JAPAN AND DICTATORS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 38, 14 August 1939, Page 9

JAPAN AND DICTATORS

NEW FOREIGN POLICY

Premier Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, clarifying the Government's newlydecided foreign policy, blamed the Versailles Treaty for the present European troubles and declared that if the present situation were permitted to continue there would be a catastrophe far worse than the World War, reported Kimpei Sheba from Tokio to the "Chicago Tribune" recently. He said world conditions must be modified.

"It is the duty of Japan, which if basing its policy upon moral principles, to prevent such a war," he said. "It is the duty of Japan to assist the nations which seek to preserve peace and stand against those which seek to destroy it." . ~ ' j The Premieres statement followed the unanimous 'decision of the Cabinet in formulating a Japanese policy in dealing with the European situation. The Premier said the Versailles Treaty was brought about by countries seeking a selfish advantage. He warned Japan against making the same mistake.

"This country must pursue a policy based on justice," he said.

A policy based on selfishness, he added, may succeed in keeping the peace for ten or twenty years, but ultimately there would be retribution.

The Premier's remarks made it plain that Japan is siding with the countries which are against maintenance of the status quo (Germany and Italy).

Baron Hiranuma declared that the British may conclude an alliance with the Soviet Union for momentary interest, but that no good could come from such a pact. He charged that many so-called democracies actually are dictatorships.

A detailed report of the Cabinet's action was presented to the Emperor Hirohito by the Premier. Heretofore the Ministers have been divided on the question of joining Germany and Italy in a military alliance.