Evening star., 1937-02-22
TOXIC SEES THREAT
IN ARMED SIBERIA
Sugiyama Cites Strength Of
Soviet in Asia-PoIicy on
China Modified.
BY the Associated Press.

TOk1O, tepruary lZ.-Ine Japan.
ese government, reported ready to
mend its strained relations with
China, turned its attention to Rus
sian armament in Siberia today and
frankly told Parliament that was
the reason it demanded the empires
army be strengthened.
Shortly after an official government
spokesman had indicated distinct
modification of policy toward China,
Gen. Sugiyama. minister of war, told
the House of Representatives a tre-
mendous increase in the Soviet army
in Asia necessitated the Japanese
army's replenishment program.
The Japanese forces, the war min
lister declared, were decidedly inferior
to the Soviet's Far Eastern army,
which he said now totaled Is di-
visions.
Program Is Outlined.
He outlined the defense expansion
under four headings:
/. Replenishment Of the air force
and air defense equipment and per-
sonnel.
2. Strengthening of the Japanese
army units in the protectorate state
Of Manchoukuo on the border of ST.
beria.
3. Increase of Japanese stores of
arms and armaments for the Man.
choukuoan army
4. Building up of stores of war ma
terials generally.
At the same time the country's war
authorities decided to abolish compli.
Gated recruiting regulations and en-
powered the war minister to lay down
simple rules to secure additional man
power whenever a shortage of recruits
| occurs.
Military powers also decreed relaxa.
ton Of physical standards for the
fighting forces in order to provide
sufficient personnel.
Height requirements for conscripts
were reduced by 165 inches, minor
ailments were discarded as bars to
service and stringent regulations were
adopted to prevent exemptions.
NanklngS rover Credited.
The modification of the Chinese
policy was believed to have been
brought about. in part. by the steadily
growing strength of the Nanking
Central government
The spokesman indicated the COM
promise government Of Senjuro Hay
ashi was willing to abate its demands
for simultaneous settlement of all
pending Sino-Japanese incidents and
negotiate separate settlements for
each.
1 Until now Japan has insisted the
general question Of her relations with
China be linked with the settlement
The Japanese press, as an indica-
ton OF the changed attitude. went
even further to predict the govern
ment would withdraw all demands
on China except for downward ad-
justment Of tariffs.
For this, however, the press stated.
Japan was willing in return to take
active measures to suppress snug
Cling into North China by her ma
tionals. one of the gravest of China
economic difficulties.
Sianfu Held Significant.
Tokio's changed mood was inter-
preted as due to the developments
following the abortive Communist
inspired rebellion at Sianfu last De-
cember, showing the strength of the
Chinese nationalist government.
Adding to the need for an eased
policy was the fact that Japans
previous policy had failed to obtain
desired economic results.
Meanwhile, tension relaxed in both
army and political circles as the Hay
ashi government weathered its first
stormy week of Diet sessions.
The threat of dissolution has been
avoided, it was generally believed,
and the probability of frontal clash
between the bitterly opposed army and
political parties postponed at least
temporarily.
No further general attack on the
government was expected as the Diet
turned to consideration of the ma
tion's largest budget and specific
legislative matters.
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