Chronicles of the Japanese Empire ================================== --- 1905 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1904-02 to 1905-08) 1904.02.06 - Mr. Kurino, Japanese Minister at St. Petersburg, informed the Russian Foreign Minister that Japan had decided to terminate the diplomatic negotiations. - The Combined Fleet under command of Adm. Togo left Sasebo and headed towards Port Arthur. 1904.02.08 - Mr. Kurino, Japanese Minister at St. Petersburg, and staff withdrew from the Russian capital to Berlin. - At midnight the Japanese torpedo-boat destroyers and torpedo-boats attacked the Russian fleet lying outside Port Arthur and disabled the battleships Retvisan and Tsarevitch and the cruiser Pallada. - Adm. Uryu's squadron escorted troops to Chemulpho where the Russian cruiser Variag and gunboat Korietz had been lying and enabled them to effect landing without molestation from the enemy. - First Army (under Gen. Kuroki): Advance guards landed at Chemulpho under escort of Adm. Uryu's Squadron and at once pushed on toward Pingyang. 1904.02.09 - The Japanese combined fleet attacked the enemy's fleet and forts and seriously damaged the battleship Petropavlovsk and cruisers Diana, Askold and Novic. - The Variag and Korietz were challenged to combat, and in about half an hour's firing the two suffered a heavy damage, fled into the harbor of Chemulpho and blew themselves up; the Russian transport Sungari that had happened to be in the harbor shared the same fate. 1904.02.11 - Baron Rosen, Russian Minister, and Baroness Rosen and staff, left Tokyo for home. - The Squadron (Rosia, Gromoboi, Bogatyr, Rurik), and the transport Lena appeared off Henashi, Aomori, and sank the little steamer Nakono-ura Maru. 1904.02.13 — The Japanese torpedo-boat destroyers Hayatori and Asagiri under cover of darkness torpedoed the Petropavlovsk and Sevastopol and crippled them. 1904.02.16 — The Nisshin and Kasuga that had been purchased at Genoa of the Argentine Gov. arrived safely at Yokosuka. 1904.02.24 — The first blocking of Port Arthur undertaken with five steamers, but was partially successful; Rus. destroyer Vnushitelni pursued and destroyed in Pigeon Bay by our cruisers. 1904.02.28 — A party of Cossacks appeared near Pingyang which had been occupied by our advance guards. 1904.03.06 — Adm. Kamimura's Squadron bombarded by way of demonstration Vladivostock from the direction of Askold Island. 1904.03.10 — The Jap. destroyer flotilla engaged the Rus. flotillas off the entrance of Port Arthur and captured the Steregustchi, which soon sank from effect of damage. 1904.03.27 — The second attempt to block Port Arthur was carried out with four steamers; death of Com. Hirose who commanded one of them. 1904.03.28 — The advance guards of the First Army (Guards, 2nd and 12th Divisions) under Gen. Kuroki came into collision with some 700 Cossacks in the neighborhood of Chengju, put them to flight and occupied the town. 1904.04.07 — Our army occupied Wiju. 1904.04.13 — The battleship Petropavlovsk struck mines laid by our fleet at the mouth of Port Arthur and immediately sank with Adm. Makaroff on board; only 80 saved including Grand Duke Cyril. 1904.04.23 — Adm. Kamimura's Squadron left Gensen towards Vladivostock, but had to return on the 26th idem owing to the fog. 1904.04.25 — The Squadron sank the Goyo Maru and Hagino-ura Maru near Gensan; the transport Kinshu Maru with a company of troops on board sank near Sinpao on her way back to Gensan. 1904.04.26 — Japanese torpedo-boat No. 69 assisting the operation on Yalu repulsed the enemy on the Yalu. 1904.04.30 — First Army crossed the Yalu and occupied Hushan and other heights. 1904.05.01 — The enemy dislodged from Kinlienchang in the morning; a fierce engagement at Koh-matung in the afternoon. Casualties: Jap. 223 killed, 816 wounded; Rus. put 70 officers and 2,324 men killed, wounded or made prisoners according to Kuropatkin's report; Kuroki reported 1,363 Russians buried and 613 taken prisoners. 1904.05.03 — The third and last blocking expedition to Port Arthur was carried out with 12 steamers, but only 8 could participate owing to high seas; the sealing was practically complete. 1904.05.05 — Second Army under Gen. Oku began landing at Yentoa Bay, Liaotung Peninsula, under escort of Adm. Kataoka's Squadron. 1904.05.06 — Fenghwangcheng occupied unopposed; detachment occupying Kwantiencheng (First Army). 1904.05.07 — Pulantien captured by an advance detachment and the communication between Port Arthur and Kuropatkin's Army cut off. 1904.05.10 — Anju garrison attacked by the Cossacks coming from north Korea but drove them away. 1904.05.12 — The enemy's attack at Hsueh-li-tien repulsed. 1904.05.13 — Torpedo-boat No. 48 struck a mine while clearing Kerr Bay of mines. 1904.05.14 — The Miyako struck mine in Kerr Bay and sank. 1904.05.15 — The Hatsuse and Yashima struck mines off Port Arthur and sank while the Yoshino met with the same fate by colliding with the Kasuga. 1904.05.17 — Sanshih-li-pao, Chin-li-chuang, Chen-chia-tun, all on Port Arthur road occupied. 1904.05.19 — The Tenth Division (Himeji) under Gen. Kawamura landed at Takushan. 1904.05.20 - Naval reconnoisance carried out at Port Arthur. - The enemy driven off from Wangchiatun. 1904.05.26 - The naval detachment assisting the operation of the Second Army in attacking Kinchow and Nanshan; Capt. Hayashi killed. The blockade of Liaotung Peninsula south of a line drawn between Pitsewo and Pulantien announced by Adm. Togo. - Enemy dislodged from Kinchow and Nanshan with the help of the naval detachment. Jap. had 749 killed and 3,455 wounded. 1904.05.27 — Nankwanling occupied. 1904.05.28 - Detachment attacked by the enemy but repulsed him at Aiyang. - Dalny occupied unopposed. 1904.05.30 — Second Naval reconnoisance in force at Port Arthur. 1904.06.06 — Third Naval reconnoisance of Port Arthur in force. 1904.06.07 — Fourth reconnoisance of Port Arthur in force. Demonstrative bombardment on Kaichow. 1904.06.08 — Left wing joins hand with the Takushan Army and occupies Sinyen. 1904.06.10 — Four Russian destroyers appeared off Siaopingtao near Port Arthur, to obstruct the operation of the Eastern Col. of Invest. Army. 1904.06.12 — Huai-jen occupied. 1904.06.13 — The mine-layer Taihoku Maru damaged off Port Arthur by explosion of mine. Fifth reconnoisance of Port Arthur in force. 1904.06.14 - The Russian cruiser Novik and ten destroyers emerged from Port Arthur, to return to it owing to the pressure of our flotilla. - Stackelberg's forces met at Wafangtien. 1904.06.15 — The enemy routed at Telissu and the plan to relieve Port Arthur completely frustrated. Jap. had 50 officers killed or wounded, 1,113 men killed or wounded, total 1,163; Rus. over 1,834 dead bodies interred by our troops; Kuropatkin reported losses, killed, wounded or missing, 115 officers and 391 men. 1904.06.16 — The transports Hitachi Maru (with a Regiment of troops on board for the front), Izumi Maru (with a number of invalid soldiers from the front), and Sado Maru (with non-combatants on board for the front) were sunk at Genkai road. The British steamer Allanton captured. 1904.06.17 — A Russian torpedo-boat destroyer flotilla sank two or three sailing craft off the coast of Hokkaido. 1904.06.18 — Kaminura Squadron returned to the base after a fruitless search for the Raiders (June 18-19). 1904.06.21 — Hsing-yo-cheng occupied. 1904.06.22 — Enemy's attack at Aiyang-pienmed repulsed. 1904.06.23 — The Port Arthur Squadron emerged from the harbor with the intention to escape to Vladivostock, was forced to turn back by our fleet and after dark our destroyer flotilla attacked them and damaged the Peresviet, Sevastopol and Diana. 1904.06.27 - Twelfth Torpedo Flotilla attacked the enemy's picket ships outside Port Arthur. - Fengsuiling (on the Haicheng road) occupied. 1904.06.29 — North Feng-sui-ling (on the Fenghwangchang-Heicheng road) captured. 1904.06.30 — A torpedo flotilla sank two small Japanese junks at Gensan and bombarded the town. 1904.07.01 — The Squadron appeared at the former scene of mischief near the Tsushima Strait, but fled on seeing the Kamimura Squadron in a distance. 1904.07.03 — Motienling pass occupied unopposed. 1904.07.04 — Enemy's counter-attack on Motienling repulsed. 1904.07.05 — The gunboat Kaimon sank in Talienwan by striking a mine laid by the enemy. 1904.07.06 — The Manchurian Headquarters Staff left Tokyo for the front. 1904.07.08 — Sixth torpedo Flotilla attacked the enemy's picket boats at Port Arthur. 1904.07.09 - The Bayan, four other Russian cruisers, two gunboats and seven destroyers issued from Port Arthur, but put back at once on being attacked by Japanese destroyers. - Kaiping occupied, the outpost work beginning on the 6. Our losses, 129 wounded and 24 killed. 1904.07.10 — The enemy dislodged from Hsienchiayu and Hsuitsaikow. 1904.07.11 — Sixth Torpedo Flotilla again attacked Port Arthur. 1904.07.17 — Second enemy's counter-attack under Gen. Keller repulsed. 1904.07.19 — Hsihoyen occupied. 1904.07.20 — The Squadron passed the Tsugaru Strait, reached a point off the mouth of Tokyo Bay, and turned homeward, repassing the strait on the 30th idem; the small steamer Takashima Maru, Br. s.s. Knight Commander, and Ger. s.s. Thea sank, besides capturing Br. s.s. Calchus and Ger. s.s. Arabia. 1904.07.22 — Panling (east of Haicheng) occupied, this making the enemy's stand Haicheng difficult. 1904.07.26 — Tashihchiao and Yingkori occupied, the outpost work beginning on the 23. Our losses, killed or wounded, 59 officers and 984 rank and file. 1904.07.31 — Tomucheng occupied after severe fighting under the hot sun. The Takushan Army had changed formation and placed under Gen. Nozu. Jap. killed or wounded 32 officers and 828 rank and file; about 800 Russian dead left on the field. 1904.08.01 — Yushulintzu and Yangtzuling (on the road to Liaoyang) captured; Rus. commander Gen. Keller killed. 1904.08.03 - The occupation of the line extending from Haicheng to Newchwang completed without opposition. - Some destroyers appeared off Kyongyong, northern Korea, and fired at a Japanese steamer. 1904.08.05 — Three Japanese destroyers beating 14 Russian destroyers at Port Arthur. 1904.08.10 — The Battle of the Yellow Sea: The position of the Russian warships at Port Arthur having become untenable owing to the bombardment from Wolf's Hill with siege guns, the fleet (6 battleships, 4 cruisers, and a number of destroyers) under command of Adm. Witgeft, emerged from the harbor to escape to Vladivostock. After it had got some 30 miles from Port Arthur our fleet attacked (1 p.m.) the enemy. The hostile fleets had two encounters, the first till 2.30 p.m. and the second off Shantung Province from 5.30 to 8.30. The Tsarevitch, Novic, and 3 destroyers fled to Kiachow; the Askold and one destroyer fled to Shanghai on the 13th; the Diana reached Saigon on the 24th; the Pallada and the five remaining warships put back under Adm. Ukhtomsky, his senior killed in the fight. The Novic tried to reach Vladivostock but was sunk by our Chitose and Tsushima at Korsakoff, Saghalien. The destroyer Resitelni that escaped to Chefoo was captured on the 12th by our destroyers. Our vessels did not suffer any serious damage. Our casualties, killed 10 officers and 60 men; wounded, 13 officers and 143 men; in all 226. 1904.08.14 — The Battle off Ulsan, Korea: The Vladivostock Squadron (Rosia, Gromoboi and Rurik), met by our Second Squadron under Vice-Adm. Kamimura in the Korean Channel; the Rurik sank and the rest escaped, 613 being rescued from the Rurik, the vessel that had taken the foremost part in the wholesale murder of our helpless civilians and soldiers on June 15. 1904.08.24 — The Battle of Liaoyang: Right. The offensive movement was started on the west on Aug. 25 by Kuroki's Army (Right) and by the 27th the enemy's outposts were occupied. 1904.08.28 - Kuroki drove the enemy across the R. Taitsz. - Left. Oku occupied unopposed the enemy's southern defensive positions at Ashantien, overtook the rear-guards, routed them and captured 8 guns. 1904.08.29 — R. Kuroki's left had lagged behind the other columns dislodged in co-operation with Nozu's (Centre) R. col. the enemy from Weijaogao. 1904.08.30 - Kuroki's R. and L. cols. crossed the Taitsz. Nozu's Army in conjunction with Kuroki's left dislodged the largely reinforced enemy from heights south of Tsaofangtung and advanced to the neighborhood of Weijaogao. - L. and C. Oku with Nozu's left commenced attack on the enemy's strong positions extending from Sinlintun to Seushanpao. 1904.08.31 — R., L. and C. Penchihu col. (Kuroki's extreme west) and the rest of Kuroki's cols. crossed the Taitsz. Nozu's main strength with Oku's right attacked the heights extending from east of Fangkiatun to heights west of Sinlitun. The heights carried at midnight after repeated attacks and counter-attacks, and at once commenced pursuit. Desperate fight raging against Sinlitun and Sheushanpao from the preceding night and far to this night. 1904.09.01 — R. Kuroki took by assault heights north and south of Hohingtai; Penchihu col. pressed the enemy northward. C. Nozu pressed the enemy northward after repeated assaults on his fortified line south of Liaoyang; the retreating enemy pursued. L. Oku's Army dislodged the enemy from Sinlitun and Sheushanpao, also from a height on the main road; the retreating enemy pursued. 1904.09.02 — R. Kuroki occupied the line extending from vicinity of Yentai mine to west of Tayu; also heights northwest of Hohyingtai; reinforced enemy temporarily cutting communication of R. and C. cols. L. Oku and Nozu commenced operation on the enemy's semi-permament defense works in the immediate west and south of Liaoyang. 1904.09.03 — R. Enemy's counter-attacks repulsed. C. and L. Oku and Nozu carried after repeated assaults the enemy's first line of entrenchment at midnight. 1904.09.04 — C. and L. Railway station and north-western extremity of Liaoyang occupied and Liaoyang entered in the morning. Casualties: Japanese, 4,866 in Kuroki's Army, 4,992 in Nozu's and 7,681 in Oku's, in all 17,539. Enemy's dead bodies interred, 1,000 by Kuroki's Army, 800 by Nozu's and 1,300 by Oku's, in all 3,100. 1904.10.03 — The Battle of the Shaho: Kuropatkin took the offensive in this battle, crossed the Hunho on the 3rd and 4th and opened his movement with operations against Kuroki. 1904.10.09 — R. Enemy crossed the Taitsz and cut communication of Penchihu. The garrison at Hsien-chang (extreme east) sustaining attack since the 7th. Oku's and Nozu's forces engaging the enemy that has appeared before them. 1904.10.10 — R. Penchihu reinforced and the enemy dislodged from the positions he had taken the preceding day. The garrison of Hsiencheng drives the enemy away to northeast. L. and C. Pressed the enemy northward and occupied a line extending from Shuangtaitsz to Erhtaitsz. 1904.10.11 — R. Furious artillery duel proceeding in the districts between Taling and Penchihu. C. Nozu's right with Kuroki's left advanced in the direction of Kukiatsz. L. The main force advanced to the neighborhood of Tayuchungpao and Sakiatientsz to menace the enemy's flank and rear. 1904.10.12 — R. Kuroki dislodged the enemy from Maershan and the heights north of Shaotakow. The fighting is still proceeding at Penchihu district. C. Resuming operations at midnight the preceding day we advanced to the heights northwest of Temple Hill. L. No conclusive success achieved, and the left wing reinforced to envelop the enemy's right flank and rear. 1904.10.13 — R. Outflanking operations from the east by Prince Kan-in's cavalry detachment improved the situation in the districts of Penchihu, the enemy showing signs of retreating. The enemy driven away from the neighborhood of Lienhwashan and Maerhshan, and also the important positions north of Shaotakow partially taken. C. Mangkiafen, Hukia and the heights north of Kukiatsz occupied. L. Turning movements progressing satisfactorily. 1904.10.14 — R. The enemy beginning retreat from the neighborhood of Tumentszling, Penchihu, Chaohsienling and Sikenshaw, our army in close pursuit. C. Drove the enemy across the Shaho. L. Occupation of the heights south of Shanhopao and, in co-operation with Nozu's Left, Linshengpao. 1904.10.15 — R. Drove the enemy across the Shaho. C. Having reached the pre-arranged line the centre did not engage in any serious fighting. L. The enemy in front of Oku's Army continuing to offer resistance, but he was at last dislodged from his positions. 1904.10.16 — Rear-guards continue to offer stubborn resistance to the extreme east of Oku's Army. 1904.10.17 — Major-Gen. Yamada's detachment (Central Army), after it had attacked in co-operation with Oku's right the enemy north of Shahopao fell in the enemy's ambush while it was returning to its former positions after dark, and 14 guns were lost. The enemy attacked twice Oku's right but was repulsed. 1904.10.18 — The enemy trying to check the forward movement of the extreme east of Oku's Army. Casualties: Killed and wounded totalled 15,879 on our side. 1904.10.27 — Detachment of Kuroki's Army dislodged the enemy occupying Waiteushan on the Penchihu-Mukden road (Oct. 27-28). 1905.01.11 — Mistchenko's cavalry detachment attempted raiding in the vicinities of Yingkow, Haicheng, Tashikiao, but was driven off before it could effect any particular harm (Jan. 11-12). 1905.01.25 — Gripenberg's corps attempted the flanking operation on our extreme Left, carried our outposts at Heikeutai and neighborhood, but was driven away with heavy loss across the Hunho on the morning of the 29th; Our casualties numbered 2,500 and the enemy's corpses interred by our troops totalled 1,200 (Jan. 25-29). 1904.05.26 — The Siege and Capture of Port Arthur: Nanshan captured by Gen. Oku's Army after a hard fighting all day. 1904.05.28 - Dalny occupied. - Gen. Oku's Army, leaving a detachment, advanced northward and Gen. Nogi's Investing Army combining the detachment left by Gen. Oku, appears on the scene. 1904.06.26 — Kienshan, Waiteushan and Siaopingtao (first line of the enemy's outworks after the loss of Nanshan) captured. 1904.07.26 — The 2nd line of the enemy's outworks, including Langshan or Wolf's Hill captured, and the besiegers advanced within 5 to 2½ miles from Port Arthur (July 26-30). 1904.08.07 — Firing of naval guns mounted on Wolf's Hill and indirect fire began destructive work on the warships in the harbor and the harbor itself. 1904.08.07 — Takushan and Siaokusan hills captured by the East Col. and siege guns also mounted (Aug. 7-8). 1904.08.10 — The Russian fleet hiding in Port Arthur tried a sortie (see cols. Naval Operations). 1904.08.11 — The Emperor expressed his solicitude to take steps to escort to Dalny non-combatants, etc. at Port Arthur desirous to be away from that perilous place. 1904.08.16 — A summons to surrender sent in to Gen. Stoessel, Com. of Port Arthur, but refused. 1904.08.14 — Right (West) Column captured the line extending from Kantashan to the heights west of Snikiatun via the highland north of Siaotungkeu and Snikiatun; the line temporarily abandoned owing to the enemy's stubborn resistance from the neighboring heights close to Nienpankeu and Siaotungkeu. 1904.08.15 — The heights near Nienpankeu and Siaotunkeu captured. 1904.08.19 — A general assault undertaken, and succeeded in capturing East and West forts of Panlungshan (Aug. 19-24). 1904.09.20 — Ft. Kuropatkin and a number of forts south of Suisiyung captured. 1904.09.22 — Our troops abandoned the north-western corner of the 203 Metre Hill that had been captured on the 20th owing to fierce and repeated assaults of strongly reinforced enemy. 1904.10.16 — The Central Col. captured the fort at Hachimaki-yama (south-east of Erhlangshan). 1904.10.23 — The trenches directed to North ft. of East Keekwan-shan reached within 50 metres of the fort. 1904.10.24 — The trenches directed to Erhlungshan reached within 50 metres of the fort. 1904.10.25 — A heavy bombardment on Sungshushan, Erhlungshan and East Keekwanshan forts kept up (Oct. 25-28). 1904.10.30 — Crests and glacis of Sungshushan, Erhlungshan, and north fort of East Keekwan with the fort captured. 1904.11.03 — The east harbor, dock, etc. bombarded. 1904.11.16 — The destroyer Rotstropni escaped from Port Arthur to Chefoo. 1904.11.26 — A general assault made on the east and west of the railway passes; that on the east failed but the 203 Metre Hill on the West captured on the 30th after desperate fighting. 1904.12.02 — Suspension of hostilities agreed upon for six hours to deal with the dead and wounded. 1904.12.03 — Bombardment on the warships in the harbor began from the 203 Metre Hill, the majority disabled and the enemy completing the damage by blowing them up; Kondratenko killed. 1904.12.18 — North ft. of East Keekwanshan taken by assault. 1904.12.22 — The Pigeon Bay promontory and the height near it captured on the west. 1904.12.28 — Erhlungshan fort carried by assault after mining it and blowing up with a powerful charge of explosives. 1904.12.31 — Sungshushan fort captured by a similar process. 1905.01.01 — H. fort and the remaining forts on the eastern ridge captured. Stoessel's letter written on Dec. 31 asking for the evacuation of the forts reached Gen. Nogi. 1905.01.02 — The condition of surrender signed. East Keekwan and Q forts blown up by the Russians who destroyed some warships and other structures. 1905.01.03 — The formal transfer carried out. 1905.01.07 — The evacuation completed. 1905.02.19 — The Battle of Mukden: Beginning operations on the 19th the Kawamura (or Yalu) Army steadily advanced towards the enemy's advance position at Chinhocheng, about 32 miles east of Penchihu. 1905.02.23 — Amidst a snow-storm attack was opened on this place and in spite of the enemy's stout resistance it was carried by assault at 6 p.m. of the succeeding day. 1905.02.24 — During this period operations went on in the direction of the Kawamura and Kuroki (Right) Armies, the former occupying the Taling Pass and the latter Wangpu Pass. Especially noteworthy was the fact that Gen. Nogi's outflanking movement was started on its forward march on Feb. 27 (Feb. 24-28). 1905.02.28 — On the 28th the fighting became general along the whole front. Gen. Nozu's (Centre) Army that had so far remained inactive opened a fierce artillery fire on the enemy's positions facing it. Gen. Kawamura's right column that had been following up since the 25th the retreating enemy from Chinhocheng encountered a powerful enemy near Tita, nor was the left column successful in its attempt to carry a height south of Makuntan. 1905.03.01 — Kuroki's Army occupied at midnight and early next morning a portion of the enemy's first line of defence; Oku's centre carried by night assault the enemy's positions at Wangkiawopeng and Likiawopeng, while his left pressed the enemy toward Changtan. Nogi's right occupied Sifangtai while his cavalry detachment advanced to Tamintun and Hsimmintun, and effected junction with Oku's left wing. 1905.03.02 — Kuroki crossed the Shaho and dislodged the enemy from the heights constructed on the right bank, while Oku's left broke into Changtan and drove the enemy to the northeast from his positions between it and the railway. Nozu commenced operations on the enemy occupying Manpaoshan and adjoining heights. Nogi occupied Shalingpao against which the enemy tried counter-attacks on this and the following days but repulsed. 1905.03.03 — Titanic Struggles: Kuroki's left which had advanced to the attack of the enemy's main line of defence lost touch with the centre and was placed in a difficult position from the night of the 2nd to the 4th when it succeeded in dislodging the enemy from his position. Oku's pursuing operations continued, his left advancing along the right bank of the Hunho occupied Weikiapao at the rear of Suhupao. Nogi's turning movement steadily developed and he reached Lamuho and Siaofangsin. Marshal Oyama ordered Nogi to stop his forward operations to keep in touch with the other armies that were somewhat lagging behind. 1905.03.04 — Kuroki's right and centre advanced and the two divisions were brought in a line with the left. Nozu's Army continued desperate fights with the enemy occupying strong positions. Oku in co-operation with Nogi's left pressed the enemy northward. 1905.03.05 — Kawamura occupied strong positions west of Makuntan. Nozu and Oku continued their advance, while Nozu's centre reached Tashichiao, on the Hsinmintun road, due west of Mukden. 1905.03.06 — Attack on Mukden: Fighting was specially severe in front of Nozu's Army which delivered a fierce attack on Bilderling's Army defending the line extending from Hanchangpao to Shahopao. The enemy had been reinforced and obstinately held their positions. Nogi's formation was reformed to extend his left. His columns were attacked between Kaotitun and Patai by the enemy about one division strong with 70 guns but repulsed him. 1905.03.07 — After desperate fighting that had continued for several days Nozu succeeded in dislodging the enemy from East Hangchangpao. The enemy abandoned Shahopao and his centre was broken. Oku assaulted the enemy entrenched in the positions extending from Makiopao to Likanpao, but owing to the enemy having been strongly reinforced he did not succeed. But he held fact the enemy, thus relieving the pressure on Nogi's Army whose left wing was gradually advancing to the north of Mukden and menacing the line of communication to Tieling. 1905.03.08 — Pursuit: The enemy in front of our extreme east, right and centre began to retreat the preceding night, our armies hotly pursuing him. On Oku fell the arduous task of tackling with the repeated determined assaults of the strongly reinforced enemy. One Brigade was enveloped by the enemy's one army corps at Likanpao, but in spite of severe loss it succeeded in holding its ground. About 11 a.m. the enemy began to show signs of wavering, and our army at once gave him pursuit. Nogi's centre fought the whole day and night with the enemy strongly entrenched at Yaochangtsz and Santaitsz that command the Mukden road. 1905.03.09 — Fushan was occupied by the Yalu Army in co-operation with Kuroki's right, while his centre and left crossed the Hunho taking advantage of a fierce sand-storm blowing from the south. Nozu's centre and right also crossed the river. Oku pursued the retreating enemy, while Nogi again reformed his disposition to extend his left northward. His centre suffered check at Yangchangtsz and Santaitsz, but his extreme left reached the railway line and destroyed some length of the tracks. 1905.03.10 — The Yalu Army crossed the Hunho over the railway bridge though exposed to the enemy's concentrated fire and put the enemy to retreat in the direction of Tieling. Kuroki with his main force took position from Sanwo to the vicinity of Talienpaotsz; Nozu occupied the heights at Palipao east of Mukden and also Maokiatun and cut the enemy's retreat. Oku's columns entered Mukden from the southern gate and occupied the station. Nozu's right advanced to the railway line and joined hands with Kuroki's Army, completing enveloping Kaulbar's corps. 1905.03.11 — All the enemy's troops caught within the cordon were taken prisoners and the vicinities of Mukden were cleared of the enemy. Our losses totalled 41,272 including 882 officers while the enemy lost over 40,000 as prisoners including Major-Gen. Nachimoff, and left 26,500 corpses. 1905.03.13 — Kawamura's Army occupied Hingking. 1905.03.16 — Tieling occupied. Kuroki's advance guards occupied this strong position with no particular opposition. 1905.03.18 — Fuku-men occupied. 1905.03.19 — Kaiyuan occupied. 1905.03.21 — Changtu occupied. 1905.04.14 — Yingepien-men occupied. 1905.05.06 — Some destroyers appeared at Hokkaido and sank or captured some Japanese junks. 1905.05.27 — The Battle of the Japan Sea: At 5 a.m. of May 27th of the hostile fleet by the scouting vessel Shinano Maru at a certain place west of Kyushu, and apparently bound for the Eastern Channel of Tsushima Straits. Our Commander-in-Chief, according to the pre-arranged plan, despatched between 10 and 11 a.m. the three cruiser squadrons, all of inferior fighting strength, to meet the enemy, not, however, to exchange fire, but principally to keep in touch with him. At 1.55 p.m. our Admiral hoisted the now memorable signal and with his main squadron consisting of four battleships and two armored cruisers pressed the head of the enemy who turned slightly to the right and then opened fire. This was at 2.08 p.m. Our squadron did not reply at once but kept on approaching the enemy and when it reached the range of 6,000 metres it concentrated a fierce fire upon him. The Osliabya was soon observed to fall out of the line. The enemy's flagship Souvaroff and Alexander III fell out of the line enveloped in smoke. When Rojestvensky changed course to the south, and for a while our pursuing squadrons lost sight of him in smoke and fog. At 5.30 p.m. our battleship and cruiser squadrons parted company, the former proceeding northward in search of the enemy's main squadron and the latter heading south-west to attack the enemy's cruisers that had already been badly mauled by our cruisers. The Alexander III sank at 7.07 p.m. The Borodino sank with a loud explosion at 7.23. 1905.05.28 — Our cruisers followed the enemy for about an hour, from 2.45 to 3.40, she succeeded in reaching Vladivostock. We at once opened fire on the enemy, but he, already seriously damaged, was no match to our force, and Adm. Nebogatoff, the Commander, surrendered. The Izumrud, being a fast boat, fled, but ran aground at Vladimir Bay. In the tremendous engagement lasting two days, our casualties among the officers and men were 88 killed and 611 wounded including Vice-Adm. Misu. The enemy lost about twenty fold as many, i.e. 7,280 taken prisoners and between 4,000 and 5,000 killed. 1905.07.07 — Karafuto (Saghalien) Expedition: The expeditionary army under Lieut.-Gen. Haraguchi landed at Tsushima-saki (Enzuma Promontory) at 4 p.m., under convoy of Adm. Kataoka's Squadron. 1905.07.08 — Korsakoff occupied. 1905.07.24 — Alkowa bombarded and Alexandrovsky occupied. 1905.07.27 — Rykoff occupied. 1905.07.28 — Taleo occupied. 1905.07.30 — Lieut.-Gen. Liapomnoff, Military Governor of the island, offers to surrender. 1905.07.31 — Surrender concluded, prisoners numbering 70 officers and 3,200 rank and file. 1905.08.01 — Military administration proclaimed over the island. 1905.08.08 — 118 Russians remaining near Naiaro surrendered. 1905.08.10 — A remnant of the enemy occupying a south-eastern place of Lake Guaicha attacked, the enemy, 123, surrendering. --- 1906 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1905-01 to 1905-12) 1905.01.01 — Stoessel sends letter of surrender. 1905.01.02 — Capitulation treaty signed. 1905.01.03 — The 3rd son born to the Crown Prince. 1905.01.10 — Gen. Nogi (also Stoessel) received medal from the Kaiser. 1905.01.12 — Submarine flotilla organized. 1905.01.14 — Mitchenko's raiding cavalry enveloped and put to flight near Newchwang. 1905.01.16 - H. I. H. Gen. Prince Fushimi returns from his mission to America. - Lieut.-Gens. Ogawa and Kawamura promoted to full Generals. 1905.01.26 — Battle of Heikeutai fought (Russians put to flight after three days' hard fighting). 1905.02.11 — Arbitration treaty between Japan and America signed. 1905.02.17 — Big fire at Matsuye, 270 houses burned. 1905.02.24 — The Extreme Right of our Manchurian Army occupies Chinghocheng; our Army on the Shaho begins forward movement. 1905.02.28 — Nogi's turning movement at extreme left begins. 1905.03.04 — The Turning Army reaches within 4 miles of Mukden. 1905.03.07 — The Army on the Shaho takes to general attack. 1905.03.08 — Marshal Oyama issues command to pursue the enemy. 1905.03.10 — Mukden occupied. 1905.03.13 — Hingking occupied. 1905.03.16 — Tiehling occupied. 1905.03.18 — Fa-men occupied. 1905.03.19 — Kaiyuan occupied. 1905.03.21 — Changtu occupied. 1905.03.30 — Mienhwanchieh occupied. 1905.04.08 — T.I.H. Prince and Princess Arisugawa start for Germany to attend on behalf of The Imperial Majesties the Wedding Ceremony of the German Crown Prince. 1905.04.03 — Tsuluseu and Szmiencheng occupied. 1905.04.04 — Kuyusu occupied. 1905.04.13 — Tsagchih occupied. 1905.04.14 — Yuigecheng and Pakiatsz occupied. 1905.04.15 - Tunghna occupied. - Fire occurred at Iwayado, Iwate-ken, and destroyed 224 houses. 1905.04.20 - The Military Service Regulations amended and the term of Reserves extended. - Domestic Loan of 10 million yen issued. 1905.04.21 — H.I.H. General Prince Kan-in returns from the front. 1905.05.10 - Capt. Bouguin, his son-in-law Strange and interpreter Maki arrested on the charge of Russian spies. - Fire destroying over 200 houses occurred at Akita. 1905.05.12 — Poet Noguchi murdered by his sister's husband. 1905.05.13 — Taiwan (Formosa) placed under law of siege. 1905.05.21 - H.H. Prince Fushimi, Jr., visits the Korean Sovereign at Seoul. - The Hague Arbitration Court declares against Japan in the House Tax Dispute. 1905.05.25 — The opening ceremony of the Seoul-Fusan Railway conducted. 1905.05.25 - Szmiencheng re-occupied. - Rohjestvensky's fleet proceeds toward straits of Tsushima. 1905.05.27 — Togo almost annihilates Rohjestvensky's fleet at the straits. 1905.05.29 — T.I.H. Prince and Princess Arisugawa arrive at Berlin and met by the Kaiser at the Station. 1905.06.09 — T.I.H. Prince and Princess Arisugawa leave Berlin. 1905.06.10 — President Roosevelt advises Japan and Russia to take steps for terminating the hostilities. 1905.06.12 — The conference before the Throne held concerning peace. 1905.06.26 - T.I.H. Prince and Princess Arisugawa arrive at London. - Nickel coin exchange regulations issued at Seoul. 1905.07.01 — The Nickel coin exchange commences at Seoul. 1905.07.03 — Baron Komura and Mr. Takahira appointed Peace Plenipotentiaries. 1905.07.04 — The battleship Katori launched at the Yarrow Dockyard. 1905.07.05 — The Nickel coin exchange stopped at Seoul. 1905.07.08 - Baron Komura and party leave for Portsmouth on board the Minnesota. - Urgency Imperial Ordinance for raising yen 300,000,000 foreign loan issued. - The Karafuto (Saghalien) Expedition occupies Korsakof. 1905.07.10 - Prince and Princess Arisugawa leave Southampton for home. - Capt. Bouguin sentenced to 10 years' penal servitude and Maki to eight years'. 1905.07.14 — Premier Katsura and Baron Komura decorated by King Edward. 1905.07.19 - Baron Komura and party arrive at Seattle. - A fire destroying over 400 houses occurs at Kumamoto. 1905.07.24 — The Karafuto Expedition occupies Alexandrosk. 1905.07.25 — War Minister Taft, U.S., Miss Alice Roosevelt and party arrive in Tokyo. 1905.07.26 — Minister Taft and party received in audience and banqueted by the Emperor. 1905.07.28 — Minister Taft and party leave Tokyo. 1905.07.30 — Gen. Haraguchi, Commander of the Karafuto Army, declares military administration over the whole island. 1905.07.31 — The Russian troops in northern Karafuto surrender. 1905.08.08 — Baron Komura reaches Portsmouth. 1905.08.09 — Preliminary meeting of the Japanese and the Russian Peace Plenipotentiaries held to show credentials. 1905.08.10 — The 1st Peace Conference is held and the Japanese Plenipotentiaries produce the terms. 1905.08.12 — The 2nd Peace Conference is held when Russia rejects Indemnity and Territorial cession. 1905.08.13 - Japanese Naval detachment bombards the garrison at Cape Lazareba, Mamiya (Tartary) Strait. - Japanese naval detachment captures the Russian transport Austria at Petropaulousky. 1905.08.14 — The 3rd Peace Conference held and questions of Japan's sovereignty over Korea, withdrawal of Japanese and Russian troops from Manchuria and integrity and throwing to the open world of the region decided in the affirmative. 1905.08.15 — The 4th Peace Conference held, and transfer of the lease of Liaotung peninsula to Japan settled in the affirmative, but the cession of Karafuto to Japan objected by Russia. 1905.08.16 — The 5th Peace Conference held and the cession of the East China Railway south of Changchun agreed upon. 1905.08.17 — The 6th Peace Conference held, but the demands of Japan about indemnity, surrender of the warships interned at neutral ports, and limitation of Russian navy in the Far East not agreed to by Russia. 1905.08.18 — The 7th Peace Conference held and the privilege of fishing on the Siberian littoral secured by Japan. 1905.08.22 - Prince and Princess Arisugawa arrive at Nagasaki. - The Russian Plenipotentiaries closetted with President Roosevelt, after which they ask the Japanese Plenipotentiaries to hold the 8th Conference. 1905.08.23 - The 8th Conference held and the eight clauses already agreed upon signed; the meeting adjourned till 26th. - A military transport sank off Himejima on the Suwo road and an ensign and a number of others drowned or injured. 1905.08.26 - Prince and Princess Arisugawa return to Tokyo. - The 9th Conference held, to end in dead-lock, and the meeting adjourned till 28th. 1905.08.27 — The British Minister Sir Claude MacDonald closetted with Premier Katsura. 1905.08.28 — The 10th Conference adjourned and pessimistic rumour prevails. The Elder Statesmen and the Cabinet Ministers hold a protracted conference, followed by the conference before the Throne. A long telegram dispatched to Baron Komura. 1905.08.29 — The 10th Conference held, and on Japan's renouncement of the war indemnity and northern half of Karafuto (Saghalien) the Conference concluded. 1905.09.01 - The national indignation rouses up on learning the nature of the terms of the Peace Conference. - The Treaty of Armistice concluded with Russia. 1905.09.05 - The anti-Peace demonstration at Hibiya Park resulted in a collision with the Metropolitan Police, and the infuriated populace assaulted the Home Minister's official residence, the Premier's private residence, the Kokumin's (only Ministerial organ) office, and Police office. Some of the offices were burnt down as also a number of police boxes. The police attacked the unarmed populace with drawn swords and a large number of the latter were killed or wounded, while three M.P.s (Messrs. Kono, Otake, Ogawa) and several other noted personages were arrested on the alleged charge of seditionary movement. - The Peace Treaty signed. 1905.09.06 - The anti-Peace agitation still continues in Tokyo and several Police offices and boxes set on fire; 12 electric cars of the Street Railway Co. burned; affray between the populace and Police resulted in casualties on both sides, while several hundred citizens were arrested. - Extraordinary Cabinet Conference held about issuing an Urgency Imperial Ordinance in connection with anti-Peace agitations. The Conference was next held before the Throne, and the Privy Council hurriedly summoned to pass the Urgency Ordinance. - The Metropolitan Council held a meeting and passed a resolution condemning the act of the Government. 1905.09.07 - The Urgency Ordinance issued and Tokyo placed for the first time under martial law since the removal of the Imperial residence to it from Kyoto. - The three Tokyo dailies (Yorozu, Miyako, Niroku) suspended. 1905.09.08 - Mr. McLeavy Brown, Customs General Commissioner of Korea, resigns. - The two Tokyo dailies (Jimmin and Nippon) suspended. - Soldier's patrols placed at over 70 places in and round the city. - The three street electric railways stopped traffic after dark. 1905.09.09 — The Tokyo Asahi and several provincial papers suspended. 1905.09.10 — The Metropolitan Chief Police Commissioner Mr. Adachi superseded by Gov. Seki of Nagano. 1905.09.12 - Yokohama citizens hold an anti-peace meeting and some rabbles attempted to burn Police-boxes, but a despatch of a party of soldiers from Tokyo at the request of Gov. Sufu at once restored order. - Adm. Togo's flagship Mikasa blown up at Saseho by the explosion of a magazine and over 500 officers and bluejackets killed or wounded. 1905.09.13 - The Commander-in-Chief of the Manchurian Army issues command of Armistice. - Anti-Peace demonstration still continues to be held in the provinces. (In the agitations at Tokyo casualties amounted 471 Police sergeants and constables and 558 citizens, mostly wounded.) 1905.09.16 — The Home Minister Viscount Yoshikawa superseded by Baron Kiyoura, Min. of Agriculture and Commerce, who combines both duties. 1905.09.18 — Rear-Adm. Shimamura meets Rear-Adm. Essen outside Kachinpo, north Korea, to determine the armistice zone. 1905.09.19 — Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, ex-Chancellor of Exchequer, with his wife and daughters arrives at Tokyo on his way to Singapore; the British Minister is confined with gout in his honor. 1905.09.20 — United Anti-Peace Friendly meeting participated in by the representatives of all the provinces held at Seiyoken, Uyeno, and concluded in peace. 1905.09.21 — Six Imp. Univ. (Tokyo) professors (Tateb, Tomizu, Kanai, Terao, Okada, and Nakamura) submitted to the Imperial Household Department a petition to veto the ratification of the Peace Treaty. 1905.09.22 — Domiciliary searches on an extensive scale carried on in connection with the Sept. 5th affair in Tokyo. 1905.09.25 — The Union Anti-Peace Committee for the whole country submits a memorial to the Throne. 1905.09.26 — Lieut.-Gen. Haraguchi, Commander of the Karafuto (Saghalien) Army, returns. 1905.09.27 - The Anglo-Japanese Treaty for defensive and offensive alliance published. - Baron Komura leaves New York for home. - 200 petitions to veto the ratification of the Peace Treaty already sent in to the Court. 1905.10.01 — Military storehouses (32) at Hiroshima destroyed by fire, loss estimated at over yen 5 millions. 1905.10.04 — The Privy Council approves the ratification of Peace Treaty and the annulment of the Martial Law for Tokyo. 1905.10.05 — Mr. Yamaza and others on the suite of the Peace Plenipotentiaries return home. 1905.10.06 — Adm. Noel, Commander of the British Asiatic Squadron, enters Kobe at the head of his squadron, and receives enthusiastic reception from the citizens. 1905.10.09 — Another extensive Domiciliary searches in connection with the anti-peace agitation on Sept. 5. 1905.10.11 — Adm. Noel's squadron enters Yokohama. 1905.10.12 — Adm. Noel and officers and bluejackets of the squadron entertained by the Tokyo citizens at Hibiya. 1905.10.13 — Adm. Noel and officers and also the British attachés to our Manchurian Army received in audience by the Emperor and entertained at dinner. 1905.10.14 - Mr. W. Bryan, ex-Democratic Presidential candidate, arrives at Tokyo with his family. - The Peace Treaty ratified. 1905.10.16 — Baron Komura returns home. 1905.10.17 - The Emperor bestows a Rescript on the Army and Navy in appreciation of their distinguished service in the War. - Adm. Togo and others visit the Great Shrine at Ise. 1905.10.19 — The foreign military attachés to the Manchurian Army entertained at dinner by the Emperor. 1905.10.22 — The triumphant entry of Adm. Togo and other admirals and officers in Tokyo, who were at once received in audience by the Emperor. 1905.10.23 — The grand naval review at Yokohama by the Emperor. 1905.10.24 — The Tokyo citizens entertain Adm. Togo and others at Uyeno. 1905.10.26 — The Tokyo businessmen give entertainment at Hibiya in honor of the Navy. 1905.10.31 — The citizens give welcome reception to the bluejackets at Hibiya. 1905.11.01 — The American Minister gives an evening party in honor of Adm. Togo. 1905.11.02 — Marquis Ito accepts the order of the Emperor to proceed to Korea on a special mission. 1905.11.03 - The Crown Prince promoted to Maj.-Gen. in the Army and Rear-Adm. in the Navy. - A sum of yen 100,000 granted to the soldiers and sailors. - Sir Claude MacDonald, British Min., has been promoted by King Edward to Ambassador. 1905.11.04 - Baron Komura appointed as Special Plenipotentiary to China. - Lieut.-Gen. Miyoshi, Commander of the north Korean Army, returns home. 1905.11.05 — Special religious ceremony in memory of those killed in the War held at the Shokonsha shrine. 1905.11.06 — Baron Komura starts for China. 1905.11.10 - Marquis Ito is received in audience by the Korean Emperor. - Bishop O'Connell of the Pope's Embassy received in audience by the Emperor. 1905.11.11 - The Copyright agreement between Japan and America signed. - Messrs. Kono, Yamada and several others arrested on the charge of seditionary movement in connection with the anti-peace agitation in Tokyo on Sept. 5. 1905.11.12 - The 22nd session of the Imperial Diet convoked. - The American Ministry promoted to Embassy. - The 1st batch of the Russian prisoners of war left for home (the last batch left Japan Feb. 1906). 1905.11.14 — The Emperor invokes the Ise shrine to make formal communication to the Imperial ancestors of the conclusion of peace. 1905.11.15 - The Emperor starts Shizuoka and arrives at Yamada. - The Yomiuri and the literary magazine Teikoku Bungaku suspended. 1905.11.16 - The Emperor visits the outer Shrine at Ise. - The Press delegates of the whole country hold meeting in connection with the Urgency Ordinance. - The Japanese and the Chinese Plenipotentiaries meet in the first conference. 1905.11.18 - The American Minister Griscom returns home. - The new Japan-Korean Treaty is published. 1905.11.20 — General meeting of the Japan Red Cross Society is held at Uyeno. 1905.11.22 — Marquis Ito receives a slight injury on the face with a stone thrown by a Korean. 1905.11.25 — The Emperor visits the Military Cadets' School. 1905.11.26 — A fire destroying over 1,000 houses has occurred at Nanao. 1905.11.29 — The Law of Siege removed from Tokyo and the Urgency Press Regulations withdrawn. 1905.12.02 - Viscount Hayashi, Minister to England, promoted to Ambassador. - Marshal Oyama returns to Hiroshima. 1905.12.03 - Triumphal return of Lieut.-Gen. Asada, Com. of Imp. Bodyguards. - Mr. Yamakawa, President of the Imp. Univ. Tokyo, relieved from office and succeeded by Prof. Matsui, Dean of the Ag'l College. 1905.12.04 — The Faculty of the Imp. Univ. Tokyo hold conference about the resignation of Mr. Yamakawa, and Profs. Honami, Jr., and Tomizu tender resignation. 1905.12.06 — Profs. Tatebe, Okada, Terao, Kanai and others tender resignation. 1905.12.07 — Triumphal entry to Tokyo of Marshal Oyama and staff. 1905.12.08 - Marquis Ito returns to Tokyo from Korea. - Protest signed by over 190 Profs. and assist Profs. of the Imp. Univ. Tokyo against the Presidential change submitted to Premier Katsura. 1905.12.09 — Triumphal return of Gen. Kuroki and staff (including H.I.H. Prince Kuni). 1905.12.11 — Strike of the Chinese students in collision with the Jap. Gov. regulations for controlling them. 1905.12.12 — The launching ceremony of the new armored cruiser Tsukuba at Kure in the presence of the Crown Prince met with some hitch caused by the tide and delayed. 1905.12.14 - The Education Minister Mr. Kubota, relieved from office in connection with the Imp. Univ. trouble and the Premier takes up the post as additional duty. - President Matsui replaced by Dr. Hamao. 1905.12.15 — The Korean Foreign Office recalls the Ministers and Consuls stationed abroad. 1905.12.16 — The German Minister at Seoul recalled. 1905.12.17 — Tokyo citizens give Grand welcome to the Army at Uyeno. 1905.12.18 — The 20th and last conference of the Japanese and the Chinese Plenipotentiaries and the negotiation settled. 1905.12.19 - Messrs. Kono, Oikake etc. declared guilty in connection with the Sept. 5th anti-peace agitation, but Messrs. Yamada, Hosono and some others acquitted. - Marquis Saionji calls on Premier Katsura and closetted for some hours. 1905.12.20 - The Imperial Headquarters dissolved. Adm. Vis. Ito and Adm. Baron Inouye appointed members of the Supreme Military and Naval Council; Adm. Togo succeeds Adm. Ito as Chief of the Naval Staff Board. - The Residency-General and Residency Regulations issued. 1905.12.21 - Marquis Ito appointed Resident-Gen. and Marshal Yamagata appointed as his successor as President of the Privy Council. - The united squadrons dissolved and Adm. Togo issues farewell instruction. 1905.12.22 — The Japan China Treaty signed. 1905.12.23 — The Daido Club carries out the organization ceremony. 1905.12.25 — The 22nd session of the Diet convoked. 1905.12.26 — The Tsukuba launched at Kure. 1905.12.28 — The opening ceremony of the 22nd session of the Diet held. --- 1907 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1906-01 to 1906-12) 1906.01.07 — Saionji Cabinet (the present Ministry) was created. Viscount Aoki (to U. S. A.) and Mr. K. Inouye (to Germany) appointed Ambassadors. 1906.01.14 — Triumphal Entry into Tokyo of General Nogi, Commander of the 3rd Army and Captor of Port Arthur. 1906.01.19 — Announcement of the elevation of the Japanese Legation in Washington to an Embassy from the 7th January. 1906.01.23 — Mr. T. Sugita nominated to the President of the House of Commons. 1906.01.24 — Announcement of the Ratification of the Peking Treaty on 23rd January. 1906.01.26 — Dr. I. Motono appointed the Minister to St. Petersburg. 1906.01.29 — Mr. K. Kurino appointed Ambassador to France. 1906.02.01 — The Residency-General at Seoul opened. 1906.02.11 — Arrival of Austro-Hungarian Minister to Japan H. E. d'Ambos Adsmoz at Kobe. 1906.02.14 — Terms arranged for forthcoming Domestic Loan of yen 200,000,000 to be issued at yen 95 per 100 face value at 5 per cent. interest, redeemable in 30 years. 1906.02.19 - Arrival of the Garter Mission at Yokohama. - Reception of Prince Arthur of Connaught and staff by the Emperor at Shimbashi Station, Tokyo. 1906.02.20 - Investiture of the Emperor by Prince Arthur of Connaught with the Order of the Garter at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo. - Decoration of Prince Arthur of Connaught by the Emperor with the Grand Cordon of the Chrysanthemum. - State Banquet at Palace given by the Emperor in honour of the Garter Mission. 1906.02.26 — Farewell visit of the Emperor to Prince Arthur at the Kasumigaseki Detached Palace. 1906.03.02 — Resignation of Mr. Kato, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 1906.03.15 — Mass Meeting in Tokyo to protest against the proposed increase in the Tramway fares. 1906.03.16 - Farewell tiffin given by the British residents of Yokohama in honour of Prince Arthur of Connaught and the Garter Mission. Prince Arthur and suite embark on board the Empress of Japan for Vancouver. - Disastrous Earthquake in Toroku, Kagi, and neighbourhood, Formosa; over 1,000 persons killed and 700 injured, 2,000 houses being demolished. 1906.03.18 — Further details of the great Earthquake in Kagi Prefecture, Formosa: Killed 969, Injured 5,982, Houses demolished 1,975, Houses partially destroyed 1,158. 1906.03.23 - Arrival of Admiral Noel at Yokohama. - Rejection of the proposed five sen tram fares in Tokyo by the Metropolitan Police. 1906.03.25 — Arrival of Mr. Schiff, the American financier, per S.S. Manchuria. 1906.03.27 - Fracas in the Lower House of the Diet, Tokyo, over the final passing of the Nationalization of Railways Bill. - Mr. N. Makino appointed the Minister of Education. 1906.03.28 - The 22nd session of the Diet ended. - Colliery explosion at Takashima Mine, Kyushu; 256 miners burnt to death. 1906.03.29 — Arrival of Prince Ferdinando Umberto of Italy on board the cruiser Carabria. 1906.04.06 — Supplementary Extradition Treaty between United States and Japan signed by Marquis Saionji, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Wilson, U. S. Chargé d'Affaires at Tokyo. 1906.04.08 — Arrival of Baron Bakhmeteff, Russian Minister to Japan, and suite. 1906.04.09 — Successful launching of the armoured cruiser Ikoma (13,750 tons) in the presence of the Crown Prince at Kure. 1906.04.10 — Tiffin given in honour of Mr. Schiff by Baron Shibusawa. 1906.04.11 — Gen. Viscount Sakuma appointed Governor General of Formosa. 1906.04.16 — Jonkheer London, the new Dutch Minister Plenipotentiary presents his credentials to the Emperor. 1906.04.21 — Tokyo Sedition Case ended. The defendants, Mr. Kono and others dismissed for want of evidence. 1906.04.22 — Arrival of Mr. W. Trautschold, Russian Consul to Yokohama. 1906.04.23 — Appointment of Dr. Ritter, Swiss Consul-General at Yokohama, to be Minister in Tokyo. 1906.04.30 — The Triumphal Military Review at Aoyama, Tokyo. 1906.05.01 — Antung and Tatungkow, Manchuria, opened to foreign trade. 1906.05.06 — Farewell Garden Party of Kwantung removed to Port Arthur from Liaoyang. 1906.05.12 — Arrival of German Ambassador Baron von Mumm. 1906.05.13 — Arrival of United States Ambassador Wright and family. 1906.05.17 — Decision of the Yokohama Municipal Council to raise a 6 per cent. foreign loan of yen 3,000,000. 1906.05.18 — Mr. Schiff leaves for the United States on the steamer Empress of Japan. 1906.05.19 — Viscount Hayashi assumes the portfolio of Foreign Affairs. 1906.06.01 — Mukden opened to commerce. 1906.06.05 - Baron von Mumm, German Ambassador in Tokyo leaves, for home. - Saghalien Boundary Fixing Commission leaves for the North. - Decision to amalgamate the three Tokyo Electric Tramway Companies, at General Meeting in Tokyo. 1906.06.06 — Baron Komura appointed Ambassador to Great Britain. 1906.06.07 — Imperial Ordinance issued organizing the South Manchurian Railway Co. Ltd. 1906.06.12 — Annual Dinner at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, of the Japan Society, Sir Claude MacDonald in the chair. 1906.06.14 — Opening of the Russian Consulate at Yokohama by Consul Grosse. 1906.06.17 — Death of Mgr. Osouf, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Tokyo. 1906.06.28 — The amalgamation of the three Tokyo Tramway Companies definitely decided on at an extraordinary general meeting. 1906.07.01 — Transfer of the Seoul-Fusan Railway to the Japanese Government under the Railway Nationalization measure. 1906.07.07 — Arrival of the British Squadron under Vice-Admiral Moore at Yokohama. 1906.07.11 — Conflagration at Naoyetsu, Niigata Prefecture, 1,048 houses destroyed including the post office, five banks and six temples. One man and two women burnt to death. 1906.07.15 — The former Russian Cruiser Novik successfully refloated at Korsakoff. 1906.07.20 — Nationalization of the Hokkaido Tanko, Kobu, Nippon, Ganyetsu, Sanyo and Nishinari Railways. 1906.07.22 — Death of General Viscount Kodama, Chief of the General Staff. 1906.07.30 — General Baron Oku appointed to the Chief of the General Staff. 1906.08.01 — Opening of the direct cable service between Japan and America via Guam. 1906.08.04 - Arrival of the new British built Japanese battleship Kashima at Yokosuka. - Sudden death at Chefoo of Rear-Adm. C. J. Train, Commander-in-Chief of the U. S. Far Eastern Squadron. 1906.08.07 — The Japanese battleship Mikasa refloated at Saseho. 1906.08.15 - The British built Japanese battleship Katori arrives at Y'suka. - Decision taken to pool the Yangtze River traffic by the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Osaka Shosen Kaisha, Hunan and Daito S. S. Companies. 1906.08.18 — Establishment of the South Manchurian Railway Co. 1906.08.27 — Arrival of Mr. Henry Crofton Lowther, New Councillor to the British Embassy, Tokyo, and Sir John Jordan, British Minister to Peking. 1906.09.01 — Dalny (Dairen) opened to foreign trade. 1906.09.05 — Anti-tramway disturbances in Tokyo, eleven police injured, ninety-two arrests made. 1906.09.20 — Arrival of Prince Heinrich of Reuss at Yokohama. 1906.09.28 — Mr. A. Sato made Minister Plenipotentiary to the Hague. 1906.10.01 — Revised Custom Tariff comes into operation. 1906.10.08 — Arrival of Reichstag members by N.D.L. SS. Prinz Ludwig. 1906.10.15 - Death of Bishop S. S. J. Schereschewsky in Tokyo. - Successful launching of the Japanese battleship Satsuma at Yokosuka in the presence of the Emperor, Crown Prince, and other notables. 1906.12.09 — Bluejackets of cruiser Chitose caught in a squall off Shinagawa and over 60 drowned. 1906.12.28 — The opening ceremony of the 23rd Session of Diet held. --- 1908-1909 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1907-01 to 1907-12) 1907.01.02 — Arrival of the new French Ambassador M. Gerard at Tokyo. 1907.01.20 — Count Okuma resigns leadership of the Progressives Party. 1907.01.31 — Wedding Ceremony of the Korean Crown Prince (now Emperor). 1907.02.04 - The mine-workers of Ashio break out on strike. - H.I.H. Prince Fushimi starts for England. 1907.02.12 — The Budget passed the Lower House as it stood. 1907.02.21 — The Daido Club severed connection with the Ministerialists. 1907.02.22 — The Japan Socialist Society ordered dissolution. 1907.02.28 — The Japanese Squadron for Jamestown Naval Exhibition, Tsukuba and Chitose, leave Yokosuka for the destination under the command of Vice-Adm. Ijuin. 1907.03.03 — The Steamship Dakota strikes on reef off Boshu and is wrecked. 1907.03.06 — The Budget passed the Upper House as sent in from the Lower House. 1907.03.08 — Issue of new loan, amounting to £23,000,000 at London and Paris announced. 1907.03.20 — Tokyo Industrial Exhibition opened. 1907.03.28 — 23rd Session of the Imperial Diet closed. 1907.04.03 — The International Conference of Y.M.C.A. opened in Tokyo. 1907.04.13 — The Heimin (Socialists paper) suppressed by Government. 1907.04.15 — Launching of the Japanese battleship Aki at Kure. 1907.04.17 — "General" Booth of the Salvation Army arrives in Tokyo. 1907.04.20 — "General" Booth received in audience by the Emperor. 1907.04.21 — 50 years' anniversary of the founding of Keiogijiku University. 1907.05.06 — H.I.H. Prince Fushimi arrives in London. 1907.05.10 — H.I.H. Crown Prince leaves Tokyo on a trip to San-in districts. 1907.06.05 — General meeting of the Japan Red Cross Society. 1907.06.09 — Work people at the Besshi Copper Mine go on strike. 1907.06.10 — Franco-Japanese Convention is signed at Paris (promulgated on the 19th). 1907.06.22 — The Japanese Squadron to the Jamestown Exhibition reaches Kiel, Germany. 1907.06.27 — General Kuroki returns home after attending the Jamestown Exhibition. 1907.07.14 — H.I.H. Prince Fushimi returns from England to Tokyo. 1907.07.15 — The Foreign Minister starts for Seoul as result of conference (on July 10th) of the Elder Statesmen and Cabinet Ministers concerning the Korean Emperor's secret mission to the Peace Conference at the Hague. 1907.07.20 — The Korean Emperor abdicates. 1907.07.25 — New Japanese-Korean Agreement concluded. 1907.07.30 — Japan-Russia Convention signed. 1907.07.31 — Tokyo Industrial Exhibition closed. 1907.08.01 — The Korean troops are disbanded. 1907.08.13 — Mr. Wright, ex-Ambassador of U.S.A. to Japan, departs for home. 1907.08.15 — New Japan-Russia Agreement is published. 1907.08.25 — Conflagration at Hakodate, about 10,000 buildings destruction reported. 1907.08.27 — New Korean Emperor's coronation. 1907.09.01 — Anti-Immigration agitation at Vancouver. 1907.09.11 — New Treaty of Commerce and Navigation concluded. 1907.09.21 - War honor to the distinguished statesmen and soldiers and sailors: Marquisses Ito, Yamagata and Oyama created Princes, Counts Matsukata, Inouye and Katsura created Marquisses, Admiral Togo created a Count. - Viscount Sonè is appointed Vice-Resident-General at Seoul. 1907.09.28 — Arrival of Mr. Taft, War Minister of U. S. A. and O'Brien, New Ambassador to Japan. 1907.10.02 — Mr. Taft leaves Tokyo. 1907.10.10 — Departure of the Crown Prince for Korea. 1907.10.16 — 25 years' anniversary of the founding of Waseda University. 1907.10.21 — Successful launching of Japanese ar. cr. Kurama at Yokosuka in presence of H.M. Emperor. 1907.10.24 — Tosè, Japanese despatch boat, launched at Nagasaki, in presence of Crown Prince. 1907.10.27 — The Sughalien Delimitation Committee return home. 1907.10.28 — 2nd year conscription system is published. 1907.11.14 - The grand military manoeuvre in Ibaragi (finished on the 18th). - Return of the Crown Prince to Tokyo. 1907.11.15 - Hon. Rodolphe Lemieux, Canadian Minister of Labor, arrives at Tokyo. - The Crown Prince of Korea arrives in Tokyo. 1907.11.16 — Tsukuba and Chitose return home. 1907.11.24 — The 1st Art Exhibition under auspice of the Education Department opened at Uyeno. 1907.11.28 — The 24th session of the Imperial Diet opened. --- 1910 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1907-12 to 1909-08) 1907.12.01 — Organization of the Imperial Household Ministry of Korea published. 1907.12.03 — In honor of Mr. Lumieux, Canadian Minister of Labor, the Municipality and business men give a reception at the Peers' Club. 1907.12.05 — Prince Pu-Lin, Chinese Special Envoy, arrives in Tokyo; leaving on the 13th inst for home. 1907.12.12 — Arrival of Chaimyon, Korean Envoy, at Tokyo. 1907.12.16 - Appointment of Viscount Yasushi Nomura as the Chief Guardian of Princesses Fumi and Yasu. - Death of Mr. Chu Asai, an artist. 1907.12.18 — Launching of the torpedo destroyer Uranami at Maidzuru yard. 1907.12.20 — The Emperor visits the Korean Prince at the Shiba Detached Palace. 1907.12.21 — The 24th session of the Imperial Diet convened. 1907.12.26 - The Korean Envoy leaves Tokyo. - Mr. Lumieux leaves Tokyo for home. 1907.12.27 — The Emperor personally inspects the cruiser Tsukuba at Yokosuka. 1907.12.28 — The Emperor honors the opening ceremony of the Diet with his presence. 1908.01.10 — Prince Fushimi, jr., leaves Shimbashi for Europe. 1908.01.11 — Viscount Aoki, Ambassador to the U. S. A., is relieved of his post. Baron Takahira, Ambassador to America, is transferred to America. 1908.01.12 — Return of Mr. Tsuzuki, Special Ambassador at the Hague Peace Conference, to Tokyo. 1908.01.13 — Death of Baron Gaho Hashimoto, the famous artist of Japanese school. 1908.01.14 - Baron Sakatani and Mr. Yamagata are relieved of their ministerial chairs. - Mr. Matsuda, Minister of Justice, and Mr. Hara Home Minister, are respectively appointed as additional post to the chairs of Finance and Communications. 1908.01.18 — The mass meeting of the Seiyukai. Mr. Hatoyama leaves the Progressives and joins the Seiyukai. 1908.01.19 — The mass meeting of the Progressives. 1908.01.21 — Introduction of the Increased Taxation Bill to the Lower House. The mass meeting in Tokyo of all the classes of commerce throughout the empire. 1908.01.30 — Mr. Yi Taiwon, Minister of the Korean Imperial Household, returns home. 1908.02.05 - The joint mass meeting of business men throughout the Empire and demonstration against the increased taxation. - The Japanese S.S. Tacousera is seized by a Chinese warship off the port of Amoy. 1908.02.05 — Viscount Aoki is appointed Privy Councillor. 1908.02.12 — Yedojima commemorates the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the constitution of his own residence. 1908.02.13 — The Budget passes the House of Representatives. 