SHOT BY ASSAILANT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 40, 15 August 1941, Page 5

SHOT BY ASSAILANT

MODERATE JAPANESE

LEADER

SINISTER PLAN SEEN

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.)

TOKIO, August 14. Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, Mm

ister without portfolio in the Japanese Cabinet, was shot and wounded at his home at 8 a.m. His condition has not been revealed. His assailant, Haohiko

Ishiyama, was arrested on the spot.

Baron Hiranuma is a strong nationalist, but also is regarded as a man who, when he was Prime Minister in 1939, made an effort to follow a moderate course. ■

Baron Hiranuma is said to' have" pursued his assailant io the: gate; cwhere the man was captured by. a guard.

The Tokio correspondent of the "New York Times," Mr. Otto Tolischus, in a, message, links the attempted assassination with sinister moves during the past 24 hours by the ultra-national Black Dragon Society, which is reported to be taking an active part in vital decisions which will steer Japan either to peace or war.

Mr. Tolischus declares 'that the Lord Privy Seal, Marquis Kido, who obtained his present post last year, is a rapidly-rising power in the political scene. Recently he had audiences with the Prime Minister, Prince Konoye, as well as the Emperor. Marquis Kido was also at.a luncheon recently given by Prince Kofcoye with Major-General Toyama and the head of the Black Dragon Society, Avhich started much speculation. REGARDED AS MODERATE. It is no secret that Prince Konoye and his civilian aides and supporters have been counted among the

Baron Hiranuma.

moderates who were trying to put the' brakes on dangerous experiments' by Japan. It is interesting to recall, adds Mr. Tolischus, that every major enterprise by the Japanese Government in recent years has been preceded by a Cabinet reorganisation. On the other'hand it is considered unlikely that the Emperor will let Prince Konoye go, even if Prince Konoye so desired. This was shown by the Prince's immediate reappointment following His last resignation.

In these circumstances the balance of power between the contending forces