Evening star., 1941-11-30
japanese
Continued From First PageD

trality. the newspaper said, the
United States and Britain promptly
notified their intention to protect
Thai neutrality. This apparently
referred to a report quoting the
Thai premier that Britain and the
United States had guaranteed his
country against aggression. Authori-
tative sources have said such an
outright pledge has not been madeD
IF that means sending forces Of
occupation into the country that
would create a very serious posi-
tion," the newspaper said.
There was no indication of wheth-
er the special cabinet sessions had
decided on any step.
Domei referred to reports printed
in the japanese press that the
United States had decided to start
an aerial patrol of China's Burma
Road. and declared:
"If the skies over the Burma Road
are patrolled by United States air
forces, it is obvious this move would
be taken as the result of discus
sions among the so-called A. B, c,
D group. and Japan must view such
action as most daring armed chal-
lenge against her on the part Of
the A, B, c, D camp
Considered as Legal.
Domei said the aerial patrol at
first glance appeared to be legal if
the consent of the Chinese and
Burmese were obtained.
The newspaper Hochi said the
Burma Road was the only route
left to the Chang regime regardless
of the success or failure of the
Washington talks-we must destroy
this road"
All that observers knew was that
the cabinet held its meeting, but
they concluded from the fact that
the cabinet gave consideration to
the note yesterday that the minis
ters charged with making decisions
in one of the most fateful hours of
Japan's history we're giving pro-
longed and careful examination to
the Washington negotiations.
Observers agreed that the United
States had put the issue up to the
japanese.
In the absence of any guiding
policy, the press commented on the
feverish crisis in rambling fashion.
Hochi said Britains spurt to
strengthen Hongkong's defenses was
wasted effort because the city could
be captured easily.
Realistic war maneuvers with
blackout, mock air raid, civic
guards chasing pseudo saboteurs,
explosions. gunfire, parachute
flares and simulated fires were
held at Hongkong.
"a Reuters dispatch from
Singapore said leave of all troops
there had been Cancelled as "a
normal precautionary move in
view of the Pacific situation.')
Photograph of Ships.
Miyeko featured a photograph of
United States ships unloading war
supplies for China at Rangoon,
Burma.
Asahi declared the That's felt their
nation would be involved in war if
the Washington talks collapse and
that Maxim Litvinoff, Soviet AM
bassador en- route to Washington,
had stopped in the Thailand capital
to confer with British and American
ENJOYS there.
Asahi also said President Roose-
velt's reference to unarmed Ameri-
can vessels in the Pacific under
present circumstances" was a
trick"
All papers gave prominence to
the Presidents statements indicat-
ing the crisis may come to a head
before Tuesday.
American military leaders hold
secret conference was a typical
headline over the Presidents con-
ference with General Marshall
Army chief of staff Admiral Stark,
chief of naval operations, Secretary
of State Hull. Navy's Secretary
Knox and War Secretary Stimson.