Japan Will Strike
pp. 44-46 · Read in the full issue
Southward Statement by an Admiral
ADMIRAL Baron Osumi, senior naval member of the Supreme -War Council of Japan, interviewed by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, in Tokio, on January 9, urged his countrymen to acquire a good knowledge of the South Seas region “preparatory to an expan sion in that direction”.
“The Pacific,” he said, “may prove a misnomer. I know for certain that the future will see an aggravation of the situation. Japan has got to expand in some direction, and it is the common desire of humanity to expand in the direction of heat and light.
“I have yet to hear of a great task performed easily. People adhering to the old order of acting contrary to their preachment that God is benevolent to all, are sure to put obstacles in the way of Japan.
“There is not the slightest intention by Japan to exploit the South Seas, but they have prevented an under standing of Japan’s intention. They are purchasing warships and aeroplanes, which I am afraid will not be of any great help in trouble with us.”
When asked to define the “South Seas”, Admiral Osumi said: “The region includes countries whose mention by name would strike terror into the hearts of some people. There is no thought of conniving at outrage and intolerance much longer.”
Much significance is attached to the statement of Admiral Osumi, who is a former Navy Minister and delegate to the League of Nations. Hitherto the Navy’s views had not been made plain, but Admiral Osumi’s statement exceeds in frankness the recent utterances of Prince Konoye, the Prime Minister, and Mr. Matsuoka, the Foreign Minister.
Mr. and Mrs. William Beddows, two of Fiji’s best-known identities, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Jan uary 6. Fifty years ago they were married at Taveuni. Mr. Beddows has been con- “es W m production production, ana norse ana cattle raising.
Mr. H. H. Marchington, of Suva, Fiji, is at present serving overseas with the New Zealand forces. He soent the greater part of his life in the Colony, but had been living in the Dominion for some time.
Mr. J. R. Shaw, who was injured in an accident several weeks ago, died at Lautoka recently. He was employed with the Fiji Kauri Timber Company.