HAINAN ISLAND’

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 39, 16 February 1939, Page 7

HAINAN ISLAND’

JAPANESE OCCUPATION

Playing On FrancoBritish Fears PLAN TO CHECK FOREIGN SUPPLIES (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] LONDON, Feb. 14. The Times Tokio correspondent says the Japanese Foreign Minister’s answer to Sir Robert Craigie that Japan had no territorial designs on Hainan and would occupy the island only so long as it was militarily necessary was intended to imply that the Hainan occupation was a war measure not connected with the broader question of Pacific strategy. It is claimed that Marshal Chiang Kai-shek has not reduced his provincial war lordship because he continues to receive foreign supplies. Japan, therefore, is playing on Franco-British fears to induce the closing of routes across their territory after which Marshal Chiang Kai-shek will be deprived of supplies and unable to continue his guerilla war on a national scale.

The Times adds that it is safe to suppose that the Japanese Admiralty has plans for the possible use of the Hainan base for a southern advance, but it is doubtful whether visions of commanding the Pacific enter the calculations at present. The occupation can be explained by her imperative need to end the China war.

U.S. INTERESTS DESTROYER'S «MISSION (Independent Cable Service). SHANGHAI, Feb. 14. It is learned that the United States destroyer John D. Edwards has been ordered to Hainan Island to “investigate the situation and give aid to United States nationals if required.”