1908.02.17 — A big fire in Asakusa Park: more than 200 houses destroyed. 1908.02.27 — The House of Peers adopts the Increased Taxation Bill. 1908.03.05 — A great fire at Noda, Shimosa province; over 400 houses destroyed. 1908.03.06 — Dr. Baeltz arrives in Japan. Baron Naoyuki Ando dies. 1908.03.08 — A fire at Niigata, over 1,500 houses destroyed. 1908.03.12 — Commemoration of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance at the official residence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 1908.03.13 — Death of Admiral Kamimura. 1908.03.15 — The Tatsu Maru affair settled. 1908.03.16 — Laws concerning the increased taxation promulgated. 1908.03.18 — Mr. Beau, Governor-General of Indo-China, is received in audience by the Emperor. 1908.03.19 — Moyors and heads-men of towns and villages, officially recorded in connection with the Russo-Japanese War. 1908.03.22 — The 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution celebrated by members of Both Houses. Mr. Stevens, Adviser to the Korean Court, shot at San Francisco by a Korean fanatic. 1908.03.25 — Appointment of Baron Songe as Minister of Justice, and of Viscount Hotta as Minister of Communications. Launching of the Nagato at the Nagasaki yard. Death of Baron Yamazuke Iwasaki. 1908.03.27 — The closing ceremony of the Imperial Diet. 1908.03.31 — Prince Ito returns home to Seoul. 1908.04.03 — Prince Arisugawa, jr., dies at Yedajima. 1908.04.04 — The Crown Prince proceeds to Tanagura and Tokushima prefectures. 1908.04.09 — Snow continues to fall from previous night reaching 6 or 7 inches deep at Tokyo. 1908.04.11 — Death of Count Matsu-ura. 1908.04.19 — Return of the Crown Prince to Tokyo. 1908.04.30 — Nuptials of Prince Takeda and Princess Tsume solemnised. Sinking of the cruiser Matsushima at the Reservoirs owing to the explosion of magazine. 1908.05.01 — The Japanese Legation at St. Petersburg promoted to Embassy, and Baron Motono to the Ambassador. 1908.05.02 — Prince Yamashina dies. 1908.05.04 — A fire at Nagoya, over 700 houses burnt down. 1908.05.05 — The Emperor grants a donation of Y. 20,000 to the Waseda University. Signing of the American-Japanese arbitration agreement. 1908.05.08 — Mr. Kobei Sefu, Gov. of Kanagawa, is created a Baron. 1908.05.15 — General election of the members of the Lower House. 1908.05.17 — Death of Marquis Tokugawa, formerly Lord of Nagoya. 1908.05.20 — The Emperor visits the Military Accountants School. 1908.05.23 — The Empress is present at the general meeting of the Ladies' Patriotic Association held at Aoyama. 1908.05.25 — Death of Mr. Iwai, Chief of the Formosan Administration Bureau. 1908.05.27 — The Emperor proceeds to the Military Cadets' School. General Nogi ordered to Manchuria. Celebration of the 4th Anniversary of the Japan Sea Battle. The Crown Prince honors the occasion with his presence. 1908.05.30 — The Emperor proceeds to the Military Preparatory School. 1908.05.31 — The joint mass meeting of the Tokyo Lawyers' Association; Dr. T. Okumura elected President of the Association. 1908.06.01 — The 16th general meeting of the Japan Red Cross Society at Hibiya park, the Empress is presented on the occasion. 1908.06.04 — The joint mass meeting of Agriculture and Industrial Banks. The Emperor grants a donation of 300,000 yen to the Military and Naval Club. 1908.06.05 — The Empress proceeds to the Girls' Higher Normal School. 1908.06.06 — Appointment of Baron Chinda as Ambassador to Germany, Baron G. Hayashi as Ambassador to Italy, Mr. H. Ijiin as Minister to China, Mr. Ishii as Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other changes in the Foreign Office. Launching of the Volunteer Sakura-Maru at Nagasaki. 1908.06.08 — Hailstorm at Tokyo in the afternoon. The joint mass meeting of the chambers of commerce throughout the empire. 1908.06.10 — Unveiling of the monument for Russian officers and men killed at Port Arthur. 1908.06.12 — Arrival of Drs. Koch and Sieman. 1908.06.14 — The opening ceremony of the Disabled Soldiers Home, Suicide of Baron Kawakami, the novelist. 1908.06.18 — Mr. Sakae Yoshida appointed Minister to Siam. 1908.06.23 — Death of Doppo Kunikida, the novelist. 1908.06.25 — Dr. Koch received in audience by the Emperor. 1908.06.26 — Mr. Loomis, Dutch Minister, presents to the Emperor the letter relieving him of his post. 1908.06.29 — Big fire at Niitsu, Niigata prefecture, 450 houses destroyed. 1908.07.01 - Death of Mr. Hen Kojima. - Municipalization of the Tokyo Electric Rly, rejected by the Government. - Resignation of the Saionji Cabinet, Mr. Hidaka, Chamberlain to His Majesty, despatched to Seoul to ask Prince Ito about the Cabinet change. 1908.07.06 - The Empress proceeds to the Deaf and Dumb School. Mr. Bakhmeteff, Russian Minister, presents His Majesty with the letter relieving of his post. - Mr. Malevitch, Ambassador, arrives in Tokyo. 1908.07.11 — Graduation ceremony of the Tokyo Imperial University; honored with the Emperor's presence. Mr. Hidaka, Chamberlain, returns from Seoul. 1908.07.12 — The Emperor calls Marquis Katsura and summons the elder statesmen. 1908.07.13 — Commencement ceremony of the Kyoto Imperial University; Prince Higashi-Fushimi is present. 1908.07.14 — The Katsura Cabinet organized. Mayor Ozaki tenders his resignation. The Moge-Maru is transported to Nikolaisk. 1908.07.15 — Mr. Malevitch, new Russian Ambassador, received in audience by the Emperor. 1908.07.17 — Appointment of Mr. N. Oshikawa as Vice-Minister of Agr. & Com.; and of Mr. Wakatsuki as Vice-Minister of Finance. 1908.07.20 — Dr. K. Ichiki appointed Vice-Minister of Home Affairs; Mr. E. Kunei, Inspector-General of Metropolitan-Police; and Mr. Arimatsu, Director of the Police Affairs Bureau. 1908.07.21 — Mr. Sawayanagi, Vice-Minister of Education, resigns, and Mr. Okada succeeds him. 1908.07.24 — Prince Ito arrives in Tokyo and proceeds to the Imperial Palace. Mr. Tsuzuki resigns his post as Chief Secretary of the Privy Council, and Mr. Kingoro Kawamura succeeds him. 1908.07.26 — General Prince Fushimi returns to Tokyo. 1908.07.27 — Count Komura, Ambassador at London, is recalled and leaves London with Mr. Wakatsuki. 1908.07.28 — Concerning the Muje-Maru affair, Count Nomura lays a protest with the Russian Governor-General. 1908.07.31 — Exchange of ratifications of the Consular Convention between Japan and Holland. 1908.08.02 — Mr. Hu Weita, new Chinese Minister, arrives in Tokyo. 1908.08.03 - Mr. Tsuzuki is created a Baron. - Exchange of ratifications of the Trade-Mark convention between Japan and America. 1908.08.07 — Promotion of Lieut.Generals H. Inouye and H. Okubo to full Generals, and of Vice-Admiral S. Hidaka to full Admiral. 1908.08.13 — Publication of the American-Japanese Agreement on the right of Industrial and Literary works in China and Korea. 1908.08.15 — Mr. Murakami, chief of the Naval Paymaster's Bureau, resigns, and Mr. Fukunaga succeeds him. 1908.08.17 — Death of Mr. Taizo Miyoshi, ex-president of Supreme Court. 1908.08.19 — Captain and men of the Maye-Maru are discharged. 1908.08.24 — Mr. Kei Hara starts on a tour in Europe and America. 1908.08.26 — Return of Count Komura to Tokyo. 1908.08.27 — Count Komura appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. Regulations of the Oriental Colonization Bank published. 1908.08.29 — The Katsura Cabinet publishes its opinions on the readjustment of the state finance. 1908.08.31 — Postponement of the Grand Exhibition of Japan published. 1908.09.01 — Issue of the Imperial Rescript on the postponement of the Grand Exhibition of Japan. 1908.09.02 — Baron Dairoku Kikuchi appointed President of the Imperial Kyoto University. 1908.09.04 — Viscount Kaneko, President of the Grand Exhibition of Japan, relieved of the post at his request. 1908.09.10 — Sheng Hui, Chinese Commissioner, arrives in Tokyo. 1908.09.11 — The Japan China forestry agreement signed. 1908.09.12 — The American-Japanese arbitration treaty published. 1908.09.13 - Mr. T. Kato appointed Ambassador to England. - Arrival of Mr. Li Yongku, President of the Il Chin Hoi, in Tokyo. 1908.09.16 — Baron Hayashi, Ambassador to Rome, leaves Shimbashi for his post. 1908.09.18 — Baron Chinda, Ambassador to Germany, leaves Shimbashi. 1908.09.19 — The Governor-General of Kiaochao Bay arrives in Tokyo. 1908.09.22 — Mr. Ozaki, Mayor of Tokyo, reappointed. 1908.09.30 — Mr. Hioki appointed Minister to Chile. 1908.10.02 - Mr. Loomis, Chief American Commissioner for the Grand Exhibition, arrives in Japan. - Marshal Marquis Nozu granted Grand Order and Grant Cordon of Rising Sun and Paulownia. - Marquis Kuroda re-elected Vice-President of the House of Peers. 1908.10.07 — Sale of pari mutuel prohibited. 1908.10.08 — Viscount Sone resigns his post as Director of the Horse Administration Bureau, and Viscount Terauchi, Minister of War, succeeds. 1908.10.10 — The Nanki Bunko (library) opens. 1908.10.11 — Arrival of Tang Shaoi in Tokyo. 1908.10.12 — Arrival of American businessmen, Mr. Dolman and 56 others, by the Tango Maru. 1908.10.14 — Imperial Rescript against tendency to extravagance, luxury and speculation promulgated. 1908.10.18 — Arrival of the American Fleet at Yokohama. Death of Marshal Marquis Nozu. 1908.10.19 — Admiral Sperry, U. S. A. Navy, comes up to Tokyo. 1908.10.20 — Admiral Sperry is received in audience by the Emperor. 1908.10.22 — Reception of the officers and men of the American Fleet by the Tokyo municipality at Hibiya Park. 1908.10.23 — Admiral Sperry leaves Tokyo. 1908.10.24 — Celebration at Taipeh of completion of trunk railway in Formosa. Baron Sakatani returns from abroad. 1908.10.25 — The American Fleet leaves Tokyo. 1908.10.26 — Death of Admiral Viscount Enomoto. 1908.10.27 — Sheng Jhui leaves Tokyo. 1908.11.04 — Arrival of Marquis Guicciodi, Italian Ambassador, in Tokyo. 1908.11.05 — Return of Lieut.-Gen. Okazaki of the 13th Division, from Korea. Mr. Loomis leaves for home. 1908.11.08 — Marriage of Prince Miyoko Arisugawa with the son and heir of Prince Keiki Tokugawa. 1908.11.09 — The Emperor leaves Tokyo to attend the Grand Military Manoeuvres at the Kwansai districts. 1908.11.10 — The Crown Prince personally inspects the Sakura-Maru. 1908.11.12 — Arrival of Dr. Sven Hedin in Japan. 1908.11.14 — Close of the Grand Military Manoeuvres. Death of Princess Kwacho. The China-Japanese Railway Convention concluded. The question of the Kirin-Changchun and Hsinmintun-Mukden lines settled. 1908.11.20 — The Emperor returns to Tokyo. 1908.11.22 — The 25th anniversary of the establishment of the German Association School. The director and others decorated by the German Emperor. 1908.11.25 — Marquis Guicciodi, Italian Ambassador, proceeds to the Imperial Palace and presents credentials. 1908.11.26 — Mr. Manjiro Inazuki, Minister to Spain, dies at his post. Dr. Hedin leaves Tokyo. 1908.11.27 — First meeting of the British Association at the Imperial Hotel: Sir Claude Mcdonald elected President. 1908.12.03 — Loss of the Densin-in temple by fire. 1908.12.05 — Organization of the Railway Board and appointment of its President and other officials published. 1908.12.07 — Launching of the Chiyo-Maru at the Mitsubishi yard. 1908.12.10 — Creation of the Reserve Squadron and Rear-Admirals Nomoto, Yatsushiro, Ide and Takagi appointed Commanders respectively at Kure, Yokosuka, Saseho and Maidzuru. Marchioness Shiratsuka, Directress of the Ladies Patriotic Association, and others rewarded in connection with the Russo-Japanese war. 1908.12.12 — Mr. Shinji Tanji created a Baron. 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Tokoku Kyoikukai (Imperial Education Association) celebrated. Death of General Okazawa of Aide-de-Camp to his Majesty. Publication of the Mexican-Japanese treaty. 1908.12.17 — Ambassador Kato leaves Shimbashi for England. Death of General Baron Hikaru Inouye at Kyoto. 1908.12.19 — Appointment of Mr. Zeko Nakamura as President, and Mr. Shimizu Kumatsa as Vice-President, of the South Manchuria Railway Co. 1908.12.21 — Great change among Generals and Divisional Commanders. Death of Mr. Shuntei Toyabe, editor of the Magazine "-san." 1908.12.22 — 25th session of the Imperial Diet begins sitting. Messrs. Haseba and Koedzuka elected President and Vice-President respectively. 1908.12.27 — Great fire at Ashio: over 100 houses destroyed. 1908.12.28 — Appointment of Lieut.-General Usagawa to the presidency, and Mr. Yoshiwara to the Vice-Presidency, of the Oriental Development Co. 1908.12.30 — Jan Helman van Cornaar, proceeds to the Imperial Court and presents his credentials to His Majesty. 1909.01.02 — Agitation of Tokyo citizens against the increasing of the tramway fare. 1909.01.05 — Death of Mr. Kotaro Noritake, editor of the "Tokyo Keizai Zashi." 1909.01.06 — Mr. Adamoez, Austrian Ambassador, proceeds to the Imperial Palace to present the letter relieving him of the post. 1909.01.07 — Korean Emperor leaves on an inspection tour through southern Korea. 1909.01.11 — The Hokkaido Prefectural Office at Sapporo destroyed by fire. 1909.01.13 — Princess Nashimoto leaves Yokohama by the S. S. Kamo-maru for Europe. Korean Emperor returns from his tour. 1909.08.02 — Appointment of Lieut.-Generals S. Nakamura as Chief Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty; S. Yokota to Major-Generals. 1909.01.15 — The Education Minister issues an instruction about moral education. 1909.01.21 — Application for the increased fare of the Tokyo Tramway Co. rejected. 1909.01.23 — Death of Viscount Y. Nomura, Privy Councillor. 1909.01.27 — General Hasegawa returns from Korea. 1909.02.01 — Arrival at Tokyo of Narasraja Wadiyar, younger brother of the Raja of Mysore, India. 1909.02.02 — Death of Viscount F. Tanaka, Privy Councillor. 1909.02.03 — Return of the Korean Emperor from his tour in Northern Korea. 1909.02.05 — Marquis Hachisuka, Count Kakayama and Kozasa appointed Court Councillors. 1909.02.11 — 11th anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution celebrated at the promotion of the Tokyo Municipality. 1909.02.12 — Commemoration of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance at the residence of Count Komura. 1909.02.18 — Death of Viscount Dr. T. Hashimoto. 1909.02.19 — The Prince of Mysore leaves Tokyo for home. 1909.02.20 — 53rd general meeting of the Bank of Japan. Inauguration of the Japanese legation in Chile. Return of Mr. K. Hara from abroad. 1909.02.22 — Arrival of Korean Envoy Min. Pyong-hyok and Court Indra in Tokyo. 1909.02.23 — Viscount Ogya and Baron Tsuzuki appointed Privy Councillors. 1909.02.27 — The Progressives expel Mr. Inukai. 1909.03.01 — Death of Privy Councillor Baron Honda. 1909.03.03 — The demonstration of weavers at the Kinki-kan. The Japanese Consulate at Moscow is opened. 1909.03.04 — Princess Takeda delivered of a Prince. 1909.03.08 — Baron Ozenberg, new Austrian Ambassador, arrives in Tokyo. 1909.03.14 — Departure of the training ships Aso and Soya from Yokohama for America. 1909.03.16 — General Kuroki is put on the retired list. 1909.03.17 — A heavy snow-fall at Tokyo. 1909.03.18 — Austria Ambassador Baron Ozenberg presents his Credentials to His Majesty. 1909.03.19 — Breaking of Fujimoto bill broker at Osaka. 1909.03.24 — Princess Kuni leaves for Europe. 1909.03.25 — Closing ceremony of the 25th session of the Diet. 1909.03.26 — Arrival of Mr. William Skinner, delegate of American Silk Industry Guild. 1909.03.28 — 50th anniversary of the death of H. Kamomo-ka-ami celebrated. 1909.03.29 — Baron Songe elected President of the Tokyo Street Rly. Co. 1909.04.01 — The Zojoji temple destroyed by fire. 1909.04.02 — Russo-Japanese Convention on the Railway and Steamship through service signed. 1909.04.05 — Annual meeting of the Ladies' Patriotic Association at Hibiya park. 1909.04.06 — Dr. Manes, German scholar of insurance, arrives in Tokyo. 1909.04.09 — The joint meeting of the bankers' clearing house. 1909.04.10 — Explosion at a rifle shop, Imabashi, Osaka. 1909.04.11 — Messrs. Isemura and Akiyama, Director of the Japan Sugar Refinery Co., arrested. 1909.04.13 — Demise of Rev. Shaku Unsho. Death of Koki Namma. Reception of Mr. Skinner at the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce. 1909.04.15 — A number of M.P.'s arrested in connection with the Sugar Co. scandal. 1909.04.17 — Viscount Hotta expelled from the Kenkyukai party of Peers' House. Departure of Prince Fushimi to represent His Majesty at the Imperial Observices of China. 1909.04.20 — Completion of the torpedo-destroyer Isonami at Maidzuru. 1909.04.22 — Arrival of the Korean tourist party, 94 in all, in Tokyo. 1909.04.25 — Opening ceremony of the Mike Harbor, Chikugo province. 1909.04.26 — The Japanese banquet of cherry-viewing at the Shiba Detached Palace: T. I. M. the Emperor and Empress present. 1909.04.28 — Marriage of Prince Kitashirakawa and Princess Kane; Count Sasaki promoted to Marquis. Arrival of British Chinese Squadron in Yokohama. 1909.05.01 — Vice-Admiral Lampton, Commanding British Chinese Squadron, arrives in Tokyo. 1909.05.02 — Marquis Inouye gives a garden party in congratulation of his recovery. 1909.05.04 — The Bank of Japan lowers interest. 1909.05.06 — Promulgation of the new newspaper regulations. The 2nd Squadron of the American Pacific Fleet enters Yokohama. 1909.05.08 — Part of class room of the Higher Commercial School destroyed by fire. 20 M.P.'s. in connection with the Sugar Co. scandal, proved guilty at the preliminary examination. 1909.05.10 — Death of Futabatei Hasegawa, novelist. 1909.05.11 — The city of Kobe loan successfully floated. 1909.05.13 — Generals Hasegawa, Nishi and Kawamura appointed special Military Inspectors. Eruption of Mt. Tarumaye, Hokkaido. 1909.05.17 — Arrival of Rear-Admiral Harper, commanding the American Squadron, in Tokyo. 1909.05.19 — Graduation ceremony of the Naval college in the presence of the Emperor. Prince Fushimi returns to Tokyo from China. The loan of the Keihin Electric Co. concluded. Mr. James Smith, Governor-General of the Philippines, arrives in Tokyo. 1909.05.21 — Mr. Chirol, foreign editor of the Times, & Mr. Morrison, Peking Correspondent arrived in Tokyo. 1909.05.22 — Arrival of Mr. Fairbanks, ex-U. S. Vice-President, and Mrs. Fairbanks in Tokyo. 1909.05.23 — A big fire at Yokosuka. 1909.05.24 — The teaching of the Tokyo Higher Commercial School resumed. 1909.05.25 — The first public trial of the accused in connection with the Japan Sugar Co. scandal. 1909.05.26 — Mr. Fairbanks received in audience by the Emperor. 1909.05.27 — Unveiling of the statues of Admirals Saigo, Kawamura and Nire in the compound of the Naval Department. 1909.05.29 — The first general meeting of the International Journalists association at the Imperial Hotel. Messrs. Chirol and Morrison received in audience by the Emperor. 1909.05.31 — Prince Fushimi appointed honorary President of the Anglo-Japanese Exhibition. Messrs. Chirol and Morrison leave for Korea. General meeting of the Japan Sugar Refinery Co. 1909.06.01 — Death of Marquis Hironaka Ikeda, formerly Lord of Okayama. 1909.06.02 — Inauguration of the Kokugikwan (National Sporting Hall). Death of Viscount T. Kikkawa, formerly Lord of Iwakuni. 1909.06.07 — An accident in the Body Guard Engineer battalion at Akabane; many casualties, including Major Sasaki, commanding. 1909.06.14 — Viscount Sone appointed Resident-General in succession to Prince Ito; and the latter made President of the Privy Council. 1909.06.16 — Count Tanaka, Minister of Imperial Household, relieved of his office; and Prince Iwakura appointed his successor. 1909.06.18 — Viscount Sone leaves for his post. 1909.06.19 — Re-election of officers of the Teikoku Gakushi Kai-in; Baron Kikuchi elected President. 1909.06.20 — Unveiling of the statue of the late Dr. Hashimoto in the premises of the Red Cross Hospital. 1909.06.24 — Recognition of merits of the Army stationed in Korea published. 1909.06.26 — Death of Count Shimadzu, ex-Lord of Sadowara. 1909.06.29 — Arrival of Russian students' tourist party in Tokyo. 1909.06.30 — Princess Kan-in delivered of a girl. 1909.07.01 — 50th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama. Prince Itsi Chong, Chinese Envoy, arrives in Tokyo. Prince Ito leaves for Korea. 1909.07.02 — Prince Itsi Chong received in audience by the Emperor. 1909.07.03 — The Supreme Court passes final judgment on the accused in the Sugar Co. scandal. 1909.07.06 — Mr. Zamoto leaves for America. 1909.07.07 — Viscount Hotta publishes a declaration. 1909.07.09 — Baron de Marchi, new Argentine Minister, arrives at Yokohama. 1909.07.10 — The Emperor honours the graduation ceremony of the Tokyo Imperial University with his presence. 1909.07.11 — Finding of the preliminary examination as to the directors of the Japan Sugar Co. scandal published. Dr. Sako, ex-president, commits suicide. 1909.07.14 — The Emperor proceeds to the graduation ceremony of the Peers' School. 1909.07.15 — The Fuji Cotton Spinning Factory adopts a resolution increasing its capital to 8,000,000 yen. 1909.07.17 — South American-Japanese Association and Asiatic Fine-Arts Investigation Association organized. 1909.07.19 — Return of Prince Ito to Oiso. 1909.07.20 — Prince Ito received in audience by the Emperor. The China exploitation company organized. 1909.07.22 — Lieut.-Gen. (ret.) Yenyu, President of the Japan Marine Products Co., convicted at the preliminary examination and deprived of his title and rank. Death of Eikoo Satake, artist. 1909.07.24 — Publication of the memorandum of the Japan-Korea convention. Creation of electric and post saving bureaux in the Dept. of communications. 1909.07.26 — Prince Ito appointed to head the Korean Prince's Education Board. 1909.07.27 — Provisions of the Central Bank of Korea published. 1909.07.28 — Bye-elections of M.P.'s, in several prefectures. 1909.07.30 — The Commercial and Industrial Bureau in the Dept. of Commerce and Agriculture, divided into two Bureaux. 1909.07.31 — Organization of the Temporary Military Airship Investigation Commission. A conflagration at Otaku, 11,295 houses destroyed. 1909.08.01 — Korean Crown Prince starts on a tour through Northern Japan with Prince Ito. 1909.08.02 — A big fire at Niigata. Promotion of Major-Generals K. Murata, T. Tanida, S. Iguchi, A. Sabsho, K. Otani, S. Fujii, K. Akiyama & G. Nagaoka to Lieut.-Generals, and Colonel's M. Kato, T. Kakizaki, K. Tachibana & S. Yokota to Major-Generals. 1909.08.09 — The Government announced to Chinese Government to proceed with the reconstruction of the Antung-Mukden Railway. 1909.08.10 — Training Squadron returned to Yokosuka. 1909.08.10 — The Tokyo Local Court's judgment on the sugar scandal M.P.'s. confirmed at the Appeal Court. Home Office issues regulations strictly forbidding all quasi-lottery affairs. 1909.08.12 — The Bank of Japan lowered the rate of interest. 1909.08.14 — Earthquake in Omi & Mino prefectures, 1,912 houses destroyed and 199 persons killed or wounded. 1909.08.17 — Businessmen going to America on invitation are honored by the Emperor with luncheon at the Shiba palace. 1909.08.18 — The Oriental Exploitation Co. established. Supplementary Agreement of the Kirin-Chang-chung Rly. loan signed. Count Futara dies. 1909.08.19 — The Japanese Businessmen start for America. The Antung-Mukden Rly. convention signed. 1909.08.20 — Explosion of the Hirakata magazine near Osaka, destroying many houses. 1909.08.22 — The Emperor & Empress grant Yen 1,500 as relief to the sufferers by the late earthquake in Omi and Mino prefectures. 1909.08.23 — Korean Crown Prince returns to Tokyo. 1909.08.26 — The Airship Investigation Committee appointed. --- 1911 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1909-09 to 1910-07) 1909.09.01 — Arrival in Seattle of our Business Delegates. 1909.09.03 — Appointment of Lieut.-Gen. Ohzai as Commander of 25th Division, Lieut.-Gen. Kigoshi as Commander of 6th Division. 1909.09.04 — Signing of the Japan-China convention at Peking. 1909.09.08 — Publication of the new Japan-China Convention re Manchuria and Chientao question. 1909.09.11 — Appointment of Mr. Sawayanagi as Acting President of the Tokyo Higher Commercial School. 1909.09.14 — The Crown Prince starts on a tour through Hokuroku provinces. The Seiyukai celebrates 10th anniversary of its foundation. 1909.09.17 — Death of Dr. K. Mitsukuri, Prof. of the Science Col. of the Tokyo University. 1909.09.25 — Prince and Princess Fushimi, jr., leave Tokyo for Europe. 1909.09.26 — Aurora Borealis is seen in Niigata. 1909.09.29 — Vice Adm. Uryu returns from U.S. 1909.09.30 — Mr. Keisho Nakai, Art Commissioner to Court, died. 1909.10.02 — The 20th yearly removal of the Grand Shrine of Ise is carried out. 1909.10.05 — Semi-centennial Anniversary of the introduction of Christianity to Japan is conducted in Tokyo. 1909.10.06 — Return of the Crown Prince from the tour. 1909.10.07 — Postponement of the Tokyo Exhibition is decided. 1909.10.10 — Reorganization of the Mitsui firm as joint stock Co. 1909.10.11 — The signing of Japan-China Agreement on Pratas Island question. 1909.10.14 — Prince Ito starts on his tour to Manchuria. 1909.10.15 - 42nd fiscal year's Budget is decided at the Cabinet Council. - Vice Adm. Lambton arrives in Yokohama with his fleet. - Government 3rd Fine Art Exhibition is opened at Uyeno Park. 1909.10.16 — Arrival of the Netherland East India Squadron at Yokohama. 1909.10.18 — Regulations of the Residency-General Law Court and of Jurisdiction in Korea published. 1909.10.20 — Death of Marquis Saga and Gen. Viscount Ogawa. 1909.10.21 - Ministerial change in the Korean Cabinet. - Judgment of the Japan Marine Products Co. scandal; the President, retired Lieut.-Gen. Yenya, is sentenced to 7 years' penal servitude. 1909.10.23 — New Official Regulations of Dept. of Finance published. 1909.10.29 — Prince Ito arrives at Mukden. 1909.10.29 — Officials of the Korean Bank are appointed, Mr. M. Ichihara as President. 1909.10.25 — Fire at Otaru, Hokkaido, destroying 400 houses. 1909.10.26 — Prince Ito is assassinated by Korean fanatic An Ja-kyong at Harbin Station. 1909.10.30 — Riot breaks out at Cholla-do, Korea, turning down the Ion railway station. Prince and Princess Kan-in return from Europe. 1909.10.31 — Mr. Kurachi, Director of the Political Bureau, Foreign Dept, starts for Dairen. 1909.11.01 — The remains of the late Prince Ito arrive in Tokyo. 1909.11.02 — Arrival of Lord Kitchener in Tokyo. 1909.11.04 — State Funeral of the late Prince Ito at Hibiya Park. 1909.11.05 — The Emperor starts for Utsunomiya to supervise the special military manoeuvres. 1909.11.06 — Baron K. Uchida is appointed Ambassador to Washington and Mr. M. Arakawa as Minister to Madrid & Lisbon. 1909.11.10 — Severe earthquakes at Miyazaki. 1909.11.11 — The Emperor returns from the Military Manoeuvres at Utsunomiya. New infantry drill book is published. 1909.11.16 — Lord Kitchener leaves Tokyo. 1909.11.17 — Prince Yamagata is appointed President of the Privy Council and Baron Makino Privy Councillor. 1909.11.20 - Opening of the Kagoshima Railway. - The unveiling of the Memorial Tower at Port Arthur; Adm. Togo and Gen. Nogi attend the ceremony. 1909.11.29 — Mr. Akizuki is appointed Austro-Hungarian Ambassador. Mr. T. Yamamoto is nominated President of Japan Hypothec Bank. 1909.12.01 — Rear Adm. Takaube is appointed Vice Minister of the Navy. 1909.12.04 — Mr. Li, President of the IL Chin-Hoi, presents a petition for amalgamating Korea with Japan. 1909.12.07 — Eruption of Mt. Asama. 1909.12.08 — Death of H.I.H Prince Kaya. 1909.12.10 — Mr. K. Nabeshim is appointed of Belgian Minister. 1909.12.16 — Death of Lieut.-Gen. S. Yabuki. 1909.12.17 — Our Businessmen Party return to Yokohama from the tour through America. 1909.12.20 — The Railway Officials' uniform rules are enacted. 1909.12.22 — Mr. Yi, Korean Prime Minister, is assaulted by a Korean in Seoul. 1909.12.24 — Convocation of the Imperial Diet (26th session). 1909.12.27 — Count Toda is appointed Grand Master of Ceremonies. 1909.12.28 — Newspaper officers are rewarded in connection with the Russo-Japanese war. 1909.12.30 — Arrival of the American Tourists party. 1910.01.06 — Death of Viscount Ogiri and Mr. S. Ito, M. P. 1910.01.07 — Korean Envoy to offer apology for Prince Ito's assassination arrives in Tokyo. 1910.01.10 — The Japan Bank lowers the rate of interest to 2.5%. 1910.01.15 — The Japan Bank proposes the new shares bill. 1910.01.28 — Death of Mr. Akabane, ex-Minister to Madrid. 1910.01.30 — The meeting of leading Tokyo and Osaka Bankers re the convention of domestic bonds at the Mitsui Club. 1910.02.02 — The domestic bond convention rules are published. 1910.02.03 — Count Y. Sakakawa is appointed Privy Councillor. Death of Prof. S. Fujioka. 1910.02.09 — Death of Mr. Namikawa, cloisonne master. 1910.02.13 — The Doyo-kwai split into two parties. 1910.02.14 — The assassin of Prince Ito is sentenced to death. 1910.02.17 — The grand general meeting of the aquatic product guilds is held at Tokyo. 1910.02.19 — The Japan Bank's capital is increased to yen 60,000,000. 1910.02.20 — The opening ceremony of the Kisogawa Bridge, newly constructed under the control of Aichi and Gifu Prefectures. 1910.02.21 — Death of President Takamine, Tokyo Girls' Higher Normal School. 1910.02.25 — Arrival of the American Tourists Party. 1910.02.26 — Death of Lieut.-Gen Saishe. 1910.03.01 — The Inauguration of the Chuō (Central) Club. 1910.03.02 — Death of Marquis Sasaki. 1910.03.10 — Heavy snowfall at Tokyo. Fearful storm off Miyazaki and Ibaragi Districts; 21 boats and 147 crews were lost in Aburatsu village in the former district, while 33 boats and 30 crews at Hiraiwo village and 35 boats and about 310 crews at Choshi village in the latter. 1910.03.23 — The inauguration of the Kakumin-to National Party. 1910.03.24 — Baron Goto gives the dinner to the members of International Press Association in honour of Mr. M. Stone of the Associated Press. 1910.03.25 — The cruiser Ikoma leaves Yokohama for Argentine. 1910.03.26 — Joint Competitive Exhibition of Kwansai Districts opens at Nagoya. 1910.03.28 — The Mitsubishi Bank agrees to take the Fuji Gas Spinning Co.'s debenture of three million yen. 1910.03.29 — A big fire at Yokohama destroying about 500 houses. 1910.03.31 — Principal Tokyo journalists form a society named Shunjukwai. 1910.03.24 — The closing ceremony of the Diet is held. 1910.03.26 — Prince Fushimi, Honorary President of the Anglo-Japanese Exhibition, leaves Shimbashi for London with Baron Oura. Execution of the assassin of Prince Ito. 1910.03.28 - Arrival of Chinese Prince Tsai Tao at Tokyo. - Viscount Inouye is appointed Adviser to the Railway Board. - Amended civil and military services salary schedule is issued. 1910.03.29 — Prince Tsai proceeds to the palace to pay his respects to His Majesty. Chinese warship Hai-jung enters Yokohama. 1910.03.30 — Ex-Ambassador Takahira leaves Tokyo for London, Minister Arakawa for Madrid. 1910.04.01 - Death of Prince Iwakura; Viscount Watanabe is appointed as successor. - The Japan Medical Association holds its grand meeting at Osaka. 1910.04.05 — Mr. K. Kawamura is appointed Vice Minister of Imperial Household. 1910.04.06 — Round the World Tourist Party under control of Tokyo and Osaka asahi leave by S.S. Chiyomaru. 1910.04.11 - Death of Mr. Ono, well-known Chinese classical scholar. - International Press Association gives dinner to Mr. Porter and Capt Bellairs of the London Times at the Imperial Hotel. 1910.04.12 — Ambassador Akidzuki leaves Tokyo for his post. 1910.04.13 — Prince Tokugawa and General Kawamura leave Tokyo for Europe. 1910.04.14 — Manchurian Tourist Party arrive in Tokyo. 1910.04.15 — Submarine No. 6 sinks, and Lieut. Sakuma with 2 officers and 11 men are killed. 1910.04.16 — Fire destroys about 1,286 houses at Wajima, Noto District. 1910.04.17 — Count Okuma invites Governors and makes an announcement of his own work titled the National Reader. 1910.04.18 — His Majesty sends his Aide de Camp to Kure to inspect the sunken submarine. Mrs. Green, wife of Rev. Green, dies. 1910.04.21 — Baron Kikuchi returns from America where he delivered the Civic Forum lecture. 1910.04.25 — International Press Association gives dinner to Mr. Flak, Far Eastern Lloyd. 1910.04.27 — Imperial Cherry Blossom Garden Party in Tokyo. 1910.04.28 — The Financial Department issues the Paris Debenture Bill amounting to 450 millions francs at 4½% interest. 1910.04.29 — Count Okuma is granted by His Majesty with the Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun and Paulownia. 1910.04.30 — Special Envoy of the Belgian King to Japan, Baron Goffinet, arrives in Tokyo. 1910.05.01 — The Gaekwar of Baroda arrives at Yokohama. 1910.05.02 - Baron Goffinet proceeds to the Palace to pay his respect to His Majesty. - Generals Nishi, Oku, Hasegawa, Oshima (Hisanao) are appointed Special Military Inspectors. - Korean Tourist Party arrive at Tokyo. 1910.05.03 — A big fire at Aomori, destroying 7,519 homes. 1910.05.04 — His Majesty bestows ¥20,000 on Count Itagaki. 1910.05.05 - Imperial Ordinance regarding the Pension for families of the crew of sunken submarine No. 6 is published. - New Commander-in-chief Vice Admiral Imperor, of German Eastern Fleet, arrives at Yokohama. 1910.05.06 — The wedding ceremony of Prince Asaka and Princess Fumi is conducted. Death of Mr. S. Saito, ex-Vice Minister of Agriculture and Commerce, and Mr. G. Kawashima, Art Commissioner to Court. 1910.05.07 — The Imperial Household goes to mourning for three weeks owing to the death of King Edward VII. 1910.05.11 - Prince Fushimi ordered to attend the funeral ceremony of late King Edward on behalf of the Emperor. - Torpedo destroyers Makigumo and Shikinami are stranded in the Ise bay. - Death of Capt. Hirayama, President of the Nautical College. - Departure of members of Parliament to attend the International Congress of Parliament at Paris. 1910.05.12 — Baron Goffinet leaves Tokyo. 1910.05.14 — Departure of Dr. Hirai, Vice President of the Railway Board, for Europe. 1910.05.16 — Princess Kuni gives birth to a son. 1910.05.18 — A fire destroys about 150 houses at Hakodate. 1910.05.20 — The Emperor and Empress send the Crown Prince and Princess to attend the memorial ceremony of King Edward VII held at the Trinity Church, Tsukiji. 1910.05.22 — A fire at Yonezawa, destroying 130 houses. 1910.05.24 — A fire at Teshio, Hokkaido, destroying 130 houses. 1910.05.26 — 25th general meeting of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, declaring dividend of ¥105. 1910.05.27 — Regulation for census-committee is published, with Baron Hirata as President and Baron Sakatani as Vice-President. 1910.05.28 - The Emperor attends the graduation ceremony of the Military Cadet School. - The flag ship of U. S. Asiatic Fleet Charleston enters Yokohama under command of Admiral Harbard. 1910.05.29 — Unveiling ceremony of the statue of late Commander Hirose at Yorozuyo-bashi, Tokyo. 1910.05.30 - Viscount Terauchi is appointed additionally as Resident-General, and Mr. Yamagata as Vice Resident General. - Maj.-Gen. Baron Ishimoto appointed as President of Aeroplane Investigation Committee. 1910.05.31 — The Emperor proceeds to the Military Central Boys School. 1910.06.01 - Lieut.-Gen. Nagaoka is appointed 13th Divisional Commander, and Major Gen. Oka succeeds him as Chief, Military Affairs Board of Army. - Count Togo is appointed to Special Inspector of Navy. - Appointment of the officials of the Japan Red Cross Society, Marquis Matsukata as President and Viscount Hanabusa and Baron Ozawa as Vice Presidents. - Shusui Kotoku, socialist, is arrested at Yugawara with six others. 1910.06.03 — 15th general meeting of the Japan Red Cross Society is held at Hibiya Park, Tokyo. 1910.06.04 — A fire at Goto, Nagasaki, 230 houses destroyed. 1910.06.09 — Mr. Hu Weite, retiring Chinese Minister, proceeds to the Palace to take leave of the Emperor. 1910.06.10 — Mr. Nakakoji, Vice Minister of Communications, leaves Tokyo for Europe. 1910.06.12 — Unveiling of late Lieut.-Gen. Otsuki's monument at the Military Arsenals, Tokyo. 1910.06.13 — Closing of the Nagoya Exhibition. 1910.06.14 — Some Gubernatorial changes announced and Mr. Ariyoshi, Governor of Chiba-ken, is appointed Chief of General Affairs Bureau of the Residency-General. 1910.06.16 — Arrival of the Duke and Duchess Johan Albrecht of Mecklenburg to Tokyo. 1910.06.17 — Mr. K. Inouye and Baron Uchida are respectively appointed Envoy to Chilean and Mexican Independence Commemoration celebration. 1910.06.18 — Baron Mumm is decorated with the Grand Cordon of Rising Sun and Paulownia. 1910.06.20 — Economic Investigation Commission meets at Agriculture and Commerce Department. Death of Mr. M. Kashiwada, ex-Vice-Minister of Education. 1910.06.21 - Opening ceremony of the Merchants and Manufacturers Association is held at Tokyo Chamber of Commerce. - Death of Viscount Saisho, Privy Councillor. 1910.06.22 - The Colonization Bureau is organized and Premier Katsura and Baron Goto appointed President and Vice President, respectively. - Horse Administration Bureau is reorganized. - Capt. H. Ishibashi appointed Director of the Tokyo Nautical College. 1910.06.23 — H.I.H. Prince Fushimi returns from London. 1910.06.25 - Tokyo elevated railway is extended to Yurakucho near Palace. - Death of Mr. Mitsuhashi, Mayor of Yokohama. 1910.06.28 — Departure of Vice Resident-General Yamagata for Seoul. 1910.07.01 — Opening of Port Arthur. 1910.07.03 — Death of Marquis Akitake Tokugawa, former Daimyo of Mito. 1910.07.04 — Prince and Princess Fushimi jr, return from Europe. --- 1912 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1910-09 to 1911-12) 1910.09.01 — The dethroned Emperor of Korea is styled Prince Yi and presented with gifts from the Emperor. 1910.09.02 — Imperial donation of yen 10,000 is granted in connection with the inundation in Tokyo and other places. 1910.09.07 — The Revised International Copyright law is promulgated. 1910.09.08 — Herr Denburg, German Ex-Minister, is banqueted at the Imperial Hotel under auspices of the Tokyo Clearing House. 1910.09.09 — American Business-men's party representing the Pacific Chambers of Commerce arrive at Tokyo on their way to China. 1910.09.10 — Herr Denburg leaves Tokyo for home. 1910.09.11 — Agreements for laying the Kirin-Changchun railway signed between the South Manchuria Co. and the Chinese Co. concerned. 1910.09.17 — Novels and other publications on Socialism by Kotoku, Kinoshita, Otsuki, and Tazoye, are prohibited sale. 1910.09.21 — British China Fleet enters Yokohama, under the new Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Adm. Winslow. 1910.09.22 — Chicago Baseball Team arrives at Yokohama, to play with the Waseda and Keio nines. 1910.09.28 — Vice-Admiral Winslow is received in audience by the Emperor and Empress. 1910.09.30 - Imperial donations are granted to the prefectures of Miyagi, Iwate, (each, yen 1,000) and Akita (yen 500) in connection with the recent flood. - Organisation of the Korean Government is promulgated. 1910.10.01 — Viscount Terauchi is appointed Governor General of Korea, and Mr. I. Yamagata General Inspector of Administration. 1910.10.07 — Creation of Korean peers is announced. 1910.10.08 — The monetary grant to the 13 provinces of Korea is gazetted. 1910.10.10 — A torpedo-boat-destroyer "Umikaze" is launched at Maizuru. 1910.10.14 — Baron Matsudaira, Visc. Miura and Baron Funakoshi are gazetted as Privy Councillors. 1910.10.14 — The Fourth Art Exhibition under the auspices of the Education Department is opened. 1910.10.15 — The battleship Kawachi is launched at Yokosuka, in the presence of the Emperor. 1910.10.16 — The Training Squadron leaves Yokosuka for the cruise along the American coast. 1910.10.21 — Chinese Prince Sai-jun arrives at Tokyo (leaves on 24th). 1910.10.22 — Premier Katsura announces his financial programme for 1911 before the combined general meeting of the Clearing Houses and Banks in the country. 1910.10.24 — Prince Tokugawa, President of the H.P., returns from his tour in Europe and America. 1910.10.26 — A party of Korean Peers visit Tokyo. 1910.10.26 — The cruiser Iwora arrives home from her voyage to Argentines. 1910.11.05 — The Military Reservist's Society holds its inauguration ceremony at Tokyo. 1910.11.05 — Japan Soy Company is dissolved. 1910.11.08 — Marquis and Marchioness Matsukata are granted with golden wedding gifts by Their Majesties. 1910.11.09 — The trial on the case of Kotoku and his followers is opened to limited public audience. 1910.11.10 — Emperor leaves Tokyo for Okayama to preside over the grand manoeuvre (returns on 20th). 1910.11.30 — The Antarctic Party under Lieut. Shirase starts from Shimogawa. 1910.11.30 — General Kawamura returns home from his journey through Europe and America. 1910.12.15 — Mr. K. Inouye, Special Envoy to Chili, returns home. 1910.12.17 — The broad gauge reconstruction scheme of the Tokyo-Shimonoseki line is passed by the Railway Conference. 1910.12.19 — Aviation is first tried near Tokyo. 1910.12.22 — Official organisation of the North Eastern and Kyushu Imperial Universities is gazetted. 1910.12.23 — The Imperial Diet (27th session) holds its opening ceremony. 1910.12.27 — The Chin-hai Bay, Korea, is elevated to be a naval port. 1910.12.31 — American Ambassador Mr. and Mrs. O'brien return to Tokyo. 1911.01.10 — T. H. Prince and Princess Higashi Fushimi are appointed Envoy to King George's coronation. 1911.01.10 — Korean Company Regulation is published. 1911.01.13 — The Hase-temple, Nara, is destroyed by fire. 1911.01.14 — 53 wrestlers break out on strike concerning salaries. 1911.01.15 — The anarchist Kotoku and followers are finally sentenced to death. 1911.01.21 — A destroyer Yamakaze is launched at Nagasaki. 1911.01.24 — Kotoku and eleven other anarchists are executed. 1911.01.25 — The Tokyo Fine Art Academy is damaged by fire. 1911.01.28 — Traffics of the 3rd class passengers on the South Manchuria Railway is suspended on account of pest. 1911.01.29 — Premier Katsura leaves Tokyo for the two Houses belonging to the Seiyukai. 1911.01.30 — Imperial donation of yen 1,500 is granted to the Okinawa prefecture in connection with the recent storm. 1911.01.31 — The Kanegafuchi Spin. Co. amalgamates with the Kenshi Spin. Co. 1911.02.01 - Dr. Nitobe, the President, and a Professor of 1st High School are reprimanded on account of Socialist speech delivered by Mr. K. Tokutomi. - Imperial Rescript for granting yen 1,500,000 for the relief of needy patients is promulgated. 1911.02.12 — Express-delivery Post is inaugurated in Tokyo, also between Yokohama and Tokyo. 1911.02.13 — 124 Charity and relief establishments are granted by the Home Department with yen 29,350. 1911.02.14 — Admiral Togo and General Nogi are appointed on the suite of the Envoy to the British court. 1911.02.16 — The North and South Dynasty question is introduced by G. Fujisawa, M.P., before the Diet. 1911.02.17 — The Shunyo-maru of the Toyo S. S. Co. is launched at Nagasaki. 1911.03.05 — 75 miners are drowned in a colliery in Yamaguchi prefecture. 1911.03.06 — The Shin-pa-ro, a restaurant at Kanagawa, is destroyed by fire; 4 men are killed. 1911.03.08 — Mr. E. Iwamoto, a millionaire in Osaka, contributes one million yen to Osaka City; public hall is to be erected. 1911.03.10 — The Tokyo Sericultural Institution, near Tokyo, is destroyed by fire. 1911.03.11 — The Emperor presents crown land (30,000 acres) to the Yamanashi-prefecture. 1911.03.15 — The new Minister of Siam presents the Credential to the Emperor. 1911.03.17 — The Wakani colliery in Hokkaido explodes and kills over 40 miners. 1911.03.23 — The Imperial Diet is closed. 1911.03.24 — Mr. M. Sawayanagi is appointed President of the North-Eastern University. 1911.03.27 — The Emperor is sent with a telegram to President Taft to dispel absurd rumor as to Japan's activity in the Mexican civil war. 1911.03.28 — The Tokyo Charity Hospital at Tsukiji is opened. 1911.03.30 — The Waseda team sets out for America. 1911.04.01 — The Cruiser Chihasata is launched at Kure in the presence of the Crown Prince. 1911.04.01 — The Coronation Squadron sets out Yokosuka for England. 1911.04.02 — Dr. Yamakawa is appointed President of the Kyushu University. 1911.04.03 — The Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo is opened for traffic. 1911.04.04 — Army aviation is practised at the Tokorozawa aviation field, near Tokyo. 1911.04.07 — The Crown-Princess is ill of typhoid fever. 1911.04.17 — Princess Takeko, Kitashirakawa, marries Viscount Hoshina. 1911.04.19 — The Keio team leaves Yokohama for America. 1911.04.21 — Marquises Tokudaiji and Katsura are promoted to the rank of Prince, Count Komura to Marquis, and Viscs. Watanabe and Terauchi to Count, in connection with the Korean annexation. 1911.04.29 — Count Dorbergen, the new Belgium Minister, presents Credential to the Emperor; Sir Claude and Lady Macdonald, English Ambassador, leave Tokyo for home. 1911.05.01 — Opening ceremony of the Central railway line is held at Nagoya. 1911.05.02 — The Antarctic Expedition party is reported to have returned to Sydney. 1911.05.03 — Accident on the Central line, killing one passenger and severely wounding two. 1911.05.05 — A girl is born to Princess Kitashirakawa. 1911.05.08 — A conflagration breaks out at Yoshiwara, destroying 6,355 houses. 1911.05.08 — A conflagration breaks out at the city of Yamagata. 1911.05.09 — The Restoration History Committee is organized. 1911.05.12 — Prince and Princes Higashi Fushimi, Envoy to King George's Coronation, leave Tokyo. 1911.05.12 — Imperial donation of yen 10,000 is granted in connection with the Yoshiwara conflagration. 1911.05.13 — Count von Rex, German Minister, arrives in Tokyo. 1911.05.14 — The German Far-East Squadron arrives at Yokosuka. 1911.05.16 — A girl is born to Princess Kuni. 1911.05.17 — The Literary and Art Committee and the Popular Education Committee are organized. 1911.05.17 — A conflagration breaks out at Otaru, Hokkaido. 1911.05.21 — M. Gerrari, French Ambassador, leaves Tokyo for home. 1911.05.22 — The Empress returns to Tokyo with the Grand shrine at Ise. 1911.05.22 — Imperial donation of yen 1,900 is granted to sufferers from the fire in Yamagata. 1911.05.22 — A disastrous forest fire that broke out on the 3rd in Hokkaido has been put out. 1911.06.02 — Rear-Adm. Madrick, Commander of the Asiatic fleet of America, and his staff are received in audience by the Emperor. 1911.06.03 — The gunboat Fushimi sails up the Yang-tze-kiang. 1911.06.07 — H. H. Prince and Princess Higashi Fushimi, Coronation Envoy, arrive at London. 1911.06.08 — The record aviation flying of 450 metres high and 21,300 metres long, is accomplished by Captain Tokugawa, at Tokorozawa. 1911.06.12 — J. J. N. Coronation Squadron arrive at Portland, England. 1911.06.17 — Imperial donation is granted to the sufferers from the recent forest fire in Hokkaido. 1911.06.27 — M. Mallewich, Russian Ambassador, leaves Tokyo for home. 1911.06.28 — Mr. K. Yasukawa and his son, founders of the Meiji Technical College in Fukuoka prefecture, are decorated. 1911.06.29 — The cruiser Hirato is launched at the Kawasaki Dockyard, Kobe. 1911.07.01 — Herr von Rex, German Ambassador, leaves Yokohama for home. 1911.07.02 — Boom on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in anticipation of the municipalization of the Tokyo Street Railway. 1911.07.05 — Dr. S. Kimura receives the first prize of the Imperial Academy for his discovery as regards the fluctuation of the earth's axis. 1911.07.06 — Owing to repeated foul weather, the quotation at the Tokyo Rice Exchange rises to the abnormal level of yen 19.10, current delivery. 1911.07.09 — The City Assembly of Tokyo passes the municipalization scheme of the Street Railway draft of the municipal ownership of the Street Car, at yen 63,915,518. 1911.07.11 — Baron Sakatani leaves Tokyo for Bern, Swiss to attend the International Economy and Finance Conference held in that city. 1911.07.12 — The general election of Counts, Viscounts and Barons for the House of Peers takes place. 1911.07.13 — Crown Princess returns to Tokyo from Hayama, having recovered from her long illness. 1911.07.16 — The Anglo-Japanese Alliance treaty is revised. 1911.07.17 — Exchequer notes of yen 20,000,000 redeemable in Oct. is issued at 3.2 sen for daily balance. 1911.07.18 — Imperial donation of yen 20,000 is granted to the Cooperative Societies. 1911.07.20 — Imperial donation is granted to the sufferers from the storm in Ibaraki, Yamanashi, Nara and Wakayama. 1911.07.21 — Princess On of Korea dies of disease. 1911.07.25 — Ordinance Imposes instruction to prohibit the coloring of tea. 1911.07.22 — Mr. F. Furukawa is decorated with 3rd class Sacred Treasure on account of his and his father's service for the cause of education. 1911.07.29 — The quotation of rice, current delivery, rises to yen 20.10. 1911.07.29 — Imperial Ordinance for reducing till Sept. 30th the tariff on rice from yen 1 per picul to 64 sen is issued. 1911.07.31 — The municipalization of the Tokyo Street Railway is sanctioned by the Home Office. 1911.07.31 — The Railway wide gauge scheme is passed. 1911.07.31 — The revised educational system, after protracted discussion at the Privy Council, is issued. 1911.07.31 — Sir Claude McDonald, British Ambassador, returns to Tokyo from England. 1911.08.01 — Tokyo prefecture is granted Imperial donation of yen 60,000 as a relief for the damage from the storm in July 25th. 1911.08.02 — The Prefectures of Kanazawa, Shizuoka and Chiba also enjoy the same Imperial gift. 1911.08.04 — The quotation of rice, current delivery, advances to yen 20.33. 1911.08.06 — Disastrous flood visits Shizuoka, Shinano and Echigo. 1911.08.08 — Prof. I. Nitobe, is dispatched to America as the first exchange Lecturer between America and Japan. 1911.08.09 — The Tokaido districts are again visited by a disastrous flood. 1911.08.10 — The transactions at the Tokyo Rice Change for August and September delivery, suspended by the Government, the current delivery having risen to yen 20.72. 1911.08.14 - The transactions suspended at Osaka, Hyogo, Kuwana, Takaoka and Kanazawa Rice Changes. - An explosion of Mt. Asama, killing one foreigner and two Japanese, and wounding some 50 persons. 1911.08.21 — The Saisei-kai (The Imperial Charity Society) is organized with Prince Katsura as its president. 1911.08.24 — Barons Hirata, Oura, Chinda and Uchida, are created Viscounts and Messrs. Kato and Ishii, Barons in connection with the Treaty revision work. 1911.08.25 — The Katsura cabinet submits resignation. 1911.08.30 — Messrs. Mitsui, Fujita, Kono-ike, Sumitomo and Kondo are created Barons. 1911.08.26 — Dr. David Jordan arrives in Yokohama. 1911.08.27 — General Nogi returns home from England. 1911.08.28 — A tourist party of Formosan Aborigines arrives in Tokyo. 1911.08.28 — Marquis Saionji accepts the order Imperial to organize Cabinet. 1911.08.29 — The Emperor wires to the Czar of Russia to present Russia with the Jusposo (the Angara), a Russian hospital-ship captured in the late War. 1911.08.30 — The Saionji Cabinet is formed. 1911.08.30 — The Empress grants yen 3,000 each to the widows of the Late Messrs. H. Takekishi and S. Eto. 1911.08.31 — Imperial donations are granted to Nagano (yen 900) and Ibaraki (yen 600) as a relief in connection with the recent storm. 1911.08.30 — Formosa is visited by a terrible storm; killed 229, missing 196, wounded 674, houses destroyed 27,074, partially destroyed 34,713. 1911.08.31 — Mr. O'Brian, American Ambassador, leaves Japan for home. 1911.08.31 — Dr. Nitobe and Mr. Shimada leave Yokohama for America. 1911.09.01 — The Niigata prefecture receives Imperial donation of yen 700 as a relief in connection with the recent storm. 1911.09.05 — Government issues instruction to prohibit the coloring of tea. 1911.09.07 — The Angara is transferred to the Russian authority at Vladivostock. 1911.09.08 — Imperial donation of yen 2,400 is granted to the Tokushima prefecture in connection with the recent storm damage. 1911.09.09 — Storm again rages in Formosa. 1911.09.10 — Heavy rain in Nagasaki prefecture, swelling a river and drowning some 20 persons. 1911.09.12 — A girl is born to Princess Asaka. 1911.09.13 — General Oshima, Governor-General of Kwantung, leaves Tokyo for Europe. 1911.09.14 — The Crown Prince returns to Tokyo from his tour in Hokkaido (started on Aug. 18th). 1911.09.15 — Admiral Togo returns home from England via America. 1911.09.17 — Dr. D. Jordan and his wife are received in audience by the Emperor. 1911.09.18 — Mr. Komatsu, Vice-Minister of Communications, is wounded by a burglar. 1911.10.03 — The cruiser Yakagi, is launched at Nagasaki. 1911.10.03 — Neutrality of Japan as regards the Turko-Italian war is proclaimed. 1911.10.08 — Baron Kato, Ambassador to England, arrives in Tokyo. 1911.10.10 — Imperial donation of yen 5,700 granted to the Korean sufferers from the recent storm. 1911.10.14 — The Government Fifth Art-Exhibition is opened at Uyeno. 1911.10.16 — Visc. Uchida, Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrives in Tokyo from America. 1911.10.18 — Imperial donation of yen 50,000 is granted to the Formosan sufferers from the recent storm. 1911.10.21 — Baron Sakatani returns from the International Economic and Finance Conference at Berne. 1911.10.21 — Explosion takes place at the Powder magazine at Meguro, killing 13 persons, and injuring 9. 1911.10.30 — H. I. H. Crown Prince attends the 40th Anniversary of the Tokyo Higher Normal School. 1911.11.01 — Through service between South Manchuria Railway and Government Railway is opened, the bridge work on the Yalu, being completed. 1911.11.02 — 51 American Mining Engineers Party enter Tokyo. 1911.11.07 — H. M. the Emperor leaves Shimbashi for Kyushu, to preside over the grand manoeuvre carried on in Fukuoka-ken, returning to Tokyo on the 19th. 1911.11.10 — Mr. Bryan, the new American Ambassador, arrives at Tokyo. 1911.11.12 — The Coronation-squadron to England, the Kurama and the Tone, return to Yokohama. 1911.11.14 — H. H. Hiroyasu Fushimi leaves Japan for Siam to represent Japan at the Coronation Ceremony of the Siamese Court. 1911.11.15 — Baron Kurino, Ambassador to France, returns home. 1911.11.16 — Steam bursts from the boiler tubes of the armored cruiser Iwate outside Saseho and injures 12 men. 1911.11.22 — Viscount Chinda is transferred from the German Embassy to America as Ambassador. Mr. Sugimura succeeds him. 1911.11.23 — The destroyer Harusame sinks off Matsuya, Shima, and 51 officers (including Com. Otaki) and men are drowned. 1911.11.24 — Yen 1,000 is granted by the Emperor and Empress to the sufferers from the fire at Kashiwazaki (where 1,700 homes were burned on Nov. 13th). 1911.12.09 — The Temporary Administrative Adjustment Committee is organized. --- 1913 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1911-12 to 1913-07) 1911.12.25 — About 3 companies of troops are despatched for Hankow, in connection with the Chinese troubles. 1911.12.26 — The Imperial Diet (28th Session) holds its opening ceremony. 1911.12.27 — Mr. G. Sin is appointed Pres. Japan Hypothec Bank. 1911.12.27 — Tokyo Gas Co. holds general meeting to discuss the problem of amalgamation of Chiyoda Gas Co. 1911.12.31 — The drivers and conductors of Tokyo City railways go on strike. 1912.01.02 — The strike ended. 1912.01.09 — Count A. Yoshikawa appointed Vice Pres. of Privy Consul. 1912.01.16 — Fire destroys about 4,830 houses at Osaka. 1912.01.20 — Gen. Y. Hasegawa, is promoted Chief of General Staff. 1912.02.06 — Tokyo Municipality contracts provisionally its foreign loan. 1912.02.11 — Girl's Dept. of the Peer's School is destroyed by fire. 1912.02.25 — Religious conference is held at Peers Club under advocate of Mr. T. Hara, Home Minister. 1912.02.29 — The Franco-Japanese Treaty is promulgated. 1912.03.03 — Collision of train at Mihara Station, Sanyo line, injuring about 42 persons. 1912.03.04 — About 1200 troops are sent for Peking. 1912.03.08 — Masako Miwada and Ayako Tanahashi, lady educationists, are decorated with the Order of Crown. 1912.03.18 — Baron Karino is promoted to Viscount. 1912.03.19 — Dr. Tsubouchi receives literature prize from Education Dept. 1912.03.19 — Dr. Mannen Uyeda is promoted to Dean of Lit. Coll. of Imp. Tokyo Univ. 1912.03.21 — Tokyo Industrial Exhibition opens. 1912.03.21 — Fire at Fukagawa, Tokyo, destroying 2000 houses. 1913.03.27 — The Imperial Diet is closed. 1912.04.05 — Lieut.-Gen. Uyehara is appointed War Minister. 1912.04.12 — Big fire at Hakodate destroying 600 houses. 1912.04.16 — Fires at Shimokamo, Niigata-ken (dest. 235 h.); Higashi-Iwase, Toyamaken (dest. 125 h.) and Shimo-Ishikami, Fukushimaken (dest 132 h.). 1912.04.18 — Fire at Shimo-Minato village, Torohiken, destroying 700 houses. 1912.04.22 — Fire at Matsumoto, 2000 houses, dest. 1912.04.26 — Baron Fukushima is appointed Gov. Gen. of Kwantung. 1912.04.29 — Yubari Colliery explosion, 260 people killed or injured. 1912.05.06 — The Japanese Denmark Treaty is published. 1912.05.08 — E. Prince Wardemar proceeds to imp. Palace. 1912.05.10 — Mr. Kurachi is appointed Vice Min. of Foreign Dept. 1912.05.12 — The Japanese Antarctic party, returns. 1912.05.15 — General election of House of Representatives commences. 1912.05.17 — The Crown Prince visits Waseda Univ. 1912.05.20 — The Opening ceremony of Doshisha Univ. is hold. 1912.05.29 — Osaka Municipality contracts loans of 7 million yen. 1912.06.01 — The San-in line is completed and held its opening ceremony. 1912.06.06 — Mr. Y. Ozaki, Mayor of Tokyo, tenders his resignation. 1912.06.17 — The military train collided at Ogaki station and killed 7 people and injured 18. 1912.06.21 — Dr. Eliot, U.S.A., arrives in Tokyo. 1912.06.26 — The cruiser Nenohi runs upon a sunken rock in Kuriles. 1912.07.03 — The Franco-Japanese Bank is promoted. 1912.07.06 — Prince Katsura leaves Tokyo for abroad with Baron Goto. 1912.07.12 — Baron Sakatani is appointed Mayor of Tokyo. 1912.07.13 — Dr. Eliot returns for home. 1912.07.15 — Mr. Yagyu is appointed Vice-Pres. of Japan Hypothec Bank. 1912.07.18 — Mr. Uyemura, Mayor of Osaka, resigns the post. 1912.07.19 — The construction of Shin-chishi bridge is completed. 1912.07.20 — The Imperial Household Dept. publishes bulletin of His Majesty's illness. 1912.07.30 — The Emperor's death is announced. 1912.07.31 — The new Emperor and Empress receive first official audience. 1912.08.10 — Prince Katsura returns home. 1912.08.12 — Prince Katsura is appointed to Grand Chamberlain and Lord Privy Seal. 1912.08.20 — The extraordinary session (29th) of Diet is called; Mr. O-oka and Mr. Saki are elected President and Vice President respectively. 1912.08.26 — The session is closed. 1912.09.01 — Fire breaks out at Ryusenji, Asakusa, Tokyo, dest 1,000 h. 1912.09.09 — The boy Crown Prince is appointed 2nd Sub-Lieut. of Navy and Sub-Lieut. of Army. 1912.09.09 — Mr. Knox, General Lebon, Special Envoys to the Imperial Funeral, arrive in Tokyo. 1912.09.10 — Prince Arthur of Connaught arrives in Tokyo. 1912.09.13 — Grand Funeral of the Emperor Meiji is conducted. 1912.09.14 — The Imperial coffin leaves Tokyo for Momoyama. 1912.09.15 — The interment at Momoyama. 1912.09.23 — Big Storms in Owari and Mino provinces; 2 torpedo-destroyers run aground in the bay. 1912.09.26 — Imperial Ordinance relating to general amnesty and commutation of sentences is issued. 1912.09.28 — The trial of Korean conspiracy case opens. 1912.10.01 — The Colonisation Exhibition opens at Uyeno Park. 1912.10.12 — Govt. 6th Art Exhibition is opened at Uyeno. 1912.10.13 — The Empress Dowager proceeds to Momoyama. 1912.10.17 — Sir Conyngham Green is reported to be new British Ambassador to Japan. 1912.11.04 — Sir Claude McDonald leaves Tokyo for home. 1912.11.05 — The Emperor and Empress leave Tokyo for Momoyama. 1912.11.12 — Naval manoeuver takes place in Naval Yokohama port. 1912.11.14 — Special military Manoeuver takes place in Kawagoya. 1912.11.20 — The launch of "Hiyei" is held at Yokosuka. 1912.11.23 — Italian-Japanese Treaty is ratified. 1912.11.25 — Gen. Osako appointed to the Pres., Peer's School. 1912.11.26 — The Franco-Japanese Bank commences business. 1912.11.27 — Prince Kan-in is promoted to full General. 1912.12.02 — Lieut.-Gen. Uyehara, Min. of War, tendered the resignation. 1912.12.02 — Dr. Mabie arrives in Tokyo. 1912.12.05 — The Saionji Cabinet submits resignation. 1912.12.20 — The Katsura Cabinet is formed. 1912.12.23 — The explosion of Yubari coal mine, several persons are killed. 1912.12.27 — The Imperial Diet (30th Session) holds its opening ceremony. 1912.12.28 — Mr. Anderson, Ambassador of U.S.A., arrives at Tokyo. 1913.01.13 — Explosion at the Yubari coal mine, killing about 40 men. 1913.01.17 — General meeting of journalists of the country is held at Tokyo relating to the Constitution in danger agitation. 1913.01.20 — Prince Katsura makes announcement for organizing his new political party. 1913.01.21 — The Diet is suspended for 15 days. 1913.01.28 — Baron Kato; Minister to London, returns home. 1913.01.29 — Baron Kato is appointed to Foreign Minister. 1913.02.01 — Mr. Matsui is appointed Vice Min. of Foreign Office. 1913.02.02 — Mr. Soyeda resigns presidency of the Industrial Bank. 1913.02.05 — The Chuō Club announces dissolution. 1913.02.05 — The Diet is again suspended for 5 days. 1913.02.08 — Mr. K. Inouye is appointed Ambassador to London. 1913.02.10 — Mr. Shidachi is appointed Pres., Industrial Bank. 1913.02.10 — The Diet is suspended for 3 days more. 1913.02.11 — The political riot against the bureaucracy breaks out in Tokyo, breaking police boxes and assaulting bureaucratic paper's offices. 1913.02.11 — The riot occurs in Osaka. 1913.02.12 — The Katsura Cabinet submits resignation. 1913.02.14 — Dr. Sun Yat-sen arrives in Tokyo. 1913.02.19 — Big fire break out at Kanda, Tokyo, destroying about 3,600 houses. 1913.02.20 — The Yamamoto Cabinet is formed. 1913.02.24 — Mr. Ozaki and his followers secede from Seiyukai. 1913.02.27 — The Diet opens. 1913.03.03 — Fire razes whole town of Numazu. 1913.03.05 — Sir Connyngham Green arrives in Tokyo. 1913.03.16 — Riot at Seoul, Korea, about recovery of independence. 1913.03.27 — The 30th Session of the Imperial Diet is closed. 1913.04.01 — The opening ceremony of Toyama-Naoyetsu railway, Hokuroku line, takes place. 1913.04.04 — Amb. Chinda informally protests to States Secretary of U.S.A. about the anti-Japanese agitation in California. 1913.04.17 — The Government announces borrowing of foreign loan amounting to 20 million francs. 1913.04.21 — Count Togo is gazetted Fleet Admiral. 1913.04.22 — Korean Industrial loan (30,000,000 yen) is raised. 1913.04.24 — Convention of the Russo-Manchuria-Japan through traffic is signed. 1913.05.04 — Messrs. Ebara, Hattori and Yamamoto leave Tokyo for U.S.A. in connection with the Californian land question. 