FIVE STATESMEN PERISH

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 133, 29 February 1936, Page 9

FIVE STATESMEN PERISH

Death of Mr. Suzuki OTHER NAMES YET ON “DEATH LISTS”? Revolt Carefully Planned London, February 27. Although Tokio is lying under a mantle of snow, outwardly the city is calm. -- ----- - ---■ -■■■”, ■'' ; The temporary Cabinet of the Acting Premier, Mr. F. Goto, spent the night in the quarters of the Imperial household, within the Palace grjunds, fearing fresh attempts at assassination. Reports are widespread that the military ‘‘patriots.” still have a number of statesmen and others on their “death lists.” It is now certain that five statesmen perished in the revolt—Admiral Okada, the Prime Minister; Viscount Saito, Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal; Mr. Suzuki, the Lord Chamberlain; General Watanabe, Director-General of Military Education, and Mr. Takahashi, Finance Minister. It is an nounced that Mr. Takahashi died of wounds shortly after he was attacked The Emperor has sent a personal message of sympathy to Mr. Takahashi’s family. Viscountess Saito received hand injuries while defending her busband. Prince Saionji somehow got wind of the plot and took refuge in the house of the Governor of- Shizuoka before the soldiers reached his country villa. The whole of yesterday’s proceedings were carefully kept secret and rehearsed a fortnight ago. Conferences Held. ' This morning there were conferences between Japanese generals, who discussed the situation. Simultaneously the civilian authorities, including the remaining members of Cabinet, conferred. The Emperor received his brother, Prince Chicibu, and also Princes Takamatsu and Nashimoto and other notables. General Kashii issued a proclamation explaining that the reason for martial law is the necessity for protecting the city against Reds. He urges the populace to assist in maintaining order and not to listen to rumours. The martial law decree contains a most rigid censorship, the provisions of which relate especially to foreign telegrams, the senders of which are warned that they must be “careful and accurate.” Mr. C. Machida, Minister of Commerce, ■ has been ordered to take the portfolio of Minister of Finance. The Tokio Stock Exchange is expected to be closed until March 2. The banks, however, are open, and busi ness is proceeding as usual. Asaka cotton dealings are quiet. The staff of the Ministry of the Interior has returned to work. Places of amusement are open, and business has resumed its normal flow, though the sale of arms and ammunition is banned. Public meetings are prohibited, and the newspapers are confining themselves to bare official statements. Fleet Arrives. The First Fleet arrived at noun with its guns ready for action, and a strong marine guard was landed. The Second Fleet has anchored off Osaka. Members of the Supreme War Council, which itself is believed to be divided, invited three leaders of the direct actionlsts to confer at the Military Club, and as a result the rebels, who had vacated the police offices for the unfinished Houses of Parliament, agreed to surrender on secret terms, though It is believed they will retain their arms.

Meanwhile an interested public has been gazing at them through holes in hoardings. General Kashii conveyed to the Emperor the news of the surrender. Troops guarding public buildings were withdrawn.

The formation of a new Government cannot be accomplished without the army’s consent, and many believe that the influence of the extremists will b»< strongly reflected in the Cabinet Admiral Okada’s body has been re-

moved from the Premier’s sumptuous official residence to his modest home, in accordance with his son’s wishes, peneral Watanabe’s school boy son will be the chief mourner at his father’s obsequies. Viscountess Saito, in ceremonial whites mourning, sits like a statue beside the body of her husband, of whom and General Okada th? “Japan Times” writes: “Japan mourns as irreplaceable these national treasures.” The critical situation has led to the cancellation of the British Royal Air Force goodwill flight to Japan. The machines are now in Chinese waters. • The Japanese Embassy in London has received the following official communique:—

“Martial law was proclaimed in To kio at 2.15 p.m. The military, gendar merie and police are co-operatng in maintaining order. Ample protection is afforded to foreign Embassies. The Osaka and Kobe districts are unaffected. The resignations of Mr. Goto and his colleagues have been accepted, but they are remaining in office for the time being.”

It is understood that the Emperor is seeking Prince Salonji’s advice in respect to the formation of a Government. Several regiments arrived from the provinces to reinforce the Government troops. The British Ambassador ami other diplomatic representatives called at the Foreign Office to express condolencest