THE ALLIANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24417, 1 October 1940, Page 7

THE ALLIANCE

AIMED AT AMERICA COVERTLY ANTI-RUSSIAN OBSERVER’S COMMENT “NEW SUICIDE CLUB” (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, Sept. 29. (Received Sept. 30, at 7 p.m.) Commenting on the new German, Italian and Japanese pact, the Sunday Tinges says; “The alliance is, of course, primarily aimed at America, Japan hopes it will deter President Roosevelt from action in the Pacific, and Germany and Italy that it will prevent him from coming to the aid of Britain. It is not the least likely to be influential either way, and does not represent any substantial change in the situation. Japan is fully occupied with the China war and cannot expect help on her side of the world from the European dictators, nor can Germany and Italy look for aid from Japan. America will not be frightened by Hitler’s redressing of his war facade.” Object Transparently Veiled Mr J. L. Garvin, in the Observer, says: “ To belittle the significance of the new triple alliance would be an absurdity of ostrichism. Its mischief for a .time may- soon become equal to its ambition, and it is a challenge to another world war, embracing all continents more completely than in the last war. Yet when we look to the end this grandiose treaty is like a flamboyant prospectus of a new suicide club. This ‘document of historical as Herr von Ribbentrop calls it, is as directly anti-American as anti-British. At the same time it is covertly antiRussian. To grip the Soviet Empire in a vice as a means of holding it to good behaviour from the Near East to the Far East is the chief object transparently veiled. “ The new order referred to in the agreement is,” observes Mr Garvin, “another name for the old business of despotism, force, conquest. and exploitation.” ..." The Moscow newspapers give prominence to extracts from the American press emphasising closer Anglo-American collaboration and enhanced chances of a. British victory. The frank admission that the new pact was directed, against America is made in the Tokio press, despite official disclaimers. The Asahi stresses the fact that the pact foreshadows a new era of improved relations between Japan and Russia as the two most important Powers “ in the new Asiatic order.” The paper , adds, that Japan, Germany, .and Italy regard the Soviet as a newly-risen Power capable of cooperation in the establishment of a new world order. The special clause concerning Russia has important significance for Japan’s future diplomacy towards the Soviet. Outburst Against Britain The Nichi Nichi Shimbun takes the opportunity to fulminate against Britain as well as America, characterising Britain as “ the greatest cause of mankind’s unhappiness—a monster stretching its claws over the vital parts of the world for several centuries.” According to a message from Tokio, the Foreign Office Spokesman (Mr K. Suma) said that notwithstanding the tripartite agreement, Japan , would- make an effort diplomatically to settle Japanese-Ameri-can questions. He reiterated that the pact was ■ defensive and not intended to provoke an attack on other Powers. Asked if German warships entering the Pacific would be accorded special, facilities, Mr Suma replied that it was not stipulated in the treaty.- ■ Mr Suma was asked if a declaration of war would be necessary regarding the mutual assistance clause in the pact. He replied that the signatories would’ decide when “ war was involved.” In reply to a question whether Japan was making an effort towards a non-aggression agreement with the Soviet, he answered: “ That is too delicate a matter to take up.”