Evening Star Newspaper, April 18, 1940, Page 3

Brifish and French In Far East Prepare To Defend Indies Japanese Move to Seize Dutch Islands Is Held Serious Possibility By the Associated Press. SHANGHAI, April 18.—British and French forces in the Far East were making ready today for any eventuality —including the chance of a Japanese attempt to selez the Netherlands Indies in event of a German invasion of the Netherlands. Authorities of the American fleet in Asiatic waters joined the allies in the comment that such action by Japan is a “serious possibility.” A neutral naval observer in Bhanghai declared that a thrust by | Japan into the Netherlands Indies Wwould result in Japan's entering the war on the side of Germany. “If the Japanese decide that the probabilities favor their success they may occupy the islands, using the same excuse as Adolf Hitler used in Denmark and Norway,” this ob- server said, referring to the German explanation that the Scandinavian countries were invaded for their own “protection.” “If Japan could be certain that Russia would not jump on her back it is highly possible that the Japa- nese would act,” he said. Factors Favoring Stroke. Naval officials said several factors favor the possibility of a lightning Japanese stroke to parallel any German drive into the Netherlands. First, they contended, it is Japan's *unconcealed ambition” to gain con- trol of the Indies’ oil, rubber and tin supplies to achieve independence of other sources of supply. “If the East Indies could be grabbed in a swift, successful stroke Japan’s dream of dominating the Western Pacific and the ousting of European colonial powers would be well on the way toward realization | overnight,” one observer said. The Japanese Navy, in contrast to the Japanese Army, this source went | on, has not been weakened directly by the war in China. The navy was pictured as “cocky and full of fight” and as believing that its “easy land- ings in China could be duplicated in the East Indies.” “The navy likewise apparently is convinced that the East Indies could be subjugated before the British- French forces could swing into ac- tion, therefore the present is the most auspicious for a Japanese gamble. “Proponents of action by Japan also probably believe that if a quick coup is accomplished, and the Amer- ican public is presented with a fait accompli, the United States will not retaliate.” Agents Reported Active. There were reports that Japanese political agents have been active in shaping up an anti-Dutch campaign among East Indian natives. Thou- sands of the natives were said to belong to pro-Japanese and pan- Asiatic societies. Foreign experts in Shanghai ex- | pressed the opinion that Japan | would have better than an even chance of success, even considering the possibility of heavy losses. They said Japan would have to use several squadrons of cruisers, plus destroyers, submarines, aircraft car- riers and transports to smash through British and French sub- marines, cruisers and destroyers now based at Honk Kong and in French Indo-China, flanking Japan's 2,000~ mile line of communications south- ward from Formosa. Moreover, all strategic harbors of the Netherlands Indies are mined and the East Indies defense force could put up a fight with its 13 sub- marines, six destroyers, two cruisers and a strong, American-trained air- . force using American-built planes The figures on the Dutch defense are estimates. Deterring Factors. The foregoing are the immediate tactical factors. Three other con- siderations in the field of broad strategy were pointed out as deter- rents: 1. The prospect that sporadic fighting, such as has for years dis- turbed the common boundaries of the Japanese and Russian Empires, might be resumed at any time. 2. The possibility that Japan would not wish to become a war ally of Germany against the British and French. 3. The chance that the United States might act to protect its com- munications and trade lines to the Philippines and its sources of raw | materials in the Indies or, broadly, | move to preserve the status quo in | the Pacific. Naval (Continued From First Page._) the $964,000,000 naval appropriation bill after voting $223,636,517 for civil functions of the War Department. The latter measure was $20,163,195 larger than the House total and $2,343.917 larger than the President’s budget. The Senate added $15,000,000 to start a new set of Panama Canal locks. It rejected, 39 to 31, a pro- posal to increase flood control funds by $30,000,000. As passed, the bill provided $70,000,000 for general flood-control work and $30,000,000 for work on the lower Mississippi. Previous proposals for fortifica- tion of Guam have met defeat in Congress after sharp debate. Foes of such a program declared that it would be “a dagger pointed at the throat of Japan.” Japanese naval officers have called the plans an “unfriendly gesture” and a “moral threat” to their country. Chance of Passage Slim. Opposition to the Guam' project recently caused the House to elimi- nate a proposed $1,000,000 harbor improvement expenditure for the island, an action upheld