“GUILT” IN WAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20618, 20 November 1941, Page 9

“GUILT” IN WAR

JAP. DISCOVERY AMERICA ACCUSED FIERY TALK IN DIET ARMED FORCES READY (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Nov. 19, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 18. The Tokio correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that the Japanese Prime Minister, General Tojo, announced that another extraordinary session of the Diet might be called after the present special session if deemed necessary for presenting a united front in the current situation. He spoke to the entire world, not merely to members of the Diet. World attention had been closely focussed on the Imperial Diet. Therefore the significance of calling an extraordinary session was apparent.

The Japanese House of Representatives passed a resolution supporting the co-prosperity sphere plan. The resolution declared that the greatest obstacle to a settlement of the China affair was the activity of hostile nations led by the United States, whose inordinate desire for world hegemony was responsible for the present war.

“The Japanese believe there is no chance of rising without fighting this battle though Japan must strike while the iron is hot,” said a former Minister, Mr. Toshio Shimada, speaking in the Diet. “The United States are the root of the world upheaval. They are not only exploiting Marshal Chiang Kai-Shek, but are interfering in Thailand’s domestic administration and exerting pressure on Burma for a stoppage of vital materials to Japan. The United States are threatening Japan with strengthened Pacific bases and participating, despite the Monroe Doctrine, in the European struggle by aiding Britain. On the occasion of Prince Konoye’s message to President Roosevelt, the Government explained that its purpose was to locate the cancer in Japanese-American relations. It is clear that the cancer is the present United States leaders. It is absolutely necessary for us to make a big incision in that cancer.” All Necessary Preparations Replying to Mr. Shimada, General Tojo said the Government had completed all the necessary preparations and anticipated all possible obstacles. It had left nothing to be desired in the way of preparing for the execution of Japan’s fixed national policy. “The Government is firmly determined to defend the national existence, but all the responsibility rests with you 100,000,000 people, for which reason I am reassured to know that the people are fully prepared to meet the situation,” he said. “I am confident that Japan will surmount the many difficulties facing her with the firmest determination.”

The Foreign Minister, Mr. Togo, said that Mr. Kurusu carried no new instructions to Washington, bift he intimated that the mission’s outcome would determine Japan’s interpretation of the Axis alliance obligations. The Diet lost no time in passing the military budget of 3,800,000,000 yen. The Tokio correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that General Tojo declared to-day that the Japanese army was prepared for any eventuality. The Navy Minister announced that the navy had completed all the necessary preparations. . Talks in Washington .... At the conclusion of the conference in Washington to-day between the American Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, and the special Japanese envoy, Mr. Kurusu, and the Japanese Ambassador, Admiral Nomura, which last for 2 hours and 45 minutes, Admiral Nomura said he was still hopeful of reaching an understanding in the Japanese-American difficulties. Admiral Nomura asked pressmen: “Why are the newspapers so gloomy? We are very hopeful. You Americans are always in a fighting mood. Why are you so war-minded?” Mr. Hull said it was expected to resume the conference to-morrow, but he declined to say whether satisfactory progress had been made. He explained that the conversations were still exploratory and had not reached a stage where the basis of a general understanding could be discussed. He described the conference as a general consideration rather than a particular application. Navies in Pacific British and American naval units are assembling in the Pacific, says the Daily Telegraph. This naval movement coincides with heavy Japanese troop movements in Indo-China. The strength of the Japanese garrisons in Indo-CHina is believed to have jumped from 50,000 five weeks ago to 150,000. Japanese land and air forces massed in the north of Indo-China are reported to be moving south and west towards Thailand. The Shanghai correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says the Japanese are rushing construction work at Camranh Bay. At least a dozen shore batteries have been installed.