POWDER KEG

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24106, 27 October 1941, Page 7

POWDER KEG

FAR EASTJO ANGER AMERICAN WARNING JAPANESE EXPANSION TOKTO PTiESS ANGKY (TJerrt. 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Oct. '25 "The situation in the Far East is extremely strained." said the Secretary of the Navy, Colonel Knox, at a press conference. "We are satisfied the Japanese do not intend giving up their expansionist plans. If they pursue their present course a collision is almost certain, and could occur at very short notice." He added: "The Japanese menace lias hearing on shipment of supplies to the Soviet armies, particularly by way of Vladivostok. The Pacific situation renders supplies through Vladivostok extremely difficult. But keeping the Russian armies fighting is our most vital element in winning the war." Axis Military Threats In an article in the Army and Naval Journal. Colonel Knox writes: "The Orient is like a vast powder keg—potentially ready to explode with a roar that will be heard all the way across the ocean.

"Only a miracle, seemingly, can prevent the collapse of Russian organised military strength, and the democracies everywhere are praying that this miracle may occur. "Axis troops are more than a threat in East Africa and on the African shore just across the Atlantic from our land. India and Singapore may be next on the Axis list." "American Bluffing" The Japanese press characterises Colonel Knox's statement that a collision with J a pan is inevitable unless Japan abandons her plans for expansion as American bluffing. The Hochi says: "Wo are carrying on Japan's decided policies regardless of American bluffing."' The Chugai said Colonel Knox's speech was his usual blunder in attempting to threaten Japan. The Domei news agency quoted a "well-informed source" as saying that the serious situation to which Colonel Knox referred was caused by the United States' own actions. Japan had done all in her power to preserve peace. Speech "Unfortunate" The Japanese Government Information Board said Colonel Knox's speech was unfortunate when negotiations were going on, and was contradictory to the spirit of the talks. According to the Domei agency, the Japanese-American negotiations are likely to be the chief subject lor discussion at the extraordinary session of the Diet summoned for November 15. Soon after Colonel Knox's statement, Tokio radio broadcast a statement from the Doniei news agency that the United States has created such a situation in the Far East in order to prevent the realisation of Japan's new order that Japan cannot remain a passive spec-, tator. "In spite of Japan's patient attitude.'' it said, "the situation has grown worse, and the United States has brought its relations with Japan to a decisive point. In view of the recent economic measures taken by the United States against Japan, the Japanese Go\eminent is firmly resolved to enforce respect for its rights." AMERICAN SUPPLIES SEA ROUTES TO RUSSIA STATEMENT CORRECTED (Reed. 5.5-p.m.) WASHINGTON, Oct. "2o The United States Maritime Commission, in a statement to-day, said it was in error when it announced on October '22 that all cargoes of supplies for Russia from the United States would go from Boston to Archangel, and the announcement had been widely misinterpreted. The commission has recently taken steps to distribute the exportation of defence materials over several ports to avoid congestion. The original announcement, which stated that the Vladivostok route was to be abandoned, was hailed in Tokio as a diplomatic victory for .Japan.