by the Senate Appropriations Committee in its refusal to- include the item in the Navy supply bill. Chances that the Senate would order it re- stored were considered small. Asked if the maintenance of an American fleet superior to the Jap- anese in the Far East would affect the present balance of political forces there, the Navy replied: “The proposal appears rather fan- tastic and would be seriously chal- lenged by any well-qualified naval officer in a responsible position. Except under temporary diplomatic or war necessities, the permanent . Sturm’s alleged Dutch accomplices, THE EVENING STAR, AMERICA TURNS ITS EYES TOWARD THE EAST IN NEW WAR CRISIS—The United States proclaimed to the world today a “hands off” policy for the Netherlands East Indies, the rich and strategically vitalcolonial empire in the South Seas. East Indies (horizontal shading) and Japan and the territory it dominates or occupies (oblique shading) are shown in this map. Between Japan’s empire and the Netherland’s islands are the United States’ Philippine Islands. Coincident with the crisis in the Far East, the United States Navy renewed its advocacy of a major air and submarine base at Guam, tiny American island outpost, which is 1,500 miles from Tokio and the same distance from the air and naval base at Manila. The Japanese Navy, in the event it decided to attempt to occupy the Netherlands East Indies, would face trouble from several strong British and French bases, notably Britain's new “Gibraltar” at Singapore (lower left). The relative positions of the Netherlands 200 400 6 J MILES NAVAL BASES (&) AIR BASES "= e - ~ e - —A. P. Wirephoto. Indies (Cont:xaued From First Page.) “the Netherlands Indies are impor- tant in the international relations of the whole Pacific Ocean” was| noted here particularly in view of | Arita’s recent statement that Japan considered the status quo concerned “East Asia.” | Speculation abroad on the possi-| bility that the allies or Japan might take a hand in the Indies in case Netherlands is attacked has been answered repeatedly by informed sources. Their reply invariably has been that the Dutch government’s unde- viating policy is not to ask or accept help in advance of the day on which it may be needed. This policy ap- plies throughout the kingdom, in the East and West Indies as well as in Europe. “The war of rumors may cause confusion elsewhere,” the Amster- dam Algemeen Handelsblad com- mented. “It cannot dissuade us from our decision to remain our own masters under nobody’s guardianship.” Leaves Are Restored. Extraordinary military leaves were restored in the Netherlands yester- day permitting men to be absent from active duty to visit sick rela- tives and take student examinations. Periodic leaves of absence, which were canceled, April 9, after the German invasion of Denmark and Norway, will still be withheld. Franz Sturm, German engineer convicted of espionage, was sen- tenced to five years” imprisonment after a prolonged secret hear- ing of the case, involving the steal- ing of information about the move- ments of Netherlands ships and their cargoes. Ministry of Economic Affairs offi- cials, had previously been sentenced to 32, 24 and 18 month prison terms. Japan’s Privy Council Hears Hull Statement TOKIO, April 18 (#).—Secreiary Hull's statement opposing any change in the status of the Neth- erlands Indies was greeted by Japan today as coinciding with Japan’s own wishes. A report on the American state- ment was made to the Privy Coun- cil by Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita, who focused world attention on the rich Netherlands possessions last Monday by & declaration that Japan would be concerned deeply over any change in the Indies’ status. Both Japan and the United States based their declarations on appre- hension over what might happen to the island empire if European warfare engulfs the Netherlands. | In issuing his statement Hull mentioned that made by Arita, thus putting on record the positions of both powers. Both depend on the Indies for vital raw materials such as rubber and tin. The Netherlands Minister to Tokio, J. C. Pabst, called on Arita and ex- pressed his nation’s gratification that Japan would oppose any change in the islands. The foreign office spokesman, ‘Yakichiro Suma, declared “ours was & spontaneous expression aimed at no specific nation and actuated only by recent developments in Europe. Japan hopes to prevent the spread of European war to the Pacific and the step was taken 1n accordance with this wish.” Suma said the Hull |and Arita statements coincided. It was asserted Arita intended his words to clarify Japan’s position in advance of any European develop- ment which might come swiftly in modern warfare. Without mentioning the Japanese- American statements, commander T. Kanoe, acting as spokesman for the Japanese Navy, compared Japanese interest in the Indies with the station of such a large proportion of our total sea strength so far from bome would appear to be folly.” Y By the Associated Press. An administration movement to add Secretary of Commerce Hopkins 0 a slate