Contending that he is incapable of dealing with the delicate economic problems now facing the Government, Prince Konoye has repeatedly intima ed that he would not accept the Premiership.
Gen, Shunroku Hata, Minister of War, this afternoon renewed his efforts to secure a change in the attitude of Prince Konoye.
Following an hour's conference with Lieut.-Gen. Shigeru Sawada, assistant Chief of the Army General Staff, and Major-Gen. Akira Muto, Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs of Prince Konoye Flatly Refuses Post Tokyo, Jan, 13.
Prince Ayararo Konoye, former Premier and now President of the Privy Council, this evening announced his determination not to accept the premiership again. He made his decision known following conversations with Gen. Shun-raku Hata, War Minister, and the Premier, Gen. Abe.
"My conscience does not allow me to accept it," he stated. "In view of the nature of the present political change, a person like myself, who lacks knowledge and confidence in regard to economic questions, should not take up the task of disposing of the situation. Ability and confidence are the deciding factors, while mere courage or determination would never be sufficient.—Domei. the War Office, Gen. Hata at 3 o'clock this afternoon met with Prince Konoye at the Tokyo Club to communicate to him the views of the army favouring his acceptance of the Premiership.
This was the second interview between Gen. Hata and Prince Konoye today. Following this morning's Privy Council meeting, Gen, Hata, Gen Abe, the Premier, and Prince Konoye went into conference for a discussion of the manner in which the present political situation could best be set-Yet, The outcome of this discussion apparently was barren, Prince Kon-eye, it was understood, having standfastly refused to become a candidate for Premier.
Gen. Abe also again met with Prince Konoye this afternoon at the Tokyo Club. They remained in conversation for 40 minutes during which the Premier was understood to have urged Prince Konoye to reconsider his refusal again to head a government.
This interview followed a meeting between the Prime Minister and the leaders of the five leading political parties. Observers tended to believe that the view that Prince Konoye would be the most welcome candidate for Premiership by various Lower House parties had been communicated to the Premier at this time, causing Gen. Abe to seek another interview with Prince Konoye.
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