JAP. MINISTER

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 192, 15 August 1941, Page 7

JAP. MINISTER

SHOT IN NECK

Would-be Assassin Arrested

On The Spot

United Prpss Association.—Copyright. Rec. 1 p.m. NEW YORK, Aug. 14. It is reported from Tokyo that Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, a former Prime Minister, and now a Minister without portfolio, was shot at and wounded at his home at eight o'clock this morning. His assailant, Haohiko Ishiyama, was arrested on the spot.

A later cable from Tokyo states that Baron Hiranuma was" shot in the neck. His condition is still not revealed. The police said that the assailant, Haahiko Ishiyama, visited Baron Hiranuma by appointment and pulled a pistol from a roll of paper on which he pretended he wanted him to write.

The latest Tokyo report states that three bullets struck Baron Hiranuma. One report says that a shot pierced his eye and that his condition may be more serious than was supposed.

The Emperor has dispatched the court physician to the patient, and Prince Konoye. the Prime Minister, and other members of the Government visited him.

The New York Times correspondent in Tokyo, Mr. Otto Tolischus, links the attempted assassination with sinister moves during the past 24 hours by the ultra-nationalist Black Dragon Society, which is reported to be taking an active part in the vital decisions which will steer Japan to either peace or war.

Mr. Toliscnus says the Lord Privy Seal, Marquess Kido, is rapidly rising to power in the political scene. He recently had audiences with the Prime Minister, Prince Konoye, as well as with the Emperor.

Marquess Kido was also at a luncheon given by Prince Konoye, with the head of the Black Dragon Society, and thus started numerous speculations. It was no secret that Prince Konoye and his civilian aides and supporters were counted among the moderates, who were trying to put the brakes on dangerous experiments by Japan.