ECONOMIC ONLY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 November 1940, Page 6

ECONOMIC ONLY

DUTCH INDIES TALKS WITH JAPAN GOVERNMENT STATEMENT IN BATAVIA. NO TOLERATION OF POLITICAL INTERFERENCE. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.10 p.m.) BATAVIA, November 4. A Government statement to the People’s Council on the Japan-Dutch Indies economic talks reads: “We do not consider it necessary to emphasise that the so-called new order would be wholly and absolutely refuted if it implies another Power’s participation in our development, or the promotion of a world economy which would enclose the Dutch Indies in a so-called Asiatic bloc.

“It is vitally important to maintain the full interior sovereignty of the Dutch Indies, but good economic relations with all parts of the world, in so far as war conditions have not interrupted them, will be continued as freely as possible, without discrimination. The development of trade with our Asiatic neighbours will remain an important object of our economic policy, but no preferential status will be allowed to hamper true co-operation.” The statement summarises JapanDutch Indies trade relations under the agreement of 1937 and explains: “Although an easier solution was possible, the Netherlands Government had no major objection to Japan’s wish to discuss mutual problems in economic talks between delegates of both countries, who were explicitly restricted to discussions in the economic sphere. Political relations were not discussed.” The statement quotes the Japanese delegation’s assertion that the Tripartite Pact has not altered the relations between Japan and the Asiatic part of the Netherlands Kingdom and adds that “close attention has been given to the possibility of direct and indirect advantages accruing to our enemy, regarding which, while closely watching the position, the Government considr ers that further developments may be awaited and the talks continued.”