BURMA ROUTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24421, 5 October 1940, Page 11

BURMA ROUTE

REOPENING PROBABLE PRESSURE ON JAPAN "AMERICA BEHIND THIS" (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph— Copyright) TOKIO, Oct. 3. (Received Oct. 4, at 11.10 p.m.) The Kokumin Shimbun says the first measure of increased British and American pressure against Japan will probably be the reopening of the Burma Route. "It is obvious," the Kokumin Shimbun says. " that the United States is behind this mischief. The British anti-Japanese manoeuvres are under standable for Britain is doomed in Europe, Whilst the Japanese evacuation from London does not mean the immediate entry of Japan into the European war, Britain should know that the evacuation was not caused by difficulties of a living trade." . The Chugai Shogyo Shimpo says: " Unless Britain and the United States openly show their teeth against Japan by deliberately perverting the Tripartite Pact, or through imaginary fears, there is no reason why Japan should not try to remain friendly with . them. Japan can adopt a calm watch-and-see attitude." Japan's Approach to Russia The Rome radio stated that Japan is making an effort to settle the difference with Russia. The Japanese Ambassador in Moscow is invested with "the necessary powers to enable him to solve outstanding Russian and Japanese problems." Inspired Italian comment asserts that Japan is attempting to place herself in the best possible strategic position against Singapore in the event of British hostilities forcing Japan to attack the base. It is asserted that Japan is doing her utmost to extend her influence to Thailand in order to prepare for economic and spiritual penetration of the Dutch East Indies. .' Warships off Wei-Hai-Wei From Shanghai it is :ported that six Japanese destrovers, a cruiser and a transDort are anchored off the island' of Wei-Hai-Wei, which the Chungking Government has ; ust leased to Britain for another 'O years. ... ~ The Nanking regime recently informed the British Government that it did not recognise Chungking's right to Lase the island, and it would consider that Britain was infringing China's territorial integrity if the island was not evacuated. Foreigners in Wei-Hai-Wei are said to be in a considerable state of alarm lest the .presence of the Japanese ships is connected with a possible attempt to force Britain o evacuate the island. Naval circles in Shanghai, however, state that the mainland opposite the island is bein« used as a training- centre -for Wang-Ching-Wei's new Chinese navy. It is possible.- that the Japanese ships are there in order to assist such training.' '