JAPAN AGHAST

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12797, 28 February 1936, Page 5

JAPAN AGHAST

STERN ACTION FOLLOWS MILITARY COUP THREE CHIEF STATESMEN ASSASSINATED Premeditated Attack By 300$ Troops 10,000 Soldiers Hold Revolutionaries at Bay TOKIO UNDER MARTIAL LAW Officers Wanted To Root Out Traitors ’ 1 ■ . ' '< , ... - i * i (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) TOKI.O, February 2(>. Japan,' except for its fanatical revolutionaries, stood aghast; when the news broke at dawn of the military insurrection culminating 1 in the assassination of three of its chief statesmen and injury to- others in the premeditated attack by 3000 troops of the Third Infantry Regiment of the First Division under the leadership of Captains Nonaka and Ando. The capital is under martial law. General Kashi lias been appointed as the military governor and a censorship has been imposed. The gendarmerie and police are operating to enforce order after 10,000 troops of the Imperial Guard cornered those groups of revolutionary soldiers who, armed with machine-guns were still holding out. The Government may await reinforcements before attempting to overcome them. The bewilderment of the nation at the suddenness of the stroke has been intensified by the resignation, with the Cabinet, of the acting-premier, Mr. Ftiinio Goto, whose appointment immediately followed the assassination of (lie Premier, Admiral Okada. The resignations, however, may he merely formal in order to enable the formation of a new Ministry. It is officially staled that calm has been restored and there are no disturbances in the provinces. The first and second naval squadrons have been ordered to Tokio and Osaka respectively to maintain order. The country generally is quiet. The authorities claim that the situation is well in hand. A censorship is still being rigorously imposed of newspapers and broadcasting. NO WARLIKE INITIATIVE AGAINST RUSSIA The Japanese' Embassay in London has received a communique from, Tokio stating: <£ A coup d’etat engineered by ecu tain soldiers of the First Division resulted in the assassination of Adi'inarl M. Saito, a former Minister, Admiral K. Okada, t:,i Prime Minister, and the wounding of Mr. K. Takahashi, Minister of Finance. A state of alarm has been established in Tokio. The situation will soon he under control. The exchanges in Tokio are closed, but the banks are remaining open.’" The Embassy announces that Mr. Goto, Minister of the Interior, was not injured, and he has been appointed ActingPrime Minister. The Embassay .states that the coup is not likely to involve a change of foreign policy. There is no question of Japan taking warlike initiative against Russia. On the contrary, the work of the Russo-Japan mixed frontier commission should not even he affected. MUTINEERS WERE SUPPLIED WITH BALL CARTRIDGES. STATESMEN DRAGGED FROM BEDS AND SHOT. STILL ENTRENCHED IN POLICE HEADQUARTERS. DEATH ROLL ESTIMATED AT UNDER ONE HUNDRED. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received February 27, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 2G. It is ascertained that the mutineers were fully equipped in readiness to depart for Manchuria, which facilitated their attempt. The officers Issued ball cartridges to the troops on the march and ordered them to seize strategic points in the city. The detachments obeyed at the double, with the deadly result that Admiral Okada and Admiral Saito. were dragged from their beds and shot dead. Count Makhno’s house was burned after his escape. The soldiers seized the Premier's residence, the telephone and telegraph offices and police headquarters. The Imperial Girard drove them from all positions except the police headquarters, in which the remainder of the mutineers are at bay, it is believed, with machine guns. A number have surrendered. The death roll is estimated at under one hundred. Loyal marines prevented the capture of the Ministry of the Kavy. FLEETS ORDERED AAV AT. The first and .second fleets have been ordered from Yokosuke to Tokio and Osaka respectively, and are due to arrive on February 27. The despatch of the fleet to Osaka indicates the possibility of trouble in Japan s chief industrial manufacturing area. RESULT OF SUPER-PATRIOTISM BY YOUNGER. SET. The consensus of opinion interprets tile assassinations as the outcome of a partial military revolt rather than a coup d’etat backed by the whole army. The victims seem to have been sacrificed by the aggressive impatience by the younger set of Nationalict officers, because they would not advance swiftly along the path of expansion. A fierce Nationalist spirit led to the formation in recent years of such secret societies as “The Brotherhood of Blood,” “The Black Dragons” and “The National Spirit Preservation Society,” which have been responsible for the deatli of many politicians, whose fervour for Japanese greatness the assassins believed to be weakening: The latest murders apparently manifest this spirit of superpatriotism, hut tjjipy are not directed against the throne itself. Higher army and navy officers are not sympathetic towards the assassins. GOVERNMENT POLICY OBNOXIOUS TO EXTREMISTS. Admiral Okada formed the Government on August 7. as a coalition of the main political parties, namely, the industrialists. Seiyukni, agriculturists and Minseito. The action of the troops is believed to have originated l during the recent elections in which the Seiyukni, which advocated a big army and navy lost heavily. The liberal policy of Admiral Okada and Admiral Saito is most obnoxious to the extremists, who also resented Mr Takahashi’s efforts to reduce the swollen military expenditure. Admiral Suzuki and Count Ilakrno were id so suspected of lack of patriotism., the soldiers mistrusting tl“e nearness of such counsellors to the Emperor’s sacred person. WAR OFFICE COMMUNIQUE. A laconic communique issued from the War Office states: “At 5 a.m. young 1 officers attacked the residence of Admiral Okada, who was instantly killed, also the residences of Admiral Saito, the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, and General Watanaho ex-inspector General of Military, Education, both, of whom were killed. Mr. Korekiyo Takahashi. the Finance Minister and Admiral Kan taro Suzuki, the Grand Chamberlain, were wounded. Count Mnkino, the ex-Keeper of the- Privy Seal is missing and is believed to be wounded. ■ ■“The ycung 1 officers rose in revolt and ordered the mobilisation of the Third Infantry Regiment because, as they explained in a manifesto, they desired, as this grave moment, when the nation was menaced at home and abroad, to root out traitors destroying Japan’s national structure, including elder statesmen, a senior statesmen’s bloc, a financiers' bloc, a certain military bloc' and bureaucrats and politicians. By destroying these evil influences, they hoped to enhance the glorv of the national structure and promote the great cause .of justice. “The army in the capital, in view of this, has been ordo reel' to maintain extraordinary vigilance.” : LONDON NAVAL TREATY RESENTED'. Other reports states that the cousoirators distributed pamphlets signed by Captain Nonaka and Captain Ando declaring that the Government was drifting away, from the . spirit of Japan and usurping the Emperor's prerogatives-, and instances of this anti-Japanese, trend were the signing of the 1930 London Naval Treaty, and the dismissal olf General Navaka. . The rebels also attacked the office of ’ the newspaper Asa hi Shimbun, and. destroyed type. . . .

