Tokyo, Jan. 20.
On the eve of the reopening of the Diet following the New Year recess, political circles were flurried today by reports of a threatened split in che Seiyukai, second largest political party in Japan.
Fifteen parliamentary members of the party representing north-eastern prefectures were reported.to be planning a separate convention as a demonstration of their lack of confidence in the party management, All political parties held conventions today to adopt manifestos clarifying policies they will follow during the Diet session.
The manifesto of the Minseito, largest political An declared: that the destiny of; Japan and peace in East Asia depend on the outcome of hostilities in China; it urged the nation to unite solidly behind the government in attaining the objectives of military operations in China by overcoming all possible difficulties.
Political parties which held meetings today included. the Minseito, Seiyukai, Kokumin Domei, Shokai Taishuto and Tohokai.
Parties in the House of Representatives are Minseito, 178 seats; Seiyukai, Soc Masses Party, 35; Tohokal, twelve; Firs: Lobby members (Daiichi Hikoeshitsu), 46; second Lobby mem bers (Daini Hikoeshitsu), thirteen; National League, ten; Reformists, four; Independents, 36; other groups, fourteen; vacancies, seven.
Parties in the House of Peers are Princes of the Blood, sixteen; Kenkyukai, 162; Kosei, 69; Kayo, 44; Koyu, 25; Dowa, 32, Dosei, 36. There are no vacancies. Domei.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.