THE FAR EAST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24738, 15 October 1941, Page 5

THE FAR EAST

PRESIDENT’S CONCERN POSSIBLE JAPANESE MOVE A THRUST TO SIBERIA WASHINGTON, (Rec. 7 p.m.l Oct. 13. President Roosevelt formally announced that munitions for Russia were leaving the United States ports constantly and everything was being done to send supplies to the Soviet, and all the munitions, tanks, planes and trucks promised at the Moscow conference for October delivery would be sent to Russia this month. Congressional sources said that President Roosevelt now believes that the Russian Army will continue to resist the German invasion forces for a prolonged period, even if Moscow falls The President is of the opinion tha r the Red Army will try to draw up a defensive -line in an arc swinging behind the Volga River and protecting areas in which 40 per cent, of Russia’s war industries is located. This was contained in Mr Harry Hopkins’s report on his return from the conference with M. Stalin. Congressional sources added that President Roosevelt was concerned over the Far Eastern situation, particularly a possible Japanese thrust to Siberia. While Japanese divisions mass near Russia’s eastern frontier. Tokio newspapers are talking of the spoils to be got if Russia collapses. The Kokumin says: “ Defeat of Russia is only a matter of time. Japan must be vigilant and must not be left behind in the international field.” Air Chief Marshal Brooke-Popham. before leaving Singapore yesterday, said that if Japan attacked Siberia London would decide what action would be taken by the British forces in the Far East. “Personally, I think we should act in close concert with the United States.” Marshal Brooke-Pop-ham added there was no sign of Japan planning an immediate southward invasion. THE CHINESE FORCES ICHANG EVACUATED CHUNGKING. (Rec. 11.15 p.m.) Oct. 13. A Chinese communique states that the Chinese evacuated Ichang after three days’ occupation, having “ completed the objective of the campaign—a diversion from the Changsha battle.” The communique added that Japanese gas bombing was causing extremely heavy civilian casualties, and this had influenced the decision to withdraw. THE PACIFIC CRISIS JAPAN BLAMES AMERICA (Rec. 1 a.m.) TOKIO. Oct. 14. The press continues to charge the United States with aggravating the crisis in the Pacific. Nichi Nichi said; “As long as the United States remains blind to the realities of East Asia, which demand sweeping changes, the current Japanese-Ai/arican negotiations are destined to - failure.”

The newspaper added: “ In the event of the United States continuing to give assistance to Chungking, Japan will be forced to make an important resolve to meet the situation. It is now high time for Japan to be ready for war, with every confidence and valour.’-