1913.05.05 — Official organization of the State railway is revised. 1913.05.07 — Lieut. Gen. Hongo is appointed Vice Min. of War. 1913.05.08 — Ambassador Chinda tenders 1st formal protest to U.S. Govt. 1913.06.15 — The Emperor leaves Tokyo for Hayama. 1913.06.16 — Austro-Japanese Treaty is ratified. 1913.06.17 — Italian Japanese Treaty is gazetted. 1913.06.22 — Mr. Yamaza is appointed the Chinese Minister. 1913.06.24 — Lieut. Gen. Kusunose is appointed War Minister. 1913.06.26 — The amalgamation of Tokyo and Nippon Elect. light Cos., cancelled. 1913.06.30 — The official organization of the Education Investigation Commission is issued. 1913.07.02 — Prince Arisugawa is appointed Fleet Admiral. 1913.07.06 — The 3rd son of the Emperor, Prince Nobuhito, is ordered by the Emperor to set up the new house of Takamatsu-no-miya to succeed to the House of Prince Arisugawa. --- 1914 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1913-07 to 1914-07) 1913.07.01 — Mr. Yamakuri, stock-broker, is bankrupt. 1913.07.04 — Prof. Shimamura's Geijutsu-za Theatre is formed. 1913.07.05 — Imp. Academy gives prizes to Mr. R. Muraoka, Dr. K. Uyesaka, Dr. K. Goto and Mr. M. Kondo. 1913.07.07 — Strike of railway laborers, over 200, at Shinagawa reclamation grounds. 1913.07.08 — Dissolution of Dr. Tsubouchi's Bungei Kyokwai Theatre. 1913.07.09 — Vice-Pres. Tsukuda and others of Industrial Bank of Japan resign. 1913.07.11 — Mr. H. Hibiya, Mng. Dir. of Fuji Cotton Mill retires and contributes his reward yen 100,000 to the Mill for the benefit of officials and laborers. 1913.07.12 — Viscount James Bryce, ex-British Ambassador to America is entertained in Tokyo by the International Press Association. 1913.07.13 — Prince Katsura is ill from cancer in the stomach. 1913.07.16 — Profs. T. Tanimoto, T. Muraoka, E. Miwa, K. Yoshikawa and C. Amaya of Imp. Kyoto Univ. tender resignations. 1913.07.17 — State funeral of Prince Arisugawa at the Gokokuji temple. 1913.07.18 — Mr. K. Yamaza, new Minister to China starts for his post. 1913.07.21 — Mr. B. Ono is appointed Vice-Pres. of Industrial Bank of Japan. 1913.07.21 — The Emperor's Birthday Ceremony gazetted as Oct. 1. 1913.07.21 — Mr. Foster, Canadian Minister for Commerce arrives at Shimonoseki from Australia. 1913.07.25 — Messrs. E. Ono, T. Aoki of Industrial Bank of Japan, appointed Dirs. of Franco-Japan. Bank. 1913.07.31 — Baron K. Kimotsuki, Mayor of Osaka resigns. 1913.07.31 — Baron K. Sufu, Privy Councillor, is relieved of his post. 1913.07.31 — The revised civil service ordinance is announced. 1913.08.02 — New American Ambassador and Mrs. Guthrie arrive at Yokohama. 1913.08.04 — Viscount Bryce, ex-British Ambassador to America, leaves Japan. 1913.08.05 — Profs. Muraoka, Otani, Yoshikawa, and Yamamoto, of Imp. Kyoto Univ. relieved of their posts. 1913.08.08 — Mr. Foster, Canadian Minister for Commerce, leaves Japan. 1913.08.14 — Three women admitted to Imp. Tohoku Univ. for the first time in Japan. 1913.08.18 — Accident to Farman aeroplane carrying Capt. Fukui and Lieut. Nagasawa; machine broken. 1913.08.22 — Lieut.-Gen. Baron S. Sakamura appointed Commander of Tokyo Garrison; Lieut.-Gen. K. Uchiyama, Chief Aide-de-Camp to the Emperor. 1913.08.24 — Dr. Soyeda, delegate of Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and of America-Japan Association, returns home after investigating the Californian problem. 1913.08.27 — Rain storm in North-eastern districts, death 163; injured 184; 2,428 houses lost. 1913.08.28 — Railway accident on Kushiro-Hakodate line; 7 killed; 27 injured. 1913.08.29 — A party of primary school boys overtaken by rain storm at the top of Mt. Komagadake; the principal and 7 boys killed, 8 lost. 1913.09.01 — One Japanese murdered and another injured at Nanking by Chinese soldiers. 1913.09.03 — Cruiser Nitaka despatched to Nanking. 1913.09.03 — Mr. M. Abe, Dir. of Political Bur., Foreign Office, is assassinated. 1913.09.07 — Japanese detachment of sailors at Nanking increased. 1913.09.07 — National Mass Meeting on Chinese affair in Tokyo. 1913.09.07 — Aeroplane accident at Tokorozawa; machine crushed; Lieut. Shigenatsu injured. 1913.09.08 — Chinese Charge d'Affaires apologizes for the Nanking case at Foreign Office, Tokyo. 1913.09.09 — M. Okuda (age 18) assassin of Mr. Abe, commits suicide. 1913.09.11 — Dr. Bryce, new Prof. of Economics at Imp. Tokyo Univ., arrives in Tokyo. 1913.09.15 — Cruiser Kasagi and torpedo-destroyers despatched to China. 1913.09.18 — Mr. Herbson, Chilian Minister, arrives at Yokohama. 1913.09.26 — Imp. donation of ¥ 13,300 to sufferers from the storm on Aug. 27. 1913.09.30 — Imp. grant ¥ 1,000 to Tokyo Taisho Exhibition. 1913.10.01 — Imp. recognizes Chinese Republic. 1913.10.06 — Explosion of destroyer Numeri in Aomori Bay. 1913.10.10 — Mr. I. Fukano, ex-Governor, and Mr. J. Kato, ex-Mayor, in Nagoya, are arrested in connection with the licensed quarters case. 1913.10.11 — Cruiser Kasagi and fleet arrive at Yokohama. 1913.10.10 — The result of the Nanking affair is published by the Government. 1913.10.18 — Mr. C. Koike appointed Dir. of Political Bur., Foreign Office. 1913.10.14 — Dr. R. Koga, ex-Dir. of Police Bur. sentenced to 2 years imprisonment at the Tokyo District Court. 1913.10.15 — Mr. S. Ikegami is appointed Mayor of Osaka. 1913.10.16 — Annual Art Exhibition of Educational Dept opens. 1913.10.17 — The 30th anniversary of Waseda University is celebrated. 1913.10.18 — Collision of trains on Hokuroku line; 24 killed, over 90 injured. 1913.10.18 — Funeral of Prince Katsura at Zojoji temple in Tokyo. 1913.11.05 — Battleship-cruiser Kongo enters Yokohama from England. 1913.11.10 — Annual naval review in Tokyo Bay. 1913.11.10 — Torpedo-boat Asatsuyu is stranded in Japan Sea. 1913.11.11 — Dr. Y. Okuda, Minister of Education, is appointed Minister of Justice as additional post. 1913.11.11 — Imperial chrysanthemum garden party. 1913.11.12 — The Emperor leaves Tokyo for Nagoya; returns Nov. 18. 1913.11.13 — Imp. Diet convoked in Tokyo on Dec. 24. 1913.11.14 — The grand military manoeuvre begins near Nagoya. 1913.11.17 — M. Regnault, new French Ambassador, arrives in Tokyo. 1913.11.20 — Cruiser Iwate despatched to Mexico. 1913.11.22 — M. Gerard, ex-French Ambassador, leaves Tokyo for home. 1913.12.01 — Battleship-cruiser Kirishima is launched at Nagasaki. 1913.12.06 — American baseball team, "Giant," arrives at Yokohama. 1913.12.11 — Imp. donation of ¥ 5,000 is made to the Japan Red Cross Society. 1913.12.19 — Dr. Nomura appointed President and Mr. Ito Vice-President, of South Manchuria Railway. 1913.12.22 — Mr. De la Barra, Special Mexican Envoy, arrives in Tokyo; leaves Japan on Jan. 6. 1913.12.23 — M. Regnault, French Ambassador, presents his credentials. 1913.12.24 — Great Naval dockyard at Maizuru is completed. 1913.12.25 — Mr. De la Barra, Special Mexican Envoy, with the Mexican Minister presents to the Emperor the autograph letter of Mr. Huerta, Mexican President. 1913.12.26 — Imp. Diet. (31st session) opens. 1913.12.26 — National reception to Mr. De la Barra at Hibiya Park, Tokyo. 1913.12.28 — Mr. S. Yoshikawa appointed Pres. of Oriental Colonization Co. and Mr. U. Noda, its Vice-Pres. 1914.01.04 — Accident to ski-runners on Mt. Fuji; one man killed. 1914.01.05 — Fatality to ss. Ashitaka Maru at Suruga Bay; 10 drowned. 1914.01.06 — Result of negotiation of the Nanking affair is published. 1914.01.10 — Empress-Dowager grants ¥ 500 to the Ashitaka Maru sufferers. 1914.01.12 — Eruption of Sakurajima, in Kagoshima Bay (see Chap. on Geography.) 1914.01.14 — Profs. of Law College, Imp. Kyoto Univ. resign en masse. 1914.01.15 — Tohoku (famine) and Kyushu (Sakurajima) Relief Association organized (¥ 1,225,000 collected by end of May, of which ¥ 285,000 for Sakurajima). 1914.01.16 — The Mitsui and Iwasaki contribute ¥ 10,000 each to Tohoku and Kyushu Relief Association. 1914.01.16 — Mr. M. Matsuda is created a Baron. 1914.01.22 — Imp. donation of ¥ 150,000 to Tohoku-Kyushu Relief Association. 1914.01.24 — Imp. Kyoto Univ. trouble is settled. 1914.02.06 — Impeachment of Yamamoto Ministry proposed by the three parties. 1914.02.10 — Demonstration against Yamamoto Cabinet at Hibiya Park. 1914.02.11 — Imp. donation of ¥ 39,000 to Tohoku famine districts. 1914.02.16 — Capt. Oka, Imp. Navy, reprimanded and deprived of rank and orders. 1914.02.26 — The Saiseikai apportions ¥ 70,000 to the relief funds in Chosen. 1914.03.01 — Mr. Ooka appointed Minister for Education and Dr. Y. Okuda transferred to the chair for Justice. 1914.03.07 — Imp. donation ¥ 15,000 to relief funds of Sakurajima eruption. 1914.03.08 — Mr. S. Haseba is elected Pres. of House of Representatives. 1914.03.15 — Severe earthquakes in Akita-ken; 5,999 houses destroyed, 94 people killed, 230 injured (also see p. 23). 1914.03.16 — Mr. T. Murata, Mem. of House of Peers, delivers a philippic against Premier Yamamoto in the House of Peers, and then resigns the membership. 1914.03.17 — Mr. S. Oka is elected Pres. of the House of Representatives. 1914.03.18 — Tosei Bank in Tokyo is bankrupt. 1914.03.20 — Tokyo Taisho Exhibition is opened in Uyeno Park, Tokyo. 1914.03.22 — Budget for 1914–15 year is rejected in the Diet. The session adjourned till March 26. 1914.03.22 — Mr. K. Inukai and other six M.P.s impeach Yamamoto Ministry to the Throne. 1914.03.24 — Ministers of State and Vice Ministers tender resignation en masse. 1914.03.26 — H.I.M. Empress-Dowager's illness is announced. The 31st session of Diet closes. 1914.03.28 — Super-dreadnaught Fuso (27,500 tons) is launched at Kure Naval Yard. 1914.03.30 — Prince Iyesato Tokugawa is ordered to form a Ministry; he declines. 1914.03.31 — Viscount Keigo Kiyoura is ordered to form a Cabinet. 1914.04.04 — Viscount K. Kiyoura reports to the Throne his failure to form a Cabinet. 1914.04.08 — Fire at Hakodate; 849 houses burned; damage ¥ 283,520. 1914.04.08 — Count Watanabe resigns the post of Household Minister; Baron Hakano appointed as successor. 1914.04.08 — Imp. Court is closed for 3 days owing to Empress-Dowager's demise. 1914.04.08 — Coronation ceremony is postponed. 1914.04.08 — Dr. S. Takata, Pres. of Waseda Univ. starts on a round-the-world tour. 1914.04.13 — Mr. K. Yanagida is appointed Chief Secretary of Upper House. 1914.04.16 — Count S. Okuma forms his Ministry. 1914.04.16 — A storm in Ibaraki and Kochiken; 81 people in Ibaraki and about 50 boats in the latter are lost. 1914.04.17 — An extraordinary session of Diet convoked for three days from May 4 to vote funeral expense for the late Empress-Dowager. 1914.04.22 — Mr. M. Sengoku is appointed Pres. of Imp. Railways. 1914.04.23 — Marshal Prince I. Oyama appointed Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal. 1914.04.26 — Lieut. Imaizumi is burned to death on machine in the air at Tokorozawa. 1914.04.27 — Mr. B. Kegs, ex-Dir. of Police Bureau, is acquitted at the Tokyo appeal-court. 1914.04.28 — About 300 fishermen and others lost on Korean waters in storm. 1914.04.28 — Mr. Yanagisawa, Pres., Imp. Kyoto Univ., is relieved of his post; Dr. T. Araki is appointed acting President. 1914.05.01 — Dr. Yokota and Dr. K. Hiranuma, Pres. and Prosecutor General respectively, of the Supreme Court, are accorded a Ministerial treatment. 1914.05.04 — Count K. Okura, Minister for Agr. and Comm. is appointed Pres., Adm. Baron G. Uryu, Vice-Pres. and Mr. H. Yamawaki, Chief Commissioner, of the Panama Fair Office. 1914.05.09 — Verdict on the remaining assassins of the late Mr. Abe, Dir. of Political Bureau, Foreign Office: O. Miyamoto (age 22), A. Iwata (25), imprisonment for life; T. Mozaki (21), for one year, etc. 1914.05.10 — Adm. Count G. Yamamoto and Adm. Baron M. Saito placed on the retired list. 1914.05.11 — Dr. K. Kato, Prof. of Law, is appointed Dean of Law College, Imp. Kyoto Univ., in succession to Dr. K. Nikko. 1914.05.14 — Count Kozui Otani, abbot of Nishihonganji temple, Kyoto, retires and returns his peerage. 1914.05.15 — Premier Okuma and Finance Minister Wakatsuki address the Gubernatorial conference about the Cabinet's policy. 1914.05.17 — The last subjugation campaign against the Formosan aborigines opened. 1914.05.18 — Express train is derailed and overturned near Atsuta; 1 killed and 10 injured. 1914.05.24 — General amnesty to prisoners convicted prior to April 11th, 1914, is proclaimed. 1914.05.24 — Grants of ¥ 600,000 for charitable purposes for distribution among the prefectures, Formosa, Korea, etc. is proclaimed in obedience to the Imperial wishes. 1914.05.25 — Funeral of the late Empress-Dowager Kensho. 1914.06.02 — Coronation to be held in November, '15 is announced. 1914.06.05 — Mr. B. Okada is appointed Governor of Karafuto. 1914.06.06 — Hailstorm in Tochigi and Ibaraki prefectures, crops damage is estimated at ¥ 315,000. 1914.06.10 — Tokyo Gas Works readjusts; about 27% of the officials dismissed. 1914.06.18 — Mr. K. Hara becomes Pres. of Seiyukai, in succession to Prince K. Saionji. 1914.06.19 — Six M.P.s of unbroken record are honored. 1914.06.20 — Extraordinary session (33rd) of the Diet to vote the Navy outlay for the current year is summoned for one week. The estimate voted on the 30th. 1914.06.23 — Imp. Ordinance for constituting the National Defence Council is gazetted. 1914.06.24 — Heavy rains in Kyushu; big damages done. 1914.06.25 — Gen. Count Sakuma, Gov.-Gen. of Formosa falls over a cliff and injured, while supervising the subjugation campaign. 1914.06.26 — Five women sentenced to capital punishment at the Nagoya Appeal Court charged with baby-farming atrocities. 1914.06.26 — Empress visits Taisho Exhibition, Tokyo. 1914.06.28 — Launch of O.S.K. ss. Pekin Maru (8,230 tons), sister ship of Nankin Maru, at Osaka Iron-Works. 1914.07.07 — Capital punishment delivered on Sankichi Furuta, a second class warrant officer, on charges of burglary, murder, etc., and for having set to fire the magazine of the cruiser Nisshin, on Nov. 18, '13, causing many deaths and injuries. 1914.07.15 — 2,200 mechanics and others cashiered at the Tokyo Arsenal. 1914.07.15 — Messrs. Nomura and Ito, Pres. & Vice-Pres., respectively of South Manchuria Railway, relieved of office. 1914.07.16 — Strike of 1,300 girls and women of Nisshin Cotton Mill at the postponement of holidays. 1914.07.16 — Tokyo Municipality issues 5 million loan at 6½% at 96 per 100 face value. 1914.07.17 — Appointment of Gen. Baron Yujiro Nakamura as Pres. of South Manchurian Rly. Co. 1914.07.18 — Mr. Nariyahi Oshikawa is appointed Pres. of the Imperial Foundry. 1914.07.18 — 8 soldiers of 42 Regiment die with sunstroke. 1914.07.19 — Another sunstroke of 8 men of 58th Regiment. 1914.07.21 — Mr. Shimbei Kunizawa is appointed Vice-Pres. of South Manchuria Railway, the post he formerly occupied. 1914.07.31 — Tokyo Taisho Exhibition closes; visitors from the beginning number 3,384,263 against 5 millions as originally anticipated. --- 1915 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1914-08 to 1915-06) 1914.08.02 — A heavy rainstorm in Korea causes floods; over 800 houses are washed away. 1914.08.12 — Japanese S.S. Shikoku-Maru is fired upon by British fort at Hongkong, being unaware of state of siege. 1914.08.13 — Rainstorm in Tokyo and Tokaido Districts; Tokaido Railway is suspended thereby. 1914.08.15 — Mr. Z. Sano is appointed Director of Higher Commercial School, Tokyo. 1914.08.19 — Dr. K. Yamakawa, Pres. of Imp. Tokyo University is appointed Pres. of Imp. Kyoto University as additional post. 1914.08.19 — Subjugation forces of savages in Formosa return; deaths, since May, 67, Police Force 20. 1914.08.27 — Tokaido Railway is greatly damaged owing to a heavy rainstorm. Submerged house in Shizuoka City number 6,000, death 35, wounded 91, missing 306. 1914.08.27 — Japanese Ambassador to Austria leaves Vienna and is stoned and subjected to insult by Austrian people en route. 1914.08.31 — Overflow of the Arakawa river, suburbs of Tokyo, 8000 men are flooded. 1914.09.02 — 2 fishing-boats with 100 men are lost off Hachijo Is. 1914.09.03 — War session of the Diet opened in Tokyo. 1914.09.08 — War Estimate ¥53,000,000 passes the Diet. 1914.09.10 — The extraordinary session of the Diet closed. 1914.09.11 — Martin Oswald, Editor of the Japan Herald and Japan-Deutsche Post, is ordered to leave Japan and the journals are forbidden publication. 1914.09.11 — Eng.-Rear-Adm. M. Fujii is sentenced to 4½ years' imprisonment and ¥968,305.05 confiscated in connexion with the "Naval Case." 1914.09.11 — 127 fishing-boats are lost by storm off Saganoseki, Oita-ken Kyushu. 1914.09.15 — Lieut.-Gen. Y. Fukushima, Gov.-Gen. of Kwantung is promoted to General and relieved of his post. General Nakamura appointed Gov.-Gen. of Kwantung. 1914.09.19 — Prof. K. Hattori, Dr. Eng., appointed Dean of Eng. College, Imp. Kyushu University. 1914.09.23 — First snowfall on Mts. Fuji, Asama and Myogi. 1914.09.29 — Lieut.-Gen. Kakinaki arrives in Tokyo from Petrograd. 1914.09.29 — Floods in Tokyo and environs caused by last night rainstorm suspend Tokaido line at Hakone, damage there is estimated at ¥3,000,000. 1914.10.01 — Fishing-boats 19 in all shipwrecked together with 140 men off Enoshima, Sagami. 1914.10.03 — Yubari coal mine, Hokkaido, explodes; deaths, 19. 1914.10.09 — Central Tea Guild of Japan make present of green tea to Allied troops: 50,000 packets to Russian, 10,000 to Belgian. 1914.10.09 — Over 20 men and women murdered by aborigines in Ako District, Formosa. 1914.10.14 — Promoters of National Products Encouragement Association meet at Agriculture and Commerce Department. 1914.10.15 — Annual Art Exhibition of the Education Office opens at Uyeno Park, Tokyo. 1914.10.15 — A fire at Hakata, Kyushu; 120 houses burned. 1914.10.19 — Dr. Kitazato, Dir. of Pathological Laboratory, and his subordinates tender resignation. 1914.10.20 — Lieut.-Gen. Sugenohoff, a Russian Inspector-General of Arms, arrives at Tsuruga. 1914.10.23 — The Japan Red Cross corps for Russia leaves Tokyo via Siberia. 1914.10.26 — 34th session of the Diet convoked in Tokyo to meet on Dec. 5th. 1914.10.28 — Another Explosion at Yubari Coal Mine, Hokkaido; deaths 460. 1914.11.06 — Dr. Takata, Pres. of Waseda University, returns from Europe via America. 1914.11.13 — Imperial grant of ¥50,000 to the funds of the International Hospital in Tokyo is announced. 1914.11.13 — Strike of students at the Government Fishery Institute. 1914.11.13 — Emperor leaves Tokyo to supervise the annual Grand Army Manoeuvres at Kwansai Districts. 1914.11.20 — M. Tukawa, Dir. of Marine Bureau, transferred to Vice-Minister of Communications. 1914.11.24 — Gen. Sakuma, Gov.-Gen. of Taiwan tenders resignation. 1914.11.24 — S. Bishop Otani, of Hongwanji Temple, starts for India via Korea. 1914.12.07 — 35th session of the Diet is opened in Tokyo. 1914.12.13 — Explosion of Hojo Coal Mine, Fukuoka, 637, including females and children, are killed. 1914.12.17 — The Imperial Household grants ¥30,000 towards the funds of Home Products Encouragement Association. 1914.12.18 — Mr. T. Miwa appointed Director of China Medical College. 1914.12.20 — The new Tokyo (Central) Station and the Tokyo-Yokohama Electric tramway are opened. 1915.01.05 — Dissolution of the House of Representatives. 1915.01.03 — Mr. Tsuneasahuro Ogita, airman, falls off and killed at Kyoto. 1915.01.07 — Mr. Kono appointed Minister of Agr. and Commerce, and Visc. Tanura transferred to Home Minister, Count Okuma being relieved of his additional office. 1915.01.09 — H. I. H. Prince Fushimi, Visc. Hasegawa and Visc. Kawamura ar. granted the title of Marshalship. 1915.01.09 — Mr. G. Ishii is appointed Minister to Siam. 1915.01.11 — Mr. M. Oishi, boss of the Doshi-kai, retires from political world. 1915.01.15 — Dr. T. Aoyama appointed Director of Pathological Laboratory. 1915.01.16 — Adm. Dewa and suite leave Yokohama for U.S.A. 1915.01.16 — Dr. T. Takamatsu appointed Director of the Industrial Laboratory. 1915.01.16 — A heavy snowfall along the Japan sea side of the Mainland, some places over 20 ft. high. 1915.02.03 — Baron Sakatani, Mayor of Tokyo, tenders resignation. 1915.02.09 — Cruiser Asama reported as stranded off the coast of Mexico. 1915.02.22 — Military flight officers start from Tokyo for Osaka on Long-distance aviation, about 374 miles, record in Japan. 1915.03.06 — Accident to Naval aviators, Lieut. Adachi and 2 others are drowned in the sea. 1915.03.12 — Crown Prize is granted in Dr. E. Noguchi and Academy Prize on Dr. K. Toyama by the Academy of Japan. 1915.03.21 — A fire at Nihombashi, commercial centre of Tokyo; 69 houses are burned down. 1915.03.25 — General election of Members of the House of Representatives. 1915.04.01 — Working estimate for 1915–16 year is proclaimed. 1915.04.11 — National mourning owing to the demise of the late Empress-Dowager is ended. 1915.04.11 — S.S. Minnesota of the Great Northern Railway, U.S.A. is stranded in the Island sea on route from Nagasaki to Kobe. 1915.04.13 — Landslide at Utsu coal mine, Yamaguchi-ken, 336 colliers are drowned in the subterranean gallery, loss estimated at ¥550,000. 1915.04.17 — American Ambassador leaves Japan on leave of absence. 1915.04.27 — Viscount Y. Soga is appointed Privy Councillor. 1915.05.01 — Gen. Ando is appointed Gov.-Gen. of Formosa. 1915.05.07 — Progress of negotiation between Japan and China is announced. Ultimatum to China. 1915.05.09 — China accepts Japan's demands. 1915.05.12 — About ten Japanese including policemen are murdered by aborigines in Formosa. 1915.05.17 — Mr. S. Shimada and Dr. T. Hanai are elected President and Vice-President of the Lower House respectively. 1915.05.18 — Princess Toshiko, sister to the Emperor is married to Prince Higashi-kuni. 1915.05.19 — Dr. S. Takata, President of Waseda University is nominated Member of the House of Peers. 1915.05.20 — Special session of the Diet is opened to vote additional estimate for the current year, etc. 1915.05.24 — Lieut.-Gen. Kano is appointed Governor of Tokyo Garrison. 1915.05.25 — Exchequer Note ¥13,000,000 is issued. 1915.05.27 — Long distance aviation of the Navy from Oppama, Yokosuka, to Shin-Maiko, near Nagoya, about 200 m. in 3¼ hrs. 1915.05.29 — A train derailed near Moricho, about 20 men are wounded. 1915.06.10 — Special session of the Diet closed. 1915.06.15 — Dr. T. Okuda is elected Mayor of Tokyo. 1915.06.15 — Dr. Araki is appointed President of Imp. University of Kyoto. --- 1916 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1915-07 to 1916-06) 1915.07.02 — Appointment of the Parliamentary Secretaries is gazetted. 1915.07.02 — Mr. Tomoichi Inouye is appointed Governor of Tokyo. 1915.07.07 — Eruption of Suwasejima Is., in Kagoshima Prefecture. 1915.07.20 — H. I. H. Princess Hiroko is married to Count Futa-ara. 1915.07.22 — The river Ishikari overflows its banks; deaths over 10, damaged area over 9560 chō. 1915.07.26 — A heavy rainfall in Seoul, Korea; the city and its environs are submerged in the floods. 1915.07.26 — Exchequer Note ¥10,000,000 is issued. 1915.07.29 — The Minister of Home Affairs, Viscount Oura tenders resignation and the Chief Secretary K. Hayashida, of the House of Representatives is summoned to the law court, in connection with the "Political corruption" case. 1915.08.01 — A party of the South Sea Islanders, consisting of "King" John Siegrah and 21 other chieftains, arrive in Tokyo, to "do" Japan for about a fortnight. 1915.08.03 — South Formosan raiders, about 500 in number, attack policemen's stations and schools; more than 20 Japanese are murdered; the 2nd Garrison regiment, in Tainan, dispersed them on 6 and 7, Aug., and killed 285 and captured 58. 1915.08.10 — The Okuma Cabinet is reorganised. 1915.08.20 — Typhoid fever prevails in the Field artillery regiment, of the Imperial Bodyguards; 44 men are attacked by this day. 1915.08.28 — Vice-Admirals H. Shimamura, Chief of the Naval Staff, and T. Kato, Minister for the Navy, are promoted to full Admirals. 1915.09.03 — Princess Yasako, 1st daughter of H. I. H. Marshal Prince Kan-in, is married to Viscount Ando. 1915.09.05 - Dr. M. Sengoku, President of the Imperial Government Railways, resigns his post and Dr. J. Soeda is appointed to the office. - Dr. H. Noguchi, of the Rockefeller's Institute, N.Y., returns home on a visiting tour. 1915.09.06 — Market price of rice falls to ¥11.60 per koku of the cleaned; the lowest record since 1910. 1915.09.08 — A heavy rain storm visited Kwansai and Kyushu districts; damages are considerable, especially to rice crops. 1915.09.13 — Mr. Motonato Mori, scion of the House of Viscount Mori (Chofu), is conferred title of Count and ordered to assume the family name of the late General Count Nogi, who left no issue. 1915.09.18 — Tercentenary Festival of Tosho-gu Shrine (of Tokugawa Shogunate) is celebrated. 1915.09.21 — Base-ball team of Chicago University arrives in Japan being invited by Waseda. 1915.10.07 — In consequence of the recent rain storm, the Korean Government-General reports, 823 inhabitants were drowned, 7822 houses crushed or washed away, and 12,334 buildings submerged, in Korea. 1915.10.08 — His Majesty proceeded to the North-eastern districts to superintend annual military manoeuvre there. 1915.10.13 — Baron K. Ishii is appointed Foreign Minister. 1915.10.29 — Vice-Minister, K. Matsui, of Foreign Affairs, is appointed Ambassador to Paris; Mr. K. Shidehara succeeding him. 1915.10.30 — Japan's participation in the No-Separate Peace League on Oct. 19 is announced. 1915.11.01 — Industrial Exhibition in commemoration of the five-years Administration in Korea is opened. 1915.11.05 — Mr. K. Ochiai is appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Holland and Denmark. 1915.11.10 — Coronation ceremony of H. M. Emperor Yoshihito is held at Kyoto. 1915.12.01 - Governor Omori, of Kyoto, Dr. Honmai, of Imperial Academy, Dr. Yokota, of Supreme Court, Dr. Y. Tanaka, Dr. Tamakawa, of Imperial Tokyo University, and Messrs Takayasu Mitsui, K. Okuma, T. Furukawa and I. Morimura, business men, are created Barons. - The 37th session of the Imperial Diet is opened. 1915.12.02 — Prince Sumi-no-miya, fourth son of the Emperor, is born. 1915.12.04 - Grand military review in commemoration of the Coronation is held in Tokyo. - Coronation review of the Imperial Fleet is held in Tokyo Bay. 1915.12.13 — Vice-Adm. Yashiro, ex-Minister of the Navy, is appointed Commander of the 2nd Fleet, Vice-Admiral Yamaya, Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff Board, etc. 1915.12.21 — The N.Y.K. liner "Yasaka-Maru" is torpedoed near Port Said in the Mediterranean by a German submarine; all passengers and crew are saved. 1915.12.24 — Creation of the 19th and 20th Divisions in Korea is gazetted. 1915.12.26 — Mr. S. Mayumi, Chusei-kai M. P., succeeds Dr. Hanai as Vice-President of the House of Representatives. 1916.01.08 — The New-Year military review is held in front of the Imperial Palace. 1916.01.12 - The Grand Duke George Michailowitch arrives in Tokyo. - Count Okuma is assaulted by would-be assassins who threw two unexploded bombs at his motorcar at midnight. 1916.01.13 — Mr. K. Komatsubara is appointed Privy Councillor. 1916.01.22 — Dr. Sawayanagi is appointed President of the Imperial Education Committee. 1916.01.24 — Mr. T. Sakurai is appointed Governor of the Bank of Taiwan. 1916.01.27 — Baron Hozumi, D.C.L., is nominated Privy Councillor. 1916.02.02 — Papal delegate, Cardinal Petrelli enters Tokyo. 1916.02.14 - Mr. K. Ijuin is promoted to Ambassador and accredited to Rome. - The Committees of Tokyo City Council pass the measure to raise the Metropolitan electric car fare. 1916.02.15 — Newly appointed Italian Ambassador Cucchi-Boasso arrives in Japan. 1916.02.23 — General Kan-o and Admiral T. Kato are decorated with 1st and 2nd Class Order of the Golden Kite respectively, and also Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun, in recognition of their service in Tsingtao reduction. 1916.02.26 — An explosion of Tatsui's Tagawa coal mine; 4 workmen killed, 14 injured. 1916.02.29 — The 37th session of the Imperial Diet close. 1916.03.01 — The "telephone mail" is put in operation. 1916.03.02 — S.S. "Ten-yo-Maru" and "Kamakura-Maru" arrive in Kobe: they were examined by a British cruiser in China Sea; three Indians were removed from the "Ten-yo." 1916.03.18 — American Airman Art Smith arrives in Yokohama. 1916.03.30 — Lieutenant-General Oshima is appointed War Minister. 1916.03.31 - Major-General K. Yamada is gazetted the Vice-Minister of War, vice Lieutenant-General Oshima. - T. K. K. Hongkong-San Francisco liner "Chiyo-Maru" is aground near Hongkong. 1916.04.05 — The three battleships formerly Russian and captured in 1904-05 War, are sold to Russia and delivered at Vladivostock. 1916.04.08 — Viscount C. Okabe is appointed Privy Councillor. 1916.04.10 — Industrial Competitive Exhibition is opened in Taipeh, Formosa. 1916.05.01 — The appointment of Investigation Commission of Iron Industry is gazetted. 1916.05.23 — Dr. Baty, new Adviser to the Foreign Office, arrives at Kobe. 1916.06.24 — General Count Masakata Terauchi, Governor-General of Chosen is granted the title of Marshal; Lieutenant-General Mitsuomi Kan-o is promoted to General. 1916.07.08 — The New Russo-Japanese Convention promulgated. --- 1917 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1916-07 to 1917-06) 1916.07.06 — General Oka was created Baron. 1916.07.14 — The following promotion or creation of peerage was announced—Count Okuma to be promoted to Marquis; Marshal Baron Y. Hasegawa, to Viscount; Barons K. Ishii and I. Motono, to Viscount; Gen. M. Kan-o, Adm. H. Shimamura, Vice-Adms. R. Yashiro and T. Kato, to be created Baron. 1916.08.02 — New Chinese Minister Mr. Chang Tsug-Hing presented his credentials in the Court. 1916.08.04 - A fire in Hakodate city: 2000 houses were destroyed. - Baron G. Hayashi, new Minister to China, left Tokyo for his post. 1916.08.13 — A collision between Chinese soldiers and a detachment of Japanese Garrison at Chang Chiatun, in Manchuria; 15 Japanese were killed or wounded. 1916.09.01 — The factory law was put in force. 1916.09.11 — H.I.H. Prince Kan-in, Special Envoy to Russia, left Tokyo. 1916.09.14 — Russia's second Exchequer Loan ¥70 millions was floated in Japan. 1916.09.26 — The German Asiatic Bank's Branch of Yokohama was closed by order. 1916.10.01 — The Government Post Insurance came in operation. 1916.10.04 — The Okuma Cabinet tendered resignation en masse. 1916.10.05 — Viscount K. Ishii and eleven others were nominated members of the House of Peers. 1916.10.09 — The Terauchi Cabinet was organized. 1916.10.10 — The Kenseikai was organized by fusion of the Doshikai, Chuseikai and some members of Koyu-club; Visc. Kato being elected President. 1916.10.13 — The following appointments were gazetted—Mr. Tadokoro to be Vice-Minister of Education; Mr. Y. Akashi, Director of the General Educ. Bureau; Mr. G. Nakamura, Director of Commercial Bureau, Foreign Office; Mr. Masaye, Governor of Karafuto; Dr. Kuratomi, Chief Auditor of Imp. Household. 1916.10.21 — Mr. E. Ishizuka was appointed President of the Oriental Development Co., Korea. 1916.11.01 — Grand review of the Imp. Fleet was held in Tokyo Bay. 1916.11.02 — Mr. Minobe, Dir. of the Hokkaido Colonial Bank, transferred to the Presidency of the Bank of Chosen. 1916.11.03 — H.I.H. Hirohito was formally installed as Crown Prince. 1916.11.11 — Mr. H. Nagata, Governor of Mie-ken, was appointed Director of the Police Bureau. 1916.11.12 — Battleship "Ise", 31,260 tons, launched at Kawasaki Dockyard, Kobe. 1916.11.16 - The Wireless Telegraph between Japan and Hawaii was opened to public service. - Lieutenant-Generals S. Iguchi, K. Otani, and Y. Akiyama were promoted to full General. 1916.11.21 — Dr. Viscount Ichiro Motono was appointed Foreign Minister. 1916.11.29 — A collision of trains on the North-Eastern Line; deaths 29, severely wounded 71. 1916.12.01 — Vice-Adms. S. Yoshimatsu and K. Fujii were promoted to full Admiral. 1916.12.14 — Viscount Uchida was appointed Ambassador to Russia. 1916.12.11 — Mr. K. Shoda was appointed Minister of Finance; Mr. O. Ichiki, to be the Vice-Minister. 1916.12.17 — The State funeral of the late Marshal Prince Oyama was held at Hibiya Park, Tokyo. 1916.12.25 — The 38th session of the Diet was opened. 1917.01.05 — A violent shock of earthquake in Formosa; deaths 48, wounded 80 and many houses destroyed. 1917.01.11 — An explosion of the Oyama pit at Fushun coal mine in Manchuria and of those working underground at the time, 17 Japanese and 995 Chinese, only 150 were saved; loss estimated at ¥6,500,000. 1917.01.14 — The Battle-Cruiser "Tsukuba" exploded and sank in the Yokosuka harbour; deaths, 6 officers and 20 sailors: missing, 116 and injured, 35. 1917.01.16 — A hurricane visited the coast of Chiba-ken; 50 fishing-boats lost and 88 fishermen drowned. 1917.01.23 — A non-confidence resolution against the Terauchi Cabinet was introduced to the House of Representatives by the Kokuminto and the Kenseikai. 1917.01.25 — The House of Representatives was ordered dissolution. 1917.01.31 — Violent shocks of earthquake were felt for some days at Hakone; the centre of disturbance presumed to be near Mt. Komagadake. 1917.02.02 — One of the godowns of the Yokohama Warehouse Co. exploded on Yokohama water front; damage estimated at 1,000,000 yen, casualties about 30. 1917.02.15 — Mr. S. Iwashita, ex-President of Kitahama Bank, Osaka was sentenced to six years imprisonment for peculation, breach of trust etc. 1917.02.22 — The chief officials of the Japan Red Cross changed,—Baron T. Ishiguro appointed President and N. Hirayama, Vice-President. 1917.03.16 — Mr. Wang Tachieh, Special Envoy from China, arrived in Tokyo. 1917.03.20 — Viscount Keigo Kiyoura appointed Vice-President of the Privy Council, in place of Count Yoshikawa resigned. 1917.03.29 — Imperial Government recognized the Provisional Government of Russia. 1917.04.23 — The Black list law was gazetted and put in force on May 14th. 1917.05.02 — Marquis Matsukata was appointed to be Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal. 1917.05.03 — Mr. S. Tatsuke was appointed Minister to Chili. 1917.05.05 — The godowns of the Tokyo Warehouse Co. in Osaka exploded; deaths 44, wounded 122 and many houses in the vicinity were destroyed. Baron Iwasaki contributed one million yen to the relief fund. 1917.05.08 — The Far-East Athletic games were opened at Shibaura ground in Tokyo, in which the champions from the Philippines and China took part. 1917.05.11 — The 39th session of the Imp. Diet was convened in Tokyo on June 21st for a sitting of 3 weeks. 1917.05.16 — Mr. M. Adachi was appointed Minister to Belgium. 1917.05.19 — Mr. S. Terada was appointed Chief Secretary of the House of Representatives in succession to Mr. K. Okazaki. 1917.05.23 — A fire at Yonezawa city in Yamagata prefecture; 2,900 houses were destroyed. 1917.05.24 — Dr. Z. Nakamura was appointed Vice-President of the Imperial Railways. 1917.05.27 — Admiral G. Ijuin was granted the title of Fleet-Admiral. 1917.06.05 — Baron K. Hatano, Minister of the Imp. Household, was promoted to Viscount. 1917.06.06 — The Investigation Committee on Diplomacy was organized; members are, Count M. Terauchi, Premier, Viscount I. Motono, Foreign Minister, Baron S. Goto, Home Minister, Admiral T. Kato, Minister of Navy, General K. Oshima, Minister of War, Viscount T. Hirata, Viscount M. Ito, Mr. T. Hara, leader of the Seiyukai, and Mr. K. Inukai, leader of the Kokuminto. 1917.06.11 — The Destroyer "Sakaki" received a deadly blow from a German submarine in the Mediterranean Sea; Commander Uehara, 4 officers and 54 bluejackets were killed and 15 wounded. 1917.06.12 — Prince Li, formerly King of Korea, arrived in Tokyo to visit the Imperial Court. 1917.06.13 — Viscount K. Ishii was nominated Special Ambassador to U.S.A. 1917.06.15 — The armed N.Y.K.'s S.S. "Sanuki Maru" sank a German submarine off Plymouth on the English coast. 1917.06.17 — Workmen at the Mitsubishi Dockyards, Nagasaki, 234 at the start, but ultimately involving 7,500 men, struck, demanding an increase of wages by 30 per cent.; resumed work on the 23rd after compromise. 1917.06.21 — Mr. I. Ooka was elected President of the Lower House and Mr. K. Hamada, Vice-President. 1917.06.22 — The 39th (extraordinary) session of the Imp. Diet was opened. --- 1918 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1917-07 to 1918-06) 1917.07.19 — A Japanese Squadron arrives in the Mediterranean to co-operate with the Allies. 1917.07.21 — Admiral Knight, the U.S. Envoy for returning courtesies in connection with the death of the late Ambassador to Japan is received in audience by the Emperor. 1917.07.26 — The Japanese warships in the Mediterranean sink a German submarine. 1917.07.28 — Viscount Ishii, Special Envoy to the U.S. leaves Tokyo. 1917.09.01 — An order is issued for regulating the price of commodities, a slump in stocks following. Vice-Admiral R. Suzuki is appointed Commander of the Training Squadron, Vice Admiral Tochinai succeeding him as Vice-Minister of Navy. 1917.09.08 — M. Adachi, new Minister to Belgium leaves for his post. 1917.09.17 — Marquis Confalonieri, new Italian Ambassador presents his credentials at the Court. 1917.09.28 — The War-time Stopping Control Regulations are gazetted. 1917.10.01 — A typhoon visits Japan and works havoc throughout the country, especially in the Kwanto Districts. In the Tokyo Prefecture alone 472 lives were lost. 1917.10.15 — Baron Megata, Chief Economic and Financial Commissioner and his party leaves for America. 1917.10.22 — Cruiser Akashi returns from the Mediterranean. 1917.10.29 — Paper-notes of small denomination are issued. 1917.10.30 — Mr. R. Morris, new American Ambassador to Japan presents his credentials at the Imperial Palace. 1917.11.07 — Official announcement is made about the newly concluded American-Japanese Agreement relating to China. The American-Japanese Understanding concerning the Naval cooperation in the Pacific is also published. 1917.11.15 — Viscount Chinda and Mr. Matsui, Ambassadors to Great Britain and France respectively, are ordered to represent the Japanese Government at the Allies' Paris Conference. 1917.11.19 — Mr. Nicholas Kasopolo, the Roumanian Envoy is received by H. M. the Emperor. 1917.11.21 — Mr. Liang-sui-pi, China's ex-minister of Finance visits Tokyo. 1917.11.26 — Viscount Ishii Special Envoy to America returns home. 1917.11.30 — The Kokugikan, the wrestling amphitheatre at Ryogoku, and the adjoining temple Ekoin are destroyed by fire. 1917.12.15 — Battleship Ise, displacement 31,260 tons, built at the Kawasaki Dockyard, Kobe, is delivered to the Navy. 1917.12.22 — A Chino-Japanese Banking Corporation is formed with capital of ¥50 millions. 1917.12.28 — Specie hoard reaches ¥112,000,000. 1917.12.27 — The 40th Session of the Diet is formally opened by H. M. the Emperor. 1917.12.29 - Baron Hayashi, Japanese Minister to China returns home. - Severe snowstorms in the Shinyotsu and Hokuriku districts, seriously interfering with the railway service. 1918.01.09 — King George of Great Britain presents the Emperor with the title of British field marshal. 1918.01.13 — Official announcement is made announcing the despatch of the Japanese warships to Vladivostock. 1918.01.24 — Regulations for control of foreign visitors to Japan are issued. 1918.01.28 — A heavy snowfall in Tokyo. 1918.02.09 — Baron Megata and his party returns home. Mr. K. Hijikata is appointed President of the Industrial Bank of Japan in place of Mr. Shidachi resigned. 1918.02.13 — Mr. N. Ozothawa, President of the Government Steel Foundry at Yawata, Kyushu, kills himself. 1918.02.23 — Viscount K. Ishii and Mr. R. Nakakawa are respectively appointed Ambassadors to the U.S. and Chief of the Audit Bureau in place of A. Sato and Viscount I. Tajiri both resigned. 1918.02.27 — Mr. T. Shirani is appointed President of the Gov. Steel Foundry. 1918.03.02 — The Budget for 1917-18 is passed by the Lower House with some amendment. 1918.03.09 — Baron Hayashi, Minister to China returns to his post. 1918.03.16 — The preliminary examination is concluded at Fukuoka District Court of the bribery case in Kyushu, implicating numbers of officers at Futase colliery, Kyushu Ry Office, Fukuoka Mining Office and Gov. Steel foundry as receivers of bribe, and officers of several companies in Osaka, Tokyo, etc. engaged in iron foundry business, as givers, the total arrests made reaching about 140. 1918.03.25 — A great conflagration in Mito; 2,370 houses are burnt down. 1918.03.26 — The Imperial Diet is closed. 1918.03.27 — Viscount I. Tajiri is elected Mayor of Tokyo. 1918.04.04 - 24 Mongolia Lamas visits Japan. - Some Russian villains break into a Japanese firm at Vladivostock and kill or wound three Japanese: Japanese bluejackets are immediately ordered to land. 1918.04.15 — An American-Japanese arrangement relating to the chartering of Japanese vessels to the U.S. is signed. 1918.04.23 — Viscount Motono, Foreign Minister resigns, Baron Goto, Home Minister, takes his place; Dr. Mizuno, Vice Minister for Home Affairs, succeeds the Baron. 1918.04.28 — Regulations are issued concerning purchase of foreign rice to adjust the rice market. 1918.05.15 — Agreement relating to the sale of Japanese tonnage is signed between the Japanese shipbuilders and the American Ambassador. 1918.05.18 — The Sino-Japanese Military Agreement is duly concluded. 1918.05.27 — Count S. Ogimachi is appointed Chief Chamberlain to the Emperor, as successor of Prince Takatsukasa died. 1918.05.29 — Cruiser Tatsuta is launched at Sasebo. 1918.06.06 — Lieut.-Gen. M. Akashi is appointed Governor-Gen. of Formosa in place of Gen. T. Ando who is placed on the retired list. 1918.06.13 — Dr. Sun-yatsen visits Japan with Mr. Hu-Han-min and others. 1918.06.14 — Prince Tokugawa leaves Tokyo as special messenger from the Red Cross Society to the Allies. 1918.06.18 — Prince Arthur of Connaught arrives in Tokyo on behalf of King George to present the baton of a British Field Marshal to the Emperor. 1918.07.02 — Lieut.-Generals T. Matsukawa, S. Nitahara, F. Hongo, M. Akashi and Vice-Admirals R. Yashiro, S. Kato, G. Yamashita, M. Nawa, K. Murakami, and Prince Yorihito Higashi-Fushimi are promoted to full generals or admirals. 1918.07.12 — Battleship Kawachi, 22,600 tons, launched 1912, sinks in Tokuyama Bay owing to explosion of her powder-magazine; of about 1,000 crew, 614 officers and men are killed or fatally wounded. --- 1919-1920 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1918-07 to 1919-08) 1918.07.04 — Lieut.-Gen. Kolchak, Commander of Russian garrison along the Chinese Eastern Railway arrived at Tokyo. 1918.07.06 — The training squadron (including Asama and Tokiwa) returned from a cruise in North and South American waters. 1918.07.09 — Mr. K. Honda was appointed Minister to Switzerland vice Mr. Y. Miura. 1918.07.12 — A severe typhoon visited Kyushu and southern part of Honshu working havoc, especially along sea coasts. 1918.07.22 — Viscount Uchida, Japanese Ambassador to Russia resigned his post. 1918.08.06 — A rice riot broke out in Toyama prefecture, followed by similar and more serious uprisings at various other places. 1918.08.09 — The s.s. Tokuyama Maru was sunk by a German U-boat in the Atlantic Ocean. 1918.08.13 — The Emperor granted a sum of 3,000,000 yen towards the poor relief fund. 1918.09.22 — The Terauchi ministry resigned. 1918.09.29 — Mr. Hara formed a Cabinet. 1918.10.06 — N.Y.K. liner Hirano Maru was sunk by an enemy submarine off the coast of England. 1918.10.28 - Prince Higashi Fushimi, Japan's Envoy to the Court of St. James, arrived in England. - Mr. Obata, Chief of the Political Bureau, was appointed Minister to China. 1918.11.13 - Emperor left Tokyo to attend the annual military manoeuvres. - The conclusion of the Armistice was formally announced. 1918.11.21 — Tokyo city formally celebrated the Armistice, with 2,500 distinguished guests. 1918.11.27 — Japan's Peace Delegation to Paris were appointed, headed by Marquis Saionji. 1918.12.01 — Prince Yi of Korea formally proposed marriage to Princess Masako Nashimoto; accepted on the 4th. 1918.12.10 — Baron Nobuaki Makino, Japan's delegate to Paris, left Yokohama via U.S.A. 1919.01.25 — The Imperial Diet was opened with due ceremony. 1919.01.06 — Prince Higashi Fushimi returned from the mission to England. 1919.01.11 — Marquis Saionji, head of Japan's Peace Delegation, left Tokyo for Paris. 1919.01.21 — Prince Yi sr., of Korea having passed away, the marriage of his son was postponed. 1919.01.23 — Miss Ruth Law, American aviatrix arrived in Japan. 1919.02.03 — A heavy snowfall in Tokyo, said to be the heaviest for the past twelve years. 1919.03.01 - The "Independence" agitation broke out at Seoul and elsewhere, the trouble kept up for about 3 months. - The state funeral of Prince Yi, sr., was solemnized at Seoul. - While engaged in bomb practice, a naval airplane with two flying officers fell into Shimizu Bay, both drowned. 1919.03.09 — Revised Election Law passed the Lower House with a vote 295 to 164: passed House of Peers 25th. 1919.03.13 — Mr. Junnosuke Inouye, President of Yokohama Specie Bank, was appointed Governor of the Bank of Japan in succession to the late Viscount Mishima. 1919.04.18 — The Bureau of Industrial Education was created in the Department of Education. 1919.04.19 — Emperor honored the Fine Art Exhibition and Live Stock Exhibition at Uyeno with his visit; Empress the next day. 1919.04.20 — Steel frame work of the Wrestling Hall under construction at Ryogoku, Tokyo, blown down, one being killed and some wounded. 1919.04.24 — A big fire broke out in Yokohama destroying 3,300 houses, loss ¥50,000,000. 1919.05.07 — The formal ceremony in honor of the coming of age of the Crown Prince was held at the Imperial Palace. 1919.05.09 — The fiftieth anniversary of the removal of the capital to Tokyo was celebrated at Uyeno Park, attended by Emperor and Empress. 1919.05.14 — Lieutenant Muramatsu was killed by the fall of his aeroplane while flying over the aerodrome at Kagamigahara. 1919.06.13 — Arrest of Kei Yamada, expert of Agr. & Com. Dept., and two accomplices Shozo Watanabe and Shohei Yamada, for murder on May 31 of Benzo Suzuki, Yokohama rice-dealer. 1919.06.15 — "Safety Week" began in Tokyo. 1919.06.20 - Seven of the German submarines surrendered to the Allies arrived at Yokosuka. - The gallery of the Yokohama Kokugikan (wrestling and cinema hall) collapsed, killing three and wounding several. 1919.06.23 — The Japanese fleet patrolling the coasts of Africa and South Seas for the Allies returned to Kure. 1919.07.04 — Okayama, Hiroshima and other places visited by disastrous floods owing to continued heavy rains. 1919.07.09 — Extraordinary Economic Commission with Premier as chairman created. 1919.07.19 — A clash occurred between a Japanese squad numbering 20 and a Chinese brigade at Kwanchengtze on the S. M. Rly. resulting in heavy casualties to Japanese. 17 Japanese soldiers killed besides one or two civilians, and some cases of mutilation were reported. --- 1921-1922 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1920-10 to 1921-12) 1920.10.01 - The first census taken. - A storm rages in the Tokaido and Tosando. 1920.10.02 — The Siberian Exp. evacuates Habarovsk. 1920.10.03 — Japanese at Hunchung raided by a party of bandits; the Japanese consulate destroyed by fire. 1920.10.05 — The World's Sunday School Convention opens in Tokyo. 1920.10.06 — Count Chinda, ex-Ambassador to the Court of St. James, returns home. 1920.10.07 — A relief party dispatched to Chientao from Korea. 1920.10.19 — The female teachers of elementary schools meet in Tokyo, passing resolutions urging for better treatment. 1920.10.21 — The work of levelling the Omotokyo headquarters at Ayabe by administrative order begins. 1920.10.22 — Count Chinda, Baron Matsuoka, and Dr. Y. Kuratomi appointed Privy Councillors. 1920.10.23 — Mrs. Akiko Ito's (nom de plume "Byakuren") letter bidding farewell to her husband is published and creates a great sensation. 1920.11.07 — Mr. Hu-Weitei, the new Chinese Minister to Japan, arrives in Tokyo. 1920.11.11 — Count Chinda and Mr. S. Yata respectively app. Mem. of the Diplomatic Investigation Committee and Con.-Gen. at San Francisco. 1920.11.20 — The formation of the Chinese Consortium officially announced in Tokyo. 1920.11.21 — The 2nd mail flight takes place between Shikoku and Kyushu. 1920.11.26 — Baron I. Tajiri, Mayor of Tokyo resigns in connection with the Municipal scandal, originating in the road-making malpractice in the City. 1920.12.02 — The Tokyo Municipal Assembly resigns en mass. 1920.12.06 — Run on the Tokyo Savings Bank. 1920.12.09 — Dr. T. Masao appointed Minister to Siam. 1920.12.17 — The election of Baron Goto to Tokyo Mayoralty sanctioned by the Emperor. 1920.12.22 — The Privy Council approves the appointment of Koreans to Consuls. 1921.01.06 — Gen. Tachibana appointed Com.-in-Chief of the Siberian Expedition. 1921.01.07 — Lieut. Langdon of the U.S. Navy shot by a Japanese sentry posted in front of the Div. Headquarters at Vladivostok, the officer dying on reaching his ship. 1921.01.29 — The Foreign Office announces the repeal of the Sino-Japanese Military Agreement. 1921.02.01 — The Tokyo Municipal Scandal and the agitation for Univ. status by the Tokyo Higher Normal School and Higher Technical School make an alarming development. 1921.02.07 — 17,000 workers in the Yubari Colliery go on strike. The Toba Shipyard dismisses 1,000 workers. 1921.02.10 — An official announcement is made in connection with the Crown Prince's betrothal to Princess Naga-ko Kuni. 1921.02.16 — A State disbursement, ¥4,423,084 in connection with the Crown Prince's visit to Europe is voted for. 1921.02.19 — Viscount N. Makino succeeds Baron Gen. Nakamura as Minister of the Imperial Household. 1921.02.23 — Mr. Yonejiro Ito elected Pres. of the N.Y.K. 1921.03.03 — The Crown Prince leaves Tokyo on the foreign tour accompanied by Prince Gen. Kan-in, Count Chinda, etc. 1921.03.06 — Messrs. Nomura and Nakanishi, Pres. and Vice-Pres. of the South Man. Rly, used by some shareholders on the charge of breach of trust. 1921.03.09 — Mr. T. Sekiya is appointed Vice-Minister of the Imperial Household. 1921.03.15 — Mr. Hirooka, ex-Chief Secretary of the Seiyukai Party, accuses in an open letter Viscount Kato, the Opposition Leader, for his corruptive practice in connection with the last general election. 1921.03.24 — The new system of Weights and Measures enacted. 1921.03.25 — The Rice and Cereal Law passed by the Diet. 1921.03.26 — The Dwelling House Association Law passed by the Diet. 1921.03.27 — The Diet formally closed. 1921.03.28 — The conflagration at Shinjuku, Tokyo. 1921.04.05 — A Japanese sentry shot dead by some Chinese soldiers at a station on the Chinese Eastern Railway. 1921.04.07 - The U.S. Government's note re the Yap Mandate is received here. - The miners at Ashio, 3,000 in all, starts a great demonstration, the delegates coming up to Tokyo to see the Directors. 1921.04.10 — The employees of the Yokohama Municipal Electric Cars start go-slow movement. 1921.04.11 — Mr. Abe, Governor of Tokyo-fu, summoned to the Court in connection with the City Scandal. 1921.04.14 — A great fire at Hakodate, destroying 2,200 houses. 1921.04.26 — General Wood of the U.S. Army arrives in Tokyo. 1921.04.28 — General Uyehara, Chief of General Staff promoted Field-Marshal. 1921.05.01 — The Labor Festival in Tokyo and Osaka. 1921.05.02 — Civil Administration is proclaimed of the Japanese Mandatory Islands in the South Seas. 1921.05.09 — The Crown Prince and suite arrive in London. 1921.05.10 — Leaders of the Omoto-kyo including Wanisaburo Deguchi, under the examination, are found guilty. 1921.05.11 — The Crown Prince is decorated with the Order of Bath and the Victoria Cross. 1921.05.15 — The Yokohama Dock discharges 1,500 workers. 1921.05.31 — The Crown Prince Leaves London for Portsmouth. 1921.06.01 — The Anglo-Japanese Alliance remains binding one more year pending negotiation for revision. 1921.06.02 - Messrs. S. Hayakawa and J. Matsumoto respectively appointed Pres. and Vice-Pres. of the S. M. K., succeeding Messrs. Nomura and Nakanishi. - The Japanese Legation in Brussels promoted to Embassy. 1921.06.03 - Gen. Tanaka, War Min. resigns, being succeeded by Lt.-Gen. Yamanashi, Vice-Minister. - The Crown Prince arrives at Paris. 1921.06.04 — The Post Office Scandal disclosed. S. Tsushita, Dir. of a certain office in Hyogo-ken, illegal selling stamps to the amount of ¥20 millions and embezzling ¥2 millions. 1921.06.13 — The Crown Prince reaches Belgium. 1921.07.03 — The preliminary examination of the Tokyo Municipal Scandal finds the 73 accused persons guilty. 1921.07.09 — Workers of the Kawasaki Dockyard, Kobe, are plunged into a strike. 1921.07.11 — The Kawasaki strikers are joined by men in other works as the Mitsubishi Dockyard, 35,000 in all, and get up monster street demonstrations. 1921.07.13 — The Crown Prince reaches Naples. 1921.07.14 — Government accepts the proposal of U.S. President Harding to hold the Disarmament Conference in Washington. 1921.07.18 — The Kawasaki men agree to resume work from 25th inst. 1921.07.26 — A Japanese military train is attacked and overturned by a party of "Partisans", 20 officers and men being killed. 1921.08.02 — The examination into the Yokohama Customs Scandal is concluded, the total amount of forfeits imposed reaching ¥1,000,000. 1921.09.15 — The publication by the Foreign Office of Japan's note to China about the Shantung question. 1921.09.17 — Mr. Charles B. Warren, the newly app. U.S. Ambassador to Japan, arrives with his family. 1921.09.27 — Prince I. Tokugawa, Pres. of the Upper House, Adm. Baron T. Kato, Naval Min. and Baron Shidehara are appointed Japan's Delegates to the Washington Conference. 1921.10.07 — China's reply to Japan's overture to open the negotiations re Shantung is handed to the Japanese Minister in Peking, still declining the direct negotiations. 1921.10.13 — Viscount Shibusawa leaves Yokohama for America. 1921.10.14 — The Imperial Railways celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of Japan's first railway for traffic. 1921.10.15 — Japan's Delegates to Washington and suite leave Yokohama. 1921.10.18 — The Yasuda family, in compliance with the wishes of the deceased head, Zenjiro Yasuda, offers ¥3,500,000 to the City of Tokyo for building a city hall. 1921.10.30 — The Kabukiza Theatre is destroyed by fire. 1921.11.04 — The Premier Mr. Hara is assassinated at Tokyo Station by a 19-year old railway employe, Kon Nakaoka. 1921.11.05 — Viscount Uchida, Foreign Minister, app. acting Premier. 1921.11.12 — Prince Saionji recommends Viscount K. Takahashi, Finance Minister, as Hara's successor. 1921.11.13 — Viscount Takahashi is formally appointed Premier. 1921.11.14 — M. Paul Claudel, the new French Ambassador, arrives. 1921.11.17 — A Grand Military manouvre carried out in Tokyo-fu and Kanagawa-ken till the 21st inst. 1921.11.25 — An Imperial Rescript proclaiming the Regency of the Crown Prince, as Regent owing to his majesty's chronic illness is published. Marshal Prince Kan-in and Count Chinda respectively appointed the Tutor and the Grand Steward to the Crown Prince. Baron S. Hamao is relieved of the latter post. 1921.11.26 — The Prince Regent receives the State Ministers in audience and addresses a gracious message. 1921.11.29 — The Prince Regent receives the Diplomatic Corps in Tokyo in audience. 1921.12.08 - Severe earthquakes at 9.30 p.m. in Tokyo and vicinity, the severest known since 1891. - The collapse of the water-way leading to the Yodobashi Reservoir interrupts the Tokyo's water-supply for a week. 1921.12.12 — The Yap Question is peacefully settled in Washington. 1921.12.14 — The Four Powers' Agreement on the Pacific is duly signed. --- 1923 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1922-01 to 1923-04) 1922.01.04 — The Central Post Office, Tokyo, destroyed by fire. 1922.01.16 — The Construction of battleship Owari and others suspended in deference of the Washington Agreement. 1922.01.20 — Marshal Joffre arrives as Envoy returning courtesies for Prince Regent's visit to his country. 1922.01.25 — Heavy snowfalls in Hokuriku and Northeastern districts, causing paralysis of train service. 1922.01.30 — Prince I. Tokugawa, Delegate to Washington Conference and Baron R. Shidehara, Ambassador to Washington, return home. 1922.02.03 — A terrible avalanche buries a train between Oyashirazu and Ichibari, Hokuriku Line, 90 killed and 35 injured. 1922.02.04 — The Shantung Agreement concluded at Washington. 1922.02.06 - Marshal Joffre leaves the capital. - The Yap Agreement between Japan and U. S. A. signed at Washington. 1922.02.08 — Viscount K. Kiyoura is appointed President of the Privy Council in succession to the late Prince Yamagata. 1922.03.09 — The Empress leaves the Hayama villa on a tour in Kyushu. 1922.03.10 - The Peace Exhibition opens at Ueno Park, Tokyo. - Mrs. M. Sanger, advocate of birth-control, arrives at Yokohama. 1922.03.26 - The Empress returns to Tokyo. - The Dairen Conference is reopened. 1922.04.01 — The Naval Office announces scrapping of 32 larger and smaller vessels from active list. 1922.04.05 - Baron G. Hayashi and Viscount K. Ishii are appointed Delegates to Geneva Conference. - Mrs. Sanger leaves Japan. 1922.04.12 — The Prince of Wales arrives at Tokyo; entertained at a state banquet given in his honor at Imperial Palace. 1922.04.15 — The Prince of Wales attends the military review. 1922.04.16 — The Imperial Hotel is destroyed by fire. 1922.04.19 — The Prince of Wales at Nikko. 1922.04.26 — A severe shock of earthquake in Tokyo and vicinity. 1922.04.27 — The Prince of Wales at Kyoto. 1922.05.09 — The Prince of Wales lands at Kagoshima and visits Prince Shimazu at his residence. Leaves Japan on board the Renown. 1922.05.20 — The Shantung Treaty is ratified. 1922.06.06 — The Takahashi cabinet resigns en masse and the expulsion of Mr. H. Motoda, Railway Minister, Mr. T. Nakahashi, Education Minister, and four other leading members of the Seiyukai from the party is announced. 1922.06.11 — A new ministry is formed with Adm. Baron Kato as Premier. 1922.06.20 — Betrothal of Prince Regent to Princess Nagako approved by the Emperor. 1922.06.21 — The Yap Treaty is ratified. 1922.06.25 — Prince Atsu is conferred the title of Chichibu. 1922.07.02 — Mr. Denby, U.S. Secretary of Navy, and members of 1881 class of Annapolis Naval Academy arrive at Yokohama. 1922.07.06 - The Prince Regent leaves Uyeno Station on a tour in Hokkaido. - Secretary Denby leaves Japan, boarding the Henderson at Nagasaki. 1922.07.21 — Visc. K. Kuroda is appointed President of Imperial Academy of Art as successor to Dr. R. Mori deceased. 1922.07.25 — The Prince Regent returns from Hokkaido. 1922.07.30 — Tenth anniversary of the demise of Emperor Meiji is observed with ceremonies both at Court and Momoyama Mausoleum. 1922.08.15 — Reduction of land armament is announced. 1922.08.22 — Disastrous inundations near Seoul Korea, causing immense damage to life and property. 1922.08.25 — Messrs. H. Doke, Y. Yamashita and G. Tazawa, Delegates to the International Labor Conference respectively for Gov't, capital and labor, leave for Geneva. 1922.08.26 — The Cruiser Niitaka sank off Kamchatka in a gale, only 16 warrant officers and men rescued out of the crew of 338. 1922.09.01 — The last general meeting of the Kokuminto party is held to decide upon its dissolution. 1922.09.06 — The Changchun Conference is opened. 1922.09.08 — Baron H. Ijuin succeeds Prince I. Yamagata as Governor-General of Kwantung. 1922.09.10 — The Japan Federation of Labor Unions is organized. 1922.09.14 — Dr. D. C. Beard of New York arrives as adviser to the Committee for Investigation of Tokyo City Administration. 1922.09.16 — The Diplomatic Advisory Council is abolished. 1922.09.18 — Viscount T. Hirata is appointed Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal in succession to Prince M. Matsukata resigned. 1922.09.25 — The Changchun Conference fails. 1922.09.26 — The betrothal of the Prince Regent to Princess Nagako is announced. 1922.10.02 — Princess Kitashirakawa leaves for Paris to join Prince Kitashirakawa. 1922.10.03 — Mr. Matsudaira, Delegate to Changchun Conference, returns. 1922.10.16 — Major J. Harn is court-martialled at Kumamoto on the charge of illegal disposal of the Czech arms at Vladivostok. 1922.10.20 - Lieut.-General Y. Shirakawa is appointed Vice-Minister of War vice Lieut.-Gen. Kojima who died. - Major Harn is sentenced to penal servitude for 1 year 6 months with three years' grace. 1922.10.24 — Mr. T. Kawamura, Vice-Minister of Home Affairs, is appointed President of South Manchuria Rly; Mr. M. Hotta, Inspector-Gen. of Metropolitan Police, succeeds him. 1922.10.25 — Withdrawal of troops from Siberia is completed. 1922.10.30 — 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the educational system is celebrated. 1922.11.03 — The Empress leaves for Western Japan. 1922.11.12 — The Prince Regent leaves Tokyo for Kagawa Pref. to take command of the grand military manoeuvres. 1922.11.17 — Dr. Einstein arrives in Japan. 1922.11.18 — The grand military manoeuvres finished. 1922.12.01 — The new organization of the Imperial Fleet is announced. 1922.12.02 — The details of the Shantung Agreement are made public. 1922.12.04 - The Prince Regent returns from tour in Shikoku districts. - The special service ship Hayatomo, 15,400 tons, is launched. 1922.12.07 — Messrs. Nakahashi and Motoda, former leaders of the Seiyukai, rejoin their party. 1922.12.08 — A severe earthquake at Shimabara, Kyushu, causing heavy damages. 1922.12.14 — The Hotoku Ginko fails. 1922.12.15 - The Prince Regent ill with measles. - Withdrawal of Japanese troops from Tsingtau is announced. 1922.12.16 - Mr. M. Hanihara, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, is appointed Ambassador to Washington. - Dr. Y. Hijikata and four others are nominated crown members of the House of Peers. 1922.12.24 — Gen. Yuhi, Com.-in-Chief of the Tsingtau Garrison, returns to the Capital. 1922.12.27 — The 46th session of the Diet is opened. 1923.01.02 — The Osaka Asahi inaugurates a regular air service between Tokyo and Osaka. 1923.01.12 — The Gov't announces a new railway construction program extending over 11 years. 1923.01.21 — The first general meeting of the new Kakushin Club, held. 1923.01.27 — Mr. Hanihara, Ambassador to Washington, leaves for his post. 1923.01.31 — Mr. T. Kawakami, Minister to Poland, returns to Japan through red Russia. 1923.02.01 — M. Joffe arrives at Yokohama for recuperation. 1923.02.11 — Manhood suffragists hold a mass meeting at Uyeno and Shiba Parks. 