of Towa delegates at large to the Democratic National Con- vention was said today by Senator | Gillette, Democrat, of Iowa to be | under way. Senator Gillette said influential Iowa Democrats had approached { him recently with the suggestion | that he, Secretary Wallace and| Senator Herring, Democrat, of Iowu! serve as delegates. No mention was | made of Mr. Hopkins at that time, | Senator Gillette said. Mr. Hopkins a year ago changed his legal resi-| dence from New York to Towa. | (When Representative Wearin -.received New Deal support in his losing attempt to unseat Senator Gillette in the Iowa primary, Secretary Hopkins announced he would vote for Mr. Wearin if he were an Jowa voter at that time.) “Now I have been asked,” Senator | Gillette said, “what attitude I would take to the suggestion that Secretary Hopkins be named as a delegate. Gillette Reveals Move to Make Hopkins an lowa Delegate “I was informed that the admin- istration would like to have all the | cabinet members serve as convention delegates. “I told them I didn't select the | delegates, that the delegates would be chosen by the State convention, | but that I would not object to the | selection of Secretary Hopkins as one of them. I said 1 would abide by the decision of the convention. | “It was suggested to me that Sec- | retary Hopkins was in poor health and that it would mean a great deal to him to attend the convention. “I am taking no part in the selec- tion of delegates. I should not be surprised, however, if there were opposition among Iowa Democrats | to the selection of Secretary Hop- kins. There are scores of Iowa | Democrats who have lived in the State for years and rendered long service who would seek and feel that they were entitled to this recog- nition.” Senator Gillette would not disclose | the identity of the person who ap- proached him, but said the proposal came from administration sources. interest was “much more vital” and that “development of the natural resources of the East Indies must be made by all means, but Japan has no territorial designs there.” The foreign office at the same time attacked a bill pending in the Philippine Legislature which would limit Japanese immigration to 500 persons annually. Saying that the Japanese govern- ment considered it unfair and was paying close attention to the bill, Suma declared that “for the past several years Japanese immigration to the Philippines has averaged 2,800 annually. Bill Blow to Japan. “Therefore if the proposed bill were passed Japan would receive a great hlow. Although the bill aims at equal restriction of immigrants of all nationalities, Japan would be discriminated against unfairly. “It is well known the Japanese have contributed toward the pros- perity of the Philippines in collab- oration with the Filipinos for the past score of years and I feel this fact should be taken into considera- tion especially. I hope that in en- acting the immigration act special BEACON 909 7th Street N.W. United States’ interest in Green- land. He said, however, that Japan’s PR SUPPLY COMPANY, Inc. Washington's Largest Stock of Electrical Fixtures for the Home. Open Wednesday Evenings Till 9:00 For Dramatic Accent Indirect Bedroom Light ‘Will enhance any boudoir or odd room. By no means is this an ordinary. flxturol.ntm;tevery bit of Ip workmanshi quality. The indirect light re- flection brightens your room in the modern scientifically ap- proved manner. © Regularly $2.25 . :hyhlnlhll SFree 'consulmion on light eonditioning for spring. measures will be provided to con- form to the above-mentioned fact,” Suma concluded. War Is Seen Coming Closer to Philippines MANILA, April 18 (#)—Official quarters in the Philippines remained silent today concerning possible Japanese attempts to seize control of the Netherlands Indies, immedi- ately south of this United States possession. Newspaper editorials, however, as- serted that the war was coming closer to the Philippines. Some observers said the Japanese were putting up a “trial balloon” to ascertain just how far that nation could go without intervention by foreign powers. Don’t Suffer With Mountain Valley Mineral Water direct from famous Hot Springs, Arkansas, helps to correct acid condition. Mildly sikaline. Works naturally to eliminate harmful tox- ins from body. Endorsed by physicians for over 75 years. Ph. MEt. 1062 for booklet. Mountain Valley Mineral Water MEt. 106 1405 K St. N.W. ELECTRIC NAtional 0485 expresses While Quantity Lasts Complete as illustrated WASHINGTON, D. C, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 1940. British Troops Consolidating Positions in Narvik Area Reporter Arrested On Outskirts Of Ore Port (J. Norman Lodge, veteran As- sociated Press reporter, slipped across the closely guarded Swed- ish border into Northerm Nor- way to obtain the following first- hand account of‘the situation at Narvik.) By J. NOEMAN LODGE, Associated Press Forelgn Correspondent. VANNAS, Sweden, April 18— British marines and soldiers are consolidating their foothold in Northern Norway as Germans, driv- ing Norwegian defense troops before them, retreat to the south, I have just returned after a jour- ney afoot through Norwegian fron- tier areas which took me to the out- skirts of Narvik before I was ar- rested by British troops. A show of my passport gave me my freedom—but that was short- lived. As I started out in an effort to tour the region to determine the situation, I was arrested again and turned over to the Norwegian mili- tary authorities back of Narvik. Because I lacked a visa on my passport I was ordered back to the border. I was told that the British occu- pied Narvik, the ore-shipping port, and points north, south and east, after debarking at Harstad, 30 miles up the coast. British at Elvegaard. 