Aug. 8.
With the Japanese Press, obviously inspired, banging the big drum on the subject of alleged British intrigues in Thailand, in which there is not one word of truth, Mr, Anthony Eden's warning during the debate in the House of Commons on the subject of the progress of the war is timely. The technique Adopted by the Japanese is in accordance with the formula already fully established by Hider, and employed by the former prior to {helt forcing Vichy to accede to their demand for the handing over of bases in French Indo~ China. Great Britain has no' designs upon Thailand. She never has had. Instead she has maintained a" friendship with that country for well over a century, during which time she was able to serve it in many direptions which have proved beneficial. "There is, most certainly no desire on the part of the British Government to take any' step with regard to Thailand which would have the effect of adding to its already big commit ments, But it is clear that Japan has. In an attempt to. proceed further with its south wards expansionist movement Tokyo endeavouring to bring Thailand within the sphere of its influence, and embody it in the so-called new order in Asia, And, as. she Goes so, she is increasing ihe threat to British interest(s in Burma and the 'Malay. States. 'Mr. den has bluntly stated "that any action which would threaten the independence and Integrity of 'Thailand would be a matier of Immediate concern to this country, more particularly "as threatening' the security Bingapore." The Foreign. Secretary, wisely did. not attempt to foreshadow what action would be taken in the event of Japan pro-Seeding with what is obviously her intention, That, perhaps, is just as well, for nothin can be done which does not have the full Support of the American "and Netherlands Governments, but there is not the slightest room for doubt that, if the situation should call for firm action, it will be forthcoming. will indeed be unfortunate it the Japanese allow themselves (o be misled by ihe monstrous German claims regarding alleged overwhelming successes "against Russia, designed for the reassurance of the German people on the one hand,—and they have reason enough for misgivings,—and timed s0 as to give Japan encouragement to make further moves southward on the other, 'The fight against the Russians is by no means The Russians certainly, have not Tost It, and, if the statesmen in Tokyo fall {nto the trap which the Germans have prepared, they may have very serious reason to Tegret it. Tt may safely' be said that. the ese success in securing the surrender of ch Indo-China is about the last achieve= ment they can possibly effect without bringing the danger of war in the Pacific right up 10 the verge of-an outbreak of hostilities, There may be an. interval in which the tightening of economic. sanctions Which have. already boon applied would "be put into effect, but Great Britain and her Ailies, together with the United States mean business if Japan further threatens their interests in this Dart of the world.
The concentration of great strength in the Malay States and Singapore should clearly indicate to the Japanese that Great Britain and. those. supporting her do not iniend to allow anything more to go by default. The defence of their interests will indeed be very real, and Japan may have cause for very considerable regret if those controlling her Policy: push matters too far. The statement that it is now possible for Britain to send a feet to the Far East will mean that Britain and the United States will have more than parity in naval strength in the Pacific and there is very little doubt in the minds of their Governments as, to what would be the outcome of a clash." There is still time for the Japanese to reconsider their position, That'time may not, however, last long. To a very great extend that depends upon Japan herself, and her leaders would be wise to give due weight to Mr. Eden's warning which just as blunt as the situation requires.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.