1923.02.13 — Mr. S. Oka, Speaker of the House of Representatives, resigns on account of ill health; is succeeded by Mr. G. Kasuya, Deputy Speaker, whose place is taken by Mr. G. Matsuda. 1923.02.14 — State funeral of the late Prince Fushimi. 1923.03.17 — Changes in the Army announced, including Gen. Y. Uyehara, Chief of the General Staff, resigned, and succeeded by Gen. M. Kawai. 1923.03.25 - The unemployed numbering about 1,000 hold a mass meeting at Shiba Park. - A sum of ¥3,000,000 derived from the Boxer indemnity placed in the supplementary budget for 1923-24 for the Chinese cultural work. 1923.03.27 — The 46th session of the Diet is closed. 1923.04.01 — Princes Kitashirakawa and Asaka seriously injured in a motor-car accident near Paris, in which Prince Kitashirakawa was killed. 1923.04.12 — The Prince Regent leaves for Formosa, boarding the Battleship Kongo at Yokosuka. 1923.04.14 — Abrogation of the Ishii-Lansing Agreement is announced. 1923.04.16 — The Prince Regent arrives at Keelung. 1923.04.27 — Viscount Goto resigns Mayoralty of Tokyo. --- 1924-1925 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1923-05 to 1924-08) 1923.05.01 - The Prince Regent returned from his tour in Formosa. - The Japanese Legation in Brazil was raised to the status of embassy. 1923.05.02 — The American Silk Mission arrived at Yokohama. 1923.05.05 — M. Joffe came up to Tokyo from Atami where he had been recuperating. 1923.05.26 — The ashes of the late Prince Kitashirakawa arrived at Tokyo. 1923.05.29 — Mr. Nagata, deputy-mayor under Visc. Goto, was formally installed as Mayor of Tokyo. 1923.06.06 — T. Sakai and ten other socialists were arrested on the charge of having formed a secret association. 1923.06.08 — The funeral of the Late Prince Kitashirakawa. 1923.06.23 — Preliminary negotiations were opened between the representatives of Japan and Soviet Russia, i.e. M. Joffe and Mr. Kawakami, ex-Minister to Poland. 1923.06.24 — The inauguration ceremony of the Kwanto headquarters of the Jitsugyo-Doshikai (Businessmen's Party) promoted by Mr. Muto, was held in Tokyo. 1923.07.03 — Funeral of the Dowager Princess Yasuko Arisugawa. 1923.07.23 — M. Joffe was recalled home by the Soviet Gov't. 1923.07.27 — The Prince Regent made an ascent of Mt. Fuji. 1923.07.31 — The preliminary pourparler between Japan and Russia was closed with no material results. 1923.08.13 — Visc. Ishii, Ambassador to France, Dr. Adachi, Ambassador to Belgium and Mr. Ariyoshi, Minister to Switzerland, were appointed delegates to the 4th general meeting of the League of Nations. 1923.08.22 — The submarine No. 70 sank off Awaji Island with 83 crew during its official trial run. 1923.08.24 — The cabinet resigns en masse upon the death of the Premier Admiral Kato. 1923.08.25 — The delegates to the 5th International Labor Congress were appointed; Ambassador Adachi and Mr. T. Mayeda for the Government, Mr. K. Yamazaki for Capital and Mr. R. Uno for Labor. 1923.08.28 — Count Yamamoto was ordered to form a Cabinet. 1923.09.01 — At 11.58 a.m. the great earthquake broke out in Tokyo, Yokohama and neighborhood, followed by conflagration in the two cities. 1923.09.02 - The Yamamoto Cabinet was formed. - The Martial Law in the devastated districts and Emergency Requisition Ordinance were enforced. 1923.09.03 — Foodstuffs began arriving from the prefectures and its distribution to the sufferer was commenced. 1923.09.06 — The Moratorium and Ordinances against profiteering and circulation of wild rumours were promulgated. 1923.09.12 — The Imperial Rescript relating to the reconstruction of the Capital was issued. 1923.09.16 — The organization of the Council for the Reconstruction of the Capital was promulgated. 1923.09.22 — The murder case of the socialist Osugi and his wife was published. 1923.09.26 — Count H. Kodama was appointed Gov.-Gen. of Kwantung, succeeding Baron Ijuin who became Foreign Minister. 1923.10.06 — Dr. Beard arrived in Japan to act as an advisor to Visc. Goto in the Reconstruction Plans. 1923.10.07 — A memorial service for 500 foreigners perished in the catastrophe was held at the Zojoji Temple. 1923.10.08 - The postponement of the wedding of the Prince Regent and Princess Nagako was announced. - The first trial of Capt. Amakasu, the murderer of Osugi, was held. 1923.10.18 — The submarine No. 70 refloated. 1923.10.31 — The U.S. Ambassador Woods left for home. 1923.11.02 — The British Ambassador Sir Charles Eliot returns to his post. 1923.11.09 — The Empress visited the tent hospital presented by the American Red Cross Society. 1923.11.10 — The Imperial Rescript enjoining thrift and diligence issued. 1923.11.11 — The meeting of Tokyo citizens was held to express their gratitude for the foreign sympathies shown at the time of the disaster. 1923.11.15 - Dr. Beard left for home. - The Martial Law was replaced by the Ordinance for the Policing of Tokyo. 1923.11.16 - Fire at the Tokyo Higher Normal School, Koishikawa. - A Building containing chemical laboratory was destroyed. 1923.12.09 — Capt. Amakasu was sentenced to ten years' penal servitude. 1923.12.11 — The 47th (extraordinary) session of the Diet was convoked to be formally closed on the 24th. 1923.12.22 — Mr. Den, Min. of Agr. & Com. resigned in consequence of the rejection by the House of the Fire Insurance Bill. 1923.12.27 — A young assassin (D. Namba) shot at the Prince Regent on his way to the Imperial Diet (for the opening of the 48th session). 1923.12.28 — Premier Yamamoto, other Ministers of State, as well as Chief of the Metropolitan Police tendered resignation in connection with the above affair. 1924.01.01 — An Imperial order was given to Visc. Kiyoura to organize a succeeding cabinet. 1924.01.05 — A Korean threw a bomb at the Nijubashi and was arrested on the spot. The bomb did not explode. 1924.01.07 — The new Kiyoura cabinet was appointed. 1924.01.12 — The date of the wedding of the Prince Regent was formally announced as the 26th of January. 1924.01.15 — At 5.50 a.m. Tokyo and vicinity was visited by the strongest aftershocks of the great quake of September 1st. 1924.01.16 — Four leaders of the Seiyukai, Baron Yamamoto, Messrs. Tokonami, Nakabashi and Motoda, left the party, as a result of split, 13 other members having also been expelled from the party. 1924.01.17 — The withdrawing members of the Seiyukai organized a political party of their own, named the Seiyu-Honto. 1924.01.26 — The wedding of the Prince Regent and Princess Nagako was held. 1924.01.31 — The 48th session of the Diet was dissolved. 1924.02.11 — Dowager Princess Kitashirakawa returned from France. 1924.02.12 — Foreign loans (¥250,000,000) for financing the Reconstruction was floated in Great Britain and U.S.A. 1924.02.22 — The Prince Regent and Crown Princess left for Kwansai to visit the Ise Grand Shrines and Momoyama Mausolea. 1924.02.25 - The Board for the Reconstruction of the Capital was replaced by a Bureau. - The Cabinet Council decided upon the ¥80,000,000 loan to the Fire insurance cos. in connection with the catastrophe. 1924.02.29 — The Prince Regent and Crown Princess return to Tokyo. 1924.03.18 — Visc. Korekiyo Takahashi resigned membership of the House of Peers. 1924.03.19 — The Submarine No. 43 sank off Sasebo with 42 crew. 1924.03.25 — The Japanese exclusion bill passed the U.S. Lower House. 1924.04.02 — Members of the Imperial Economic Council were appointed. 1924.04.11 — Ambassador Hanihara sent a letter to Secretary Hughes protesting against the Immigration Bill. 1924.04.12 — The Immigration Bill passed by the U.S. Senate. 1924.04.18 — The Submarine No. 43 refloated. 1924.04.26 — Japanese athletes to the Olympiad left for Paris. 1924.04.30 — The Privy Council approved the Ordinance regarding the Seoul Imperial University. 1924.05.05 — The fire insurance cos. began to make the sympathy payment to the policy holders in connection with the last year's disaster. 1924.05.08 — M. Martial Merlin, Governor-General of French Indo-China, arrived in Japan. 1924.05.10 — The general election was concluded, the Kensei-kai Party coming out as relatively the strongest party. 1924.05.19 — The U.S. round-the-world fliers arrived at Etrup. 1924.05.20 — Governor-General Merlin left Japan. 1924.05.23 — The American world fliers arrived at Tokyo. 1924.05.31 - The Imperial banquet in celebration of the Prince Regent's marriage began. - Formal Protest against the Japanese exclusion bill was lodged by Ambassador Hanihara with Washington Government. 1924.06.02 — Sir Rabindranath Tagore arrived. 1924.06.03 — The French world flier Capt. Doisy arrived at Pyongyang. 1924.06.05 — The celebration of the Imperial Wedding by the citizens of Tokyo was held in the presence of the Prince and Princess. 1924.06.06 - The U.S. world fliers left Kagoshima for Shanghai. - U.S. Ambassador Woods who resigned left Japan. 1924.06.07 — The Kiyoura cabinet resigned en masse. 1924.06.08 - Visc. Kato was ordered to form a succeeding cabinet. - 25 representatives of Japanese Boy Scouts left Kobe for Copenhagen to participate in the International Boy Scouts' Meeting. 1924.06.11 — The Kato cabinet was appointed. 1924.06.14 — Mr. Yoshizawa, Minister to China, was ordered to return home. 1924.06.28 — The 49th session of the Diet was formally opened. 1924.07.02 — Mr. C. Shimooka, a Kensei-kai leader, was appointed Dir.-Gen. of Civil Affairs, Korea. 1924.07.03 — The employees of the Osaka Municipal Tramway went on strike. 1924.07.11 - The above trouble settled, the employees resuming work. - The bill for the tariff revision on luxuries passed the Lower House. 1924.07.31 — The revision of tariff on luxuries was enforced. 1924.08.02 — Ambassador Hanihara returned from America. 1924.08.08 — Disastrous floods were reported from Formosa. 1924.08.12 — The Parliamentary under-secretaries and councillors appointed. 1924.08.27 — Mr. Bancroft was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Japan. 1924.08.30 — The basic principle for the financial and administrative readjustment was decided upon at a cabinet council. 1924.08.31 — Mr. T. Izawa succeeded to Mr. K. Uchida as Governor-General of Formosa. --- 1926 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1924-09 to 1925-12) 1924.09.01 — The 1st anniversary memorial services of the earthquake disaster held at the former site of the Army Clothing Depot in Honjo. Gen. M. Fukuda, who commanded the Tokyo Garrison at the time of the disaster, is fired at by an assassin, but escaped with a slight wound. 1924.09.05 — Mr. H. Nagata, Mayor of Tokyo, resigns his post, his choice of Dr. Okano as Dir. of the Electric Bureau having been rejected by the City Assembly. 1924.09.12 — A severe storm rages in Kansai districts inflicting serious damage to men, railways, etc. 1924.09.15 — The warship Tsugaru sails for Shanghai in connection with the civil war in China. 1924.09.20 - The trouble of the N.Y.K. results in the dismissal of 14 officials including 3 branch managers, followed by re-signing of 700 employees. - Dr. Nagaoka publishes his process of converting mercury into gold. 1924.10.01 - The census of Tokyo City is taken. - The trial of Daisuke Namba's lese majesty case takes place. 1924.10.03 — Lie-Lieh-Chun arrives at Tokyo as representative of the Canton Government. 1924.10.20 — Mr. Z. Nakamura is installed as Mayor of Tokyo. 1924.10.23 — Mr. T. Shirani accepts the Presidency of the N.Y.K. 1924.11.02 — Employees of Tokyo Municipal Tramway starts a sabotage. 1924.11.08 — The special grand military manoeuvres in Tohoku district begin. 1924.11.15 — The execution of D. Namba is carried out. 1924.12.05 — Prince Tokugawa is reappointed Pres. House of Peers. 1924.12.08 — Dr. I. Nitobe, of the League of Nations, and Mr. H. Shimoi return from Geneva and Italy respectively. 1924.12.12 — The special service ship Kanto sinks off Fukui in a storm. 1924.12.26 - The 50th session of the Diet is formally opened. - Prince I. Yamagata is appointed Envoy to the French Indo-China Government to return courtesy. 1925.01.18 — The attainment of majority of Prince Takamatsu is celebrated. 1925.01.21 — The Russo-Japanese Treaty is signed at Peking. 1925.01.22 — The Diet is re-opened. 1925.01.24 — Prince I. Yamamoto, Envoy to French Indo-China, and suite leave Kobe. 1925.02.09 — Mr. Ogawa, leader of the Seiyukai, succeeds the late Mr. Yokota as Minister of Justice. 1925.02.10 — The budget for 1925-26 passes the Lower House. 1925.02.17 — Mr. T. Matsudaira, new Ambassador to Washington, leaves Yokohama for his post. 1925.02.20 — Failure of Takaini & Co., Tokyo, is announced. 1925.02.26 — The ratifications of the Russo-Japanese Treaty were exchanged at Peking. 1925.03.11 — The Greater Osaka Exhibition is opened. 1925.03.22 — The joint committee of the Houses reaches an agreement upon the Universal Manhood Suffrage Bill. 1925.03.27 — The abolition of four army divisions is announced. 1925.03.30 - Viscount N. Makino and Dr. K. Ikki are appointed respectively Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal and Minister of the Imperial Household. - The 50th session of the Diet is closed. 1925.04.01 — The Department of Agr. and Com. divided into the Dep't. of Agr. and For. and Dep't. of Com. and Ind. and Viscount K. Takahashi appointed for the two portfolios. 1925.04.04 - Evacuation of Northern Saghallen is completed. - Viscount Takahashi resigns the combined posts as well as the Presidency of the Seiyukai Party. 1925.04.10 — Gen. Baron Tanaka accepts the Seiyukai Presidency. 1925.04.17 — Messrs. Okazaki and Noda leaders of the Seiyukai, are appointed respectively Min. of Agr. and For. and Min. of Com. and Ind. 1925.04.22 — The Peace Preservation Law is promulgated. 1925.04.24 — Mr. Kopp, the new Ambassador of Soviet Russia, arrives at Tokyo. 1925.05.05 — The Universal Manhood Suffrage Law is promulgated. 1925.05.07 — Mr. T. Tanaka is appointed the first Japanese Ambassador to Soviet Russia. 1925.05.10 — The Silver Wedding of T.M. the Emperor and Empress is celebrated. 1925.05.22 — A severe earthquake occurs in Toyooka and Kinosaki in Kansai district. 1925.05.24 — Prince Chichibu leaves for England. 1925.05.28 — Mr. K. Inukai, Min. of Communications, announces his retirement from active politics. 1925.05.30 — Mr. K. Adachi of the Seiyukai succeeds Mr. Inukai as Min. of Communications. 1925.06.12 — Mr. Obata is appointed Ambassador to Turkey. 1925.07.12 — The Tokyo Broadcasting Station starts service. 1925.07.22 — A heavy rainfall in Seoul and vicinity, followed by floods, causing extensive damage to men and property. 1925.07.25 — The Asahi's fliers leave Tokyo on a flight to Europe via Siberia. 1925.07.30 — The Kato Cabinet split on the tax readjustment measure and resigns en bloc. 1925.08.01 — Viscount Kato is ordered by the Throne to form a new cabinet, and all the members except the Seiyukai ministers remain in office. 1925.08.05 — The Prince Regent starts on a tour in Saghalien. 1925.08.16 — The Prince Regent returns to the Capital. 1925.08.23 — The Asahi's planes arrive at their destination, Moscow. 1925.08.30 — Messrs. Hioki and Yoshizawa are appointed Delegates to the Customs Conference at Peking. 1925.09.15 — Prince George of England arrives at Yokohama on the Flagship of the British Indo-China Squadron; is received as a guest of the Court. 1925.09.17 — Count Koyen Otani, Lord Abbot of Higashi Honganji sect, retires in connection with a financial trouble. 1925.09.18 — The Diet building is demolished by a fire. 1925.09.25 — Baron K. Matsui is appointed Ambassador to the Court of St. James's. 1925.10.01 — Baron N. Hommi succeeds the late Baron Hamao as Pres. of the Privy Council. 1925.10.15 — Mr. Hioki, Delegate to the Customs Conference, leaves for Peking with his suite. 1925.10.26 — The Customs Conference is opened at Peking. 1925.11.09 — The result of the Second Budget for 1926-27 is informally published. 1925.12.01 — Mr. MacVeigh, the new U.S. Ambassador to Japan, arrives at Tokyo. 1925.12.02 — The result of the second census taken last October is published. 1925.12.06 — Mr. K. Yuasa is appointed Chief of Korean Adm. Affairs, in succession to the late Mr. Shimooka. 1925.12.06 — The Crown Princess gives birth to a daughter. 1925.12.11 — The Prince and Princess Asaka return from Europe. 1925.12.15 — Troops are despatched to Manchuria from Korean and Kurume Divisions to replenish the Japanese Garrison in connection with the civil strife of China. 1925.12.26 — The opening ceremony of the 51st session of the Diet is held in its temporary building. --- 1927 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1926-01 to 1927-02) 1926.01.10 — The Asahi fliers return to Tokyo from their successful flight to Europe. 1926.01.23 — The merger of the T.K.K. with the N.Y.K. is decided upon. 1926.01.28 — The cabinet resigns en bloc on account of Premier Viscount Kato's death. 1926.01.30 - Home Minister Wakatsuki is ordered by the Emperor to organize a new cabinet. - The Wakatsuki Cabinet is installed, with the former Kenseikai ministers retaining their portfolios. 1926.02.11 — The first "Foundation Day" is observed in Tokyo and other places. 1926.02.14 — The new Spanish Minister Mr. Pedro Qualtin arrives at Tokyo. 1926.02.26 — The special trial of Boku Retsu and his wife's lese majesty case takes place at the Supreme Court. 1926.03.01 — Prince Yi, Jr., and his consort return to Korea to attend on their parent Prince in his illness. 1926.03.03 — The new British Ambassador at Tokyo Sir John Tilley is received in audience by the Prince Regent and presents his credentials. 1926.03.26 - The 51st session of the Diet is formally closed. - Boku Retsu and his wife are sentenced to death. 1926.03.31 — The revised taxation system is promulgated in the Official Gazette. 1926.04.05 — The sentence on Boku Retsu and his wife commuted to life imprisonment. 1926.04.12 — Mr. Y. Kuratomi succeeds the late Baron C. Hozumi as President of the Privy Council. 1926.04.20 — The new regulations for military training of young men are promulgated. 1926.04.28 — Prince Yi, Sr., the former Emperor of Korea, passes away at Seoul; the government decides to hold a State funeral for him. 1926.05.01 — The Art Gallery of Tokyo Prefecture is formally opened. 1926.05.19 — The Prince Regent starts on a tour in the Chugoku districts. 1926.05.22 — A serious eruption takes place on Mt. Tokachidake in Hokkaido. 1926.06.03 — Railway Minister Sengoku resigns and succeeded by Viscount Inouye. 1926.06.07 — Mr. Nakamura, Mayor of Tokyo, resigns. 1926.06.10 — The State funeral of the late Prince Yi, Sr., is held at Seoul. 1926.06.21 — Dr. H. Nagaoka is appointed Ambassador to Germany. 1926.07.14 — The wedding of Prince Kan-in, Jr., and Princess Naoko Ichijo is celebrated. 1926.07.16 — Mr. Izawa, Gov.-General of Formosa, is elected Mayor of Tokyo, the vacated position being filled by Mr. M. Kamiyama. 1926.07.19 — People in Nagano rise in riot against the prefectural authorities in connection with the abolition of police stations. 1926.07.27 — Mr. E. Hioki, Delegate to the Customs Conference at Peking, returns to Tokyo. 1926.08.01 — The Pan-Asiatic Congress is held at Nagasaki for three days. 1926.08.04 — A strong quake visits Tokyo and Yokohama. 1926.08.20 — The three radio broadcasting stations at Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya are merged into one new organization, the Japan Broadcasting Association. 1926.08.21 — Prince Chichibu succeeds in crossing the Alps. 1926.09.02 — The Crown Prince and Princess of Sweden arrive at Tokyo. 1926.09.06 — The Polish plane piloted by Lieut. Orlinski arrives at the Tokorozawa Aerodrome. 1926.09.12 — The South Seas Trade Conference is held at Tokyo. 1926.09.14 — Mr. Kataoka, Min. of Com. and Ind., succeeds the late Mr. S. Hayami as Finance Min., his portfolio being filled by Mr. I. Fujisawa. 1926.09.23 - The Swedish Crown Prince and Princess leave Tokyo. - A limited express train for Tokyo is derailed and overturned in Hiroshima Pref., with 35 killed and 50 wounded. 1926.10.01 — Postal life annuity business is commenced. 1926.10.05 — Prince Dany, Education Minister of Siam, arrives at Tokyo. 1926.10.08 — A loan of £6 million is floated in London by Tokyo Municipality. 1926.10.11 — General Booth of the Salvation Army arrives at Yokohama. 1926.10.14 — Prince Chichibu enters Magdallen Coll. Oxford. 1926.10.20 — Mr. Izawa, Mayor of Tokyo, resigns his post on account of illness. 1926.10.27 — Mr. Nishikubo is elected Mayor of Tokyo. 1926.10.30 — Pan-Pacific Science Congress is opened at Tokyo. 1926.11.11 — Pan-Pacific Science Congress is closed. 1926.11.16 — Military manoeuvres are held in Saga Pref. for three days. 1926.11.18 — Prince George, the 4th son of King George V. of England, touches Tokyo on his way home. 1926.11.29 — The Bunraku-za in Osaka, the only doll theatre left in Japan, is destroyed by fire. 1926.12.09 — The Imperial Household Dep't announces the Emperor's illness is serious. 1926.12.22 — Prince Chichibu leaves London. 1926.12.24 — The 52nd session of the Diet is convoked. 1926.12.25 — The Emperor dies at the Hayama Villa; the Crown Prince accedes to the Throne; the new era is named "Showa". Prince Kan-in is appointed President of the Imperial Funeral Committee. 1926.12.26 — The remains of the late Emperor are borne to the Tokyo Palace. 1926.12.28 — The levee of the new Emperor takes place at the Imperial Palace. 1927.01.03 — The site of the mausoleum of the late Emperor is decided near Mt. Takao, to be named "Tama Mausoleum". 1927.01.17 — Prince Chichibu returns to Tokyo. 1927.01.20 — The posthumous title of the late Emperor is announced as "Taisho". 1927.01.21 — A severe cold wave strikes middle Japan; unusually heavy snowfall is experienced in the Hokuriku districts. 1927.02.04 — The Emperor receives foreign ambassadors and ministers in audience for the first time after his accession. 1927.02.04 — The Imperial funeral takes place. 1927.02.08 — The Imperial amnesty is announced. 1927.02.10 — Snowstorm in Hokuriku districts is reported severer, railway trains being bound up at many places and scarcity of food felt in some localities. --- 1928 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1927-03 to 1928-02) 1927.03.01 — An alliance is effected between the Kenseikai and Seiyu-honto parties; all-Japan farmers union conference is held in Osaka. 1927.03.03 — The Earthquake Notes Disposal Bill is submitted to the Diet; the cruisers Isuzu and Kawachi are ordered to Shanghai for the protection of Japanese residents. 1927.03.07 — A disastrous earthquake occurs in the northern sections of Tango. 1927.03.11 — The Government decides on Japan's participation in the Geneva disarmament conference. 1927.03.18 — The Nakai Bank closes its doors; Tokyo City loan is floated in New York. 1927.03.22 — The Nakazawa, Murai, Hachijushi, Soda, and Nakano Banks close their doors. 1927.03.23 — The Earthquake Notes Disposal Bill is approved by the Diet. 1927.03.25 — The Budget for the 1927-28 fiscal year is approved by the Diet; the 1927 session of the Diet comes to an end; Japanese Consulate in Nanking is looted by the Southerners. 1927.04.02 — The Russo-Japanese Forestry Agreement is formally signed in Moscow; the cruiser Yakumo is despatched to Shanghai in connection with the Chinese disturbances. 1927.04.16 — The Privy Council disapproves the Government measure for relief of the Bank of Taiwan involved in financial distress. 1927.04.17 — The Wakatsuki Ministry resigns. 1927.04.18 — The Bank of Taiwan closes its doors. 1927.04.20 — The Tanaka Ministry is formed. 1927.04.21 — The Fifteenth Bank and Taisho Bank close their doors; Run on several banks in Tokyo creates a financial panic; Banks throughout the country temporarily close their doors for two days. 1927.04.22 — An extraordinary session of the Diet is convened in connection with the financial crisis; an emergency Imperial Ordinance proclaiming moratorium for 3 weeks is announced; the issue amount of the Bank of Japan notes reaches upward of ¥2,300 millions; Japanese delegates to the Geneva conference, headed by Vis. Adm. Saito sail for Geneva. 1927.04.24 — The Bank of Japan decides to advance loans to all banks throughout the country for re-opening their business; the Government issues a statement concerning the financial relief. 1927.04.25 — The application of moratorium is extended to the Colonies; the Government decides to ship ¥10 million silver bullion to Shanghai to check further fall of Yen value. 1927.05.04 — The extraordinary session of the Diet opens. 1927.05.08 — The Bank of Japan's Special Credit law and another financial relief bill are conditionally approved by the Diet. 1927.05.09 — The Diet is closed. 1927.05.13 — The term of moratorium expires; financial panic gradually subsides. 1927.05.28 — The Cabinet Council decides on the despatch of Manchuria Garrison to Shantung. 1927.06.01 — The Rikken Minseito (Constitutional Democratic Party) comes into existence; the Chinese Government protests to the landing in Tsingtao of Japanese troops from Manchuria; Dr. Wm. E. Griffis is received in audience by the Emperor. 1927.06.20 — The Coronation committee is appointed; the Premier and the Navy Minister issue statements concerning Japan's position in the Geneva conference. 1927.06.22 — The famous Norwegian explorer Dr. Amundsen is received in audience by the Emperor. 1927.06.27 — An instruction concerning the capital ship problem is sent to the Japanese delegates to the Geneva conference; the Eastern Conference meets in Tokyo. 1927.07.02 — Ten M.P.s who assaulted their colleagues in the House at the last session are pronounced guilty by the preliminary trial court. 1927.07.08 — Eighth brigade stationed at Dairen is ordered to Shantung in connection with the Chinese disturbance there. 1927.07.18 — Owing to financial strain the Kawasaki Dockyard Co. close the doors of its workshops. 1927.07.20 — The new German-Japanese commercial treaty is signed in Berlin. 1927.07.28 — The Emperor leaves Tokyo on his first visit to the Bonin Islands and Amami Oshima. 1927.08.05 — Premier Tanaka and Navy Minister Adm. Okada issue statements concerning the failure of the Geneva conference. 1927.08.20 — A commercial treaty between Japan and French Indo-China is signed in Paris. 1927.08.22 — Prince Chichibu conquers the peak of Oku-hodaka of Japanese Alps in a thunderstorm. 1927.08.24 — 120 officers and bluejackets are lost in a collision between the warships Jintsu and Warabi off Mihu while engaged in a night fight. 1927.08.30 — The evacuation of Shantung by Japanese troops is declared; Russian aeroplanes safely arrive in Heijo from Moscow. 1927.09.04 — A Czecho plane arrives at Tokorozawa from Prague. 1927.09.10 — Princess Sachi-ko Hisamomiya (2nd Imperial daughter) is born; anti-Japanese agitation in North Manchuria assumes grave aspect. 1927.09.14 — The "Pride of Detroit" arrives at Kasumigaura on its round-the-world flight; a severe storm hits the Pacific coast of Japan between Kyushu and Tokyo. 1927.09.15 — A labor strike lasting for over a half year breaks out at Noda. 1927.09.21 — The elections of local assembly members throughout the country under the new Manhood Suffrage law are held in various prefectures. 1927.09.29 — The naval aerodrome on Hachijo Island is completed. 1927.10.01 — The monument erected in memory of Townsend Harris is unveiled at Shimoda (Izu); Tokyo city celebrate the 30th anniversary of the enforcement of Municipal system. 1927.10.11 — The grand naval manoeuvres commences in the Kyushu waters. 1927.10.20 — The Emperor leaves Tokyo for Kyushu to supervise the special naval manoeuvres. 1927.10.21 — The Soviet economic mission headed by M. Starikov arrives in Tokyo. 1927.10.22 — Fusanosuke Kuhara, special economic commissioner to Russia and Germany, starts on his mission. 1927.10.23 — The navy airship N-3 explodes off Vries Island (Oshima). 1927.10.30 — A grand naval review takes place outside Yokohama harbor. 1927.11.14 — The special army manoeuvres in Owari and Mikawa provinces commences under the superintendence of the Emperor. 1927.11.17 — The commercial treaty newly arranged between Japan and Bulgaria takes effect. 1927.12.05 — Visc. Shimpei Goto leaves Tokyo for Moscow on a tour of visit to Soviet Russia. 1927.12.10 — Gen. Yamanashi is appointed Governor-General of Chosen as successor to Vis. Adm. Saito. 1927.12.22 — The warship Nagara proceeds to Tsingtao carrying a batch of marines for the protection of Japanese residents there. 1927.12.24 — The courtmartial in the Jintsu-Warabi collision case is held at Yokosuka. 1927.12.26 — The 54th session of the Imperial Diet opens; Captain Keiji Mizuki, formerly in command of the cruiser Jintsu, commits suicide by cutting throat. 1927.12.27 — The Diet approves the Coronation budget. 1927.12.30 — The first subway in Tokyo constructed between Uyeno and Asakusa is opened to traffic. 1928.01.06 — Otohiko Ichiki, former Gov. of Bank of Japan, is elected Mayor of Tokyo. 1928.01.09 — The date of the Coronation ceremonies is decided. 1928.01.19 — A national union of farmers associations throughout the country is organized. 1928.01.21 — The Imperial Diet (54th session) is dissolved. 1928.01.22 — The new Russo-Japanese fishery agreement is formally signed in Moscow. 1928.01.26 — The exchange of diplomatic representatives between Japan and Canada is announced. 1928.02.01 — The new Russian Ambassador M. Alexander Torojanovsky presents credentials to His Majesty the Emperor. 1928.02.05 — Dr. William Griffis, who rendered meritorious services to the advancement of educational work in Japan, passes away at his home in America. 1928.02.20 — The first parliamentary election under the manhood suffrage system is held throughout the country. 1928.02.29 — Civilian aviator Yukichi Goto is killed in an accident in Kyushu while engaged in a training flight for the coming trans-Pacific flight. --- 1929 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1928-03 to 1928-10) 1928.03.01 — Serious illness of Princess Sachiko (2nd Imperial daughter) is officially announced. 1928.03.02 — Princess Sachiko passes away. 1928.03.13 — A conference of the Japanese consular officials stationed in the American Pacific states is held at San Francisco. 1928.03.19 — The funeral obsequies of Princess Sachiko takes place at Toshimagaoka mausoleum. 1928.03.22 — The Chinese authorities demand the withdrawal of Japanese residents in North Manchuria. 1928.03.24 — A domestic industrial exhibition opens at Ueno park in commemoration of the coming Coronation, ceremonies. 1928.03.31 — Two French aviators Captain Costes and Lieutenant Lebrix arrive in Tokyo on the way of a round-world-flight. 1928.04.05 — New Japan-German commercial treaty is formally ratified; diplomatic relation is formally established between Japan and Afghanistan. 1928.04.08 — The two French aviators start from Tachikawa for Hanoi on their return flight to Paris. 1928.04.10 — Finding of the trial of the Communist affair is publicly announced and the Rodo Nomin-to and two other communistic bodies are ordered dissolution; Prince and Princess Ti return home from their visit to Europe. 1928.04.12 — The Government decides to take drastic measures for the suppression of the communistic movements; the movement of the dissolved Rodo-nominto men to organise a new party is suppressed. 1928.04.19 — The Government decides on the despatch of additional troops to Shantung; Mobilisation order is issued to the 6th Army division at Kumamoto; the American-Japanese conference concerning the standard of Japanese silk yarns opens at Yokohama; the labour trouble at Noda is settled. 1928.04.28 — The 55th (special) session of the Imperial Diet opens. 1928.04.28 — The Imperial Diet is prorogued for 3 days. 1928.05.01 — The Imperial Diet is prorogued for another 3 days. 1928.05.04 — The Imperial Diet re-opens; Home Minister Suzuki is relieved of the post and Premier Tanaka appointed Home Minister as additional duty; a brigade stationed in Kwantung is despatched to Tsinan as reinforcements; the War Office publishes an official report concerning the Tsinan affair. 1928.05.06 — The 55th session of the Imperial Diet is closed. 1928.05.09 — The Government decides on the despatch of another reinforcement to Shantung; Mobilisation order is issued to the 3rd Army Division at Nagoya. 1928.05.13 — The Japanese troops occupies Tsinan; further fighting between Japanese troops and the Southern army of China is stopped by order of the Tokyo Government. 1928.05.23 — Communication Minister Keisuke Mochizuki is appointed Home Minister and Fusanosuke Kuhara Communication Minister as his successor. 1928.05.25 — Education Minister Rentaro Mitsuru is relieved of the post and Kanzo Shoda appointed Education Minister as his successor. 1928.05.26 — The reply of the Government to American Secretary of State Mr. Kellogg's Anti-war pact proposal is handed to the American Ambassador in Tokyo. 1928.06.08 — Premier Tanaka is assaulted by a ruffian at Uyeno station but escapes unhurt. 1928.06.14 — The prefectural governors conference opens in Tokyo. 1928.06.24 — The Government decides on gradual withdrawal of the troops despatched to Shantung. 1928.06.27 — The Privy Council passes the Imperial emergency ordinance concerning the revision of the Peace Regulations after heated discussions. 1928.06.28 — The Imperial emergency ordinance for the revision of the Peace Regulations is issued. 1928.07.05 — A grand aerial manœuvres of the Army air force lasting for 3 days commences in Osaka prefecture; all-Japan farmers union organised by the agrarian organizations of right comes into existence. 1928.07.06 — Revised regulations for the control of important export goods is promulgated and comes into operation. 1928.07.10 — The Cabinet council determines the fundamental policy vis-a-vis Tsinan affair; a portion of the 3rd Army Division troops despatched to Shantung is ordered to return home. 1928.07.11 — American aviator Clott Collier arrives at Tachikawa aerodrome from New York on his machine "New York" on the way of a round-the-world flight. 1928.07.20 — The reply of the Government to the second Anti-war pact proposal of the American Administration is handed to the American Chargé d'Affaires; the Chinese government notifies to the Japanese Government its intention to abrogate the existing Japan-China commercial treaty. 1928.07.21 — The Government decides to take a decisive measure for the protection of Japan's rights and interests in Mongolia and Manchuria; the Government's policy toward China is publicly announced in the name of Premier Tanaka. 1928.07.25 — Premier Tanaka, in his capacity as Foreign Minister, rejects the compromising proposal of Chinese Minister Wang concerning the abrogation of the Japan-China treaty. 1928.08.01 — Takejiro Tokonami secedes from the Minseito party and announces his intention to organise a new political party. 1928.08.05 — The Foreign Office publishes the text of the Japanese Government's reply to China concerning the abrogation of the Japan-China treaty. 1928.08.09 — T. Tokonami and his followers organize a new party named Shinto Club. 1928.08.11 — The Bank of Japan decides to sell on market ¥100 million worth Govt. loan bonds in its possession as a measure to check further fall of the exchange quotations. 1928.08.14 — The Government decides on partial withdrawal of the troops detailed to Shantung; Premier Tanaka, in his capacity as Foreign Minister, explains Japan's position vis-a-vis China to the American, French and Russian Ambassadors in Tokyo. 1928.08.15 — Japan-American exchange quotations slumps below ¥45 level, the lowest figure recorded since Mar. 1926. 1928.08.16 — Baron Hayashi returns from his special mission to Manchuria and Peking; Evacuation order is issued to the 6th Army Division detailed to Shantung; 2nd note of the Chinese government concerning the abrogation of the Japan-China treaty is handed to the Foreign Office by the Chinese Minister in Tokyo. 1928.09.04 — Transactions in the Tokyo rice exchange are temporarily suspended on account of bulls' operations during the past few days; Finance Minister Mitsuchi explains on the gold embargo problem at the cabinet council meeting. 1928.09.05 — The Russo-Japanese agreement concerning the exploitation of the Saghalien oil fields is signed in Moscow. 1928.09.06 — Troops of the 6th Army Division despatched to Shantung return home; the first passenger carrying regular aerial service between Osaka and Tokyo and Sendai is inaugurated; the official organization of the Economic Council and the appointment of its members are announced. 1928.09.08 — Severe rain storm is reported from north Chosen. 1928.09.14 — Preliminary trial of the Osaka communist affair is finished and the hearing of the preliminary trial court made public. 1928.09.21 — The Japanese communist Party affair is finished; the Japanese champions to the Olympic contests at Amsterdam return home. 1928.09.25 — Special manœuvres of the Army air force is held in Gifu and Aichi prefectures. 1928.09.28 — The wedding of Prince Chichibu and Miss Setsuko Matsudaira is celebrated at the Imperial Sanctuary amidst national rejoicings. 1928.10.01 — The jury system is enforced. 1928.10.02 — The second meeting of the Pacific Rotarian conference commences at Imperial Hotel (Tokyo). 1928.10.03 — The training squadron returns home from an extended cruise to the South Seas. 1928.10.06 — Grand Army manœuvres under the supervision of the Emperor lasting for a week commences in Morioka prefecture; Franco-Japanese field athletic meet commences at the Meiji Shrine stadium. 1928.10.08 — Grand naval manœuvres lasting for a week commences on the sea between Ise Bay and Tokyo Bay. 1928.10.13 — International swimming contests on the Tama river begin today. 1928.10.18 — The German plane "Junker" pilotted by Baron von Huenefeld and two others arrive in the suburbs of Tokyo from Shanghai. 1928.10.25 — The Oriental Development Co.'s foreign loan amounting to $19,000,000 is successfully floated in New York. 1928.10.30 — The Emperor receives in audience the Coronation envoys of the Powers at the Imperial Palace. --- 1930 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1928-11 to 1929-10) 1928.11.04 — German aviator Baron von Funefeld leaves for home. 1928.11.06 — The Emperor and Empress depart for Kyoto to attend Coronation Ceremonies. 1928.11.10 — The Coronation Ceremonies commence in Kyoto, lasting for 10 days. 1928.11.19 — Japan, Great Britain and France issue a joint declaration concerning the Chinese salt gabelle problem. 1928.11.27 — The Emperor and Empress return to Tokyo from Kyoto on the termination of the Coronation Ceremonies. 1928.12.01 — A stone monument (presented by Premier Mussolini of Italy) erected in memory of "Blakkotai" heroes on Mount Iimoriyama (Fukushima pref.), is unveiled with appropriate ceremonies in the presence of Prince Takamatsu, the Italian Ambassador and others. 1928.12.26 — The Japanese Government ratifies the new International wireless telegraph convention arranged in Washington in Oct. 1927. 1928.12.02 — A special (Coronation) army review is held in Tokyo. 1928.12.04 — A special (Coronation) naval review is held at Yokohama. 1928.12.06 — Mr. Albert Thomas, Chief of the International Labor Office, arrives in Tokyo. 1928.12.07 — The Coronation Banquet is given at the Imperial Palace (Dec. 7-11). 1928.12.28 — The 56th session of the Imperial Diet opens, subsequently adjourning till Jan. 21. 1929.01.02 — A severe snowstorm hits the northern Japan, 200 houses being destroyed by tidal waves in Echigo (Jan. 2-3). 1929.01.22 — The 56th session of the Diet re-opens. 1929.01.31 — The Sino-Japanese conventional tariff is officially gazetted. 1929.02.01 — The new commercial agreement between Japan and Hungary signed in Budapest on Jan. 23 takes effect; the new Sino-Japanese conventional tariff takes effect. 1929.02.03 — The funeral of the late Gen. Prince Kuni is held. 1929.03.15 — The general Budget for the 1929-30 fiscal year is approved by the Imperial Diet. 1929.03.20 — The provisional commercial treaty between Japan and Persia is ratified. 1929.03.25 — The 56th session of the Diet closes. 1929.03.28 — The Sino-Japanese negotiations re Tsinan affair are satisfactorily settled and a provisionary agreement is signed between the parties concerned. 1929.04.01 — The regular air transport service of the Japan Air Transport Co. is inaugurated; Formal negotiations between Japan and China over the Hankow and Nanking affair are opened. 1929.04.07 — The new Turkish Ambassador arrives in Tokyo. 1929.04.12 — The engagement between Prince Takamatsu and Miss Kiku Tokugawa is sanctioned by the Emperor. 1929.04.15 — The Sino-Japanese negotiations re Nanking affair are concluded. 1929.04.19 — The Japanese steamer Bairyo Maru sailing up the Yangtzeklang (China) is fired upon by Chinese troops at a point near Shasi and the chief engineer and 3 others including a bluejacket are killed; Preliminary negotiations in regard to the new Sino-Japanese treaty are successfully closed. 1929.04.22 — The Sino-Japanese agreement relating to the evacuation of Shantung is satisfactorily arranged. 1929.04.23 — Mr. Zenjiro Horikiri, Director of Reconstruction Bureau, is elected Mayor of Tokyo. 1929.04.26 — Dr. Adachi, Japanese Ambassador to Paris, attends the State funeral of Marshal Ferdinand Foch as the proxy of the Japanese Emperor. 1929.04.28 — The Japanese warship Hira sailing on the Yangtzeklang (China) is fired upon by Chinese troops at a point near Hsientu. 1929.05.01 — The memorandum relating to the revision of the Sino-Japanese treaty exchanged between the two contracting parties is officially gazetted. 1929.05.02 — Prince Gloucester of Great Britain arrives in Tokyo on Gartar mission. 1929.05.03 — Prince Gloucester presents the Gartar Order to the Emperor at the Imperial Palace. 1929.05.04 — The Government decides on the withdrawal of Japanese troops from Shantung. 1929.05.06 — The Emperor departs on a visit to Kwansai districts, Hachijo and Oshima (Vries) islands. 1929.05.10 — The American journalists representing the American Press who were sent by the Carnegie International Foundation on a visit to Japan and China arrive in Tokyo. 1929.05.15 — Mr. Henry W. Taft, Pres. of Japan Society of New York and 14 other foreigners (British, Americans, French, Belgians and Swedes) who contributed to the promotion of friendly relations between Japan and those countries are decorated by the Emperor. 1929.05.29 — The evacuation of Shantung by Japanese troops is concluded; Two navy planes start on a long flight to the South Sea Mandate islands; Japanese delegation to the International Boy Scouts Gathering leave for England. 1929.05.23 — Prince Gloucester leaves Yokohama for home. 1929.06.01 — The Anglo-Japanese commercial treaty and the supplementary treaty thereto concluded in 1927 become applicable to the British colonies, protectorates and mandates from date. 1929.06.03 — Mr. Yoshizawa, Japanese Minister to China, presents his credentials to the Nanking Government. 1929.06.05 — The Japanese honorary consulate at Brussels is discontinued. 1929.06.10 — The Department for Overseas Affairs is created with Premier Tanaka as its first Minister. 1929.06.11 — The Kellogg non-war pact is submitted to the Privy Council. 1929.06.18 — An eruption takes place on Volcano Komagatake, Hokkaido. 1929.06.21 — The aerial mail service between Fukuoka and Urusan (Chosen) commences. 1929.06.26 — The Privy Council approves the Kellogg anti-war pact. 1929.06.27 — The Kellog pact is ratified by the Emperor. 1929.06.28 — The ratification of the Kellogg pact is officially announced. 1929.07.01 — Commencing today the employment of female and juvenile operatives in night work at spinning factories is prohibited under the Factory Law. 1929.07.02 — The Tanaka ministry resigns en bloc in connection with the Mukden tragedy affair and Mr. Hamaguchi, Pres. of Minsei Party, is ordered by the Emperor to organize a new ministry; the new ministry under premiership of Mr. Hamaguchi is formed. 1929.07.15 — The regular passenger carrying service of the Japan Air Transport Co. is inaugurated. 1929.07.29 — The Cabinet effects a reduction of ¥90,000,000 from the General Budget passed by the Diet for the fiscal year 1929-30. 1929.08.06 — The provisionary commercial agreement between Japan and Turkey concluded at Angora between the representatives of the contracting parties recently takes effect. 1929.08.14 — A military aeroplane flying for Shiga prefecture from Tokyo meets an accident and Maj.-General Ogawa and 4 other army officers are killed; Mr. Mitsugu Senooka, former Rly. Minister, is appointed President of the South Manchuria Railway Co. 1929.08.17 — Vis. Admiral M. Saito is appointed Governor-General of Chosen for a second time as successor to Gen. Yamanashi who resigned. 1929.08.19 — Graf Zeppelin arrives at Kasumigaura on her round-the-world flight. 1929.08.22 — Graf Zeppelin leaves for America. 1929.08.29 — The Japanese delegates to the International Labour Conference leave for Geneva. 1929.09.11 — The passenger service between Tokyo and Dairen via Chosen is opened. 1929.09.18 — Mr. Herbert Marler, first Canadian Minister to Japan, is received in audience by the Emperor and presents his credentials. 1929.09.27 — Dr. Saburi, new Japanese Minister to China, leaves for his post. 1929.09.30 — A third daughter Kazuko Takano-miya is born to their Imperial Majesties. 1929.10.02 — The ceremony of removing the Ise Grand Shrine takes place. 1929.10.03 — Mr. Iyemasa Tokugawa, first Japanese Minister to Canada, leaves Yokohama to take up his new duties. 1929.10.05 — The dual international track and field meet between Japan and Germany commences at Meiji Shrine grounds. 1929.10.12 — Mr. Reijiro Wakatsuki, ex-Premier, consents to head the Japanese delegation to the coming Five-Power Naval Conference in London. 1929.10.13 — Mr. K. Inukai is elected President of the Seiyukai party. 1929.10.16 — The International Invitation Tennis Tournament between France and Japan opens. 1929.10.28 — The third conference of the Institute of Pacific Relations opens in Kyoto, attended by 30 delegates representing seven nations. 1929.10.29 — The World Engineering Congress and the World Power Conference open at the same time in Tokyo. --- 1931 The Japan Year Book --- (covers 1929-11 to 1930-10) 1929.11.07 — The session of the World Engineering Congress and the World Power Conference going on in Tokyo since Oct. 29 is closed. 1929.11.09 — The 3rd conference of the Institutes of Pacific Relations, in session in Kyoto since Oct. 28, comes to an end. 1929.11.11 — Preliminary negotiations over the naval reduction problem between the Japanese and British governments commenced. 1929.11.12 — Guard army manœuvres lasting for three days commence in Ibaraki prefecture under the supervision of His Majesty the Emperor. 1929.11.21 — The Finance Department ordinance announcing the removal of the gold embargo in January next year is issued. 1929.11.23 — The prefecture in Northern Japan are visited by a great snow-storm. 1929.11.29 — Education Minister Mr. Kobashi resigns in connexion with the Keihin Railway scandal and Mr. Ryuzo Tanaka is appointed to the post as his successor; Mr. S. Suburi, Japanese Minister to China, commits suicide. 1929.11.30 — The Japanese delegation to the London Naval Conference headed by ex-Premier Mr. Wakatsuki starts for England via America. 1929.12.03 — Mr. Yosuke Matsuoka, new Japanese Minister to Switzerland, leaves for his post. 1929.12.05 - The Tokyo Municipal tramway men commence a go-slow strike. - A clash occurs on Yokohama silk market, the quotations dropping to ¥1,115 per bale. 1929.12.22 — The Imperial Court grants a sum of ¥1,000 yen in aid of general social works fund. 1929.12.23 — The 57th session of the Imperial Diet is formally convened; Mr. Sembei Horikiri is elected the President of the House of Representatives. 1929.12.24 — The 57th session of the Imperial Diet opens. 1930.01.06 — A severe snow-storm hits the provinces of the Japan Sea board. 1930.01.11 — The Imperial Diet is dissolved. 1930.01.11 — The embargo on the export of gold is removed; the Premier and the Finance Minister conjointly issue a statement concerning the return to the gold standard. 1930.01.24 — The newly arrived U. S. Ambassador Mr. Castle presents his credentials to the Emperor. 1930.01.25 — A conference of prefectural governors is held in Tokyo; an American tourist party consisting of over 400 men and women arrives in Tokyo. 1930.01.31 — The wireless service between London and Nagoya is commenced. 1930.02.04 — The wedding ceremony of H.I.H. Prince Takamatsu (younger brother of the Emperor) and Miss Kiku-ko Tokugawa takes place at the Imperial Palace. 1930.02.12 — Mr. Kenkichi Yoshizawa is appointed Ambassador to France. 1930.02.13 — Another great snow-storm is reported from the provinces of the Japan Sea board. 1930.02.19 — General H. Kanaya is appointed Chief of the General Staff. 1930.02.20 — A general election is held throughout the country, resulting in a victory of the Minsei party; Direct wireless service between Japan and France is inaugurated. 1930.03.07 — The first trial flight of the aerial passenger carrying service between Osaka and Shanghai of the Japan Air Transport Co. is successfully carried out. 1930.03.10 — Over 160 school children are killed in the cinema show accident at the Chichiai secondary naval station (Chosen). 1930.03.12 — The new Sino-Japanese customs tariff convention is provisionally signed. 1930.03.15 — The electric train service on the Tokyo-Yokohama section of the Tokaido line is inaugurated; Hannes Schneider, noted skiier of Austria, arrives in Tokyo. 1930.03.18 — The Crown Princess of Denmark arrives in Tokyo. 1930.03.22 — The commercial agreement newly arranged between Japan and Egypt is signed. 1930.03.24 — His Majesty the Emperor makes a round of visits to principal quarters of Tokyo to observe the work of reconstruction in the capital. 1930.03.26 — Tokyo Municipality celebrates the accomplishment of the work of the capital reconstruction. 1930.03.27 — The Central Meteorological Observatory issues a warning concerning the recent earthquakes at Ito (Shizuoka pref.) and neighbourhood. 1930.03.31 — The Reconstruction Board is discontinued as the result of the completion of the reconstruction work in Tokyo. 1930.04.01 — Registration marks an instruction to the Japanese delegation in London in connexion with the naval reduction problem; motor system is enforced on all railway lines throughout the country. 1930.04.05 — The American aeroplane "Buck" arrives at Osaka on a round-the-world flight. 1930.04.12 — The American journalist party arrives in Tokyo. 1930.04.20 — The Tokyo municipal tramway men carry out a general strike demanding better treatment. 1930.04.21 — H.I.H. Prince Takamatsu departs for Europe accompanied by Princess Kiku-ko; the 58th (special) session of the Imperial Diet is convened in Tokyo. 1930.04.22 — The Bureau of Temperance is abolished in the Railway Department. 1930.04.23 — An exhibition of Japanese fine art works opens in Rome; an old bell belonging to the Minamoto temple is brought back from Switzerland after 60 years. 1930.05.06 — The supplementary budget estimate is approved by the Lower House; the Sino-Japanese customs tariff convention is formally signed. 1930.05.13 — The new 1st-class cruiser Takao built at Yokosuka navy yard is successfully launched. 1930.05.13 — The special session of the Imperial Diet is closed. 1930.05.19 — Navy Minister Adm. Takarabe, who attended the London Naval Conference as Japanese delegate, returns to Tokyo. 1930.05.22 — The Burglary Prevention Law is promulgated. 1930.05.24 — The 7th meeting of the Far Eastern Olympic championship contest opens in Tokyo. 1930.05.27 — Mr. Hidejiro Nagata is elected Mayor of Tokyo as successor to Mr. E. Horikiri, who resigned. 1930.06.01 — A severe earthquake shakes the Kwanto districts; the national labour union league is organised. 1930.06.07 — Cotton spinning mills throughout the country decide on further curtailment of operation in view of the great accumulation of stocks. 1930.06.11 — Admiral S. Taniguchi is appointed Chief of the Naval Board of Command as successor to Admiral K. Kato, who resigned; the Burglary Prevention Law takes effect. 1930.06.19 — Mr. Wakatsuki, chief delegate to the London Naval Conference, and suite return to Tokyo. 1930.06.20 — Mr. Wakatsuki and Admiral Takarabe, who attended the London Naval Conference as chief delegates, are received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor and is honoured with gracious Imperial messages. 1930.06.25 — The experiment of wireless exchange between Tokyo and Berlin is successfully carried out. 1930.07.03 — The new super express train on the Tokaido line is successfully put on a trial run, it covering the distance between Tokyo and Kobe in 9 hours. 1930.07.18 — A severe storm hits northern Kyushu and the southern part of Chugoku, with much damage to buildings and other structures. 1930.07.21 — Meeting of the Supreme War Council lasting for 3 days is held in connection with the London Naval Treaty. 1930.07.24 — The London Naval Treaty is submitted to the Privy Council. 1930.08.02 — The Japanese Consulate at Changsha (China) is assaulted and burnt by the Chinese communist rioters. 1930.08.02 — The Imperial Government lodges a strong protest with the Chinese Government in connection with the outrageous conduct of the Chinese communist rioters at Changsha. 1930.08.08 — American flyer Lieutenant Bromley arrives in Tokyo with his aeroplane "City of Tacoma" to carry out a trans-Pacific flight. 1930.08.09 — The Privy Council approves the protocol of the International Court of Justice Treaty. 1930.08.16 — The new commercial treaty between Japan and Austria is formally signed. 1930.08.22 — Another severe shock of earthquake is felt throughout the Kwanto districts. 1930.08.27 — Television service is inaugurated between Tokyo and Osaka. 1930.08.30 — Japanese aviator Tozaaku Aizawa, who started from Berlin for Tokyo on his aeroplane "Tokyo" on Aug. 15, safely arrives at Toyogi; the attempt of Lieutenant Bromley to carry out a trans-Pacific flight from Kasumigaura ends in a failure. 1930.09.01 — Memorial services for the 7th anniversary of the great earthquake of September 1, 1923 is held at the Earthquake Memorial Hall in Tokyo. 1930.09.02 — The Chicago University baseball team arrives at Tokyo. 1930.09.05 — An eruption occurs on Volcano Asama with showers of ashes in Tokyo and elsewhere. 1930.09.14 — Lieutenant Bromley flies from the coast of Kamoshiro (Aomori-ken) on his plane "City of Tacoma" on the trans-Pacific flight. 1930.09.15 — Lieutenant Bromley flies back to Shibiya Point (Aomori-ken) abandoning further flight owing to a storm and an accident to the plane; the new U. S. Ambassador Mr. Forbes arrives in Tokyo; the 12th meeting of the International Statistic Association conference opens in Tokyo, attended by over 90 scholars of the world. 1930.09.22 — The International Statistic Association conference comes to an end. 1930.09.25 — Mr. Minekichi Adachi is elected Judge of the International Court of Justice. 1930.10.01 — The 3rd quinquennial national census is taken throughout the country; the Privy Council unanimously approves the London Naval Treaty; the super express train service on the Tokaido line is inaugurated. 1930.10.02 — A statement concerning the ratification of the London Naval Treaty is issued in the name of Premier Hamaguchi and Foreign Minister Baron Shidehara. 1930.10.03 — Navy Minister Admiral Takarabe resigns the post and is succeeded by Admiral Baron Abo. 1930.10.16 — The Imperial message of the ratification of the London Naval Treaty is forwarded to London. 1930.10.17 — The Bank of Japan lowers its official rates by 1 rin. 1930.10.18 — Grand naval manœuvres lasting for 12 days commences. 1930.10.21 — A new commercial treaty is concluded between Japan and Turkey. 1930.10.22 — Mr. K. Hirota, former Minister to Poland, is appointed Ambassador to Soviet Russia. 1930.10.26 — The aboriginal tribesmen at Musha (Taiwan) start a riot. 1930.10.27 — A tourist party consisting of 36 influential business men of Canada arrives in Tokyo for observation of business condition. 1930.10.30 — Another tourist party consisting of 21 prominent business men from England arrives at Kobe for observation of economic situation in Japan. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. I No. 3 (December 1932) --- (covers 1932.08.01 to 1932.10.29) 1932.08.01 — Mr. Katsuji Debuchi, Japanese Ambassador to the United States, is given permission to return to Tokyo on leave. 1932.08.02 — The exodus of leaders from the Minseito, Baron Wakatsuki's party, is joined by Mr. Bukichi Miki, whose followers decide to withdraw with him. 1932.08.02 — A strong force of Chinese bandits attacks Newchwang, Manchuria, which Japanese and Manchurian troops, acting in concert, repulse. 1932.08.03 — The Nanking Government announces a schedule of increased customs duties on imports, including silk and rayon, effective as from August 4. 1932.08.03 — Floods in North Manchuria continue to cause extensive damage to crops and communications services. 1932.08.04 — Japan wins the first of seven 1932 Olympic championships when Chuhei Nambu sets new hop, step and jump record. 1932.08.05 — A spokesman for the War Office blames Chang Hsueh-liang as the instigator of the fresh activity of Chinese bandits in Manchuria. 1932.08.08 — Chang Hsueh-liang announces his desire to relinquish the title of Commander-in-Chief of the Manchurian forces. 1932.08.08 — The seceders from the Minseito organize a new party under Mr. Kenzo Adachi, Home Minister in the Wakatsuki Cabinet. The "Kokumin Domei" (National Union), as the party is christened, is regarded as Japan's closest approach to Fascism in its aims. It controls 32 seats in the House of Representatives. 1932.08.08 — The Emperor appoints General Nobuyoshi Muto to the triple post of Commander of the Japanese Army in Manchuria, Envoy Extraordinary to Manchukuo and Governor of the Kwantung Leased Territory. 1932.08.09 — Cabled reports of Secretary of State Stimson's address before the Council on Foreign Relations, in New York, arouse resentment in Tokyo. His references to "an aggressor" and "fruits of aggression" are regarded by some officials as casting an unjustifiable slur on Japan. 1932.08.10 — Ambassador Debuchi sees Secretary of State Stimson to discuss Japanese susceptibility regarding the latter's New York speech. 1932.08.13 — The U.S. Navy Department announces that the Atlantic Fleet will remain on the Pacific coast until March, 1933 instead of October, as formerly scheduled. 1932.08.13 — Mr. Koki Hirota, the Japanese Ambassador to Moscow, and Mr. Lev Karakhan, Foreign Vice-Commissar of the Soviet Union, sign a fisheries agreement. The two countries undertake to maintain in substance the status quo until 1936, when the basic treaty expires. 1932.08.13 — A prominent Tokyo physician and an associate, members of a reactionary group, are arrested on a charge of plotting against the lives of Premier Viscount Saito, Home Minister Yamamoto and Finance Minister Takahashi. 1932.08.15 — The Japanese Government notify the League of Nations of the appointment of General Muto as Ambassador on Special Mission to Manchuria. 1932.08.17 — The Manchukuo Foreign Office protests to the Soviet Union that Soviet troops have crossed the western frontier and constructed barracks. 1932.08.18 — The Bank of Japan cuts its rediscount rates by .75 per cent, yearly, making them the lowest since before the World War. 1932.08.18 — The Education Ministry proposes to reduce by half the number of entrants to the departments of politics, law, economics, commerce and literature of private universities, to curb the growing surplus of unemployed intellectuals. 1932.08.20 — General Muto, the new Commander of the Japanese troops in Manchuria and Ambassador to Manchukuo, leaves Tokyo for Mukden. 1932.08.22 — The Cabinet slates Lieutenant-General Tatekawa as Japanese military delegate to the Disarmament Conference in Geneva. 1932.08.23 — His Majesty convokes the 63rd Diet for a short session to deal with economic relief legislation. 1932.08.25 — Speaking in the Diet, Foreign Minister Count Uchida announces the readiness of the Government to extend formal recognition to Manchukuo. 1932.08.25 — The Japanese yen is quoted at 22 American cents, a new all-time low. 1932.08.28 — A proposal is made to send Vice-Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, of the Supreme Military Council, to the United States on a goodwill mission. His state of health later makes the trip inadvisable. 1932.08.28 — The Japanese garrison in Mukden assists the Manchukuo troops to repulse a bandit attack on the city. 1932.08.29 — India increases from 31½ per cent. to 50 per cent. ad valorem the import duty on non-British cotton piece goods, which affects Japan most. 1932.08.30 — Pending permanent legislation, the Manchukuo authorities prohibit new private exploitation of gold, silver, coal, oil and a few other mineral products. 1932.08.31 — Mr. Hiroshi Saito, Councillor of the Japanese Embassy in London, is transferred to Washington to carry on the duties of Ambassador Debuchi during the latter's absence. 1932.08.31 — The commander of the Japanese landing party in Shanghai files a protest with Mayor Wu Te-cheng against renewed anti-Japanese agitation. 1932.09.01 — The Mayor of Greater Shanghai issues a proclamation prohibiting illegal acts against Japanese. 1932.09.03 — Captain Wolfgang von Gronau, German aviator, arrives at Nemuro, Hokkaido, after crossing the Pacific in his Dornier-Wal flying boat. 1932.09.04 — Lord Lytton and his colleagues on the League Commission of Inquiry sign in Peiping their report on the Far Eastern situation. 1932.09.05 — Figures compiled by the Bank of Japan indicate an advance of 5.5 per cent. in the wholesale prices of 56 staple commodities during August. The slump in the exchange value of the yen is held largely responsible for the rise. 1932.09.05 — Lord Lytton, Major-General Frank McCoy and Count Aldrovandi of the Inquiry Commission leave Shanghai for Europe. 1932.09.05 — The 63rd Diet adjourns after approving a supplementary budget and other measures to cope with the depression. 1932.09.06 — Rumours are heard in Tientsin of a movement in North China to establish an independent government that will join an alliance with Japan and Manchukuo. 1932.09.07 — Chinese bandits kidnap Mrs. Muriel Pawley and Mr. Charles Corkran, British subjects, in the neighbourhood of Newchwang. Mr. Duncan McIntosh, of the Asiatic Petroleum Company, is also taken, but he escapes and informs the police. Japanese and Manchurian soldiers give pursuit. 