DRASTIC MEASURES

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

DRASTIC MEASURES

DRAFTED BY JAPAN ANGER WITH BRITAIN ALLEGED RETALIATION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrig-ht) LONDON, August 6 The Japanese Foreign Office has drafted drastic measures to be taken in the event of further deterioration in Anglo-Japanese relations, says a Domei news agency message from Shanghai. The vernacular newspapers in Tokio have changed overnight to calmer treatment of the London arrests, generally asserting that the Foreign Office could afford to watch the situation calmly and coolly and give Britain time to reflect, although ready to “take the second step in the event that the British failed to reconsider their illegal actions.” The newspapers insist that Japan will reject a compromise settlement. The Japanese Army authorities announced the arrest of seven executives of the Japanese Salvation Army on suspicion of espionage. A hundred thousand people are expected to parade to the British Embassy on Mpnday as the result of the decision of the Anti-British People’s Federation to hold a national rally of protest against the British “retaliatory” arrests. Demand for Release The federation has invited representatives of 120 cities to take part. At the same time, it has sent a resolution to the War, Navy and Foreign Departments demanding measures for the release of the arrested Japanese, and a strong policy toward Britain. The federation has also sent a resolution to the British Embassy demanding the release of those arrested and withdrawal of British interests from the Orient. Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister, Mr Matsuoka, is reported to have gained the Cabinet’s understanding. The Government will calmly but firmly watch the British attitude regarding the arrests for the present. The Japanese Embassy spokesman in London said that, although instructions had not been received ff)m Tokio the Embassy considered that the explanation for the London arrests was unsatisfactory. Another Arrest The Hongkong police on Saturday arrested Mr Geturo Yamaguchi under the Emergency Defence Regulations. Mr Yamaguchi, who is a business man, recently arrived at Hongkong. He frequently travelled between Canton and Hongkong. Further arrests are expected.