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Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21369, 13 March 1941, Page 10

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JAPANESE MINISTER VISIT TO DICTATORS DEMOCRACIES MENACED (United Pre=s Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright) NEW YORK, March 11 The New York Times’ Tokio correspondent says the journey of the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr Matsuoka, to Berlin, Rome and Moscow is an evil omen for the democracies in the opinion of anti-Axis circles, who claim that suggestions that it is only a fact-finding expedition are not consistent with the fact that the liaison conference of the Cabinet and the High Command has met four times. Such protracted deliberations by the highest executive authorities in Japan would not be necessary if the journey was only a gesture. Mr Matsuoka has disavowed any intention of mediating in Europe, but sources close to him know he is profoundly impressed with a sense of the disaster that may befall civilisation if the war continues until Europe’s leading nations are bled white. Meanwhile, by visiting Europe on the eve of Germany's expected spring offensive, Mr Matsuoka is making a gesture of sympathy with the Axis, borne observers express the opinion that the gesture is all Japan will do until it is clear whether Hitler can expect a quick, decisive victory, or whether the war will drag on. Wants to Meet Hitler The Prime Minister, Prince Konoye, will be acting-Foreign Minister during Mr Matsuoka’s absence. Mr Matsuoka told the press: “ I have never met Herr Hitler, FieldMarshal Goering or Herr von Ribbentrop, on account of which I wanted to meet them. “ Once I have had heart-to-heart talks I also intend to see other important persons in Germany and in Italy, and preach my long-cherished world peace views, based on the principle of hakko ichiu (eight corners under one roof, or universal brotherhood).’* During his visit to Berlin and Rome Mr Matsuoka will avail himself of the opportunity to make personal observation the spot of the situation in Europe. Accompanying Mr Matsuoka will be a delegation of nine, including Mr Tamao Skamoto, director of the European Bureau, and also Army Colonel Yatsuji Nadai and Navy Commander Shigeru Fujii. AUSTRALIA AND WAR MR MENZIES’ ASSURANCE 100 PER CENT SUPPORT ENTHUSIASM IN COMMONS (United Press Assn.—EJec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, March 12 The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr R. G. Menzies, in an address to members of Parliament, said that the Commonwealth had come in the struggle on the side of Britain on a 100 per cent war basis. Mr Menzies described the expansion of Australia’s war production. Members of Parliament state that they have never known such enthusiasm to be displayed in a committee room of the House of Commons, where Mr Menzies spoke. His audience comprised fully one-third of the House of Commons membership. CANBERRA, March 12 The acting-leader of the Country Party, Mr A. W. Fadden, was today unanimously elected leader of that party. CANADIAN NAVY PLANS FOR EXPANSION MORE TROOPS FOR OVERSEAS (United Press Assn —Elec. Tel. Copyright, LONDON, March 12 The plans just announced to increase the Canadian Navy to 413 ships and 26,920 men by March 31, 1942, compare with the present strength of 175 ships and 15,319 men, says a British official wireless message. Canadian forces which will proceed overseas this year comprise a third division now training in Canada, with a complement of corps troops and the balance of corps troops of the Canadian first and second divisions now training in England, a tank brigade and an armoured division. The compulsory military training period for Canadians of 21 has been extended from 30 days to four months. It is estimated that between 40,000 and 80,000 recruits will be needed in 1941 for the active army to meet wastage and casualties. An army training school to train tradesmen for all branches of the army is to be established at Hamilton, Ontario. The school will accommodate 2000 and will begin operations about May 1. Conserving Steel Supplies The Canadian Steel Controller, Mr H. D. Scully, announced that industrial firms throughout Canada, except those engaged in war work, have been asked to avoid the use of steel in order to conserve supplies. Permits will be granted to industrial firms for the construction of schools, churches and bridges.