NEW JAP. CABINET

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 170, 21 July 1941, Page 7

NEW JAP. CABINET

MILITARY NATURE

Early Statement Of Policy

Expected

LONDON, July 20.

The Japanese Prime Minister, Prince Konoye, announced that the new Government would function on a war focpting. Japan's policy for coping with the international situation had already been fixed, and it now remained for them to put it into practice with decision and speed.

The Tokyo newspapers predict a long life for the new Cabinet, with the reorganisation and stabilisation of the internal political scene. Since its fundamental policy is unchanged the Government will not issue a platform statement. However, it is expected that it will clarify its policy to the Press after a Cabinet meeting The Director of the Cabinet Information Board, Mr. Nobubumi Ito said the outbreak of the RussianGerman war had brought a very freat change in the world situation apan had expected that after taking Crete Germany would attack England, instead of Russia.

Some people think Britain America and Russia will now unitedly pit themselves against Germany, Japan and Italy, and finally an ideological war will begin," said Mr. Ito. "However, the situation is not so simple, so I think it would be dangerous to rush to any rash conclusions."

Mr. Ito said he thought further changes in national alignments were possible on the lines of Russia's shift from Germany to Britain, and therefore one could not rely on others. He did not mention Japan's relations with the Axis during a long review of the international situation.

Observers in Washington believe the new Cabinet offers scant hope of improved relations with Britain and the United States, or any lessening of tension in the Pacific.

? ? s P ce fh m San Francisco, the British Ambassador, Viscount Halifax, said that neither in the British . nor in America was there the slightest desire to pick a Quarrel with Japan. Provided Japan for the rights of other mtei ested Powers, he saw no reason rnh£ht ar i y ? if p culties need arise that might lead to a clash; but no one i he of thinking that, under pressure, Britain would allow her legitimate rights aside S ignored or set

Xt or itative opinion in the Netherlands East Indies is that Japan will not attack Russia, but peaceful or forcible penetration of Indo-China may be expected at anv moment. y