WOOING RUSSIA

Evening Star, Issue 23694, 30 September 1940, Page 5

WOOING RUSSIA

JAPANESE OVERTURES FOR PACT NO EARLY ENTRANCE INTO EUROPEAN WAR LONDON, September 28. According to messages from Tokio it is authoritatively stated that tho Japanese are anxious for a rapprochement with Russia similar to tho Russian-German Fact, and that they are making overtures directly and also through Germany. It depends, however, on Moscow’s attitude, which at present cannot be determined in Tokio. Mr Yosuke Matsuoka, Foreign Minister, and Mr K. Suma, spokesman for th,e Foreign Office, both said that the alliance with the Axis did not mean Japan’s early entrance into the European war. “ Japan won’t challenge any country,” Mr Matsuoka said. “ Although we will adhere to peaceful means as much as possible, there might arise circumstances in which we must make important decisions.” “ Wo are not going to participate in the European war at this moment,” Mr Suma said. “ This is a pact to end wars, not to start them.” The Japanese Army’s paper, * Tairiku Shimpu,* said that the alliance was a factual reply to America’s loan to Chungking and the scrap embargo. “ Should any one of the three signatories be challenged,” it says, “ the challenger will be dealt with by force.” It adds that if the United States further aids China it will be considered a challenge, and the alliance become effective. The Prime Minister (Prince Konoye) summoned the former Premiers, Wakatsuki, Okada, Hirota, Hayashi, and Tonai, to a conference, and is reported to have explained the tripartite pact negotiations, after which he asked for their support, inasmuch as Japan must now watch seriously the development of the.international situation. AMERICAN “ INTERFERENCE " FACT WITH SOVIET ADVOCATED TOKIO, September 29. The newspaper ‘ Hochi,’ attacking America’s “ spoiled child ” attitude, advocated a non-aggression pact between Russia and Japan. It said that America was interfering throughout the world without legitimate reasons, for which Japan must make her own counter arrangements. Other papers reassured the people, asserting that Japan was strong enough to withstand even complete embargoes. Prince Konoye, broadcasting, said that the new alliance would enable Japan to overcome the difficulties of settling the China incident. Japan was joining hands with Italy and Germany, who would establish a new order in Europe, and must play an important role for the establishment of lasting peace in the world. He added that the Government was. planning to replenish national defence in order to meet the prevailing international situation. RUSSIAN AID FOR CHINA , CONTINUATION ASSURED ■ CHUNGKING, September 29. Officials said that despite the alliance, China is assured of continued Russian aid against Japan. They said that regardless of consequences China was determined to continue the war.