JAPAN.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18073, 15 May 1924, Page 9

JAPAN.

POLITICS AND TRADE.

RESULT OF THE ELECTION.

(BY CABtJS—P3ESS ASSOCIAttOII COPtBIOHf.) (AUSTRAUiS "4HD H.t. CABLE ASBOCUTIO*.> (Eeceived May 8.55 p.m.) TOKYO, May 13. The final returns —with the exception of two seats in Northern Hokkaido, where balloting was postponed for a week owing to a hurricane—show that the combined Opposition to the Government holds 277 seats. The official figures are: Kensei-kai ... ... 146 Seiyo-hunto ... ... 120 Seiyu-kai ... ... 101 Kakashin ... ... 26 Independents ... ... 63 The exact fate of the Klyoura Ministry will not be definitely known for approximately a month. Cabinet, after continued meetings, decided to reserve its decision Until after the State celebrations, early in June, of Prince Hirohito's wedding. ■ It is understood that, despite Dr. Mizuno's hopes to command the necessary majority for government, Viscount Kiyoura is determined to resign shortly after the opening of the Diet, the extraordinary session date of which has been changed to June 25th.

FRANCE AND JAPAN.

"RAPPROCHEMENT DESIRABLE" (AVBTBALIAK ASS K.g. OAXtt ASSOCIATION.) (Received May 14th, 8.50 p.m.) NEW YOHK, May 13. The Tokyo correspondent of the "New York,•Times" says the official visit of the French Governor-General of IndoOhina is causing considerable speculation in diplomatic circles and the Press. Originally it was announced that.the Governor's mission was chiefly concerned with the extension . of the nei> Franco-Japanese trade treaty to include Indo-China; but the correspondent is reliably informed that it Has another important purpose. The Japanese Foreign Office contends it never has been determined whether the FrancoJapanese treaty guarantees of 1907, under which the territorial integrity of each other in Asia was guaranteed, wrfs abrogated by the Washington FourPower Tieoty, which abrogated the Anglo? Japanese alliance. The visitor Will discuss this question with the Foreign Office, which denies the rumour of a defensive Franco-Japanese alliance. "__-..■ . ' ' i: [ (Received May 14th, 8.50 p.m.) . ~ TOKYO, May 13: The newspaper "Yorodzu' Choho" says: The Anglo-Japanese alliance is now past history, while bur relations with the United States and Russia are assuming a grave aspect, A FrancoJapanese rapprochement at such a juncture is' highly desirable. ' The "Asahi Shimbun" says: FrancoJapanese treaty guarantees have done much in connexion with safeguarding 'peace in the Far East. ,

FESTIVITIES FIRST

THEN SPECIAL SESSION.

(BX ' CAStB—PBESS ASSOCIATION COPTBIOHT.) [AUBTBALIAM. AHD N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) TOKYO, May 13. The election has been practically decided, but the Government will not determine its attitude, in the face of its defeat, till after the celebrations of the Prince Regent's wedding, believing that a political change is not desired by*tne; nation during the festivities. The Mizuno faction in the Cabinet is of opinion that it can win'over sufficient independent and other votes to jnakVa majority, and insists that this course should be tried before a final step taken. It.is .understood that the Premier (Viscount Kiyoura) and other members of Cabinet, have little faith in Dr. Mizuno's plan, and are determined to resigh -ffj after the celebrations, the Oppoeltidh still controls a majority.

In order to determine the position, it appears most likely that Cabinet will wait to face a special session of the Diet, which has now been called for June 25th.