JAPAN’S AMBITIONS.
That tension in the Far East still exists as a result of Japan’s desire to dominate that area is revealed in a cable message from Shanghai, which says that the State Department in Washington has advised all Americans who are in Japanese territory to leave it as soon as possible. There are various ways in which this announcement might be interpreted, but in the absence of fuller information the safest conclusion is that it is a precautionary measure in case of developments even more unfavourable than those that have been recorded lately. There is no question as to where Japan's ambitions lie. The issue is largely a matter of whether her militarists consider, in pursuit of their plans, whether they are strong enough to defy Britain and America to the point of throwing down the gage of battle. Japan’s foreign policy is clearly explained in official documents that have come to hand. In June the Foreign Minister. Air Arita, spoke in a radio address on the ideals of peace. To realise such ideals, in his opinion, it seemed to be a most natural stop that peoples who are closely related with one another geographically, racially, culturally, and economically should first form a sphere of their own for co-oxistenee and coprosperity, and establish peace and order' within that sphere, at the same time securing a relationship of common existence and prosperity with other spheres. This is set forth as the foundation of the plan for establishing a new order in East Asia to be led and guided by Japan. On the day following his investiture as Prime Minister. Prince Konoye broadcast his policy to the nation. In it he said good-bye to all forms of Liberalism and democratic ideals. These, along with aspirations founded on Socialism, must be banned. Such evils should be eliminated and a return made to the inherent character of the Japanese nation, “ thus affording true service to the State in accordance with the Imperial will, all the people being united in one mind.” When touching upon foreign affairs, Prince Konoye made no reference to relations with the Axis. The inference to be drawn from his remarks was that commitments that might be made with Berlin and Rome would be purely in the interests of Japan, and would not indicate any sympathy with the aims of Hitler and Mussolini. It was made clear that the Government’s foreign poll icy would not be swayed by the events of immediate moment but by taking a long view—looking to developments in ten, twenty, and fifty years, and proceeding independently, positively, and constructively in Japan’s relations with other parts of the world. Prince Konoye laid emphasis on a course of conduct for the ration that has world-wide application and significance by stating that each one, putting aside private interests, must positively strive to increase production and at the same time practise economy in consumption. On this point the Prime Minister uttered this truth: “ There has never been a nation that has risen to prosperity and strength by giving itself over to luxury and pleasure,” It will he seen that Japan has become a complete totalitarian State. Since she rose to the status of a first class Power she has tried many experiments in government and statecraft generally, based on the experience of Western nations. Now those who control the country are carried away by an ardent desire to dominate for its sole advantage the regions of the Far East. In the meantime the people are kept desperately poor by the calls on their resources for military purposes, and it remains to be seen whether or not they can be kept in their present state of submission.
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Evening Star, Issue 23702, 9 October 1940, Page 6
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616JAPAN’S AMBITIONS. Evening Star, Issue 23702, 9 October 1940, Page 6
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