Tokyo, Feb. 3.
The possibility of a closer rapprochement between Japan and Russia "gs a retort to American diplomatic economic thrusts," is discussed in Jeading article in the "Japan Times" 'today entitled "Japan and Russia."
"Frequent references by internation-at observers on the Far Eastern scene io the possibility of closer Japanese one Russian relations as this country's wétort to American diplomatic end genomic thrusts," the newspaper declares, "show the universal interest in that possibility.
There are divided opinions in Japan on the extent to which Russian friendship should be encouraged. many minds abides the belief that Soviet Russia is a matter largely for the army to act upon, or to advise about, but it is quite certain thát In the present unstable plight of the Far East, many people here do look upon Russia with a calculating eye.
"The suspension of discussions spon the demarcation of the Mancbowkuo and Outer Mongolian frontier again draws special attention to the two Far Eastern nations. It kawa be too much to say at this time that the agreement of the boundary commission members to disagree is of any serious consequence, "This Time of Flux"
"In this time of flux, a forward thinker will admit that Russian and Japanese frontiers and interests will touch permanently. Both nations are Where they are to stay. They must, indue course, come to an enduring agreement as to their conduct towards each other and towards such neigh-baure as concern them both.
"Some day, the basic question has to he settled, and there is no good Reason why the two governments should defer explorations indefinitely.
"Evidently they both sce the need for adjustments, as can be deduced by the discussions on trade and other matters now proceeding through the two Embasaies."—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.