JAPANESE VIEW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 February 1941, Page 5

JAPANESE VIEW

SITUATION IN PACIFIC OPINION THAT NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. UNITED STATES COMMENT. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright• LONDON, February 14. Commenting on yesterday's joint statement by the acting I’rime Minister of Australia. Mr. Fiidiien, and the Leader of the Opposition. .Mr Curtin, that tin l war was moving to a grave stage, the Japanese Government spokesman in Tokio today admitted that the atmosphere was serious, but considered that not king would happen. He added that Japan was anxious to maintain and increase peaceful relations with Australia, and considered this was confirmed by the exchange of Ministers between the two countries. Japan's first Minister to Australia. Mr Kawai, would reach there on February 28. The Japanese spokesman, when asked about the trade talks with the Netherlands East Indies, said they were not at a standstill. Leading New York newspapers, commenting on the situation, urge the need for the closest collaboration between Britain and the United States. In a leading article, the London “Times" says that Japan’s aims cannot be advanced by her alliance with the Axis. She has already been weakened by a war lasting four years and which has impoverished her people. Japan's reliance on foreign markets was stressed in a speech by the Minister of Agriculture, who said that Japan must remain dependent on foreign sources for supplies of her staple diet —rice. It was impossible to dispense with imported rice and the Government, in order to meet this situation, had worked out a plan to purchase it years ahead.

ROOSEVELT’S_STATEMENT REGARDED AS WARNING. NEW YORK. February 13. There is an unofficial impression in Washington that the Governments of the United States. Australia, and the Netherlands Indies tire apprehensive, hence new significance has boon attributed to President Roosevelt’s statement that the United States will continue supplies to Britain in the event of a Pacific war. This is regarded as a warning to Japan that the United" States will defend her interests in the Far East in spite of the European commitments. NOTHING SO DANGEROUS AS ANGLO-AMERICAN CO-OPERATION. ACCORDING TO JAPANESE PAPER. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright t TOKIO. February 13. The military organ "Yomitiri Shimbun” declared:-— “If President Roosevelt’s denial of danger of war in the Pacific is based on tire completion of a system ol full collaboration between the United States, Australia, and Britain for the defence of the South Pacific against Japan. then there is nothing so dangerous."

The paper asserted that the United Stales sent a naval observer to Australia and was reported to be planning to send observers to Auckland, Singapore, and Cajx? Town. "This places the walers eastward of Suez under the control of the United States,” it claimed. The Domei news agent y reports that the Australian Minister, Sir John Latham, had a long conference with the Foreign Minister, Mr Matsuoka, on "the general situation between Japan and Australia." AMERICANS IN JAPAN MANY BOOK PASSAGES HOMEWARD. (Received This Day. 9.10 am ■ TGKIO, February 14. Scores of Americans who have been delaying their evacuation have booked passages a- a result of the Consulates renewed urgings. The movement is most noticeable among missionaries and others who. owing to long reridt net* had previously hesitated to sever their connections. A United Press Association of American survey showed that over half of the Americans normally resident in the J.ipane e Empire had already departed, leaving the following Occidental Americans; 550 men JHO women and 120 ehUdrcm, MILITARY ESTIMATES APPROVED BY JAPANESE PEERS. REI AT lONS WITH AUSTRALIA. (Received This Day. fit) am.’ TOK 10. February 1-1 The House of Peer- Budget C mini’--tce has approved the basic general aecoim's and estimates, mentioned on February 10; also the extraordinary military iippriipi .-lion cabled oil Febi rtiary t>, thus a. caring their !■;■.■■■ i tomorrow without amendments. A.! I’.sre!.', mdicatmj' th.''. Japan I does no! expect trouble with Au.-traha, i Viscount i-b.a said ' '?>■• endmg ... | very able ciiv.y there " lb- added that j Mr Kaum exncc’J d Io icaVe .Lm.m or: i February "T Viscount Ishii declined to comment ion the Guam and TtitHu »■',‘■ fra t:< m-. i msserhmp "That L a very J rpies* ■■ -ll." NEW AMBASSADOR ASSURANCE TO I’RESIDi N'T ROOSEVELT 1 Bo o. i ‘pj-1i! io..'-. Ado oJ ••. • 11-a jsi < n'- ; ,od.. Ja; .;■■■ A:M;. w;i- , j* . 1 h m

which cause concern ” t<> which Admiral Niemira y!-<iged hmiself ci.all in his ymwer !<> brim’ about, a better mviel' t!-:.’ a OPINION IN LONDON NO NEW DEVELOPMENT. SITUATION BEING WATCHED T.. 1 1 1 m ‘ I'l.K I)(. )N. F-bnim-y ; t A .tin.l it I ve quarter: declan ! th..! whili the I 1 ';,:' Emt-rn :t' ml: m had watem ! w.';t ;:r> wmg ■' : -me ‘ mid ;i; L- : r c.,rein’,'-' -.-.m:l ined *:.er<- were tm ’ •"■■■ developments to justifv some of tl’.e e-.. e-.-rafed ,r.J ii!'.'-:: b' ■ :itin ’. .: ’c- • lately yuhl. hed