CONSUL’S RECALL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20525, 8 April 1941, Page 2

CONSUL’S RECALL

JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA HIGHER POST LIKELY SUCCESSOR TO BE CHOSEN SYDNEY, April 1. The Japanese Consul-General to Australia, Mr. Akiyama, who announced on Saturday his recall to Toldo, will probably be appointed to an important diplomatic post when he returns to Japan. Mr. Akiyama would neither confirm nor deny the report of his early advancement. He smiled and said: “I do not think I shall become Foreign Minister, but I expect my transfer means a move up in position. I am to be given a new appointment, but [ do not know where or when. I do not. expect to go to Germany, because 1 have forgotten alt the German 1 ever learned a.t'tho university. My languages ar.c English and french, but we are already represented at Vichy.” Mr. Akiyama considered that the Pacific position was “far better.” “Compared with two months afo, T do not believe there is danger of a Pacific outbreak,” he added. “Japan's aim in the Pacific is to prevent any spread of war to other regions and to preserve co-op.eration with countries near to Japan. Our position is difficult. We live by foreign trade. Yet we are surrounded by an economic blockade. But. our history shows that when wo are pressed we fight. “When I return i.o Tokio I shall be delighted to renew old friendship with Sir John Latha;n, who is representing Australia so ably as Minister, f shall leave Australia, happy in the knowledge that the presence in Australia of the Japanese Minister, Mr. Kawni, will bring about even more cordial relations between Australia and Japan.” Mr. Akiyama said that liis successor would bo appointed very soon. He did not know who be would be. When Mr. Akiyama leaves Australia, Mr. Otabe, one of the Vice-Consuls, will take charge of the consulate until the new consul arrives.