JAPANESE CRISIS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 January 1940, Page 7

JAPANESE CRISIS

WAR MINISTER MAY BECOME PREMIER PRINCE KONOYE REFUSES TO TAKE OFFICE. TASKS FOR THE INCOMING GOVERNMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. NEW YORK. January 13. The Tokio correspondent of the American Associated Press says the Japanese Prime Minister, General Abe, has resigned. It is reliably but unofficially stated that the War Minister, Mr Hata, will succeed him.

The Tokio correspondent of the United Press says that the ex-Premier. Prince Konoye, has refused to succeed General Abe, asserting that his conscience would not permit him again to assume the Premiership. He said: "I> lack the confidence and necessary economic and financial knowledge to handle successfully the future political situation. Mere popularity and high birth are not helpful in solving Japan's present problems.” An earlier message stated that the Tokio correspondent of tlte United; Press of America said that strong pressure was being exerted on Prince Konoye to form a Government to succeed that of General Abe, which was formed at the end of last August. lu the event of a refusal, the Emperor would probably summon General Suglyama or Mr Hata. The immediate task of the new Government will be to implement the army’s programme of tapering the war in China and sponsoring Mr Wang Ching Wei’s Government, the proclamation of which may be further delayed.

EMBARGO ON ARMS DISCUSSION IN UNITED STATES. NEW YORK, January 13. The widespread interest and discussion regarding the statement by the former Secretary of State, Mr H. L. Stimson, who urged the prohibition of the export of arms, munitions and raw materials for armaments to Japan, is evidenced by the flood of letters to the "New York Times" preponderantly' favourable and characterising assistance to Japan as discreditable to the United States. But the problems are approached cautiously. For example, the “New York Times” •editorially answering criticism of the suggestion that it is desirable to seek the support of other Powers, stressesthat joint action has greater moral'significance than unilateral. An embargo would necessarily have certain conseuences beneficial in strengthening the Japanese moderates instead of driving them into the arms of the militarists and thence into the arms of Russia, thus ushering in a new chapter of still greater anarchy in Asia. SIR STAFFORD CRIPPS

I NOW VISITING CHINA. NEW YORK. January 13. The correspondent of the "New York Times" in Chungking says that Sir Stafford Cripps, M.P.. and Mr W. IL Donald arrived by air today from Kunfing. whence they motored from Mandalay over the new Burma road. Officials attach importance to the visit and believe that their observations will influence British policy in China. Mr W. H. Donald is General Chiang Kai-shek's Australian-born financial adviser. NEW PREMIER

ADMIRAL YONAI TO FORM CABINET. NEW YORK, January 14. The Tokio correspondent of the Associated Press says that Emperor Hirohito has commanded Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai to form a Cabinet. Admiral Yonai, who is 60 years of age. has been commander-in-chief of the Combined and First Fleet since February, 1937. He was Minister of the Navy in the Cabinet, of Baron Hirunuma. which resigned shortly after the signing of the Russo-German Pact. His career as officially detailed has been wholly connected with the Navy.