TEN SION RELI EVEi>. STATESMEN ADMITTED TO - . • ’ PALACE. emperor presides at PRIVY COUNCIL, COUNT MARINO OWES LIFE TO WIFE’S STRATEGY. LONDON, Feb. 27. (Received Feb. 27, 8.5 p.m). Th 3 Times’ Tokio correspondent say s that tension was relieved when it was known that loyal troops guarded the Palace, to which the statesmen were admitted to attend the Privy. Council, at which the Emperor presided. The revolutionaries; had not made preparations to take over the Government. Authoritative circles believe that the Army’, as a whole, is not all meted and hunger and discipline will bring the mutineers to their senses. A Tokio message states that the Emperor has requested Mr. Goto and liis colleagues to resume office. High military authorities are endeavouring to persuade the mutineers who are still in control ot several Government departments, to return to their commands arid will use force only as a last resort. A party of ten soldiers attacked Count Makino’s residence, but his bodyguard, single-handed, withstood them, seriously injuring an officer before be himself was cut (.own. The assassins then rushed the house, where they were courageously confronted by the Countess, who told them that her husband was absent, thus giving Count Makino time to escape by a back entrance.

BRITISH PRESS COMMENT. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). (Received F'eb. 27, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 27. Rigid Japanese censorship still precludes a reliable estimate of the gravity of the 'Tokio coup. It still appears that, only one regiment Avas involved, though Peking messages state that civilians also participated. 'The London Times says that those responsible for the rising clearly decided that, for the fulfilment of their aims, it was necessary to put some of the leading moderate politicians out of the Avav, but it is noteworthy, that certain moderates who would naturally be regarded by the conspirators as standing too near tlie Emperor, have been spared, including Prince Saionji, the last traditional elder statesman avlio is noAV aged 90 years! Air. Yuasima, Minister of the Irn--perial Household. General IvaAvashima, War Mi nister, and Mr. Matsudaira, Ambassador in London, who is at present visiting Tokio.

