BIG ARMAMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22060, 16 September 1933, Page 11

BIG ARMAMENTS

THE JAPANESE POLICY MILITARY DICTATORSHIP (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, September 14. The Daily Herald’s diplomatic correspondent says: “Japan is on the verge of passing into the control of a military dictatorship pledged to a policy of big armaments and aggression abroad. General Araki (War Minister), known as the ‘ Japanese Mussolini,’ has secured the resignation of Count Uehida from the Foreign Ministry, and has appointed his friend, Mr Koko Hirota. This is a step to the abolition of Parliament and placing power with a council of state controlled by army generals. General Araki has the support of the * murder gangs’ (young officers who are out Ip assassinate democratic politicians). General Araki has dreams of Japanese ‘liberation’ in India, visioning a great Empire in which Japan will exercise the hegemony of all Asia.” JAPAN VIRTUALLY ISOLATED. WITHDRAWAL FROM LEAGUE. KOBE, September 15. (Received Sept. 15, at 7.30 p.m.) General Araki, addressing a meeting of the War Council, stated: “Japan faces a crisis at home and abroad. Withdrawal from the League reduces us to virtual isolation. Withdrawal synchronising with the forthcoming Washington Conference increases the dangers. China is nursing a grudge. She is at present submissive, but is awaiting her opportunity. Meanwhile Sino-American friendship is increasing alarmingly, and American influence is securing communications and aviation rights. The Soviet is menacing • and. increasing its border forces, while it is also concentrating 300 aeroplanes, including many big bombers, at Vladivostok.” Reverting to America, he pointed out that the transfer of her fleet to the Pacific in case hostilities broke put with Russia might be expected, rendering her a potential enemy, like Italy in the Great War.