Evening star., 1941-03-30
Coup in Yugos|avia
Seen Keeping Japan
From Entering War
Fear of U. S. Attitude Also
Believed Deterrine Any
Move Against Singapore

Despite increasing German pres
sure on Japan to enter the war
against Britain, the feeling grew in
responsible Washington quarters
yesterday that developments in Yu-
goslavia had tipped the scales
against such step by Toxic.
Those of this view expressed be-
lief the Balkan setback to axis
diplomacy would lead Japan to pro-
ceed cautiously and to weigh care
fully the possible consequences of
any action against Britain.
Berlin reports have indicated Ger
many wants Japan to attack Brit
aims Far Eastern naval base in
Singapore. If the japanese accept
this advice, an informed source said,
the United States Undoubtedly would
take immediate steps"to aid Britain.
the transfer to Britain OF cruisers
or other important American naval
units was mentioned as specific
DOS SlDllity.
Iokio is beIeved to be p4.tlcular-
~ concerned over the position tnis
cOlr try might take in evant CT a
Japanese British clash. American
pf',,cy. apparently has been to keep
tie japanese guessing.
U. S. Force Is in Pacific.
A Navy Department statement Of
"ho comment rega, ding the future
movements of a formidable Ameri-
can naval force in the SOucn Pacific
already has aroused speculation th0t
vessels might remain indefinitely IN
those waters in order to exert moral
influence on Japan.
The squadron consists of two cruis-
ers and five destroyers. A smaller
force also visited New Zealand re-
Gently.
Chairman George of the Foreign
Relations Committee was one of
those believeing there was little like
lihood OF immediate Japanese ac-
ton against British Far Eastern
| outposts.
He told reporters "the probabili-
ties of an attack by Japan on Singa-
pore have diminished rather than
| increased during the last several
! weeks
Balkan Developments Cited.
Senator George, usually in close
touch with the State Department.
referred to the visit of Japanese
Foreign Minister Matsuoka TO Ber-
lin and added that Balkan events
since Mr.. Matsuokas arrival there
have made it still more doubtful
that Japan can be induced or forced
into an attack on Singapore"
Japan will not make the mistake
made by Italy in assuming prompt
end to the war, and a termination
altogether favorable to Germany, in
view OF events Of the last 80 DAYS"
Senator George declared. adding:
1T is known that the British
force guarding Singapore has been
ausmented-probably by Australian
units and perhaps by other powers.
All told. the British have a consid-
cradle and formidable force based
at Singapore or at points where
units could be thrown quickly to
the defense of that base if the
japanese undertook operations
against It,"
Senator Georges reference to
other powers was interpreted by
some to mean that Dutch warships
in the Pacific might be ready to aid
Britain in the event of an attack
on Singapore.
The Russian Specter.
The Georgia Senator remarked
that Japan cannot lose sight of
Russia, and possible Russian inter-
ference if Japan should be induced
to begin operations against Britain
There is nothing in the present
European picture to reaSsure ia
pan" he added.
Constantin Fotitch, the Yugosla,
Minister, conferred with Sumner
WelleS, Undersecretary of State,
yesterday on Yugoslav events anC
their possible repercussions.
Talking with reporters afterward
the Minister sidestepped direct
questions concerning Yugoslavia' {
next move-particularly whether II
would denounce or ratify the axi.
pact signed by the depoSed govern
ment.
Cimon P. Diamantopoulos. the
Greek Minister, also conferred with
Mr.. Welles. He confined his OBJ
servations to reporters to an asser-
ton that Yugoslavia's defiance OF
German pressure was most impor-
tant in the Balkans because il
meant that Yugoslavia was master
in its own house.
During the day the State De.
partment received a series of cable
reports from Arthur Bliss Lane
the American Minister at Belgrade
which had been delayed through
transmission difficulties and censor
ship.
Mr.. Lane reported that Friday
Belgrade was again calm, that al
normal activities had been resumed
and that communications were
again open, with censorship relaxed
The American Minister'S report.
several times spoke of the tire.
mendous enthusiasm" aroused ir
Belgrade by Gen. DuSan Simovic's
successful coup and King Peter.
assumption of full power.
Mr.. Lane also reported that he
was greatly impressed" by the
17-year-old King and the manner
in which he was meeting the situa.
ton.
His bearing was dignifed," Mr.
Lane reported, "and indicated ht
fully appreciates the responsible.
ties with which he is faced. He
has greatly matured since 1 last
saw him several months ago."