JAPANESE CABINET RESIGNS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 17 October 1941, Page 5

JAPANESE CABINET RESIGNS

SPLIT ON NATIONAL POLICY Warning Issued to Public CLOSE WATCH BY UNITED STATES Possible Moves'by Tokio if Moscow Falls j (Rec. 12.20p.m.) London, Oct 10 A message from I okio states that Prince Konoye’s Cabinet has resigned. Ihe Cabinet resigned because of its inability to agree on the great issues confronting the empire, says the fokio correspondent of >the Association Press <>i Great Britain I ailure to rea< It a< the United States and growing military pressure for action in the crisis arising from German successes in Russia are strongly indicated as ; the major factors for the Ministry’s fall. 1 There is widespread feeling, especially among militarists, that Japan in recent months missed too many golden opportunities and 1 Russia’s difficulties now present a chance such as may never recur, it is the shortest lived Cabinet in modern Japanese history I he I okio radio announced that the resignation of the Cabinet will not alter the national policy of Japan. She adheres to her policy as laid down in the Japanese-Axis Pact and will continue to carry out that policy. Japan will do everything possible to avoid a clash with I America. i The Japanese army spokesman warned the nation to be prei pared for any eventuality. I The Cabinet Information Board issued a statement that since 'its formation Cabinet had concentrated every effort to achieve its ! mission. However it was found difficult to reach an agreement on the j method of pursuing national policy and came to the conclusion to 1 resign. On tendering the resignation Prince Konoye was ordered by the Emperor to continue to direct affairs pending further instructions. The Domei News Agency says the resignation followed several ! days’ intensive consultations among the Umpire’s highest officials over [some of which the Emperor presided. The formation of a new Government will probably be put underway to-morrow.—U.P.A. ACTION BY PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT According to a New York message the Washington correspondent of the “New York Times’’ says that President Roosevelt is formulating a policy to meet the diplomatic repercussions if Moscow falls, which most Administration circles admit would cause a new i crisis in the war. Those who are in a position to know say that Mr Roosevelt is determined to go to all possible lengths to keep Russia fighting and encourage Britain and Turkey. Diplomatic reports reaching Washington increasingly mention the possibility of Japan extending northward and southward if Moscow falls. Meanwhile, a movement is growing within the Administration for counter-action by America. Influential naval circles who favoured direct action against Japan since the outbreak of the war are now arguing that the Japanese threat, which is keeping a large part of the American fleet in the I Pacific, must be eliminated while Germany is involved in Russia.