SATOH’S SUICIDE

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIX, Issue 89, 10 April 1934, Page 6

SATOH’S SUICIDE

RESPONSIBILITY TOO HEAVY FIANCEE BLAMES ASSOCIATION TOKIO, April 8. Satoh’s fiancee, Sanae Okada, aged. 21, who is a ranking woman tennis player, interviewed, said: “I believe Jiro committed suicide solely from a sense of responsibility. After acceding to the Tennis Association’s urging that he should proceed to Europe wheu he wanted to return from, Singapore, he was still haunted by the fear that his illness would endanger Japan’s ?hance of victory, and removed himself like Samurai of old. “I blame them for obstinately forcing Jiro against his will tnd driving him to desperation and death. Sat’jh had stomach trouble. He often said he had already played for several years and did not want to play this year. Hewanted to rest and have a quiet summer in Japan happily with me. We intended to marry next spring.” AUSTRALIANS STAGGERED SYDNEY, April 9. The Australian Davis Cup team aboard the Orford at sea were staggered at the news of Satoh’s death. Crawford paid tributes to him, saying that he was an example of the finest spirit in tennis, losing and. winning graciously. His sportsmanship was supreme, and he was an. oustanding player. The manager of the team wirelessed the team’s hearfelt sympathy to Japanese headquarters at Tokio and London.