"The Japanese, who are resourceful by nature, know how to adapt themselves to an emergency, and have been inured to hardship for centuries. It is also very noteworthy that Japan is experiencing no shortage of foodstuffs. Nor is she likely to have any difficulty in feeding her population It would indeed be a great mistake io liken Japan to Germany, which disastrously broke down during the World War owing to economic pressure.
"It may be asked what Japan would do in case the importation of oil is stopped. In view of the fact that rapid progress is being made in the liquefaction of coal, Japan is likely to become independent of foreign supply in the course of ten years. In the meantime she will have to keep importing foreign oil. Britain, the United States and France may po: sibly strike a blow at this vulnerable point of Japan.
"In that case, Japan will use alcohol, charcoal gas, and other substitutes, while all possible measures for conservation will be taken to decrease oil consumption. Any actual shortage after resorting io the measures of conservation as outlined will be supplied by countries not participate ing in the economic pressure. Should the worst come, and this source of supply be intercepted, Japan would make up her mind to resort to a measure of self-defence. However, I do mot anticipate such an eventuality.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.