davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1941-07-20

which might be fatal to the present gov
eminent and to the imperial house
The Toxic diplomats also feel that as
sequel to the British-Russian alliance,
in the event of a stalemate, Britain and
the United States would take coercive
measures-if only of an economic nature
to compel the Japanese to desist from
further operations In Siberia. Hence,
the Japanese would incur severe losses
in a most uncertain campaign with little
chance Of obtaining any positive and
concrete results.
Because of the uncertainty and the
risks of campaign in the north, the
japanese government, with the consent
of Emperor Hirohito, has decided to
move-probably before the middle of the
next month-to the south. The cam
paign will develop, according to infor-
nation received in Washington, against
Southern Indo-China and Thailand 1t
will not be a difficult or bloody opera
ton. Vichy is expected to surrender the
remaining parts of the French colony;
as for Thailand everything is prepared
so that the japanese occupation of that
kingdom will be nothing but triumphal
march.
Six Air Fields.
The occupation of Cochin China and
Cambodia by Japan is important from
the strategic point of view. Besides the
important naval base at Cape Saint
Jacques near Saigon, there are at least
six very important airdromes in that re-
gion. These air operating fields have
been constructed within the past three
years by the French in conjunction with
the British for the common defense of
the Southern Pacific. Not only have
they the most modern available instru-
ments, but they have also protection
much better than anything the British
and the French had at the outbreak of
the war in France or the British Isles.
The occupation of those two provinces of
Indo-China would bring the japanese to
within striking distance of Singapore and
the Netherlands East Indies. The occu-
patton of Thailand by Siam would bring
the japanese forces into the immediate
vicinity of Burma and the Malay states.
In responsible military quarters in
Washington it is felt that this move of
the japanese is only forerunner of an
attack against Britain at Singapore and
the eventual attack against Java and
Sumatra Unless the japanese forces
have complete control over these i'm
portant bases, the military, naval and
air operations of the imperial forces
would be greatly handicapped.
Toxic assumes that within the next
few weeks neither Britain nor the United
States can do much to prevent the
occupation of an independent Asiatic
kingdom - Thailand - and of Vichy
colony.
Toxic believes in striking while the
iron is hot. The question is one OF
driving the British out Of Singapore
Evening star., 1941-07-20
JAPAN DECIDES TO DRIVE TOWARD SOUTH
Will Leave Siberia Alone Present, Observer Believes
BY Constantine Br0,cn.

attack against this force would require
at least 100000 fully equipped men with
the most modern war paraphernalia, an
effort Japan could i'll afford these days
when Chang Kai-shek has not been
liquidated yet and the conquest of Indo-
China and Thailand has not been COM
pleted But the fundamental reason why
the japanese have decided to leave
Siberia alone-for the time being at
least-is political.
From Toxic the situation in Europe
appears as follows: The Axis will either
win this war or there will be a stalemate.
In the event the war is won, the Japa-
nese don't know yet how the Germans
will feel about allocating the rich Dutch
East Indies to Japan if, by the time the
war is ended, the japanese flag does not
fly over Batavia. On the other hand, if
Stains hold on Russia is broken, the
country will unquestionably be split into
several independent" kingdoms, princi-
palities and duchies. The supreme au
thority from Moscow would disappear.
In such an eventuality, Gen. Stern
might desire to proclaim an independent
Siberia. But since he has not at his
disposal everything that is required
to establish such state, he may listen
to words Of wisdom from Japan and
agree to enter into political combina-
ton in which Japan would play the first
fiddle. Toxic seems confident that Gen.
Stern is man of reason and experience
and a substantial financial contribution
from Japan, together with a promise
that Siberia would share in the new order
in Asia might induce him to come to an
agreement whereby the riches of that
Russian province would be pooled to-
gether with those of the rest of Asia and
accept Tokios sovereignty as the rest
of Russia will accept that of the Reich.
Siberian Defenses Strong.
This appears to be the position of
Japan, as seen from Toxic, in the event
the war is won by the Axis. In the event
of a stalemate caused by Russias resist
ance, which would give the United States
time to intervene efficiently in the war,
an attack against Siberia might mean
disaster for Japan. The optimistic Jap
anese leaders feel that in the event of
war against Siberia Japan must reckon
with at least year of intensive fighting
Japan has been at war now for almost
10 years The japanese people have been
required to make tremendous economic
sacrifices. In these 10 years there have
been over 100000 casualties. But the
people of Japan have been spared the
horror of air bombardments. Should
Toxic engage in war with the Siberian
forces while Russia is still fighting, there
is no doubt in any of the leaders minds
that Russian airplanes will lombard the
principal japanese cities. The morale of
the people is still good because the war
is away from the shores of Japan. But
the destruction of some Of the Japanese
cities might throw the people into panic
Evening star., 1941-07-20

