Crisis in Japan
The resignation of the Japanese Cabinet on Wednesday has plunged the country into an unexpected crisis, for though the Government was known to be contemplating moves—probably the seizure, peaceful or by force of arms, of ports in French Indo-China,—which would have led to serious international complications, there was no sign that the Cabinet itself was likely to break up. At the moment of writing nothing of the real causes of the resignation of the Prime Minister is known. The declaration that the purpose of the step is to make room for a stronger Government of National Unity may or may not conceal some real difference of opinion between Ministers about the policies to be pursued, or between Generals anxious for an attack on Siberia and Admirals favouring adventures farther south. Rumours that the Foreign Minister, Mr. Matsuoka, may be replaced lack confirmation, and are worth little till they get it. What is certain is that an important school of politicians in Tokyo is determined that Japan shall fish in troubled waters for anything she can get, and that Hitler is pressing her by every means of suasion his Ambassador in Tokyo, General Ott, can exercise to take action detrimental either to Russia or to Britain or both. The next few days must bring decisive developments one way or the other.
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