"the policy which the government] decided upon to bring about the anhnihilation of the Chiang Kai-shek administration has not undergone any change whatever since the statement to that effect was issued January 16.
think the close relations between fang and. the Communist result inthe gradual ing of the influence of the Communist Party as the hostilities progress.
"In this connection, there is @ growing opinion that. the Tale-German. Japanese anti-Comintern accord should be strengthened. The govern: ment approves of a strengthening of the Berlin-Rome-Tokyo axis and con crete plans concerning this question fire being considered."
"The Premier reaffirmed that the government Intends to respect the Fights and interests of the Powers in China," He said Japan has no Intention of closing China's door against third Powers; he udded that. they "must be persuaded to abandon their assistance to the Chiang Kai-shek végime."
He said the government would issue a statement shortly before or after the fall. of Hankow "branding the Chiang Kai-shek regime ay a provin-imperial Conference to M
Prince Konoye intimated that an imperial conference may be convoked following the capture of Hankow to deal with various questions, Commenting on the movement for the formation of a new political party, the Premier said he would sup-DARE nawipakl A/F eeoved worthy: of its rame." "He denied rumour that another Cabinet reconstruction was impending.
"We hope that the real intentions of the Japanese Government will be thoroughly understood by third Powers. We will try to avoid friction with third Powers," the Premier said.
Prince Konoye stated that he had not discussed any special matter with Prince Saionji, ax the latter had been informed previous regarding all important measures. He said Prince Saionji fully understood the government's policy, and that their con versation centred around the steps to: be taken after the occupation of Hankow. Japan's policy toward third Powers also was discussed, he, sald.
He said Prince Saionji wus in com-but found it} walk due to the enoss of advanced age.
My visit to Prince Saionji had no special meaning," the Premier stated. "I wanted to carry out my wish to call on him at least once during the Japanese Prefer European Peace Tokyo, Sept. 13.
Quotations on the Tokyo stock. market, which had firmed up during the past week in expectation European War, sagged this morning with the reading of reports of Herr Hitler's speech.
This is regarded in Japanese elrcles as leaving the way open for a peaceful settlement.
"The morning papers did not carry the speech, owing to the lateness of Mts arrival, but it was given const derable prominence in the evening pape "Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of war in Europe upon Japan Would Go to War if Necessary Tokyo, Sept. 16.
"If it becomes absolutely necessary, we will not hesitate to yo to war in accordance with the spirit of the Anti-Comintern Pact," declared the spokesman for the Foreign Office today, amplifying his statement of September 14.
The spokesman stated that he had received unofficial reports that the Czechs had, begun moving part of their army yes~ terday morning, and also that Great Britain and France had agreed to suggest a plebiscite to Prague—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.