1932.09.07 — The Tokyo Gas Company scandal widens as Mr. Toraihito Suzuki, former president of the 100 million yen concern, is examined in connection with an alleged misappropriation of 500,000 yen. 1932.09.08 — Lieutenant-General Honjo, commander of the Kwantung garrison during the Manchurian upheaval, returns to Tokyo to take up his new post as a member of the Supreme Military Council. 1932.09.10 — The bandits who kidnapped the two British subjects on September 7 demand 250,000 yuan as ransom. 1932.09.10 — Mr. Chiang Tso-ping, Chinese Minister to Tokyo, calls on Count Uchida, the Foreign Minister, in an eleventh hour attempt to prevent Japan from extending formal recognition to Manchukuo. 1932.09.12 — A passenger train on the Chinese Eastern Railway is derailed and attacked by Chinese bandits. Several Japanese on the train are robbed and injured. 1932.09.12 — Prominence is given in the press to reports of a Tibetan invasion of China, allegedly with British support, to regain the territory of the old Tibetan Empire. 1932.09.13 — His Majesty's Privy Council meet in plenary session in the presence of the Emperor and unanimously approve the protocol signifying recognition of Manchukuo. 1932.09.14 — General Muto, Japan's highest military and diplomatic official in Manchukuo, arrives in Changchun, the capital. 1932.09.15 — General Muto, for Japan, and Premier Cheng Hsiao-hsu, for Manchukuo, sign in Changchun a protocol giving de jure recognition to the newly formed State. In Tokyo, Foreign Minister Count Uchida issues an explanatory declaration. 1932.09.15 — Japan requests the League of Nations to allow a period of six weeks before examination of the Lytton report, to give time for preparation of a Japanese statement of observations. 1932.09.16 — Chinese bandits raid the Fushun colliery, killing five Japanese and wounding seven. 1932.09.17 — The Chinese Legation in Washington addresses to the State Department a note against Japan's recognition of Manchukuo. Other signatories of the Nine-Power Treaty receive the same communication. 1932.09.17 — The Manchukuo Government order 50 officials, including one British subject, of the Dairen office of the Chinese Maritime Customs to leave. 1932.09.18 — Dr. Tansuke Egi, one of the foremost Minseito leaders and three times a Cabinet member, dies. 1932.09.18 — Rumours are first heard that the Soviet Union will not recognize Manchukuo unless Japan accepts the proposal of a non-aggression pact made last winter. 1932.09.19 — A fresh civil war starts in China, General Han Fu-chu, Governor of Shantung Province, ordering his troops to move against General Liu Chen-nien. 1932.09.24 — Japan's request for a respite of six weeks before action on the Lytton report is accepted by the League Council. 1932.09.24 — The Chinese Maritime Customs authorities announce a plan to close for the time being the Chinese offices in Dairen, Harbin, Newchwang, Antung and Lungchingtsun and to collect duties at points outside Manchuria. 1932.09.24 — Mr. Kojiro Matsukata, former president of the Kawasaki Dockyard Company, signs in Moscow an agreement with the U.S.S.R. for the sale of more than 100,000 tons of Soviet oil in Japan. 1932.09.24 — The aeroplane Japan-America No. 3 takes off from Sabishiro Beach for Nome, Alaska. 1932.09.27 — The Speaker and one other member of the Tokyo City Assembly are summoned to the public prosecutor's office in connection with the Tokyo Gas Company scandal. 1932.09.27 — The Chinese railway guards in Manchuli municipality, imprisoning Japanese officials and residents. 1932.09.28 — Mr. Akira Ariyoshi, new Japanese Minister to China, presents his credentials in Nanking. 1932.09.29 — Mr. Bao Kuan-chen, Manchukuo's first resident envoy, arrives in Tokyo. 1932.09.30 — Li Ho-sho, the Korean who attempted to bomb the Emperor on the way back to the Imperial Palace from the military manoeuvres last January, is sentenced to death by the Supreme Court. 1932.10.01 — Greater Tokyo, today absorbing its suburbs, boasts a population of some 5,000,000. The authorities of the enlarged capital set in motion plans for public utilities, roads, parks, etc., to meet the new requirements. 1932.10.01 — Secretary of State Stimson reiterates American reliance on world opinion regarding the Manchurian affair in an address before the League of Nations Club, Philadelphia, which official quarters in Tokyo regard as "challenging." 1932.10.02 — The report of the League Commission of Inquiry on the Far Eastern situation is made public in Tokyo. Dissatisfaction is expressed at some of its statements. 1932.10.03 — Mr. Lo Wen-kan, Foreign Secretary of the National Government of China, expresses satisfaction with the views of the League commission. 1932.10.03 — A party of 432 Japanese ex-soldiers leaves Tokyo for Manchuria as the first unit of armed immigrants. 1932.10.04 — Regarding the recently published Lytton report, War Minister Araki states in a press interview that should the Powers accept the recommendations Manchuria would become a second Balkans. The whole question, as far as Japan is concerned, he says, has been settled by Japan's recognition of Manchukuo. 1932.10.05 — His Majesty's Privy Council study the Lytton report and are critical of the commission's capacity to appraise the Manchurian situation in its true light. 1932.10.06 — A section of Manchukuo leaders demonstrates disappointment with the Lytton report, and advocates a triple alliance among Japan, Manchukuo and the Soviet Union. 1932.10.06 — Lord Lytton and other members of the executive committee of the League of Nations Union, London, laud the American attitude toward the machinery for maintaining world peace as affecting the Sino-Japanese dispute. 1932.10.07 — The Manchukuo Government file a firm rejoinder with the League of Nations, pointing out inaccuracies in the Lytton report. 1932.10.07 — A heavy drain on the national treasury is foreseen by the Finance Ministry as the additional demands from various ministries for inclusion in the 1933-1934 budget mount to some 1,200 million yen, which would bring the total budget to 2,500 million yen, nearly double that of a normal year. Finance Minister Takahashi foresees difficulty in obtaining the funds. 1932.10.07 — The press gives prominence to reports that General Chiang Kai-shek is making progress in a scheme to become absolute dictator of China with the support of the Blue Shirt Society, said to be a Fascist organization. 1932.10.07 — The rebels beyond the Khingan Range, Manchuria, are reported to have set up an independent government. 1932.10.08 — Mr. Bao Kuan-chen, Manchukuo's Special Envoy, has a long conference with Mr. Troianovsky, Soviet Ambassador to Tokyo. 1932.10.08 — "The Sunday Times," London, reports a controversy between France and other countries about the validity of the Franco-Japanese Treaty of 1907, by which the two countries recognized their respective interests in China and Manchuria. The controversy, says the journal, is whether the treaty should not be superseded by Article XX of the League Covenant, binding League members to abrogate all understandings out of harmony with the terms of the Covenant. 1932.10.08 — Representatives of the Foreign, War and Navy Ministries meet to begin formal drafting of Japan's observations on the Lytton report. 1932.10.09 — Dr. Wellington Koo, speaking for the Nanking Government, says in Geneva that China is disposed to accept the Lytton report as a basis for discussion of the Manchurian issue. 1932.10.10 — According to official reports reaching the War Office, 6 Japanese are known to have been killed by the Chinese guards returning on the Chinese Eastern Railway at Manchuli. On the premises of the Japanese Consulate in the town, 138 Japanese are kept prisoners. 1932.10.11 — A Communist scheme to terrorize a number of prominent business men in Tokyo to "raise funds" is unearthed by the police during investigation of Japan's first major bank robbery. 1932.10.11 — The Cabinet decide on Mr. Yosuke Matsuoka, M.P., as one of Japan's delegates to the forthcoming sessions of the League Assembly. 1932.10.12 — Mrs. C. T. Woodruff, wife of the chief accountant of the British-American Tobacco Company, is killed in Harbin in broad daylight by men attempting to kidnap her children. 1932.10.13 — In an editorial, Mr. Karl Radek, editor of "Izvestia," says the Lytton report is a decoy to tempt Japan and the U.S.S.R. into war. 1932.10.13 — The Shimbi Doshikai, an organization of retired army and navy officers, active leaders of the right wing of the Upper House and other champions of nationalism, draws up a resolution urging the Government to be firm about the country's Manchurian contentions in Geneva. As far as Japan is concerned, it observes, it will be futile to try to restore Manchuria to the status quo ante now that this country regards Manchukuo as an independent State. 1932.10.13 — Enemy warlords in Szechwan Province, China, resume fighting. 1932.10.14 — Ambassador Hirota, returning from Moscow, confirms reports that the Soviet Union is not averse to selling the Chinese Eastern Railway to Japan, if such a transaction will serve to eliminate misunderstandings between the two countries. 1932.10.15 — "The Sunday Times" (London) reaffirms its previous report alleging an abortive Japanese attempt to induce France to sign a treaty of alliance with her. Again the story is condemned by official Tokyo as a canard circulated to wreck the growing Franco-Japanese friendship. 1932.10.17 — An American missionary, Rev. Lloyd Putnam Henderson, is killed when struck by a stray bullet fired by bandits east of Tunghua. 1932.10.18 — Mr. Hsieh Chieh-shih, the Foreign Minister of Manchukuo, arrives in Tokyo to express thanks for Japan's extension of de jure recognition to his country. 1932.10.18 — Pu Ping-shan, commander of the 3rd Manchukuo Brigade in Paichuan, issues a statement announcing allegiance to General Su Ping-wen, commander of the anti-Manchukuo rebels at Manchuli. 1932.10.19 — Mr. Hsieh, the Foreign Minister of Manchukuo, as personal representative of the Chief Executive of Manchukuo, is received in audience by the Emperor. 1932.10.19 — The press indicates that Japan, opposing the British and American plans for naval disarmament, will present proposals of its own to the Geneva Disarmament Conference. 1932.10.20 — Mrs. Muriel Pawley and Mr. Charles Corkran are set free by the Chinese bandits who kidnapped them 45 days ago. "The Times" (London) sees in the payment of a substantial ransom an incentive to lawlessness everywhere in China. 1932.10.21 — Mr. Yosuke Matsuoka, one of the Japanese delegates to the forthcoming session of the League Assembly, issues Tokyo for Geneva. 1932.10.21 — At the semi-weekly Cabinet conference, Finance Minister Takahashi sounds the reaction of the War and Navy Ministers towards his desire to cut the estimates they have made for the next fiscal year. 1932.10.21 — Mr. Akio Kasama, former Japanese Minister to Persia, is appointed Minister to Portugal. 1932.10.22 — General Su Ping-wen, commander of the anti-Manchukuo forces in the region of Manchuli, through the mediation of the local Soviet Consul, agrees to allow all Japanese civilians detained by him, except those associated with the Manchukuo Government, to evacuate to Soviet territory. 1932.10.22 — The South Manchuria Railway Company announces successful experiments in low-temperature carbonization of coal that yields one ton of heavy oil from two tons of coal at a cost so low that Japan no longer need be dependent on other nations for its oils. 1932.10.22 — Premier Saito declares in a press interview that the Japanese are excessively nervous about the diplomatic situation and advises more care in not giving offense to the United States through violently anti-American writings. He also says the Soviet proposal of a mutual non-aggression pact, though it requires study, might be acceptable. 1932.10.23 — The press gives prominence to reports from Peiping that military cliques headed by Marshal Tuan Chi-jui, former President of China, are planning to establish an independent state in North China. 1932.10.24 — Army circles are said to favour a local non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union around Manchuli to test its good faith before entering a general non-aggression agreement. 1932.10.24 — Warfare in Shantung Province continues, with a possibility that the Nanking Government will intervene with armed force. 1932.10.26 — The Foreign Office spokesman is credited with saying that a non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union is still considered unnecessary. 1932.10.26 — Secretary of State Stimson, in a public speech, declares that war anywhere is of concern everywhere, which Japanese opinion holds is contrary to the self-defence reservations made by several signatories of the Kellogg-Briand Anti-War Pact. 1932.10.27 — Finance Minister Takahashi declares the War Ministry will not demand the impossible in the appropriation for military expenses during the next fiscal year. 1932.10.28 — Mr. Isaburo Yoshida, Ambassador to Turkey and Japanese assessor with the Lytton Inquiry Commission, leaves for Geneva, carrying with him the Government's statement of observations on the Lytton report. 1932.10.28 — The yen-dollar quotation falls to a record low of $21⅞ in Tokyo and Kobe. 1932.10.29 — After prolonged investigation of a high treason case, the Tokyo District Court imposes life sentences on four of 179 Communists arrested in June, 1931. 1932.10.29 — 120 Japanese women and children in the custody of the Chinese rebels in Manchuli since September 27, are freed and taken across the Soviet border. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. I No. 2 (September 1932) --- (covers 1932.04.02 to 1932.07.28) 1932.04.02 — The Mitsui and Mitsubishi interests intimate to the government leaders their readiness to finance the industrial development of Manchuria to the extent of 20,000,000 yen. Neither security nor interest on the loan is asked for. 1932.04.05 — Mr. Teijo Eguchi, Vice-President of the South Manchuria Railway Co., is forced, for political reasons, to resign his post. 1932.04.05 — The League of Nations Commission of Inquiry leave Hankow for Nanking. 1932.04.06 — Minor clashes between Japanese and Chinese troops occur in several places near the advance posts of the two forces in Shanghai. 1932.04.07 — Count Uchida, President of the S.M.R., wires from Dairen his protest to the Government anent the dismissal of his colleague, Mr. Eguchi, and threatens to resign. Mr. Yoshiaki Hatta is made new Vice-President of the railway company. A serious rift between the military and civil branches of the Government develops in consequence. 1932.04.10 — In a formal note Mr. Hsieh Chiehshih, Foreign Secretary of the Manchukuo Government, warns Nanking of the possible evil consequences of the entry of Dr. Wellington Koo with the League Commission into Manchuria, where any active associate of General Chang Hsueh-liang such as Dr. Koo is unwelcome. 1932.04.12 — A Japanese troop train is blown up at a point about 9 kilometres east of Harbin on the eastern branch of the Chinese Eastern Railway. 14 officers and men are killed, and 32 seriously injured. The explosion is attributed to communist bandits. 1932.04.12 — The Government's budget estimates for 1932 totalling slightly over 1,540,000,000 yen are approved at the Cabinet meeting. 1932.04.12 — In view of a grave communist riot in Amoy the British cruiser Devonshire is despatched to protect the British residents there. 1932.04.20 — The Committee of 19 of the League of Nations approves the draft text of a resolution dealing with the Shanghai truce. Government circles in Tokyo intimate their opposition to the principles and details set forth in the resolution. 1932.04.21 — On condition that he abstain from plotting against the newly created state of Manchukuo, Dr. Wellington Koo is permitted to go to Mukden with the other members of the League Commission of Inquiry. 1932.04.29 — Korean assassins carry out a plot to kill prominent Japanese assembled at a meeting in Hongkew Park, Shanghai, to celebrate the birthday of the Emperor of Japan. A bomb, bursting in the midst of the proceedings, seriously injures General Shirakawa, Commander of the Japanese Expeditionary Force, Vice-Admiral Nomura, Commander of the 3rd Squadron, Mr. Shigemitsu, Japanese Minister to China, and a number of well-known members of the Japanese community in the city. 1932.04.30 — The League Assembly adopts at Geneva the resolution of the Committee of 19 regarding the Shanghai truce negotiations. Japan abstains from voting. 1932.04.30 — Mr. K. Kawabata, Chairman of the Japanese Residents Association and one of the victims of the bomb outrage at Hongkew Park, Shanghai, dies of his injuries. 1932.04.30 — Tokyo indicates its willingness to continue the armistice parleys notwithstanding the bomb incident at Shanghai. 1932.04.30 — The League Commission of Inquiry telegraphs to Geneva their first report on the Manchurian situation. 1932.05.03 — A group of Chinese students attack Mr. Kuo Tai-chi, principal Chinese delegate to the armistice conference, apparently as a protest against his attitude toward the issue under discussion. 1932.05.04 — As an endorsement of his chief's enunciation of American policy regarding Manchuria, Under-Secretary of State Castle repeats that no territorial changes brought about in defiance of the Pact of Paris will be approved by his Government. 1932.05.05 — A formal agreement for cessation of hostilities in the Shanghai area is signed by the Japanese and Chinese representatives, as well as by those of other Powers concerned in the settlement of the dispute. 1932.05.07 — The Chinese delegation at Geneva assert that Japan is conducting, in the Three Eastern Provinces, an aggressive policy which, they contend, runs counter to the League's resolutions of September 30 and December 10. 1932.05.11 — It is officially announced by the Japanese Government that the evacuation of all armed forces from Shanghai will be completed within a month. War Minister Araki hopes that the return to peace conditions will be facilitated by the committee created for enforcing the truce terms. 1932.05.15 — At 5:20 p.m. Tokyo, for a few hours, comes under a reign of terror, as reactionaries, consisting principally of military and naval officers armed with revolvers and explosives, make sudden visits to various key points in the capital. A party of these officers, forcing their way into his official residence at Nagata-cho, shoot Premier Inukai. Simultaneously others make abortive attempts to destroy with bombs the main offices of the Bank of Japan, Mitsubishi Bank, the Metropolitan Police building, the headquarters of the Seiyukai party and other important establishments in and around Tokyo. In ten minutes order is restored by the joint efforts of the police, gendarmes and regulars. Finance Minister Takahashi is made Prime Minister pro tem. 1932.05.17 — Dr. Kisaburo Suzuki, a leading Seiyukai member of the House of Representatives, is appointed head of the Seiyukai party in succession to the late Mr. Inukai. 1932.05.19 — Prince Saionji arrives in Tokyo with a view to furnishing the Throne with counsel regarding the formation of a new Cabinet. 1932.05.26 — Viscount Admiral Saito succeeds in organizing a National Cabinet whose members are drawn from the Seiyukai, Minseto, the House of Peers and other seats of Japan's political leadership as follows: Premier and Foreign Minister, Viscount Makoto Saito; Finance Minister, Korekiyo Takahashi; Home Minister, Baron Tatsuo Yamamoto; Navy Minister, Admiral Keisuke Okada; War Minister, Lieut.-General Sadao Araki; Minister of Justice, Matsukichi Koyama; Minister of Education, Ichiro Hatoyama; Railway Minister, Chuzo Mitsuchi; Communications Minister, Hiroshi Minami; Minister of Commerce and Industry, Baron Kumakichi Nakajima; Minister for Overseas Affairs, Ryutaro Nagai; Minister of Agriculture, Fumio Goto. 1932.05.26 — Another victim of the Shanghai bomb assault, General Shirakawa, Commander of the Japanese land forces in the Shanghai area, succumbs to his injury. 1932.06.06 — Mr. Joseph Clark Grew, the new American Ambassador to Japan, arrives in Tokyo. 1932.06.07 — Representatives of distressed farmers in the hardest-hit rural districts call the attention of the legislature to their situation. 1932.06.08 — The Bank of Japan reduces its official discount rate by .02 per cent. This is for the second time since December last year. 1932.06.10 — The House of Representatives approves a government measure calling for a general increase in tariff rates. 1932.06.10 — The Premier informs the president of the Seiyukai, Dr. Suzuki, of the Government's unwillingness to entertain discussion of the latter's project regarding devaluation of the yen. 1932.06.12 — Premier Saito requests Count Uchida to join his Cabinet as Foreign Minister. 1932.06.14 — Both Seiyukai and Minseito members introduce in the House of Representatives a draft resolution in favour of Japan's prompt recognition of Manchukuo, which is adopted unanimously. The House of Peers gives approval to the tariff bill. The sixty-second session of the Diet closes. 1932.06.18 — Manchukuo proclaims to the world that it considers it within its rights as an independent state to take over those offices of the Chinese Maritime Customs which are located in its territory. All customs receipts, the statement says, are to go to the Manchukuo treasury excepting a portion of the yield which will be reserved for payment of foreign loans and service charges. 1932.06.25 — Mr. J. Fukumoto, Japanese commissioner of the Dairen customs office, is dismissed by China for not remitting the customs revenue to Shanghai. Japan points out to China that the disciplinary step violates the 1907 agreement. 1932.06.27 — The customs offices at Dairen and eight other towns in Manchuria pass out of the jurisdiction of the Chinese Maritime Customs as their officials resign in a body and take oaths of allegiance to the Manchukuo Government. 1932.07.06 — Count Yasuya Uchida is appointed Foreign Minister. 1932.07.15 — The League of Nations Commission of Inquiry headed by Lord Lytton leave Tokyo for Tsingtao after staying in Japan for ten days. 1932.07.17 — A Japanese liaison officer of the Kwantung army, G. Ishimoto, is kidnapped by Jehol soldiers. His captors demand a heavy ransom for his release. 1932.07.22 — Ambassador Matsudaira, Japanese delegate to the Disarmament Conference at Geneva, agrees on the text of the arms resolution, qualifying his assenting vote with a reservation regarding aerial bombardment. 1932.07.23 — The Nanking Government make public their decision to launch a postal blockade against Manchukuo in retaliation for the latter's proposal to initiate a separate postal service. 1932.07.23 — Premier Saito announces his choice of Mr. Yosuke Matsuoka, member of the House of Representatives and former Vice-President of the South Manchuria Railway Co., as one of the Japanese delegates to the forthcoming session of the League Assembly. 1932.07.23 — Mr. Akira Ariyoshi, former Ambassador to Brazil, succeeds Mr. Mamoru Shigemitsu, Minister to China, who was disabled in the bomb outrage at Shanghai. 1932.07.24 — Through the merger of two labour groups, the Social Democratic Party (Shakai Minshu-to) and the Farmer-Labour Party (Zenkoku Rono Taishuto), a united proletarian party, the People's Socialist Party (Shakai Taishuto), is formed with Mr. Isoh Abé as president. 1932.07.25 — Manchukuo takes over the Chinese postal service in Mukden province, Manchuria. 1932.07.26 — Count Hirotaro Hayashi, member of the House of Peers, is made President of the South Manchuria Railway Co. 1932.07.28 — Foreign Minister Uchida explains to the Chinese Minister here, Mr. Chiang Tso-pin, that the Japanese Envoy Plenipotentiary to be sent forthwith to Manchukuo will carry no credentials as a fully accredited diplomatic representative. 1932.07.28 — General Nobuyoshi Muto, a member of the Supreme War Council, is appointed Garrison Commander in the Kwantung Leased Territory, Manchuria. 1932.07.28 — Having secured the status of a full-fledged political party in the Lower House, the Kokusaku Kenkyu Club led by Mr. Kenzo Adachi, Home Minister in the two successive Minseito Cabinets until December last, issues a statement outlining the programme of the new group. An open break results between the Adachi followers and the Minseito, from which most of the 26 members of the K.K.C. were drawn. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. II No. 3 (December 1933) --- (covers 1933.08.01 to 1933.10.31) 1933.08.01 — Prince Yasuhiko Asaka is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General and given command of the Imperial Bodyguard Division, and Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni is promoted to the same rank and placed in command of the 2nd Division. General Nobuyuki Abe, commander of the Taiwan Garrison, is made a member of the Supreme War Council. 1933.08.01 — The second stage of the 1933 naval manoeuvres starts. 1933.08.01 — Government officials and private individuals decide to organize a company to raise sheep in Manchoukuo to supply Japan with wool. 1933.08.02 — The Soviet Union reduces the price demanded for the North Manchuria Railway by 50,000,000, from 250,000,000 gold roubles to 200,000,000 gold roubles. 1933.08.02 — Navy Secretary Swanson refuses to interpret the naval building programmes of Japan and the United States as the beginning of a new armament race. 1933.08.03 — The Foreign Office formally decides to send a delegation of cotton textile industrialists to London to confer with British industrialists. 1933.08.04 — The Tokyo Asahi prints the text of an alleged aeronautical treaty between the United States and China, binding the former to equip China with an air force to use against Japan. The report is denied in Washington. 1933.08.04 — The American State Department denies a rumour that Japan has protested regarding the naval building programme of the United States. 1933.08.05 — France maintains that Japan virtually recognized French sovereignty over the disputed islands in the South China Sea when, in 1930, the Japanese Consulate in Saigon asked the Governor-General of French Indo-China to authorize exploitation of guano deposits on them by Japanese. 1933.08.05 — Manchoukuo claims ownership of the North Manchuria Railway and declares that only the manner of its relinquishment by the U.S.S.R. remains for discussion. 1933.08.05 — Afghanistan appoints Habibullah Khan Tarzi its first Minister to Japan. 1933.08.06 — The Board of Rabbis of the Jewish synagogues of Northern California resolve in favour of the quota system for Japanese immigration. 1933.08.06 — Army leaders are said to favour suspension of the negotiations for purchase of the North Manchuria Railway by Manchoukuo because of the attitude of the Soviets. 1933.08.06 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry shows that Japan alone of the great Powers increased foreign trade in the first half of 1933, exports being up 30.9 per cent. and imports up 24.4 per cent. 1933.08.06 — Marshal Feng Yu-hsiang agrees to leave Chahar. 1933.08.06 — The population of Greater Tokyo is announced as 5,887,319 in 1,237,771 families. The density is 5,246 people to the square kilometre. 1933.08.08 — Foreign Minister Count Yasuya Uchida tells the Soviet Ambassador that Japanese mediation in the deadlock over the sale of the North Manchuria Railway is still considered premature. 1933.08.08 — General Araki tells the Cabinet that banditry in Manchoukuo is steadily lessening, only 70,000 outlaws remaining. 1933.08.08 — The South Manchuria Railway Co. notifies the North Manchuria Railway Co. and the Ussuri Railway Co. that it is abrogating the refunding agreement whereby it reimbursed them for lowering rates on southbound freight. 1933.08.09 — The estimates of new expenditures for the next fiscal year submitted to the Finance Ministry by all departments of the Government total 1,281,000,000 yen. 1933.08.09 — Tokyo, Yokohama and the surrounding country start a three-day period of training in aerial defence, the people being taught what to do in the event of an air raid. 1933.08.10 — The Manchoukuo directors of the North Manchuria Railway threaten to take arbitrary measures unless the Soviet directors agree to equality of management rights. 1933.08.10 — Sir Joseph Bhore, commerce member of the Indian Executive Council, and Sir Frank Noyce, industry and labour member, are named India's delegates to the Simla conference. 1933.08.10 — Japan's mission to the conference with British cotton interests in London sails from Yokohama. 1933.08.10 — The Tokyo press reports that the United States is arranging with Mexico for a naval base in Magdalena Bay. Mexico issues a denial. 1933.08.10 — The mimic aerial war over Tokyo ends with great success, the enemy having been theoretically repulsed. 1933.08.11 — The Soviets say that they are willing to discuss a rouble-yen exchange rate for payment of the sale price of the North Manchuria Railway. 1933.08.11 — Dr. Kisaburo Suzuki, president of the Seiyukai, and Baron Reijiro Wakatsuki, president of the Minseito, indicate unwillingness to accept an offer from Premier Saito to appoint them ministers without portfolio. 1933.08.11 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is said to be in doubt about enforcing the metric system of weights and measures on July 1, 1934, as scheduled, because of opposition agitation. 1933.08.12 — Manchoukuo volunteer troops headed by General Li Shou-shen capture Dolonnor. 1933.08.12 — The California State Chamber of Commerce advocates an immigration quota for Japanese. 1933.08.13 — Seizure of 2,000 bales of cotton yarn of Japanese origin by an anti-Japanese organization near Tientsin is the subject of protest by the Japanese Consulate-General. 1933.08.13 — Six big oil companies revive their syndicate to co-operate in resisting the competition of Mr. Kojiro Matsukata, importer of Soviet gasoline. 1933.08.13 — The Soviet directors of the North Manchuria Railway agree in principle with the Manchoukuo demand for management equality. 1933.08.13 — Marshal Feng Yu-hsiang hands over Chahar to General Sung Che-yuan and leaves Kalgan. 1933.08.13 — Japan's excess of exports to China, Manchoukuo, the Kwantung Leased Territory for the first seven months of the year is given as 68,761,000 yen, three times larger than that during the same period of 1932. 1933.08.13 — Manchoukuo's foreign trade for the first half of the year is announced as: Exports 241,876,000 yen, imports 230,487,000 yen. 1933.08.13 — General Takashi Hishikari, leaving for Hsinking to take up his duties as commander of the Kwantung Army and Ambassador to Manchoukuo, advocates guidance of the new State rather than interference. 1933.08.13 — Dr. Inazo Nitobe, at the opening of the Banff conference of the Institute of Pacific Relations, says that nations threatened with economic strangulation will resort to force. 1933.08.13 — Dr. Fredrick Starr, American anthropologist and admirer of Japan, dies in Tokyo after a trip to Manchoukuo. 1933.08.14 — Seven Manchoukuo gunboats are sent to Hulin, on the Ussuri River, to subjugate bandits and bring the area under the control of the Hsinking Government. 1933.08.15 — Under the personal command of the Emperor, the naval manoeuvres reach their third and final stage. 1933.08.15 — The Soviets are reported building defence works along the north bank of the Amur River. 1933.08.16 — Manchoukuo asks the U.S.S.R. to value the rouble at 25 sen in payments for the North Manchuria Railway, which would equalize the Soviet demand for 200,000,000 roubles and the Manchoukuo offer of 50,000,000 yen. 1933.08.16 — Five Japanese soldiers are killed and eight wounded in engagements with Manchurian bandits. 1933.08.16 — France lowers the import quota of fish from Japan. 1933.08.16 — Success is reported in the raising of silk in North Manchuria. 1933.08.16 — Osaka's three largest private banks decide on a merger, which will have deposits of 995,000,000 yen. 1933.08.17 — Foreign Vice-Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu meets with wool traders and representatives of shipping companies to discuss Japan's wool supply. Complete dependence on Australia is thought inadvisable. 1933.08.18 — The procurator asks eight years' imprisonment for the 11 former army cadets being court-martialled for participation in the May 15 incident, and the defence requests a stay of execution. 1933.08.18 — Mr. Renzo Sawada, Charge d'Affaires in Paris, presents to the French Government Japan's objections to occupation of the disputed islands in the South China Sea. 1933.08.18 — The leader of the Filipino delegation to the Banff conference says that the Japanese alone will benefit from the independence of the Philippines. 1933.08.19 — Lord Marley, British pacifist, and Dr. Martreaux, deputy mayor of Brussels, are allowed to land at Kobe only on condition that they take the next boat to Shanghai, where they will attend the world anti-war conference, believed by the authorities to be sponsored by the Third International. 1933.08.19 — A schedule of higher tariff rates on certain imports from Japan is awaiting approval in Washington to bring their prices up to a level with those of domestic goods. 1933.08.19 — Professor T. Gregory, British delegate to the Banff conference, says that a world war is inevitable unless an outlet is granted to Japanese products. 1933.08.21 — The reloading of goods starts at Pogranichnya between the North Manchuria Railway and the Ussuri Railway as the result of a Manchoukuo-Soviet agreement. 1933.08.21 — The Japanese delegation at the Banff conference gives assurance that Japan has no desire to annex Manchoukuo. 1933.08.21 — Mr. Alex. H. Buckman, young American radical, agrees to leave Japan when examined by the police for communist activities. 1933.08.22 — The New Zealand tariff commission is told that Japan will undoubtedly cancel wool orders if discriminatory rates are instituted against Japanese goods. 1933.08.22 — Sir Herbert Samuel supports the Japanese proposal at the Banff conference for reorganization of peace machinery in the Pacific area. 1933.08.23 — Baron Reijiro Wakatsuki, president of the Minseito, assures Premier Saito that his party will continue to support the Cabinet. Petitions for leniency toward the May 15 incident defendants are said to total 63,340, some of them written in blood. 1933.08.23 — The Chinese Legation in Tokyo announces that Finance Minister T. V. Soong will not confer with Japanese leaders, contrary to previous reports. 1933.08.23 — Field-Marshal Nobuyoshi Muto's widow renounces for his family the title of Baron conferred on him posthumously. 1933.08.24 — The Emperor reviews the Imperial Navy in Yokohama Harbour, 161 ships and 180 aeroplanes participating. 1933.08.24 — Mr. Henry L. Roosevelt, Assistant Navy Secretary, says in San Francisco that the United States intends to build its fleet to full treaty strength. 1933.08.24 — The Lancashire cotton mission leaves London for the Simla conference. 1933.08.24 — The final blast in drilling the famous Tanna Tunnel is set off. The new railway is to be in use by the autumn of 1934. 1933.08.25 — The decline of the dollar against sterling sends the yen exchange rate up to 27 cents. 1933.08.25 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against a long list of border outrages. 1933.08.25 — The Kwantung Army protests to the Chinese against the appointment of a Chinese as governor of Hsinglung-hsien, most of which lies within Manchoukuo. 1933.08.25 — The Soviet delegation issues a statement revealing that Mr. B. Y. Kozlovsky has charged the Manchoukuo delegation with trying to rupture the North Manchuria Railway sale negotiations. 1933.08.25 — The Chinese at the Banff conference say the wrongs of Manchoukuo must be righted before negotiations can start on new peace machinery for the Pacific. 1933.08.26 — Count Michimasa Soyeshima says in Ottawa that the growth of the U.S. navy is becoming a menace to world peace. 1933.08.26 — The Women's International League of Peace and Freedom asks President Roosevelt to stop the building of warships and repeal the Exclusion Act. 1933.08.27 — To forestall upward revision of tariffs at the expiry of the 1930 cotton textile protection act, which might prejudice the Indo-Japanese trade talks, a bill is introduced by the Government in the Indian Assembly to prolong the act until March 31, 1934. 1933.08.28 — Three warships are ordered to Foochow to protect Japanese lives and property from the advance of a communist army. 1933.08.28 — Dr. Kisaburo Suzuki of the Seiyukai suggests policies on the foreign affairs, Manchoukuo, economy and industry, national defence and finance in his reply to Premier Saito's request for the support of the Seiyukai. 1933.08.28 — Final evidence is heard in the court-martial of the naval officers involved in the May 15 incident. 1933.08.28 — The Supreme Court receives thousands of petitions asking for mitigation of the death sentence against the assassinator of Premier Yuko Hamaguchi. 1933.08.28 — The Ussuri Railway Co. protests to the South Manchuria Railway Co. against the latter's abrogation of the refunding agreement. 1933.08.28 — Representatives of 7,500 Mexican workers in Southern California truck gardens ask the State National Recovery Act Board to end what they describe as their exploitation by Japanese employers. 1933.08.28 — Mr. Gonsuke Imai, head of the silk mission to the United States, announces that 2,000,000 yen will be spent annually for three years to promote the use of silk in America. 1933.08.29 — Mr. Matsukata's organization for importing Soviet gasoline, begins a price war with the five leading companies which hitherto controlled the market, including British and American interests, by selling five gallons for 1.90 yen compared with their 2.10 yen. 1933.08.29 — The Government decides to ship 4,500,000 yen in gold bullion to London to meet various payments abroad. 1933.08.29 — New anti-Japanese organizations are reported in 55 districts of Kwantung Province and 15 other districts in South China. 1933.08.29 — The Manchoukuo census taken at the end of December shows a population of 30,929,000, of whom 1,400,000 are Japanese and Koreans. The Kwantung Leased Territory and the South Manchuria Railway Zone are included. 1933.08.29 — Ambassador Constantin Yurenev denies to the Foreign Office the reports of Soviet incursions into Manchoukuo. 1933.08.29 — A resolution is adopted in the Philippine Legislature for investigation of possible claims the Philippines may have to the islands in the South China Sea under dispute among France, Japan and China. 1933.08.30 — Sir Joseph Bhore, commerce member of the Indian Executive Council, tells the Legislative Assembly that exports of raw cotton to Japan have doubled despite the Indian boycott. 1933.08.30 — The Finance Ministry announces a bond issue of 300,000,000 yen at 4 per cent. interest, the first at this low rate since 1910, maturing in 25 years. 1933.08.30 — Admiral William H. Standley's announcement that the Atlantic Fleet will be kept in the Pacific is interpreted by the Navy Ministry to mean that the Roosevelt Administration regards the Far Eastern situation is not yet settled. 1933.09.01 — A new ruling that foreign vessels entering Vladivostok must take on and pay for Soviet pilots is interpreted as an attempt to exclude Japanese vessels. 1933.09.01 — The 10th anniversary of the great earthquake and fire of 1923 is observed with impressive ceremonies. 1933.09.01 — Admiral Naomi Taniguchi, former Naval Chief of Staff, is placed on the reserve list. Though poor health is the official explanation, rumour links his retirement with the criticism of high naval officers by the defendants in the May 15 case. 1933.09.01 — Counsellor Edwin L. Neville, of the American Embassy, asks the Foreign Office to investigate the Japanese origin of narcotics smuggled into the United States. 1933.09.01 — Regular traffic opens on the Tunhua-Tumen section of the Hsinking-Tumen Railway, bringing the Manchoukuo capital closer to the Korean border. 1933.09.01 — Police forestall an intended march to Tokyo from Osaka by members of the Seisanto, a reactionary group, to ask clemency for the defendants in the May 15 case. 1933.09.01 — The Manchurian Telegraph, Telephone & Radio Corporation starts business, taking over all the services formerly operated by the Manchoukuo and Kwantung Governments. 1933.09.02 — Mexico, wishing to withdraw the privilege of special treatment for Japanese residents, asks Japan for revision of their trade convention. 1933.09.02 — The Ussuri Railway files a protest with the South Manchuria Railway Company against renunciation of the 1921 agreement on proportional distribution of Manchurian freight, and Soviet reports allege that the South Manchuria Railway Company is trying to make the North Manchuria Railway unprofitable, thereby forcing the U.S.S.R. to sell it more cheaply. 1933.09.02 — A Japanese unit routs 3,000 bandits, killing about 600, at Shihmenchai, in the Great Wall district. 1933.09.02 — The specie coverage of the Bank of Japan declines to 26.2 per cent. 1933.09.03 — Thirty-nine miscellaneous Indian industries ask protection from Japanese competition. 1933.09.03 — The Bombay Mill Owners' Association invites cotton textile interests throughout India to send representatives to Bombay to meet the Japanese delegation to the Simla conference. 1933.09.03 — August trade statistics for Panama show that Japan has displaced Britain as second largest supplier of imports. 1933.09.04 — An allegation in the Daily Herald that Japan is secretly manufacturing submarine parts beyond the treaty restriction is officially denied. 1933.09.04 — Of the 1,763 Communists convicted, on trial or under examination, 348 are said to have renounced their revolutionary doctrines and promised reform. 1933.09.04 — Japanese shipbuilders receive a formal invitation to bid on the construction of 50 warships for Brazil, to be paid for partly in coffee. 1933.09.04 — Japan's visible foreign trade for August shows an export excess of 32,663,000 yen. Though this is 10,636,000 yen less than last year, the January-August balance shows a decrease of 44,689,000 yen in the import excess. 1933.09.05 — The Kwantung Army announces that the number of bandits in Manchoukuo has been cut in half since the Mukden outbreak. Figures for the first six months of 1933 show Japan to be the world's second largest rayon-manufacturing country, surpassed by only the U.S. 1933.09.06 — Indication is given that the Kwantung Army will take decisive measures if the Chinese violate the Tangku truce by sending troops into the demilitarized zone to put down banditry. 1933.09.06 — The index number of wholesale prices in Tokyo on August 31 shows a rise of 49.2 per cent. since the gold embargo was imposed in December, 1931, but that of retail prices shows a rise of only 10.9 per cent. 1933.09.07 — Mr. Norman Davis, American disarmament delegate, emphasizes to Sir John Simon that the U.S. naval building programme is in no sense an unfriendly gesture towards Japan. 1933.09.07 — Imperial sanction is obtained for the recall of the 6th Division from Manchuria and the sending of one company each from the 1st, 4th, 7th and 12th Divisions to replace part of the Tientsin garrison due to return home. 1933.09.07 — The Foreign Office wants 1,700,000 yen in the next budget for an international cultural bureau to direct and control Japanese cultural enterprises at home and abroad. 1933.09.07 — Britain postpones the proposed revision of duties on silk and rayon in view of the forthcoming Anglo-Japanese trade discussions. 1933.09.07 — Mr. Andre d'Olivier, director of the French Association for Economic Expansion, who is visiting in Manchoukuo, is expected to make a formal proposal regarding investments. 1933.09.07 — Japan's efficiency in the manufacture and marketing of cotton textiles is praised in the Indian Legislative Assembly, which passes the bill to extend until March the Cotton Textile Protection Act, obviating the possibility of higher tariffs on Japanese textiles. 1933.09.07 — Manchoukuo rejects a Soviet demand that 15 cars of the Ussuri Railway seized at Pogranichnya be returned, pointing to the retention of 3,100 cars of the North Manchuria Railway in Soviet territory. 1933.09.08 — The third Lushan conference of Nanking leaders is said to have decided on relaxation of China's anti-Japanese policy for a sufficient period to permit development of national strength. 1933.09.08 — The three British officers of the steamer Nanchang, captured by Chinese pirates in March, are returned safely to Newchwang through the efforts of the Japanese and Manchoukuo authorities. 1933.09.08 — Manchoukuo announces a new trade-mark law based on the principle of equality instead of reciprocity. 1933.09.09 — War Minister Araki, in outlining the army's views on national policy, tells Finance Minister Takahashi that Japan must expand its defences. 1933.09.09 — American companies are reported intent on monopolizing aerial navigation rights in China. An aerodrome is allegedly projected for Foochow, where China is bound by treaty with Japan to allow no foreign concessions. 1933.09.10 — Dr. Yotaro Sugimura, former deputy secretary-general of the League of Nations, leaves for an extended trip through China. 1933.09.10 — Manchoukuo files a new protest with the U.S.S.R. regarding the seizure of White Russians from a Manchoukuo steamer by Soviet secret police. 1933.09.10 — The League of Nations Union of Canada reaffirms non-recognition of Manchoukuo. 1933.09.11 — Death is asked by the procurator for three of the naval officers who participated in the May 15 incident, life imprisonment for three, six years' imprisonment for three, and three years' imprisonment for one. 1933.09.11 — Japan's growing influence in the Dutch East Indies market induces Dutch cotton textile interests to petition Government protection. 1933.09.11 — The Daily Express prints an imaginary report that Japan and the U.S. plan to approach Britain for revision of the Washington and London naval treaties. 1933.09.11 — Mr. Peter Fleming, special correspondent of the Times, London, starts a series of articles on Manchoukuo with the assertion that the new State is benefiting by Japan's tutelage. 1933.09.11 — More thorough control of oil is provided in a plan which the Ministry of Commerce and Industry intends to submit to the Cabinet. 1933.09.12 — The North Saghalin Oil Company is reported ready to resume negotiations for the importation of 300,000 tons of Soviet crude oil. 1933.09.12 — The Government plans to provide funds to finance the storing of rice by farmers until a better price is assured. 1933.09.13 — Admiral Osumi, Navy Minister, tells the United Press correspondent in Tokyo that changed conditions make it necessary for Japan to demand a larger naval ratio in 1935. A Navy Department spokesman in Washington hints that such a demand would open the whole question of fortifications in the Pacific. 1933.09.13 — Reports that Japan intends to take steps to counteract Chinese propaganda when the League Council meets are minimized by the Foreign Office. 1933.09.13 — Seventeen proletarian lawyers are arrested on the charge of belonging to the Communist Party. 1933.09.13 — The Holy See appoints Monsignor Paolo Marella as Apostolic Delegate to Japan. 1933.09.14 — Mr. Koki Hirota becomes Foreign Minister, Count Uchida resigning because of poor health. 1933.09.14 — Washington is reported to regard Mr. Hirota's appointment as a further step in consolidating nationalistic sentiment, though it thinks that he will be friendly towards the U.S. 1933.09.14 — Minister Akira Ariyoshi exchanges views in Nanking with Mr. Wang Ching-wei, President of the Executive Yuan. 1933.09.15 — Mr. Rumney Remer, Conservative M.P., severely denounces the Government for "doing nothing about the menace of Japanese trade competition," and the Daily Express predicts a Parliamentary revolt unless something is done. 1933.09.15 — Premier Saito declares that Admiral Osumi was giving his personal opinion when saying that Japan will demand a larger naval ratio in 1935. The Government has not yet committed itself. 1933.09.15 — The police ban is lifted on news of the arrest of 600 Communists in Nagano Prefecture, many of them primary school teachers, between February and June. 1933.09.15 — Manchoukuo and Japan celebrate the first anniversary of Japan's recognition of the new State. 1933.09.15 — Mr. Chokiuro Kadono, who has been helping prepare for the Anglo-Japanese trade talks in London, believes that it will be easy to conclude a new Indo-Japanese trade treaty. 1933.09.15 — The People's Council of the Dutch East Indies approves higher import duties. 1933.09.15 — The airmail service of the Manchoukuo Aviation Company is extended to Jehol Province. 1933.09.16 — Foreign Minister Hirota, in a statement of policy, says that particular attention must be paid to relations with China, the U.S.S.R. and the U.S. and that an economic accord with Britain is indispensable. 1933.09.16 — Admiral Osumi sends a circular note to naval stations and squadrons asking that all members of the navy use the utmost prudence in speech and conduct. This, he says, is the wish of Fleet Admiral Heihachiro Togo. The move is taken to indicate that the demands of the procurator in the naval court-martial of the May 15 case defendants has created a furore of protest among naval subordinates. 1933.09.17 — Finance Minister Takahashi denies that he has approved of all the army and naval budget demands, though he recognizes the need to give priority to their consideration. 1933.09.17 — Mr. W. Randolph Hearst, refuting charges that he is anti-Japanese, says that adequate preparedness on the part of both Japan and America will help to maintain mutual respect and peace. 1933.09.17 — The San Francisco News supports the quota system for Japanese immigration into the U.S. 1933.09.18 — Naval defendants declare that they were tricked into saying that they were mistaken in their motive for participating in the May 15 incident. 1933.09.18 — China is reported about to revise tariffs in a way that will help Sino-Japanese trade. 1933.09.18 — The South African Minister of Commerce forecasts the early imposition of special restrictions on the importation of Japanese and other cheap foreign goods. 1933.09.18 — The Government members of the Japanese delegation arrive in Simla for the Indo-Japanese trade talks. The industrialist members are assured by the chairman of the Bombay Mill Owners' Association that the tariffs on Japanese goods were not raised because of ill feeling towards Japan. 1933.09.18 — Bubonic plague, causing many deaths, is fought in the neighbourhood of Taonan and Kaitung, Manchoukuo. 1933.09.18 — The Banking Bureau of the Finance Ministry drafts plans for a small loan company, modelled on the American system, to accommodate the general public. 1933.09.19 — The 11 army cadets involved in the May 15 case are all sentenced to four years' imprisonment. 1933.09.19 — The United States Treasury Department issues orders aimed at checking the importation of electric light bulbs and rubber-soled canvas shoes from Japan. 1933.09.19 — Overseas Minister Ryutaro Nagai suggests to the Cabinet radical changes in the parliamentary system. Though attention is attracted, his proposals are thought too visionary to be adopted. 1933.09.20 — Japanese consuls from all parts of Manchoukuo meet in Hsinking to discuss various problems, including abolition of extra-territoriality. 1933.09.20 — The hearings in the court-martial of the naval defendants in the May 15 case end with a request by the defence that mild penalties be imposed. 1933.09.20 — Six months' imprisonment, with a stay of execution for five years, is imposed on the young reactionary who broke into the office of the Soviet trade representative in Tokyo with a sword in July. 1933.09.20 — Japanese wool buyers, anxious to break complete dependence on Australia, contract for 10,000 bales of Uruguayan wool and receive offers from Chilean sellers. 1933.09.20 — Official denial is made of a report in the Times, London, that fortifications are being increased on Chichijima, one of the Bonin Islands, in violation of the Washington Treaty. 1933.09.21 — Agreement in principle is reached by the authorities concerned on the policy of temporarily reducing the rice acreage in Japan proper and the colonies. 1933.09.21 — The Board of Trade Journal, London, emphasizing that Japanese competition in India is increasingly severe and steadily widening in range of articles, reveals that Japanese imports into India during the April-June quarter amounted to 15.5 per cent. of the entire value of the import trade compared to 13.1 per cent. in the corresponding period of 1932. 1933.09.21 — The Soviet Union protests to Japan against an alleged plan on the part of the Manchoukuo authorities, instigated by Japan, to effect illegal changes in the administration of the North Manchuria Railway. 1933.09.21 — Naval members of the Supreme Military Council discuss revision of the law defining the prerogatives of the Supreme Naval Command to prevent such interference by the civilian side of the Government as occurred when the London Naval Treaty was concluded. 1933.09.21 — A severe earthquake takes several lives and does much damage in the Noto Peninsula district on the Japan Sea. 1933.09.21 — Japan's exports to the Soviet Union decline by 64 per cent. during the first seven months of 1933, but Soviet exports to Japan gain by 38 per cent. 1933.09.22 — Red Cross organizations in 63 countries, it is announced, have been invited to send delegations to the 15th International Red Cross Congress in Tokyo next year. 1933.09.22 — A formal note is launched by the Japanese military attache in Peiping to the Chinese military command in North China, demanding that Chinese troops not enter the demilitarized zone even to deal with the invasion of General Fang's rebel forces. 1933.09.22 — The fifth formal session of the North Manchuria Railway sale conference fails to break the deadlock, each side demanding that the other make fresh proposals. 1933.09.22 — Pertinax reports from Paris that about August 28 the Soviet Ambassador failed in efforts to attain a Franco-Soviet understanding against Japan. 1933.09.22 — The army cadets sentenced for participation in the May 15 incident waive appeal. 1933.09.22 — Important personnel changes in the powerful Mitsui organization are interpreted by the press as a move toward "modification of capitalism for the benefit of society" under the influence of the May 15 incident. 1933.09.22 — The British Colonial Secretary notifies Jamaica that it is urgent that no tariff measures be taken against Japanese goods pending the outcome of the Anglo-Japanese trade parley. 1933.09.23 — The Simla conference opens. 1933.09.24 — The British Post Office explains that it is powerless to expedite the delivery of mail to China sent through Siberia if China refuses to accept mail bags from Manchoukuo. 1933.09.25 — A unit of the Kwantung Army concentrates at Miyun to punish the invasion of the demilitarized zone by General Fang's rebel forces. 1933.09.25 — The Japanese delegation to the Simla conference proposes that the status quo be maintained until the end of the conference, despite the termination of the Indo-Japanese trade convention on October 10. 1933.09.25 — The League Assembly opens without the participation of Japan. 1933.09.25 — The Izvestia condemns the failure of Japan to pay the North Manchuria Railway for transportation of troops, a matter on which negotiations are still proceeding. 1933.09.25 — The Finance Ministry estimates that the yield of taxes will increase by 80,000,000 yen during the next fiscal year. 1933.09.25 — The Dutch Prime Minister, arriving in London to confer with Prime Minister MacDonald, says that Japanese competition in the Dutch East Indies is very strong. 1933.09.25 — Representatives of Lancashire workers oppose plans to meet Japanese competition by allotting more looms to each weaver, thus reducing costs. 1933.09.25 — The law concerning the new Japan Iron Manufacturing Company, to be formed by the merger of the Government Steel Works and about eight large private iron and steel companies, goes into force. 1933.09.26 — The U.S.S.R. demands that Manchoukuo immediately release six Soviet employees of the North Manchuria Railway who have been arrested. 1933.09.26 — Japan's envoys abroad are informed by the Foreign Office that the latest military operations in North China are aimed solely at compelling observance of the Tangku truce. 1933.09.26 — The twenty civilians implicated in the May 15 incident go on trial. 1933.09.26 — British and Indian textile interests are said to have agreed that steps must be taken to cope with rayon imports into India from Japan. 1933.09.26 — Hawaiian contractors protest against the alleged dumping of Japanese cement, which is being used by even the U.S. army authorities. 1933.09.26 — Returning members of Japan's silk mission to the U.S. report a successful trip. 1933.09.27 — The situation in North China eases with the gradual withdrawal of the Chinese rebels from the demilitarized zone. The Kwantung Army drops bombs on forces trying to re-enter the zone. 1933.09.27 — India agrees to Japan's proposal for treaty relations beyond October 10, and Ambassador Matsudaira is informed by the British Foreign Office that India is willing to extend the trade convention until November 10. 1933.09.27 — The revised Naval General Staff Ordinance, which will go into force on October 1, elevates the rank of the Chief of the Naval General Staff and frees him from the Navy Ministry in determining important matters of policy. 1933.09.27 — Japan's cotton textile exports since the first of the year show gains despite rising tariff barriers. 1933.09.27 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is studying a plan to increase Japan's trade with South American countries. 1933.09.28 — The Soviet Ambassador and Foreign Minister Hirota discuss the North Manchuria Railway situation, the former reportedly calling attention to the arrest of Soviet employees of the line by Manchoukuo and urging expedition of the sale negotiations. 1933.09.28 — Soviet officials of the North Manchuria Railway protest to their Manchoukuo colleagues concerning the action of the chief comptroller, a Manchurian, in causing the arrest of responsible Soviet employees. The Soviet general manager appoints other Soviet citizens to the posts of those arrested, but the Manchoukuo officials refuse to recognize them and appoint Manchurians. 1933.09.28 — The cruiser Kent, flagship of the British Asiatic Fleet, arrives at Yokohama on a goodwill visit. 1933.09.28 — The Indian State of Mysore opens a trade bureau in Tokyo under the auspices of the British Embassy. 1933.09.29 — The army, in a semi-official statement, says that the growth in military strength of the U.S.S.R. makes it essential for Japan to build up its defences. 1933.09.29 — Japan notifies Britain that it accepts the draft formula for extending the Indo-Japanese trade convention until November 10. 1933.09.30 — Moscow reveals that Japan has been threatened with publication of documents alleged to show its complicity in a plan to seize the North Manchuria Railway. A Habarovsk report claims that the arrest of Soviet employees of the line was ordered by Mr. Chuichi Ohashi, head of the Manchoukuo delegation in the Tokyo negotiations for the purpose of influencing the Soviet delegation. 1933.09.30 — American plans for a 28-year programme to keep the navy at treaty strength are reported, but Washington officials say that they have not received official consideration. Navy Secretary Swanson, in Honolulu on an inspection trip, reiterates his strong support of a treaty-strength navy. He says that talk of Japanese-American antagonism is nonsense. 1933.09.30 — Dr. V. K. Wellington Koo warns the League Assembly that all signs in the Far East point to a major conflict within the next few years and appeals for enforcement of the League Covenant. 1933.09.30 — Agricultural ills receive prominence in the trial of the civilian defendants in the May 15 case. 1933.09.30 — The Minseito, outlining its foreign policy, advocates more friendly relations with other countries and support of Manchoukuo. 1933.09.30 — The Irish delegate to the League Assembly assails the defect in peace machinery revealed by the Manchurian conflict. 1933.09.30 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei, President of the Executive Yuan and acting Foreign Minister, says that smooth solution of the Manchurian problem will require patience. 1933.09.30 — Germany raises the tariff on cheap electric light bulbs from Japan and other countries. 1933.10.01 — Foreign Minister Hirota is described as indignant at Dr. V. K. Wellington Koo's denunciation of Japan at the League Assembly, and it is said possible that the Minister to China will call to the attention of Chinese leaders Japan's interpretation of this as further evidence of the insincerity of their recent utterances in favour of inviting no fresh trouble with Japan. 1933.10.01 — Finance Minister Takahashi assures the public that taxes will not be increased during the next fiscal year. 1933.10.01 — The revised Pension Law, checking the yearly increase in pension costs and eventually bringing a reduction, goes into effect, as also does legislation to prevent exploitation of child labour. 1933.10.01 — Abyssinia is reported to have granted a concession of nearly 3,000,000 acres to Japanese colonists for cultivation of cotton and opium. 1933.10.02 — India studies Japan's proposal that the tariff on Japanese cotton goods be cut from 75 to 50 per cent. Japanese rayon manufacturers decide to send representatives to the Simla conference, but only to explain their position, not to negotiate. 1933.10.02 — The War Office declares unwise from the standpoint of national defence the proposal that the production of rice be curbed to help raise its price. 1933.10.02 — Navy Secretary Swanson says that the Atlantic fleet of the U.S. navy will be returned from the Pacific to the Atlantic "at a proper time." Senator R. B. Russell sees a stay in the Pacific of "many more years." 1933.10.02 — Mr. Joseph Compton, new chairman of the British Labour Party, is critical of Japan in addressing the party's annual conference. 