MADEIRA NEXT?

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 3, 5 January 1944, Page 5

MADEIRA NEXT?

Recd. 10 p.m. London, Jan. 4. The Anglo - Portuguese Azores

agreement, according to reports reaching Madrid from Vichy, has been extended to Madeira, where British troops are reported to have landed. There L no confirmation in Portuguese official circles.

the strategic position of the democracies, particularly Britain, was so weakened that the Japanese could safely and profitably cast off their original policy of non-interference in the world war.

“Germany had hoped that the Pacific war would provide a c.iversion in the rear of Britain and America, and als> expected that Japan would undertake military operations against the Soviet Union,” said the newspaper. “But side by side with proFafist elements in Japan, which were pushing her towards war against the Soviet, were other forces which more soberly estimated the real possibilities and prospects. Japan showed common sense in her relations with the Soviet.

“There is no doubt that Qermany is not very pleased with her Far Eastern ally’s military operations against Britain and America, which do not inflict sufficient military and economic damage to affect Germany’s position, and that disappointment over Germany’s military might is growing in Japan.”