BID FOR OLYMPIC GAMES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21090, 16 July 1938, Page 17

BID FOR OLYMPIC GAMES

Wanted for American Fair

Sequel to Japanese Cancellation

FINLAND IN GOOD FAVOUR Newspaper Interpretation of Decision United Press Association —By Electro Telegraph—Copyright (Received July lb, 11.0 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 15. Mr Grover A. Whalen, head ol the N • York World’s Fair of 1939, made an unofficial bid for the Olympic Games by issuing a statement in which he said he would be glad to conduct the Games in conjunction with the fair, but generally he conceded that his bid would not be successful. OFFICIAL JAPANESE STATEMENT MUST CONCENTRATE ON THE WAR United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received July 15. 11.40 p.m.) TOKIO, July 15. The Japanese Cabinet has approved the decision not to hold the Olympic Games and an international exhibition. The official spokesman said; “The decision is a demonstration of the national determination to pursue its aims in China, where hostilities might continue for two years. Consequently we are preparing for any emergency.” It is hinted that the Japanese will not be permitted to compete in the Games, for which a purely national meeting at Tokio will bQ substituted.

SAVED JAPAN’S DIGNITY CANCELLATION BY TOKIO WELCOMED United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received July 15, 11.45 p.m.) LONDON, July 15. "The Manchester Guardian” says: "If Japan’s decision to abandon the Games had been made last year, Britain would probably have applied to hold them, but it is now felt that the time is too short to enable the proper organisation to be erected. For this reason Finland would have British support if it proceeds with its application. The Olympic Committee, however, does not meet until Juno, and it is not clear whether the executive

is empowered to decide without a full meeting. Moreover, Italy may advance a claim, presumably with German support. There is a growing feeling in Britain, America and Scandinavia that the Games have lost their original character, and should be abandoned.” "The Manchester Guardian” points out that whether Japan’s excuses are genuine or not, they have saved her from humiliation. It is almost certain that British, American, French and Scandinavian refusal of the invitation to participate might have killed the whole Olympic system. The crisis in Japan has saved both the Olympic Games and her cwn dignity. 1. is felt that British and Finnish representation at the Olympic Games is such as to restore the original sporting character, which was lost at Berlin.

“WILL NOT BE ABANDONED” FINLAND REQUESTS FOR GAMES United Preee AsHoctHtlon —By Electric Tel egraph -Copyright LONDON, July 14. Following the announcement from Tokio that the Ministry of Public Welfare had vetoed the Olympic Games for 1940, Count Balllet-Latour, chairman of the Olympic Games Federation said that the Games will certainly not be abandoned. The Internationa! Committee wi'l meet immediately to decide where they are to be held. A Helsingfors message states that Finland is immediately requesting the Olympic Games Committee for permission to proceed with preparations for the 1940 Games. Germany Upset A Berlin report says it is understood that it is most likely that the Games will be held in Finland. Germany is greatly upset because plans have been completed to send 100 athletes and 100.000 visitors to Tokio by special liners. Thousands have been learning Japanese under State encouragement. Besides not holding the Olympic Games, states another Tokio message, Japan is reported to be not allowing any Japanese to compete wherever the Games are held. The Ministry of Public Welfare plans a national athletic meeting in 1940. According to a message from Chicago, Mr Brundage, chairman of the United States Olympic Committee, in a statement, said that Japanese abandonment will not prevent the Olympic Games being held in 1940 “unless the whole world is warring.” He mentioned London or Helsingfors as possible substitutes for Tokio, with a programme on a smaller scale if necessary on account of the shortness of time.