FAR EAST CRISIS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 188, 12 August 1941, Page 5

FAR EAST CRISIS

JAPAN’S PUSH TO SOUTH

FRANK DISCUSSION OF DANGERS BRITAIN AND U.S. READY FOR WAR Londunn, Aug. J<>. Despite a frank discussion of the dangers confronting Japan, llie leading Japanese newspapers rcaffii'in the nation’s determination to continue its southward expansion policy. Some Tokio papers frankly warn Japan that Britain is ready io go to war if Japan continues to move southward, and add thai if Britain fights she will have the full support ol the United States and the Bast Indies.

The Nichi Niehl Shimbun says that Japan, by her own power will not hesitate to reject any action by Britain, the United States, or any other nation under British and American influence trespassing on Thailand's independence. The Asahi Shimbun says Japan has decided that the policy to establish a Greater East Asia co-pros-perity sphere shall not be moved an in’h by bluff from any third Power.

In New York the National Broadcasting Corporation picked up the Tokio radio saying the Dutch ConsulGeneral at Shanghai had asked Dutch nationals to leave without delay, and a similar request was made to the Dutch in Japan. The United Press correspondent at Tokio reported that the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company has ordered the closing of all its offices throughout Japan :R1 has instructed the personnel to return to Canatjj. Informed sources said Canadian and American business interests in Japan are nearing collapse as a result of the rigid Japanese retaliatory regulations.

The Herald-Tribune's Tokio correspondent says the Japanese Press has warned Thailand against the policy of co-operation with the Democracies and at the same time has warned England and America that Japan will take action in the event of any territorial threat against Thailand. The Nichi Nichi Shimbun suggested that the best policy for Thailand would be one which would maintain her independence. It added that Thailand could depend ° n Japan to help her carry cut this policy. The Asahi Shimbun asserted that Thailand was a member of Japan's co-prosperity sphere, and therefore was not free to conclude an understanding. which was allegedly sought by the Democracies. —U.P.A.

WAR IN PACIFIC

MAY RESULT FROM NEXT MOVE THAILAND TENSION TAUT (Recd. 11.20 p.m.) London. Aug. 10. The Associated Press of Britain correspondent at Bangkok says the general impression to-night is that the atmosphere is definitely better after intense diplomatic activity throughout the day, in which the United States Minister figured and which reached a climax in an extraordinary meeting of Cabinet. The Times’ Hongkong representative says:—“Amidst the dangers and complexities of the situation it is felt here that one thing at least is clear— Japan's action in French Indo-China has taken up the last of the slack. The tension is so taut now that any move against Thailand. Burma, Singapore or the Ncthcrland East Indies is almost certain to result in war in the Pacific.—U.P.A.

GRAVE DECISIONS CONFRONTING AUSTRALIAN CABINET DANGERS STRESSED BY MR. MENZIES (Recd. 12.20 a.m.i Melbourne. Aug. 11. Grave decisions faced the full Australian Cabinet meeting at Melbourne to-day. Army officials worked over the week-end organising against an. emergency that would make a sudden demand upon Australia's manpower as a result of further aggressive moves in the near north. Personal cablegrams received by Mr. R. G. Menzies, Prime Minister, in the past twenty-four hours, were Ihe chief reason for his decision to summon Cabinet. Prior to entering the meeting Mr. Menzies stressed the grave dangers facing the people. He expressed the hope that there would be no unfounded anxieties about the Australian defence position. He directed attention to the existence of the large well-trained home defence forces, including thousands of A.I.F. troops still in the country, while the air defence, munitions production, and potential munitions output were, ho added, immeasurably greater than two years ago.—U.P.A. HONGKONG A FORTRESJ COLONY ON WAR FOOTING (Reed. 11.5 p.m.) Ixmdon, Aug. 10. Officially described as a fortress. Hongkong probably has more heavy guns for its size than any part of the Empire. The colony is practically on a war footing, although life is going on much as usual. Another vast air-raid tunnel with a capacity of 10,000 is nearing completion in the heart of the city.— U.P.A. i JAPANESE OCCUPATION OF INDO-CHINA ECONOMIC AS WELL AS MILITARY

(Recd. 11.10 p.m.) London, Aug. 10. The Times' Singapore correspondent says that the Japanese occupation of Indo-China applies the economic as well as the military sphere. This is clear from reports that Japanese officials are being appointed to co-operate with the French Administration, also technicians arriving to participate in the development of Indo-China's resources and help reorganise export trade.—U.P.A.