JAPANESE POLICY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 196, 21 July 1941, Page 6

JAPANESE POLICY

SETTLE “CHINA AFFAIR.”

THIRD POAVERS OPPOSED

(United Press Association —Copyright) TOKYO, July 20. Tho Asalii Shimbun Buys that the new Foreign Dlinister (Vice-Admiral Toyadu), in ail interview, defined Ins fundamental policy as the settlement of tho “China affair.” Japan’s established national policy remained immovable and immutable, ho said, but it was his opinion that it might be necessary to take a free view’ of diplomacy to make it suit the day-to-day international situation.

“I am fully informed of the negotiations leading up to the signature of the Tripartite Pact,” he said, “but my knowledge of the diplomatic affairs of the last three montns is not complete. I am prepared to study the matter and make my judgment accordingly.” The Prime Dlinister (Prince Konoye) announced that the Government would function on a war footing. Japan’s policy for coping with the international situation already had been fixed and it now remained for the Government to put it into practice -with decision and speed. Tho officially-inspired Japan Times and Advertiser says a “Roosevelt wall” is being built and strengthened about Japan’s eastern front and that this threatens, the safety of the Japanese empire. “The time for Japan to take forceful measures in her own interests Is now, before the throttling circle becomes too strong and dangerous.” the paper says. The Kokumin Shimbun says flic fundamental problems are the Siberian question and American encirclement of Japan. Future foreign policy will be to destroy third-Power machinations against Japan’s now order in Asia.Tokio vernacular newspapers predict long life for the neiv Cabinet with reorganisation and stabilisation of the internal political scene. Since fundamental policy is unchanged, tho Government will not issue a platform statement. However, it is expected to clarify its policy to the Press after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

ATTITUDE OF DEMOCRACIES

Speaking in San Francisco the British Ambassador to the United States (Lord Halifax) saul that neither in tho British Commonwealth nor America was there tho slightest desire to pick a quarrel with Japan. Provided Japan had due regard for the rights of other interested Powers, he saw no reason why any difficulties need arise to lead to a clash, but no one should make the mistake of thinking that, under pressure, Britain would allow her legitimate rights and interests to be ignored and set aside. Observers in AVashington believe that tho new Japanese Cabinet offers scant hope of improved relations with Britain and tho United States or of any lessening of tension in,the Pacific. Authoritative opinion in Batavia is that Japan will not attack Russia, but that peaceful or unpeaccful penetration of French Indo-China can be expected at any moment. . The Foreign Office spokesman in Chungking said that Prince Konoye had formed a “water bird” Cabinet, meaning a. calm surface concealing great activity underneath. Despite the conservative appearance of the new Cabinet Japan would bo certain to move soon either northward or Southward. he said. It is reported from Tokio that the AGco-Foreign Dlinister (Dir Chuichi Oliasi) and the Ambassador to Nanking (Dir Honda) have resigned. It is believed they are in sympathy with Dir Matsuoka.

INFLUENCE OF TIIE SERVICES. Tho Chinese Foreign Minister (l)r. Quo Tai-ehi), in an interview with the United Press of America, pointed out that there are an unprecedented number of army and naval men in the now Japanese Cabinet, for which reason he considered that a semi-military Cabinet had been designed fully to prepare Japan’s contemplated military moves. He said that when preparations were completed Japan would he ready to strike. Dr. Quo Tai-ehi warned that the Cabinet appeared outwardly to be civilian. which it was hoped would enable Japan to extract tho last benefits from American and British circles. Tho Japanese Information Board spokesman (Mr Ito) said tho outbreak of the Russo-German war had brought about a very great change in the world situation. Japan, after Crete, expected that Germany would attack England instead of Russia “Some peoplo think that Rritoin* America and Itussia will now unitedly pit themselves against Germany, Japan and Italy and that finally an ideological war will begin,” ho said. “However. the situation is not so simple, so I think it dangerous to rush to any rash conclusions ’ ' He expressed the opinion that further changes in national alignments were possiblo, on the lines of Russia’s shift from Germany to Britain, for which reason one could not rely on others. . Mr Ito did not mention Japan s relations with tho Axis during a long review on international affairs.