THREE DEMANDS BY JAPAN

Southland Times, Issue 24162, 26 June 1940, Page 5

THREE DEMANDS BY JAPAN

INSPECTION SYSTEM FOR BURMA

REPORTS BY NEUTRAL SOURCES

WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS FROM SHANGHAI

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received June 25, 7.50 p.m.) LONDON, June 25. The Tokyo correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that neutral sources declare that Japan has made the following demands to Britain:— (1) To permit the stationing of Japanese inspectors in Burma to enforce the ban on the arms traffic to China. (2) The termination of trade between Hong Kong and the Chinese hinterland. (3) The withdrawal of British interests, including troops, from the Shanghai International Settlement. Part of the French fleet, including six

destroyers and one cruiser, is en route to Indo-China.

It is understood that the Japanese Foreign Office is not recognizing General Charles de Gaulle and his French National Committee and is planning to deal directly with Indo-China, ignoring the home Government. However, Japan is acquainting Italy and Germany with all moves.

The Tokyo correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says informed circles believe that Japan may attempt to declare protectorate over French and Netherlands territories in the Orient after discussions with Italy and Germany. Responsible quarters are concerned over the possibility of the colonies passing to the European victors, placing Japan at a disadvantage. Imperial headquarters in Tokyo

announced that it has been arranged to despatch part of the Japan-

ese fleet to South China waters to Haiphong to “watch for the time being conditions regarding the transportation of goods to China, via Indo-China.”

Admiral Yomiuri said that the Japanese Government was following up the recent protest against the transportation of supplies to Chingking, via IndoChina,, Burma and Hong Kong with “fresh representations” to Italy, France and Britain for the “correction of the pro-Chiang Kai-shek character of the foreign concessions.” Mr Asahi said that 40 Japanese _ inspectors would be sent to Indo-China. It is announced that pending experts’ decision on the categories of banned goods, Indo-China’s Governor-General will continue the general closure of the frontier.

The Domei News Agency (Japan) says that Japanese militarists yesterday vigorously protested that British manoeuvres on Sunday afternoon near the Hong Kong border “caused great difficulties to Japanese operations in that area. The activity was hard to understand and could be taken only as an indication of the British intention to interfere with Japanese military action.”

| The Foreign Office has announced that a party of 24, including Major1 General Issaku Nishihara, would soon depart to inspect French Indo-China as a result of French permission. Meanwhile, Army and Navy officers would proceed to Hanoi from Canton. The inspection would reveal the categories rf goods to be prohibited from transfer to China. AID OF BRITISH NAVY AND AIR FORCE (Received June 25, 11.40 p.m.) BUENOS AIRES, June 25. The British military attache, Colonel Remrussel, issued a statement in reply to Marshal Petain’s allegations that the British effort was insufficient. “This is erroneous,” he said. “Britain . sent to France 12 divisions, not 10. Marshal Petain forgot the important services the British Fleet and aviation gave to protect communications and food channels.” MR BIDDLE ORDERED TO LONDON (Received June 25, 6.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June 25. The Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) announced that Mr Anthony Biddle, ambassador at Bordeaux, has been ordered to London immediately.

Mr Hull said that Mr Biddle’s departure was not connected with a possible withdrawal of United States recognition from the Petain Government in favour" of the French National Committee in London.