AXIS AND JAPAN

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21231, 30 September 1940, Page 7

AXIS AND JAPAN

AREAS OF CONTROL WORD WILL BE LAW ASSURANCE TO SOVIET (United Prese Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) BERLIN, Sept. 28 A German Foreign Office apokesman said Italy, Germany and Japan had already decided the precise “spaces” in Europe, Asia and Africa where the word of each would be law. Areas had also been assigned to Russia, but it was not stated whether Russia had been conaulted. It was pointed out that the three Powers would not be monopolistic rulers, but “leaders” in their own areas. The spokesman added that a joint Russo-Japanese announcement of their future relations was expected shortly. Correspondents asked whether Russia’s supply of materials to China clashed with the new pact. The spokesman replied: “The transfer of American destroyers to Britain provides a parallel. The decisive point is what effect the supply of material might have.” Russia had been assured that the pact could not be directed against the Soviet, the Berlin radio said today. “Germany assured the Kremlin that the pact would stabllse the relations of the contracting Powers with the Soviet,” the announcer said. “The Soviet Government has been gratified to note these assurances. “Italy and Germany will attend to their spheres of interest, the Soviet to hers, and Japan to all matteis in the greater Asiatic area." Overtures To Soviet Authoritative Tokio reports say that, following the signature of the pact with the Axis partners, Japan is making overtures to the Soviet. Japan would like a non-aggression pact similar to that which Germany signed at Moscow In August, 1939, the reports state. Mr Hallett Abend, New York Times correspondent at Shanghai, writes:— “The immediate future of the Far East situation depends largely upon the degree of understanding which Germany is able to arrange between Japan and Russia. “Stalin’s demands are said to be extremely harsh from Japan’s viewpoint. "Stalin wishes to abrogate the Portsmouth Treaty (which ended the Russo-Japanese war in 1905). “He also demands the cancellation of all oil, coal, andHk concessions to Japan in the (Russian) l half of Sakhalin with the complete of the southern (Japanes^^^B. “Another the demolition of the frontiers of Korea adjoining Siberia Mongolia."