The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-06-07
SATURDAY. JUNE Z. 1871
JAPANESE TRADE


for a major withdrawal from the
normally profitable L. S.-Japanese
trade routes as the Navy negotiates
foi additional cargo and passenger
vessels.
Maritime Commission officials
predict that within a few days
more than so per cent OF the Amer
lean passenger and freight facil-
tiles in use between West Coast
and Japanese ports will be con-
verified to naval use. There is a
possibility that within the near
future no American flag vessels
will ply across the Pacific to the
Nippon empire
Meantime, American flag ships
are 10 take. over all British ship
ping services from the United
States and Canada 10 Australia
and New Zealand through an ar
rangement with the British supply
council OF North America.
Another dozen merchant ships
will shortly be thrown into TIE
battle OF the Atlantic as a result,
- strengthen the lifeline between
Britain and America.
Development OF the tvo-ocean
fleet necessitates sponding
increase IN auxiliary vessels such
as transports. hospital ships, sup
ply vessels and others TO service
the warships.
The Navy already has acquired
a large number OF merchant ships
for this purpose In the past
two weeks. the S. s. America. pride
% the American Merchant Marine,
was added to the military roster.
Withdrawal OF American ship
ping would leave the l. S.-Japan
trade in the hands OF japanese,
Norwegian and swedish operators.
Since The start OF the war and
growing hostility between the
United States and Japan, the flow
nj trade has been reduced mater
tally. The United States shipped
only $50, 100000 worth Of goods
10 Japan during the first quarter
OF this year. Last year. the first
quarter shipm ents amounted TO
$4,000. 900. Correspondingly, the
United States has reduced its puv-
dhases OF japanese goods by a
substantial amount.
There is wide difference OF
opinion as TO whether We can af-
ford TO lose this trade. The trad
err and those dependent upon such
trade for profits are OF course op-
posed TO reductions. On the other
hand there are those who contend
that the nation would be in
much stronger position II all for
eign trade, excepting for mater.
ials not available in this country,
were discontinued. Whether we
agree with this latter theory or
not, It looks as though We are
about 10 adopt It by force. II our
trade should be cut off on the
west by Japan and on the east by
Germany we would at least defin-
ftely know the results. Certainly
II would not be pleasant.
Japan Is demanding that the
Netherlands East Indies curtail
the shipment OF rubber TO the
United States and high grade oil
20 the British at Singapore in
order 10 meet japanese needs for
those as well as other raw mater.
isls
The concessions which have been
offered Japan by the Dutch would
not seriously affect American and
British needs, but complete full
fillment OF the japanese demands
would do 50.
Japan IS not apt 10 strike at tbs
Dutch or British possessions in the
Pacific unless she becomes con
WINGED Germany is going 10 viii
the European var
II the British should lose contro
of the Suez Canal Japan nigh
then decide to strike. But pendini
more decisive developments in m,
battle Of the Mediterranean and o
the British Isles, It is though
Japan VIII hold her hand
II Japan should definitely de
eide to enter the war. however, III,
first major objective Of the Jap
anese fleet would probably he {,
gain control OF the Netherland
East Indies.
Japan now has sufficient oil 70
serves TO last three yea- a. o.
present rate OF consumption an
for about one year Of all-out W.
on land. sea and air.
Thus. II Japan thought German
was about to win the Europea
war quickly. the japanese militar
and naval leaders might be temp
ed 10 risk last minute participate
in order to share In the spoils.
However. n Japan became r.
VOWED in prolonged war p0
was completely cut off from Anne
lean oil supplies. II would b. e..
Sentisl for her 10 get control {
the Netherlands East Indies r,
sources.
Reluctance 10 force Japan int
seeking control OF the Nethe
lands oil resources is the mai
reason why the American goveri
ment continues to permit the shi
ment Of oil to the Nippon empir
although that oil Is used to fu,
the bombers that are sent out
destroy the supplies China r
ceives from the United States.
This apparently contradiction
policy OF aiding both China ar
Japan actually is aimed At for
ttalling Japanese attack on n
Dutch East Indies which won