OF FAR EASTERN TENSION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 August 1941, Page 5

OF FAR EASTERN TENSION

Federal Premier’s Grave Warning THAILAND TO RESIST ANY ATTEMPT AT INVASION MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD BURMA ROAD (By Telegraph.—Press Association. —Copyright.) LOX DOX, August 8. The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Menzies, in a speech at Adelaide today, issued a grave warning on the position in the Far East. He declared that Australia stood at Ihe most vital hour in her history and that she had never yet run away from a fight. This declaration has been noted in London, and it corresponds "with the impression here that the Far hiistCTii tension has become more acute, with Japan’s attitude becoming increasingly • aggressive. Japanese newspapers continue to take up the attitude that Japan is threatened with encirclement, by the democratic Powers. Referring to ‘‘British and American interference in Batavia,” they say that if only the Netherlands East Indies wore independent, it might co-operate with Japan in developing prosperity in the Far East. Every report from Bangkok leaves no doubt that Thailand is well aware of the direction from which the threat to her independence comes. A commentator, broadcasting from Bangkok, said a united Thailand would resist any attempt at invasion. She would never run away and her people would defend their country to the last drop of their blood. British forces in Burma are taking further measures to ensure the safety o.t the Burma Ivoad. The Chinese Government is also taking steps to thwart any attempt to cut the Burma Road, and is disposing troops strategically in ■'i unnan province.