RUSSIA AND AXIS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21244, 15 October 1940, Page 6

RUSSIA AND AXIS

JAPAN’S DIPLOMACY OPPOSITION TO BRITAIN EFFECT OF NEW PACT (United Press Asn.—Elec. Te!. copyright) LONDON, Oct. 14 “ Whatever may be Russia’s view of the Axis-Japan pact,” says the Tokio correspondent of the Times, in discussing its potential value, “ the pact is detaining the American Fleet in the Pacific. When its presence becomes inconvenient to Japan, “ Germany could divert it to the Atlantic by creating trouble in South America. “ German U-boats and raiders able to reach the Far East could claim shelter and supplies in Japanese ports, while German merchantmen now taking refuge in Japan could be equipped as commerce raiders. “Japan is prepared to act against Britain with all means short of war,” he says, “ and British shipping in the Pacific will feel the effects of the new alliance.” The question is being asked in Japan: “ What immediate military functions will the new alliance perform?” the correspondent continues. Japan’s most urgent need is a victory in China. Germany is not able to assist directly there, but is able to do much through France and Russia. German influence at Vichy has facilitated the Japanese advance into IndoChina. Russia’s Role a Mystery Japan is employing diplomatic methods in dealing with the Dutch East Indies, in which connection help may possibly be derived from Germany’s power over the relatives and property of Dutch colonial officials. “ Russia’s role,” adds the correspondent, “ remains a mystery, but Germany’s need has again created an opening for Stalin’s opportunist policies, and he is able greatly to serve Japan by dropping Marshal Chiang Kai-shek.

“ If Japan becomes embroiled with the United States it would be a notable stroke for Russia’s policy of weakening all the Soviet’s potential enemies, and Stalin may think such a development cheaply bought by deserting Chiang Kai-shek. “ The Japanese public accepts the pact, but there is no sign of popular enthusiasm. American opposition to Japan’s Far Eastern aspirations continues implacably, and forced by their isolation to choose, Japan’s rulers chose the side whose attack against the old order suits their policy.

“ Minority critics predict that official enthusiasm for the latest alignment will cool off, but it would be unwise to expect that Japan would not meet her obligations.”

MEXICAN TRADE BIDDING FROM JAPAN SUPPLIES OF SCRAP IRON vUnited Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlgnt) NEW YORK, Oct. 14 America’s ban on the export of scrap iron has caused Japan to enter Mexico’s scrap iron market and to bid against Canada and the United States, which are believed to be buying in order to prevent supplies from going to Japan. Japan is negotiating for Mexican oil in exchange for rayon, which Mexico previously purchased from Italy. The Mexicans are reluctant to close the deal, for fear of displeasing the United States, and also because the cost of transport appreciably lowers profit. Mexicans have been astounded at the increase in German goods arriving by way of Siberia, which amount to two-thirds of all the goods reaching Mexico in Japanese ships. The goods consist of toys, chemicals, celluloid articles and hardware, mostly below American prices, in spite of the recent 20 per cent increase in freight costs on the transSiberian railway. THAILAND DENIAL NOT HELPING AXIS PACT WITH BRITAIN (United Press Assn.—F.lec. Tel. Copyrlgnt) BANGKOK, Oct. 14 The Thailand Minister of Publicity, Mr Vilas Osthanonat, denied a report from Vichy that Thailand is co-operating with the Axis Powers to help Japan keep the Burma Road closed.

He recalled that Thailand had just exchanged an instrument ratifying its non-aggression pact with Britain.

TOWN LEVELLED BOMBING BY JAPANESE DESTRUCTION OF POSITIONS (United Press Asn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlgnt.(Received Oct. 15. 3.15 p.m.) SHANGHAI, Oct. 14 Chinese foreign advices from Humming report that 27 Japanese planes bombed, strafed and virtually levelled Humming on Sunday. There were few casualties. Most of the residents took shelter in the British and German consulates. The Domei News Agency correspondent. in a message from an undisclosed air base, said that on Monday six squadrons made a surprise raid on Wanshsten and Szechwan, devastatingly bombed military positions. and destroyed Chinese artillery positions near Ichang.