JAPANESE CABINET

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 April 1946, Page 8

JAPANESE CABINET

POLITICAL WIRE-PULLING ALLEGED

POSITIONO.FPREMIER TOKIO, April 16

The Prime Minister of Japan (Baron Shidehara) in an interview declared that he intended to hold office at least until the new constitution had- been ratified by Parliament and the political situation resulting from the general election had been “stabilised.” This would [probably take six months. Baron Shidehara said that the election had not produced a single political grouping able to agree on a reconstruction programme. He was prepared to resign if the thfee leading parties formed a coalition, but he could not foresee such a possibility. The Tokio correspondent of. the New York Times says that Baron Shidehara’s statement followed. several days of political wirepulling in which members of the Government attempted to form a “Government” party supported by the Progressives and some of the 80 Independents in order to ensue the continuation of the. Shidehara regime. Japanese sources believe that the Allied Headquarters prefer to retain Baron Shidehara as Prime Minister rather’ than see the position occupied by the Liberal leader, Mr Hatoyama, who is the obvious alternative, but whose writings on Axis leaders are considered objectional by some sections of Allied opinion. Baron Shidehara’s statement has aroused a storm of protest among the winning parties. They have demanded Baron Shidehara’s prompt resignation and indicated that they would play no part in whatever attempt may be made to reshuffle the present Government. The Socialistsare reported to be prepared to form a coalition, even with the Conservatives —hitherto opposed by the Socialists—if such a course is necessary to defeat the retention, of the present Government.