JAPAN & THE AXIS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1939, Page 5

JAPAN & THE AXIS

REPORTS OF ALLIANCE UNCONFIRMED ATTITUDE OF THE FASCIST STATES. AVOIDANCE OF OBLIGATIONS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, August 4. There is no confirmation of Japan’s joining in an axis military alliance, states a Tokio report. Tito latest story is that the Premier, Baron Hiranuma. called off the meeting of the Inner Cabinet, which met later to discuss China but did not consider the question of a military alliance.

The Rome correspondent of “The Times” says that the Italian Press almost ignored the conference of the Japanese Ambassadors 7 in Rome and Berlin for the purpose of a military alliance with the Axis Powers, indicating that an alliance is no longer desired as, while it was in the interests of Italy and Germany for Japan to become embroiled with Britain and France, the Axis Powers have no desire to run the risk of becoming embroiled in war as Japan's allies at a moment which does not suit them. If an alliance is concluded it will have plenty of loopholes to save Italy and Germany being too far committed. The Tokio correspondent of the British United Press says that the Japanese Government, despite the Ambassador’s action, stands by its previous decision to undertake only limited commitments. A tussle on this issue with the leaders of the-army is inevitable. ” UNEXPECTED END CONFERENCE IN ROME. (Received This Day, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON. August 6. The Rome correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says the Japanese Ambassador’s conference ended unexpectedly on Saturday. It was thought it would be lasting until Monday. No reason is given. ANGER IN JAPAN OVER MR CHAMBERLAIN’S REFERENCE TO FLEET. INQUIRING AS TO MEANING OF STATEMENT. (Received This Day. 10 a.m.) TOKIO, August G. Sir Robert Craigie is still awaiting instructions from London concerning Japan’s economic demands, which brought negotiations to a standstill although progress was achieved. It appears that the Domei Agency’s reported agreement on Saturday was premature, but not entirely groundless. The Japanese Government is considering instructing its Ambassador in London to seek the specific meaning of Mr Neville Chamberlain's references to the fleet on Friday. The? statement

is interpreted as a threat in official quarters. A War Office spokesman expressed “extreme irritation” over the statement, adding that Britain was playing a dangerous game as Japan cannot be bluffed. The naval spokesman, commenting on Mr Chamberlain’s speech, said: "We have been expecting since the completion of the Singapore base that Britain would send battleships and other augmented forces there at any time, but probably the conditions in Europe will keep the British fleet at home at present.” Large-scale anti-American campaigns have begun in South Hopei and Honan following the American abrogation of the treaty. SPEAR CASE VERY SERIOUS VIEW TAKEN BY BRITAIN. (Independent Cable Service.) LONDON, August 4. Replying to a barrage of questions in the House of Commons in regard to the detention in China of Lietu-Colon-el Spear, the Foreign Under-Secretary. Mr R. A. Butler, said he had no further information, but the Government was taking a very serious view of the case and had the possibility of future action against Japan under consideration. He added that Lieut-Colonel Spear was detained at Kalgan and there had been delay in providing him with certain amenities. SCHOOLS & MISSIONS SUPPRESSION ORDERED BY JAPAN. (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) PEKING, August G. The Mayor, Mr Buchinghu, declares that British educational influences must go. adding that the Chinese had been warned to withdraw their children from British schools and missionaries had been ordered to cease evangelical work. An anti-American demonstration was held at Shinchiachuang. HOSTILITY TO BRITAIN DEMONSTRATION AT KOBE. GERMANS AND ITALIANS TAKE PART. (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) KOBE. August G. Germans and Italians joined in a large anti-British demonstration here. DEFIANT TALK JAPAN NOT TO BE TURNED IN CHINA. (Received 'This Day, 10.30 a.m.) TOKIO. August 8. “Nothing other countries can say or do can turn the Japanese from their purpose in China,” declared Mr Sijuro Yoshizawa, Director of the American Department of the Foreign Office. He added that America’s denunciation of the trade treaty should have been expected.