JAPAN’S FORCES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 65, 28 December 1935, Page 5

JAPAN’S FORCES.

STRENGTHENING PEACE FOOTING. ADMIRAL AS ADVISER, (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, December 26. The Tokio correspondent of “The Times” says that the former Premier (Admiral Saito) has been appointed Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, in succession to Count Makino, who has retired for reasons of health. kino’s moderation earned the bitter hatred of the reactionaires, who realised that his position enabled him to advise the Emperor on the highest matters. A young officer bombed Count Makino’s house in 1932. His name appeared on every'list of prospective victims planned by the so-called patriotic assassins, yet his firmness was largely responsible for the maintenance of the constitution against officers’ plots and Fascist agitations. Admiral Saito belongs to the same moderate school. Like Count Makino, Admiral Saito > belongs to the Liberal group. His appointment is regarded as strengthening the peace forces. The change was kept secret to avoid protest by the reactionaries, who knew of it only, after the Emperor had appointed Admiral Saito. Because of his nearness to the Throne, the Lord Keeper exercises great, though invisible, power. His official duties include the custody of the Seal of State, and the supervision and drafting of Imperial rescripts. His influence arises from the fact that he is the highest official with political experience in the Emperor’s personal entourage, whose duty it is to advise the Emperor on matters of State requiring direct exercise of Imperial authority. BIC DEFENCE EXPENDITURE. NEARLY HALF NATIONAL REVENUE. TOKYO, December 27. “A false step and the nation’s fate is sealed,” declared Admiral Gsumi, (Minister for the Navy), defending the record size of the 1936-37 army and navy estimates, which total £62,400,-: 000, representing 47 per cent, of the total national expenditure. He added that for those responsible for the national defence, the present international and domestic situation admitted no relaxation of vigilance.