Three Vital Issues Tokyo. Feb. 10.
Disposal of the China War and readjustment of relations between Japan and Soviet Russia are two of the three cardinal issues that require immediate solution by the Japanese Government, says Mr. Telichi Muto, famous commentator, in an article in the "Hochi." The third problem, he states is internal reform.
Mr, Muto says that a solution of] these three issues is necessary before Japan ventures southward, He continues: "Japan's southward drive ig absolute and necessary. She has neither resources nor a. large territory. Except for the spirited temperament of the nation. she has nothing special. That Japan _must seek a way for self-existence to the south is absolute and needs no emphasis, This country is concentra! ing on the construction of what is called a high-tension States, but its realization rests on acquisition of natural resources.
"Must then this be undertaken im= mediately? Before Japan attains this. objective, it must solve the three cardinal and basic issues, namely, an immediate disposal of" the China affair, readjustment of Japan-Soviet relations, thereby removing Japan's need for an abnormal northern defence, and carrying out of reforms in its domestic structure. In other words, the solution of these three, principles is synonymous with Japan's southward penetration.
"Fortunately, however, the China affair has resulted in a decisive vic+ tory in Japan's favour as far military operations are concerned, and this! is due to the Japanese army and navy. However, there is still much eft to be desired on matters other than military and this is why the: situation still appears as it is.
"Japan, so to speak, is carrying a heavy burden in the' shape of the China affair. It is impossible for Japan to venture southward with the Uhreat of a strong force of the Soviet Union remaining in the north. The pation must) carefully" sidy' this "Is the prevailing domestic situation in Japan fitting for it to enact, a big role? We doubt this. The new structure now in progress is not thorough-going enough. National enthusiasm must create a new struc ture—an onward structure must perfected while a country is prepa ing to start."—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.