SPECIAL SESSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24106, 27 October 1941, Page 7

SPECIAL SESSION

THE JAPANESE DIET SPECULATION IN TOKIO "COUNTRY READY FOR WAR" (Reed. 7.15 p.m.) NEW YORK, Oct. '2o The Japanese Cabinet has decided to request the Emperor to convoke a special five-day session of the Diet on November 15, states a Tokio message. The Information Board said the purpose was "to obtain approval for additional Budget plans and legislative bills to meet the current situation, also to express the firm determination of the present Cabinet regarding the prosecution of national policies." Observers are of the opinion that the primary purpose is to approve large military appropriations. Return to Constitutionalism The Tokio correspondent of the New York Times, Mr. Otto Tolischus, says the Cabinet's decision to petition the Emperor for convocation of an extraordinary session of the Diet took the nation completely by surprise, and caused much speculation. Japanese newspapers say the Japanese Prime Minister, General Tojo, wib seek national support for bis Government s policy, thus eliminating the fear that he might lollow the example ot other military statesmen. The Xiebi Nichi says the session will reveal the new Government's attitude to the United States in order to obtain the nation's solid and resolute support. Mr. Tolischus agrees that the calling of the session marks a return to Japanese constitutionalism; it side-tracks the totalitarian ideas that the Axis enthusiasts have propounded. The Tokio newspapers, which are making a drive for public support for the new Government led by General Tojo, hail his decision to call a special session as evidence of his "respect for the Constitution and established customs." Realism in Air-Raid Drill The Tokio correspondent of the United Press reports that the fortnight's air-raid drill was so realistic that nine persons were killed and '25 injured. Preparations for mobilisation are continuing. A Honolulu message reports that an American-born Japanese, when he arrived from Japan in the Tatuta Main, said Japan was an armed and rationed camp, and was ready for war, although food was short. hen they left a week ago the war fever was high and the people were prepared for air raids and sea attacks. They believed a conflict was inevitable. Xew shortages of foodstuffs and new restrictions were almost daily complicating living. The United States Department of Commerce reports that Japan's economic situation is grave, primarily as a result of the cessation of trade with Britain, American and Netherlands countries, which previously accounted for 75 per cent of Japan's total foreign business. Shortage of Materials The report adds that Japan is now dependent on the resources of the yen block area, whose prospects of self- j sufficiency are not bright. Japan is faced with almost complete dislocation of cotton exports, an uncertain future in the silk industry, and, in addition, a severe shortage of strategic materials. A message from Tokio says that because the food problem is increasingly difficult, Japan is turning a large part of her silk-producing mulberry orchards into grain fields, and drastically cutting the production of rice, wine, tobacco and tea. To conserve fuel, fishing-boats must replace power with sails. WEATHER DEFIED BOMBS ON GERMANY STEADY BRITISH OFFENSIVE (Reed. 9.10 pm.) LONDON, Oct. 25 The Air Ministry states that, in spite of the persistence of unfavourable weather over the Continent, a Bomber Command squadron attacked objectives in the Rhineland and elsewhere in Western Germany on Friday night. The docks at Brest were also bombed, while the Coastal Command during the night attacked enemy shipping off the coast of Norway and off the Frisian Islands. A large supply ship was hit and left on fire. One of our aircraft is missing. In the course of an offensive patrol on Saturday morning. Royal Air Force fighters destroyed an enemy fighter near Flushing. Overcoming bad weather conditions on Thursday night, powerful forces of aircraft of the Bomber Command attacked enemy ports and naval bases in northwest Germany. Attacks were also made on the docks at Brest, Cherbourg and Le Havre. Two of our aircraft are missing. In the sweep over Northern France on Friday afternoon Royal Air Force fighters destroyed seven enemy fighters, without loss to themselves. One British fighter is missing from an offensive patrol later in the day. During Thursday night's raid on north-west Germany one Royal Air Force bomber destroyed an enemy tighter. Enemy activity on Friday night was on a small scale. A few bombs were dropped in Wales and in South-west England. Sonic damage was caused, but few casualties have been reported. An enemy bomber was destroyed shortly after nightfall. Soon after dark on the previous night a single enemy aircraft dropped a small number ot bombs on North Scotland There was very slight damage and no casualties. Enemy air activity over Britain on Saturday i.ight was on a small scale. A few bombs were dropped at a small number of widely-separated points and they caused some damage. At one place in the north-west there were casualties. NEW GERMAN FIGHTER DETAILS OF PERFORMANCE (Reed. 0.35 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 25 The newspaper Aeroplane reveals that the Germans have a new eightgunned radial-engined fighter, the Focke-Wulf 190, which, it is believed, has already been in action against the Royal Air Force. Its maximum speed is estimated at 370 miles an hour, and it can operate at 40,000 ft., with a cruising range of 520 miles.