VICHY & JAPAN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 July 1941, Page 5

VICHY & JAPAN

READINESS TO HAND OVER INDO-CHINA Under So-Called Technical Protection CIRCULATION OF LIES REGARDING BRITISH INTENTIONS MR ANTHONY EDEN’S EMPHATIC DENIAL BOXDOX, July 23. It was officially declared in Vichy this evening’ that negotiations for what is called technical Japanese protection of IndoChina are now under way, both in Vichy and Hanoi. This confirms reports from various sources indicating that Japan had made up her mind about her expanist policy and had presented an ultimatum to Vichy making demands on Indo-China. The ultimatum, it is stated, demanded complete occupation of IndoChina by Japanese forces, but most reports speak only of demands for bases. Japanese warships are reported to be moving southward, including a fleet of 7 capital ships, 3 aircraft carriers and 55 destroyers. Colonel Frank Knox, United States Secretary of the Navy, said the United States Navy was in a position to do whatever was necessary to carry out United States policy in the Far East. Vichy is attempting to prepare French public opinion by circulating reports that Britain intended to move against IndoChina. Chinese troops, it is stated, are concentrated in Yunan and British troops and aircraft in Burma and Malaya, which leads to the belief that an Anglo-Chinese attempt would be made to occupy Indo-China. The occupation by Japan would not be permanent. The negotiations were entirely independent of Germany and Italy. That the British Government was well aware of Japan’s intentions was made clear by Mr Anthony Eden, British Foreign Secretary, in the House of Commons. The Government, he said, was aware of persistent reports that the Japanese Government intended to take action to secure naval and air bases in southern Indo-China. He welcomed the opportunity to state that the alleged designs of Great Britain against Indo-China and Thailand were non-existent.