THE FAR EAST

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 149, 24 May 1928, Page 8

THE FAR EAST

JAPANESE CABINET. POLICY IN CHINA. (United Press Association—By sElectric Telegraph —Copyright.) (United Service.) Received May 24, 10.50 a.m. TOKIO, May 23. The domestic political' situation which resulted in the re-formation of the Sanaka Cabinet with tho installation of tho new Home Minister, Air Keisuke Mochizuki, and tho new Communications Minister, Air Fusanosuke Kuhara, has temporarily diverted attention front China. Tho Cabinet changes, however, arc not considered essentially important, being largely merely a reward for party workers and personal friends of the Premier. The fact that no Foreign Alinister lias been appointed, cho Premier continuing to occupy tho Foreign portfolio, is criticised in a considerable section of tho press, which asserts that tho present time is most vital for careful diplomacy and broad-gauged, visualisation of foreign affairs, which tlio Premier cannot be expected to obtain owing to the multiplicity of bis duties. There is no change in Mr Tanakas China poliev, and with regard to Manchuria. it is indicated in to-day’s despatches that plans for the co-ordina-tion of the defence of Pekin by the international forces is being worked out in collaboration with the Pekin legations and any dissensions will be eliminated. The American iorcos, however, are remaining . independent anil are unwilling to consider any suggestion of a unified command. In the meantime tho threatened major battle between tho Northern and the Southern Chinese forces is developing only slowly with scattered clashes over a wide area.