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The Wanganui Chronicle. FRIDAY. MARCH 20, 1942 JAPAN AND RUSSIA

g ECAUSE Japan’s Inline sitcc.s.: is dependent upon an Axis victory, it is iinpo; sible to regard diai i o\vcr as anything bin an enemy ol Russia, the Muscovite, Jeuig a realist, is not pursuing a second war wiien lie already nas one large-scale invasion on his hands. St din, however, is not deceived by the absence ol a Japanese attack. Stalin’s purpose in signing a pact of friendship with Germany was to string along with Hitler while time served his purpose. 11 Hiller’s strength becayie absorbed elsewhere by increasing military engagements, even though they be- successfully pursued, then that activity decreased the forces which could be arranged against Russia. Stalin is pursuing in Asia the same policy to which he adhered in Europe: he is allowing Japan, whom he- knows to be his enemy, to become involved further and still further afield. This implies that when the clash does occur many of Japan’s divisions will be engaged elsewhere. The parallel can be carried still further. Hitler desired to remove the Russian menace at his back before he carried his conquests further afield, and Japan will desire to remove the menace of Vladivostock before the major struggle opens with the United States of America. There arc two obvious reasons why Japan does not attack Russia now—preoccupation with the southward drive and the desire Io avoid a continental winter campaign. The Japanese drivesouthward makes full demands upon that country’s air force. To attack \ ladivostoek would bring against Japanese territory a very large and efficient bomber force, and this is an increase in risks which Japan would naturally wish to avoid at the moment. When she can bring home—even temporarily—the air squadrons which are now engaged providing cover for her armies, she will be tempted Io essay the attack upon the Soviet Pacific maritime provinces. The situation as it now presents itself Io Japan differs from that which the rulers of that country anticipated. Hitler and Ribbentrop, in order to impress Japan with the fact that December was the point of greatest advantage for Hie latter Io make war upon the Allies, staged a tremendous effort to capture Moscow. I his failed, but the pretence of success was sustained long enough Io ensure Japan taking the plunge. After that the confession could be made that Hie Moscow defences and the winter snows were not yet to be defeated. Japan to-day is justified in feeling that she has been deceived by the Axis, but that doesn’t make her position in the world anv better. Siu- has tied herself to Hitler’s chariot and now she must feel impelled to do all she can to ensure an Axis victory. If Germany can stage an attack upon Russia which can be made to bear the complexion of success. Japan may be induced Io join in the i-mitest by moving to cut the trans-Siberian railway westward of \ ladivostoek. The date most favourable for commencing such an operation would be July 1. a regulation date for the commencement ol Japanese continental campaigns. This dale is of jwlerest because Hiller must bear if in mind and this knowledge will in-diu-e him to slage his second invasion of Russia nt the earliest moment that Hie weather conditions will allow, in order to have mi appropriate setting for Japan’s entry into the field against Russia. The picture now may. therefore, he completed by poinfiim out iliaf for Russia to avoid becoming involved in a two-front war it is m-i-essary Io shatter the German defensive position in Russia. How the Hiirh Command will endeavour to do this is not to ]>e divined, but so long as Russia is able to hold the Germans they will most probably not be called upon to face Hie Japanese. Hut Russia is not indifferent Io the Japanese- menace, and. while desiring to escape from a double military commitment is not unmindful of Japan’s intentions which were'evidenced by her signing the anliJ'oiniMern Paet with Germane and llalv. While then. Japan and Russia are poised, to engage in conflict', each has sound military reasons for not putting the match to the’powder train just yet.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC19420320.2.29

Bibliographic details

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 67, 20 March 1942, Page 4

Word Count
696

The Wanganui Chronicle. FRIDAY. MARCH 20, 1942 JAPAN AND RUSSIA Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 67, 20 March 1942, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle. FRIDAY. MARCH 20, 1942 JAPAN AND RUSSIA Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 67, 20 March 1942, Page 4