MR CHURCHILL'S SPEECH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24696, 27 August 1941, Page 7

MR CHURCHILL'S SPEECH

REACTION IN JAPAN “A SINISTER DESIGN” LONDON, Aug. 25. The Tokio paper Kokumin described Mr Churchill’s broadcast as “the Union Jack’s sinister design to cause world-wide disturbances.” It also charged Britain with using as propaganda the Japanese advance into Thailand to lead the , United States to take a hand in the southward issue. The New York Times correspondent, Mr O. D. Tolischus, in a message from Tokio, says the general inclination is to view Mr Churchill’s speech against the more optimistic statements of Admiral Nomura from Washington and- the diverse reports about American offers to Japan which have aroused new hopes for an easing of the tension in the Pacific. While the vernacular press does not fail to indulge in automatic charges that everything taking plape is a British and American plot and to reiterate Japan’s firm determination, the general tenor of the comments so far is rather defensive, and is especially marked by the absence of any threats. The Associated Press correspondent in Chungking says Mr Churchill’s reference to the United States negotiating a settlement with Japan burst upon the public with the effect of a shock and provoked dismay. Official circles, however, said they could not conceive the possibility of any settlement not fully within the eight-point declaration. The VicePremier, Mr Kung, said: “ I am sure friendly Powers will not betray China.” The Communist Party in Britain has issued a statement expressing disappointment that Mr Churchill did not refer to the urgency of a combined Anglo-Soviet blow against Hitlerite Germany at the moment when Hitler had denuded his forces in the west. The statement suggested that Anglo-Soviet action against the Nazis in Iran must be followed by co-ordination of the striking power of both countries, a new productions drive in Britain, and the creation of a new front in the west. Mr Churchill’s speech made a most favourable impression in Batavia. Informed circles pointed out that the one by one theory did not apply there, as the American, British, Chinese and Dutch East Indies front was proof of unity. It is believed here that Japan has suffered severely from her Axis alignment, and certain responsible elements in the Japanese Government who are far-seeing would gladly grasp the opportunity of negotiations to rid themselves of the Axis partners. Such responsible people realise Japan’s tremendous trade possibilities in the Pacific, which will be lost if the Japanese Army elements in the Government decide the war policy.

Mr J. G. Mulder,,, a leading official of the Netherlands East Indies Institute of Foreign Exchanges, will leave shortly for Hongkong to discuss monetary problems. He will call also at Chungking, Singapore and Manila, returning to Batavia via the Burma road.