PACIFIC DEFENCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 October 1940, Page 5

PACIFIC DEFENCE

ACTION BV AMERICAN GOVERNMENT REINFORCEMENTS BEING SENT TO HAWAII. TROOPS GOING TO ALASKA AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) NEW YORK, October 10. The Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr Matsuoka, today had a conference with the United States Ambassador in Tokio, Mr Harry Grew. The Secretary for War, Mr Stimson, announced in Washington that an army mission composed of three men was en route to London by the Atlantic Clipper to study the British air defences. He also announced that the army is sending the California National Guard anti-aircraft regiment to Hawaii to strengthen the defences. An anti-aircraft pesonnel numbering 1000 will leave shortly for Hawaii, and reinforcement of the garrison to the tune of 24,000 men is contemplated. Work on the new United States army base at Fairbanks, Alaska, and at the naval base in going ahead rapidly. Mr Stimson said that troops would be moved to Fairbanks shortly, a year ahead of schedule. It is learned that approximately 100 dive-bombers which were originally built for Sweden will be shipped to England shortly. Seventy-five are already in crates and ready to be loaded into ships. A message from Manila states that 10 American-made light dive-bombers consigned to Thailand were unloaded at Manila on orders from Washington. It is understood that the United States army is negotiating for the use of the local defences. Major van Haselen, commander of the Netherland East Indies air force, who is en route to the United States to seek all the American planes that can be purchased for cash, said: “We must and will fight if necessary.” EASING OF TENSION OBSERVED BY AMERICAN COMMENTATORS. NEED OF UNBENDING POLICY. LONDON, October 11. American commentators state that there are two signs of an easing of the situation in the Far East. One is the Japanese Navy’s apology at Shanghai for the assault on American sailors. The second is that there is now less likelihood of the evacuation of American citizens from the East.

American newspapers comment that the most effective way to preserve American interests in the Far East is to adopt an unbending policy toward Japan. The last thing Japan wants, one newspaper contends, is an alliance between the British and United States Navies in the Pacific. There is no official comment in Washington concerning the suggestion by the Japanese Foreign Minister, that the Three-Power Pact was not directed at, but in the interests of the United States, its purpose being to establish peace. STRONG GESTURE PERCEIVED BY JAPANESE PRESS. TOKIO, October 10. The “Nichi Niehl Shimbun” says: “The United States’ action is undoubtedly meant as a strong gesture to Japan, and, in view of this, Japan must be prepared for a scheme similar to the reopening of the Burma Road. Any further strengthening by America of the anti-Japanese policy would be as dangerous as playing with fire.” The “Asahi Shimbun,” commenting on Mr Matsuoka’s statement, said it was particularly significant that this time Mr Matsuoka expressed a desire to the American people, “who are bent on having a twisted interpretation of the real intention governing the conclusion of the tri-partite pact,” for a return to normal. The “Yomiuri Shimbun,” emphasising Mr Matsuoka’s desire to have the United States reconsider her' policy and avert her entry into the war, lest an unprecedented catastrophe fall on humanity, said: “The United States must be responsible for future developments.” TRADE RESTRICTIONS AMERICAN RETALIATION i URGED. SHANGHAI, October 10. The American Chamber of Commerce in Tientsin sent a message to the Secretary of State (Mr Hull), appealing for aid against the Japanese trade restrictions. It alleged discrimination against American business houses and discourtesy to Americans dealing with the Japanese Customs officials. Japanese steamship lines are granting to Jajanese business houses special rates, making American competition impossible, it stated. The message strongly urged as a retaliatory measure the placing of Japanese trade in America on the same footing. JAPANESE BANKS CLOSING DOWN IN LONDON. WITH ONE EXCEPTION. (Received This Day, 9.10 a.m.) TOKIO. October 11.

Mr Natekawa, who has gone to Moscow, said he would make his best efforts to promote friendly relations with the Soviet, in accordance yith the Japanese tripartite policy. The Foreign Office has advised various banks and companies to instruct their employees in London branches to evacuate, since business is already at a standstill. It is understood that the Yokohama Specie Bank alone is remaining open, due to national Treasury business. The refugees are scheduled to board the Fushi Marti, from Galway, via Panama, on October 23, which is tlie last Japanese steamer on the European run. THREAT TO SHANGHAI CONCENTRATION OF NANKING TROOPS. (Received This Day, !) a.m.) LONDON, October 11. The Associated Press of Great Britain's Shanghai correspondent says

that, despite Japanese denials, wellinformed circles insist that 14,000 Chinese soldiers of the Nanking Government are concentrated between Shanghai and the Woosung forts at the mouth of the Whangpoo. ALL EVENTUALITIES CONSIDERED BY AUTHORITIES IN PHILIPPINES. (Received This Day, 9.10 a.m.) MANILA, October 11. Mr Sayre, after a long conference with Admiral Smeallie and General Grunert, announced that American officials in the Philippines have considered all eventualities which may arise. The President, Don Manuel Quezon, has appointed a committee to study the question of storing food, fuel supplies, wells and other forms of civilian protection. LINERS SOUGHT WITHDRAWAL OF AMERICANS FROM FAR EAST. (Received This Day, 9.10 a.m.) WASHINGTON, October 11. The maritime commission revealed that it is negotiating with United States lines for use of one or more of the largest merchant liners, probably the Manhattan or the Washington, in evacuating Americans from the Far East. JAPANESE NAVY REVIEW AT YOKOHAMA. TOKIO. October 10. The Emperor attended a special naval review at Yokohama celebrating] the nation’s 2600th anniversary. More than 100 warships and 500 aircraft took part.