THE FAR EAST

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21364, 7 March 1941, Page 6

THE FAR EAST

LANDINGS BY JAPANESE CUTTING OFF SUPPLIES " ' fighting very active (United Press Assn.— Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received March 7, 3.15 p.m.) r SHANGHAI, March 6 The Japanese Army spokesman said landings have been made on a 240-mile coastal strip from Kwonghoi to Pakhoi, occupying the Luchow Peninsula, but he said that Kwang-cho-wan will not be occupied because it is already surrounded. The spokesman asserted that the Japanese landings in February on Bias Bay revealed a network of Chungking supply routes and the purpose of Monday’s operations was to cut them off. CHUNGKING, March 6 A communique indicated that very heavy Japanese landing operations began early on Monday southwest of Kwangtung, between Sunwui and Pakhoi. It is said that over 1400 Japanese landed at Kwonghoi and headed north towards Toishan, and simultaneously forces pushed westward from Sunwui towards Tanshuihu. The communique added that Japanese also landed farther west along the Kwangtung coast, while fighting was very active on all sectors. The Japanese looted Pakhoi and Tinpak, and destroyed the surrounding saltfields. Five warships and a dozen motor launches were used in the landing at Pakhoi. American Aid Nullified The Hongkong correspondent of the American Press states that the Japanese claim that their landing at Tonkin has nullified the United States’ aid to the Central Chinese Government. The Japanese Army spokesman declared that the doom of Marshal Chiang-Kai-Shek’s regime is sealed. The Chungking High Command asserts that the Japanese are being engaged at many points in their attempt to drive inland. Competent observers are of opinion that the landings may possibly cripple the food supply to Hongkong. The Bangkok radio has officially announced that Thailand has accepted the French reservations to the final Japanese peace terms on which Japan has announced the basis of agreement. CHINA’S CONFIDENCE STRENGTH FOR VICTORY FRIENDLY POWERS’ HELP AMERICAN-SOVIET ATTITUDE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received March 7, 3.15 p.m.) SHANGHAI, March 6 Marshal Chiang Kai-Shek, in a speech, said: “It is my fundamental belief that Russia, Britain and America would never obstruct Chinese resistance and would surely give aid to our resistance. “Some people have been hoping that Russia or America would aid China by actually joining the war, but I have never counted on that, because China alone has strength for final victory. “We do not necessarily need friendly Powers to join in the war, but we do need them to maintain strict neutrality. “My strong belief is that these Powers will never reach a genuine compromise with Japan, for vyhich reason we have nothing to worry about regarding foreign relations.” PEACE NEGOTIATIONS THAILAND—INDO-CHINA BASIC UNDERSTANDING (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) TOKIO. March 6 It is announced that a basic understanding has been reached in the Thailand-Indo-China peace negotiations. LONDON, March 6 A Domei news agency report states that the French, Thailand and Japanese delegates to the mediation conference in Tokio have issued a joint communique announcing that agreement has been reached on the main points of the Japanese proposals. The remaining matters are expected to be cleared up in the next few days. This announcement was made after the French Ambassador, M. Arsene Henry, had made a 55 minute call on Mr Matsuoka, the Japanese Foreign Minister. CONFLICTING REPORTS JAPAN’S MEDIATION PLAN FRANCE SEEKS DELAY (United Pre>s Asr.n—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received March 7, 3.15 p.m.) ’iOKiO, March 6 The Foreign Minister said that M. Arsene Henry, French Minister, asked for more time on account of a visit to Paris. However, unless a basis of accord is reached by Thursday Japan will be prepared to meet "the worst possible situation” from the standpoint of the mediator’s responsibility. Another message states that the Japanese, Thailand and Frencn authorities have issued the following joint communique: "The mediation plan presented by the Japanese Government has been agreed to by the French and Thailand Governments on the principal points and the rein/ ining points of detail are likely to be settled in a few days.”