JAPANESE CHANGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 169, 21 July 1941, Page 5

JAPANESE CHANGE

CALM ON TOP, CUT ACTIVE UNDERNEATH DAY-TO-DAY NATIONAL POLICY AMERICA CANNOT SEE AN EASING OF iENSIOx (Recd. 8.20 p.m.) London, July 20. The vernacular Press in lokio predicts a long life lor the new , Cabinet, with a reorganisation and stabilisation of the internal political scene. Since the tuniianental policy is unchanged, the Government did not issue a platform statement. However, it is expected to clarify the policy to the Press after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Settle “China Allair" First. The Asahi Shimbun says ViceAdmiral Toyoda, the new Foreign Minister, in an interview, denned the fundamental policy as a settlement of the China au’an. Japan's established national policy remained immovable and immutable. However, it was his opinion, tiiat it might be necessary to take a free view of diplomacy and make it suit the day-to-day international situation.

The new Cabinet is:— Prime Minister: Prince Konoye

Foreign Minister: Admiral Toyoda. Minister of War: Lieutenant-General Tojo. Navy Minister: Admiral K. Oikawa. Minister of Justice (concurrently): Prince Konoye and LieutenantGeneral Koizumi. Minister of Overseas Affairs (concurrently): Admiral Toyoda and Lieutenant-General Suzuki. Minister of Home Affairs: Mr. Tanabe. Minister of Finance: Mr. M. Ogura. Minister of Railways and Communications: Mr. Shozo Murata. Minister of Commerce and Industry: Vice-Admiral M. Sakonji. Minister of Education: Mr. K. Hashida. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry: Mr. H. Ino. Minister of Welfare: Lieutenant-Gen-eral Koizumi, Minister without Portfolio: Baron Hiranuma, President of the Cabinet Planning Board: Lieutenant-General Suzuki. The most notable change* in it is the omission of the former Foreign Secretary, Mr. W. Matsuoka, and the appointment in his stead of Admiral Toyoda.

The Cabinet changes arc inter--1 prefed to mean that Japan has i repudiated the previous pro-Axis direction of her policy, hut that she is still pressing on with her I own ambitious aims in East Asia. Pieased Mr. Matsuoka Has Gone. I The United Press says that the Japanese newspapers view tne dropping of Mr. Matsuoka with satisfaction. They attack his recent policies, particularly the Russian pact, ana claim that what Japan r.eCus is a man a'ol" to see at least a year ahead. Rec. 9.20 p.m. Washington, July 19. Observers here believe the new Japanese Cabinet oilers scant hope of improved relations with Britain and the United States, or any lessening of tension in the Pacific.—U.P.A. (Recd. 7.40 p.m.) London, July 20. The’ Chungking Foreign spokesman said that Prince Konoye had formed a “water-bird” Cabinet, meaning it was calm on the surface but concealing great activity underneath. Despite a conservative appearance, tile new Cabinet in Japan will be certain to move soon, either northward or southward.—U.P.A. Foreign Policy Not Changed. The Domei news agency said it was beyond the new Government s mission to guide Japan along the lines of a free foreign policy. Third Powers, unfriendly towards Japan, may exploit the Cabinet change and broadcast false propaganda, as though Japan's foreign policy had been altered, but this would only be wishful thinking. Anglo-American circles generally welcome Admiral Toyoda's appointment, believing that it foreshadows a more conservative policy. They point out that the Cabinet is strongly nationalistic, and suggest that it is likely to follow an opportunist policy. They do not believe the Cabinet will commit itself to a course confiding with Japan's treaty obligations. Chinese newspapers contend that the chief motive for the reorganisation of Cabinet is to clear up the neutrality agreement with Russia.

An army and navy joint statement called upon the nation to unite in the rapid strengthening of Japan s wartime structure. The main lines of the national policy established at the Imperial conference on July 2 are said to remain immutable and independent of Cabinet. (Rocd. 8.2 C p.m.) Batavia, July 19. Authoritative opinion in Batavia is that Japan will not. attack Russia, but a peaceful, or unpeaceful, penetration of Indo-China can be expected at. any moment. Further large reinforcements of R.A.F. airmen have arrived in Singapore from England. It is reported from Tokio that the Vice-Foreign Minister, Mr. Chuichi Hashi, has resigned and the Ambassador to Nanking has also resigned. It is believed they were in sympathy with Mr. Matsuoka. Six large companies of shipowners and shipbuilders have decided to build, between them, three ships annually, of a gross tonnage of 9000 to 10,000. The machinery is being purchased in the United Sta'.es.—U.P.A.