Aug. 28.
Without a doubt the most important development. in "connection with the Far Eastern situation isthe. warning which M. Molotov, USS.R. Foreign Commissar, has given {o the Japanese Ambassador to Moscow, fo" the effect that the Soviet Government would consider any attempt whatsoever to prevent the maintenance of normal. commer~ ial relations between the Soviet Union and the United States through Far Eastern ports inimical act towards Russia, 'This is complete reply to the various statements by' Japanese Government officials that they would view with concern any attempts. to send war supplies to Russia vid Vladivostok, because such supplies would have to pass Ju close proximity to Japan. It must be confessed that the reason given is a remarkably oer one for there is no reason whatever why A Japan, at peace with Mussia and partner toa neutrathty pact with hen, should sesk fo modify that' neutrality by. hampering Russia's resistance to the invasion.
The fact of the matter is that Japan as a signatory to the 'Tripartite Alliance, on the tone hand: and a neutrality. pact with Russia, sinn the other, is in no position to honour both commitments, for she has either to act as an Axis pariner, or remain strictly neutral. It' would seem that, in seeking to interfere with the normal trade between Soviet Russia and the United States, Japan is endeavouring to give what assistance it can to Germany without herself becoming involved in. war. M, Molotov's warning should be sufficient {indication to. the Japanese Government that stich an equivocal policy cannot be followed without serious results, and any attempt to prevent' sea-borne cargoes of war material! Teaching Vladivostok will be regarded as a very near future, for, in the light of Molotov's warning, it is clear that interference by the Japanese with these vessels will evoke most serious repercussions. Obviously, if mah er ect Soa ok nae ala tis TR, watt Acne Matsuoka signed the pact In Moscow. demands evi ace ined em alaed aig tartans Conn ier el cements do nothing which might prejudice Russia's chances in her fight with the invader of her ie The hectic intrigue which is being pursued fees ty rads St than that Japan should be dragged willy-ce a Ma cone aha Sh diicpa aes carrying out her expansionist policies either Sas tie ta wt coe See Se ce a Sere i, Meal en the position to wage the much more costly war Tate te Rear military extremists would like the world feat ces tea Ere welts Rear pra te ite
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.