July 18, It is significant of the manner in which] the extremists in Japan are endeavouring to force the pace that Admiral Yonai was] obliged to resign with the whole of his Cabinet by reason of decisions taken by the Army leaders, and that before the formation of the single party which has been so widely' canvassed, has been completed. General Hata, Minister for War, it will be recalled, complaining that the Cabinet's ce-operation' in the formation of a new political struc ture was rather indifferent, tendered his resignation. Determined to carry on Admiral Yonai asked him to nominate successor, to be told that the conference of, the Army's "Big Three" had decided to refuse recommendation of a successor to himself. It may seem strange to other people, but' the fact is that the Japanese Army has! the final say as {o who shall be the Minister for War, and, if it refuses to nominate anyone for the post, it is impossible for any Premier to form a Cabinet, and Admiral Yonai had no alternative but to resign. Thus the: extremists succeeded in forcing a Cabinet crisis, putting Admiral Yonai out of power and paving the way for the creation of a Ministry more amenable to their particular doctrines. The chances are that the near future will see a Cabinet entirely dominated by the Army, in which the views of the extremists will undoubtedly prevail. Aecording to Domei the Army will only accept! Prince Konoye as Premier, and it has also' been stated that it will not tolerate a makeshift Cabinet. The Army apparently considers that it_needs a really strong and powerful Ministry in order to cope with the changing developments in inter~ il affairs, and it is difficult to avoid the impression that what is contemplated is gamble "upon possible eventualities in Europe. It has already been pointed out in these columns that it would be the height of imprudence for any Power not involved in the European war to endeavour to wrest! advantages out of the existing situation, for fever may happen will not be regarded' as final when the Hitler menace has been disposed of. be remembered that when Adpiral Yonai assumed office some six months ago) it was stated that the main point in his policy would be the liquidation of the China Incident. He appears to have got no further in that matter than any of his predeces~ sors. Neverthless the administration has to
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