OF MEDIATION (Rtcd. 6.10 p.m.) NEW YORK, Oct. 22 The Tokio correspondent of the New York Times, Mr. Otto D. Tolischus, says that, while Tokio is blacked out during defence manoeuvres, the Japan Times, using authoritative language, reiterates the offer that Japan is prepared to mediate in the world war. "While we are ready to fight the United States if necessary," the Tokio paper says, "Japan prefers world-wide peace and. in spite of the Axis partnership, is the only strong and independent nation able to mediate. "This is the last chance to use Japan to explore the way to peace. Japan, is the balancing Power whose decision is able to plunge the Pacific into chaos." Not Under German Thumb The Japan Times repudiates the assumption that Japan is under Germany's thumb and says the Tripartite Pact permits Japan to tender advice to Germany as well as to receive it. The paper adds: "Japan is not anybody's tool. Japan does not stand cap in hand before any nation, because the weak plead rainly, whereas the strong demand and get their rights." The Japan Times expresses the hope ► that America will realise Japan's great influence and consider the possibility of reciprocal concessions. It concludes that much current world trouble is due to malign propaganda and excitable publicity, and hopes that the Japanese and foreign press will mend their ways. It is also reported that the Japanese Prime Minister, General Tojo, while speeding up national mobilisation and expanding the armament industry, wants to continue negotiations with Washington in an effort to obtain "peace with justice." Washington Negotiations Newspapers, expatiating on General Toio's policy, agree on the following points:—First, that Japan desires to bring the Washington negotiations to a successful conclusion, and thus America must change its attitude because Japan's national policies are imniut~ able; and, secondly, that all aggravating actions must be suspended whileth» negotiations are continuing. The Tokio newspaper Nichi Xichi, discussing the Japanese-American negotiations, says that Japan has clearly indicated her limit, and if this limit is passed she must be prepared for the worst. A broadcast from Tokio states that General Toio has accepted the resignation of nine members of the Cabinet Advisory Council. New members will be appointed who can actively co-operate with the Government. American Shipping Movements Reports from Manila state that all United States and Philippines shipping in Asiatic waters is still operating under the directions of the United States Navy. There is marked American naval activity in the vicinity of Manila Bay, and it is rumoured that a strong United States naval squadron is cruising in Orient waters, remaining in a position, where it would be available if trouble was encountered with the American cargoes being carried from the East Indies to the Pacific Coast, or from the Pacific Coast to Vladivostok. Shanghai observers believe that if the air facilities at Dilli, in Portuguese Timor, where Japan has secured landing rights, are expanded beyond civil aviation requirements, thereby permitting military use of the base, it would give the Japanese an advanced and most important striking base in the event of a southward push.