NEW GOVERNMENT

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22689, 17 August 1945, Page 4

NEW GOVERNMENT

ORDER FROM EMPEROR PRINCE HIGASHI-KUNI UNCLE OF EMPRESS (United Press Assri.—Flee. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Aug. 16 The Japanese news agency says that the Emperor has ordered Prince Naruhiko Higashi-Kuni, aged 57, to form a new Cabinet. He is the Empress Nagako’s uncle. The Tokyo radio quoted the Prince in October, 1942. as declering that Allied airmen captured in raids on Japan, Manchuria and Japanese-con-trolled territory would be subject to trial and punishment, including death. Prince Higashi-Kuni is the ninth son of the late Imperial Prince Kuni. In 1919 he was promoted to the rank of general and became a member of the Supreme War Council. In 1941 he was appointed commander-in-chief of the home defence forces. His wife, Princess Toshiko Higashi-Kuni, is the ninth daughter of the late Emperor Meiji. Their eldest son, Prince Morihiro Higashi-Kuni, married Princess Shigeko, the eldest daughter of the Emperor and Empress, in 1943. It is reported that Prince Konoye, a former Prime Minister, and Admiral Oikawa, former Minister of the Navy, will be members of the Government. Japan’s State of Mind Japanese broadcasts implying vaguely that Japan is already looking to the rebuilding of her armed forces are receiving close attention by American officials, says a Washington message. Some military and diplomatic authorities dislike the tone of Kusho Oya, a senior announcer on the Tokyo radio, who said:* “This mistake we must amend.” Similarly, they are offended by the Premier. Suzuki’s, remark: “ This day has become a day that never will be forgotten by the Japanese people.” The Asahi Shimbun has no illusions. It comments that what the Japanese are confronted with is not a negotiated peace but a one-sided defeat. It says the Japanese should realise this stark reality and unite under the guidance of the Emperor in order to survive the great trials.