'file 'fimes adds: “'the immediate future.of Japan must depend on avliotlier these tried moderates are able to gain the. Emperor’s ear. Their ability to do so seems to depend, in turn, on the balance of forces Avithin the army.”

The Times Tokio correspondent says that persons Avith access to the fullest information . are confident that the army as a Avhnle is not affected.

The Daily Mail's Tokio correspondent says: “The most troops forming tlie Tokio garrison, including the Imperial Guard, refused to participate in the com;, Avhich Avas clearly avc-11-planned. Troops recently have been practising night marches before going to Manohukuo and their appearance in the streets before datvn passed unnoticed. They carried lists of intended victims in their pockets.”

CLASH AT LAST. JAPANESE MILITARISTS v. MODERATES. TROCHEE BREWING FOR FOUR YEARS. (U.P.A. by Eh'C. Tel. Copyright). LONDON. Feb. 20. Though outwardly quiet, the situation in Japan is inwardly confused. It is impossible to predict the developments of the upheaval, which is described as purely internal. ft ivili ho impossible to say until the air is cleared lioav the revolt will influence Japan's foreign policy, particularly hc-r expansionist activities. The Sun-Herald Service learns that the coup was a sequel to a clash of militarists and moderates. The former have been primarily responsible for the invsion of Northern China and attacks on Mongolia, besides the big army and navy activities. The moderates, including elder statesmen at the Foreign Office, have been a restraining influence, but the militarists have secured most of their demands. The militarists insisted that Japan should progress in accordance with the original ideas of Japanese culture. being inf nonced by the West only to the extent of using the Western Avorld’s inventions, Avhereas the moderates sought political changes in consonance with Western evolution. The struggle has not been confined to the army, but there has been ari intense national feeling for four years, culminating in the tension during the Nagano assassination trial and followed by the general elections, in which the swing to the Left did not please the militarists. Yesterday’s coup is said to have been designed to frighten the populace and enable the militarists to obtain greater power. Tlie press censorship continues, but it is understood at the British Embassy that information from Tokio has been dispatched to tiie heads of tlie Dominion Governments. A Berlin message says that the Japanese Embassy there insists that the assassination do not represent a military putsch, but merely an isolated, unauthorised action by young officers. ENTIRE ARMY SAID TO SUPPORT COUP. Other reports from Shanghai declare that the entire army is behind the coup and consequently no action can he taken against the assassins. At Singapore the Japanese press reports that the Emperor of Japan lias ordered the troops to assume the responsibility for the safety of life and property of Tokio under emergency regulations. Citizens have been ordered to resume their normal business. NO CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT PREDICTED. A message from Washington says the Japanese Ambassador there, avlio is receiving full reports of the uprising, has indicated that there Avould lie no fundamental change in the Japanese Government. He said that the assassinations did not represent a military coup by any of the heads, but rather an outbreak by young army officers impassioned Avith patriotic idealism. TTc added that there was no attempt to take control of the Government and order quickly followed' the action of the Imperial Guard in taking command of the situation. DEATH OF MR. TARAHASTTI REPORTED. A Ncav York message says that confirmation of Mr. K. Tnkahasln’s death from wounds is contained in a cablegram received by his son, Riichi. Avho holds a secretarial post in the American offices of the Mitsui Company. The Japanese' Embassy in London canot confirm this. It is stated that- Madame Saito Avas wounded during the attack on her husband. The soldiers mimeographed their manifesto and circulated it to all noAvspapor offices, Avhoin they ■ additionally informed that if the condition of inequality imposed by other PoAvers upon Japan was permitted to continue, Janan’s relations toAvard China, Russia, England and America AA’ould become explosi\ r c. Reliable reports from Shanghai state the rebels' used machine guns. The streets of Tokio are at present filled with troops', but all is quiet and there is no danger to British subjects; The Bank of Japan has suspended business. ’ •

