MILITANT THREATS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 January 1941, Page 5

MILITANT THREATS

MADE BY JAPANESE ADMIRAL

FORMER NAVY MINISTER.

“EXPANSION" LN SOUTH SEAS

ißy Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrighti

(Received This Day. 9.25 a.m.) TOKIO. January 9. Admiral Baron Osumi, senior naval member of the Supreme War Council, interviewed by the “Asahi Shimbun." urged his countrymen to acquire a good knowledge of the South Seas region, preparatory to expansion in that direction.

He said: "The Pacific may prove to be a misnomer, as I know for certain that the future will see an aggravation of the situation. Japan has got to expand in some direction, and the common desire of humanity is to expand in the direction of heat and light. I have yet to hear of a great task performed easily. People, adhering to old order or acting contrary to their preachment that God is benevolent to all, are sure to put obstacles in the way of Japan. There is not the slightest*intontion of Japan to exploit the South Seas, but they are prevented from understanding Japan's intention, so they are purchasing warships and planes which I am afraid won't be any great help in trouble with us.” When asked to define the South Seas, Admiral Osumi said: "The region includes countries whose mention byname would strike terror into the hearts of some people. There is no thought of conniving at outrage and intolerance much longer.”

Much significance is attached to the statement of Admiral Osumi. who is an ex-Navy Minister and delegate to the League of Nations. Hitherto the navy's views have not been made plain, but Admiral Osumi’s statement exceeds in frankness the recent utterances of Prince Konoye and Mr Matsuoka and coincides in the bitter criticism of all sections of the Press of President Roosevelt's policy. The Government is calling a fouri day conference, beginning on January 11. with Diet leaders, representatives of financial interests and the Press because "it goes without saying that a fuller measure of co-operation with the Government is necessary in order so io cope with the situation as to make possible the hope for a phenomenal development in the national destiny ” “ON A KNIFE EDGE” SITUATION IN FAR EAST. OPINION IN US DIPLOMATIC CIRCLES • Received This Day, 10.45 .. m > 1 WASHINGTON. JanmoN 9. Diplomatic circles here are of opinion that the situation in trie Far East Is “balancing on the edge of a knife." It is felt that the last screw of indirect pressure against Japan has been turned on by America and that further clarification of the situation should be awaited, While America docs not fear ■> declaration ■ f war by Japan it would defeat her own purpose to provoke one Both the State Department and Brili-h diplomatic '.able luiivn!. think Japan at present ■ m a iughly excitable stalo of mind ..nd mo-.' like!'-’ would regard pi'i vnca’.ra: any further move by America,