Japanese Eyes On Dutch New Guinea

Leasing Plan Not Well Received In Holland

THE following newspaper despatches tell their own story.

The following, from Tokio, was published in Sydney on March 1: “It was suggested in Parliament that Japan should conclude a non-aggression pact with Holland.

“It was also suggested that Japan should approach Holland for permission to lease Dutch New Guinea.

“The Premier (General Hayashi) replied that the matter would be studied. adding that Japan had no territorial ambitions in the Dutch East Indies.”

The following was published in Sydney on March 3: — The correspondent of The Times at The Hague states: “Tf the fox preaches religion the farmer should protect his geese,’ is a Dutch proverb summarising the attitude of the local newspapers towards the Japanese suggestion that Japan should lease Dutch New Guinea for settlement. The suggestion has aroused indignation throughout the country.

“Newspapers angrily declare that the discussion of the lease of Dutch territory is out of the question. ‘Moreover,’ it is added, ‘the Japanese are untrustworthy, and will use every method, even the most secret and crooked, in the pursuit of their aims.’

“The Telegraff declares that Dutch New Guinea is of no commercial value to the Japanese, and that the only Japan ese settlement there is a failure.

“The newspapers are unanimous that the only value Dutch New Guinea has for Japan is military. Its peaceful pene tration would eventually create a situa tion intolerable to Britain and the United States, the newspapers declare.”

According to a message from The Hague, received in London on March 2, it ig authoritatively stated that a pact between the Netherlands and Japan is not in line with Dutch policy, and that the granting of land concessions in Dutch New Guinea will only be considered in (jividually and not collectively,

Minister’S Visit To Batavia

rpjjE following was despatched from 1 Tokio on March The Asahi says: “The proposals to lease Dutch New Guinea and to achieve the colonisation and economic penetra tion of the Dutch East Indies await the return the Mr. Kuwashima, the new Japanese Minister to Holland, who is now going to Batavia to discuss the situ ation with Government officers; and, it is reported, to allay fears of Japanese

aggression.”