JAPANESE EFFORT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 October 1940, Page 5

JAPANESE EFFORT

SETTLEMENT SOUGHT WITH RUSSIA ITALIAN TALK OF ATTACK ON SINGAPORE. REPORTED PREPARATIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, October 3. The Rome radio states that Japan is making an effort to settle her differences with Russia. The Japanese Ambassador in Moscow has been invested with “the necessary powers to enable him tb solve outstanding Russian-Japanese problems.’’ Inspired Italian comment asserts that Japan is attempting to place herself in the best possible strategic position against Singapore in case of British hostility forcing Japan to attack the base. It is asserted that Japan is doing her utmost to extend her influence to Thailand in order to prepare for economic and spiritual penetration of the Dutch East Indies. CABINET COUNCIL APPOINTMENT APPROVED BY EMPEROR. TOKIO, October 3. The Emperor has approved the appointment by Cabinet of the following 10 Cabinet Councillors —General Senjuro Hayashi and Admiral Kiyokazu Abo, representing the military forces; Messrs Chuji Machida, Fusanosuke Kuhara and Chikuhei Nakajima, Lieu-tenant-Colonel Kenzo Adachi, representing the political world; Baron Seinosuke Go and Mr Seihin Ikeda, representing the industrialists; Mr Kazue Shoda, representing Government circles; and Mr Kozui Otani, representing the religious world. The Premier, Prince Konoye, originally planned to abolish the council. However, he has reconsidered it in the belief that a “well-balanced” selection, would assist in the establishment of the new political structure. General Sugiyama at present Supreme War Councillor, has been appointed Chief of the General Staff, replacing Field Marshal Prince Kotohito Kanin, who has resigned, believing that he has accomplished the task, that the Chinese war is in its final stage, and that the early establishment of a new domestic and national structure is assured. Japan, he feels, is now in a stronger position to construct the new order.