FIRST CRITICISM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 August 1941, Page 5

FIRST CRITICISM

OF THE KONOVE CABINET IN JAPAN TALK OF UNSTABLE LEADERSHIP SOME PERTINENT QUESTIONS IN THAILAND. I REFUSAL TO BECOME PART OF "NEW ORDER.” (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, August 25. The Tokio correspondent of the New York “Herald-Tribune" says that the first criticism of Prince Konoye’s new administration has been published in the “Hochi Shirnbun.” which mentions wavering and unstable leadership, and questions its ability to secure united support of the nation. The “Hochi” declares that Japan must unswervingly adhere to her expansionist policy, but she would be defeated unless she had a leader able to command unity. A Japanese home defence official, Colonel Nambu. today warned the public of Tokio to be calm in face of rumours that the city was likely to be bombed. "We must be prepared for a raid, but they are not frightful,” he added. Colonel Nambu said the population was hoarding food and building what he called useless air-raid shelters. If war began, the strongest defence would be for everyone to remain at work and help put out the fires. A broadcast last night from Penang Straits Settlement referred to Japan’s reluctance to make any definite statement on her attitude toward Thailand, and said: "Why does not Japan say plainly that she will keep her hands off Thailand so long as other countries do the same?”

A Thai newspaper suggests that Japan should follow Britain's example and declare openly that she has no demands on Thailand. A Bangkok paper says that Thailand refuses to consider herself part of Japan’s new order. "What does Japan mean by the new order, anyway? We are still waiting to hear more about it," says the article. The Thai Acting Foreign Minister told a Reuter correspondent: "Provided our independence and integrity are left intact, we are ready to satisfy the nations which are friendly to us.”

INFORMAL TALKS UNITED STATES & JAPAN. LONDON, August 25. The United States-Japan conversations about differences in the Pacific have been purely of an informal nature. This was disclosed by Mr Cordell Hull, United States Secretary of State. He said the United States was unwilling to compromise in any way on fundamental principles and policies. Tokio officials deny all knowledge of talks between Japan and the United States.

ACTION IN SHANGHAI JAPANESE ERECT MILES OF BARRICADES. FOREIGNERS UNEASY. (Received This Day, 9.5 a.m.) SHANGHAI. August 25. Foreigners are increasingly worried over the Japanese construction ' of wire barricades around the entire settlement and the French Concession. There are fears of the possibility of a repetitio'n of the 1939 Tientsin blockade. The Japanese military authorities say they have constructed 25 miles of barbed wire barricades. They have also blocked highways into single lane thoroughfares. Some informed circles anticipate that in the event of the Pacific situation growing worse, the Japanese might blockade Shanghai, cutting off essential food supplies, which probably would result in Chinese rioting, which would give the Japanese control of the municipal police and the administration.