The japanese policy at this phase of
the war has been finally determined and
while no official indications of the gov-
ernments intentions are available,
enough has been reported back from
Toxic to give the administration in
Washington picture of what the Nip
ponese government intends to do within
the next few months. The cabinet shake
up has not affected the long-range plans.
Japan has decided that it must con-
tinue the drive southWards and, for the
time being. leave Siberia alone. Within
the next few weeks. the imperial army
Is expected to occupy the remainder of
Indo-China's Thailand According to
reliable reports from the Far East, the
japanese governments decision was
taken after a considerable amount of
discussion and analysis of the war poten-
tials in Europe. The attack on Siberia
has been discarded because it involved
too many risks.
Professional Army.
The Russian Army in that section of
the U. S. S. r. numbers between 100000
and 100000 men. Not more than two
divisions (about $4,000 mem have been
removed to the western front. Thus Gen.
Stern, commanding the force since the
purging of FieldmarShal Bluecher, has at
least 100000 men at his disposal. This
Is a professional army. That is to say,
the force consists of soldiers who have
five
but most of them have been under arms
for many more years than that Political
commissars were attached to the units in
the period Immediately following the
1886 purge which saw the demise of
Russias best military Strategists, such
as Fieldmarshal Toukatchevsky, Yure-
witch and eventually BlueCher himself.
But, on the whole, the commissars have
not been able to deteriorate the morale
of the troops, as has been the case in
many western units. Gen. Stern, the
commander in chief, who succeeded Blue
cher, was considered a political general,
but proved to be a man who knows his
business. In the purely military atmo-
sphere of his command he devoted him
self exclusively to maintaining the morale
and the preparedness of his troops and
eventually became as good leader as
the purged Bluecher.
An air force, estimated at between 900
and 1900 planes, is maintained in Siberia.
Because of the long distance between
Siberia and the industrial centerS of
Russia, large stores of military supplies
have been gathered in the vast province
for the last five years. Thus, even If
the tunnels connecting Vladivostok with
Moscow along the nearly completed
double-track Trans-Siberian Railroad
we're blown up, the army would not SUI
fer. 1t has arms, ammunition, supplies
of all kinds for at least 18 months of in
tensive campaign; also workshops where
ordnance and airplanes can be repaired.
The Japanese have figured that an
Evening star., 1941-07-20

Matsuoka, who on several occasions has
spoken in blunt disapproval of American
influence in the Far East.
Konoye cabinet, dominated by Matsu-
Okla in large degree, brought Japan into
Axis orbit last year and later bound ma
ton in neutrality pact with Soviet Rus
sia
At request of Emperor, Konoye formed
new cabinet on Friday with army and
navy members holding
Joponese balance of power. Re-
Shoke-lIn placed was Matsuoka by
Vice Admiral Teijiro
Toyoda.
Many interpreted shift to presage re-
nunciation of Soviet pact and perhaps
aggressive action against Russians in
Evening star., 1941-07-20

