Tokyo, June 10.
Sir Robert Craigie, British Ambassador to Japan, was believed today to have sounded out the views of Mr. Yosuke Matsuoka toward a possible adjustment of Anglo-Japanese relations during his conference with the Japanese Foreign Minister last week, Japanese quarters pointed out that Mr. Anthony Eden, British Foreign Secretary, was reported to have made similar soundings when he conferred with Mr, Mamoru Shigemitsu, Japanese Ambassador to London, last Thursday.
Japanese quarters believed that the British were desiring to take advantage of Mr. Shigemitsu's return to Japan, due to take place next month, in their efforts to alleviate strained Anglo-Japanese relations.
Rapprochement Opposed Because of Germany's advantageous position in the Eastern Mediterranean owing to the victory in Crete and the possibility of a complete Anglo-French break, it was believed that Japan was in a favourable position to drive a bargain with the British.
Nationalistic Japanese elements. however, opposed any rapprochement, either with Britain or the United States, because of Washington's and London's assistance to Chungking in the past, and the economic pressure placed on Japan.
On the other hand, moderate leaders were hoping tat a non-aggression pact might be concluded despite denials by both Washington and Tokyo that any such negotiations have been started, Diplomatic quarters here generally believed that Axis diplomats were making efforts to draw Japan closer to the Axis and stiffen her attitude toward the democracies—the reason for the numerous conferences last week by Axis diplomats with Mr.
Matsuoka.—United Press,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.