1933.10.02 — Japan's excess of exports during the third quarter of the year cuts the year's excess of imports to 69,734,000 yen. 1933.10.02 — Belgium announces that it will re-open its Consulate at Harbin, which was closed soon after the Manchurian outbreak. 1933.10.02 — The Izvestia is critical of the light sentence imposed on the Japanese who broke into the office of the Soviet trade representative in Tokyo. 1933.10.03 — The first of a series of important conferences on national defence, diplomacy and finance is held by Premier Saito and the Foreign, Finance, War and Navy Ministers. 1933.10.03 — The Foreign Office is said to be vexed at the refusal of the U.S.S.R. to exempt Japanese vessels from the new regulation requiring a special pilot for entering Vladivostok, which is regarded as unreasonable. 1933.10.03 — The Japanese delegation in Simla is asked if Japan will agree to control cotton cloth exports to India, accepting a quota. 1933.10.03 — Sudden transfer to the Naval Staff Office of Vice-Admiral Ken Terajima after appointment only seventeen days ago as commander of the Training Squadron causes surprise and rumours of trouble in naval circles. 1933.10.03 — The Soviet Consul-General in Harbin protests to Manchoukuo regarding several North Manchuria Railway incidents. 1933.10.03 — The Mukden arsenal turns out two airplanes, the first ever built in Manchoukuo. 1933.10.04 — Announcement is made of Japan's acceptance of the modus vivendi proposed by India for temporary extension of the Indo-Japanese trade agreement. 1933.10.04 — The Layman's Foreign Mission Inquiry recommends in New York cessation of Japanese missionary work, convinced that Japan can develop its own leadership. 1933.10.04 — The New York Daily News urges the U.S. Government to recognize Manchoukuo and the U.S.S.R. 1933.10.04 — The New York World Telegram advocates the quota system for immigrants from Japan and other Asiatic countries. 1933.10.04 — The Japanese cotton textile industrialists' representatives in Simla meet for the first time with Indian and British industrialists. 1933.10.04 — A Soviet protest is made to the Manchoukuo chairman of the North Manchuria Railway against the arrest of Soviet employees, alleging illegal interference with the railway administration. 1933.10.05 — Japan tells India that it is ready to consider a cotton cloth quota system in exchange for a reduction in the Indian tariff, but opposes the proposal to fix a corresponding minimum quota for Indian raw cotton to be bought by Japan. 1933.10.05 — Because of this year's exceptionally large rice crop, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry decides to recommend even greater curtailment of production than originally planned. 1933.10.05 — The new Polish Minister to Tokyo, Mr. Michal Moszcicky, presents his credentials to the Emperor. 1933.10.05 — The annual conference of the British Conservative Party defeats a resolution urging an embargo on Japanese merchandise. 1933.10.05 — The Soviet Consul-General in Harbin demands that Manchoukuo immediately draw up a formal indictment of the arrested employees of the North Manchuria Railway or release them. 1933.10.05 — Mr. Toshio Shiratori, Minister to Sweden, suggests in Seattle that the U.S. recognize Japanese "racial equality" as a means of settling the immigration issue. 1933.10.05 — The Silk Association of Great Britain protests against the Government's decision not to revise the silk and rayon duties pending the Anglo-Japanese trade discussions. 1933.10.06 — The Bureau of Statistics announces that Japan's population made a record increase of 1,007,398 in 1932, showing a gain of 145,305 compared with the previous year. 1933.10.06 — Viscount Kikujiro Ishii, returning to Tokyo from the London Economic Conference, is reported to advocate an arbitration treaty with the U.S. 1933.10.06 — Mr. Habibullah Tarzi, first Afghan Minister to Japan, reaches Tokyo. 1933.10.07 — Pressure on the military to reduce its budget demands is reported strong in the secret discussions of five State Ministers on defence, diplomacy and finance. 1933.10.07 — Imperial sanction is given to the extension until November 10 of the Indo-Japanese trade convention. 1933.10.07 — Mr. Chiang Tso-pin, the Chinese Minister to Tokyo, says before sailing from Shanghai to resume his post, that he wishes to work for "a really friendly relationship" between Japan and China, though he has not been instructed to open formal negotiations. General Chiang Kai-shek, he adds, is determined to restore friendship. 1933.10.07 — The Nanking Foreign Office, commenting on reports that Japan desires more favourable import duties on Japanese goods, states that China is willing to consider any reasonable proposal to remove the difficulties created by the expiration of the Sino-Japanese commercial treaty, but cannot accord tariff advantages to Japan at present. 1933.10.07 — A closer understanding of each other's views results from conversations between the Japanese and Lancashire industrialists' representatives at Simla. 1933.10.08 — The Soviet Government publishes four allegedly official documents indicating preparations by Japanese and Manchoukuo authorities to seize the North Manchuria Railway. 1933.10.08 — The forces of the Kwantung Army engaged in preventing violation of the demilitarized zone in North China by Chinese rebels, start to withdraw to the Great Wall. 1933.10.09 — The Foreign Office declares that the documents published by the Soviets are fabrications. 1933.10.09 — The fall mass meeting of the Seiyukai in Tokyo, which is poorly attended, is disturbed by reactionaries distributing handbills denouncing all political parties. 1933.10.09 — The text of the extension of the Indo-Japanese trade convention is published. 1933.10.09 — Manchoukuo announces that foreign trade during the first fiscal year, from July 1, 1932, to June 30, 1933, totalled 587,960,970 haikwan taels, with a favourable balance of 201,997,170 haikwan taels. The total was smaller than in the previous year because of the uncertain maintenance of order. 1933.10.10 — Talk is heard of withdrawing Japan's good offices in the Soviet-Manchoukuo railway negotiations because of indignation at the Soviet document publication. The Tass correspondent in Tokyo is subjected to criticism for distributing to newspapers the texts of the documents. 1933.10.10 — Baron Wakatsuki, president of the Minseito, defends the London Naval Treaty, which he helped to negotiate as head of the Japanese delegation, asserting that it has benefited Japan. 1933.10.11 — The Japanese delegation at the Inter-Parliamentary Union parley succeeds in having deleted from the report of the commission on colonial problems a clause stating that decisions regarding revocation of colonial mandates should lie with the League Council. 1933.10.11 — The Soviet Ambassador and Foreign Minister Hirota discuss the North Manchuria Railway situation. 1933.10.11 — Concentration of Soviet forces in the Far East is said to be continuing. League circles show concern; the British press seems sympathetic towards Japan, and Washington sees in the publication evidence of Soviet confidence in its strength. 1933.10.11 — After a deadlock of some weeks, the conference of North Manchuria Railway directors resumes consideration of Manchoukuo's demand for a greater share in the management of the railway. 1933.10.11 — Unemployment in Japan was less by 52,800 at the end of June compared with the year before, standing at 428,700, according to the Home Ministry. 1933.10.11 — An ordinance goes into effect requiring the Government's permission for the importation of rice. 1933.10.11 — Mr. Kensuke Mitsuda announces progress in the development of an anti-leprosy vaccine. 1933.10.12 — Baron Wakatsuki's defence of the London Naval Treaty is attacked in naval and Seiyukai circles. 1933.10.12 — Japan's boycott of Indian raw cotton is said to be rigorously effective. 1933.10.12 — The Chinese Minister exchanges courtesies with Foreign Minister Hirota. 1933.10.12 — Foreign Minister Hirota is the guest of the U.S. Ambassador at a dinner arranged to let him exchange views with leading American newspaper correspondents on Japanese-U.S. relations. 1933.10.12 — The Special Service Department of the Kwantung Army announces a Japanese-Manchoukuo industrial control plan, embracing four industries, to avoid duplication of efforts. 1933.10.12 — The American Federation of Labour reaffirms its opposition to revision of the Exclusion Act. 1933.10.12 — New Zealand intends to strengthen its defences. 1933.10.13 — Two of the arrested Soviet employees of the North Manchuria Railway are released in Harbin. 1933.10.13 — The Emperor and the Empress donate funds for a social hall to be built by the Japanese Salvation Army in San Francisco. 1933.10.13 — Japanese cotton spinners oppose the Indian proposal to set quotas for Indian purchases of Japanese cotton cloth and Japanese purchases of Indian raw cotton. 1933.10.13 — A Japanese destroyer flotilla starts for Foochow following the arrest of a Japanese policeman and five other Japanese. 1933.10.14 — The Foreign Office charges the U.S.S.R. with intent to mislead world opinion in publishing the N.M.R. documents. There is great annoyance at the delay of the Soviet authorities in vising the passports of three Japanese consuls-general recently named to Soviet posts. 1933.10.15 — Japan shows great interest in Germany's withdrawal from the League and the disarmament conference, and the press predicts that foreign policy will have to be revised. 1933.10.15 — Premier Saito denies press reports of a division of opinion in the special Ministerial conference, which he says is intended only to permit an exchange of views. 1933.10.15 — The Japan-Australia Society, Tokyo, cables to high Australian officials, calling attention to the serious situation that may result from reduction of the tariff on British goods. Manchoukuo plans to open commercial offices in nine cities in the Japanese Empire during the next fiscal year. 1933.10.15 — Apparently subjected to pressure both inside and outside the Minseito, Baron Wakatsuki abandons his defence of the London Naval Treaty. 1933.10.15 — Senator Honnorat, former French Education Minister, arrives in Japan to deliver a series of lectures at the Maison Franco Japonaise in Tokyo. 1933.10.15 — Dr. Inazo Nitobé, noted publicist, dies following an operation at Victoria, B.C. 1933.10.15 — The arrest of 162 students of Tokyo Imperial University on a charge of Communism is announced. 1933.10.15 — The international convention of the Disciples of Christ, in Pittsburgh, urges that Japanese immigration into the U.S. be put on the quota basis. 1933.10.16 — Japan's foreign policy will not be modified in the slightest by Germany's leaving the League, the Foreign Office spokesman says. 1933.10.16 — The naval authorities state that conditions within and without Japan make realization of the second replacement programme imperative. 1933.10.16 — Viscount Ishii is received in audience by the Emperor to report on the World Economic Conference. 1933.10.16 — Naval air corps are to be established on November 1 at the Omura naval depot, Hokkaido, and the Ryojun naval station, Kwantung Leased Territory. 1933.10.16 — Navy Secretary Swanson declares at Bremerton that America's "best guarantee of peace is a treaty navy second to none." He again denies that the U.S. policy is aimed at Japan or any other country. 1933.10.16 — Chancellor of the Exchequer Neville Chamberlain declares in a speech at Nottingham that Japanese trade competition "does not seem susceptible to treatment by means of tariff arrangements." 1933.10.16 — Wireless telephone tests between Tokyo and Sydney prove successful. 1933.10.17 — Political observers in Moscow profess to believe that U.S. recognition of the U.S.S.R. would "prove an effective brake" to Japanese "anti-Soviet" adventures. 1933.10.17 — India presents at the Simla conference definite counter-proposals covering the importation of cotton textiles and Japanese purchases of Indian raw cotton. 1933.10.17 — Manchoukuo arranges to turn over to China 141 towns along the Great Wall. 1933.10.17 — The report of a French loan to the South Manchuria Railway Company is denied in Paris. 1933.10.18 — The army members of the Supreme Military Council state that the entire army is behind War Minister Araki's views on national policy. 1933.10.18 — Manchoukuo claims that the arrest of three Soviet nationals on an island in the Amur River on September 29 is legally just. 1933.10.18 — The Peiping authorities thank the Japanese army for its help in clearing the demilitarized zone of rebels. 1933.10.18 — Disliking the payment terms, Japanese shipbuilders decide not to bid on the construction of Brazilian warships. 1933.10.18 — Statistics published in London show that Japan led the world in trade expansion during the first six months of the year. 1933.10.19 — A Nanking press report of China's intention to cancel the Sino-Japanese wireless agreement of 1918 brings talk of a protest by Japan. 1933.10.19 — Significance is attached to the arrival in Peiping of Minister Ariyoshi because of the rumours of a Sino-Japanese rapprochement. 1933.10.19 — The Bank of Japan announces that 905,100,000 yen have been invested in industrial promotion and expansion during the first nine months of the year. 1933.10.19 — Ambassador Mamoru Nagai calls to the attention of the German Government the growing prejudice in Germany against Japanese. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry decides to found a large trading company exclusively to promote trade with Central and South America. 1933.10.19 — In a letter to the British Navy League, the Navy League of America declares that the U.S. renounced at the Washington conference its right to adequate naval bases in the Far Pacific in the belief that Japan's signature to the Nine-Power Treaty assured the integrity of the open door in China and also in the hope that Japan would be convinced of American friendship. Other nations, however, made no corresponding concession, and therefore the U.S. cannot consent to new naval reductions. 1933.10.20 — The Cabinet announces that the special Ministerial conference has reached an agreement on defence, diplomacy and finance. Lieutenant-General Araki, War Minister, and Lieutenant-General Iwane Matsui are promoted to the rank of General. 1933.10.20 — A contract is announced between the Association Nationale d'Expansion Economique, of Paris, and the South Manchuria Railway Company, with the approval of Manchoukuo and the Kwantung Army, for French investments in Manchuria. An investment syndicate is to be organized. Other French, Belgian and American capitalists are said to be planning similar arrangements. 1933.10.20 — The South Manchuria Railway Company decides to spend 58,200,000 yen next year for new enterprises. 1933.10.20 — The Japanese and British non-official cotton textile delegations in Simla are said to have reached an understanding on fundamental points. All negotiations are transferred from Simla to New Delhi. 1933.10.20 — The Japan Chamber of Commerce decides to join the movement of small businessmen and industrialists against the excessive protection given by the Government to co-operative societies. 1933.10.20 — Communists stone the Japanese Minister's residence in Mexico City. 1933.10.21 — The Cabinet approves the basis of Japan's new foreign policy embodied in the agreement of the conference of five Ministers that Japan stresses the importance of world peace and intends to attain its objects through diplomatic methods, at the same time seeing to it that national defence is sufficient to protect itself from foreign threat and is in keeping with national strength. 1933.10.21 — The German Foreign Minister assures Ambassador Nagai that there will be no discrimination against Japanese. 1933.10.22 — Dr. Yotaro Sugimura, travelling in China, says that a political rapprochement between Japan and China will be difficult until the Nanking Government becomes stronger. 1933.10.22 — Prince Iyesato Tokugawa arrives in Geneva to make preparations for the Red Cross Congress in Tokyo next year. 1933.10.23 — Ambassador Debuchi is given permission to return to Tokyo, and it is expected that he will not go back to Washington. 1933.10.23 — The Japanese Embassy in Washington reports a petition for assistance from Mr. Ichiji Shimizu, a 35-year resident of Guam, whom the island authorities have notified to surrender his land and the sailing permit for his trading vessel because of new regulations forbidding ownership of land by aliens. The Foreign Office starts an investigation. 1933.10.23 — Japan is shown to lead the world in the export of rayon textiles. 1933.10.23 — Mr. Setsuro Sawada answers India's latest proposals, accepting the principle of linking the import of cotton piecegoods into India with Japan's purchase of Indian raw cotton. 1933.10.24 — The annual grand army manoeuvres begin in Fukui Prefecture under the command of H.I.M. the Emperor. 1933.10.24 — Japan's three largest domestic oil firms, the Nippon Oil Company, the Mitsubishi Oil Company and the Ogura Oil Company, agree to merge to cope with foreign competition. 1933.10.24 — A Joint Japanese-Manchoukuo company, capitalized at 10,000,000 yen, to exploit Manchurian gold deposits is announced by the Kwantung Army. 1933.10.24 — Five Soviet employees of the North Manchuria Railway are arrested in Harbin on a charge of communist activities. 1933.10.25 — The Nanking Foreign Office denies that direct Sino-Japanese negotiations are impending. 1933.10.25 — The prospect for an Indo-Japanese trade agreement brightens as India moves a little closer to the Japanese figure for the quota on cotton textile imports. 1933.10.25 — Dr. Niels Nielson, Danish-American missionary, is freed after six months of being held captive by bandits in Manchuria. 1933.10.25 — Further details of Manchoukuo's gold mining programme indicate that all deposits in Kirin and Heilungkiang provinces and the northern part of Khingan Province will be reserved for the new company under Japanese-Manchoukuo semi-official management. Control of the lumber industry is also contemplated. 1933.10.25 — Mr. Walter Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, declares that he takes Japanese competition very seriously, but thinks it necessary not to lose a sense of proportion. 1933.10.25 — The Rice and Grain Control Commission fixes a minimum of 22.70 yen and a maximum of 30.50 yen per koku as the provisional rice prices until the middle of December. 1933.10.26 — Ambassador Naotake Sato tells the steering committee of the disarmament conference that Japan will sit patiently by until the European Powers have reached decisions on the European phase of the disarmament question. 1933.10.26 — The Accounts Bureau of the Finance Ministry completes inspection of the appropriation demands for the next budget and recognizes a proposed total of 2,050,000,000 yen. Cabinet manoeuvring, however, is expected to swell this figure. 1933.10.26 — Rear-Admiral William H. Standley declares that the U.S. Navy is undermanned, badly in need of repairs and unable to engage in effective warfare. 1933.10.26 — Japanese exports to Britain are said to have gained by about 50 per cent. during the past year. 1933.10.26 — Egyptian spinners are worried by the low price of Japanese cotton yarns appearing on the European markets. 1933.10.27 — India stands firm on its latest offer, which the Japanese claim is still inadequate. The Anglo-Japanese non-official trade discussions in Bombay are concluded with adoption of a resolution favouring adjustment of competition by common consent. 1933.10.27 — The Soviet Union announces 50 per cent. reductions in train fares for trans-Siberian travellers, making this route between the Far East and Europe cheaper than the sea route. 1933.10.27 — The Mitsui Gomei Kaisha publishes a survey of 1,450 joint-stock companies showing that 1,128 had profits during the first six months of 1933 and only 122 had losses. 1933.10.27 — The U.S. Ambassador thanks Foreign Minister Hirota for Japan's part in rescuing Dr. Nielson from the bandits in Manchoukuo. 1933.10.27 — Assistant Navy Secretary H. L. Roosevelt says that the U.S. Navy is in an unfavourable position compared with other navies. 1933.10.28 — Because his statement to the steering committee of the arms conference was misunderstood, Ambassador Sato assures Mr. Norman H. Davis, U.S. delegate, that Japan has no intention of leaving the conference and that its attitude towards disarmament has not been changed by recent developments. 1933.10.28 — Thirty thousand employees of the South Manchuria Railway Company protest against the plan of the Kwantung Army to take over the virtual control of the company and make fundamental changes. 1933.10.28 — Baron Wakatsuki makes a stirring plea in a political speech for maintenance of the existing political and economic systems. He indicates that he will have nothing to do with the Seiyukai merger proposal if its purpose is to overthrow the Saito Cabinet. 1933.10.28 — On the departure of the British trade delegation from Bombay, an agreement with the Indian mill owners is made public that gives promise of a reduction in the Indian tariff on Lancashire cotton textiles. Lancashire is grateful but regards the proposed reduction as too small to be of any help. 1933.10.28 — Japanese cotton industrialists centre opposition on the provision in the Indian proposal for division of cotton textiles into different grades and the allotment of separate quotas for them for each quarter of the year, which would tend to make it impossible to take full advantage of the total quota. 1933.10.28 — Manchoukuo arranges to liquidate 12,000,000 yen of the old regime's indebtedness. 1933.10.28 — Finance Minister T. V. Soong, regarded as the most anti-Japanese of Nanking statesmen, tenders his resignation. 1933.10.29 — General Araki proposes in a press interview that a conference of the Powers interested in the Far East be held in Tokyo to promote peace. 1933.10.29 — Dr. Seiichi Kishi, president of the Tokyo Bar Association and closely associated with Japan's participation in the Olympic Games as head of the Japan Athletic Association, dies in Tokyo. 1933.10.29 — Navy Minister Osumi asserts his intention to enforce the second replacement programme. 1933.10.29 — The Bank of England arranges to finance reform of the Lancashire cotton industry. 1933.10.29 — Ambassador Debuchi informs the Foreign Office that the U.S. Government has given assurance that no action will be taken against Japanese residents in Guam pending a full investigation of the situation. 1933.10.30 — General Araki's conference proposal is criticized in Government and private circles, and it is claimed that he spoke without previous consultation with the other Cabinet members, thus putting Foreign Minister Hirota in an embarrassing position. 1933.10.30 — The Kwantung Army's plan to control and reorganize the South Manchuria Railway Company causes much comment in Tokyo. The Overseas Ministry is said to be offended because it was not consulted on the matter. 1933.10.30 — The Opium Advisory Committee of the League decides not to send to Manchoukuo the forms for opium statistics, fearing that this might be taken as recognition. 1933.10.31 — General Araki denies a rumour that he intends to resign, thus forcing the Cabinet to fall, and hits back at critics of his conference proposal. 1933.10.31 — Foreign Minister Hirota's dinner for business men interested in Soviet trade is said to have resulted in a general agreement that effort must be made to improve Japanese-Soviet relations. Mr. Hirota is quoted as saying, however, that it is advisable to wait until the Soviet attitude, as revealed in the recent publication of alleged Japanese documents, changes. Similar meetings are to be held by the Foreign Minister with business men interested in trade with the U.S. and China. 1933.10.31 — Manchoukuo rejects a new Soviet demand for restoration of freight connections between the North Manchuria Railway and the Ussuri Railway at Pogranichnya. 1933.10.31 — The British-American Tobacco Trust completes negotiations with Manchoukuo for construction of a factory at Liaoyang. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. I No. 4 (March 1933) --- (covers 1932.11.01 to 1933.01.31) 1932.11.01 — The plight of the Japanese refugees from Manchuli at Manzovskaya spurs the authorities to speed assistance. Further efforts are made, without success, to obtain the release of those still held by General Su Ping-wen, commander of the anti-Manchukuo forces along the eastern section of the Chinese Eastern Railway. 1932.11.02 — The League agrees to Japan's request for postponement of the League Council's meeting for one week until November 21 to allow time for publication of the Japanese statement of observations on the Lytton report. 1932.11.03 — Plans are announced for a joint-stock company financed with Manchukuo and Japanese capital to take over and operate the old arsenal in Mukden for the manufacture of industrial equipment. 1932.11.03 — United States Customs Commissioner F. X. A. Eble instructs customs collectors to suspend appraisement of all shipments of Japanese tuna, salmon and electric light bulbs pending investigation of whether or not they are being "dumped." 1932.11.03 — First mail and passenger aeroplane of new service to cities in Manchuria leaves Osaka. 1932.11.04 — Mr. Matsuoka, on his way to represent Japan in Geneva, discusses Japanese-Manchoukuo-Soviet relations with Foreign Commissar Litvinov and Vice-Commissar Karakhan in Moscow. The latter says the Soviets can not understand Japan's hesitancy in concluding a non-aggression pact, to which Mr. Matsuoka is reported as replying that personally he can see no insurmountable barrier to the pact. 1932.11.04 — The South Manchuria Railway Company and Chosen government authorities announce plan to expend 40 million yen on harbour construction at Rashin, in North Chosen. 1932.11.04 — The Philippine Legislature adopts a bill repealing the statute limiting import duties to 100 per cent., which alarms Japanese doing business with the islands. 1932.11.05 — The son of Mr. Mitsuru Toyama, known as the Robin Hood of Japan, is arrested with other reactionary leaders in connection with a plot to assassinate Premier Saito and many other prominent men. 1932.11.05 — The Soviet icebreaker Sibiriakov reaches Yokohama from Archangel after the first successful voyage through the Northeast Passage in modern times. 1932.11.07 — Finance Minister Takahashi wins the tentative assent of the Cabinet to keeping "budget deficit" bonds within 810.8 million yen during the next fiscal year. 1932.11.07 — The Finance Ministry announces that 30 million yen of Manchoukuo National Foundation Bonds are to be floated shortly in Japan, secured by the Kirin and Heilungkiang gabelle revenue and the opium revenue of all Manchoukuo. 1932.11.09 — Finance Minister Takahashi, yielding to demands in the Cabinet, consents to additional expenditures during the next fiscal year of 120 million yen, of which 90 million is for the army and navy to divide among themselves as they please. 1932.11.09 — Japanese leaders welcome the election of Governor Roosevelt to the presidency of the United States, believing that he will pursue a more conciliatory foreign policy and help business to recover. 1932.11.09 — To encourage sheep breeding with a view to national independence in wool production, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry imports 233 sheep from Australia. 1932.11.10 — Finance Minister Takahashi allows an additional five million yen to the army to expedite its division with the navy of the 90 million yen granted to them yesterday. The army thus obtains 50 million yen and the navy 45 million. The budget estimates now total 2,235 million yen, of which 1,510 million is in the normal budgets of the ministries and 725 million in supplementary demands. As revenue is estimated at 1,330 million yen, the deficit of 905 million is to be met by issuing bonds. 1932.11.10 — General Su Ping-wen is reported to be concentrating for an attack on Tsitsihar. 1932.11.11 — The autumn army manoeuvres open near Osaka under the direction of the Emperor. 1932.11.11 — Mr. Katsuji Debuchi, the Ambassador to Washington, whose retisal has been rumoured, starts back to his port by way of Europe. 1932.11.11 — The police in Hyogo and Aichi prefectures claim to have discovered two reactionary plots of serious nature. 1932.11.11 — Mr. A. Ariyoshi, the Minister to China, advises on his return to Tokyo that Japan be calm about relations with the Chinese. 1932.11.11 — The Manchoukuo bonds of 30 million yen to be floated in Japan, it is announced, will be accorded the same treatment as Japanese Government bonds. 1932.11.12 — Members of the Manchoukuo-Japanese commission to negotiate with General Su Ping-wen for the release of Japanese prisoners arrive in Soviet territory. 1932.11.12 — The Home Ministry announces that 510,901 men and women were out of work on July 1, an increase of 29,312 compared with June 1. 1932.11.14 — The most severe storm in two decades sweeps over Japan, killing more than fifty persons and doing wide damage. 1932.11.14 — General Su Ping-wen refuses, through the Soviet Government, to negotiate with the Japanese-Manchoukuo commission sent to Manzovskaya. 1932.11.15 — General Kazunari Ugaki, Governor-General of Chosen, denies widespread rumours that he is visiting in Tokyo to enter politics as a leader of the Minseito. 1932.11.15 — Radio telephone communication is established between Tokyo and Geneva for broadcasting purposes during discussion of the Sino-Japanese dispute. 1932.11.16 — Small cavalry and infantry force leaves Tokyo for Manchuria to participate in operations against General Su Ping-wen, for which the Japanese army is concentrating at Tsitsihar. 1932.11.16 — Plans are announced for a 22-hour telephone service between Tokyo and Hsinking, the capital of Manchoukuo, to be inaugurated in the spring. 1932.11.16 — The press reports that provision for abolition of extra-territoriality in Manchoukuo within five years is included in a treaty of commerce and industry being drafted by the Foreign Office. 1932.11.16 — Manchoukuo customs returns for October show a decrease in trade with China and a marked gain in trade with Japan. 1932.11.17 — The army is understood to be planning a stronger force in Manchuria through further mechanisation and expansion of aerial defence. 1932.11.17 — Overseas Minister Ryutaro Nagai advocates at the first meeting of the Manchuria-Japan Economic Committee, composed of officials of the Overseas Ministry and business men, that heavy investments be made in Manchuria to develop the country. 1932.11.18 — The Izvestia declares that the Soviet Union is not opposed to a non-aggression pact with Manchoukuo, but only if it can sign a similar pact with Japan. 1932.11.18 — Mr. Matsuoka upholds Japan in a Geneva interview as the guardian of peace and order in the Far East. 1932.11.18 — The index of Tokyo retail prices during the month ending November 15 shows a gain of 1.1 per cent., making it higher than a year ago by 8.75 per cent. 1932.11.20 — The Government publishes its statement of observations on the Lytton report, denying the accusations of the commission, stressing the internal disorder of China and asking recognition of the status quo in Manchuria as the only way to stabilize Far Eastern peace. 1932.11.20 — The capture of Paichuan is said to have routed rebel troops in a large area of North Manchuria. 1932.11.20 — Twenty-one fugitives from prison camps in the Soviet Union who have escaped to Japan are handed over to the Soviet authorities, though a number of patriotic organizations are opposed. 1932.11.21 — The League Council, opening its sessions to deliberate on the Sino-Japanese dispute, hears Mr. Matsuoka challenge portions of the Lytton report. 1932.11.21 — A mass meeting of nearly 100,000 persons in Tokyo demands firmness towards the League of Nations on the Manchurian issue. 1932.11.21 — The Manchoukuo Foreign Minister issues a statement calling on the League of Nations to recognize realities in Manchuria. 1932.11.21 — The State Department in Washington is understood to consider Japan's observations on the Lytton report untenable in many respects from the standpoint of the United States. 1932.11.22 — Mr. Matsuoka categorically denies recrudescent rumours that Japan has discussed a political agreement and financial assistance with France. 1932.11.22 — General Su Ping-wen releases forty-two more Japanese prisoners in Manchuli, most of them women and children, who enter Soviet territory. 1932.11.23 — Plans are announced for inauguration of wireless telephone service between Japan and the rest of the world in 1934. 1932.11.24 — Mr. Matsuoka is visited by Mr. Norman W. Davis, the American representative in Geneva, who is reported to have sounded out Japan's attitude towards transferring the Manchurian dispute to a conference of the Nine-Power Treaty signatories. 1932.11.24 — The Lytton commission decides that nothing said by Japan or China has made it necessary to change its report. 1932.11.24 — The Soviet Government, it is learned, has intimated its desire to have the Manchoukuo-Japanese commission to negotiate with General Su Ping-wen leave Soviet territory, feeling certain that its mission is futile. 1932.11.24 — The Finance Ministry issues a new set of regulations requiring banks engaged in foreign exchange transactions to report fully each day to the Bank of Japan. The aim is believed to be to prevent the yen from falling below 20 dollars by closer supervision of exchange deals. 1932.11.25 — Finance Minister Takahashi assures the Cabinet that there is no need to feel concern about the large budget for the next fiscal year. 1932.11.25 — The first Japanese refugees from Manchuli reach Japan by way of Vladivostok. 1932.11.26 — Tokyo instructs Mr. Matsuoka that only in exceptional circumstances would Japan acquiesce in the proposed transfer of the Sino-Japanese dispute from the League Council to the Assembly. 1932.11.27 — Manchoukuo cables a statement to the League Secretariat disputing findings of the Lytton commission and again asserting that the new State was founded on the self-determination of the people. 1932.11.27 — Strained relations between the Seiyukai and the Cabinet are reported. 1932.11.28 — League Council transfers the Sino-Japanese dispute to the Assembly. Mr. Matsuoka reaffirms Japan's reservation against application of Article 15 of the League Covenant. 1932.11.28 — Baron Wakatsuki, president of the Minseito, announces that his party, despite opposition to the inflation policy, will support the cabinet in the coming session of the Diet. 1932.11.28 — A syndicate of Japanese banks agrees to take over the 30 million yen Manchoukuo loan. The selling price is set at 96.50 yen. 1932.11.28 — The sixteenth anniversary of the introduction of military conscription in Japan is celebrated. 1932.11.29 — The press revives rumours of negotiations for a non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union. 1932.11.29 — Mr. Matsuoka is reported to have told Mr. Davis that he would like to visit the United States to discuss the Manchurian affair after the League deliberations have ended. 1932.11.30 — A feeling that Japan should do something to facilitate the League of Nations in disposing of the Manchurian affair is intimated in official quarters, but difficulty is seen in devising a plan that does not affect the status of Manchoukuo. 1932.11.30 — The yen-dollar exchange rate reaches a new low, 19.75 dollars. 1932.12.01 — The Committee of 19 approves convocation of the League Assembly on December 6. The League Secretariat circulates a document by Mr. Matsuoka refuting statements made in the Council by Dr. Wellington Koo. 1932.12.01 — The Soviet Union consents to Japan's request that General Su Ping-wen be asked if he will reconsider his stand and negotiate. This is to be the limit of Soviet endeavours. 1932.12.01 — Finance Minister Takahashi assures the Japan Economic Federation that the national budget will return to normal by the 1935-36 fiscal year. 1932.12.01 — Representatives of the striking employees of the Singer Sewing Machine Company call at the American Embassy and present their side of the strike, which has been in progress for some weeks. 1932.12.01 — Kao Wen-sun, notorious leader of ten thousand bandits west of the Liao River, pledges allegiance to Manchoukuo. 1932.12.02 — The War Office flatly denies a report issued by the Chinese Legation in London that Japanese troops have massacred three thousand Chinese around Fushun. 1932.12.03 — Anti-Manchoukuo troops around Chalantun retreat in the face of a vigorous Japanese attack. Japan assures the Soviet Union that any damages to the Chinese Eastern Railway during the present operations will be repaired. 1932.12.03 — The United States Secretary of the Navy, in his annual report says that Japan leads the three signatories of the London naval treaty in the number of combatant ships in commission, with two hundred and nineteen to Britain's one hundred and eighty-seven and America's one hundred and forty-eight. 1932.12.03 — The Finance Ministry decides to organize a commission to appraise holdings in Japan of bonds and debentures in foreign currencies, which it may find necessary to buy in the future. 1932.12.03 — General Chiang Kai-shek denies reports that he favours direct negotiations with Japan. 1932.12.03 — The League Secretariat for the first time circulates statements of the Manchoukuo Government submitted by the Japanese delegation. 1932.12.04 — General Su Ping-wen and a large number of his followers flee across the Soviet border, where they are disarmed and interned. 1932.12.05 — Ambassador de Madariaga, of Spain, proposes to eight small Powers that a united front be formed against Japan, but no agreement is reached. Dr. Wellington Koo issues a statement in reply to Japan's observations on the Lytton report. 1932.12.05 — The Japanese troops operating along the western section of the Chinese Eastern Railway enter Hailar. 1932.12.05 — Prices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange continue to rise in anticipation of inflation. 1932.12.05 — Manchoukuo announces the appointment of Mr. A. H. F. Edwardes, a British subject of long experience in China, as an adviser. 1932.12.05 — The destroyer Sawarabi capsizes in heavy seas between Formosa and China, drowning one hundred and four. 1932.12.05 — Fifty members of the Seiyukai adopt a resolution of non-confidence in the Saito Cabinet. 1932.12.06 — The League Assembly opens, first hearing Dr. Yen and Mr. Matsuoka present the stands of their governments and then representatives of other States, some of them decidedly opposed to Japan. 1932.12.06 — Japanese troops enter Manchuli, near the Soviet border. Viscount Kikujiro Ishii, veteran diplomat, is selected to visit Europe to exchange views on the Manchurian question. 1932.12.07 — The representatives of small Powers continue their criticism of Japan in the League Assembly. 1932.12.08 — Mr. Matsuoka demands withdrawal of a resolution presented to the Assembly by several of the small Powers which denies the legitimacy of Japan's actions in Manchuria and warns of unforeseen consequences unless this is done. Sir John Simon proposes creation of a commission to conciliate the Sino-Japanese dispute. 1932.12.08 — Washington officials indicate that the United States would participate in conciliation only if Japan and China gave assent. 1932.12.08 — Japanese and Chinese troops clash near Shanhaikwan. 1932.12.09 — The Assembly refers the dispute to the Committee of 19, asking it to draw up proposals for a settlement. 1932.12.09 — Japan's request to the Soviet Union that General Su Ping-wen be handed over is rejected. 1932.12.09 — Lancashire cotton goods interests plan mass meetings to protest alleged dumping of Japanese textiles in India and other parts of the British Empire. 1932.12.10 — Japan announces its plan for naval disarmament, designed to lessen the power of attack and strengthen the power of defence, changing the London ratio of 10:10:6.3 to 10:10:7.78 and providing for regional conventions to determine the maximum tonnage actually to be retained by individual countries within the framework of a general convention. American comment shows disappointment, but British and European comment sees some good points. 1932.12.11 — The Soviets announce that they cannot negotiate with the Japanese on the fate of General Su Ping-wen. 1932.12.11 — Mr. Kaku Mori, influential member of the Seiyukai and exponent of the "Back to Asia" movement, dies. 1932.12.12 — China and the Soviet Union announce in Geneva resumption of diplomatic relations, which arouses concern in Tokyo. 1932.12.13 — The British Ambassador calls on Count Uchida to inquire about Japan's attitude towards the proposed Sino-Japanese conciliation commission. Count Uchida declares that Japan can agree to nothing which requires a change in her established policy. 1932.12.13 — The Committee of 19 appoints a sub-committee of five members to draft a resolution on the Sino-Japanese dispute. 1932.12.14 — Manchoukuo announces progress in the liquidation of debts contracted by the old regime. 1932.12.14 — Allegations of "dumping" of Japanese goods in the African colonies and Ceylon are aired in the British House of Commons. 1932.12.15 — The Committee of 19 approves two draft resolutions and an expose de motifs to be submitted to the Assembly for adoption if Japan and China give assent, providing for a conciliation commission and implying non-recognition of Manchoukuo. 1932.12.15 — During fifteen months of fighting in Manchuria, 1,161 Japanese soldiers have been killed and 2,574 wounded, the War Office announces. 1932.12.16 — Co-operation among Japan, Manchoukuo, China and the Soviet Union is essential, says a spokesman of the Japanese Embassy in Hsinking, adding that the Soviet Union will probably be friendly towards Japan and Manchoukuo despite the rapprochement with China. 1932.12.16 — The Pravda, Moscow, declares that China will undoubtedly soon be Sovietized. 1932.12.16 — Fourteen lives are lost when the Shirokiya department store in Tokyo burns. Japan's first large fire in a modern building. 1932.12.17 — Japan rejects the formula of the Committee of 19 and suggests changes. 1932.12.17 — The residence of the Japanese Consul General in Tientsin is bombed. 1932.12.18 — The necessity of an independent Manchoukuo for peace in the Far East is asserted in a joint declaration of 132 Japanese newspapers and news agencies. 1932.12.18 — Chang Hsueh-liang is said to be concentrating troops near Shanhaikwan. 1932.12.19 — The index of Tokyo retail prices shows a gain of 4.4 points to 146 during the month ending December 15. 1932.12.19 — Hokuichi In, the Korean who threw the bomb which killed General Shirakawa, head of the Japanese force in Shanghai, is shot by a firing squad. 1932.12.20 — The Committee of 19 adjourns until January to allow time for negotiations with Japan and China on a conciliation formula. Japan continues determined not to sacrifice its principles. 1932.12.21 — The third plenary session of the Central Executive Committee and the Central Control Committee in Nanking is reported to have adopted resolutions to resist Japan and support the anti-Manchoukuo volunteers. 1932.12.22 — The Kokumin Domei, Mr. Adachi's Fascist party, is formally inaugurated in Tokyo and announces a platform advocating abolition of the Cabinet system of government and readjustment of international relations. 1932.12.22 — General Muto formally presents his credentials as Japanese Ambassador to Mr. Henry Pu-yi. 1932.12.23 — The South Manchuria Railway Company expresses a desire to have small investors in China and Manchoukuo participate with Japanese investors in all its future enterprises. 1932.12.23 — A Korean, Marquis Eiko Boku, is the first of his race to be appointed to a seat in the House of Peers of the Japanese Diet. 1932.12.24 — Business on the Tokyo Stock Exchange is more active than at any other time since 1920. 1932.12.24 — Ambassador Debuchi arrives in the United States. 1932.12.25 — Press reports from Nanking attribute the Sino-Soviet rapprochement to the advice of the American Minister to China. 1932.12.26 — The Emperor formally opens the Sixty-fourth Diet. 1932.12.26 — The U.S.S.R. is reported unwilling to join the League in efforts to conciliate the Sino-Japanese question. 1932.12.26 — General Ho Chien, chairman of the Honan Provincial Government, protests to the Nanking Government that resumption of relations with Moscow will stimulate Communist activity in China. 1932.12.27 — The Diet recesses until January 20. 1932.12.27 — A military conference called by Chang Hsueh-liang is reported discussing measures to resist Japanese entrance into Jehol, where troop movements are causing uneasiness. 1932.12.27 — An agreement with China to let the Soviet develop Northwestern China is reported. Activities of Soviet trade is visible in Shanghai. 1932.12.28 — The Soviet Ambassador discusses the proposed non-aggression pact with Count Uchida, but no details are made public. Premier Saito is again quoted as saying a non-aggression pact with the U.S.S.R. is necessary for Far Eastern peace. 1932.12.28 — The War Office announces plans to increase the number of men in the units stationed in Manchuria and to strengthen them with aeroplanes, automobiles, heavy artillery and other equipment to enable effective operations over a large area. Improvements are to be made throughout the army to facilitate national defence. Four hundred officers pledge three per cent. of their salaries to a fund for improving army equipment. 1932.12.28 — Two brigades of Chang Hsueh-liang's troops enter Jehol. 1932.12.28 — Two hundred and seventy-one Korean Communists are formally charged with sedition, murder and arson. 1932.12.30 — Mr. Hikoichi Motoyama, president of the Osaka Mainichi and the Tokyo Nichi Nichi, two of Japan's largest newspapers, dies. 1932.12.30 — A census shows that the Japanese Empire had on August 31, 103,915 automobiles. 1932.12.31 — The War Office considers warning Chang Hsueh-liang of the dangers of his operations in Jehol. 1933.01.01 — Fighting breaks out between Japanese and Chinese troops at Shanhaikwan, the gateway to North China. 1933.01.02 — A note of warning is sent to Chang Hsueh-liang by the Japanese garrison headquarters in Tientsin, recalling the terms of the Sino-Japanese protocol of 1901. 1933.01.02 — Japanese troops occupy Shanhaikwan. 1933.01.02 — Mr. Matsuoka spends an hour with Premier Mussolini in Rome, discussing the Manchurian issue. 1933.01.07 — The British Ambassador calls on Count Uchida to ask if there is no way to end the conciliation impasse in Geneva. 1933.01.07 — A drive starts eastward from Muling on the east-to line of the Chinese Eastern Railway to remove anti-Manchoukuo elements. 1933.01.07 — Japanese troops enter Pogranichnya, near the Soviet border. 1933.01.07 — Ambassador Debuchi explains to Secretary Stimson that Japan is exerting every effort to localize the Shanhaikwan incident. 1933.01.07 — Chang Hsueh-liang sends reinforcements towards Shanhaikwan. 1933.01.06 — Mr. Matsuzo Nagai, former Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, is offered the post of Ambassador to Berlin. 1933.01.07 — The Kwantung Army announces that the Jehol situation is being aggravated by the military preparations in North China. The army declines the offer of the commander of the British Asiatic Squadron to mediate in the Shanhaikwan affair. 1933.01.07 — The Soviet Union asks Japan's agreement on Mr. Constantin K. Yurenev to succeed Mr. Alexander Troyanovsky as Ambassador to Tokyo. 1933.01.07 — Plans are announced for a conference of young men of all Asiatic races in Tokyo in the Autumn. 1933.01.09 — Admiral Keisuke Okada resigns as Navy Minister because of poor health and is succeeded by Admiral Mineo Osumi, who had held the post in the Inukai Cabinet. 1933.01.09 — General Li Tu, commander of anti-Manchoukuo forces in the eastern part of North Manchuria, flees with three thousand followers into Soviet territory. 1933.01.09 — Mr. Joseph Stalin, speaking in Moscow, says that the Five-Year Plan was delayed by the necessity of manufacturing war materials because of complications in the Far East and the refusal of certain countries to sign non-aggression pacts. 1933.01.09 — Japan's foreign trade figures for 1932 show imports of 1,457,245 thousand yen and exports of 1,324,316 thousand yen, giving a much smaller excess of imports than in 1931. 1933.01.09 — China informs the League of a protest to Japan on the Shanhaikwan fighting, alleging Japanese responsibility. 1933.01.09 — Reaction ends the so-called inflation boom on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. 1933.01.10 — A Japanese detachment occupies Chiumenkow, near Shanhaikwan, blocking the Chinese from entry into Jehol in this direction. 1933.01.10 — Trade returns for the first ten days of 1933 show the usual seasonal excess of imports over exports. 1933.01.11 — Negotiations are reported in progress between Mr. Sugimura, Deputy Secretary-General of the League, and Sir Eric Drummond for a new conciliation formula. 1933.01.12 — Nanking announces that it regards the Shanhaikwan fighting as part of the whole Manchurian incident and refuses to negotiate on it as a local matter. 1933.01.13 — The War Minister is said to have told the Cabinet that the army will endeavour to stay within Manchoukuo, despite Chinese aggravation. 1933.01.13 — The Shanghai Chinese Chamber of Commerce urges all trade organizations to sever economic relations with Japanese. 1933.01.15 — Fresh preparations in China to resist Japan are reported. An air raid is made on Hails, headquarters in Jehol of an anti-Manchoukuo force endangering Tungliao. 1933.01.15 — The Chinese in Geneva protest the manner in which China is being ignored by the League in the negotiations with Japan for a conciliation formula. 1933.01.16 — Moscow announces that Japan replied on December 13 that the time is not considered suitable for a non-aggression pact, preferring to settle first all outstanding disputes and set up a Japan-Manchoukuo-Soviet committee to deal with frontier incidents. On January 4, Moscow submitted a note disagreeing with the Japanese arguments. The pact offer remains open. 1933.01.16 — Tokyo is surprised at publication of the correspondence. 1933.01.16 — The State Department in Washington announces that the missions in Europe have been informed that the Manchurian policy of the U.S. remains unchanged. 1933.01.16 — The Committee of 19 agrees to await fresh proposals from Japan, which objects to part of the Sugimura-Drummond formula. 1933.01.17 — President-elect Roosevelt is reported ready to continue the Stimson policy towards Manchuria. Tokyo hopes, however, that there will be a change in manner. 1933.01.18 — Without considering the Japanese counter-proposals, the Committee of 19 asks Tokyo to accept the original formula with the provision for inviting the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. to aid in conciliation deleted. 1933.01.18 — The police ban is lifted on a nation-wide round-up of seven thousand Communists in 1932, including prominent educators and young members of prominent families. 1933.01.18 — Strikers wreck the Yokohama office of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, leading to a request from the U.S. Ambassador to the Foreign Office for full protection for the firm. 1933.01.19 — Prince Kujo, elder brother of the Empress Dowager, dies. 1933.01.19 — Mayor Nagata of Tokyo resigns, assuming responsibility for election scandals involving his subordinates. 1933.01.20 — China says it will reject a conciliation formula not inviting the participation of the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. 1933.01.20 — Japan's national debt at the end of 1932 is given as 6,348,749,000 yen. 1933.01.20 — An attack on the U.S. Consulate in Yokohama by Singer Sewing Machine Company strikers is prevented by the police. 1933.01.20 — To prevent the spread of radicalism and promote nationalism, the army authorities announce plans for a nation-wide organization of young people. 1933.01.21 — The Diet, reconvening, hears Count Uchida demand that the world recognize Japan as the guarantor of peace in the Far East and advocate elasticity in the application of world peace treaties. Finance Minister Takahashi presents the 1933-34 budget of 2,239 million yen, with contemplated national loans of 987,900,000 yen. Authorization of the Bank of Japan to sell to the public bonds it receives from the Government, he says, safeguards against extreme currency inflation. 1933.01.21 — The Committee of 19, abandoning hope of conciliation, though not closing the door on it, decides to draft a report with recommendations under the fourth paragraph of Article 15 of the Covenant. 1933.01.22 — Moscow announces that the Soviet Embassy in Tokyo has protested against the War Office communique stating that aid will be given to the Chinese Red Army through the Soviet Embassy. 1933.01.23 — The Committee of 19 appoints a sub-committee to draft a report on the Sino-Japanese dispute. Geneva observers think the situation bad for Japan. 1933.01.23 — Interpellation in the Diet centres on military and diplomatic issues, especially the huge army and navy budget estimates. Dr. Hiroshi Adachi, of the Seiyukai, makes a speech which is falsely interpreted in Geneva as an indication of internal discord regarding the Manchurian policy. 1933.01.23 — Mr. Molotov, speaking in Moscow, says that Japan's rejection of the non-aggression pact is not considered final. The War Office issues another statement showing undesirable results of the Sino-Soviet rapprochement. 1933.01.23 — The total population of the Japanese Empire as shown in the national census of 1930 is announced as 90,396,045. 1933.01.24 — The Japanese delegation in Geneva issues a statement reiterating its stand and expressing regret that conciliation efforts have not been pursued further. 1933.01.24 — The Bank of Japan announces the total of Japan's foreign debts at the end of 1932 as 1,806,920,664 yen, requiring annual interest of 114,102,076 yen. 1933.01.25 — The Diet votes thanks to the troops in Manchuria and the delegation in Geneva. 1933.01.26 — Sir John Simon, conferring with Mr. Matsuoka and Ambassador Matsudaira, voices hope that Japan will make new conciliation suggestions. 1933.01.26 — The budget committee of the House of Representatives questions the ability of the Government to balance the budget in the near future. 1933.01.27 — The questions of the legitimacy of Japan's claim to self-defence in the Manchurian incident and China's use of the boycott prove snags in the drafting of the Committee of 19's report. 1933.01.27 — The War Minister and the Navy Minister admit to the budget committee that large sums will be needed during the next few years for replenishment of armaments. 1933.01.28 — The British Ambassador calls on Count Uchida to learn if there is any chance of a fresh conciliation move. Count Uchida declines to comment in the budget committee on the possibility of Japan's withdrawal from the League. 1933.01.28 — Communists in Chicago are prevented from demonstrating in front of the Japanese Consulate. 1933.01.29 — The Japan Economic Federation, strongest organization of its kind in the country, advocates administrative and taxation reforms. 1933.01.30 — China is reported planning to demand higher duties on Japanese goods when the present tariff agreement expires in May. 1933.01.30 — The Cabinet decides to send Count Uchida to see Prince Saionji, the Genro, on the Government's final stand towards the League, which the Geneva delegation has requested. 1933.01.31 — Count Uchida receives the understanding of Prince Saionji on the instructions to the delegation in Geneva. 1933.01.31 — The House of Representatives unanimously passes a bill for Manchurian expenses supplementary to the 1932-33 budget. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. II No. 1 (June 1933) --- (covers 1933.02.01 to 1933.04.29) 1933.02.01 — To learn the Government's attitude toward developments in Geneva, the British Ambassador calls at the Foreign Office. 1933.02.02 — The Japanese delegation in Geneva continues efforts for conciliation of the Far Eastern dispute under the third paragraph of Article XV of the Covenant. 1933.02.02 — Governor Hisakira Hijikata of the Bank of Japan warns members of the Tokyo Clearing House Association against over-optimism about business. 1933.02.02 — Fourteen members of the Blood Brotherhood League, two of whom assassinated Baron Takuma Dan and Mr. Junnosuke Inouye last year, are ordered for trial. 1933.02.02 — Japanese exporters of rubber and canvas footwear believe that they can maintain sales to the United States despite the increase in duties levelled against them. 1933.02.03 — Compilation of Japanese exports in 1932 shows silk, cotton textiles and rayon textiles in the first three places. 1933.02.04 — The Committee of 19 rejects Japan's conciliation proposals and proceeds with discussion of recommendations to be made to the Assembly. 1933.02.05 — The Press gives much attention to the question of Japan's right to retain the mandated islands in the South Seas if it leaves the League. Opinion is unanimous that they need not be surrendered. 1933.02.06 — The Government authorizes the Japanese delegation in Geneva to negotiate further for conciliation. The Committee of 19 decides unanimously to recommend non-recognition of Manchoukuo. 1933.02.07 — Members of 14 patriotic organizations at a mass meeting in Tokyo demand immediate withdrawal from the League. 1933.02.07 — Manchoukuo celebrates the birthday of Chief Executive Henry Pu-yi. 1933.02.08 — The masters of three Soviet whaling vessels are fined 1,500 yen each for entering a closed port in the Bonin Islands. 1933.02.08 — The strike of the Singer Sewing Machine Company employees, one of the worst labour disputes in Japan in recent years, is settled on a basis of mutual concessions. 1933.02.09 — The Committee of 19 asks Japan if it admits that recognition of Manchoukuo as an independent State is not the way to solve the dispute with China, a question which is received in Tokyo as an unaccountable insult. 1933.02.09 — The Japan Economic Federation announces its intention to propose an international agreement to prohibit boycotts at the forthcoming conference of the International Chamber of Commerce to be held in Vienna. 1933.02.10 — Admiral W. V. Pratt announces that the Atlantic Fleet of the U.S. Navy will remain in the Pacific until July 1, 1934. Though economy is given as the reason, Washington diplomatic circles believe the move dictated by the situation in the Far East. 1933.02.13 — Japan replies to the Committee of 19 that it continues to regard recognition of Manchoukuo as the only solution of the Manchurian trouble. 1933.02.13 — The so-called "inflation boom" on the Tokyo Stock Exchange collapses, wiping out most of the gains made by leading issues since the beginning of the year. 1933.02.13 — A Manchoukuo statement circulated in Geneva asserts that 73 per cent. of the population of the new State is Manchu. 1933.02.14 — The Lower House of the Diet adopts the 1933-34 budget and sends it to the House of Peers. 1933.02.14 — New increases in Indian tariffs on cotton textiles, directed against imports from Japan, seem likely. 1933.02.14 — The Committee of 19 informs the Japanese delegation that the latter's proposals are not acceptable as a basis for conciliation of the Sino-Japanese dispute. 1933.02.15 — To the League's rejection of the Japanese conciliation offer is attributed a new selling wave on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, forcing a temporary suspension of trading. 1933.02.15 — Dr. Kitokuro Ikki resigns as Minister of the Imperial Household Department and is replaced by Mr. Kurahei Yuasa, president of the Board of Audits. 1933.02.15 — Manchoukuo reports an excess of exports during 1932. 1933.02.17 — The Cabinet is believed to be nearing a decision to withdraw from the League. 1933.02.17 — Manchoukuo proposes to the Soviet Union a conference to fix their frontiers. 1933.02.17 — Tokyo retail prices show a decline of 1.6 per cent. between January 15 and February 15. 1933.02.18 — Premier Saito leaves Tokyo to report to the Genro, Prince Saionji, on the Cabinet's decision to leave the League. 1933.02.18 — The Manchoukuo War Office announces that a punitive expedition will be sent into Jehol. 1933.02.18 — The Manchoukuo Foreign Office accuses the League of "White Imperialism" and orders its representative, Mr. Rea, to leave Geneva. 1933.02.18 — Mr. Molotov, Soviet leader, implies in a Moscow speech, that the Soviet Union is ready to fight if attacked by Japan. 1933.02.20 — The Jehol military campaign opens. 1933.02.20 — The excess of imports into Japan for the first 50 days of the year amounts in value to 111,807,000 yen, higher by 36,564,000 yen than for the same period of 1932. 1933.02.20 — Lord Lytton compares the Japanese General Staff with that of Prussia before the World War. 1933.02.21 — Mr. Yukio Ozaki, veteran liberal, is saved from an attack by two ruffians in Kobe on his return to Japan from a long visit in America and England. 1933.02.21 — The naval authorities are reported prepared to meet any eventuality that may develop on the Pacific as a result of leaving the League. 1933.02.21 — The Japanese delegation in Geneva issues a statement of observations on the report and recommendations of the Committee of 19. 1933.02.21 — Two mass meetings in Tokyo support the Government's decision to withdraw from the League. 1933.02.22 — The British Ambassador calls at the Foreign Office for enlightenment on the situation in Jehol and withdrawal from the League. 1933.02.22 — The Government takes steps to urge the Chinese authorities to evacuate Jehol and agree to a non-military zone along the Great Wall. Great Britain considers the possibility of international action on an embargo on arms to the Far East. 1933.02.22 — Press reports claim that the Government now looks with more favour on the Soviet proposal of a non-aggression pact. 1933.02.23 — The anti-Japanese boycott in China is said to be worse. 1933.02.24 — The League Assembly, by a vote of 42 to 1, adopts the report of the Committee of 19, and the Japanese delegation walks out. 1933.02.24 — The Japanese troops in Jehol occupy Chaoyang. 