WILL ATTACK RUSSIA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 63, 16 March 1942, Page 5

WILL ATTACK RUSSIA

JAPANESE INTENTIONS CHINESE GENERAL’S BELIEF “VLADIVOSTOC K A TIME-BOMB IN JAPAN’S BELLY” (Reed. 7.7 p.m.) New York. Mahch 13. The Chungking correspondent of the New York Times States that General Hsiung Shihshui, who will shortly leave by air for the UnPed States, heading the Chinese military mission, declared in an interview: “Vladivostock is like a time-bomb in Japan’s belly. “From considerations of history, geography and personal military judgment. I believe that Japan will attack Siberian Russia as soon as possible—unless diverted to India first by its helplessness through the failure of Britain and India to patch up differences and present a co-operative front against the Japanese. In this case Germany would join the Japanese by diverting spring offensive plans against Russia tn drive to India through Turkey and Iran. This would be most serious few China, since it would cut off the supply route though India via Africa and the Indian Ocean.’’ On the other hand the general decla. i. should Sir Stafford Cripps find a satisfactory solution of the Indian problem during his forthcoming visit and form a united Indian front against aggression, the Japanese would, then strike north before attempting an attack against India and Australia. “A Japanese attack against Siberia would be obliged not only to remov 1 the threat of Russian bombers based on Vladivostock but also prevent American plane'- and ships using Siberian bases as stepping-stond: From Alaska.” h<- said. “It is therefore imperative that preparations be made to meet the expected Japanese assault. China will give the utmost assistance by land if the Allies furnish aerial support.’’