DENUNCIATION OF PACT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25814, 9 April 1945, Page 6

DENUNCIATION OF PACT

RUSSIA’S BLUNT REMINDER

BANDIT WAR BY JAPAN CRec. 9 p.m.) LONDON, Apl. 7. The first Sovietcomment on the Russians’ denunciation of the SovietJapanese neutrality pact bluntly reminds Japan of her occupation of the Soviet maritime province during the civil war and of the innumerable frontier clashes and armed conflicts which followed. Soviet action, it is stated, is the result of the fact that Japan is an ally of Germany, waging bandit wax against the Soviet Union, and that Japan is simultaneously carrying on a war against the United States and Britain, allies of the Soviet Union. The Soviet press published the official denunciation of the Japanese pact without comment. It is explained here, says the Associated Press Moscow correspondent, that technically the pact would have been automatically renewed if it was not denounced before April 13. Moscow radio stated: “ Russia was gradually forced after Stalihgrad to sacrifice her independent foreign policy in the interests of her AngloSaxon allies, and has played an increasing role in dealings with other countries. The time has come to undo all existing international pacts.”

Tokio radio said the Japanese Foreign Office realised the text of the Soviet statement denouncing the pact. An Information Board spokesman said the pact would remain in force for another year. The Domei News Agency, however, said: “Russo-Japan-ese relations may see a swift change, for which Japan is ready.”