Germany and Japan The reports of an understanding between Germany
ani Japan no doubt have some foundation, though what precise form the agreement between the two Powers takes is not known. It is not surprising that countries which in various ways have made themselve3 friendless should draw together, and the undisguised hostility to Russia which animates both the German and Japanese Govelninents is another obvious ground for -rapproche- ment.- It is to be noted that not Russia but Communism is announced as the foe, and it is worth remembering that Herr Hitler has declared in the past that. Russia is entitled to be Bolshevist if it chooses and that he will only fight it if it crosses his frontier. Communism as Such need cause neither Germany nor Japan great anxiety. o To the trade agreement between the two coun- tries no one has any reason to take exception, and apart from that it seems unlikely that any arrangement has been concluded which materially changes the existing situation. What Italy's part in the agreement is remains to be disclosed. She may always be counted on to follow faithfully in Germany's wake, and the prospect of getting a recognition by Japan of her position in Abyssinia in return for recognition by her of Japan's position in Manchukuo is no doubt attractive. But it is only the arrangement between Berlin and Tokyo that demands attention.
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