The New York herald., 1921-02-14
Court Plot to Break Princes
Engagement During Trip
to England Charged
i'm Toxic.
AFFECTS BRITISH PACT
Renewal of Alliance COnsid-
cred as Blow to America
by Powerful Faction
Opposing 1t.
WIDE BREACH OPENED
WIDE BREACH OPENED
Two Governments Said to Ex-
ist in Japan, One by Old
Military Clansmen-
Minister to Quit.
Ru III. Associated Press.


at an early date of the Japanese
Crown Prince to England has behind 1t
n court intrigue" The case is de-
clared to form one of the most ex-
traordinary incidents in the dynastic
history of the empire.
Allegations have been made to the
effect that the real reason for the visit
abroad of Crown Prince Hirchito is
due to intrigue within the court to
bring about a cancellation of the be-
trothal Of the Crown Prince to the
T .cess Nagako. daughter of Gen.
Prince Kuni. The Household Depart
ment has issued an official statement
to the effect that "rumors seem to be
current" concerning the engagement OF
the Crown Prince to Princess Nagako,
but that the nation should understand
that no change whatsoever is contem-
plated concerning the marriage con-
tract, as already informally settled.
Minister to Resign.
with view to removing doubts and
uneasy feelings on the part of the peo-
ple," the Home Department has issued
a similar communication. This COM
muncation ADDS that Baron Nakamura,
Minister Of the Household. has decided
to resign. 1t is reported also that Mr..
Ishiwara, Minister of the House
hold, will retire. The making public OF
the official communications was followed
by visit OF Prince Kuni to the En-
peror and the Empress. tDespatches
from Toxic have pointed out that the
family OF Prince Kuni is not one of those
which for many years have had the
right of furnishing an imperial consort.1
The newspapers charge an intrigue to
annul the betrothal of the Grown Prince
and Princess Nagako. while Hirohito is
abroad, was launched by baron Naka-
nura. and that he is supported by Field
Marshal Yamagata, one of the Elder
Statesmen. 1t appears that several dis
tinguished parIiamentarians recently
wrote Yamagata, accusing him of inter-
ference in the love affair, and that they
subsequently sent circulars TO all the
imperial Princes.
According to the Nichi Nichi, Field
Marshal Yamagata has decided TO re-
tire from the Presidency of the Privy
council and to give up his Generalship.
as a. result of the incident, holding him.
self responsible for the grave affair"
Pray for the Marriage.
AS yet mystery surrounds the situa-
ton. Beyond saying that the affair
sszvely affected the imperial household
the authorities are declining to discuss
the matter. The Japanese newspapers.
however, 10 not hesitate to characterize
It as IAN intrigue"
To-day was the anniversary OF the ac-
cession to the throne of Japan's first
Emperor, Jimmu. A body of patriots
prayed at the shrine of the late EN-
peror Mutsuhito for the carrying out
OF the marriage Of the Crown Prince
to Princess Nagako Crown Prince Hiro-
hito is 20 years old.
What tho japanese newspapers call an
intrigue of the Choshu military clans
men to interfere with the marriage of
The Crown Prince and the Satsuma Prln-
cess threatens to bring more into the
open the long smoldering struggle boz
tween the extreme nationalists, repre-
sonting military influence. and the forces
Of progressive liberalism. The exposure
of the alleged attempt Of the army peo-
pie to dominate the court follows charges
made In the Diet that two governments
really exist in Japan--one In the War
Department and the other In the For
cign Office.
Two Newspapers suppressed-
Not having been permitted freely to
discuss the situation, the newspa pcrs
appealed to the Home Department. de-
rnanding liberty OF expression, declar-
ing this was necessary In order 70 allay
the anxieties of the subjects OF the EN-
peror To-day's edition OF ,the Asdht
and yesterdays edition of the Yomt- Uri
were suppressed
In the meantime six Representatives
Of the popularity known "Six Men
League continue their tcpposition to the
departure Of the Crown Prince In an
cndeavor to gain their ends they have
nSialized Premier Hara and Field
-a magata. who Is "A member
"a. Crouncll OF the Empire.
ION of having Crown
designated Regent. The
|nces authorize the Inn
Ind the Privy Council TO
xn Prince Regent in case
Is incspacitated and the
has attained his majority.
that the present situation
he making since last March
Hatano. a popular national
|gned as Minister OF the
allegedly because Of dis
over interference by the
men. In December the tutor
wn Prince suddenly retired
tinUed on Third Page.