JAPAN’S DEFENCE POLICY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25803, 26 March 1945, Page 6

JAPAN’S DEFENCE POLICY

SHARP QUERIES IN DIET

MINISTER PROMISES OFFENSIVE

NEW YORK, Mar. 23. Sharp queries on his defence policy were tossed at General Koiso by members of the Diet, which indicated displeasure at the Government’s unsympathetic attitude to the public, says Tokio radio. Giji Manabe complained that the Governor of Tokio’s proclamation after a heavy raid should be couched in warmer language, but did not disclose the proclamation’s contents. Isaji Tanaka asked when the Government was announcing a guiding directive for the public. General Koiso replied that he could not reveal any policies at present. The Foreign Minister, Shigemitsu, told the Budget Committee that the San Francisco Conference will prove a step in the direction of the next war. He declared that the British and American plans represented nothing but power politics. The British and Americans offered armed peace whereas Japan advocated a peace based on international justice. Field-marshal Sugiyama said: “We are fully prepared for the defence of our mainland.” He added that the Japanese soldiers were stoutly holding their positions at Rabaul, Truk, the Philippines, and other islands. “ Why? Our troops are not there for the sole purpose of defence.” The Navy Minister, Admiral Yonei, said: “We have all our. forces ready to launch attacks on all fronts, which will reverse the present war situation.”

Lieutenant-general Sakurai, broadcasting from Tokio radio, urged the Japanese to follow the example of Frederick the Great. “ Without uselessly indulging in worry over the prevailing war situation we should calmly place our hands on our chests and Ihink our efforts are not yet sufficient. Frederick always put his hands on his chest, regardless of victory or defeat." The Domei Agency quoted the Home Minister, Odachi, as saying that the Tokio population is now less than 4,000,000, and mass evacuation is continuing. The Agriculture Minister, Shimeda, told the Diet Committee that wheat and potatoes had been distributed and stored in great quantities. He added: “ There is nothing to worry about, even if by chance the homeland is split up.”

Tokio radio says General Koiso told the Diet that his Government was determined to launch an offensive to, recapture Iwo Jima, Saipan, and Guadalcanal