UTMOST PRESSURE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 June 1941, Page 5

UTMOST PRESSURE

EXERTED BY HITLER ON JAPAN SIGNS OF UNCERTAINTY IN TOKIO. LEADERS REPORTED TO BE AT LOGGERHEADS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright' TOKIO, June 27. The Information Board's spokesman (Mr Ishii) said that in the event of American aid going to Russia via Vladivostock the situation would become very dangerous and would put Japan in an awkward and embarrassing position. ’ “We are watching with the keenest interest,” he added. He said he was unable to comment on Japan’s Russo-German policy, but considered that the Government would not issue a statement immediately. He gave an assurance that Japan intended to fulfil her trade pact with Russia. London advices state that Hitler is exerting the utmost pressure on Japan to enter the war and to attack Russia to the exclusion of all other plans. The impression prevails that the Japanese leaders are at loggerheads with one another. Some observers consider the time is favourable to endeavour to drive Japan completely from the Axis. Military experts believe that the co-operation of Britain and Russia could provide the democracies with important air bases in Russia’s Pacific outposts, thus bringing the Allies within striking distance of Japan. This would probably help considerably to checkmate Japan in the Pacific as Vladivostock is only 595 miles from Tokio. Tokio states that two more liaison conferences between the Government and the High Command will be held this afternoon and tomorrow to continue deliberations concerning Japan’s attitude in the Soviet-German war.

Shanghai, reports that the first shipment of United States materials to the Soviet since the outbreak of SovietGerman hostilities will be made soon with four Soviet freighters docked at Manila. The cargoes comprise tin, machine tools and other materials for Vladivostock.