THAILAND MOVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24137, 2 December 1941, Page 7

THAILAND MOVE

MOIIE SUGGESTIONS NEUTRALITY QUESTION JAPANESE CONTENTION „ (Reed. 12.50 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 1 The Japanese press is again suggesting that Thailand may soon be at war. The correspondent of the Nichi Nichi at Bangkok argues that Thailand is being forced into joining the Anglo-United States combination. "Thailand," he adds, "cannot expect to maintain her neutrality for ever." The Asahi Shimbum's .correspondent says: "It is doubtful how long Thailand will be able to maintain her neutrality." Military circles in Shanghai discount the theory that Japan might move toward Siberia, as the Japanese troops at present are in their winter barracks and Russia has shown no signs of collapse. It is believed that Japan will be very cautious toward Russia until the spring weather comes. Although a move toward Thailand would not give economic advantages, it would provide a springboard against Malaya in the future. It would also be a face-saving device that would satisfy opinion in Japan and ofTset a collapse of the Washington negotiations. Some informed persons in Shanghai believe that Japan will make complete preparations for an invasion of Thailand and then await the capture of Moscow or developments in Libya, before moving, when Britain and America might be distracted by a possible collapse of Russia. MEETING HITLER PETAIN'S JOURNEY NORTH AFRICAN DEMANDS (Recti. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 1 Marshal Petain left Vichy last night by car to meet Hitler, states a message from New York. Nothing is known of the way in which Hitler is travelling. The Vichy news agency states that Retain and Darlan are expected back this evening or to-morrow, after having met a "high German personality." Other messages state that Germany is putting pressure on Vichy. It is believed that Berlin is demanding the use of Bizerta, the important base in Tunisia. A Dakar message says Rear-Admiral Platon, Vichy Colonial Secretary, has announced .that negotiations have been virtually completed between France and Germany for the release of an "important contingent" of colonial prisoners of war, particularly Senegalese. The Germans are reported to be arranging a "New Europe" jamboree to be held in Berlin. Representatives of the German-occupied countries are to be invited. Vichy representatives will receive an invitation provided that they agree to Germany's North African proposals. NAVY'S ACHIEVEMENTS

GREAT UNWRITTEN STORY (Reed. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 30 The Royal Navy in all its history never had a more severe or more varied task than during the past 18 months, said the First J/ord of the Admiralty, Mr. A. V. Alexander, in a speech at Wrexham. "We may thank God, as well as the officers and men of the Nary," he added, "that under His providence we have come through the past 18 months as we have. When the stories of the achievements of the Navy in this war come to be written they will astound the world. We are grateful for the help we have received from the Dominion fleets and the Allies, particularly the magnificent eerviees of the Polish nation." NAZI ATTEMPT FAILS COUP IN DUTCH GUIANA (Reed. 7.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 The United States War Department has revealed that Nazis made an abortive attempt to overthrow the Government of Dutch Guiana after the German invasion of Holland, A despatch from the American forces ' in Dutch Guiana said the Nazis are now interned ami the United States ' Army has its headquarters in the build- [ ing formerly used by the Nazi organisation. ] NEW ZEALAND TROOPS j ( LORD GALWAY'S MESSAGE c [BY TELEGRAPH —PHESS ASSOCIATION] ' WELLINGTON, Monday The following cablegram, sent by the £ former Governor-General, Viscount Gal- < way, has been received by the Prime f Minister, Mr. Fraser:—"Heartiest con- | gratulations on the magnificent action i of the New Zealand troops in Libya." i Mr. Fraser Tjas sent the following 1 reply: —"It is with very great pleasure that I acknowledge your cablegram of t congratulations. The Government and r people of New Zealand are watching f events in Libya with intense interest t and justifiable pride in the splendid < achievements of the New Zealand Divi- < sion. This further indication of your a continued interest in the Dominion and • its overseas forces is most warmly appreciated." „ GERMAN BRUTALITIES SOUTH AFRICANS AMAZED LONDON, Nov. 30 The Daily Telegraph's Cyrenaica correspondent says the South African Brigade has been re-formed and refitted after its stand at Sidi Rezegh. These South Africans now know the Germans, and hate them with a deadly loathing. German brutalities amazed them. Some saw a German tank deliberately crash through and set on fire an ambulance tent Such things were beyond the South Africans' imagination. .But now they will never forget. CONTROL OF PRICES (Heed. 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 The House of Representatives has passed the Price Control Bill by 224 votes to 161, after pulling most of its teeth and overwhelmingly rejecting proposals for wage "ceilings" or a business licensing system. A coalition of Republicans and Democrats opposed price "ceilings" on the ground that they would give the Government power to put industry into a straitjacket.