1 found British marines in posses- sion of Elvegaard, 10 miles south of Narvik. They also have driven east from Narvik some 15 or 16 miles to Bjorksden, only a short distance from the Swedish frontler. In between these points the Brit- ish were established at Oyjord and Gratanjen. They also were holding Elvegaardsmoen, 5 miles north of Narvik, and Harstad, their main point of debarkation, 30 miles farther up the coast. As the Nazis retreated they drove before them small units of the Nor- wegian Army, with whom they en- gaged in a series of skirmishes. The Germans apparently were careful to stay well west of the Swedish frontier as they moved southward to avoid the danger of inadvertently crossing the border and being interned. Stopped at Kiruna. I succeeded in making my way into Norway with considerable dif- ficulty. After a 35-hour journey northward | from Stockholm on a crowded, un- comfortable train, I reached the Swedish iron mining town of Kiruna, only to be told that I could proceed no farther. Kiruna is about 70 miles from the Norwegian frontier by the railroad, which continues on to Narvik, a matter of some 18 miles more. I found that all foreigners had been ordered from Swedish border areas, especially foreign journalists with or without passes. Swedish journalists apparently were per- mitted to cross the frontier into Norway at will, but when I protested that this was not exactly cricket, a Swedish captain said, “Neither was the invasion of Scandinavia” and ordered me to return south. There was nothing to do except board a train for the return trip to Stockholm, but 50 miles south of Kiruna I slipped off at Gellivare, de- termined to get across the border somehow. By Taxi to Border. A taxi driver, unable to resist the promise of a bonus, finally agreed to take a chance on driving me the 120 miles to the frontier. By hiding on the floor of the taxi now and then I managed without incident to reach the border a mile north of Vassi- Jjaure-Riksgransen, on the Narvik- Kiruna Railway, and stepped acrose in midafternoon without benefit of visa. In a snowstorm, with snowflakes that seemed as big as marshmal- lows, I tramped 15 miles or more to the outskirts of Narvik, traveling by wooded paths instead of the main road. As 1 attempted to enter Narvik I was arrested by British patrols, but was released after displaying my credentials. My freedom was short-lived, how- ever. As I started out in the hope of visiting surrounding towns, I was arrested again and turned over to Norwegian military authorities, who insisted that I must return to Sweden because my passport bore no visa. During the trip back to the fron- Nazis Repeat Denial Narvik Is Held by British Troops By the Associated Press. BERLIN, April 18—A cate- gorical denial that British troops ard in Narvik or that the British have been there at any time since the German occupa- tion of Norway was issued today by DNB, the official German news agency. DNB's statement said: “On April 16, the London radio broadcast an official an- nouncement that British war- ships had blockaded the en- trance to Rombaks Fjord. Then, under the protection of artil- lery, British troops were re- ported to have landed at Nar- vik. German troops were sup- to have retired to the hills, where they found them- selves in a pincers between British and Norwegian troops, which were - closing in on a mountainous region. “It is established by informed sources that: The British forces merely bombarded Narvik with- “out effect; no effort whatever was made to land at Narvik on April 16; Narvik was not only on April 16 in German hands, but the Germans are there to- day, April 18, and are in pos- session not only of the harbor, but of the city. “Norwegian troops who were supposed to have caught the Germans in a pincers were, through the seizure of the Lofoten railway from Narvik to the Swedish border, forced over the border, leaving behind them dead and captives.” Not even British naval forces were sighted in the waters off Narvik, the agency said. tier, escorted by Norwegian soldiers, 1 saw several German patrols about 5 miles from the Swedish line, as well as scattered Norwegian troops. We arrived unmolested, however, and I was turned over to Swedish authorities. With 250 Norwegian troops who had crossed the fron- tier and been interned, I was taken back to Kiruna and held there under guard until I could be put aboard a train for the south. Returned to