Manila, June 28.
General Douglas MacArthur, former director of Philippine defences, told the press today that he did not believe Japan wants to invade the Philippine Islands, but he warned Japan that if this was not the case, she would find an invasion of the islands too costly in men and money to make it profitable.
Gen. MacArthur reiterated his often expressed confidence in the defense ibility of the Philippines, and for the first time in his career here made specific mention of the possible Japanese threat to the islands.
He said there may be imponderables concerned, but that it was possible to make an accurate estimate of the strength of any possible enemy of the Philippines.
He said the Philippine nation was prepared to "more than match" the power of any of these possible enemies.
"In my opinion, he said, "it would cost an enemy at least 500,000 men and more than $5,000,000,000 to attack the islands with any hope of success.
"Napoleon safely said he never fought unless he felt he had a 70 per cent. chance for victory. No such percentage would exist in such a struggle for possession of the Philippines.
"A Japanese naval blockade of the Philippines would be practically unfeasible without a tacit agreement with other nations interested in the Pacific, and it would be foolhardy for Japan to attempt such an overseas *|campaign unless she is assured beforehand of the neutrality, and even the acquiescence of other interested powers."
Gen. MacArthur said he believed possession of the Philippines would weaken Japan strategically. He added that he believed it was an erroneous assumption that Japan covets the Philippines—United Press.
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