1933.02.25 — The League's new Advisory Committee on the Sino-Japanese issue invites the United States and the Soviet Union to participate in its work. 1933.02.25 — The United States informs the League that it is in general accord with the latter's conclusions about the dispute in the Far East. 1933.02.26 — The Japanese Government issues a statement reiterating its objections to the manner in which the League has handled the Manchurian issue and to the report adopted by the Assembly. 1933.02.27 — Kailu falls before the Japanese troops in Jehol. 1933.02.27 — The British Government announces that, pending international consultations on the matter, no further shipments of arms to the Far East will be allowed. 1933.02.27 — The Hoover Administration states that it lacks the authority to co-operate. The reaction in Tokyo is that an embargo limited to arms will do little harm. 1933.02.27 — George Bernard Shaw arrives in Japan on a world cruise and receives much notice in the press. 1933.02.28 — The military authorities declare that they are prepared to carry the Jehol expedition into North China but will use every effort to avoid doing so. 1933.02.28 — The Tokyo Court of Appeals upholds the death sentence for the slayer of Premier Hamaguchi. 1933.02.28 — The annual auctioning of fishing grounds in Soviet waters, held under treaty provisions, is the most unsuccessful in history as far as Japanese interests are concerned. 1933.03.01 — Manchoukuo, on the first anniversary of its founding, announces that the South Manchuria Railway Company will manage all State railways. 1933.03.01 — British India raises the ad valorem duty on rayon textiles from 50 per cent. to 100-150 per cent., effective today, aiming chiefly at restricting imports from Japan. 1933.03.02 — Japan prepares, despite sentiment in favour of severing all relations with the League, to send two delegates to the meeting of the League's Committee on Traffic in Women and Children for discussion of a special report on conditions in the Far East. 1933.03.02 — The Great Asia Association, aiming at closer co-operation among Japan, Manchoukuo and China, holds its inaugural meeting in Tokyo. 1933.03.03 — An earthquake and subsequent tidal waves kill nearly 1,500 persons and destroy much property on the Pacific coast of North Japan. 1933.03.03 — Though continuing in the Geneva disarmament conference, says the Foreign Office spokesman, Japan will make it clear that it considers its defence requirements greater now than when the conference opened because of the treaty obligation to protect Manchoukuo. 1933.03.04 — The capital of Jehol Province, Chengteh or Jehol, is entered by the vanguard of the Japanese expedition. 1933.03.04 — Chiang Kai-shek is rumoured to be sending more troops to North China and to have decided on an intensive anti-Japanese campaign. 1933.03.06 — Stock and commodity exchanges throughout Japan close because of uncertainty about the American financial situation. 1933.03.06 — Sir John Simon announces that Britain is reconsidering its embargo on arms shipments to Japan and China, the rest of the Powers giving little indication of co-operation. 1933.03.07 — Military operations in Jehol concentrate on driving the Chinese from Kupeikou, important gateway on the Great Wall, and here encounter the first real resistance of the campaign. 1933.03.07 — Chang Hsueh-liang submits his resignation from all official posts. 1933.03.07 — Moscow rejects the League's invitation to join the consultative committee on the Sino-Japanese dispute. 1933.03.07 — Imports for the first two months of 1933 are shown to exceed exports by 129,746,000 yen, against 95,475,000 yen for the same period of 1932. 1933.03.07 — The Emperor receives in audience Mr. Ward Price, of the Daily Mail, who reports that he was told that "upon the good relations existing between Britain and Japan depends the welfare of the whole world and the maintenance of peace in the Far East." 1933.03.08 — The House of Peers passes the 1933-34 budget, previously adopted by the House of Representatives. 1933.03.09 — A general strike is threatened at the Japan Steel Products Company, Ltd., the workers demanding resignation of all American directors on the board. 1933.03.10 — Developments along the Great Wall are said to make it necessary to ask the Chinese to withdraw and agree to a neutral zone to prevent extension of the Japanese operations into North China. Kupeikou is occupied. 1933.03.10 — Chang Hsueh-liang's resignation is accepted, and Chiang Kai-shek places his own men in charge of the Peiping-Tientsin area. 1933.03.11 — Mr. Matsuoka, arriving in London, blames the Far Eastern trouble on termination of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance and advocates some substitute for it. 1933.03.13 — Rumours increase that the Saito Cabinet will resign at the end of the Diet session. Mr. Zensaburo Shibata, chief secretary of the Cabinet, leaves office because of indictment of his son as a radical and is replaced by Mr. Zenjiro Horikiri. 1933.03.13 — The United States accepts the invitation to join the League's Far Eastern advisory committee, though reserving "independence of judgement." 1933.03.13 — Britain lifts the embargo on arms shipments to the Far East. 1933.03.13 — Manchoukuo eases the tax burden, announcing various exemptions and reductions. 1933.03.14 — The debts of Japanese farmers are estimated at 4,546,692,402 yen. 1933.03.14 — The Tokyo Asahi prints the text of Japan's notification of withdrawal from the League, thereby arousing charges of leakage in official quarters. 1933.03.14 — President Roosevelt is said to intend asking Congress for power to impose an embargo on arms shipments whenever it is thought necessary. 1933.03.15 — The League's Sino-Japanese committee takes up the questions of an arms embargo and relations of the Powers with Manchoukuo. 1933.03.16 — The first election of assemblymen since the formation of Greater Tokyo results in a tight vote. The Seiyukai win more seats than the Minseito, but independents hold the balance of power. 1933.03.16 — The Lower House of the Diet passes a bill for 200 million yen of low-interest loans to farmers. 1933.03.17 — The International Women's and Children's Exhibition opens in Tokyo. 1933.03.17 — Baron Hichirobemon Mitsui, 77-year-old head of the Mitsui interests, applies to the Imperial Household Department for permission to transfer his title to his son, Mr. Takakimi Mitsui. 1933.03.17 — The House of Peers completes Diet approval of the bill for control of foreign exchange. 1933.03.18 — Military circles oppose important points in the MacDonald disarmament plan and later decide to reject it. 1933.03.20 — The House of Peers passes the supplementary budget of 64,010,928 yen. 1933.03.20 — The new Soviet Ambassador, Mr. Constantin Yurenev, presents his credentials to the Emperor. 1933.03.20 — Military instructors are withheld from two Catholic schools because of dissatisfaction with the patriotism of the students. 1933.03.21 — Plans to strengthen the army are reported to include special training for 1,500 non-commissioned officers, increased enrollment in the Military College, reorganization and expansion of aeroplane and tank units and establishment of a poison-gas school. 1933.03.21 — The German Asiatic Society celebrates the sixtieth anniversary of its founding. 1933.03.22 — Manchoukuo orders in Japan nine small coast-guard ships. 1933.03.23 — Reports of a German plan to recover the Pacific mandated islands brings the emphatic assertion in official quarters that Japan will never surrender them. Concern about Japanese retention of the islands is indicated in Washington. 1933.03.23 — The likelihood of direct negotiations with China is declared remote, as Japan will not take the initiative while present conditions continue. 1933.03.24 — The House of Peers adopts a resolution asking the Cabinet to be firm in carrying out its policies regarding foreign relations and control of subversive thought. Bills are passed covering control of silk exports, prevention of cruelty to minors and prohibition of the export of art treasures. 1933.03.24 — Necessary bond issues during the 1933-34 fiscal year are estimated at 1,026,626,000 yen. 1933.03.24 — Lieutenants of Chancellor Adolf Hitler informally discuss with Japanese in Berlin the possibility of a deal on the mandated islands, but the reaction compels them later to deny that their intentions were serious. 1933.03.25 — Diet legislation is concluded with the passage of bills for a merger of steel companies and increased capitalization of the South Manchuria Railway Company. The only important measures to be shelved are those for election reforms and reorganization of the administration of Greater Tokyo. 1933.03.26 — The Diet session is formally closed. 1933.03.26 — Opposition to President Roosevelt's arms embargo plan develops in Congress, Representative Tinkham calling it a "war move," aimed at Japan. 1933.03.27 — Japan notifies the League of its decision to withdraw from membership. An Imperial Rescript and a statement by the Premier announce that Japan will still co-operate with the Powers and call on the people to meet the situation with "courage and resolution." 1933.03.27 — Fourteen members of the Blood Brotherhood League plead guilty to having conspired to assassinate 20 prominent politicians and financiers and waive their right to trial by jury. 1933.03.27 — Mr. Matsuoka, in New York, says that the Japanese fear the American menace quite as much as Americans fear the so-called "Yellow Peril." 1933.03.27 — Mr. Akira Ariyoshi, the Minister to China, expresses pessimism about the Chinese situation on his arrival in Tokyo. 1933.03.28 — The first shipment of gold since December, for 11,200,000 yen, leaves for San Francisco to meet Government payments. 1933.03.30 — The Soviet Consul-General in Harbin protests to Manchoukuo against the stopping of trains of the Chinese Eastern Railway at Manchuli, part of the Manchoukuo campaign to force the Soviets to return locomotives and freight cars allegedly stolen from the railway. 1933.03.30 — Four British officers of the freighter Nanchang are kidnapped by Chinese pirates at Newchwang. 1933.03.30 — Lieutenant-General Sadao Araki, the War Minister, stresses the increased responsibility of the army since withdrawal from the League at a conference of divisional commanders in Tokyo. 1933.03.31 — Japan will send a delegate to the International Spinning Convention in Prague but will reject the proposal that production of cotton yarn be curtailed. 1933.03.31 — Manchoukuo is reported about to establish a gasoline monopoly, in which Japanese firms will invest. 1933.03.31 — Mr. Matsuoka talks with President Roosevelt and Secretary of State Hull. 1933.03.31 — Plans to develop production of cotton, wool and oil in Manchoukuo to free Japan from dependence on other countries for these raw materials are discussed at the Overseas Economic Conference in Tokyo. 1933.04.01 — Shihmenchai, Chinese stronghold west of the important gateway of Chumenkow on the Great Wall, is occupied by Japanese troops. 1933.04.01 — China unilaterally announces that payments on the Boxer Indemnity will cease. 1933.04.01 — Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Tatekawa, delegate to the Geneva disarmament conference, foresees a complete breakdown of the disarmament proceedings on his return to Tokyo. 1933.04.01 — Tokyo City opens a municipal matrimonial bureau. 1933.04.01 — The American press is excited by false reports that Manchoukuo intends to retaliate against States not granting recognition. 1933.04.02 — Premier Saito, following an interview with Prince Saionji, the Genro, says that his Cabinet will not resign, but the Seiyukai continues to hope for a political change. 1933.04.02 — Japanese residents in Foochow are reported endangered by intensification of the anti-Japanese movement. 1933.04.03 — One of the kidnapped British officers reaches Newchwang as an emissary to report the ransom demands of the Chinese pirates. 1933.04.03 — Various labour organizations decide to hold a patriotic meeting instead of the usual May Day demonstration. 1933.04.04 — An early end is predicted for the Saito Cabinet on reports that Finance Minister Takahashi and Justice Minister Koyama insist on resigning. 1933.04.04 — Financial conditions in Manchoukuo during the second half of 1932 are reported far above expectations, with revenue amounting to 37,733,000 yen. 1933.04.04 — Count Uchida, the Foreign Minister, informs the Cabinet that a better understanding of Japan's position is developing abroad. 1933.04.05 — A new patriotic body, the Society for Following the Imperial Way, with a membership of 50,000 ex-service men and farmers, is inaugurated to suppress Communism, overthrow capitalistic interests contrary to the nation's welfare and guarantee a living for all the people. 1933.04.05 — Specie coverage of the Bank of Japan on April 1 is given as 24 per cent. 1933.04.05 — Sir Eric Drummond, Secretary-General of the League, declares that Japan's withdrawal has weakened but morally strengthened the League, which will always be ready to help Japan within the terms of the Covenant. 1933.04.06 — Lieutenant-General Shigeru Honjo, who commanded the Kwantung Army at the outbreak of the Manchurian affair, succeeds General Takeki Nara as chief aide-de-camp to the Emperor. 1933.04.06 — Nanking decides to abandon the Sino-Japanese tariff agreement when it expires on May 15 and to impose higher duties on Japanese goods. 1933.04.06 — British bluejackets are reported to have landed at Chingwangtao to protect British interests. 1933.04.06 — The Soviets are charged with taking into their territory an additional 106 freight cars of the Chinese Eastern Railway. 1933.04.06 — Sentiment among industrialists and labourers favours ending Japan's connection with the International Labour Organisation, which is accused of ignoring special working conditions in the Far East. 1933.04.07 — Justice Minister Koyama resigns, taking responsibility for a subordinate's Communistic taint, but is requested by the Emperor to remain in office. 1933.04.07 — Former Under-Secretary of State William R. Castle, Jr., declares that the Stimson Doctrine does not obviate the possibility of American recognition of Manchoukuo. 1933.04.08 — Manchoukuo authorities sever connections between the C.E.R. and the Trans-Siberian Railway at Manchuli to prevent the entry of rolling-stock into the U.S.S.R. 1933.04.09 — The intent of Manchoukuo to take "drastic measures" unless the Soviets return the rolling-stock of the C.E.R. is reported. 1933.04.10 — A general offensive is launched against the Chinese troops along the Great Wall in an effort to end counter-attacks. 1933.04.10 — Sir John Simon refuses in the House of Commons to define the stand of the British Government on Japan's retention of the Mandated Islands. 1933.04.10 — Statistics of the Home Ministry show an increase in crime and suicide in recent years. 1933.04.11 — The British Government notifies Japan of abrogation of the Indo-Japanese trade convention, effective on October 10, to enable the imposition of higher duties on Japanese goods, which are allegedly being dumped. Though agitation in commercial circles calls for a retaliatory tariff on Indian raw cotton or an absolute boycott of it, the Foreign Office decides on a policy of seeking an ameliorative agreement with India. 1933.04.11 — Chang Hsueh-liang sails from Shanghai for Italy. 1933.04.12 — The Foreign Office instructs Ambassador Debuchi to accept the invitation to send a mission to Washington for conversations preliminary to the World Economic Conference. The mission is to be headed by Viscount Kikujiro Ishii, who will concentrate on restoring amity between Japan and the United States. 1933.04.12 — Finance Minister Takahashi declares that he will resign as soon as preliminary examination of the May 15 incident is completed. 1933.04.12 — The Manchoukuo chairman of the C.E.R. board gives the Soviets a month in which to return all rolling-stock belonging to the railway. 1933.04.13 — The Manchoukuo Government formally demands that the Soviet Union return the C.E.R. rolling-stock. 1933.04.14 — Suspicion is voiced that the Chinese intend to revive the Manchurian issue in the Washington conversations. 1933.04.14 — Trade returns for March show a considerable gain in exports to China, compared with those of 1932. 1933.04.14 — The Association of British Manufacturers in Melbourne, Australia, issues a statement declaring that Japanese competition is "a serious menace." 1933.04.13 — The Chinese troops retreat to the west of the Luan River. 1933.04.13 — Plans for unification of Japanese and Manchoukuo telephones and telegraphs in Manchuria under joint management are announced. 1933.04.16 — The U.S.S.R. formally calls to the attention of Japan the C.E.R. controversy, pointing out that assurances had been given that Soviet interests would not be harmed, and asks that something be done. Tokyo's reaction is that Japan is not involved in the controversy and that Moscow is acting for purposes of internal policy and in hope of getting Japan to reconsider the non-aggression pact proposal. 1933.04.16 — Miss Maryse Hilz, French flier, reaches Tokyo, concluding the final leg of her flight from Paris. 1933.04.16 — The Chinese evacuate Chinwangtao, cutting the Peiping-Shanhaikwan Railway behind them. 1933.04.17 — Premier Saito assures the opening session of a conference of prefectural governors that his Cabinet will not resign, but rumours to the contrary are not silenced. He also urges efforts to stamp out extremist movements. 1933.04.17 — Lieut.-General Kuniaki Koiso, chief-of-staff of the Kwantung Army, arrives in Tokyo, reportedly to recommend re-enforcements in Manchuria because of the extension of operations to North China. 1933.04.17 — Unemployment statistics show a decrease. 1933.04.17 — The Overseas Ministry announces the appointment of committees to study basic principles for exploitation of Manchoukuo resources and the strengthening of Japanese-Manchoukuo economic relations. 1933.04.17 — The House of Representatives passes President Roosevelt's arms embargo bill. 1933.04.18 — Manchoukuo names General Ting Shih-yuan, who was sent to Geneva, Minister to Tokyo. 1933.04.18 — The military operations west of the Great Wall are said to be virtually at an end unless the Chinese renew their attacks. 1933.04.18 — The Soviet Consul-General in Harbin tells Manchoukuo that the locomotives taken from the C.E.R. were never C.E.R. property, citing what Moscow regards as documentary proof. 1933.04.18 — Fears are expressed that higher Chinese duties on Japanese goods after May 16 will make trade impossible. 1933.04.18 — Tibetan forces invade Szechwan Province. 1933.04.19 — Japan and the Netherlands sign a treaty of conciliation, jurisdiction and arbitration, the model for similar treaties which Japan intends to negotiate with other countries as part of its post-League diplomacy. A permanent conciliation committee is provided, and virtually no issue is excluded from arbitration. 1933.04.19 — Two American bluejackets are released after brief detention for "suspicious actions" by the Japanese troops near Chinwangtao. 1933.04.20 — The ban is lifted on news of the arrest of 43 Communists in Korea. 1933.04.20 — Anxiety is shown in India at the agitation in Japan for a boycott of Indian cotton in retaliation for increased tariffs on Japanese goods. 1933.04.20 — Minister Ariyoshi leaves for his post in China with instructions to follow a passive policy. 1933.04.21 — Revival of Port Arthur, in the Kwantung Leased Territory, as a naval base dates from today. 1933.04.21 — Generals Ma Chan-shan and Su Ping-wen, anti-Manchoukuo rebel leaders, arrive in Berlin from Siberia on their way back to China. 1933.04.21 — The yen begins to advance on the dollar as a result of the American inflation prospects. 1933.04.22 — Premier Saito indicates that he will reorganize the Cabinet if Finance Minister Takahashi resigns. 1933.04.26 — Leaders of the Seiyukai, the majority party, are said to have agreed to withdraw support from the Saito Cabinet. 1933.04.26 — On protests from the Powers, Nanking abandons the idea of a longer moratorium on Boxer Indemnity payments. 1933.04.27 — A national holiday is observed to honour the consecration of the souls of those who gave up their lives for the country including soldiers killed in Manchuria and Shanghai at the Yasukuni Shrine, in Tokyo. 1933.04.27 — Mr. Matsuoka is welcomed home with a big ovation. 1933.04.29 — The Chinese delegation in Geneva announces that the signatories of the Boxer Protocol have been asked to warn Japan against further advances towards the Tientsin-Peiping area. 1933.04.29 — Part of the press suspects that the findings of the preliminary examination of the May 15 incident are being held back for political reasons. 1933.04.29 — The thirty-second birthday of the Emperor is celebrated. Right-wing trades unions hold a patriotic demonstration. 1933.04.29 — Plans for a 20 million yen company to promote agriculture in Manchoukuo are said to have been agreed on by Lieutenant-General Koiso and Overseas Minister Nagai. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. II No. 2 (September 1933) --- (covers 1933.05.01 to 1933.07.31) 1933.05.01 — The British Government, it is learned, has suggested a conference of Japanese and British industrialists to consider trade relations. Reports indicate a desire to allocate cotton textile markets. 1933.05.01 — Effective today, new British duties of about 100 per cent. ad valorem practically prohibit the entry of Japanese rubber boots and shoes. 1933.05.01 — May Day passes quietly in the major cities of Japan, though the police make 230 arrests in Tokyo. 1933.05.02 — Japanese trade competition again becomes an issue in the House of Commons, and the British Treasury is given power to raise the duties on silk and rayon, which come principally from Japan. 1933.05.03 — The Foreign Office admits that Sir Miles Lampson, the British Minister, approached the secretary of the Japanese Legation in Peiping on the possibility of a Sino-Japanese truce, though he made no definite proposal. 1933.05.03 — The Washington State Department announces that Japan has given assurances that the open door will be maintained by Manchoukuo. 1933.05.03 — General Nobuyoshi Muto, commander of the Kwantung Army and Ambassador to Manchoukuo, is made Field Marshal. 1933.05.03 — Manchoukuo issues passport and vise regulations, effective June 1, stipulating a fee of 10 yuan for entrance vises and two yuan for transit vises. 1933.05.04 — Viscount Kikujiro Ishii and Mr. Eigo Fukai sail for America to confer with President Roosevelt on their way to the World Economic Conference. 1933.05.04 — Tentative plans for an oil monopoly are reported to have been drafted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 1933.05.04 — The special committee to study the possibility of producing wool in Manchoukuo holds its first meeting in Tokyo. 1933.05.04 — The Soviet Ambassador lodges a second protest at the Foreign Office against an alleged crossing of the Soviet boundary near Pogranichnya by Japanese troops. 1933.05.05 — Japan proposes to the U.S.S.R. that a Japanese-Manchoukuo-Soviet commission be created to consider boundary questions. 1933.05.06 — The Soviet Government, it is learned, has offered to sell or lease the Chinese Eastern Railway to Japan or Manchoukuo. Reception of the offer in Tokyo is cautious. 1933.05.07 — Japanese forces along the Great Wall launch a general offensive against the Chinese in retaliation for continued attacks. 1933.05.08 — Mr. Torataro Ushizaka, former Governor of Tokyo Prefecture, is chosen Mayor of Tokyo by the City Assembly. 1933.05.08 — The Nanking Government decides to protest to the U.S.S.R. against its offer to sell the Chinese Eastern Railway. 1933.05.09 — Secretary of State Cordell Hull denies reports that the United States had promised to intervene if the Japanese occupied the Peiping-Tientsin district. 1933.05.11 — Chinese efforts in Peiping to arrange a truce with Japan are reported. 1933.05.11 — Lord Hailsham, British War Secretary, points out in the House of Commons the difficulties of imposing an embargo on Japan and asserts that Britain's policy vis-a-vis the Far East is to "act as a loyal member of the League of Nations." 1933.05.11 — Foreign Commissar Maxim Litvinov denies China's claim that the U.S.S.R. has no right to sell the Chinese Eastern Railway, pointing out that China has ceased to exercise authority in Manchuria and therefore cannot meet the terms of its treaty obligations relating to the railway. 1933.05.12 — The ultimatum of the Manchoukuo side of the administration of the Chinese Eastern Railway to the Soviets that locomotives and freight cars removed to Soviet railways be returned, expires with only four locomotives returned. 1933.05.12 — Agitation starts, destined to last for weeks, over the decision of the Education Ministry to remove from the Law College of Kyoto Imperial University Professor Yukimasa Takikawa, who is charged with radical inclinations. 1933.05.14 — The Egyptian Government decides to raise the tariffs on cotton cloth to check imports from Japan. 1933.05.15 — Japanese troops occupy Miyun, the most important position between the Great Wall and Peiping. 1933.05.15 — Japan and Manchoukuo ratify an agreement to establish a joint company to handle communications in the new State. 1933.05.16 — General Ho Ying-chin, chairman of the Peiping branch of the Military Affairs Commission, is reported to have orally proposed a truce to the Japanese, who refused to consider anything but a written request. 1933.05.16 — The House of Commons is informed that Britain is giving the requisite notice of 12 months to terminate the Anglo-Japanese treaty concerning trade with British West Africa. 1933.05.17 — President Roosevelt's peace appeal is received in Tokyo with hearty approval of the principles involved but doubt as to the possibility of agreeing never to send troops across frontiers. 1933.05.17 — The press ban is lifted on details of the reactionary incident of May 15, 1932, in which Premier Inukai was assassinated, with announcement of the findings of the Ministers of Justice, War and the Navy. The army and naval men involved are charged with mutiny and the civilians with murder and violation of the laws governing explosives. 1933.05.17 — Mr. Mamoru Shigemitsu, former Minister to China, succeeds Mr. Hachiro Arita as Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs. 1933.05.17 — Mr. Roy Howard, chairman of the board of the United Press, and Mr. Kent Cooper, general manager of the Associated Press, arrive in Japan on a tour to study conditions in the Far East. 1933.05.17 — The British Embassy in Tokyo denies press charges that the British Government instigated Egypt's tariff increases. 1933.05.18 — Mr. Toshio Shiratori, spokesman of the Foreign Office to the press throughout the Manchurian incident, is slated for promotion to the post of Minister to Sweden. 1933.05.19 — Confusion is created in Tientsin by two abortive mutinies against General Chiang Kai-shek. 1933.05.20 — The Emperor, through the Foreign Minister, formally acknowledges receipt of President Roosevelt's appeal. 1933.05.22 — Japanese troops reach a point within a few miles of Peiping, enabling them to enter the city at will. 1933.05.22 — Finance Minister Takahashi announces that he is remaining in the Cabinet, thus averting a political crisis. 1933.05.22 — China unexpectedly puts into effect higher duties on the principal imports from Japan. 1933.05.22 — Japan replies to the Soviet note of April 16, denying all charges that Japanese action in Manchuria has been directed against Soviet interests, particularly the Chinese Eastern Railway. 1933.05.24 — Viscount Ishii meets President Roosevelt. 1933.05.23 — Viscount Ishii and President Roosevelt are believed to have discussed the Manchurian question in a private talk. 1933.05.23 — Ambassador Naotake Sato proposes to the general commission of the disarmament conference that the Washington and London naval treaties be replaced by a new agreement to be incorporated in the proposed disarmament convention. Opposition is voiced by the British and American delegates. 1933.05.23 — Leaders of the Seiyukai decide to qualify their support of the Saito Cabinet with independence of judgement on its future measures. 1933.05.25 — Manchoukuo agrees to negotiate with the U.S.S.R. for purchase or control of the Chinese Eastern Railway. 1933.05.26 — Agitation breaks out within the Seiyukai for severance of relations with the Saito Cabinet. 1933.05.26 — A survey reveals that the downward tendency in Japan of commodity prices since February has been checked. 1933.05.27 — Viscount Ishii, Mr. Fukai and President Roosevelt issue a joint statement at the conclusion of their talks in which they "concur in the view that economic stability and political tranquillity are complementary essentials to a sound basis of peace" and express close agreement on many of the questions to come before the World Economic Conference. 1933.05.28 — Viscount Ishii is reported to be contemplating a proposal to the Economic Conference that economic boycotts be outlawed. 1933.05.28 — Marshal Feng Yu-hsiang is said to be plotting an independent regime in North China. 1933.05.29 — The Ishii-Roosevelt conversations are regarded in Tokyo as having done much to restore good relations between Japan and the United States. 1933.05.29 — Manchoukuo decides to call the Chinese Eastern Railway the North Manchuria Railway, effective June 1. 1933.05.31 — A truce in the Sino-Japanese hostilities in North China is formally signed at Tangku, providing that the Chinese will withdraw beyond a designated line and that the Japanese will withdraw to the Great Wall once they are assured that the Chinese have kept their word. 1933.05.31 — Manchoukuo severs connections between the Chinese Eastern Railway and the Ussuri Railway at Pogranichnya, as retaliation for the failure of the Soviets to restore rolling-stock. 1933.06.01 — The Soviet Ambassador, protesting at the Foreign Office, is told that the blocking of traffic between the North Manchuria Railway (the former Chinese Eastern Railway) and the Ussuri Railway at Pogranichnya is a matter solely between Manchoukuo and the Soviet Union. 1933.06.01 — Ambassador Naotake Sato enters the disarmament conference with a general reservation on the French proposal for supervision of armaments. 1933.06.01 — Viscount Ishii, speaking in Boston, declares Japan to be the standard-bearer of Western civilisation in the Orient. 1933.06.01 — Bishop James De Wolf Perry and two other descendants of Commodore Perry meet with descendants of the Japanese who received him 80 years ago on the spot where he first landed, the fishing village of Kurihama. 1933.06.02 — Field Marshal Nobuyoshi Muto states that the Japanese troops in North China will withdraw as soon as the Chinese give evidence of sincerely fulfilling the truce provisions. 1933.06.02 — Admiral Montgomery Taylor, Commander of the United States Asiatic Fleet, arrives in Yokohama on his flagship, the Houston, to pay an official goodwill visit. 1933.06.02 — Japanese competition in the British Empire markets is attacked as a "peril" and "menace" in the House of Commons. 1933.06.02 — The French Government announces that the Japanese Foreign Office has given assurance of speedy action on the claim that Tokyo City should pay interest on its loan floated in Paris in 1912 in pounds sterling, not in devalued francs. 1933.06.02 — Mr. Eiji Amau, Councillor of the Moscow Embassy, is appointed chief of the Intelligence Bureau of the Foreign Office. 1933.06.03 — Agreement on important points in the Sino-Japanese negotiations to carry out the North China truce is reported. 1933.06.03 — Casualties in the Manchurian and Shanghai campaigns from September 18, 1931, to May 31, 1933, are given as 2,897 officers and men killed and 8,483 wounded. 1933.06.04 — The Soviet Government formally asks Japan to take necessary steps to restore railway connections at Pogranichnya and is again advised to negotiate with Manchoukuo. 1933.06.04 — The Reconstruction Finance Corporation grants a loan of $50,000,000 to China to be used in buying American cotton and wheat. 1933.06.05 — The new building of St. Luke's International Medical Centre, in Tokyo, financed largely by American contributions, is formally opened. 1933.06.05 — Discord in the Seiyukai at the policy to be taken toward the Saito Cabinet is reported worse. 1933.06.06 — Japan informs President Roosevelt that his peace appeal has met a hearty response and that it sincerely desires success for the economic and disarmament conferences. 1933.06.06 — The Indian Government announces an increase from 50 per cent. to 75 per cent. ad valorem on cotton cloth of non-British origin, which contravenes Japanese cotton interests. 1933.06.06 — The Daily Express reports a memorandum to the British Government from cotton organizations demanding abrogation of the Anglo-Japanese trade convention and a virtual embargo against Japanese cotton goods before negotiating with Japan. 1933.06.06 — Fifty-seven members of the Seiyukai issue a statement urging reorganization of the Saito Cabinet and renovation of party politics. 1933.06.07 — The League's advisory committee on the Manchurian issue unanimously approves its sub-committee's report on application of the principle of non-recognition of Manchoukuo. 1933.06.07 — Two men are killed, 14 injured and 30 planes damaged in a series of ammunition explosions at the base of the Hamamatsu Aviation Regiment. 1933.06.08 — The executive committee of the Japan Cotton Spinners' Association votes to suspend purchases of Indian raw cotton in retaliation against the new tariff on Japanese cotton cloth. 1933.06.08 — Ambassador Sato tells the disarmament conference that Japan can agree to abolition of aerial bombing only if aircraft carriers and landing platforms are prohibited and a method devised to prevent the use of civil planes for military purposes. 1933.06.08 — Prince Iyesato Tokugawa resigns from the position of President of the House of Peers after serving for nearly 30 years and is succeeded by Prince Fumimaro Konoye, the Vice-President. 1933.06.08 — Marshal Feng Yu-hsiang, rebel leader in Chahar Province, is reported in close touch with the Third International. 1933.06.09 — Manchoukuo formally agrees to negotiate in Tokyo with the U.S.S.R. for purchase of the latter's rights in the North Manchuria Railway. 1933.06.09 — The Japanese delegation to the World Economic Conference reaches London. 1933.06.09 — Japanese and Manchoukuo authorities decide on a punitive expedition against the pirates holding three British officers of the freighter Nanchang. 1933.06.09 — Captain Aviator Bremer, Finnish flier, arrives in Tokyo from Helsingfors on a trip around the world. 1933.06.09 — Rumours of an Anglo-American plot to raise the value of the yen, which is gaining strength in terms of the dollar, are not taken seriously. 1933.06.10 — Denial is made of reports that negotiations are under way for a Japanese-American arbitration treaty, but it is admitted at the Foreign Office that the Government is considering ways to improve Japanese-American relations. 1933.06.10 — Masao Sano and Sadachika Nabeyama, noted radical leaders, announce from prison that they have abandoned Communism for Nationalism. 1933.06.10 — Mr. Chokuro Kadono, of the delegation to the Economic Conference, confers with Sir Edward Crowe, Comptroller of the Overseas Trade Department, in the first of a series of talks with British leaders on the Indian tariff issue. 1933.06.12 — Viscount Ishii presents Japan's views before a plenary session of the World Economic Conference. 1933.06.12 — A general meeting of the Japan Cotton Spinners' Association adopts the proposal to suspend the purchase of Indian raw cotton. The Economic Federation of Japan, composed of most of the nation's business leaders, asks British industrial leaders to use their influence to modify Britain's policy toward Japanese goods. 1933.06.14 — President Kisaburo Suzuki of the Seiyukai decides on a compromise policy toward the Cabinet. The party will not withdraw its Ministers, but it will scrutinize each Government measure very carefully. 1933.06.14 — Self-government for Formosa to be inaugurated on April 1, 1934. 1933.06.14 — The League of Nations Association of Japan changes its name to the International Association of Japan. 1933.06.15 — Three Japanese fishermen are killed without warning by Soviet guards on the Kamchatka coast. 1933.06.15 — The Federated Malay States increase the duty on Japanese cotton cloth. Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister, Colonial Secretary, declares that duties in the British Empire are inadequate to enable British firms to meet Japanese competition. 1933.06.16 — The Japanese navy is said to have been influenced by the expansion of the United States navy to decide on a 3-year building programme costing 420,000,000 yen. 1933.06.16 — Consul-General Miyake starts negotiations with the Indian Government for convening the Indo-Japanese trade parley. 1933.06.16 — Demands are heard for a boycott of Australian wool because of the trade policy of the British Empire. 1933.06.17 — In retaliation against Japan's suspension of buying Indian raw cotton, Indian leaders threaten to raise the duties on Japanese cotton cloth still further or to ban it entirely. 1933.06.17 — Dr. Shigenao Konishi, president of Kyoto Imperial University, submits his resignation as a result of Education Minister's refusal to reconsider the dismissal of Professor Takikawa for radicalism. 1933.06.17 — Reports are circulated that half of the American loan of $50,000,000 to China will be spent for arms and ammunition. 1933.06.18 — Manchoukuo delegates to the North Manchuria Railway conference in Tokyo are appointed, including Mr. Ting Shih-yuan the Minister to Japan; Mr. Chuichi Ohashi, Foreign Vice-Minister, and Mr. Fang Chi-kiang, head of the railway. 1933.06.19 — Japan's spokesman at the World Economic Conference states that Japan can join currency stabilization only after the United States, Britain and France have reached an accord. 1933.06.19 — Dissension between Japan and Britain over the former's naval demands at the arms conference is considered inevitable. 1933.06.19 — The Foreign Office decides to protest to the British Government against the increase in duties of the Federated Malay States on Japanese cotton cloth. 1933.06.19 — Contact is established between the two ends of the famous 4.83-mile Tanna railway tunnel, which has required 15 years because of great difficulties, including earthquakes. 1933.06.20 — The Australian Government starts investigation of alleged Japanese dumping. 1933.06.20 — An association is organized in Tokyo to study methods of controlling Japan's rapid increase in population. 1933.06.21 — The Soviet Government declines to accept, pending an investigation, Japan's protest on the killing of three fishermen. 1933.06.21 — Sentiment grows in favour of reservations to Japan's acceptance of the economic conference's tariff truce. 1933.06.21 — Britain's delay in answering Japan's note on the proposed trade negotiations, which caused concern in Tokyo, is explained as necessary because of the considerable exploratory work involved. 1933.06.22 — Ambassador Matsudaira is instructed to press the British Government for assurance that any agreement reached in the Indo-Japanese conference will have immediate and full validity. 1933.06.22 — Mr. Roy Howard, head of the United Press, is received in audience by H.I.M. the Emperor. 1933.06.22 — China protests formally to Japan and the U.S.S.R. against the proposed transfer of the North Manchuria Railway to Manchoukuo, an action which Japan decides to ignore. 1933.06.22 — Civic leaders of Nagoya propose a 62-mile canal across the Main Island to link the Inland Sea and the Japan Sea for direct connection with North Korea and Manchuria. 1933.06.22 — Prince Carl, nephew of King Gustaf V of Sweden, arrives in Japan for an informal visit. 1933.06.22 — The new Manchoukuo budget, which goes into effect on July 1, calls for revenue of 146,278,000 yen, which is 23,000,000 yen more than in the last budget, and expenditure of 145,278,000 yen, which is greater by 33,000,000 yen. 1933.06.23 — Mr. Kadono announces at the World Economic Conference that Japan cannot agree to drop all subsidies and bounties affecting trade and transportation. 1933.06.23 — Manchoukuo appoints Dr. Chao Han-po, Director of the Legislative Yuan, to visit Japan to express his Government's gratitude for Japanese assistance and to study the Japanese Constitution in preparation for framing the Manchoukuo Constitution. 1933.06.24 — M. Benedict I. Kozlovsky, of the Foreign Commissariat, and M. Stepan M. Kuznetzov, director-general of the North Manchuria Railway, arrive in Tokyo for the conference on sale of the Soviet rights in the railway. 1933.06.24 — Bank deposits in Japan on May 31 are announced as 11,308,154,000 yen, a great increase over last year, and bank loans total 10,377,855,000 yen, a decrease, a situation which alarms bankers. 1933.06.24 — The preliminary trial of the men involved in the affair of May 15, 1932, opens in Tokyo. 1933.06.26 — The conference for sale of the Soviet rights in the North Manchuria Railway to Manchoukuo opens in Tokyo, with Japan ready to give assistance if requested. Count Uchida speaks for Japan; Minister Tinge for Manchoukuo, and Ambassador Yurenev for the U.S.S.R. 1933.06.26 — The Japanese delegation to the economic parley is reported to be considering negotiations with the United States, Britain and other countries for bilateral tariff agreements. 1933.06.26 — On the basis of a report which is denied in Tokyo, the Moscow Government protests the entrance into its territorial waters of a Japanese destroyer to investigate the killing of the three Japanese fishermen. 1933.06.27 — Mr. Setsuro Sawada, diplomat of ministerial rank, and Mr. Sumaro Teno, director of the Trade Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, are appointed representatives to the Simla trade conference. 1933.06.27 — South African businessmen urge preventive measures against Japanese competition. 1933.06.28 — The Privy Council approves adherence to the world tariff truce with three reservations, the most important of which safeguards freedom to take necessary protective measures when other countries promulgate tariffs prejudicial to Japanese goods. 1933.06.28 — Discussion of alleged Japanese dumping is said to be likely at the World Economic Conference. 1933.06.28 — Twenty-one cases of smallpox are discovered in Tokyo, resulting in orders for compulsory vaccination in the affected areas. 1933.06.28 — The public trial of the Blood Brotherhood League, members of which assassinated Mr. Junnosuke Inouye, former Finance Minister, and Baron Takuma Dan, opens in Tokyo. 1933.06.28 — The Central Silk Association arranges to send a mission to America to promote wider use of Japanese silk. 1933.06.29 — Ambassador Matsudaira reports to the Foreign Office an official claim of the British Government that it cannot interfere with Indian and Malay tariff matters. 1933.06.29 — Manchester cotton organizations petition Parliament for a subsidy and abrogation of the Anglo-Japanese trade convention. 1933.06.29 — Japanese exporters fear that Holland will leave the gold standard, which would harm trade with the Dutch East Indies. 1933.06.29 — The United States decides to build two new naval bases on the Pacific coast. 1933.06.30 — Manchoukuo is reported to be progressing in its programme of bringing all major industries under State control, with 10 already organized. 1933.06.30 — The British Government seems to favour holding the Indo-Japanese trade negotiations in London instead of Simla, which is contrary to Japan's desire. 1933.07.01 — The Bank of Japan cuts its rediscount rate from 4.38 per cent. to the record low of 3.65 per cent. 1933.07.01 — Finance Minister Takahashi hopes to avoid an increase in taxation. 1933.07.01 — Japan's commercial attache in New York warns Japanese exporters that the United States may soon restrict imports. 1933.07.01 — Mr. Kadono, adviser to the economic conference delegation, goes to Manchester to hear the views of cotton leaders on trade rivalry with Japan. 1933.07.01 — Extension of its area makes Harbin the largest city in Manchoukuo. 1933.07.01 — Reports of Japanese plans to develop Tsingtao as a course for exploration of North China are officially described as imaginary. 1933.07.02 — The Soviet Government accepts responsibility for the killing of three Japanese fishermen on the Kamchatka coast on June 15. 1933.07.03 — The Soviet Union asks 250,000,000 gold roubles for the North Manchuria Railway, and Manchoukuo counters with 50,000,000 yen. 1933.07.03 — Negotiations open in Dairen between the Kwantung Army and the Nanking Government to arrange details for the demilitarized zone in North China. 1933.07.03 — Two Soviet vessels are detained in Kuriles on a charge of staying unnecessarily long in Japanese territorial waters to salvage a grounded icebreaker. 1933.07.03 — New Zealand manufacturers agitate for higher tariffs on Japanese goods. 1933.07.03 — The British Charge d'Affaires is instructed to call Japan's attention to the desirability of resuming traffic on the railway between Tientsin and Shanhaikwan. 1933.07.03 — The draft of a new commercial treaty, understood to provide most-favoured-nation treatment, is submitted to Uruguay. 1933.07.03 — Veteran diplomats meet to honour the memory of Henry Willard Denison, American, who died on July 3, 1914, after 35 years as legal adviser to the Foreign Office. 1933.07.04 — Trade missions from Brazil and Uruguay reach Yokohama to promote commercial relations with Japan. 1933.07.05 — Irritated by Soviet publication of the price demanded for the North Manchuria Railway, the Manchoukuo delegation issues a statement denying the Soviet claim to full ownership. 1933.07.05 — The Dairen conference satisfactorily concludes negotiations on the neutral zone in North China. 1933.07.05 — The French Ambassador is reported to have called Japan's attention to French interests in the North Manchuria Railway. He was told to take the matter up with the Soviet Government. 1933.07.05 — Lancashire empowers a committee of four representatives to discuss with the proposed Japanese mission an agreement on reduction of competition in cotton goods and rayon. 1933.07.05 — The War Office opens a campaign to find employment for ex-soldiers crippled in the Shanghai and Manchurian fighting. 1933.07.05 — Mr. George Lansbury criticises in the House of Commons Japan's policy in Manchuria. 1933.07.05 — Mexican field workers in California appeal to the American Federation of Labour for help in their fight against Japanese employers. The Japanese Government plans no intervention. 1933.07.06 — The Dean of Canterbury Cathedral would like to see "a great English gesture of presenting to Japan that part of Australia which we cannot colonize ourselves." Australian comment is indignant. 1933.07.06 — A Japanese invention to eliminate the cost of aeroplane motors is announced. 1933.07.07 — Mr. Roy Howard, head of the United Press, issues a statement on his return to America from the Far East in which he advocates Japanese-American co-operation instead of blind competition and suggests immediate repeal of the Exclusion Act. 1933.07.07 — If the sale negotiations fail, says a Manchoukuo spokesman, the North Manchuria Railway will be taken over by Manchoukuo in accordance with the Karakhan Declaration and the Peking and Mukden agreements. 1933.07.07 — Japan's refusal to buy is having a dampening effect on the price of Indian raw cotton. 1933.07.07 — Australia is reported drafting an anti-dumping tariff schedule for Japanese goods. 1933.07.07 — Promoters discuss detailed plans for Tokyo's 1940 international exposition. 1933.07.08 — Two Japanese officers and 25 privates are killed in a battle with 500 bandits in Kirin Province. 1933.07.08 — Extensive reorganization to strengthen the Kwantung Army is reported to be under consideration by military leaders. 1933.07.08 — Ambassador Debuchi speaks at the Japan Day celebration at Chicago's Century of Progress Exposition. 1933.07.09 — The Soviets seize the Kotatbis Maru, a Japanese crab boat, off the Kamchatka coast on the allegation that it is within Soviet territorial waters. 1933.07.09 — The Meishinkai, an influential organization led by retired army officers, comes out in opposition to the army's economic policy in Manchuria and urges more freedom for Japanese capitalism. 1933.07.10 — The Naval General Staff hands to the Navy Ministry a replenishment programme said to require expenditure of about 500,000,000 yen in the next three or four years. 1933.07.10 — The natural increase in Japan's population in 1932 is announced as 1,007,868. Births gained and deaths decreased. 1933.07.10 — Sir John Simon tells Ambassador Matsudaira that the pressure of the Economic Conference has prevented the giving of attention to Japan's request for assurance that India will be allowed to negotiate a valid trade agreement. 1933.07.12 — A decision to create a trade investigation commission under the Foreign Office is taken to mean intensified efforts to establish closer trade relations with other countries. 1933.07.12 — With the arrest of 49 reactionaries, the police claim to have prevented another serious reactionary outbreak. 1933.07.12 — Mr. Tokuzo Komai resigns from Manchoukuo Privy Council on grounds of poor health. 1933.07.12 — The new Italian Ambassador, Mr. Giacinto Auriti, presents his credentials. 1933.07.12 — It is reported likely that Manchoukuo will adopt a constitutional monarchy. 1933.07.13 — Nearly 200 communists in various prisons are said to have abandoned their radical views. 1933.07.13 — Count Damien de Martel, French Ambassador in Tokyo, is appointed High Commissioner of Syria. 1933.07.13 — Rumours force the Foreign Office to deny that Japan has intervened in the Manchoukuo-Soviet dispute over a sale price for the North Manchuria Railway. 1933.07.13 — Excessive rice stocks are in view, forcing down the price of Japan's basic farm commodity. 1933.07.13 — Manchoukuo drafts a plan to grow enough cotton to supply the entire Far East. 1933.07.14 — The Kwantung Army intimates that it may be forced to send an expedition into Chahar against Feng Yu-hsiang. 1933.07.14 — Private conversations seem to have produced an agreement to centre attention on the price in the Manchoukuo-Soviet railway negotiations. 1933.07.14 — Direct telephone communication between Tokyo and Keijo, the capital of Chosen, is opened. 1933.07.15 — The Cabinet receives an invitation to participate in the Anti-Third International League, which has headquarters in Geneva. 1933.07.15 — The yen reaches 30 cents in New York. 1933.07.15 — The reorganized Manchoukuo Army comprises 108,264 officers and men. 1933.07.15 — The Soviet Government suggests that talks be opened for conclusion of a Japanese-Soviet commercial treaty. 1933.07.15 — Two Japanese soldiers patrolling the border near Pogranichnya are fired on by Soviet patrol. 1933.07.16 — Viscount Ishii, in a radio broadcast from London to the United States, declares that Japan and America are destined to see eye-to-eye in commerce and politics. 1933.07.16 — The old proposal that the presidents of the Seiyukai and the Minseito become ministers without portfolios in the Cabinet is revived. 1933.07.16 — The Japan Cotton Spinners Association elects Messrs. Kawaguchi, Miyake, Okada and Mimura to send as its representatives to the Anglo-Japanese trade talks in London and Simla. Arimoto, Kurata, Inouye, Ono and Kawaguchi to the Simla conference. 1933.07.17 — The Soviet Ambassador, seeking Japanese mediation to hasten the North Manchuria Railway negotiations, is told that the situation is not yet so hopeless as to warrant mediation. 1933.07.17 — Messrs. Kunimatsu, Yagi and Nakao are chosen as representatives of the cotton yarn and cloth exporters for the Simla conference. 1933.07.17 — Sentiment develops against Japanese participation in the silver agreement being drafted in London. 1933.07.18 — The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce reaffirms its support of the proposal to apply the quota system to immigrants from Japan. 1933.07.18 — The two Soviet ships detained in the Kuriles are released after payment of 2,000 yen in fines. 1933.07.18 — Dr. Ludwik Rajchman, known for his anti-Japanese views, is named by the League to co-ordinate technical advisory work in China under the League's direction. 1933.07.18 — The Home Office proposes to provide 13,650,000 days of work for the unemployed during the next fiscal year. 1933.07.18 — The Izvestia, official Soviet organ, declares that Soviet ownership of the North Manchuria Railway is so indisputable that Manchoukuo is wasting time in denying it. 1933.07.18 — The Cabinet approves the proposal of Afghanistan to send a Minister to Tokyo. 1933.07.18 — The Daily Mail attacks Lord Robert Cecil for his anti-Japanese sentiment. 1933.07.19 — Dr. Inazo Nitobe is announced as the head of Japan's delegation to the conference of the Institute of Pacific Relations in Banff, Canada. 1933.07.19 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry plans to establish insurance to cover fires caused directly or indirectly by earthquakes. 1933.07.20 — Expressions of concern over Japanese trade rivalry are heard in the House of Commons. The reply to Japan on the question of full powers for the Indian representatives in the Simla conference is again delayed, but an answer is given to the request for enlightenment on several details of the agenda of the proposed Anglo-Japanese trade conversations in London. 1933.07.20 — Moscow denies that Feng Yu-hsiang is receiving Soviet assistance. 1933.07.21 — Viscount Ishii is instructed to support the American proposal that the world tariff truce be continued in force during the recess of the Economic Conference. 1933.07.23 — The anti-Japanese boycott in Shanghai is reported reviving. 1933.07.23 — The Chinese take over the demilitarized zone created by the Tangku truce. 1933.07.23 — The Foreign Office is said to be concerned at rumours of foreign loans to China, which it fears will be used for military purposes. 1933.07.23 — Despite Japanese protests, officers of the Korobka Maru are placed on trial in Petropavlovsk on a charge of illegally entering Soviet territorial waters. The Soviet Government agrees to pay damages of 64,440 yen in connection with the killing of three Japanese fishermen on the Kamchatka coast. 1933.07.23 — Feng Yu-hsiang promises to withdraw his troops from points close to the Manchoukuo border, but Japanese army officers are sceptical. 1933.07.23 — The tentative budget estimates of the War Office are given as 340,000,000 yen, including 145,000,000 yen for Manchurian expenses and 170,000,000 yen for replenishment of war materials. 1933.07.23 — The Foreign Office plans to open legations in Egypt, Ethiopia, Colombia and Afghanistan and to appoint a number of new commercial consuls. 1933.07.24 — It is rumoured possible that the North Manchuria Railway negotiations will adjourn for a month. 1933.07.24 — The naval officers involved in the May 15 incident go on trial. 1933.07.24 — The president of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce declares that other countries will have to take protective measures unless Japanese traders modify their aims. 1933.07.24 — Sentiment develops against the metric system of measurement, which is scheduled to become compulsory on July 1, 1934, after 10 years of being on trial. 1933.07.25 — Mr. Leslie Burgin announces in the House of Commons that Britain has proposed to Japan that representatives of Japan, India and Lancashire discuss the Indian and associated textile markets in Simla, to be followed immediately by an Anglo-Japanese conference in London on other markets. 1933.07.26 — Viscount Ishii and Secretary Hull are said to have discussed Japanese-American co-operation. 1933.07.26 — The Education Ministry decides to establish a bureau to control radical thinking among students. 1933.07.27 — Field Marshal Nobuyoshi Muto dies of jaundice in Hsinking. 1933.07.27 — General Takashi Hishikari, a member of the Supreme Military Council, is selected to succeed him. 1933.07.27 — Viscount Ishii supports the American suggestions for future work of the World Economic Conference at its last plenary session before adjournment. 1933.07.28 — Agitation starts against the decision of American communication companies to abolish receiver-to-pay privileges on radio and cable messages across the Pacific. The Japanese Communications Ministry announces that rates in yen will be increased, effective on August 1. Press messages are especially affected. 1933.07.28 — Detailed figures for exports during the first six months of 1933 show an increase of 27 per cent. in the yardage of cotton cloth sold abroad. Old markets bought less, but new markets bought more. 1933.07.28 — The first shipment of Turkish cotton bought following the decision to buy no more in India reaches Kobe. 1933.07.28 — Japanese Office claimants ask the Foreign Office to protest French occupation of nine small islands in the South China Sea. 1933.07.29 — Further attacks on Japanese trade mark the closing session of the House of Commons. 1933.07.29 — Two more guard corps to protect railways in Manchuria, operative on October 1, are planned by the War Office. 1933.07.29 — General Semenov, former White Russian commander, is reported hopeful of obtaining employment for Russians in Manchoukuo when the North Manchuria Railway is taken over from the Soviets. 1933.07.30 — The Japanese delegation to the World Economic Conference leaves London. 1933.07.31 — Dr. Chao Hsin-po, Manchoukuo Justice Minister, arrives in Tokyo to spend a year in studying the Japanese Constitution in preparation for drafting the Manchoukuo Constitution. 1933.07.31 — The American communication companies reverse their decision to abolish receiver-to-pay privileges. 1933.07.31 — The Navy's second replenishment programme, spreading over three or four years, is said to require 390,000,000 yen. 1933.07.31 — Manchoukuo releases 13 Soviets taken prisoners when they tried to cross the border at Pogranichnya without permission, to make railway repairs. The Soviet Union promises that proper arrangements will be made in the future, so as to prevent occurrences of the kind. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. III No. 3 (December 1934) --- (covers 1934.08.01 to 1934.10.25) 1934.08.01 — Navy Secretary Swanson says he is agreeable to a 20 per cent. cut in naval strength, involving all categories of ships, but wants the existing ratios to continue. 1934.08.01 — Prince Fumimaro Konoye returns from his American goodwill mission, and Ambassador Naotake Sato returns from Paris, reportedly to be consulted by the Foreign Minister on the naval question. 1934.08.01 — Radio telephonic communication is opened between Japan and Manchoukuo. 1934.08.01 — Lieutenant-General Toranosuké Hashimoto is appointed War Vice-Minister. 1934.08.02 — Navy Secretary Swanson's proposal for an all-round reduction of naval strength by 20 per cent. is assailed in Tokyo naval circles as inequitable. 1934.08.02 — So much damage has been done to crops by drought, floods and insect ravages that agitation increases for a special session of the Diet to provide relief. 1934.08.02 — The Australian Parliament enacts higher tariffs on cotton yarn and a variety of cotton textiles from Japan. 1934.08.03 — The Cabinet approves expenditure of 3,000,000 yen to store 64,000,000 pounds of silk cocoons and to readjust mulberry plantations. 1934.08.04 — Sale to the public of 1,000,000 koku of Government rice is approved by the Rice Control Commission to check the rise of the rice price. 1934.08.04 — Premier Okada assures press interviewers that taxes will not be increased in the next fiscal year, though "readjustment must come in time." 1934.08.04 — The North Manchuria Railway assistant station-master at Harbin is arrested in connection with the wrecking of a train near Imienpo. 1934.08.03 — The Japanese cruiser Kuma stands by to protect Japanese lives and property at Foochow from advancing Communists. 1934.08.03 — Ceramic shipments to the Dutch East Indies are suspended by the Japan Porcelain Exporters' Association, and Japanese spinners consider placing an embargo on cotton textile shipments because of the likelihood that the Batavia Government will impose a quota on unbleached cotton cloth imports. 1934.08.03 — A freight train on the eastern section of the North Manchuria Railway is overturned and attacked by bandits. 1934.08.05 — General Kunishige Tanaka, retired, president of the Meirinkai, issues a statement in answer to Admiral W. V. Pratt's article on the naval question in Foreign Affairs. 1934.08.06 — Premier Okada explains his policies to members of the House of Peers and asks their support. 1934.08.06 — The Times, London, believes that the prospect for the 1935 naval conference might be brighter, if references to fixed ratios were avoided and every country simply pledged itself not to build above a certain measure within an agreed period. 1934.08.06 — The Kwantung Army makes public a plan for reform of the Japanese administrative machinery in Manchuria that calls for a special organization to control both administrative and economic matters. 1934.08.06 — The Dutch East Indian authorities reject Japan's request that the porcelain quota regulations be suspended. 1934.08.07 — Prince Konoye issues a statement on observations on his trip to the U.S., copies of which are submitted to all Government leaders. 1934.08.07 — Finance Minister Fuji and Bank of Japan officials agree to maintain the existing monetary policies. 1934.08.07 — The first formal meeting of the Manchoukuo-Soviet waterway conference is held in Heiho. 1934.08.08 — Captain Iwashita arrives in London to inform Ambassador Matsudaira of the Government's attitude on the naval question. 1934.08.08 — Representatives of the All-Japan Sericulturists' Federation appeal to the War Minister to relinquish a portion of the military budget for relief of the silk growers. 1934.08.08 — War Minister Hayashi tells the press that the Army wants all the Japanese administrative agencies in Manchoukuo under the direct supervision of the Premier. 1934.08.09 — The Federation of British Industries announces that it is sending a mission to Manchoukuo to study conditions and ascertain whether British interests can co-operate with local enterprise in the development of the country. 