RESENTED BY JAPAN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 August 1940, Page 5

RESENTED BY JAPAN

BAN ON PETROL EXPORTS FROAI U.S.A. “AN UNFRIENDLY ACT.” THREAT OF INTERNATIONAL REPERCUSSIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. August 1. An official spokesman in Tokio, commenting on the American ban on exports of aviation petrol, said that whatever might be President Roosevelt's pretext the move was without doubt taken with the object of bringing economic pressure on Japan. It was, he said, an unfriendly act and if pursued by the United States, was likely to lead to international repercussions. The spokesman added that the loss of United States oil supplies would not have any effect on Japanese military operations. BRITAIN’S POSITION LARGE STOCKS IN HAND. AND SUPPLIES AVAILABLE. LONDON. August 1. The “Daily Telegraph” says that the ban will not seriously affect Britain. In. the first eight months of the war America exported 800.000 barrels, of which Britain took slightly below 300.000. The petroleum expert. Dr Oscar Tokayer. said that the British stocks were very high and the quantity of aviation petrol at present being consumed was comparatively small. Stocks were available for many months. All the British requirements were epsily obtainable from the Dutch West Indies, which was now a British sphere of influence. Dr Tokayer said. A refinery for high-grade petrol was also being constructed in the Dutch East Indies. These supplies were payable in sterling, causing less strain on the Treasury than payments in dollars. The “Telegraph” says that Germany is handicapped by her limited quantity of high-grade fuel, the shortage of which is responsible for the German fighters failing to attain their claimed speeds. The ban, it states, affects Japan, because she is almost entirely dependent on American supplies. Little comment so far has been made in London on the ban (states British Official Wireless) as it is considered in official circles that such a step would be in accordance with America’s lattest policy of building up reserves of the most important commodities in case of an emergency.