1941-02-14 — Page 64

SERIOUS VIEW

THE CHINA MAIL, FEBRUARY 14, 1941:

TAKEN

OF FAR EAST OUTLOOK

But Moment Of Crisis Held Not To Be Immediate

CHINESE WANT H.K. CONSULATE

(By Reuter's Diplomatic Correspondent)

A SERIOUS VIEW is taken in London of the position in the Pacific, especially after the Australian Ministers' warning of the situation

in the Far East.

Australian reaction to the warning of Reports that Britain serious developments has given much satis- has agreed to the estab-faction in London, while the American atti- lishment of a Chinese con- tude is also all to the good. sulate in Hong Kong are premature, Reuter learns from authoritative sources in Chungking.

The Influential Jally. "Ta Kung Pao," published a report that Britain has agreed to the establishment of a consulate in the Crown Colony

In Albed mrcles

London pan may intervene on the side of which are taully well-informed, Germany and Italy was admitted 17 N felt vet the moment of yesterday by authoritative quar-¡ ens is not immediate

ters in London.

Informed circles in London say that the Japanese Foreign Minister's speeches In public and in private during the

last. three or four days have been "tougher." There is every

Ja- Sign that panese extremists are taking con- trol of Government affairs Tokyo.

it is pointed out that in view of the fact that negotiations be tween Indo China and Thailand are proceeding and the arms. tice has

prolonged just been another fortnight, it is unlikely Japan would take any imm2. IT IS LEARNED HOWEVER. diate action. THAT WHILE THE CHINESE Also, although there has been AUTHORITIES HAVE APPLIED talk of negotiations with Rusala, TO THE BRITISH AUTHORI» | Japan has not yet reached any TIES FOR PERMISSION THE| agreement that would guarantee MATTER IS STILL UNDER DIS. her rear if she wire to under- CUSSION AND

NO DECISION | take any adventurous operation HAS YET BEEN REACHED. to the south.

Rruter, It is believed in

("!ngking that there is a good possibility of Britain agreeing to

the sugges

tun.

Reuter,

Danger Admitted In

London

(SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL"} That there is a danger that Ja-

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口口味

in

Events

FRANCO REFUSES Moving

Swiftly TO AID

(SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL")

(Continued from Page 1) Russlan offer to conclude a non-aggression pact with Bul-

garia.

Soviet Fleet

It was learned in Vichy last night that Generall

Other reports allege that the Franco has refused to Soviet Fleet in the Black Sea has been concentrated and that a

by

rant Spanish assistance powerful Red Army is deployed for an attack against Gi-, along the Rurabian border.

Speculation on the Russian at- braltar, despite very, titude has been modifted

attributed to Soviet strong pressure from tcments

circles in London. that Hitler would not move into Bulgaria Mussolini.

without consulting Moscow, and that no consultations have taken place.

It is reported that Mussolini promised every Italian favour to Spain and besought General Franco to pay off now by provid- ing buses and and for an Axis at- tack.

In spite of strong pressure Gen- eral Franco is said to have refus- ed, explaining that Spain cannot risk war with England, which is aiding Spain with food.--Interna- tional News Service.

Spain's Debt

past

It is pointed out, however, that Hitler would be unlikely to show his hand in Bulgaria un- lees he had sound reason to believe that he could proceed without rousing terference.

Russia to in-

German troop movements into Rumania continue and a force of several divisions is reported to be ready to move into Bulgaria.

Egypt's Action Mussolini mentioned all

The

Government, Egyptian favours by Italy to Spain and be- | meantime, has followed the Bri- Meanwhite, the British Govern-ought General Franco to pay off tish example and severed diplo- matic relations with Rumania. inent has left Jupar, no doubt of the debt by providing bases for

Members of the Egyptian Lega- her attitude and reminded her of an attack but General Franco re-

fused.

tion are expected to leave Buch- the fate which has overtaken the

arest to-morrow. countries under German pressure. British quarters in London still hope that liberal influences will prevent Japan from taking such a step.-International News Service.

Sir Robert Craigie

Sees Matsuoka

(SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL")

It is reported that Sir Robert Craigie, British Ambassador in Tokyo, has warned Mr. Matsuuka against any rash action by Japan in the southern Pacific at the in- stance of Germany.

Observers in Tokyo remarked that the warning of the gravity of the situation by the Australian War Council was issued at about; the same time as Sir John Latham, the Australian Minister in Tokyo, was calling at the Japanese For- eign Office. International News Agency.

Australia Sees Big Spring Offensive.

General Franco explained that starving Spain could not risk war with England while England was helping her with food.

To this Mussolini promised that "Europe would feed Spain,” but General Franco was adamant,

Mussolini stressed the need for bases at Cartagena, Minorca and the Canary Islands. -Reuter,

Turkey is keeping a close watch on all developments and shows no sign of being over- awed by the apparent threat of imminent German action.

The Chinese Ambassador to Turkey has arrived in Sofia "to investigate the Axis strength and influence in the Balkans."

STOP PRESS

"The significant statement made by the Austrálian War Council was carried in all the newspapers In Australian cities and all editiong were bought up though the tem- per of the Australians had been prepared for the news when, after to the full her manpower and in- Wednesday's meeting of the War dustrial war material." Council, Mr. Fadden issued a warning to the nation as follows:

"We find ourselves in hostile. action near, if not on, our coast- line. It is not an inevitable danger far from it but it is real and we must pay serious regard to it."

Mr. Curtin, the labour leader, in a separate statement, said that

Malaya Prepared

The whole of Malaya is reported to be ready for attack from any quarter.

Substantial reinforcements have arrived for all armies in the Far East.

Since Sir Robert Brooke-Pop-

the country should take these ham took over command he hus steps to safeguard itself because brought about important and far-

it was the great supplier of food-teaching changes,

stuffs, munitions and equipment

for the Empire forces and because it was recognised as the chief reinforcement · for the fighting strength in the future conduct of the war."

Mr. Curtin added that the Axis: method is to attack at many points and the new phose of the conflict may involve Australia. "From that springs to-day' t

the danger to us” he said. "Our immidiate future holds great- poribilities. Our anemies, are preparing ang huge, öffenzive. which will be launched against us in the 'first weeks of the spring.

"As a nation in the Pacific Aus-“ tralia only desires "pence. The possibility of an 'atfack against us has long been foreseen-" and preparations have been inade In our defence measures, CT VINNU ANAY """These préparations were not only for defence but in order to see that Australia' shouta, utline

Ja-

General Sumita, accompan- ied by members of the panese mediation commission, paid a courtesy call on the Thai Premier with a view to improving the understanding regarding the lines occupied by Thai troops in accordance- with the truce agreement._ /_

General Sumiita Jater left An for Saigon by plane. escort of ten Thai planes saw; him off.-Reuter,

Quarantine restrictions im- posed by Canton against ar- rivals from Hong Kong on account of cholera have been removed.

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