JAPANESE TREATY WITH AXIS

Southland Times, Issue 24243, 28 September 1940, Page 5

JAPANESE TREATY WITH AXIS

10-YEAR PACT NOW IN FORCE

Promise Of Mutual Aid REFERENCE TO POWER NOT IN WAR (United Press Association—Telegraph Copyright) (Received September 26, 11.40 p.m.) LONDON, September 26. Germany, Italy and Japan have concluded a 10-year pact which has already been signed in Berlin. It is described as a military, political and economic pact and under its provisions Japan will recognize the leadership of Germany and Italy in Europe and the Axis Powers will recognize Japan’s leadership in Asia. Germany and Italy undertake to help Japan if she is attacked by a Power not engaged in either the European War or the China War and Japan makes a promise of reciprocity to the other two parties. It is taken from this that Japan does not intend to enter the European War and that Italy and Germany will not involve themselves in the China War. The pact will come into force immediately.

The Germans arranged a big display for the signing of the treaty and newspapermen who were invited were instructed to wear dark suits. The Italian Foreign Minister, Count Galeazzo Ciano, who had just arrived at the bomb-scarred Tempelhof aerodrome, signed on behalf of Italy. After the ceremony Herr Hitler arrived at the Chancellery. In a typical address he said that Germany had settled territorial questions peacefully with smaller nations. The present pact was aimed only against those who wanted to prolong the war.

It is authoritatively stated in Tokyo that the Emperor has sanctioned the alliance •with Italy and Germany. It is understood that Herr Stahmers, Herr Hitler’s representative, assured the Japanese that the Russian-German Pact is working well. For this reason he urged Japan to turn to Russia. Diplomatic circles in Tokyo believe that the present Government is prepared to defy Britain and the United States because of promises of German support. In Washington the President, Mr Franklin D. Roosevelt, has banned all exports of iron and steel scrap, except to the Western Hemisphere and Britain. It is to become effective on October 15. The ban placed on the export of iron anti steel scrap by Mr Roosevelt is obviously aimed at Japan. This country will be the importer most affected. It is known that the President and his advisers were considering action against Japan in accordance with the British and American plans.

Strikes have spread in Shanghai, including the municipal garbage and nightsoil collectors, thereby presenting a threat of disease throughout the city. Monsieur V. A. Essen, head of the French Bus Company, and his Russian staff have been missing for two days. It is believed that they have been kidnapped. A Portuguese foreman of the same company was kidnapped yesterday and released after ordering his men to quit work. Authoritative circles expect a crisis at the week-end. Directors of utilities companies declare that agitators are threatening that workers’ families will be harmed unless workers in the power, gas and waterworks strike at the week-end. It is understood that the Japanese so far have not presented formal demands on the French Concession. It is officially announced by both the French and Japanese authorities that the Indo-China border incident has been settled and that fighting has ceased completely. Before landing almost 2000 troops, including a column of tanks at Hanoi, the Japanese dropped four bombs on the native quarter, causing 15 casualties. The troops marched through the Haiphong streets en route to a specially prepared garrison point.

The Hong Kong authorities have refused clearances to British ships for Indo-China and have recalled those en route.

The Singapore newspapers are permitted to announce the arrival of the Seaforth Highlanders and the East Surrey Regiment from Shanghai.