Vannas. ‘The conductor was directed to see that I did not leave the train this time until it had reached Vannas, 280 miles south of Kiruna. Fourteen wounced Norwegians, who were being transported to a hospital at Boden, near Sweden's east coast, were with me on the train. Five Swedish sailors who were in Narvik when the Germans took over the town but succeeded later in making their way to the border, gave an eyewitness account of the naval battle which ensued on the arrival of the British. They said they had seen two Ger- man warships sunk by British planes which bombed the harbor district, and had seen several others driven ashore in Rombak Fjord. Many of the inhabitants, forbid- den by the Germans to leave the town, took refuge in their cellars during the battle, the Swedes said. A communique issued last night by the commander in chief of the Nor- wegian Army said the Norwegians still were holding their positions on both sides of Lake Mjosen, between | Oslo and Hamar, which is about 60 | miles north of the capital. The communique acknowledged | that Norwegian forces south of Lake Mjosen, in the Begna Valley, had retreated to new positions, but said the Fossum fortifications in the | Mysen area east of Oslo still were in Norwegian hands. “On all fronts we took prisoners, probably about 150,” the communi- que added. “Several planes were shot down.” MILLINERY and HAT BLOCKERS BACHRACH 733 11th St. STEUART SERVICE SATISFIES S-P:E-C-I-A-L-! SPRING LUBRICATION & MAINTENAN ‘enetrating Oil il and Grease ol Connections Grease Universals Lubricate Springs Lubricate Door Letches, Strikers end Hinges Grease Steering end Connections Water Bottery and Inflste Tires Chenge Grease in Trems- mission end Differentiel Use Steuart Motors BUDGET PLAN for Reppirs on All Makek of Cars 6th & New York Ave. CE SERVICE 31 OPERATIONS ALL FOR Cooling System Repack and Adjust Front Wheel Bearings Clean Carburetor, Fuel Pump ond Air Filter Cleon & Set Spark Plugs :« Generator Charging ete 3rd & H STREETS N.E. Washingfon Census Count 15 Per Cent Complele The 1940 census count is about 75 per cent complete in Washington, according to Garnett R. Brown, atea manager for the National Capital. While this constitutes the bulk of the enumeration, in the popula- PONTIAC H. J. BROWN PONTIAC, x| Direet Iy Rosairn, Vo lsuns hcvess Ky Beidse) tion census, Mr. Brown said the last | ma 25 per cent will be difficult to get, | the because it consists of -finding the persons who were away from home the first time the census man called. Among the persons recently enu- merated was Daniel - Webster, 74 years of age, a distant relative of the great statesman. Mr. Webster lives at 518 Lebaum street SE., in & wooden home, and draws his sup- ply of water in an old oaken bucket from a well. He is a carpenter, like his father before him, was born in Anacostia and has an old-age pension from the Government. Mr. Webster said he was 1 of 16 chil- dren and his father had lived to be 94. In his home he has eight pet canaries. —_— Fishburne Shooters Lead WAYNESBORO, Va., April 18 (4. | 6 ~Fishburne’s rifle team won the national championship in the mili- tary school division of the Hearst ;‘3‘4‘; competition with a score of Answer 1,000 &1 Questions Abeut shot? WASHINGTON'S MOST COMPLETE PHOTOGRAPHIC STORE indoor shot? that? . long. and the right answers are given as fast as the questions are put to wus. ourselves of experience. We don't gnswer from purely theo- Every dit of advice given is based on our own pertomai ‘experience as photogra- phers. " So, if you wagt te avoid mistakes and get perfect picture results incidentally, = retical knowledge. PHOTOGRAPHY “What speed shall I set " Questions fike re competent ph BUY BYRON'S A HOnS 625 15th St. NW. g Neztte my ‘camers for an action How muth light is necessary for an - - What Jeas shall 1 use for this, or Why? . . . Béecause we SBE,’ BYRON . . 4 ATZ 1115 Conn. Ave. ' (at L) Na THERE IS A BERLITZ SCHOOL IN EV LEADING CITY OF THE WORLD PACKARD WASHINGTON Showrooms and Service 24th ot N *RE. 0123 BRANCH SHOWROOM Dupont Circle Building * HEALTH LECTURES HEAR LLOYD C. SHANKLIN Introducing Healing Aloes s, Ithe 7" ond mentalits: ailments. Centinuing Dafly, 2:30 and 8 P.M. ALl Week. Free. LEAGUE LARGER LIFE 1114 16th St. N.W. WELCOME JY0LS OJIHdVHOOLOHd 313714W0D LSOW S.NOLONINSYM these fly at us all day otographers with years . and ND SAVE ) ING. NA. 1800 JUOLS OIHIVHDOLOHd 3131400 LSOW S.NOLBNIHSYM @ WASHINGTON'S MOST COMPLETE PHOTOGRAPHIC STORE @ The Important Men- me&/"% Z SUITS FOR SPRING M EN at the top choose Fruhauf Clothes as a matter of preference. Men headed that way choose them as a ma- terial aid in_“getting somewhere.” Either way, a Fruhauf suit enables a man to stand out from the crowd. It’s the finest expression of the custom- tailor’s art—presented to you as the finished prod- uct. Delay and guess- work are eliminated. You know how your new suit will look and fit before u order it. Uncommonly andsome fabrics and models for Spring, 1940. FROM *50 “As Fine as Human Hands Can Make” Sidney West, nc. 14m < G EUGENE C. GOTT, President ) 4