PRINCE KONOYE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 226, 16 October 1940, Page 2

PRINCE KONOYE

JAPAN'S MUSSOLINI ARMY INFLUENCE It-has been said of Prince Konoye, who heads Japan's new totalitarian Government and has led his country into a closer alliance,with Germany and Italy,, that he claims descent from gods and yearns to be his nation's Mussolini. Konoye is Premier of Japan for the second time. It was his talent for keeping to the middle of the road in politics that made him acceptable in 1,937 to both army and business leaders, and it was this same talent that brought him into conflict with the army in 1938. He was the declared opponent of a mili tary dictatorship. He resigned in January, 1939. To-day he is Premiei again—and again with the blessing of the army. Observers suggest that on this occasion Konoye will not risk his political future by challenging the formidable strength of the army. Japan's Opportunity. Prince Konoye owes his rise to power to a recognition on the part oi moderate elements in Japanese politics that resistance to demands for new Pacific conquests could no longer be maintained against the ever-growing pressure of the army and navy. Hitler's run of successes in Europe, stopped now by Britain, have caused Japan to look to Hong Kong, Indo-Ghina, the Dutch East Indies and Malaya and a general expansion towards the south, and moderates have joined with the army in recognising a .golden opportunity. At the same time the moderates, willing as they are to play an active part in furthering Japanese aspirations in the Pacific, have not lost their fear of a military dictatorship. While they favour a more aggressive policy, disguised as "an extension of the sphere of Japanese influence," they are opposed to a policy of dangerously irresponsible aggression, and they are pinning their faith in Konoye as the man who can steer a middle course. Whether their faith will *be justified seems a matter of some doubt, as there is already evidence that the new Premier is tending more and more towards compliance with th<> policy of the army.

Task. * Konoye became Premier for \ the second time July 1 last. Writing ■ soon the event, an American commentator said that Konoye's task was to see that the two rivals for power, the army and big business, did not violate the terms of the union which Konoye's appointment brought about. The commentator expressed the opinion that while the new Premier was an oppohent of military dictatorship it would be erroneous to, regard him as a foe of the army or of aggression. Events since Konoye came to office indicate that he is reconciling himself more and more to the aggressive army policy. The Government which he heads has signed a i new 10-year pact with Germany and Italy, a step which the Premier had vigorously opposed previously. In other .directions, too, Konoye would appear to have turned his back on sentiments to which he gave expression during the period of his first term of office. "Streamlined." Perhaps the present situation in Japan can best be summed up in the words of. the American commentator: "The new post represents to Konoye the culmination of a meritorious political career. He will not risk its abrupt termination by challenging the army's formidable strength. The creation of the new party means that Japan is streamlining her political machinery for new aggression. Konoye's job is to keep it in high gear."