neared close, defensive fighting was hold
ing Germans on Leningrad approaches,
and Smolensk salient 23O miles from
Moscow was being subjected to heavy
counter blows on both sides of triangle.
Toward end of week, part of United
States Embassy staff evacuated Moscow.
Formal completion of British-Free
French conquest of Levant states was
signalized on Monday as British Gen.
Auchinleck announced signing of armi-
stice and Vichy Chief of State Petain
acknowledged defeat in note of thanks
to defending forces.
BY terms of armiStice, all French
were surrendered; those
SyrIon who fought vainly for five
Peoce weeks to maintain French
rule were offered choice of
transit to France or enlistment in Free
French forces. On Wednesday, Allied
leaders entered Beirut and occupation
forces swept quickly as far north as
Turkish border.
Coincidentally, it was revealed that
Berlin had made advances to Ankara
for transit of German troops and sup
plies through Turkish territory into
Caucasus isthmus in event Russia is de-
feated Objective would be occupation
of Baku oil fields, where threat of prior
British occupation already is recognized.
For this latter purpose, British Indian
divisions already are reported moving
northWard in Iraq, vantage point from
which Nazi penetration of whole area
between Black and Caspian Seas could
be resisted.
Twice during this past week there were
reports Of sharp engagements in Tobruk
sector in North Africa where British
garrison has been besieged for three
months. Unsuccessful at efforts to break
besieging lines, garrison forces neverthe-
less have been constantly able to get
supplies and replacement personnel from
Mediterranean fleet with their stubborn
hold upon coastal city being major factor
in immobilizing Axis strategy for drive
on Suez.
On several occasions, also, British COM
muniques from Near East claimed de-
struction of Axis supply shipping in
Mediterranean, one telling of sinking of
seven small vessels
Shipping destruction occupied promi-
nent place in other fighting developments
of this week as London pub
SEQ lished its June losses at 329,-
War 900 tons, smallest since last
January. Since beginning of
war, Admiralty admits to loss of 1,078
merchant vessels of 4,605 900 total ton
mage. With June announcement. Ad-
miralty also said shipping losses hence
Evening star., 1941-07-20

Siberia. The japanese press forecast a
considered cautious foreign policy"
Prime Minister Churchill wound up
and pitched few fancy words last week,
appearing before a great Hyde Park de-
fense review on Monday to promise no
truce" with Hitler, and continuing
"remorseless" aggressive attitude against
the Axis.
"We shall not turn from our purpose,
however somber the road" he said.
Perhaps it may be our turn soon. Per-
haps it may be our turn now"
Bitterly. Churchill repudiated charges
of chaos in British arms production and
promised full-dress report on this mat
ter soon.
On that same day he marked Frances
Evening star., 1941-07-20

forth will not be published at regular
intervals because by this means valuable
information is given to the enemy"
incidentally, Berlin and Rome esti-
mated British losses in June at 878,780
tons
Intensifying their retaliation against
Nazi shipping, Royal Air Force reported
damage or destruction of five vessels on
Monday and on Thursday said that II
Axis carriers had been plN out of action
in 24hour span. Most of latter damage
was done in massed daylight assault on
Rotterdam harbor, costing four raiding
planes.
Overland, British bombers blasted dur
ing week at Bremen, Hanover, Hamburg
and in Ruhr district.
Evening star., 1941-07-20
HEMISPHERE DEFENSE PROBLEM ANALYZED
Suggests Political Obstacles Cooperation Be Examined
Bv Carlos J. Tidela.

