MURDEROUS ATTACK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 August 1941, Page 6

MURDEROUS ATTACK

JAPANESE VICE=PREMIER WOUNDED

CONDITION NOT DISCLOSED. ASSAILANT ARRESTED. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) TOKIO, August 14. The Vice-Premier and Minister without portfolio in the Japanese Cabinet, Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, was Shot and wounded at his home at 8 a.m. His condition has not been revealed. His assailant, Haohiko Ishiyama, was arrested on the spot. Baron Hiranuma, a former Prime Minister, is regarded as the mainstay of Prince Konoye’s Cabinet and one of its most moderate members.

SHOT IN NECK

BARON HIRANUMA’S INJURY.

NOT CONSIDERED SERIOUS

TOKIO, August 14. Baron Hiranuma’s wound is evi-

dently not as serious as was announced. He pursued his assailant to the gate, where the man was captured by a guard. The “New York Times” correspondent, Mr Otto Tolischus, in a message from Tokio links the attempted assassination with sinister moves during the past 24 hours by the ultra-national Black Dragon Society, which is reported to be taking an active part in vital decisions which will steer Japan either to peace or war. Mr Tolischus declares that the lord privy seal, the Marquis of Kido. is a rapidly-rising power in the political scene. Recently he had audiences with the premier, Prince Konoye. as well as the Emperor. The Marquis of Kido was also at Prince Konoye’s luncheon with Toyama and the head of the Black Dragon Society, which started numerous speculations. It is no secret that Prince Konoye and his civilian aides and supporters have been counted among the moderates who were trying to put the brakes on dangerous experiments by Japan. It is interesting to recall, adds Mr Tolischus, that every major enterprise by the Japanese Government in. recent years has been preceded by a Cabinet reorganisation. On the other hand it is considered unlikely that the Emperor will let Prince Konoye go, even if Konoye so desired, as was shown by his immediate reappointment following his last resignation. In these circumstances the balance of power between the contending forces is being placed more and more in the hands of the Marquis of Kido, who has rapidly pushed to the forefront of the political scene. The Black Dragon Society is credited with destroying every Government of Japan which went contrary to its wishes.

FURTHER REPORT

BARON HIRANUMA STRUCK BY THREE BULLETS. MAY BE IN SERIOUS STATE. (Received This Day, 11.25 a.m.) TOKIO; August 14. It is now reported that three bullets struck Baron Hiranuma. One report stated that he was shot through the eye. His condition may be more serious than was supposed.