VAGUE THREATS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 November 1941, Page 5

VAGUE THREATS

MADE BY JAPANESE PREMIER “FINAL STAGE” IN “CHINA AFFAIR.” OBJECTIVES AIMED AT.TOKIO, November 17. General Tojo, the Japanese Premier, referring to the four points laid down as necessary for settlement in the Pacific, said that if those objects were realised by diplomatic negotiations, it would be a matter of gratification, not only for Japan, but for the cause of peace in East Asia and the world generally. , In view of past experiences, however, the prospect remained uncertain. Japan, therefore, anticipating obstacles, was firmly determined to assure the existence of her Empire by perfecting all kinds of preparations and vigorously executing its fixed national policy. The task of settling the China affair had entered the final stage, said General Tojo, but the economic and military activities of the countries aiding General Chiang Kai-shek had become increasingly vigorous. They constituted the last pillar of Chungking s resistance. General Tojo said that in the northern region the situation since the outbreak of the German-Russian war had led one to reflect on the possibilities likely to arise therefrom. Japan could not afford to be indifferent to its development. “Therefore, we are taking all necessary measures to secure stability in the north.” General Tojo recounted the entry into Indo-China and added: “Japan’s cordial relations with Indo-China had been gradually established, and Japans peaceful advancement toward the south was about to commence, but as the military and economic . co(-dpera-tion between Britain, the United States and the East Indies became strengthened, Japan’s economic negotiations in the East Indies fell through. “Britain, the United States and the Netherland East Indies, after the Japanese had entered Indo-China, enfoiced an economic blockade simultaneously and rapidly augmented the military measures against us. One hardly needs to explain that an economic blockade as between non-belligerents constitutes a measure little less hostile in character than armed warfare.” General Tojo concluded: “Japan faces a serious situation where she must decide her course for generations to come,”