The Waikato Times WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 1941 GERMANY GOADS JAPAN

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21362, 5 March 1941, Page 4

The Waikato Times WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 1941 GERMANY GOADS JAPAN

Heated exchanges are reported to have occurred between Germany and Japan as a result of Japan's efforts to pour oil on the troubled waters of the Pacific. The upshot is reported to be that Japan has advised Berlin that Germany would profit most by Japanese nonbelligerency and that Japan would go no farther than that. Mr Matsuoka is alleged to have told Germany that she would be well advised not to allow the war to spread further. Ribbentrop is alleged to have accused the Japanese of faintheartedness and fear of Britain. All of this is entertaining, but it probably does not mean very much —yet. It is still too soon to expect a split in the Axis because Germany is prepared to offer Japan far more than the Allies are willing to promise in the way of territorial advantage. Germany, of course, did not inveigle Japan into the Axis as a sleeping partner or for the purpose of appeasing Britain and the United States. The intention was to divide British forces between the East and the West to lighten Germany’s task in conquering Europe. Germany was willing to promise Japan unlimited expansion—at the expense of Germany’s enemies. Britain, on the other hand, could only ask Japan to respect the independence of neighbouring countries and to preserve peace and friendship on an honourable basis. Germany as a criminal offered to share the spoils of the armed robbery of the world. Japan made a very unfortunate choice when she joined the Axis. Since then she has witnessed the spectacle of another dupe of Hitler having his empire tom to shreds and tatters. It is natural and wise for Japan to think deeply before committing herself. Violent language addressed to Japan from Germany may not have any definite meaning, for German diplomacy can threaten or wheedle and plea by turns as the occasion requires. There is no constancy and nothing reliable in it. If Hitler or Ribbentrop find that threats will not achieve their purpose with Japan the tune will be changed and Japan will be embarrassed with promises or anything else that will ensure Japan’s continued adherence to the Axis. Germany simply cannot afford to incur the enmity of Japan, and any breach in the Axis will come from Japanese initiative. The present German bluster is designed only to goad Japan into greater belligerence.

Nevertheless Japan must look into the future and set her course, not for the glorification of Hitler and Germany, but in her own interests. And recently she. has given many indications of a desire to damp down the dangerous tension that has arisen. She declares that she has no intention of breaking the peace. In that direction Japan’s true interests lie. Limitless expansion is of no more use to her than to Germany, even if it were possible temporarily to gain control of neighbouring territories. Japan is hesitating on the edge of the abyss and Germany is trying to push her in, by flattery and persuasion or by mockery and coercion. It is a sad reflection that these issues are no longer decided bj’ some by the old-fashioned method of appeal to conscience.