EAST & WEST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 February 1939, Page 6

EAST & WEST

ANTFCOMINTERN PACT

ALLIANCE NOT DESIRED BY| JAPAN.

PREFERENCE FOR LOOSE

AGREEMENT.

By Telegraph—Press Associat ion—Copyright (Received This Day. 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, February 7.

“The Times” Tok io correspondent says Japan is unlikely to welcome proposals for expanding the AntiComintern Pact mto a military alliance. When the pact was concluded, Japan declared that she had no intention of becoming involved in Europe’s ideological quarrels. Her intention has not been lessened by events like the Italian colonial claims, which tend to a sharp confrontation of Anti-Comin-tern countries and democracies. An agreement enabling its adherents to support each other when necessary or opportune suits Japan better than an alliance which would attach iter to the chariot wheels of ideological allies. The hope of restoring good relations with England and America lias hot been abandoned. Influential circles oppose an irrevocable closing of the door to this. It is realised that an alliance with the totalitarian States would be a poor compensation for the naval Powers’ hostility. Possibly the initiative for the strengthening of the Anti-Comintern Pact came from Europe. but Prince Konoye, in a speech before his resignation, and Mr H. Arita (Foreign Minister), in a speech on January 21, favoured strengthening the agreement.