JAPAN & EUROPE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 September 1939, Page 7

JAPAN & EUROPE

GENERAL ABE’S SURVEY

POSITION BECOMING MORE COMPLICATED.

REFERENCES TO RUSSIA & GERMANY.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.20 a.m.) TOKIO, September 10. Emphasising that Japan was not intervening in the European war, the Prime Minister (General Abe) declared that there might in future be some sort of readjustment of diplomatic relations with Russia, the United States, England and France. “Japan won’t hesitate,” he said, “to talk to any foreign nations seeking with just means to readjust their relations with her.”

“It would be a mistake,” the Premier added, “to think that the outbreak of European war provides Japan with a chance to settle the China affair easily.”

He urged the nation to be prepared for economic and diplomatic difficulties as a result of the European situation, which whs becoming more complicated.”

The European war had broken out as a result of a miscalculation by Herr Hitler. He might follow Bismarck’s example and withdraw his troops from Poland on condition that Danzig returned to the Reich. “Japan will not hesitate to resume talks with Britain provided Britain breaks the deadlock by showing sincerity,” General'Abe stated. Referring to the Russo-German pact, he said: “Herr von Ribbentrop distinguishes the Comintern from Russian Government. He emphasises the possibility of distinguishing a Russo-Ja-panese non-aggression pact from the spirit of the anti-Comintern Pact. Such remarks are questionable and run counter to Japan’s intention. She must consider the matter from the standpoint of her national character. The same can be said about rumours of an Anglo-Japanese Pact.”