JAPAN-AXIS PACT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21243, 14 October 1940, Page 8

JAPAN-AXIS PACT

MEETING OF CELEBRATION GREAT TURNING POINT NEW NATIONAL STRUCTURE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright; LONDON, Oct. 13 A meeting to celebrate tne conclusion of the Japan-Axis alliance was held in Tokio to-day. The Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr Matsuoka, stated that if the war took an unfavourable turn for Germany and Italy Japan must be pre- ! pared to help them, although he did not say in what manner. The Japanese Prime Minister Prince Konoye, in a speech at the opening of the National Service Association, formed to establish the new national structure, reiterated that Japan was facing a great • turning point, requiring the co-operation oi the entire nation. The Batavia correspondent of the Asahi Shimbun says Mr Kobayashi. head of the Japanese Mission to the Dutch East Indies, said in a speech: i “Japan is making the utmost efforts ito establish self-sufficient, common j prosperity in the sphere of Greater j East Asia through peaceful diplo- ! matic measures. However, if any ! nation obstructs these diplomatic j measures we will be compelled to take a firm stand.” The Tokio newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun says the Japanese International Tourist Board has decided to abandon its long dependence on the United States and seek tourists from friendly Powers. A pro-German and pro-Italian Co-operation Board would undertake a world-wide publicity campaign, concentrating especially on the Near East, South America and Asiatic countries.