JAPAN AND RUSSIA

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27613, 21 March 1955, Page 11

JAPAN AND RUSSIA

Explanation Of Policy To U.S. (Rec. 9 p.m.) TOKYO, March 19. The Japanese Prime Minister, Mr Ichiro Hatoyama, told a press conference today that he would send a special envoy to the United States to explain his Government’s policy concerning the normalisation of relations with Russia.

Asked whether the envoy would also discuss Japan’s request for a reduction of its share of costs of maintaining American forces in Japan and fl-.c difficulties over the sale ot American surplus farm products, he said: “The problems will be settled before the ehvqy is sent” He said the main purpose ot the envoy’s visit would be to “explain Japan’s attitude towards negotiations with Russia for normalisation of diplomatic relations." It was Mr Hatoyama’s first press conference since being re-elected Prime Minister by the Diet (Lower nSMffUr said in a publie statement that his Government would make ‘“maximum efforts” to further its “coexistence” foreign policy. The Foreign Minister, Mr Mamoru Shigemitsu, whose foreign policy statements have often conflicted with those ot Mr Hatoyama, told a press conference today that the “keynote ot the Government’s foreign policy will be co-operation with the United ; States and other tree nations.” However, he emphasised that “there is need to normalise relations with the . Soviet Union and effect closer economic and diplomatie ties with other ( Asian nations.” Mr Hatoyama’s Election Mr Hatoyama, who heads the largest part;- in the Lower House as a result of last month’s General Election, was virtually certain ot re-election. Mr Hatoyama’s party has 186 of the . 467 seats in the Lower House. The Liberal Party has 114 seats, the com- : bined Socialists 156, and independent and minor parties 12. Blit Mr Hatoyama suffered a major reverse when the Liberals and Socialists combined to defeat his nominee for the post of Speaker. Political observers said the joint action by the Liberals and Socialists foreshadowed a short and stormy life for Mr Hatoyama’s Government and predicted that he would be defeated within 12 to IB months. Mr Hatoyama completed the formation of his Cabinet early this mornThe new Cabinet includes 10 members from his old “caretaker" Cabinet and six newcomers. Seven senior ministers in the old Cabinet retained their posts. They are the Foreign Minister, Mr Mamoru Shigemitsu, the Finance Minister, Mr Hisato Ichimada, the Trade and Industry Minister, Mr Tanzan Ishibashi, the Justice Minister, Mr Shiro Hanamura, the Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Mr Chiro Kono, the Transportation Minister, Mr Takeo Miki, and the Construction Minister, Mr Yu taro Takeyama Mr Arrata Sugihara, Mr Hatoyama's Foreign Affairs advisor, was appointed head of the Defence Agency (Defence Ministry). Mr Sugihara was to have headed the Japanese delegation in the forthcoming peace negotiations with Russia.