Evening star., 1938-01-11

Z
TOXIC, Jan. 1.-THE highest gov
eminent and military officials Of Japan
in imperial conference with the En-
peror today drafted formally "the en-
pire's unshakable policy toward
China"
The details of that policy and
whether it contemplated a formal
declaration of war against China, with
whom Japan has fought In undeclared
conflict for six months, were held in
strictest secrecy.
It was announced semi-officially
that the japanese government would
issue within few days manifesto
clarifying its future action in China.
Following the imperial conference,
Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye re-
ported details thereof to members of
the Cabinet Advisory Board, who had
waited at his residence.
Sugiyama Sees Emperor.
War Minister General Gen. Sugi-
yama returned to the Emperor's pal
ace IN the afternoon for a separate
audience, presumably linked with the
imperial conference decision.
While the conference results were
not known, one informant asserted
that two alternatives were presented:
China's surrender or continuance of
the warfare.
Finance Minister Okimobu Kaya
optimistically told cabinet colleagues
that Ionan u,o,,Id ho,,o M difSe,,lfinc
financing long-term hostilities.
An informed official said the i'm
perial conference discussed not only
Japan's policy concerning China. but
also the empires relations with other
world powers.
Suyetsugu Urges War.
Formal declaration Of war has been
advocated by some japanese leaders,
notably Admiral Nobumasa Suyetsugu,
home minister and retired commander
Of the combined fleets, to facilitate a
complete blockade of China's coasts
and a drive to capture Canton, great
metropolis of South China.
Such moves would almost inevitably
heighten the already dangerous tension
between Japan and Britain, endanger-
ing the position of Britain's colony of
Hong Kong.
Todays was the fifth such confer
ence in Japan's history, and the first
since 1914. All the others we're con-
cerned with war, two during the
Chinese-Japanese War of 1894-5 to dis
cuss plans of campaign; the third,
February 4, 1904. to agree on declara-
ton of war against Russia; the fourth
August is. 1914, to decide on declara-
ton of war against Germany.
The war Office announced the cabi-
net had approved measure increas-
ing the normal term of compulsory
service in the armed forces from Is
to "a months. This will be introduced
in Parliament when it reconvenes
next week.
With the present conflict with China
six months old. Toxic newspapers said
that Admiral Suyetsugu insisted upon
withdrawal Of recognition of the
Chinese government.
Today'S grave conference began at
pm. in the east hall of the imperial
palace, and it was understood the con-
ferees grouped around a u-shaped
table with the Emperor at the head.
Army leaders were on his left, naval
officials on the right, and members Of
the cabinet grouped nearby. Kiichiro
Hiranuma, president of the Privy
Council. also attended.
The chief secretary Of the cabinet,
the director of the Military Affairs Bu-
reau, and the director Of the Naval AZ
fairs Bureau waited in q nearby room
Of the palace.
The cabinet and cabinet advisory
board met jointly at luncheon just
before the imperial conference. Pre-
mier Konoye explained the govern
ment's present China policy, and cir
cumstances resulting in the summons
by the Emperor.
A high government official, who
favored declaration of formal war as
serted that such a declaration would
simplify the technique Of one day
concluding a peace, and in dealing
with foreign offers to mediate but not
to intervene in the thus-far unde-
clared conflict.