JAPANESE MINISTER

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21356, 26 February 1941, Page 6

JAPANESE MINISTER

.FOR BERLIN AND MOSCOW f NEGOTIATIONS WITH SOVIET (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) SHANGHAI, Feb. 24 Informed persons in Shanghai say they understand that the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr Matsuoka, is tentatively planning visits to Moscow and Berlin in March. His departure must necessarily be postponed until the conclusion of the indo-China-Thailand peace conference. Moreover, Tokio circles which have deprecated emphasis on Japan’s j relationship with the Axis are re- 1 ported to doubt the advisaoility of , the trip. However, Mr Matsuoka believes that a personal visit is necessary m order to conclude a non-aggression pact with Moscow that will oe satisfactory to Japan, because Mr ‘fatekawa's negotiations are believed to have fallen short of that objective. In view of international perturbation at the possibility of a sudden Japanese thrust to the south, observers point out that Mr Matsuoka would hardly be able to plan a European tour if such a development were impending. On the other hand, diplomats consider that the tour, if successful, would remove one of the most im- j portant considerations at present ! restraining a southward push.