CABINET RESIGNS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 5, 17 October 1941, Page 5

CABINET RESIGNS

POLITICAL CRISIS IN JAPAN.

NO CHANGE IN FOREIGN POLICY. ADHERENCE TU AXIS PACT. NATION WARNED TO PREPARE. (United Press Association —Copyright.) (Rec. 12.10.) LONDON, Oct. 16. The Japanese Cabinet has resigned. The Prime Minister (Prince Konoye) summoned members of the Cabinet to-day and after a conference he submitted the Cabinet’s resignation to the Emperor because it was unable to reach agreement on the method of pursuing its national policy. The Japanese Cabinet resigned because of inability to agree on the great issues confronting the Empire, says the Tokio correspondent of the Associated Press. Failure to reach accord with the United States, and the growing military pressure for action in the crisis arising from the German successes in Russia, are strongly indicated as major factors in the Ministry’s fall. There is a widespread feeling, especially among militarists, that in recent months Japan has missed too many golden opportunities and that Russia’s difficulties now present a chance such as may never recur. It is the shoi*test-lived Cabinet in modern Japanese history. The Tokio radio announced that the resignation of the Cabinet will not alter,tlie national policy of Japan. She adheres to her policy as laid down in the Japanese - Axis Pact. She will continue to carry out that policy. Japan will do everything possible to avoid a clash with America.

The Japanese Army spokesman warned the nation to bo prepared for, any eventuality.

The Cabinet Information Board issued a statement that since its formation the Cabinet had concentrated every effort to achieve its mission. However, it found it difficult to reach an agreement on the method to pursue in regard to national policy and came to the conclusion to resign. On tendering his resignation, Prince Konoye was ordered by the Emperor to continue to direct affairs pending further instructions.

The Domei News Agency says that the resignation followed several days’ intensive consultations among the Empire’s highest, over some of which the Emperor presided. The formation of a new Government will probably bounder wav to-morrow.