The Archive · 1939

New Hiranuma Cabinet

Prince Konoye Included; Army's Conditions Accepted; Stronger China Policy Expected Tokyo, Jan. 5. TAPEN'S 36th Cabinet since the establishment of constitutional government in this country came into being here today as thirteen ministers, headed by Baron hiro Hiranuma, former President of the Privy Council, were invested in' their respect offices by Emperor Hirohito in' the Phoenix Hall of the Imperial Palace.

Prince Ayamaro Konoye, who tendered his resignation as Premier yesterday, was included in the new government as a minister without portfolio This was the first time that such a post was gazetted in Japan.

Prince Konoye will also succeed Hiranuma as president of the Privy Council.

Fifteen hours after he was commanded by the Emperor to form a Cabinet, the 73- year-old bachelor statesman, whose hobby is archery, completed the selection of his ministers.

The investiture ceremony was held 430 o'clock this afternoon, with Mr. Kurahet Yuasa, Lord Privy Seal, in attendance when Baron Hiranuma Was solemnly appointed Prime Minister by His Majesty.

"Japan will concentrate her total national power on the attainment of the objectives of the sacred eampalzn China in accordance with the policies already established," declared the new Premier in his first statement issued after the initial meeting of his now Cabinet, Five Ministers "in the outgoing Konoye Cabinet retained their posts inthe now government, while one Minister changed portfolios. Two} joe-ministers in the outgoing gov tinment were promoted to minister In their regpeetive departments. Out fof the fourteen regular Cabinet posts, two are being held concurrently with thors. Japan's two leading, political parties are also represented on the Now Cabinet stem bers WIN retain the War portfolio, presented the aged statesman with seven-point list of "wishes" which the: Army wants to sce realized.

An emergency meeting of Army heads "was called by—Lieut-Gen. Hagaki at his official residence at o'clock this morning. Present were, addition to War Minister, It-Gen. Mfgataka'" Yamawaki, vice-minister, LisGen, Toshizo Nishio, Inspector-General of Military Education, and others. adopted at this meeting. asks For:

1. Reallztion of the alms of the china with the deetslons of the Fecont Imperial Counel:} the Lerma of the December 22 statement culttning Japan's policy. for, the ent of its relauons Exlenslon and roplenishme artiements tu view of the criieal tion" in Bast Asis Japan to aly and Germany:

Strengthening of the tes unltng 4, Strengthening of the national reuse inthe" powers of the" National Planning Board.

Members of the new Cabinet are as follo Gromier: urs Tlaghire Aria, Sapgnson of the nations 6. Heightening of national mo 7. Promotion of trade. murat

Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.

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