Evening star., 1941-08-02
Cabinet Member
Shows Concern
Over Situation
nv the Associated Press.

&S hbN nonpbAoNCu L ASfo'
TOXIC, Aug. 2.-Vice Admiral
Seizo Sakonji, Minister of Com
merce and Industry, told Japa-
nese newspapers today that "the
current international situation is
so tense that a single spark would
be sufficient to cause an explo-
sion"
This important indication of the
Governments concern was reported
as the Domei agency took cognl-
zance of President Roosevelt'S Fri
day night order embargoing aviation
fuel as directed against Japan.
There was no official comment on
the embargo, however.
The Japan Times and Advertiser,
Foreign Office organ, said even be-
fore the fuel embargo was reported
here that British and United States
moves to cut Japan OF from vital
supplies of oil, tin and rubber
would only speed Japan on her
program to become self-sufhcient
in the South Orient.
The newspaper Sochi asserted that
Japan should tighten the iron ring
against anti-Japanese elements in
the SOUTH" but it warned: The
democratic powers against Japan
should not be undereStimated."
Nervousness Indicated.
Considerable nervousness concern
ing the intentions of the United
States about supplying Russia with
war materials also was indicated
by Domei agency broadcast quot
ing in the newspaper Nichi Nichi.
The paper declared rapproche-
ment between the United States and
Soviet Russia in the long run would
entail participation of Russia in the
British American policy of EN-
circlement" of Japan. Transporta-
ton of war supplies through the Pa
ciflc to Russia would not leave Japan
Indifferent, the paper said.
Commerce Minister Sakonji said
''the economic situation confronting
Japan demands an increase in in
dustrial production for the replen-
ishment of national defense and to
maintain the standard of defense +"
Commenting on the American oil
embargo, Domei said "the American
embargo on motor fuels and aviation
oils does not mention Japan, but it
is pointed out by competent quar-
ters that it is directed against
Japan"
Stringent Gas ReguIa tions.
The news agency said, however.
that Japanese aviation now could
dispense with the United States
supply by using vegetable oils and
reclaiming lubricants.
There were multiplying instances,
however, of increasingly stringent
gasoline regulations. The prefectural
ONCE at Kobe banned taxis from
cruising the streets from 6 pm. to
am. After September 80 the hours
of this ban will be further extended.
The Imperial Rule Assistance As
ISOLATION also recommended suspen-
sion of some government projects
presumably including repair of badly
pitted Toxic streets where asphalt
and concrete would be necessary.
The association recommended that
the government order students, even
girls, into labor duty 10 meet a
critical shortage.
A story from Hsinking, Manchu-
kuo, disclosed that coal for winter
is being moved on street car tracks
late at night after passenger cars
stop running in an effort to conserve
gasoline.
The food situation was compar-
sble, with the agricultural ministry
taking over and rationing vegetables
and flour.
Malaga Embargo Charged.
The Times and Advertiser said the
United States and Britain ALREADY
had established a de facto embargo"
in Malaga, and declared
This artificial exclusion of Japan
from supplies merely hastens the
course of f-sufficiency in the
Western Pacific"
The newspaper said the United
States was attempting to monopolize
vital raw materials in the South Seas
on preferred customer basis, buy
ing the surplus so that markets can
explain they are sold out" The
same thing is likely to develop in
South America, the Times and Ad-
vertiser asserted
Japan added India to the list of
countries whose assets in Japan
have been frozen in realization for
similar action started by the United
States, Britain and Canada against
Japan.
The government also announced
today similar action would be taken
Monday with respect to New Zea-
land and the Union of South Africa.