JAPAN RESOLVED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 October 1940, Page 6

JAPAN RESOLVED

ACCORDING TO PRINCE KONOYE WILL MEET AMERICAN CHALLENGE. DEMAND FOR RECOGNITION OF LEADERSHIP. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day. 11.50 a.m.) TOKIO, October 4. The Prime Minister (Prince Konoye) stated: “Should the United States challenge Germany, Italy and Japan, we are ready to accept the challenge and fight to a! finish.” He added that Japan was prepared to adjust her relations with the United States as well as with the Soviet. “The Pacific Ocean’s destiny,” he said, “depends on the degree of mutual respect and understanding of each other’s position. The United States should understand Japan’s true intentions and collaborate in establishing the new order in East Asia. I believe the United States should reflect on the attitude she has been taking against Japan and obtain a fuller realisation of the existing situation. Should the United States recognise the leadership of Japan, Germany and Italy respectively in East Asia and in Europe, they will logically recognise United States leadership in the American continents. The adjustment of political and economic relations with the Soviet will be continued, but this does not signify that Japan will accept communism.” Prince Konoye added that negotiations between Japan and the Dutch East Indies were progressing smoothly and fairly satisfactorily. Results could be expected. TROOPS ENTER HANOI A REPORTED WELCOME. (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) CANTON, October 4. Reports have been received here that part of the Japanese troops from Haiphong entered the suburbs of Hanoi yesterday afternoon. They are reported to have been welcomed by the French as well as by natives. BURMA ROAD EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT UNLIKELY. JAPAN’S SUPPOSED PLAN OF ATTACK. (Received This Day, 1.0 p.m.) LONDON, October 4. “The Times,” announcing that Mr Quo Tai-chi (Chinese Ambassador) visited Mr Churchill and discussed the Burma Road question, says Japan’s attitude does not justify an extension of the Burma Road agreement. Japan has thrown in her lot with Britain’s enemies. It is believed in some Far Eastern circles that Japan’s operations in Indio-China cover a plan to make a demonstration towards Singapore, possibly through Thailand, when the Axis strikes in the Mediterranean.