AMERICAN OFFICIAL COMMENT RESTRAINED. POLITICAL LEADERS’ OPINIONS. CIVIL OFFICIALS SHOULD RUN GOVERNMENTS. WORLD PEACE NOT THREATENED. » (U.P A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). (Received Fob. 27, S p.m.) WASHINGTON. Fob. 2G. Official comment on the developments in Tokio was restrained ar ihe Press Conference. The acting-secretary, Air. Phillips, said that the State Department deeply regretted the assassinations, fie expressed the opinion that the uprising Avould not have an adverse effect upon the London Naval Conference. Beyond this lie declined to comment. Several Congressmen were outspoken in condemning the officers responsible for the coup. Air. AlcEeynolds, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said: “I greatly rc-gret to see the eondiitions existing in Japan, and espeeialy as the victims of the nssassinaitons Avere leading civil officials. If the miming of a Government were left to civil authorities it Avould mean much to the peace of the Averkl. especially in the Orient.” Senator Elbert Thomas, avlio was for many years resident :n the Tar East, said he did not believe that the revolt carried a definite threat to world peace. He expressed the belief that Japanese public opinion, as evidenced at the recent elections, Avas opposed to rule by terror, and that the coup Avas engineered by a small group of over-ambitious persons. LONDON PRESS COM MENT. FASCTST DICTATORSHIP FEARED ORIGIN OF THE TROUBLE. THE TRIAL OF LIEUT.-COU. AIZAWA MENACE OF SECRET SOCIETIES (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). (Received Feb. 27. 7.40 p.m.) LONDON. Feb. *23. The Japanese community in London i s plunged into con-dornaiion. Japanos bankers, however, anticipate a rapid return 1o normality lolknving the speedy punishment of the transgressors. The XeAvs-Clironiele fears that un-. less Prince Saionji ensures moderation the younger Army officer-a may establish a Fascist dictatorship, based on the determination that Japan shall be mistress of Eastern Asia. The Times' Shanghai correspondent- savs that although tlie unexpected strength oi the Radical vote at the elections was unpalatable to the Army more resentment is felt by the young officers oAA’iug to the calling of General Nazaki as a Avituos-s at the trial of the “patriotic 11 Lieuten-ant-Colonel Saburo Aizawa. avlio. shot General Nagata, Director of Military Affairs. The Times points out that Japan's secret societies have for years menaced the Governments, and terrorised and sometimes murdered Ministers. This time the Government AA'ould seem to be compelled to take up. the challenge of the ruthless yloiing officers. The > park causing tlie explosion was apparently the trial of Lieut.-Col. Aizawa, Avhoso muider of General Nagata was the young officer party s reply to the lat tor’s attempt- to check military dictation in polities. General Nagata dismissed Lieut.-Col. Nazaki and is significant that Lieut.-Col. Nazaki *s -successor was among those, murdoicd. The revolutionaries’ manifesto reI msised Lieut.-Col. Nazaki. It is sig killing General Nagata, because -lie wa's -in league with those Irustrat.ng the fulfilment of Japanese national life and encouraging vacillation towards China. The most disquieting feature is the public’s tolerance of patriotic societies and terrorism.

GERMAN PRESS VIEWPOINT. RUSSIA BLAMED. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright). (Receiived Feb. 27 5.5 p.m.). BERLIN Feb. 2G. The Allgemeine Zeitung regards the assassination as a- regrettable conclusion to a movement among the younger officers and thinks that Russia’s continual re-arming may be partly responsible. The Tageblatt points to Hie internal political situation iii Japan and tins Imperialist tendency toward Russia. 'JJie Angriff declares that the coup could not have happened in Germany nrh'ere the army and the people are one. ’ OPINION (N ROAfE. FRAXCO-ITALTAX TENSION MAY BE EASED. FRANCE LESS LIKELY TO RATIFY SOVIET PACT. (U.P.A. by Elec- Tel. Copyright). (Received Feb. 27 5.5 p.in.L ROME, Feb. 27. Diplomatic circles foresee the easing of the Franco-kalian tension a a the result of the murders because they bring a Russo-Japanese war nearer and render France less likely to ratify the Franco-Soviet pact. Xon-ritification v.-ould improve Fran-co-kalian relations.