JAPANESE DEMANDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 June 1940, Page 5

JAPANESE DEMANDS

ADDRESSED TO BRITAIN BAN ON ARMS TRADE WITH CHINA WITHDRAWAL FROM SHANGHAI. TOKIO KEEPING IN TOUCH . WITH AXIS POWERS. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. LONDON, June 25. The Tokio correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says neutral sources declare that Japan has demanded from Britain:

(1) Permission to station Japanese inspectors in Burma to enforce a ban on the arms traffic to China. (2) The termination of trade between Hong Kong and the Chinese hinterland. (3) The withdrawal of British interests, including troops, from the Shanghai International Settlement.

Imperial headquarters in Tokio announced that it had arranged to dispatch part of the Japanese fleet to South China waters to Haiphong “to watch for the time being conditions regarding the transportation of goods to China, via Indo-China.” The “Yomiuri Shimbun” said the Japanese Government was following up recent protests against the transportation of supplies to Chungking, via Indo-China, Burma and Hong Kong, with “fresh representations” to _ Italy, France and Britain for “correction of the pro-Chiang Kai-shek character of the foreign concessions.” The “Asahi Shimbun” said 40 Japanese inspectors would be sent to Indo-China.

It is understood that the Japanese Foreign Office is not recognising General de Gaulle and is planning to deal directly with Indo-China, ignoring the home Governments. However, Japan is acquainting Italy and Germany with all her moves.

The Tokio correspondent of the Associated Press of (Great Britain says informed circles believe that Japan may attempt to declare a protectorate over French and Netherlands territories in the Orient after discussions with Italy and Germany. Responsible quarters are concerned over the possibility of the colonies passing to the European victors, placing Japan at a disadvantage.

The Japanese Army Commander in South China has announced, a Daventry broadcast states, that Japan has begun to cut off by force the transport of war supplies to China through French Indo-China. No mention is made of the agreement France made with Japan to stop the supply of munitions to General Chiang Kai-shek. Japanese warships are being sent to watch over the work of the Japanese inspectors.