JAPAN AND GERMANY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21228, 26 September 1940, Page 7

JAPAN AND GERMANY

ATTITUDE OF RUSSIA BRITAIN AND AMERICA !United Press Asn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 25 Authoritative reports reaching Shanghai from Tokio say Japan and Germany have agreed in principle to a defensive alliance, which will become effective in the event of collaboration between Britain and America, such as the joint use of the Singapore Base, in which case Japan would abandon her policy of non-involvement in the war. It is further stated that Hitler’s personal representative, Sthamer, has negotiated a provisional German-Japanese defensive pact, which envisages world-wide diversion of American attention, especially in South America and the Far East. Authoritative sources in Tokio declare the Japanese Imperial Conference on September 19 approved of an alliance with Germany in principle. However, the announcement is to be delayed pending the Privy Council’s formal ratification of it. It is understood it does not envisage the immediate abandonment of Japan’s policy of non-involvement, but sets a policy to be adopted in the event of an “Anglo-American front.” It is further stated that the alliance includes German assurances of good offices toward Russia amounting to a Russo-Japanese non-aggres-sion pact, which would free Japan’s move southward. Preparation For Long War It is understood the alliance is Germany’s proposition, and is designed to avert full United States support for Britain. Observers interpret it as an indication that Berlin has decided the “blitzkrieg” against Britain may not succeed, and therefore the alliance represents preparation for a prolonged war. Details in the alliance regarding South America are vague, and it is believed to have been left mainly to Germany’s discretion as a means of further diverting the United States’ attention, presumably by the creation of political disturbances. The Tokio newspaper Hochi Shimbun, commenting on Mr Cordell Hull’s condemnation of the entry of Japanese troops into Indo-China, says to blame Japan is as absurd as the alleged Anglo-American joint defence agreement regarding Singapore. The Nichi Nichi Shimbun charges the United States, Britain and Australia with preparing “aggressive formations” against the Netherlands Indies and other south-western Facific countries for the purpose of interfering with Japan’s southward policy. It adds: “Britain and American economic pressure will be powerless to restrain Japan, who will push her fixed policy with fresh energy.” It further points out that Australia has, since July, been refusing permits for wool exports, and that country therefore may be regarded as having completely fallen in with the Anglo-American “Far Eastern front.” There is no confirmation in London of the reports that Germany and Japan have concluded a defensive alliance.