STOP PRESS

Evening Star, Issue 23699, 5 October 1940, Page 20

STOP PRESS

SUPER-OPTIMISTS. ROME, October 4.—The Rome radio stated that Hitler and Mussolini discussed the military and political programme for the war. which had reached a decisive stage. “The world will soon see its outcome, hut definitely there will be no plotting against any nation not involved. A meeting at this historic moment is of vast importance. The leaders have not fixed the date of victory—the two nations will achieve this whenever the decision comes.” AUSTRALIAN ELECTIONS. SYDNEY, October s.—The New South Wales official Australian Labour Party executive has decided to petition the GovernorGeneral to dismiss the Prime Minister, Mr Menzies, and call upon the Federal Labour leader, Mr Curtin, to form a Government. JAPANESE THREATS. TOKIO, October 4.—M. Matsuoka said: “Japan will he compelled to fight the United States if America enters the European war or insists on the preservation of the status quo in the Pacific. I fling this challenge to America: If she blindly and stubbornly sticks to the Pacific status quo wc will fight for it. Frankly the JapanAxis Pact is intended to prevent the United States’ involvement in the European war. We all fear it would then develop into a vital and disastrous conflict which we wish to avoid. This pact is an eloquent expression of Japan’s wishes, hut it is a peace pact, and Americans must understand it as such.” Ho added that Japan could not longer he strangled in its desire to establish a new; order of mutuil prosperity in East Asia.

He declared that England and America forced the Axis into the use of force in Europe. “ Whether or not he European war becomes a world war is purely in the hands of the United States. Americans must see clearly the spirit of the Tripartite Pact, which is candidly aimed at them. Japan will welcome frank and rapid diplomatic exchanges with full understanding, hut if the United States continues measures such as tightening the embargo she will only further anger Japan.” HAWKE’S BAY RACES.

Juvenile Handicap.—l Paravion 1,2 Erin’s Court 2, 7 Proven 3. Scratched: Malvera, Quick Decision. METHVEN TROTS. Cup.—l 2-13 Regal 1, 15-15 Zincali 2, 7-7 Happy Locanda 3. All started. ACTING CHIEF OF STAFF. During the absence of Majorgeneral Duigan from New Zealand as a delegate to the Empire Economic Conference at Delhi, Majorgeneral Sir Andrew Russell, who recently became Inspector General of New Zealand Forces, will act as Chief of the General Staff.

This announcement was made by Air Jones, Minister of Defence, to-day.—Parliamentary reporter.