FIREBRAND TALK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 November 1941, Page 6

FIREBRAND TALK

IN THE JAPANESE DIET DENUNCIATIONS OF UNITED STATES. DECLARATIONS OF WARLIKE INTENTION. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) TOKIO, November 18. The Japanese House of Representatives passed a resolution supporting the co-prosperity sphere plan. The resolution declared that the greatest obstacle to a settlement of the China affair was the activity of hostile nations, led by the United States, whose inordinate desire for world hegemony was responsible for the present war.

“The Japanese believe that there is no chance of rising without fighting this battle through —Japan must strike while the iron is hot,” said a former Minister, Mr Toshio Shimada, speaking in the Diet. The United States, he said, was the root of the world upheaval. She was not only exploiting Chiang Kai-shek, but was interfering with Thailand’s domestic administration and exerting pressure on Burma for the stoppage of vital materials to Japan. The United States was threatening Japan with strengthened Pacific bases and participating, despite "the Monroe Doctrine, in the European struggle, by aiding Britain. On the occasion of, Prince Konoye’s message to President Roosevelt, the Government explained that its purpose was to locate the cancer in Japanese-American, relations. It was clear that the cancer was the present United States leaders. “It is absolutely necessary for us,” Mr Shimada said, “to make a big incision in that Replying to Mr Shimada,- the Pieni’ier, General Tojo, said the Government had completed all necessary preparation, anticipated all possible obstacles and left nothing to be desired in the way of the execution of Japan’s fixed national policy. “The Government,” he added, “is firmly determined to defend the national existence, but all responsibility rests with you hundred million people, for which reason I am reassured to know that the people are fully prepared to meet the situation. I am confident that Japan will surmount the many difficulties facing her with rhe firmest determination.” The Foreign Minister, Mr Togo, said Mr Kurusu carried no new instructions, but intimated that the outcome of the mission would determine Japan’s interpretation of the Axis Alliance obligations. . The Diet lost no time in passing the Military Budget of 3,800 million yen. The Associated Press of America Tokio correspondent states that Gen-j eral Tojo declared today that the Japanese Army was prepared for any eventuality. Admiral Shimada announced that the Navy had completed all necessary preparations. FIRM STAND BY THE UNITED STATES. FOR TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF CHINA. I (Received This Day, 9.30 a.m.) NEW YORK, November 18. The “New York Times” Washington correspondent says diplomatic circles are of opinion that unless Japan’s view that third par* ties must keep their hands from China could be reconciled with the United States insistence upon the maintenance of the territorial integrity of China, the present conference might prove futile. It is said that the United States position vis-avis with Japan, is firstly, a ■ desire to avoid war with Japan;, secondly, a determination to permit no , further Japanese aggression and thirdly, insistence upon China’s position as , a sovereign State. It is said that th'e Japanese envoys appeared far from happy as they hurried from the White House after their conference with Pre- : sident Roosevelt and entered their car, which started with such speed that the door was not closed. Japanese bonds advanced sharply, presumably because of the opening of the Japanese-American negotiations in Washington. NAVAL UNITS BRITISH AND AMERICAN ASSEMBLING IN PACIFIC. (Received This Day, 1.20 p.m.) LONDON, November 18. British and American naval units are assembling in the Pacific, says the “Daily Telegraph.” This naval movement coincides with heavy Japanese troop movements in Indo-China. The strength of the Japanese garrisons in Indo-China is believed to have jumped from 50.000 five weeks ago to 150,000. Japanese land and air forces massed on North Indo-China are reported to be moving south and west towards Thailand. The Shanghai correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says the Japanese are rushing construction work at Camranh Bay. At least a dozen shore batteries have been installed. MR HULL RETICENT ON CONFERENCE RESULTS. EXPLORATORY DISCUSSIONS. (Received This Day. 1.20 p.m.) LONDON, November 18. At the conclusion of the conference in Washington between Mr Kurusu and Admiral Nomura and Mr Cordell Hull, which lasted for two hours and three-quarters, Admiral Nomura said he was still hopeful of reaching an understanding of Japanese-American difficulties. Mr Hull said he expected to resume the conference tomorrow, but declined to say whether satisfactory progresshad been made. He explained that the conversations were still exploratory and had not reached the stage where a basis of general understanding could be discussed. He described the confer - : ence as one of general consideration ’ rather than of particular application. The Tokio correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says I the Premier (General Tojo) announc--5 ed that another extraordinary session f of the Diet might be called after the l present special session if it were deemed necessary for presenting a united

front in the current situation. He spoke to the entire world and not merely to members of the Diet. World attention had been closely focussed on the Imperial Diet and therefore the significance of calling an extraordinary session was apparent.