As for Japan's ability to spare seaworthy warships, it is not known publicly just how many vessels of what class the Japanese Navy may have. In any case, Japan need have no fear of a naval attack by any major sea Power, not even by the United States. It is believed that a small part of the Japanese feet could repel any. possible naval attack by the Soviet Union from Siberian shores. Although the Japanese Navy has played an important part in the hostilities against China, its role has been largely auxiliary. The Japanese "blockade" of the China coast has' consisted chiefly of occupying all possible ports, rather than the interception of China-bound cargoes at rea by Japanese patrols.
Moreover, it may be pointed out, geographical difficulties make it virtually impossible for Japan to be of help to the Axis except as a "threat" to the United States. But the trans-for of Japanesd ships to Germany, even for operation in the East, would aid to Germany in its weak d, and without involving Japan in actual hostilities any more than Amer. ica is involved by its aid to Britains
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.