One of the most interesting features of the recent remodelling of the Japanese Cabinet has been the discussions which have been carried on in the Japanese Press with regard to the personalities of the new ministers. Very considerable attention is being paid to the appointment of General Kazushige Ugaki to control of the Foreign Ministry, and it is to be generally assumed that the selection of so strong and popular a man has been made with the idea of bringing the foreign policy more into line with the military needs of the situation on the one hand, and a closer understanding by the military faction of the political aspects of the many foreign problems with which Japan is faced as.a result of her venture in China on the other. The strengthening of the internal structure of the Japanese Foreign Office is reported to be one of the main items in General Ugaki's pio-gramme. This the general has stated in an interview given to the Press recently. He is quoted as saying:—
"It is my conviction that foreign Powers will come to alter their conception of Japan when they have realized that this country's policies toward China are unshakable even if the hostilities must last for three more years, five or even 100, "This, however, should not be interpreted as any intention on our part unnecessarily to challenge foreign Powers. I intend' to ur to maintain maximum harmony with ions who correctly understand Japan's position. I feel, however, that the success of my efforts entirely will depend upon the extent to which all foreign Powers are willing to understand our position and actions in the Far East, "Thus, summing up, I may state that the main principles of my diplomatic policy will concern reform of the internal system of the Foreign Office and steps to improve the attitude of foreign Powers toward the intentions of this country."
That is a most important declaration for it indicates the determination of the Japanese Government to pursue present policies to the bitter end, and a definite statement that the Japanese Government has in no way modified intentions which were so freely expressed at the commencement of the hostilities The General is not on so safe ground when he says that he feels that the success of his efforts will entirely depend on the extent to which all the foreign Powers are willing to understand the Japanese position' and action in the Far East. The suggestion that certain Powers do not understand these things may prove of some comfort to domestic Japanese public opinion, though in reality the neutral Powers who have been watching all that has been going on in China thoroughly understand the position, and because of that fact are highly critical. If General Ugaki hopes that convictions thus formed can be changed to a greater sympathy with Japanese aspirations in this part of the world he is likely to be gravely disappointed, for it must be remembered that even Germany and Italy are more than a little anxious over what has been happening, and with regard to the former it is mainly German loyalty to the anti-Komintern pact which keeps her so firmly in line with the Japanese in this matter. Germany has been called upon to pay a high price for Japanese adherence to the Pact, and the resentment which must naturally be felt by the Chinese over recent developments may make that price even higher. The influential journal the "Yomiuri" states that General Ugdki is preparing to parallel his diplomatic policies with those of the military and financial departments of the Government, in which he will be influenced by the following principles:—
1, To elevate Japan's position in China, as well as the country's international position toward all other Powers, by strengthening the anti-Comintern axis among Japan, Germany 2. To improve Japan's relations with Great Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union notably in relation to the campaign in China.
3, To induce foreign Powers to abandon their policies of assisting China, Up to the present Japanese policy has done little or nothing to strengthen the anti-
Komintern axis: it may indeed have sown seeds of weakness as suggested above.
General Ugaki's ambition to improve Japan's relations with Great Britain, the United States and Soviet Russia, notably in connection with the campaign in China is a most praiseworthy one. It is difficult to see how he can possibly succeed. Relations between Japan and Soviet Russia have not been good for years past; this campaign in China can do little to improve them for the very simple reason that Japan claims to be fighting against everything for which the Soviet Government stands.
Public opinion in Great Britain and the United States has been greatly shocked by much that has happened in China. Their governments find the interests of their nationals severly damaged by the complete disregard of solemn promises which has been one of the striking features of Japanese behaviour in China, They find nothing but disapproval for the principles which are alleged to underlie the Japanese policy, and because of these things General Ugaki will be faced with a task of enormous difficulty. While it is still too early to see how he proposes to carry out his policy, there is sufficient evidence to show that the recent Cabinet reshuffle has placed the Japanese military caste more firmly in control than ever before, and the impression cannot be escaped that whatever changes are to be made towards strengthening the Foreign Ministry, it will be rather along lines designed to bring Japan's foreign policy more in line with militarist desires, than an adaption of military programmes to the necessities of the international political situation. Foreign opinion will not be changed merely because of a restatement of Japan's unshakable policies in China: it is more likely to be confirmed in what the Japanese must regard as heresies. On the basic fact of the onslaught on China {he world has already passed judgment. It is unlikely that it will ever be reversed, and the real task with which General Ugaki is faced is to make the best out of a very bad job. If he succeeds he will justify the very great confidence that is felt in him in Japan: if he fails it will be no fault of his, but of the circumstances in which he has been called to office.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.