ALREADY DECIDED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24416, 30 September 1940, Page 5

ALREADY DECIDED

ALLOTMENT OF AREAS AN AXIS DECLARATION RUSSIA TO PARTICIPATE (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 28. (Received Sept. 29, at 11 p.m.) A message from Berlin says a spokesman said that Italy, Germany and Japan had already decided on the precise " spaces" in Europe, Asia and Africa where the word of each would be law. Areas are also assigned to Russia, but it is not stated whether Russia was consulted t in this connection. It is pointed out that the thret Powers would not be monopolists rulers, but " leaders " in their own areas. The Spokesman added that a joint

announcement by Russia and Japan regarding their future relations could be expected shortly. Correspondents asked whether Russia's supply of war materials to China clashed with the new pact, and the Spokesman replied that the transfer of American destroyers to Great Britain provides p parallel. The decisive point is what effect the supply might Lave. " Epoch-making Event " The signing of the pact is featured in all the Tokio newspapers to-day. It is treated as an epochmaking event, and likely to result in a speedy solution of the China incident. Nevertheless, one point is exercising the minds of many Japanese people—namely, what will happen if Egypt decides to declare war on Italy? And, if she does officially become a belligerent, will the joint military action foreseen in the pact come into effect? The Asahi says that, although it does not mean Japan's entry into the European war, it has certainly increased Japan's responsibility of coping with the prevailing world situation. The Nichi Nichi says that, notwithstanding Britain's efforts, United States participation in the war remains a big question mark. Admiral Yomiuri said he doubted if the United States now has the confidence, to enter the European war, being confronted with a new situation both in the Pacific and the Atlantic. Joint; Hostile Action The Japan Times said that as one of the immediate effects of the pact, " any hostile action against Japan in the Pacific by the United States or any other Power will be met by joint hostile action by Japan, Italy, and Germany. This might give America to pause. Particularly, the whole treaty might cause the American people to sit back and take stock of their State department which has so bungled international affairs that it has made an enemy of Japan and involved Great Britain in new difficulties. It has done no good to the United States, and has brought war perilously close to the Pacific Ocean." A defiant threat was launched by the extremist newspaper Kokumin Shimbun to-day, .in an outburst against Britain and America, occasioned by America's loan to China and the embargo on scrap metal. The paper said: "If the British and Americans continue their unprovoked anti-Japanese stand they will get a telling blow." Under the heading " Fight for Supremacy in the Pacific" the newspaper Miyako Shimbun says Indo-China is only a minor angle in the major stnjggle now developing between America and Japan, in which Britain is apparently participating.