MODERATE GROUP STRONGER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25208, 24 April 1943, Page 5

MODERATE GROUP STRONGER

(Rec. 9 p.m.) NEW YORK, Apl. 22. The Japanese Cabinet changes have indicated a considerable strengthening of the moderate group, which favours consolidating the present gains and conserving energies for future conquests. The Chungking correspondent of the New York Times says that this is the view in Chinese Government circles. The ultimate objective of the Japanese moderates is to launch a peace offensive against both China and the Western Powers, in the meantime holding a west wall of the BurmaIndian borders and a south wall running parallel to New Guinea, but not advancing further. The Chungking correspondent of the United Press, however, says that some Chinese observers think that Mr Shige r> mitsu’s appointment might be a smoke screen to mislead the Allies at a time when Japan is preparing a strong new military offensive towards Australia. The Asahi Shimbun, in an editorial broadcast by the Tokio radio, declared that Mr Shigemitsu’s appointment is in line with the Government’s determination to end the war as soon as possible. Mr Shigemitsu has been chosen because of the vital necessity for executing an adequate foreign policy to meet the ever-growing complications of diplomatic strategy. A Government spokesman stated that no change in foreign policy would result from the Cabinet reorganisation, which was merely designed to strengthen the Government.