JAPAN AND THE WEST

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 April 1933, Page 12

JAPAN AND THE WEST

SIGNS OF CHANGE OF MIND. In the Japanese newspapers there has been increasing evidence of an imminent change of mind in regard io the official policy of diplomatic isolation from Western countries, states j the Yokohama correspondent of the. London “Observer.” Some of the leading writers suggest that Japan is being invested by j Occidental nations and will soon find • herself in a position where neither political nor financial sympathy can I. be expected. j One of the more important metropolitan journals, the “Hochi Chimbun,” says: “The fact is we are in no position to fight the whole world; nor would there be anything to gain from so reckless an adventure. What we should most earnestly desire is the extrication of Japan from her present ‘predicament of practical isolation and 'her restoration, at the earliest possible date, to normal relationship with Powers in general.” The editor of “Hochi Shimbun” then goes on to advise that Japan should' come to understanding with other nations as to her Continental policy as soon as possible. He thinks, however, that this will not be possible until the country returns to the constitutional government laid down in the rescript of the great Emperor ■ Meiji. There is a very general opinion that the present political situation, which threatens a form of Fascism, is likely to encourage Western nations in a policy against Japan. The “Tokyo Asahi” is scarcely less critical, though in much more guarded terms, especially in regard to the present policy toward Russia. Not so long ago no Japanese journal would have dared to speak out thus boldly. The conviction seems general that the present ‘Cabinet cannot much longer resist the pressure of the opposing political parties. The new political party founded by Mr Adachie, who overthrew the Wakatsuki Cabinet, is particularly bitter against the present Cabinet. While the Seiyukai majority has the , Cabinet at its mercy, not only is there j profound dissatisfaction with the Cabinet’s financial policy, hut no less with its defiance of the Constitution, which t implies a Government elected by the • voters. The Cabinet’s inflexible attitude toi ward the League of Nations and the ; advice of Japan’s old friends with s whom she has co-operated so harmoni- ; ously ever since her entrance to the • comity of nations, is creating grave misgiving in the best minds. Further ‘ complaint is raised against the Gov- > ernment’s failure to enter into a non- . aggression pact with the Soviet before China resumed diplomatic relations with Moscow. Interesting discussions have been taking place in Tokio between the Foreign Minister and the Soviet Envoy. There is a. growing apprehension that the Government could not possibly expect to meet the deficit’Caused by the unprecedented Budget unless it contemplates confiscation of private capital; and the present-discussion of a policy looking toward enforcement of the sale of foreign currency bonds to the Bank of Japan tends to confirm the apprehension.