WOOING SOVIET

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1940, Page 7

WOOING SOVIET

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright

japanese overtures diplomats' mild tone policy changes denied

Rec. 6.30 p.m. London, Sept. 28. Japanese is anxious for a rapproehement with Russia similar to the Russian-German pact, for which she is making overtures direct and through Germany, it is authoritatively stated at Tokio. However, it depends on Moscow's attitude, which at present cannot be determined at Tokio. The Japanese Foreign Minister. Mr. Yosuke Matsuoka, and the Foreign Office spokesman, Mr. Yakishiro Suma, both said the alliance did not mean Japan's earl.y entrance into the European war. "Japan will not challenge any country," Mr. Matsuoka said. "Although we adhere to peaceful means as

rcuch as possible, there might arise circumstances where we must make important decisions." Mr. Yuma said: "We are not going to participate in the European war at this moment. This is a pact to end wars, not to start them." A Japanese Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are ( not changing our policy towards the United States. We are not abandoning hope of readjusting relations with the United States." Other Tokio advices state that diplopiatic; circles there believe the present Government is prepared to defy England and the United States because of promises of German support. Prince Konoye summoned five former Prime Ministers to a conference at which he is reported to have explained the tripartite pact negotiations. after which he asked for their support, inasmuch as Japan must now seriously watch the development of the international situation. Reports are circulating at Tokio that the pact contains secret clauses. presumably describing conditions under which one or all of the signatories will wage war against another Power, such as the United States, states advice from Shanghai. ' . Prince Konoye in a broadcast said the new alliance would enable Japan to overcome difficulties in 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. The Government, he added. was planning to replenish national defence in order to meet the prevailing international situation.