Tokyo, Feb, 18, Rebuking those in Japan who were opposed to the Tripartite Pact and w mized Japan's determination sh a sphere of ce-prosperity:
ter East Asia by suggesting that his declarations were bluff which the United States could call by showing a firm attitude, Mr. Yi nese Foreign Minister, Committee of the Lower House yi urged the people of Japan to demonstrate that they were "determined to establish an East Asiatic sph of ce-prosperity Calling to accoun those who serted that Japan was exhausted by the China conflict, Mr. Matsuoka declare "I cannot conduct a firm diplomacy unless this aspect of Japan—that of the determination of the people—is reflected abroad, Be always prepared for the worst, the Foreign Minister added, whilst simultaneously exhausting all peace. ful measures until the very last, "The basis for these peaceful measures lies in the establishment of a highly developed national defence system, Ultimately diplomacy is force, and it goes without saying that diplomacy not backed by strength can accomplish nothing," Mr, Matsuoka declared, Urging the people of Japan to demonstrate their determination to estab li:
a spi re of ce-prosperity in Mr. Matsuoka said: "That is our con lotion, which we shall not ° Ser abandon regardless of what may come, All Japanese united in this belief, which i; not only on an empty hope but is supported by a national strength capable of fringing about the realization of this great ideal, diplomacy upon which a programme for the establishment of a sphere of common prosperity should be established,—Reuter, Matsuoka's Opinion Tokyo, Feb. 18. Matsuoka, Foreign said that passage by the United ates Congress of the lend-lease bill would no effects on Japan.
He also doubted of the bill, which would practically unlimited American she: of-war aid to Britain, would have an "important bearing" on the German operations against England.
He said that he believed th cause of a "common sense point of view" that at least six months would be required before effect e results could be obtained by Brit from greater American aid, Mr. Matsuoka, who n statements in response to questions by members of the Budget Committee of the Lower House, denied that he had knowledge of the date when the Germans would attempt an invasion of Britain—United Press,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.