JAPAN’S THREAT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 29241, 11 October 1940, Page 6

JAPAN’S THREAT

REACTION IN AMERICA MENACE TO IDEALS ASSISTANCE FOR BRITAIN (Official Wireless) (Received Oct. 11, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY. Oct. 10 The reaction of public opinion in the United States to the scarcely disguised attempt at intimidation staged by the Axis Powers in co-operation with Japan has been followed here with as much understanding as interest. -v There has never been any doubt in London that the originators of this rather clumsy blackmail would not have a long wait before being shown hov' mistaken their tactics were. The Times, reviewing editorially the recent movements of American opinion toward recognition of the threat to the existence of the wav of life which Americans and British cherish in common constituted by the totalitarian menace and in favour of increasing aid to Britain and her associates in the war for freedom, says: “ Far from being halted by the almost open threat of the new pact, which is in fact a definite alliance between three great aggressor Powers to prevent any interference with their grandiose schemes for dividing the world, these movements of opinion in America have been given an immense impetus. It is not merely that a proud nation resents an attempt to dictate its policy from outside.

“ Open co-operation between the aggressor Powers has convinced even many people who had hitherto been sceptical that the greater pari; of the world is in danger of being brought under the domination of governments which reject the ideals and principles which are the very foundation of Western civilisation and the American way of life. “ It has also convinced them that if these Powers are allowed to impose their will upon Europe, Asia and Africa, the American countries will find it almost impossible to withstand the pressure to which they will be exposed. “Nor, apart from their vivid realisation of this danger, are Americans in a mood to abandon tamely before the threats of a Japan, supporting and supported by the Axis Powers, all the great interests, cultural as well as political and commercial, which her citizens have built up over many years outside the American Continent. “ Mr Cordell Hull and Mr Sumner Welles both made it plain at once that no threats would be allowed to deflect the policy of the United States, which is still intended by furnishing supplies and ammunition to help Britain and the British Dominions.”

AMERICA AND THAILAND USE OF DEFENCES NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES /Unit**'? Press Asn—eipc. th Convright' (Received Oct. 11, 3.15 p.m.) MANILA, Oct. 10 Ten American-made light divebombers consigned to Thailand were unloaded at Manila on Washington’s orders. It is understood that the United States Army is negotiating for the use of local defences. Major Van Haselen, Commander of the Netherlands East Indies Air Force, is en route to the United States to seek all the American planes he can purchase for cash. He (said: “We must and will fight if necessary.” THE VICTORIA CROSS YOUTHFUL GUNNER HONOURED DECORATED BY THE KING (Omcial Wireless) (Received Oct. 11, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Oct 10 The King, at Buckingham Palace, decorated Sergeant John Hannah, aged 18 years, an air gunvier, with the Victoria Cross, which was awarded for bravery in extinguishing flames on a blazing aeroplane. Pilot-Officer Connor, who was the pilot of this plane, went with Sergeant Hannah to the Palace and received the D.F.C. Both were warmly congratulated by the King. PILOT HONOURED 15 ENEMY AIRCRAFT “BAG” FOR 19 DAYS iomrial Wireless) (Received Oct. 11, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY. Oct. 10 The bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded to PilotOfficer Eric Stanley Lock, who while on patrol in the Dover area in September engaged three Heinkels, one of which he shot down into the sea and destroyed. He displayed great courage in the face of heavy odds, states the citation. and his skill and coolness in combat enabled him to destroy 15 enemy aircraft in 19 days. D.F.M. to Australian An Australian, Sergeant Holt, serving with the Royal Air Force, was awarded the D.F.M. He shot down 18 planes. The month after the British evacuated Norway Sergeant Holt piloted a damaged plane from Norway to Malmo with 18 airmen aboard. He obtained a boat, in which they journeyed to England. It was an adventurous trip, being machine-gunned from the air. The vnly officer aboard was killed.