PLAN ACCEPTED

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21368, 12 March 1941, Page 8

PLAN ACCEPTED

JAPANESE MEDIATION INDO-CHINA DISPUTE FRANCE AND THAILAND {United Pres* A»*h. —Elec. Tel. Copyright) TOKIO, March 11 France and Thailand have accepted and signed the Japanese mediation plan in the Indo-China affair. The signing is announced in a joint communique, revealing some modifications in the original Japanese plan. The Nichi Nichi Shimbun says the peace agreement between Thailand and French Indo-China marks the first concrete steps in Japan's southward policy. The Asahi Shimbun says it marks the firm establishment of Japan’s right to leadership in East Asia. It is officially stated that the Foreign Minister, Mr Matsuoka, will leave for Germany and Italy to-1 morrow. He will “exchange felicitations with, and meet the leaders of, Germany and Italy.” SIGNING OF PEACE FRENCH MINISTER TIRED “JAPAN'S FAIR ATTITUDE" THIRD POWERS CRITICISED United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received March 12, 11 a.m.) TOKIO, March 11 At the ceremony of signing the Indo-China-Thailand peace pact M. Arsene Henry, French Minister, looked tired and Mr Matsuoka’* countenance was unusually severe. After the ceremony the Foreign Office issued a summary of the negotiations, which began on January 20. The statement said: “The situation was complicated with third Power machinations, and needless to say Japan absolutely cannot overlook these machinations amidst disturbances calculated to hamper her mission for the establishment of common prosperity in East Asia. “The difficult task of mediation has been amicably settled despite third Powers’ attempt at obstruction and accusations at Japan is seeking her jwn advantage. But all such intrigues have been exploded, demonstrating Japan’s fair attitude.” The American Press reports that diplomatic circles believe that Japan is already sure of receiving the total l ice crop and timber output from the ceded areas, which are very rich in rice producing. Terms of Treaty Under the Thailand-Indo-China treaty all ceded territories will become demilitarised zones, with French and Indo-China nationals enjoying absolutely equal treatment with Thailand nationals throughout these areas regarding entry, domicile and occupations. Thailand will respect the mansoleum of the Royal House, situated ; n a triangular zone lying opposite Luang Praban, and afford facilities for the preservation of worship. NATIONAL UNITY CHINESE MARSHAL’S APPEAL REMOVAL OF FRICTION United Fresh assn.— Elec. Tel. Copyrttbt) CHUNGKING, March 10 Chiang Kai-shek today appealed for national unity for the sake of victory over Japan. Chiang spoke at the closing session of the People’s Political Council. The council elected Tung Pi-wu, a Communist, a member, although he was not present. This is interpreted by the vernacular press as a favourable move toward ending the friction between the National Government and the Chinese Communists. JAPAN’S AIMS SOUTHWARD EXPANSION CO-PROSPERITY SPHERE INCLUSION OF AUSTRALIA (United Fret* Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlftit! (Received March 12, 3.15 p.m.) TOKIO. March 11 Admiral Gumpai Sekine, a widelyread Japanese naval critic, advanced to-day a bold geographical definition of Japan’s "co-prosperity sphere,” including India. Australia and the Philippines. Marking the highlights of a series of provincial newspaper editorial* advocating the immediate advancement of Japan’s southward policy, Admiral Sekine wrote in the Nichi Nichi Shimbun that the Japanese coprosperity sphere should “find its latitude in circles formed with a straight line connect:*'** Tokio and Colombo as its radium “Japan." he said, has no territorial ambitions, but the crux of the matter lies in the question: If Britain is defeated, under whose control would the southerners fall?”