JAPAN WARNED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 November 1940, Page 5

JAPAN WARNED

STATEMENT BY FEDERAL MINISTER PROTECTION Or INTERESTS IN PACIFIC. ACTION TO BE TAKEN IF NECESSARY. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 9.5 a.m.) CANBERRA, This Day. Reviewing foreign affairs in the House of Representatives, the Minister for External Affairs, Sir Frederick Stewart, said Japan’s intention to create a new order in Asia and her alignment with the Axis Powers were causing the Commonwealth Government serious concern. He pointed out that the firm and sympathetic attitude of the United States Government, had been, of incalcuable assistance to the Commonwealth Government in formulating and applying its Far Eastern policy. Sir Frederick Stewart declared: “Should our own and the Empire interests in the Pacific be prejudiced or endangered, my Government, in full collaboration with the British Government, will take appropriate measures to deal with any situation which may arise. Japan's recent change of policy necessarily involves a review of our own policy. The United Kingdom Government has done all in its power to maintain good relations and the Commonwealth also has given a clear sign of its confidence that relations with Japan can still be adjusted on a basis of mutual respect and goodwill, by the dispatch of Sir John Latham, as the first Australian Minister to Tokio. We hope the Japanese Government will shortly announce a reciprocal appointment of a Japanese Minister to Australia.” Sir Frederick Stewart, added that any new relationship entered into between Japan and Russia might have far-reaching consequences on Australia; consequently the outcome of certain proposals made to tire Soviet Government in October by the United Kingdom Government was anxiously awaited.