The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-10-01

DIVIDED JAPAN


An example Of the divided opin-
ion in Japan is the comment OF Dr..
Juiji G. Kasai, member OF the
lower house Of the japanese Diet.
70 the effect that Japan should
"rsorient' its policy toward the
Axis. He expresses doubt that the
japanese navy would be used "as
a cstspaw OF third power TO fight
against America"
He is only partly right when he
says neither the United States nor
Japan wants war in the Pacific.
There are some in both countries
who want war. United States pres
sure against Japan eliminated in
the 1889 abrogation OF the COM
mercial treaty between the two ma
lions and forced Japan Ito tho
conclusion that it was almost i'm
possible 10 retain Americas friend
ship" says Kasai. This abroga-
ton OF the commercial treaty gave
me great shock. 1t has accelerat-
sd the forces which are driving
Japan 10 Hitter and which, uutUr=
tunately, resulted in the German
Japanese tripartite treaty
Former Japanese Foreign Minis
ter Yosuke Matsuoka assured his
nation that the treaty with Germany
would strengthen" relations with
the United States. We know now
that this treaty has provoked
America and is undermining our re-
lations,' he says, and the time
has come for the japanese states
men to reorient their policy regard.
ing the Axis"
Kasai calls the pact which allies
Japan with tbs Axis a mere de-
tense treaty with "loopholes".
He says President Roosevelts
"shoot-on-sight" speech Sept. IL
made 1t clear" that American ships
had been attacked by German raid
ers. AS Germany's attack upon the
United States has been esta blished
and proclaimed, therefore the trea-
~ has no binding force to compel
Japan 10 come TO Germany's assist
snce to fight the United States.
Il do not believe that the i'm
perisl navy will ever be used as a
catspaw Of third power TO fight
against America" Kasai says, be-
cause there are no disputes between
the United States and Japan which
can not be settled peaceably. He
expresses confidence that Japan
will subscribe to the eightpoint
peace aims drafted by President
Roosevelt and Prime Minister
Winston Churchill and realizes
that a war in the Pacific would
bring disaster and prove . cAtas-
rophe TO humanity.
Out Of step with the military
element In Japan as he is. Kasai
still seems TO believe that there
is chance for decency to prevail
10 Japan despite the pressure Of
Axis influence.
The final step will depend largely
upon the success or failure OF Ger
many. II Russia falls there will
10 NJ NCuA ~ LII japan Jul W Ad1l
In line with the winning side. The
slogan German Europe and Japa-
nese Orient" will be too high sound
ing TO resist. The aggressively in
ehned are strong enough in Japan
TO lead the nation into war as soon
a. there seems 10 be a good argu-
ment. The delay comes from I'M
certainty about the outcome, hence
the question Of political expedien.
oy. The Chinese campaign has
not been as successful as antlci.
pated. II Germany should find
similar difficulties in Russia the
tone Of the war will be changed
and Japan as well as Spain may
avoid being brought actively into
the fighting.
With the United States It is
different We seem definitely head
ed for shooting II our shooting is
effective enough, soon enough. We
may give Japan courage to with
stand German, propaganda attacks
and so avoid the disaster Of war in
the Pacific. II war does come in
the Pacific. Japan will suffer and the
United States may be forced TO
meet Germany on two fronts, both
too far from home to insure best
results