DIGNITY SAVED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 July 1938, Page 5

DIGNITY SAVED

JAPAN AND THE OLYMPIC GAMES HUMILIATION ESCAPED. SUPPORT FOR FINLAND’S CLAIM. By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. LONDON. July 15. The “Manchester Guardian" says that if Japan’s decision to abandon the Olympic Games had been made last year, Britain would probably have applied to hold them, but it is now felt that the time is too short to enable proper organisation to be made. For this reason Finland would have British support if it proceeds with its application. The Olympic Committee, however, does not meet until next June, and it is not clear whether the executive is empowered to decide without a full meeting. Moreover, Italy may advance a claim, presumably with German support. There is a growing feeling in Britain, America, and Scandinavia that the Games have lost their original character and should be abandoned.

The “Manchester Guardian” points out that, whether Japan’s excuses are genuine or not, they have saved her from humiliation, as it was almost certain that a British .American, French, and Scandinavian refusal of the invitation to participate might have killed the whole Olympic system. The crisis in Japan has saved both the Olympic Games and Japan’s own dignity. It is felt that British and Finnish representation at the Olympics would be such as to restore their original sporting character, which was lost at Berlin. AN AMERICAN BID. NEW YORK, July 15. Mr Grover A. Whalen, head of the New York World’s Fair of 1939, made an unofficial bid today for the Olympic Games by issuing a statement in which he said that he would be glad to conduct the games in conjunction with the fair, but, generally, he conceded that it would not be successful. WAR DEMANDS. JAPANESE CABINET APPROVES DECISION. TOKIO, July 15. Cabinet has approved the decision not to hold the Olympic Games in Tokio in 1940 and to abandon the international exhibition. A spokesman said today that the decision was a demonstration of the national determination to pursue the country’s aims in China. “Hostilities might continue for two years,” he said, “and consequently we are preparing for any emergency.” It is hinted also that the Japanese will not be permitted to compete in the Games elsewhere, for which a purely national meeting at Tokio will be substituted.