name is revealed by look a. its means
of defense.
First, the armies. 1t is safe to limit
our study to six nations Argentina,
Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia and
Mexico
Argentina's standing army has about
As 900 infantry, cavalry, artillery and
engineers-the equivalent of three divi-
sions. Trained reserves are about 600.-
900, but what they would fight with is
another matter. With the exception OF
some trucks and some sample tanks,
mechanical equipment is non-existent.
Brazils army numbers ordinarily
about $4,000 men, with 1000 reserves.
Chile has some 10000 in active service,
with 450,000 in reserve. What has been
said of Argentine equipment can be said
of Brazilian and Chilean equipment, too.
Peru has about $1,000 men. according
to latest adviceS. and Peruvian arma-
ment and other equipment is vastly in
ferior to that Of the above-named
armies Colombia has, perhaps, 10000
men under identical disadvantages.
Armies Poorly Equipped.
Mexico keeps $4,000 men in her active
ranks and could mobilize 100000 if she
wanted to. She has done it in her civil
wars. What she could arm them with
for a modern war is not apparent.
There is the whole military picture of
Latin America-a picture of small armies
of citizen soldiers. poorly equipped, al
though often ably commanded, because
Latin America thinks of its armies
rather in terms of civic duty to be per-
formed by its citizens than of a really
effective military machine.
1t is evident, therefore, that if there
is to be any sort of joint action the
problem of equipping and training those
forces has to be solved without delay.
Here, again. the differences between the
nations to the south become apparent:
A big fiat country like Argentina, with
great distances between points, calls for
an army of great mobility and higher
degree of mechaniZation than Chile,
which is narrow strip between the
huge barrier of the Andes and the Pa
cific. A nation like Brazil, whose main life
centers on the coastal region bordering
on the Atlantic, needs a different form
of protection than Colombia where the
terrain, being exceedingly mountainous,
demands above all the use of aviation.
If we turn to naval defense, our study
is limited still further, to four nations,
Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru, for
in the rest of Latin America there is
nothing that can be called navy.
The South American line of battle on
the high seas is made up of five battle
ships, two Argentine, two Brazilian and
one Chilean. Even our South American
friends will agree that it is a decrepit
squadron. The two Argentine battle
ships, the Rivadavia and the Moreno,
were built In the Quincy and Fore River
Evening star., 1941-07-20

The problem Of military, naval and air
cooperation among nations of the West
ern Hemisphere today is no nearer a
solution than it was year ago.
Still the first essential, unity of COM
mand. or at least unity of thought among
the various commands, is far off. Not
even the declaration of Havana. which
was supposed to take care of the po-
litical angles involved, has been unani-
mously ratified by the American repub
lies.
Because complacency is the stuff of
which reverses are made it is well to
point out that until political considera-
tions are settled there can be no hope
of achieving the h-talked about
military cooperation" between the
United States and Latin America
Stated bluntly, there is no military,
naval or aerial problem here. There is
only political problem. Defense of the
so-called western Hemisphere" (an-
other fiction is simply political mat
ter The military factor trails behind.
1t trails behind because only the
United States has the weapons, the sup
plies, the industrial facilities, the armed
forces and the money with which to carry
out that defense. All that Latin Amer
lean nations can contribute is their ex-
isting bases and their acquiescence. To
obtain these Washington needs only to
solve the not-so- complicated diplomatic
questions that arise
U. S. Fate Held Real Issue.
The first problem is getting together
on what is to be defended, and how. That
is what is holding up a solution. Per-
haps long step forward in that direction
could be taken if certain concepts were
frankly accepted.
Candidly, the matter at stake is that
of defending the United States, not the
Western Hemisphere" 1t is to the in
terest of the rest of the Americas that
the United States successfully survives
the present crisis.
Divested of all the oratory, that is
the point that has to be put across. 1t
has not been put across yet because of
all the fancy embroidery and rhetoric
with which that simple proposition has
been dressed, making it appear unduly
selfish and even hypocritical.
Never in the history of the New World
has the United States enjoyed the popu-
larity and the affection it now enjoys
from Aqua Caliente to Cape Horn. Even
in Argentina the most staid newspapers,
like La Prensa and La Nacion, which
reflect the more solid part of public
opinion, are clamoring for cooperation
with Washington. If there ever was
moment when something should be done,
that moment is now But the cart has
been put before the horse, and the ques-
ton of military" cooperation dragged
out before the ground has been made
ready through simple, honest diplomatic
negotiation.
That Latin America cannot offer any
Kind Of armed cooperation worth the
Evening star., 1941-07-20
Fighting Fronts

