JAPAN’S POLICY

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21036, 12 February 1940, Page 8

JAPAN’S POLICY

NO TERRITORIAL AMBITION EXPLOIT NATURAL RESOURCES (United Pres? Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 10, 12.30 p.m.) TOKIO, Feb. 9 The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Arita, answering the Diet suggesting action to allay the Netherlands’ and East Indies’ suspicions of Japan, said: “It is necessary to tighten Japan’s economic relations with various countries in the South Seas, and simultaneously to emphasise our lack of territorial ambitions. We only desire to exploit natural resources in the South Seas. It is understood the French have bluntly told the Japanese Army representatives that if the bombings of the Indo-China railway continue they will recommend that all French ports in the Far East, Africa and the Mediterranean be closed to Japanese shipping. APPEAL BY THE POPE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES AMNESTY TO PRISONERS (United Tress Assn.—Kmc. mi. Copyright) LONDON. Feb. 11 In a telegram to the Japanese Emperor on the occasion of the 2600th anniversary of the foundation of the Japanese Empire, the Pope said: “We ask God may you cease hostilities and may the Japanese and their Sovereigns attain greater glory and happy years through Divine aid.” A message from Tokio says the Emperor Hirohito granted an amnesty to 48,000 prisoners, restored civil rights to 180,000 persons, and reprieved all waiting execution. Celebrations are being held throughout the country. In Tokio to-day crowds paraded before the Imperial Palace while aeroplanes flew overhead. AMERICAN OPPRESSION JAPAN READY TO ACT (United Tress Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) NEW YORK. Feb. 10 During a heated Parliamentary session, the Prime Minister. Admiral Yonai, in answer to questions regarding foreign policy, said: “Japan :s fully prepared to act appropriately in the event of the United States continuing its oppression,” says the Tokio correspondent of t'.e United Press. He refused to elaborate 1• is statement, which followed Mr Yoshiharu Yutaui’s denunciation of the

“routine diplomacy” of the Foreign Minister, Mr Arita, to the United States and also to Britain regarding the Asama Maru incident.