ANGRY INTERVIEW

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 13, 11 October 1943, Page 6

ANGRY INTERVIEW

Portugal’s Leader And Japanese REPORTS OF CRISIS (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Received October 10, 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, October 9. The British United Press correspondent in Madrid says that according to some reports the Prime Minister of Portugal, Dr. Salazar, at a meeting with the Japanese Minister, demanded the withdrawal of the Japanese troops from Timor. The meeting lasted two hours, and sharp and pertinent words are reported to have been exchanged. The Japanese Minister did not shake bands before leaving.

The “Daily Mail’s” Madrid correspondent quotes a report that after the meeting the Japanese Minister ordered the burning of confidential documents and sent others to Madrid. Quoting a report from Macao, tne Portuguese territory in south-east China, the Chungking correspondent of the Associated Press of America stated yesterday that the Japanese had again violated Portuguese neutrality when they attempted to kidnap John Pownell Reeves the British Consul at Macao.’ lhe report gave no details. , A previous violation was the Japanese seizure of. the British steamer Sian at Macao in August after killing'2o armed guards and police. Tokio radio stated yesterday that the Portuguese Premier and the Japanese Minister, Morishima, had conferred at Lisbon on matters relating to Timor The Madrid correspondent of the “Daily Mail” said that the Portuguese 'National Assembly met yesterday and heard most important Government statements. An exodus of, families from Lisbon to the country had begun.