THE FAR EAST

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21200, 24 August 1940, Page 8

THE FAR EAST

JAPAN AND SOUTH REALISATION OF POLICY FORMATION OF FEDERATION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) TOKIO, August 22 Sixteen South Sea associations, comprising business interests, industrialists and research workers, have been organised into the Japanese Federation of South Seas Associations for the purpose of “close co-operation with the Government in the realisation of Japan’s southward policy.” Mr Matsuoka, Foreign Minister, in a congratulatory message, declared that “owing to European Powers and America being greatly interested in South Seas regions with which Japan is greatly concerned, we must be fully prepared to meet difficulties arising from relations of these third Powers with the South Seas region.” Prince Konoye, Prime Minister, also sent congratulations. Great and Bold Measure The Japanese Foreign Office has revealed that only four of the present Ambassadors will remain at their posts. These are Mr Kurusu Berlin, Mr Amau at Rome, Mr Togo at Moscow, and Mr Shigemitsu at London. The Tokio Asahi Shimbun characterises the reshuffle as “ a great, bold, and drastic measure in preparation for the reorientation of Japanese , diplomacy.” The paper predicts further retirements of diplomats abroad, also shifts for virtually all Foreign Office departmental chiefs, including a purging of the so-called American and British faction. Mr Horiouchi’s recall was inevitable, due to the diplomatic blow of the United States treaty abrogation.