Working laboriously at time -honored
and often successful German strategy of
military development, Nazi armies were
attempting to jam their way through
Stain Line in order to circle back on
three main Russian concentrations:
those guarding Leningrad, Moscow and
the Ukraine.
Early in week, Berlin reported prin-
cipal assaults in direction of Kiev and
Leningrad-air forces blasting at former
city while two ground columns punched
at defenders of former st. Petersburg
Tank units meanwhile were biting into
central Russian front and D.N.B. on
Tuesday asserted that German spear
head was deep into Red defense line at
Vitebsk.
Later that day however, Moscow re-
ported temporarily successful counter
attack south of Vitebsk
Panzers sector with Reds pushing
Push On Germans back across
Dnieper River and nearly
20 miles beyond. Recapturing Rogachev,
Russians declared 1900 Germans had
been killed in this single sharp engage
ment and on Wednesday Moscow as
serted continuance of counterdrive.
Two other arms of Russias fighting
forces were working out on Nazi foe at
midweek, as Soviet WarshipS stood off
Germanheld Latvlan port of Riga and
poured shells into waterfront, and Red
airmen for three successive nights
dropped their compliments on Rumanian
city of PloeSti, heart of rich oil area.
In light of early Nazi claims of deStruc-
ton of 1000 Soviet planes, reports of
their continued activity were coupled
with information released by British
military mission in Moscow that Red
air feet was fundamentally intact and
an effective fighting force.
On Thursday there came an apparent
halt to Russian counter advances and
out of welter of conflicting
SmoIensk or vague claims came i'm
Sector preston that one Nazi
drive had broken through
as far as Smolensk southeast of Vitebsk
and on main highway to Moscow. Fierce
fighting was reported to the north over
approaches to Leningrad but as heavy
rains on Friday turned dried plains and
marshes into mud there was once again
a noticeable optimism in Moscow.
Out of this enforced hiatus came word
OF a reversion in war tactics to those
of 1914-1913 as Reds dug trench shelters
from German artillery and air fire. De-
spite intense efforts of invaders, Kiev
was still In Russian hands as week
Evening star., 1941-07-20

JUTcGS. "A. +. TILOtO.
and occupying the prize possessions in
the Far East-the Netherlands East
Indies-in an important operation. But
this, Toxic feels, must not be undertaken
unless the shape of the war in Europe
becomes more clear and definite.
With the Japanese strongly intrenched
in all of Indo-China and in Thailand,
where large number of Japanese troops
and the major part of the air force will
be brought in the course of the next few
months, it would be an easy task to
conquer these Dutch and British posses
sions once Hitler has won a complete
victory in Europe.
On the other hand, if a stalemate
develops in the western theater of opera
tions, the Japanese don't risk much.
While giving up their plans for the
conquest of Singapore and the Neither
land possessions, they will keep Thailand
and -China-two important possess
sions both from the military and eco
nomic points of view. Without firing
a shot they would have presented the
Japanese people with more territory
which eventually would prove an i'm
portant asset to Japan. Toxic figures
that even If the Axis were to suffer a
complete defeat, neither Britain nor
the United States would attempt to
dislodge Japan by force from the
Asiatic mainland.
Thus, regardless of what may happen
elsewhere, Toxic is convinced that the
rounding up of Japan's conquest on
the Asiatic mainland offers no dangers.
If the Germans win and there is stale
mate, with all belligerents completely
exhausted, they could still take the
Dutch possessions. If the Axis is de-
feated, the region between the China
Sea and India will remain in the hands
Of Japan-no mean gain for the Nip
ponese Empire.