JAPAN’S POLICY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 7, 20 October 1941, Page 5

JAPAN’S POLICY

ADHERENCE TO THE AXIS. SPEEDY ACTION PROMISED. SETTLEMENT OF PRESENT CRISIS (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, October 18. The new" Japanese Prime Minister, General Eiki Tojo—promoted to full general on taking office —will be Minister for War and Home Minister in the new Cabinet he has formed. General Tojo, broadcasting, declared that the present crisis would be settled by speedy action in Japan’s unshakeable policies of a successful settlement of the China incident and the establishment of a co-prosperity sphere in East Asia, with the ultimate object of contributing to world peace. Japanese newspapers emphasise that Japan’s foreign policy will continue to be based on the Axis Pact. “Asahi” says that Japanese Industrial and business leaders have agreed to sink all differences and support General Tojo’s Cabinet to the utmost, and to set Japan upon a complete war footing.

The “Japan Times-Advertiser” says that confidence in any Government under General Tojo prevails throughout the nation. The New Japanese Government will strengthen the position of the Powers marching* iiito a new age under the flag of the Tripartite Pact.

THE MASK THROWN OFF. THREAT TO RUSSIA SEEN. LONDON, October 18. Commenting on the change in the Japanese Government, “The Times” refers to General Tojo as “a man of undetermined cabapility but principally known as an out-and-out militarist and a staunch friend of the Axis.” “The Times” says: “Should the introduction of General Tojo as Prime Minister indicate a reduction of Japanese naval influence in the. Government, this will be a menacing sign, as hitherto the navy has been a moderating factor in Japanese plans. The change of Government coinciding with further Nazi advances in Russia naturally rouses, speculation as to whether Japan may not take action against tile Soviet —action which would he a highly palatable offering to Hitler from his friends in Tokio.” “The Times” adds: “Now that Japan has thrown off the mask and is indulging in a policy undisguisedly and unashamedly directed against the United States as well as against the other democratic Powers, an unconditionally resolute united front on the part of all these countries provides the sole remaining safeguard of peace in the Pacific. The time for compromise is past for Britain also,” continues “The Times’ and it refers to the “gratuitous establishment” of a Japanese air line to Timor —“a measure \yhich can hardly be more agreeable to the Netherlands than it is to Australia.” “The Times” recalls Mr Churchill’s .assurance of last August that Britain would range herself unhesitatingly with the -United States should defen-. sive action become necessary in the Pacific, and it adds: “To-day Britain is more fully equipped than ever, and is wholeheartedly prepared to act in,this spirit.”

“General Tojo’s elevation to the premiership means that Japan is ready to move and will* attack Russia,” said the Chinese Foreign Minister (Mr Quo Tai-chi), in Chungking. “The Konoye Government enabled the militarists to prepare thoroughly. Now they have taken off their masks .and openly taken matters into their own hands,” Japanese mobilisation is being rapidly pushed ahead, reports the Tokio correspondent of the “New York Times,” Mr Otto D. Tolischus. Prince Konoye’s Cabinet fell because of a complete cleavage in Japan on two major issues:

(1) Whether Japan should reach an agreement with the United States at the cost of substantial Japanese con- . cessions.

(2) Whether to line up with Germany and make the Axis Pact an active alliance.

Prince Konoye and his supporters evidently staked everything on the peace message to Mr Roosevelt, but the slow progress in the negotiations, coupled with a continuation of what is termed British and American encirclement, and the new German victories in Russia, caused such vehement demands for immediate action that the Cabinet was split wide apart. The leading Japanese newspapers insist that unless the United States is ready to recognise Japan’s immutable policies, an agreement between the two countries is well nigh impossible. British Official Wireless.

“JAPAN MAY GO NORTH.” _ VIEW OF ADVISER TO KAI-SHEK. (P.A.) AUCKLAND, October 19. “With an Army Government iii charge, Japan may strike northward against Russia at any time. I have a feeling that- she will not go to wav, burone never knows,” said Mr W. li. Donald, the Australian adviser to Marshal Chiang Kai-Shek, in an interview, when he discussed the situation in the Far East. Mr Donald is revisiting Auckland, j toward the close of nearly a year’s fur- 1 lough, taken to write his memoirs. Japan was doing just what Italy hruf i done early in the war, said Mr Donald. She was waiting for an opportunity to : step in and grab something out of the conflict, but no one could say whether she would ever find the opportunity ripe.