Evening star., 1939-08-26
Toxic Army Holds
Pact With Axis Dead;
Cabinet Shakeup Due
Soviet Treaty Violated
Anti-Comintern Accord,
Government Charges
BY the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
TOXIC. Aug. 26.-The Japanese
Army formally approved Japanb
turning away from the Rome Berlin
axis in favor of international isola-
ton today and the government pro-
tested to Berlin that the German
Soviet non-aggression treaty was a
violation of the spirit of the anti
comintern pact.
The army's statement of approval
was issued amid authoritative fore
casts that cabinet changes were
impending.
1t declared that it was impera-
tive to strengthen quickly the mill
tary campaign in China in order
to overcome temptations and
Vaccinations" which were expected
to be directed toward the empire"
1t also declared as good as dead
the anti-comintern pact among
Japan, Germany and Italy to fight
international communism. The army
long had supported the pact and
certain army elements recently had
demanded military alliance with
Berlin and Rome. The statement
therefore indicated how far the
shock Of the German Russian ac-
cord had turned the entire Japanese
nation toward new foreign policy.
The protest to Germany, delivered
IN Berlin, declared that Germany,
by coming to an accord with Soviet
Russia, home of communism. had
violated the spirit of the anti
comintern pact. Japan and Rus
sia have been at serious odds for
the last eight years.
Konoye Urged for Premier.
Reliable sources, meanwhile. re-
ported that War Minister 1t. Gen.
Seishiro Itagaki was urging former
Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye
to make positive efforts" in connec-
ton With reorganization of the cabi-
net-that is, again become Premier.
Premier Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma
reported to the Emperor during the
day, which was marked by intense
political activity.
An army communique from Hsin-
king, Manchukuo, reported a Japa-
nese counterattack on Soviet-Mon-
gols, giving quick emphasis TO pre-
dictions that Soviet-Japanese ten
sion would increase with weakening
Of the anti-comintern pact.
The japanese attack was intended
to wipe out once and for ALL Soviet
forces crossing the boundary into
Mongolia "in large numbers" the
communique said.
A prediction that major European
nations, whether willingly or not"
were being dragged into conflict
was contained in the army state
ment.
The government has dropped the
question of policy on the European
situation (agitation for an alliance
with Italy and Germany, thus wip-
ing Japan's diplomatic slate clean"
it continued.
Hint Against Third Powers.
observers saw veiled hint
against third powers in China in
the statement. Britain and Rus
STA both have been accused of
'machinations" in China and
temptations" was considered as
possibly referring to friendly over
lures by Britain, France and the
United States which might call for
softening of the China policy.
The protest to Berlin was one of
three actions taken by the cabinet.
1t also accused United States off,
clals in China of transmitting false
reports and officially advised Great
Britain that Japan would not admit
third powers to discussions of eco
nomlc issues in negotiations to set
tie the blockade of the British and
French Tientsin concessions.
The significance of the second
two measures in Japan's diplomatic
about-face was minimized in some
highly placed quarters, but their
tlmeliness attracted attention.
Japanese ENJOYS abroad were be.
lleved today to have completed pre-
cautions for the withdrawal of
Japanese citizens living in Europe,
although Toxic was said to have
issued no instructions.