BIG JAPANESE FORCE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21185, 7 August 1940, Page 8

BIG JAPANESE FORCE

DETERMINATION OF FRANCE WILL RESIST DEMANDS (United Press Assn—dec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Aug. 6 Unconfirmed reports of big movements of Japanese warships and transports have been received in Hongkong, says the Hongkong correspondent of the Daily Express. This message follows reports that Japan is demanding the cession of naval bases in IndoChino. A big concentration of Japanese warships off Amoy was simultaneously reported. A liner which has arrived at Hongkong from Shanghai reported sighting 18 transports, under escort by warships, travelling southward. Reports from Formosa state that Japanese warships have left ports there for an unknown destination.

Another report says part of the Japanese Fleet left Formosa for the coast near the border between Indo- China and China.

The Japanese Navy spokesman in Tokio, said he was unable to disclose the fleet’s movements. However, he denied London despatches that the fleet and transports were steaming south, and said: “ Owing to the current situation there are bound to be many wild reports.” The Daily Mail says France is determined to resist any Japanese attack on Indo-Chino. The French authorities have cancelled the demobilisation of all native regiments, ordered the manning of all coastal forts, and ordered all French warships in the Far East to go to IndoChina. Tension is being increased by the Japanese demands. It is reported from Vichy that Japan has even demanded the right to establish naval and military bases in Indo-China, and the making of a trade agreement considerably increasing her exports to Indo-China in exchange for iron, coal, tin and other raw materials.

Mr S. Makihara, of the Mitsubishi Company, who was arrested last week, has been released.

It is understood that the Home Secretary decided that the evidence available against Mr Makihara was insufficient to justify his continued detention. l 1 |