SPACES ASSIGNED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 September 1940, Page 5

SPACES ASSIGNED

BY AGGRESSOR POWERS PRESERVING PEACE THE ATTITUDE OF JAPAN. CHINA RESOLVED TO FIGHT. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, September 28. A spokesman in Berlin said Italy, Germany and Japan had already decided on the precise "spaces” in Europe, Asia and Africa where the word of each would be law. Areas had also been assigned to Russia, but it was not stated whether Russia had been consulted in this connection. It was pointed out that the three Powers would not be monopolistic rulers, but “leaders” in their own areas. The spokesman added that a joint announcement by Russia and Japan regarding their future relations was expected shortly. Correspondents asked whether Russia’s supply of war materials to China clashed with the new pact. The spokesman replied that the transfer of American destroyers to Britain provided a parallel. The decisive point was what effect the supply might have. It is authoritatively reported from Tokio that the Japanese are anxious for a rapprochement with Russia similar to the Russo-German pact, and are making overtures to this end directly and also through Germany. However, it depends upon Moscow’s attitude, which at present cannot be determined in Tokio. The signing of the ‘ pact between Japan, Germany and Italy is featured in all the Tokio newspapers today. It is treated as an epoch-making event likely to result in a speedy solution of the China incident. Nevertheless, one point is exercising the minds of many Japanese people, namely, what will happen if Egypt decides to declare war on Italy, and, if she does officially become a belligerent, will the joint military action foreseen in the pact come into effect? According to a emungKing report, officials said that despite the alliance China was assured of continued Russian aid against Japan. They said that, regardless of the consequences, China was determined to continue the war. ALLIANCE WITH SPAIN? The Rome correspondent of the British United Press says that the Italian authorities predict that the Axis Powers will shortly sign an agreement with Spain more militant than, the Axis pact with Japan. This will be tantamount to bringing Spain into the war. Mussolini, telegraphing to the Japanese Prime Minister, Prince Konoye, said: “Italians welcome the pact as associating the energies of our countries in the great task of European and Asiatic reconstruction. Italy has long followed with unchanged sympathy the developments of Japanese policy. Such high aims logically culminate in today’s events. King Victor Emmanuel and Count Ciano sent similar messages to the Mikado and Mr Matsuoka, Japanese Foreign Minister. DEMANDS ON INDO CHINA RENEWED BY THAILAND. HANOI, September 28. Thailand has renewed hei’ demands on Indo-China. A Thailand plane machine-gunned police 40 miles inside the border of Moughthadeua. The local French said the Thailand d.emands should be discussed with Vichy instead of Hanoi. Other messages relating to the AxisJapan Pact appear on Page 9.