SWEEPING MOVE BY TOKIO

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 283, 24 August 1940, Page 11

SWEEPING MOVE BY TOKIO

Envoys Recalled From 23 Countries U.S.A. INCLUDED | Reorienting Diplomacy, Newspaper States (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) I TOKIO, August 23. A diplomatic reshuffle on an unprecedented scale, which was announced yesterday, affects five Ambassadors and also live counsellors, and 11 consul-generals, who have been recalled, in addition to extensive changes of personnel in the Japanese Foreign Office. The Foreign Office revealed that at present only lour ambassadors are actually remaining afield, namely, Mr. Kurusu, Berlin; Mr. Arnau, Rome; Mr. Togo, Moscow; and Mr. Shigemitsu,’London. The "Asahi Shimbun” characterizes the Foreign Office's decision as a “great, bold and drastic measure in preparation for a reorientation of Japanese diplomacy.’’ It predicts further retirements of Japanese diplomats abroad, and also shifts virtually all the Foreign Office departmental chiefs, including a purging of the so-called American-British faction.

It states that the recall of the Ambassador in Washington, Mr. Horinouchi, was inevitable and was due to the diplomatic blow of the United States’ treaty abrogation. TOKIO, August 22.

The following ambassadors are recalled: Mr. Horinouchi, U.S.A.; Mr. Kuwa .lima, Brazil; Mr. Taketomi, Turkey; Mr. Sawada, France; and also Mr. Hotta, Ambassador at Large. Also recalled are the Ministers to Canada, Spain, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Mexico, Afghanistan, Hungary South Africa, Finland, Rumania, Latvia, Egypt, Bulgaria, Iran, and Iraq. The Dome! news agency says that changes have been expected since Mr. Matsuoka became Foreign Minister, and they are considered to be preparatory to a diplomatic offensive. The Manchukuo Privy Councillor, Mr. Ohashi, in a statement to the Press, said: “Japanese diplomacy is entering on a new era, in which those who are able will be promoted from the ranks. Appointments will not.be confined to members of the 1 oreign Office and even newspapermen will be eligible. The successors to the men rivalled will probably lx? named within a week.

POLICY CHANGE

Only Speculation, Says London Official

The Japanese Embassy denied knowledge of a diplomatic purge in Tokio. The spokesman said : “So far as Loudon is concerned the report is quite untrue. It is merely speculation to say that the recall of certain diplomats herald a change in Japan’s foreign policy.”

TOKIO AND NANKING

Peace Treaty Drafted

LONDON, August 22.

A Shanghai message says it is reported that the Japanese Army has completed the draft of a peace treaty with the Nanking puppet Government, which will be submitted to Tokio lor approval. The army suddenly concluded the negotiations by partially agreeing to the demands of the Nanking Premier, Mr. Wang Ching-wci, but compliance is to become effective “after the cessation of hostilities. Mr. Wang's demands included a date for the Japanese army’s withdrawal, and the return of ownership of railways, telegraphs, and other public utilities to the Nanking Government. It is understood that there are secret articles so worded as to appear lenient in the hope that they will facilitate ultimate peace negotiations with the Chungking Government through NanForeign authorities arc unanimous that the treaty will not affect the continuation of resistance from Chungking. It is said that the only tiling which could possibly weaken a united war front by Chungking would be evidence of Japan granting Nanking important internal powers in the immediate future. The treaty provides for the continuance of martial law in Nanking. (Received August 23, 11.50 p.m.) SHANGHAI, August 23. The Japanese newspaper “Sinshunpao” declares in headlines that ‘ the conclusion of a peace treaty wi„ i Nanking is now only a matter ofo hclal signatures.” However, Mr. Wun a Ching-wei’s “Dally News” is silent.

40,000 HOMELESS IN CHUNGKING

Result Of Latest Bombings

SHANGHAI, August 22. The American Consulate has made representations to the Japanese Consulate regarding damaged American property in Chungking, where the 1. est incendiary bombings rendered homeless 40,000 people.

SOUTH SEAS POLICY

Movement In Tokio

LONDON, August 22. Sixteen South Seas associations, comprising business men, industria--ists, and research workers, have been organized in Tokio as a "Japanese Federation of South Seas Associations” for the purpose ol "close cooperation with the Government loi the realization of Japan’s southward policy.” ~ ~ , The Foreign Minister, Mr. Matsuoka, in a congratulatory message, declared that, “owing to European Towers and America being greatly interested in the South Seas regions, with which Japan is greatly concerned, we must be fully prepared to meet difficulties arising from our relations with these third Powers and with the South Seas region.” The Premier, Prince Konoye, also sent his congratulations. The Tokio newspaper ‘ Kokuniin Shimbuu.” discussing Mr. Churchill s speech, said: “The Japanese Government is watching the Anglo-American plots and will not permit any change in the status quo in the Pacific.”