THE NEW PACT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24418, 2 October 1940, Page 7

THE NEW PACT

WORLD REACTIONS PROBABLE MOTIVE FRIGHTENING AMERICA SURGE OF RESENTMENT Official Wireless! (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, Sept. 30. (Received Oct. 1. at 7 p.m.) The terms of the German. Italian and Japanese pact have not yet been officially communicated to London, but full press reports of the new development are under examination in London, and there is naturally considerable speculation in the newspapers as to the reaction in various quarters. It is assumed that an early opportunity will be sought by the British Ambassador in Moscow for a discussion of the whole situation with the Soviet Government, and the hope is expressed by some correspondents that an understanding on other outstanding problems, consequent on the inclusion of the Baltic States within the Soviet Union, may result. The Burma Road There is general agreement that among the subjects under discussion in London is that of the Burma road. Under the Anglo-Japanese agreement the closure ends on October 17, and the newspapers here declare that the American view inclines to the belief that immediate reopening of the road is imperatve.

Press opinion is interesting. The Daily Telegraph, examining world reactions to the pact, says: “ Germany, Italv and Japan cannot agree in their public explanation of their exhumation of the anti-Comintern pact In Berlin this is regarded as the grandest alliance of the ages, and hopes are expressed in a minor key that it mav keep the United States out of the war. The Japanese Foreign Minister does not intend to challenge anv Power without provocation

“ Neutral observers in Europe are asking whether the pact was produced to soothe the frustrated German anticipation of some substantial success. Another motive, however. is betrayed in Berlin and openly admitted in Rome—it had become necessary to frighten the United States. There has been a surge of resentment in America and. far from restricting the despatch of armaments to this country, the pact is giving fresh stimulus to the policy of rendering all material support and assistance. Japan may thank Germany for leaving her to a crisis in her relations with the United States. Neither the American people nor their Government will be content to meet further Japanese aggression with words. The Nazi pact of 250,000,000 will go down beneath the strength of nations far superior in manpower and even more formidable in the command of world resources and in industrial energy.” Japanese in Britain The Japanese Embassy in London has ordered 750 Japanese residents in Britain to evacuate as soon as possible. The measure is not related to the aggravation of relations between Britain and Japan following the conclusion of the tripartite pact, but owing to the danger confronting Japanese residents, particularly those in the London area.