OCEANIA FOR THE ASIATICS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 48, 26 February 1941, Page 5

OCEANIA FOR THE ASIATICS

JAPANESE CONTENTION NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA NOT WITHIN THE AREA WANTED [By Telegraph—Prefig Association—Copyright} TOKIO, Feb. 24. “While it is difficult to conduct political affairs according to advocated ideals, I believe that the white race must cede Oceania to the Asiatic races,’’ said the Foreign Minister, Mr. Alatsuoka, in the Diet. “My theory is that Oceania, -which measures 1200 miles from north to south, and 1000 miles from east to west, must be made a place to which the Asiatic peoples can migrate. “This region has sufficient natural resources to support between 600,000,000 to 800,000,000 people, and we believe that we have a natural right to migrate there. ’ ’ Mr. Matsuoka said his proposal does not include New Zealand and Australia, or the Philippine Islands (United States protectorate).

Mr. Matsuoka said that at present lie was without a definite programme relative to the establishment of a Greater East Asia coprosperity sphere, but hopes to obtain Oceania as the Asiatics’ migration region through an understanding with European and American peoples. In this connection Mr. Matsuoka’recalled his individual efforts with the Hague Government relative to New Guinea after Japan's withdrawal from the League of Nations; also his discussions relative to Oceania as a whole with the late President Woodrow Wilson after America’s entrance to the world war. Mr. Matsuoka also informed Parliamentarians that even now he is taking every opportunity to stress his viewpoint to European and American statesmen.

From the context of Mr. Matsuoka's pretentious aspirations they apparently extend to the entire range of the Pacific, from Hawaii to Australia. (Mr. Matsuoka denies that Oceania embraces New Zealand or Australia).

“SHOULD BE OPPOSED BY FORCE ”

U.S. OPINION ON THE OCEANIA OUTLOOK Received Feb. 25, 8.20 p.m. WASHINGTON, Feb. 24. Representative Magnuson, a member of the Naval Committee, referring to Mr. Matsuoka’s Oceania suggestion, said the United States should oppose, by force if necessary, any Japanese moves that might jeopardise United States interests. Also, he proposed that the United States should give the fullest” support to any nations resisting Japanese expansion in the Pacific, in view of the fact that Tokio, aligned with the Axis, would introduce totalitarianism throughout the Pacific.