“A DAMP SQUIB”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24419, 3 October 1940, Page 9

“A DAMP SQUIB”

THREE-POWER PACT JAPANESE APATHY NO CELEBRATIONS (By Wireless) LONDON, Oct. 2. (Received Oct. 3, at 11.30 p.m.) It would appear that the estimate of the Three Power Pact is more and more justifying its description as “ a damp squib.” Apparently the Japanese people think little of it for one oaper has published a letter from an official source scolding the people for, their apathy and remarking that there had been no processions or flag days organised. ‘ The pact might almost have concerned three other countries,” it said. The Australian Attorney-general, Mr W. M Hughes, stated that the pact did not change anything. All that was contained in it had already been implicit in the attitude of the Powers concerned.

BRITAIN AND JAPAN RELATIONS SIMPLIFIED TOKIO, Oct. 2 (Received Oct. 3, at 1 a.m.) “As far as the European war is concerned, Japan remains quite neutral, despite the conclusion of the tripartite pact,” a Foreign Office spokesman declared at to-day’s press conference. The spokesman added that the pact simplified rather than complicated Japan’s relations with Britain, because it leaves Britain only one course in dealing with Japan, namely, recognition of the new. order in this part of the world, while an country against the new order will be regarded as refusing co-operation with Japan. The spokesman stressed that Japan never abandoned hopes of readjustment of' the relations with Britain. The Domei Agency's London correspondent says that after-the signing of the Three Power Pact Japanese firms and banks in Britain are winding un their businesses in preparation for evacuation.