THE FAR EAST

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21372, 17 March 1941, Page 6

THE FAR EAST

EASING OF SITUATION HONGKONG PREPARED CONFIDENCE IN VICTORY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) HONGKONG, March 15 The Governor of Hongkong, Sir Geoffrey Northcote, in his first public statement since returning from a visit to England, said today that he thought the Far Eastern situation had eased in the past six weeks, owing to a better appreciation of the points at issue. Sir Geoffrey said, however, that this British Colony was well prepared for any emergency. He expressed the opinion that England's confidence in victory over Germany was growing, partly because she was on the way to con■quering night bombers, sea raiders and submarines. A Shanghai report says the Japanese have announced the extension of the Fukien coast blockade (north of Hongkong) to be effective from March 16. A Batavia despatch says the Dutch ..Intelligence Department has arrested a “Mr A. 8.,” who is charged with espionage on behalf of the enemy. It is alleged that he travelled from occupied Holland, the expenses of his trip being provided by Berlin, for securing economic information and intelligence concerning shipping movements. MOVE IN JAPAN ON TOTALITARIAN BASIS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) TOKIO, March 15 It is reliably stated that the “Imperial Rule Assistance Association,” which the Government founded last year after the dissolution of the political parties, will, early in April, finally start steps to put the country on a totalitarian basis, with a single political party functioning. It will be patterned basically on those of the other Axis countries. The Asahi Shimbun said the association, merging the various Asia development organisations, will found the “Great East Asia League” on April 3, with the Prime Minister, Prince Konoye, presiding, in order to start a national movement for the establishment of the “greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere” advocated by the Government. The Army and Navy China Affairs Board will cooperate officially. STORES OF OIL SALES BY BIG COMPANIES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) SAIGON, March 15 The Standard Oil Company was reported today to be selling its numerous stored products in the area recently ceded to Thailand by IndoChina. with the intention of moving out. The Shell Corporation, with larger holdings in t.he same area, is also said to be removing property from ceded territory before Thailand takes possession. The command of the Japanese military mission in South IndoCh ; n3 will change on March 18, when Colonel Jiro Saito, former Japanese Army spokesman in Shanghai and an expert on Thailand military affairs, will arrive. He replaces Colonel Ryoji Koite.