1934.08.09 — The Ceylon State Council passes a resolution protesting against the British order for application of the quota system to Japanese goods. 1934.08.09 — Finance Minister Fuji states to leading financiers that an effort will be made in the 1935-36 budget to reduce the amount of deficit bonds and that he does not intend to convert 5 per cent. bonds into low interest issues. 1934.08.09 — General Hayashi is quoted in the press as having said the Army feels it is necessary to ask for a larger appropriation in the next budget. If the Finance Ministry is opposed, the Army may propose an increase in taxes. 1934.08.09 — Admiral Osumi tells interviewers that failure of the 1935 naval conference will lead to either immediate efforts to arrange another conference or a building race. 1934.08.09 — Bandits threaten to explode the storage tank of the Standard Oil Company at Mukden and murder all of its staff unless paid $12,000. 1934.08.10 — Ambassador Yurenev tells Foreign Minister Hirota that his Government has again examined the latter's plan for transfer of the North Manchuria Railway and finds itself unable to accept it. Mr. Hirota is understood to have advised that the U.S.S.R. negotiate directly with Manchoukuo, further mediation by him being impossible. 1934.08.10 — British official circles emphasize that the visit to Manchoukuo of the F.B.I. mission is purely private and has no political meaning. 1934.08.10 — Dr. Rudolf B. Teusler, director of St. Luke's International Medical Centre, Tokyo, dies. 1934.08.10 — The population of Tokyo at the end of June is announced as 5,984,638. 1934.08.11 — The budget demands for the 1934-35 fiscal year are estimated at 2,800,000,000 yen, of which 1,200,000,000 yen are for new enterprises. 1934.08.11 — Leaders of the Nanking Government meet at Lushan to discuss, among other things, relations with Japan and Manchoukuo in North China. 1934.08.11 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry licenses two associations of exporters to control trade with Argentina. 1934.08.11 — The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that Japanese interests are urging Philippine hemp growers to plant the Chinese variety to meet demands of the Japanese rayon industry. 1934.08.11 — Miss Hideko Mayehara sets a new world record in the women's 200-metre breast stroke in the National Swimming Championships, Tokyo, in which three American aces are participating. 1934.08.12 — Senator Burton K. Wheeler urges remonetization of silver by the U.S. to help competition with Japanese manufacturers. 1934.08.12 — Political groups in Ceylon decide to boycott a number of British goods in protest against the enforcement of quotas on Japanese textiles. 1934.08.12 — Mr. Hiroshi Negami betters the world marks for 800 and 1,000 metres in swimming the 1,500 metres in the National Championships. 1934.08.13 — Following an interview with the Soviet Ambassador, Mr. Chuichi Ohashi, Manchoukuo Foreign Vice-Minister, announces that he is leaving the N.M.R. conference because of dissatisfaction with the Soviet attitude. 1934.08.13 — The Air Navigation Investigation Commission is told by Communications Minister Takejiro Tokonami that Japan must at once increase its air transport facilities to prevent weakness in the event of war. 1934.08.13 — Representative Carl Vinson, chairman of the House committee on naval affairs, remarks that the world situation does not justify Japan's claim to an increased naval ratio in the course of an announcement that he plans a five-year programme to give the U.S. Navy 2,100 aeroplanes. 1934.08.13 — The F.B.I. seeks to ease Chinese nervousness about the aims of the mission being sent to Manchoukuo by stating that they are purely industrial and non-political. 1934.08.14 — Foreign Minister Hirota is described as indignant at Dr. V.K. Wellington Koo's denunciation of Japan at the League Assembly. 1934.08.14 — Foreign Office authorities are still hopeful of settlement of the N.M.R. question. 1934.08.14 — A deadlock is indicated in the Manchoukuo-Soviet waterway conference at Heiho. 1934.08.14 — Navy Minister Osumi reportedly tells the Premier that the officers and men of the fleet are unanimous in wanting notification of termination of the Washington Treaty served as soon as possible. 1934.08.14 — Prince and Princess Kaya reach New York from Europe on their world tour. 1934.08.14 — The Dutch protest in the Batavia trade parley that the Japanese Government has ignored requests that cotton textile exports to the D.E.I. be regulated. 1934.08.15 — American farmers in the Salt River Valley, Arizona, organize to drive out Japanese residents in ten days. 1934.08.15 — Agreement by the Soviet Government to accept 32.5 sen per rouble in payments by Japanese companies of fishery charges during the second half of 1934 is reported. 1934.08.15 — A number of Soviet employees of the N.M.R. are arrested by Manchoukuo on charges of plotting railway wrecks. 1934.08.15 — India's raw cotton exports to Japan reached 1,627,879 bales on July 31, exceeding the 1,500,000 bales stipulated in the trade convention as the amount Japan must take in exchange for selling the maximum limit of 400,000,000 yards of cotton textiles. 1934.08.16 — A warning by Consul-General Makoto Kimura in addressing university students in Manila of the serious effects of the proposed increase of Philippine tariffs on the welfare of the Islands gives rise to charges that he is lobbying against the tariff measure. 1934.08.16 — The American Foreign Policy Association issues a bulletin claiming Japan has aided General Chiang Kai-shek's campaign against the Communists to protect its flank in the event of trouble with the U.S.S.R., and has further strengthened its Far Eastern predominance by the Mukden-Peiping railway agreement and the reduction of Chinese tariffs on Japanese goods. 1934.08.16 — The Harvard baseball team arrives in Japan for a series of games with Japanese university teams. 1934.08.17 — The Foreign Office spokesman assures foreign correspondents that Japan is not planning to seize the N.M.R. 1934.08.17 — The War Office makes public a list of 15 attempts to destroy military supply trains on the N.M.R. between April and July. 1934.08.17 — Farmers in the Salt River Valley, Arizona, parade in protest against the influx of Japanese settlers. 1934.08.17 — The Turkish Cabinet ratifies the new commercial agreement with Japan. 1934.08.17 — Prince and Princess Kaya are received at the White House. 1934.08.17 — The Finance Ministry approves the levying by Tokyo City of new taxes on incomes and household servants that are expected to yield about 690,000 yen yearly. 1934.08.17 — The Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha contributes 6,000,000 yen to social welfare enterprises. 1934.08.18 — A full review of the N.M.R. negotiations is issued in Moscow, despite an understanding that the details be kept secret, revealing that Foreign Minister Hirota proposed 120,000,000 yen as the transfer price and the U.S.S.R. asked 160,000,000 yen. 1934.08.18 — The Chinese press gives prominence to exaggerated reports about Japanese-Soviet relations. 1934.08.18 — The Tientsin Customs Administration announces that branch customs offices will be established at five places along the Manchoukuo border. 1934.08.20 — Consul-General Yokoyama in Geneva submits to the Mandates Commission of the League Japan's annual report on its mandated islands. 1934.08.20 — More Soviet employees of the N.M.R. suspected of wrecking trains are arrested by Manchoukuo. 1934.08.20 — The police lift the ban on news of the arrest of 108 Communist suspects in central Japan between April and late June. 1934.08.21 — The Foreign Office issues a statement on the N.M.R. negotiations, refuting arguments in the Soviet statement and saying Japan is still hopeful of settlement. 1934.08.21 — Acting Secretary of State William Phillips asks the Governor of Arizona to take precautions to prevent the agitation against Japanese farmers from causing diplomatic friction. 1934.08.21 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces that the rice crop is likely to be 5 per cent. below normal because of bad growing conditions. 1934.08.22 — Ambassador Ohta protests to the Moscow Government against its violation of the agreement for secrecy concerning the N.M.R. transfer terms. 1934.08.22 — The U.S.S.R. protests to Japan against the arrest of Soviet employees of the N.M.R. by Manchoukuo. 1934.08.22 — The U.S. Navy Department announces that the scouting and battle fleets will return to the Pacific Coast and remain there "until conditions change." 1934.08.22 — The Taiyokai, composed of retired naval officers ranking below admirals, submits to Cabinet Ministers a petition for termination of the Washington Treaty and for naval equality. 1934.08.22 — The leaders of the anti-Japanese movement in Arizona agree to let the law take its course as warrants are issued for the arrest of nine Japanese farmers charged with conspiracy to violate the land laws. Governor Moeur assures the State Department that "the laws will be enforced to the letter." 1934.08.22 — The Portuguese Colonial Minister adopts measures to prevent the penetration of Japanese goods into Portuguese Guinea. 1934.08.22 — A slump in Government bond prices is attributed to uncertainty about the Cabinet's financial policy. 1934.08.22 — The Government announces for sale 700,000 koku of rice in Japan. 1934.08.24 — Resumption of the Batavia trade conference is agreed on. 1934.08.24 — The D.E.I. Government orders J. Tikel, a Japanese subject, to leave Java because of contributions to the vernacular press. 1934.08.24 — The President of the Seiyukai denounces the Cabinet's plan for a national policy investigation commission and says no member of his party will be allowed to join it. 1934.08.24 — Ambassador Grew assures Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu that the U.S. Government is acting to settle the anti-Japanese agitation in Arizona. 1934.08.24 — The Chinese Legation in Washington takes issue with the interpretation of the Foreign Policy Association that China has become pro-Japanese because of the Peiping-Mukden railway agreement and the revision of its tariffs in favour of Japanese goods. 1934.08.24 — Additional arrests of Soviet employees of the N.M.R. are made by Manchoukuo. 1934.08.25 — Admiral Suetsugu says the Navy cannot be responsible for national defence unless the Washington Treaty is terminated. 1934.08.25 — Lieutenant-Colonel H.H. Arnold, commander of the flight of bombers from Washington to Alaska, urges a large air base at Puget Sound to guard the Pacific Northwest from invasion. 1934.08.25 — Italian weavers press their Government to lift the embargo on Japanese raw silk imports. 1934.08.27 — An agreement is reached in the Manchoukuo-Soviet waterway conference which provides for a joint technical commission. 1934.08.27 — The Tass News Agency issues a statement charging that the Japanese and Manchoukuo statements on the N.M.R. negotiations are unfair. 1934.08.27 — A plot against the life of General Hishikari and Premier Cheng Hsiao-hsu by a group of Chinese is revealed. 1934.08.27 — The Vatican denies the technical accuracy of the report that it has recognized Manchoukuo. 1934.08.27 — The Chinese Minister in Tokyo confers with Foreign Minister Hirota on the control exercised over Chinese residents in Japan. 1934.08.27 — Another anti-Japanese demonstration is held in Phoenix, Arizona. 1934.08.27 — The Privy Council receives the Indo-Japanese trade convention for consideration. 1934.08.27 — Officials of the Finance Ministry decide to bring pressure to bear on public bodies that have delayed payments on Government loans, hoping thereby to receive an additional 10,000,000 yen yearly. 1934.08.28 — The procurator demands death for four members of the Blood Brotherhood League, who plotted the death of statesmen and financiers, and prison sentences ranging from life to six years for ten others. 1934.08.28 — The Dutch notify the Japanese at the Batavia parley that their Government is considering imposition of the restrictions on 56 kinds of goods provided in the recently promulgated restriction ordinance. 1934.08.28 — Silk cocoon prices reach a new low level. 1934.08.29 — The Foreign Office spokesman says Japan will present definite proposals in the naval conversations, including a new scheme for curtailment of armaments to replace the ratio system, acceptance of which would relieve Japan of the necessity of separate notification of intent to terminate the Washington Treaty. 1934.08.29 — The Financial News, London, strongly urges recognition of Manchoukuo in an editorial on the F.B.I. mission. 1934.08.30 — The Japanese delegation at the Batavia conference report that the People's Assembly has approved withdrawal of the restriction on ceramic imports. In response, the organization of Japanese ceramic importers is dissolved to prevent further misunderstanding of its motives. 1934.08.30 — An American, a Dane and seven Japanese are kidnapped by bandits in an attack on a N.M.R. train between Harbin and Hsinking. Ten other Japanese are killed and many injured. 1934.08.31 — The State Department reveals that the Japanese Embassy has conferred informally on the proposed tariff agreement between the U.S. and the Philippines, but denies that a protest has been made. 1934.08.31 — The report that Japan has made representations against the Philippine-U.S. tariff negotiations evokes resentment in Manila. 1934.08.31 — The Foreign Office spokesman says 94 Soviet citizens have been arrested by Manchoukuo since last year, of whom 31 have been deported. 1934.08.31 — Japan's invisible foreign trade during 1933 was 984,636,000 yen in receipts and 966,276,000 yen in payments, higher by 216,757,000 yen and 213,516,000 yen respectively than in 1932, the Finance Ministry announces. 1934.09.01 — Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki begin two days of air defence manoeuvres. 1934.09.01 — The anniversary of the 1923 earthquake and fire is observed. 1934.09.01 — Fifteen U.S. track and field stars reach Japan to compete with Japanese teams. 1934.09.01 — The Japan Porcelain Export Guild Federation lifts the embargo on ceramic shipments to the D.E.I. and agrees to limit them to 50,000 tons for 1934. 1934.09.01 — Regulations go into effect in Chosen (Korea) barring Chinese labourers without 100 yen and prospects of immediate work. 1934.09.01 — The Lafa-Harbin Railway, 268 kilometres long, is formally opened, and traffic is started on the Tumen-Lishukou section of the Tumen-Ningta Railway, in Kirin province. 1934.09.02 — Through the heroism of one of the Japanese, the seven Japanese and two foreigners kidnapped from a N.M.R. train are rescued by Japanese forces. 1934.09.03 — The Foreign Office spokesman explains that the Japanese Embassy in Washington has not protested, but merely pointed out to the State Department the effect on Japanese trade of the proposed increase of Philippine tariffs on goods of non-American origin. 1934.09.04 — Replying to Moscow's protest against the arrest of Soviet employees of the N.M.R., Foreign Minister Hirota declares that Manchoukuo was merely exercising its jurisdiction and calls attention to anti-Japanese utterances by Soviet leaders and newspaper articles that are interfering with normal development of Japanese-Soviet relations. 1934.09.04 — Seven Manchurians are seized and carried across the border by Outer Mongolian mounted guards. 1934.09.04 — The Cabinet approves an agreement with Manchoukuo to facilitate customs inspection. 1934.09.04 — Italy gives notice that quota restrictions are being placed on more imports from Japan. 1934.09.04 — The Siamese Minister in Tokyo asks Foreign Minister Hirota to lift the embargo on rice imports from Siam. 1934.09.05 — More than 10,000 tram and bus workers in Tokyo strike in protest against wage cuts. Skeleton services are operated by strike-breakers. 1934.09.05 — Bandits derail an international train on the N.M.R. 1934.09.05 — The Bank of Japan's wholesale price index number for August shows an increase of 1.6 per cent. compared with that for July, the first increase in six months. 1934.09.05 — The Congressional arms enquiry in Washington reveals that the Electric Boat Company's submarine patents have been licensed to Mitsubishi through Vickers-Armstrong. 1934.09.07 — The Cabinet approves Japan's fundamental policy for the London naval conversations, which is said to call for termination of the Washington Treaty and conclusion of a new agreement. 1934.09.07 — League circles are hopeful that Soviet admission will induce Japan to withdraw its resignation. 1934.09.07 — The Education Ministry begins study of proposals for reform of the school system. 1934.09.08 — The Navy Office announces that Rear-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto will attend the London naval conversations as a full delegate. 1934.09.08 — Two ships are tied up at Osaka because of agitation among their crews for higher wages and recognition of the right of collective bargaining. 1934.09.08 — The U. S. track and field team leads, 38 to 37, at the end of the first day of the Japanese-American contest in Tokyo. 1934.09.09 — The Metropolitan Police Board advises the Tokyo tram and bus strikers to submit to arbitration. 1934.09.09 — Much damage is done along the Japan Sea coast by a typhoon. 1934.09.09 — The U.S. team wins the Japanese-American track and field meet in Tokyo, 84 to 75. 1934.09.09 — Miss Hideko Mayehara sets a new women's world record for the 200-metre breast stroke, 3 minutes 2.8 seconds, in a meet at Nagoya. 1934.09.10 — The Foreign and Navy Offices, according to the Foreign Office spokesman, have agreed to take special care not to make announcements on naval matters that might excite public opinion at home or abroad. 1934.09.10 — The League Assembly hears Dr. Benes, of Czechoslovakia, declare that sanctions will come, if what happened in Manchuria is taken as a precedent in Europe. 1934.09.10 — The Soley Armaments Company, London, suggested to the American Armaments Corporation that the U.S. Government be induced to provide funds for China to buy arms for use against Japan, it is claimed in testimony before the Congressional arms enquiry in Washington. 1934.09.10 — Ambassadors Hiroshi Saito and Naotake Sato arrive in Dairen for an inspection tour of Manchoukuo. 1934.09.10 — Leaders of the Tokyo tram and bus strike refuse to submit to arbitration unless the Tokyo City Electric Bureau withdraws its plan for reducing wages. 1934.09.11 — Premier Okada submits to the Foreign and War Ministers a compromise plan for reform of the Japanese administrative agencies in Manchuria, creating a special bureau under the Premier to supervise the non-diplomatic duties of the Ambassador to Manchoukuo. 1934.09.11 — Manchoukuo authorities say the arrested Soviet employees of the N.M.R. have confessed that plots to wreck trains were directed by a secret Soviet organ. 1934.09.14 — The press begins to call attention to the plight of farmers in the northern part of the main island, where famine is threatened because of poor crops. 1934.09.14 — Officials of the Federation of Cocoon Raisers' Associations decide to petition the Government to call a Diet session to provide depression relief. 1934.09.14 — The Finance Ministry announces that in the 1933-34 fiscal year revenue totalled 2,351,759,000 yen, including 755,000,000 yen from bond issues, and expenditure 2,254,662,000 yen. Revenue was greater than estimated by 11,250,000 yen and expenditure less by 121,172,000 yen. 1934.09.14 — Mr. Quo Tai-chi urges the League Assembly to stand by its resolution on the Manchurian incident and protests El Salvador's recognition of the new State. 1934.09.14 — Manchoukuo completes a plan for extensive reorganization of provincial administration. 1934.09.14 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry notifies the Japan Pottery Export Guild Federation to apply, starting September 18, legal measures for control of exports. 1934.09.14 — China protests against the treatment of its nationals residing in Japan. 1934.09.12 — Foreign Minister Hirota informs the Privy Council of the preparations for the naval conversations. 1934.09.12 — The Privy Council approves the Indo-Japanese trade agreement. 1934.09.12 — The Supreme War Council approves conditionally the Government's plan for administrative reforms in Manchuria. 1934.09.12 — Six hundred officials of the Kwantung Government decide to resign in protest against the plan for administrative reforms. 1934.09.12 — Japan's cotton textile exports during the first six months of 1934 totalled 1,263,590,000 yards, compared with Britain's 969,290,000 yards, according to the Japan Spinners' Association. 1934.09.13 — The plight of silk farmers is worse than in 1932, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which finds that spring cocoon production was 48,579,452 kwan, less than in 1933 by 3.3 per cent., valued at 117,310,965 yen, less than in 1933 by 61 per cent. 1934.09.13 — Mr. Chuzo Mitsuchi, former Railway Minister, is indicted on a charge of perjury in connection with the Finance Ministry scandal. 1934.09.13 — An American fur-trader in Mukden, Mr. Solomon Zterlin, is rescued by Japanese and Manchoukuo police after 22 days' detention by bandits. 1934.09.13 — The Keyes unit of the California Grange adopts a resolution of opposition to the hiring of Japanese, Filipinos and Mexicans as farm labourers. 1934.09.14 — The Cabinet adopts the compromise plan for reform of the Japanese administrative agencies in Manchuria, which the Premier is said to have described as a temporary measure. 1934.09.14 — Haiti is asked to delay action on its new tariff bill, which would inflict hardships on Japanese trade, until after the arrival of a Japanese mission from Hawaii. 1934.09.15 — Mr. Hideaki Kuramoto, whose disappearance in Nanking in June became a diplomatic issue, is released from the diplomatic service. 1934.09.15 — Manchoukuo observes the second anniversary of Japan's recognition. 1934.09.16 — The Cabinet's plan for reform of the administrative machinery in Manchuria is denounced at a mass meeting of Kwantung Government officials. 1934.09.16 — Bandits attack a freight train on the eastern section of the N.M.R. 1934.09.16 — The striking tram and bus workers in Tokyo decide to return to work pending the outcome of the arbitration efforts. 1934.09.17 — Damage to crops from drought in Kyushu and Shikoku is estimated at 106,000,000 yen. 1934.09.17 — China's protest against the treatment of Chinese living in Japan, says the Foreign Office spokesman, is based on misunderstanding. 1934.09.17 — China loses its seat on the League Council. 1934.09.17 — Ambassadors Saito and Sato arrive in Peiping on their inspection tour. 1934.09.17 — Two Japanese officials of Manchoukuo are killed by bandits who attack a steamer on the Amur. 1934.09.17 — The new Brazilian Ambassador, Dr. Carlos Martins Pereira e Souza, presents his credentials to the Emperor. 1934.09.17 — The arms enquiry in Washington reveals that the U.S. Department of Commerce aided the establishment of a military flying school at Canton, China, last year. 1934.09.18 — Prince and Princess Kaya return from Europe and America. 1934.09.18 — The third anniversary of the outbreak of the Manchurian incident is observed. 1934.09.18 — The Combined Fleet arrives at Dairen to congratulate Manchoukuo on its founding. 1934.09.18 — The Finance Ministry approves expenditure of 292,300 yen for the preliminary naval conversations. 1934.09.18 — Fifteen American journalists, guests of the Japan Press Association, arrive in Japan for a six-weeks' visit to the Far East. 1934.09.18 — The Dutch delegation to the Batavia trade parley accepts the Japanese proposal that a shipping agreement be negotiated informally during the trade talks. 1934.09.18 — Bombs are exploded on two Japanese farms in the Arizona trouble. 1934.09.18 — An injunction to restrain the California authorities from arresting unlicensed Japanese fishermen from bringing in tuna from beyond the three-mile limit is asked of the Superior Court at San Diego. 1934.09.18 — The League Assembly votes to admit the U.S.S.R. 1934.09.19 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies that Foreign Minister Hirota desires a non-aggression pact with Britain and the U.S. because he fears the naval negotiations will fail. 1934.09.19 — Campaigning since the outbreak of the Manchurian incident has taken the lives of 4,051 officers, men and civilians attached to the army and navy. 1934.09.19 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against seizure of territory at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri rivers. 1934.09.19 — The Nanking Foreign Office issues a statement pointing out that the League, by failing to re-elect China to the Council, has become an organization purely of European nations. 1934.09.19 — The Manchoukuo Government announces that the electrical industry will be controlled through a merger of all companies that will have joint Japanese-Manchoukuo capital. 1934.09.19 — Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu tells the British Ambassador that he cannot agree to postponement of the collection of local taxes from foreigners living on perpetual lease lands in Yokohama, Kobe and Nagasaki, but will try to ease the manner in which action is taken. 1934.09.20 — Rear-Admiral Yamamoto leaves Japan, via the U.S., for the London naval talks. 1934.09.20 — Admiral Suetsugu and his staff are received in audience by the Emperor of Manchoukuo. He later makes a speech denouncing the ratio system. 1934.09.20 — The Governor of Arizona appoints a board to settle the anti-Japanese land dispute. 1934.09.21 — More than 2,500 lives are lost and vast damage done to property by a typhoon in Western Japan, especially Osaka and Kyoto prefectures. 1934.09.21 — The Foreign Office spokesman brands as imaginary the report that Foreign Minister Hirota desires a tripartite non-aggression pact with Britain and the U.S. to avert uncertainty in the event of failure of the naval conference. 1934.09.21 — Charge d'Affaires Fuji discusses the anti-Japanese situation in Arizona with State Department officials. 1934.09.21 — The Governor of Arizona orders that everything be done to protect the Japanese farmers from violence. 1934.09.21 — The shipping and import sub-committees of the Batavia trade parley hold their first meetings. 1934.09.21 — Bank deposits in Japan proper, Formosa and Saghalien set a new record at the end of August, totalling 12,400,621,000 yen. 1934.09.22 — A proposal to limit land leases to five years submitted to the Philippines Constitutional Convention is accompanied by a statement that Japanese control 90 per cent. of the agriculture in Davao province. 1934.09.24 — The Jehol detachment of the Kwantung Army issues a statement calling to the attention of the authorities in the North China demilitarized zone the growing frequency of violations of the Tangku truce. 1934.09.23 — Manchoukuo's Foreign Vice-Minister, Mr. C. Ohashi, returns to Tokyo for the N.M.R. negotiations. 1934.09.23 — A Nanking Foreign Office spokesman concedes that China cannot recognize the legality of transfer of the N.M.R. to Manchoukuo. 1934.09.23 — OGPU officers fire on a Japanese surveying party south of Pogranichnaya, and two Korean youths are carried into Soviet territory in the same vicinity. 1934.09.23 — The Japanese garrison at Mukden starts a campaign against 10,000 bandits in Southeastern Fengtien. 1934.09.23 — The Statistics Bureau of the Cabinet announces that there were 486,058 marriages in Japan proper in 1933, 7.23 per 1,000 of population; 49,282 divorces, 0.73 per 1,000; 2,121,253 births, 31.55 per 1,000; 114,138 still-births, 1.7 per 1,000; 1,193,987 deaths, 17.76 per 1,000; and a natural increase of 927,266, 13.79 per 1,000. 1934.09.26 — Heavy rain adds to the misery of the thousands of typhoon sufferers. 1934.09.26 — The damage done to agriculture by the typhoon is estimated conservatively at 124,000,000 yen. 1934.09.26 — Baron Yoshito Sakatani, in an article in The Japan Advertiser, advocates a Japanese-Soviet non-aggression pact to remove the threat of war in East Asia. 1934.09.26 — A Soviet military plane makes a forced landing on Manchoukuo territory near Manchuli. 1934.09.26 — Navy Secretary Swanson says the question of a Manchoukuo navy as an auxiliary to Japan's will be discussed, if and when it arises in the London naval talks. 1934.09.26 — Radio telephone service is opened between Japan and the Philippines. 1934.09.26 — The Philippines Cabinet approves of asking Japan to extradite the crew of the Kaisee Maru on a charge of attempted murder. The men are being examined at Takao, Formosa. 1934.09.27 — The mission of the Federation of British Industries arrives in Japan. 1934.09.27 — Japan's cotton textile exports in August totalled 236,636,000 square yards, valued at 47,138,000 yen. 1934.09.27 — Vice-Consul S. Fukushima arrives in Phoenix, Arizona, from Los Angeles to investigate a threatened anti-Japanese boycott and embargo. 1934.09.28 — The Cabinet adopts the proposal that the Diet be convoked to approve typhoon relief measures. 1934.09.28 — The Foreign Office spokesman says that Japan can raise the Legation in China to an Embassy at any time, but is still considering the matter. 1934.09.28 — The League Council's China committee decides not to appoint a successor to Dr. L. Rajchman as technical adviser to Nanking, but to continue technical co-operation with China. 1934.09.28 — The Philippines Agriculture Ministry announces plans to plant 600,000 acres of cotton to sell to Japan to redress the trade balance. 1934.09.29 — The Emperor and Empress donate 440,000 yen for the relief of typhoon sufferers in 20 prefectures. 1934.09.29 — The first official estimate of the rice crop indicates that it will be the smallest in 15 years, about 55,000,000 koku. 1934.09.29 — Bandits kill 46 Manchoukuo cavalrymen near Erengsienhotien, on the eastern section of the N.M.R. 1934.09.29 — Nicaragua's intention to recognize Manchoukuo is announced in San Francisco by its Vice-President, Dr. Rodolfo Espinosa. 1934.09.29 — Manchoukuo's representatives demand removal of navigation marks erected by the U.S.S.R. at the delta formed where the Ussuri joins the Amur at the first session of the Manchoukuo-Soviet waterway technical commission. 1934.10.01 — The press section of the War Office creates a sensation by issuing a pamphlet on the relations between national defence and economy, in which suggestions are made for reform of the economic system. 1934.10.01 — One hundred and thirty-five new companies have been organized in Manchoukuo since September, 1932, with a capitalization of 288,611,000 yen, of which 161,907,000 yen of it is paid up, according to the Overseas Ministry. 1934.10.01 — The population of Tokyo is announced as 5,663,350. 1934.10.02 — Rear-Admiral Yamamoto says in Seattle that Japan's notice of abrogation of the Washington Treaty may cause somewhat of a sensation in the U.S. and Britain, but it will subside when Japan's real reasons are understood. 1934.10.02 — Brigadier-General William Mitchell, retired, tells President Roosevelt's aviation commission that the U.S. could destroy Japan in two days with a fleet of 50 airships. 1934.10.02 — Seven Japanese farmers in Arizona are enjoined not to cultivate land. 1934.10.02 — The F.B.I. mission proposes adjustment of Anglo-Japanese economic competition at a luncheon given by the Economic League, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Industrial Club. 1934.10.02 — The Social Work Bureau of the Home Ministry announces that of 7,471,245 men investigated at the end of June, 378,065 were unemployed, a decline of .07 per cent. compared with May. 1934.10.02 — The Minister to Peru, Mr. Yoshiasu Murakami, is appointed additionally Japan's first Minister to Ecuador. 1934.10.03 — The appointment of Mr. Norman Davis and Admiral William H. Standley, noted exponent of the status quo, as the U.S. delegates to the London naval talks is announced. 1934.10.03 — Brigadier-General Mitchell's statement that Japan is the most dangerous enemy of the U.S. is condemned by The World-Telegram, New York. In Tokyo naval circles it is not taken seriously. 1934.10.03 — Joint Japanese-American operation of trans-Pacific air lines is urged in Washington by Mr. Eddie Rickenbacker. 1934.10.03 — Five more bombs are exploded on Japanese farms in Arizona. 1934.10.03 — Adoption by the Manchoukuo Cabinet of a plan for reorganization of the new State into 10 provinces, effective December 1, is announced. 1934.10.04 — The British Department of Overseas Trade announces that Japan is maintaining its trade position in India, notwithstanding reduced shipments of cotton textiles. 1934.10.04 — Dr. Harry A. Garfield, President Emeritus of Williams College, tells the America-Japan Society in Tokyo that the U.S. Exclusion Act of 1924 was "a blunder of the first magnitude." 1934.10.04 — Bandits attack a train between Mukden and Antung. 1934.10.05 — The War Minister reportedly assures the Cabinet that the Army has no intention of acting on the economic and social policies advocated in the War Office's pamphlet, the aim of which was enlightenment of the public. 1934.10.05 — The Governor of Arizona would welcome a formal protest from Japan on the anti-Japanese land trouble because it would enable the Federal Government to intervene and help to prevent violence. Chargé d'Affaires Fujii again confers with State Department officials. 1934.10.06 — Farm losses from natural calamities this year in Japan are estimated at 800,000,000 yen. 1934.10.06 — Leaders of the Japanese community and the Anti-Alien Association in Arizona meet to adjust the dispute over Japanese settlement on farm lands. 1934.10.06 — A Mongolian goodwill mission, headed by Prince Chi, Governor of Hsingan, arrives in Tokyo. 1934.10.06 — The Canadian Minister, Mr. Herbert Marler, returns to Tokyo after six months in Canada and England. 1934.10.06 — Tourists visiting Japan in the first eight months of the year totalled 24,329, more by 50 per cent. than last year. 1934.10.06 — The Italian Embassy in Tokyo denies that Italy had any part in preventing the marriage of an Ethiopian prince and a Japanese woman. 1934.10.07 — Rear-Admiral Yamamoto says in New York that, if the London conversations do not yield results, Japan will continue its efforts at the 1935 conference. 1934.10.07 — The Tokyo tram and bus strike is resumed with the failure of the compulsory arbitration board to effect a settlement, the workers rejecting its compromise plan. 1934.10.08 — Governor-General Murphy of the Philippines asks the U.S. Ambassador in Tokyo to request detention of the crew of the Kaisee Maru pending the arrival of extradition papers. 1934.10.08 — The Philippines authorities receive a protest from the Japan-Manila Hemp Importers' Association, Kobe, against an impending bill limiting hemp exports to 1,000,000 bales yearly. 1934.10.08 — General Chiang Kai-shek tells a correspondent of The North-China Daily News, Shanghai, that an attempt to recover Manchuria would be suicidal and that China must wait before taking action. 1934.10.08 — A special committee of the South Manchuria Railway Company decides to recommend the sale to the public of shares in more than 20 enterprises controlled by it. 1934.10.09 — Recognition of Manchoukuo is urged by The Daily Mail, London, which thinks a friendly understanding between Japan and Britain possible. 1934.10.09 — A committee of the Dutch East Indian Legislative Assembly starts discussion of a bill for business restriction, ignoring the pledge given to Japan that it would be delayed until after the Batavia parley. 1934.10.09 — The yen weakens further against the dollar, being quoted by the Yokohama Specie Bank at 28 5/8. 1934.10.09 — U.S. rubber manufacturers complain to the NRA against the growing imports of Japanese erasers. 1934.10.10 — Sir John Gilmour, Home Affairs Secretary, declares at Gravesend that Britain must have an adequate naval force in Far Eastern waters to protect trade with China. 1934.10.10 — U.S. manufacturers of women's wear ask higher tariffs on a number of imports from Japan. 1934.10.11 — A delegation of Dairen officials asks Premier Okada to change the plan for reform of the Japanese administration in Manchuria and is told that it cannot be changed, as it has already been approved by the Cabinet, though ways to satisfy the civil police will be studied. 1934.10.11 — The Dutch delegation at the Batavia trade parley requests Japan to buy large quantities of sugar to help balance trade. 1934.10.11 — President Suzuki of the Seiyukai advocates abolition of the naval ratio system, readjustment of taxes and thoroughgoing relief measures, at a party rally at Nagano. 1934.10.11 — Mr. Quo Tai-chi says in London that the League's exclusion of China from the Council will encourage Japan's cry of "Asia for the Asiatics." 1934.10.11 — A Japanese vessel is seized off New Guinea for fishing in territorial waters. 1934.10.11 — The American Federation of Labour, in conference in San Francisco, passes a resolution opposing quotas for Oriental immigrants. 1934.10.11 — The Emperor of Manchoukuo receives the F.B.I. mission. 1934.10.12 — The Foreign Office spokesman says that elevation of Japan's Legation in China to an Embassy will be decided on the basis of Japan's peculiar position in East Asia. 1934.10.12 — Japanese cotton imports in the first eight months of 1934 are announced as 4,183,059 bales, greater than in the same period of 1933 by 441,519 bales. 1934.10.13 — Prior to leaving Hsinking, Lord Barnby, head of the F.B.I. mission, states that the rapid development of Manchoukuo is impressive. 1934.10.13 — The War Office issues a statement emphasizing that peace and order in Manchoukuo necessitate the utmost co-operation between the Japanese military and civil police. 1934.10.13 — Manchoukuo starts its first grand military manoeuvres south of Hsinking. 1934.10.14 — Japan's trade expansion is a distinct gain in that it enables colonial populations to buy cheap goods and absorb raw materials, says a report of the U.S. Foreign Policy Association. 1934.10.14 — China increases its silver export duty to 10 per cent. to protect its currency from the effects of the U.S. silver purchasing policy. 1934.10.14 — Pan-American Airways announces plans for early inauguration of an experimental air service between California and the Orient. 1934.10.14 — Ambassador Yurenev makes unexpected proposals to Foreign Minister Hirota regarding transfer of the N.M.R., including a demand for retention by the U.S.S.R. of cultural institutions owned by the railway. 1934.10.14 — Two officials of the Overseas Ministry submit their resignations because of the Manchurian reform plan controversy. 1934.10.15 — Admiral Suetsugu tells the press that the Navy has an economical and efficient plan to cope with any situation resulting from abrogation of the Washington Treaty. 1934.10.15 — Japanese competition is threatening to oust U.S. cotton goods from Latin America, Mr. Harry Lauten, of the Textile Export Association, declares in a hearing in Washington on the proposed U.S.-Haitian trade agreement. 1934.10.16 — Rear-Admiral Yamamoto arrives in London. 1934.10.16 — The Navy League of Japan adopts a resolution of opposition to the ratio system. 1934.10.16 — The Kwantung Army issues a statement saying that firm steps will be taken to crush agitation against the Manchurian reform plan. 1934.10.17 — An informal Foreign Office statement sets forth the principles of Japan's policy for the London naval conversations. 1934.10.17 — Rear-Admiral Yamamoto tells interviewers in London that the right of equality for national defence is the basis of Japan's naval demands, but the figures to give equality remain to be discussed. 1934.10.17 — The U.S. delegation attempts to have the naval talks round-table instead of bilateral. 1934.10.17 — Governor-General Murphy of the Philippines asks the U.S. Ambassador in Tokyo to request detention of the crew of the Kaisee Maru. 1934.10.17 — Peru formally notifies Japan of its intention to let their commercial treaty lapse. A new treaty is to be negotiated. 1934.10.18 — The Emperor receives the credentials of the new Persian Minister, Mr. Mirza Bagher Khan Asimi. 1934.10.18 — Five thousand officials and policemen of the Kwantung Government submit their resignations in protest against the Manchurian reform plan. 1934.10.18 — The Kwantung Army opens a special office in Dairen to cope with the situation. 1934.10.18 — A complaint by the United Fruit Company that Japanese shipping lines are competing with American lines in the Caribbean falls flat in Washington when it is shown that most of the company's ships are of foreign registry. 1934.10.19 — The British and American delegations in London deny having received non-aggression pact proposals from Japan. 1934.10.19 — The Dutch delegation at the Batavia parley arouses Japanese resentment by asking that sugar production be curtailed in Formosa and the Mandated Islands in order to let Japan take more Dutch East Indian sugar. 1934.10.20 — The 15th International Red Cross Convention formally opens in Tokyo. 1934.10.20 — Mr. Shigeru Yoshida succeeds Mr. Itsu Kawada as Chief Secretary of the Cabinet. 1934.10.20 — Fleet-Admiral Prince Fushimi reviews the crews of the Combined Fleet at Osaka. 1934.10.20 — Osaka is informed that an Anglo-Japanese Association is being formed there to promote friendly relations. 1934.10.25 — Count Hideo Kodama, former Governor of the Kwantung Leased Territory, is made Overseas Minister. 1934.10.25 — The U.S. and Britain are revealed to have made representations to Japan against its oil control law and Manchoukuo's oil monopoly, the latter of which they regard as a violation of the open door. 1934.10.25 — International banking houses in London are seriously considering substantial credits for Manchoukuo, The Daily Herald reports. 1934.10.25 — Radio telephone communication is opened between Japan and the Dutch East Indies. 1934.10.25 — A movement is started for contribution of a part of their salaries by Government officials to help impoverished farmers. 1934.10.25 — The captain and crew of the Japanese vessel held at Rabaul, New Guinea, for violation of the fishery, immigration and quarantine regulations are fined six months' imprisonment and fines aggregating 1,800 pounds sterling. 1934.10.25 — The U.S. accepts Japan's reservation on the right of visit and search to belligerent warships in time of war. 1934.10.22 — The Emperor receives in audience the F.B.I. mission. 1934.10.22 — Foreign Minister Hirota and Ambassador Yurenev make but little progress in further negotiations on N.M.R. transfer details. The Foreign Minister rejects a Soviet protest against the requirement that press messages sent from Tokyo in Russian by the Tass correspondent must be accompanied by an English translation. 1934.10.22 — Ambassador Yotaro Sugimura says in Ottawa there is little prospect of Japan returning to the League of Nations, unless the U.S. joins it. 1934.10.22 — Seiyukai and Minseito leaders, meeting separately, approve party co-operation. 1934.10.23 — The Anglo-Japanese naval talks open in London, the Japanese delegation outlining its new limitation formula. 1934.10.23 — A gentlemen's agreement is given to the Japanese delegation at the Batavia trade parley that the new Dutch East Indian regulations restricting business will not affect the rights of Japanese residents. 1934.10.23 — Japanese importers agree in principle to buy more wool from South Africa. 1934.10.24 — The opposition of the U.S. to termination of the Washington and London Treaties is set forth in the first Japanese-American conversation at London. 1934.10.24 — Plans to form committees of the Japan Economic Federation and the Federation of British Industries in Tokyo and London to discuss questions affecting the industrial and commercial interests of the two countries are announced by Baron Seinosuke Goh and Lord Barnby. 1934.10.24 — Tanganyika announces higher import duties, which are expected to affect Japanese trade. 1934.10.24 — The Privy Council approves the Geneva Red Cross treaty for better treatment of the sick and wounded on battlefields. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. II No. 4 (March 1934) --- (covers 1933.11.01 to 1934.01.31) 1933.11.01 — The Mitsui family creates a 30,000,000 yen foundation for the welfare of the Japanese people. 1933.11.01 — General Sadao Araki explains to the army members of the Supreme Military Council his proposal for an international peace conference. 1933.11.01 — The Japanese troops that drove General Feng Chen-wu's insurgents from the North China neutral zone complete withdrawal to outside the Great Wall. 1933.11.01 — The Rice Control Act goes into force, authorizing the Government to fix minimum and maximum quotations for the market price of rice. 1933.11.02 — The Government issues 400,000,000 yen of 4 per cent. Treasury Bonds, maturing in 23 years and 10 months, to meet part of the budget deficit and finance colonial enterprises. The Bank of Japan takes 300,000,000 yen of them, and the Deposits Bureau of the Finance Ministry the rest. 1933.11.02 — Mr. Stuart J. Fuller, second assistant chief of the Far Eastern division of the United States State Department, charges Japan with "creation of an opium monopoly in Manchuria" at a meeting of the advisory committee of the League's Opium Board. 1933.11.03 — Princess Nobuko Asaka, eighth daughter of the Emperor Meiji, dies at the age of 42. 1933.11.03 — President Roosevelt authorizes a cruise by the bulk of the American Fleet from the Pacific to the Atlantic next summer. Some quarters interpret the move as a friendly gesture towards Japan on the eve of American recognition of the Soviet Union. 1933.11.03 — An opening wedge for de facto recognition of Manchoukuo is seen in the recommendation of the League's Opium advisory committee that the League Council act to obtain complete information about the production and sale of narcotics in the new State. 1933.11.03 — The Philippines Senate creates a committee to investigate the possibility of a Philippines claim to the nine islands in the South China Sea occupied by France and claimed by Japan. 1933.11.03 — Koso Kusunoki sets a world's marathon record of 2 hours 31 minutes 10 seconds on the closing day of the 7th Biennial Meiji Shrine Games in Tokyo. 1933.11.04 — Japan accepts the Indian offer of a maximum yearly importation quota for cotton piecegoods of 400,000,000 square yards. 1933.11.04 — October's trade figures show a favourable balance of 31,916,000 yen, lower by 17,819,000 yen than in 1932. 1933.11.05 — A report from Vladivostok, given prominence in Moscow, alleges that Japanese military aeroplanes flew over Soviet territory on November 3. 1933.11.06 — The Soviet Union is fully prepared for "the possibility of an unexpected attack" by Japan, President Molotov of the Council of Peoples' Commissars declares in Moscow. He says that Japan is regarded as in control in Manchuria and will be held responsible for what happens there. 1933.11.06 — The Supreme Court rejects the appeal of Tomeo Sagoya from the death sentence imposed for the fatal shooting of Premier Hamaguchi in 1930. 1933.11.08 — Field Marshal Viscount Yusaku Uyehara, Japan's highest ranking army officer, dies at the age of 77. 1933.11.08 — Secretary-General Joseph Avenol of the League announces that 10 governments, including the American, have replied to the proposal for non-recognition of Manchoukuo. Siam alone disapproves. 1933.11.09 — Two of the 10 naval officers in the May 15 incident are sentenced to imprisonment for 15 years, one for 13 years, three for 10 years, three for 2 years, with stay of execution, and one for 1 year, also with stay of execution. 1933.11.09 — On the eve of expiration of the Indo-Japanese trade convention, India agrees not to revise tariffs on Japanese goods for the duration of the New Delhi conference. 1933.11.09 — Mr. Walter Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, discourages in the House of Commons any action that might cause friction with Japan. 1933.11.10 — The Emperor grants 200,000 yen to 17 educational and cultural institutions in honour of the 10th anniversary of the Emperor Taisho's Rescript in connection with the 1923 earthquake. 1933.11.10 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei, President of the Executive Yuan, tells the Legislative Yuan that China's policy towards Japan has not been changed regarding non-recognition of Manchoukuo. 1933.11.10 — Japan's population showed a natural increase of 392,241 during the first three months of 1933, according to a preliminary report of the Cabinet's Statistics Bureau. 1933.11.10 — The Association of Private Universities, to which 19 schools belong, asks the Education Minister to permit adoption of co-education. 1933.11.10 — The Kwantung Government submits to the Overseas Ministry a plan for separation of civil and military administration in Manchuria, the Kwantung Government becoming the main organ for the former, administering the South Manchuria Railway Zone and new zones to be created along Manchoukuo railways managed by the South Manchuria Railway Company and exercising jurisdiction over the South Manchuria Railway. 1933.11.10 — Baron Wakatsuki refuses to be won over by the Federation of Associations for Protection of the Traditional Government of Japan to the view that the London Naval Treaty makes the second naval replenishment programme necessary. 1933.11.10 — Japan's public debt at the end of October is given as 8,824,000,000 yen. 1933.11.10 — The Kwantung Army announces a Sino-Manchoukuo agreement on several problems concerning the demilitarized zone in North China. 1933.11.13 — Japan's rice crop for 1933 is estimated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at 63,963,450 koku, greater by 5,495,994 koku than the average crop of the preceding five years. 1933.11.13 — Prime Minister MacDonald vigorously denies in the House of Commons an accusation that the British Government have been encouraging Japan's policy in the Far East. Sir Herbert Samuel urges the Government to work for Japan's return to the League. 1933.11.13 — Ambassador Naotake Sato reiterates Japan's general reservation regarding the principle of supervision of armaments, universal application of which Japan considers "extremely difficult," at a meeting of the control committee of the arms conference. 1933.11.13 — Bill clearings in Japan in October were larger than in any other month since March, 1927, totalling 6,410,696,000 yen. 1933.11.13 — The Mitsubishi Gomei Kaisha contributes 500,000 yen to the Patriotic Soldiers' Relief Society. 1933.11.14 — The California Joint Immigration Committee, representing the California branch of the American Legion, the State Federation of Labour and the Native Sons of the Golden West, opposes "the opening of immigration gates to Asiatics." 1933.11.14 — Mr. Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, quotes in the House of Commons an estimate that British investments in Japan total £64,000,000 and in China £40,000,000, excluding holdings of Britishers resident abroad. 1933.11.14 — Major Henry Adam Proctor charges in the House of Commons that Japanese manufactures are pirating British designs and asks that something be done to restrain them. 1933.11.14 — The Paris conference of the International Silk Federation adopts a resolution calling on the various national silk federations to influence their governments to impose quotas on Asiatic silk and rayon manufactures on the ground that cheap labour in Japan gives an unfair advantage. 1933.11.14 — The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry resolves to fight the growing paternalism of the Government towards co-operative societies. 1933.11.15 — Vice-Admiral Nobumasa Suetsugu, vigorous opponent of the London Naval Treaty, is appointed commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet and the 1st Fleet. 1933.11.15 — Admirals Seizo Kobayashi and Kichisaburo Nomura are made members of the Supreme Military Council. 1933.11.15 — India replies in detail to the revised Japanese trade proposals, making concessions on a few minor points. 1933.11.15 — The Meirinkai, a patriotic body composed mainly of retired military men, businessmen and diplomats, decides to work for the overthrow of the Saito Cabinet, which it considers too weak to cope with the national emergency. 1933.11.15 — A group of London merchants and shippers, meeting to discuss Japanese competition, urges the Government to protect British, Indian and Empire manufactures. 1933.11.15 — The population of Japan proper on October 1 was 66,236,600, the Cabinet's Statistics Bureau announces. 1933.11.15 — A radio programme is successfully exchanged between Tokyo and Berlin. 1933.11.16 — Finance Ministry experts complete formulation of the 1934-35 draft budget, involving 2,017,000,000 yen. 1933.11.16 — Foreign Minister Hirota informs the Soviet Ambassador that careful investigation has confirmed the original Japanese contention that army planes could not have crossed the Soviet frontier on November 3. 1933.11.16 — The submarine mothership Taigei, 10,000 tons, is launched. 1933.11.16 — The United States recognizes the U.S.S.R. Evidence that Commissar Litvinov and President Roosevelt discussed the Far Eastern situation is seen in the Soviet waiver of claims upon the U.S. in connection with the Siberian expedition in 1918. 1933.11.16 — The index of Tokyo retail prices on November 15 is announced as .9 per cent. higher than on October 15. 1933.11.16 — The Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun is conferred on Marquis Guglielmo Marconi, who is in Japan on a brief visit. 1933.11.18 — Tokyo admits that the American-Soviet rapprochement may have far-reaching consequences, but believes that it will have no immediate bearing on Japan's policy. 1933.11.18 — The British Trade League is formed in London to work with the Manchester Cotton Trade League to combat Japanese competition. 1933.11.19 — Restoration of representative government is declared necessary by Dr. Suzuki, president of the Seiyukai, and Baron Wakatsuki, head of the Minseito, at mass meetings of their parties. 1933.11.19 — Mr. Akira Ariyoshi, Minister to China, states that he has reached a complete understanding with Mr. Huang Fu, chairman of the Peiping Political Committee, and General Ho Ying-chin, chairman of the Peiping Military Council, on virtually all outstanding Sino-Japanese questions. 1933.11.20 — Fukien Province declares independence from the Nanking Government. 1933.11.20 — The police lift the ban on news of the arrest since February of 1,696 communist suspects, from whom information has been obtained of a plot to bring about a dictatorship of the proletariat. 1933.11.20 — Mr. Moritaro Okada, delegate to the Anglo-Japanese trade conference, is instructed to go to The Hague to arrange for a Dutch-Japanese trade parley. 1933.11.20 — Japanese exporters to the Dutch East Indies are relieved to learn that the higher tariff schedule adopted by the Legislative Council will not be enforced during 1934. 1933.11.21 — An abortive attempt is made on the life of Baron Wakatsuki, head of the Minseito. 1933.11.21 — The Cabinet formally decides to accept 4,000,000 yen from the Rockefeller Foundation to establish a public hygiene institute in Tokyo. 1933.11.22 — Finance Minister Takahashi tells the nation's bankers that they must refrain from increasing dividends, despite prosperity. 1933.11.22 — In an interview, he denies reports abroad that Japan plans to devalue the yen and use artificial means to control the yen exchange rate. 1933.11.22 — The Government's concessions to India in the trade conference are vigorously opposed in cotton industrial and trade circles. 1933.11.23 — Leaders of the Seiyukai and the Minseito protest to the Premier against the reduction of farm relief appropriations in the draft budget. 1933.11.23 — The Government raises the purchase price for newly-mined gold from 8.88 yen to 9.94 yen per momme, but the open market price in Tokyo is 11.60 yen and the London quotation 13.12 yen. 1933.11.23 — Mr. Ryuhei Murayama, president of the Asahi Newspaper Company, dies at the age of 83. 1933.11.23 — Representatives of merchants' guilds and industrialists' associations meet in Tokyo to organize against the co-operative marketing movement. 1933.11.23 — The U.S. Department of Commerce announces that Japan is buying more American raw cotton than Britain. 1933.11.23 — Ambassador Debuchi leaves Washington for home. 1933.11.23 — The Soviet Consul-General in Harbin protests against the arrest of 33 Soviet citizens and the continued confinement of those arrested previously. 1933.11.23 — The Railway Ministry announces that it will open 46 new lines, extending 446 miles, during the 1934-35 fiscal year. 1933.11.25 — Representatives of 72 patriotic organizations adopt a resolution demanding that the Saito Cabinet resign. 1933.11.27 — The four former naval officers who were sentenced in the May 15 case but granted a stay of execution, receive commissions from the Manchoukuo Navy. 1933.11.28 — Japan protests against the movement of Chinese troops towards Fukien through the Shanghai North Station without waiting for Japan's formal permission, thus violating the Sino-Japanese truce. 1933.11.28 — A Japanese warship arrives at Mawei and another at Amoy to protect Japanese residents in the event of disorders arising from the Fukien independence movement. 1933.11.29 — Impatience with the Government's alleged inactivity in dealing with Japanese competition is expressed in the House of Commons, leading to a statement by Mr. Runciman in which he says that Britain will be able to hold its own against Japan, which is likely to alienate everyone if its exporters continue to sell at prices far below their competitors'. He opposes the demand for abrogation of the Anglo-Japanese commercial treaty. 1933.11.29 — Japan's cotton industrialists and traders react to India's persistent opposition to the Japanese trade proposals by resolving to continue to boycott Indian raw cotton and to withdraw their delegates from New Delhi. 1933.11.29 — Life insurance policies contracted with Japan's 38 companies numbered 7,147,000, with a face value of 9,409,422,000 yen, at the end of September. 1933.11.30 — Finance Minister Takahashi offers to increase the draft budget by 89,000,000 yen, but the Navy Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry remain dissatisfied. 1933.11.30 — The sentences asked by the procurator for the 20 civilians in the May 15 case are life imprisonment for two, 15 years' imprisonment for four, 12 years for two, 10 years for seven, 8 years for one and 7 years for four. 1933.11.30 — British circles regard favourably Foreign Minister Hirota's reported desire to hold preliminary negotiations for the 1935 naval conference. 1933.11.30 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has ready for the Diet two bills designed to control the oil industry, one calling for control of import of oil and the other creating a licence system for new oil companies. 1933.11.30 — American experts refuse rumours that Japan's heavy purchases of raw cotton are for the making of munitions, pointing out that the grade of cotton being bought is too high for this purpose. 1933.11.30 — The new French Ambassador, Mr. Fernand Jean Marie Pila, presents his credentials to the Emperor. 1933.12.01 — Japan opens a consulate-general in Geneva, headed by Mr. Masayuki Yokoyama, to serve as link with non-political enterprises of the League of Nations. 1933.12.01 — Minister Akira Ariyoshi asks Mr. Wang Ching-wei to see that adequate protection is accorded Japanese nationals in the Fukien area in the event of hostilities and to restrict anti-Japanese propaganda in the Chinese press. 1933.12.01 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry issues instructions for the storage of unhulled rice, which will be subsidized to the extent of 20,000,000 yen. 1933.12.01 — Senator William E. Borah urges that the U.S. get rid of the Philippines. 1933.12.02 — Agreement is reached by the Cabinet on the 1934-35 draft budget when Finance Minister Takahashi allows an additional 15,000,000 yen for the navy, bringing the total to 2,111,557,000 yen, of which the army is to receive 449,461,000 yen and the navy 487,871,000 yen. The total is smaller than that of the current budget by 126,000,000 yen. 1933.12.02 — Governor Hisakira Hijikata of the Bank of Japan says that the size of the budget eliminates fear of a drop in the market value of Government debentures. 1933.12.02 — Navy Secretary Claude A. Swanson, in his annual report to the President, recommends construction of the world's most efficient treaty-strength navy and abandonment of the policy of taking the lead in "disarmament by example." 1933.12.02 — The Federation of British Industries sends representatives to Amsterdam to discuss Japanese competition with the Federation of Dutch Industries. 1933.12.02 — President Runciman of the Board of Trade says that some goods apparently from Japan bear British trade-marks and voices readiness to call definite instances to the attention of the Japanese Government. 1933.12.02 — Customs figures show that Japanese textiles are driving American textiles from the Philippines. 1933.12.02 — Japan is given a quota of 188,009 gallons of liquor for importation into the U.S., 88,000 gallons more than would have been allowed, had the same basis of computation been used as for other countries. 1933.12.02 — The Department of Commerce announces that the U.S. bought more from and sold more to Japan in October than in the same month of 1932. Exports to Japan were worth $16,824,000 and imports from Japan $14,503,000. 1933.12.03 — The Navy Ministry announces plans for 44 ships, aggregating 110,000 tons, to be built by the fiscal year of 1937. 1933.12.03 — The Nanking Government requests the Powers, including Japan, to withdraw their nationals from Fukien Province, for their safety cannot be assured. 1933.12.04 — Manchoukuo decides to abandon the scheduled waterways conference with U.S.S.R., the latter having refused to vise the passports of delegates to Blagoveschensk, the agreed site. 1933.12.04 — The bridge across the Sungari River to link the Harbin-Lafa and Hulun-Hailun railways is completed. 1933.12.05 — The departure from Tokyo for Moscow of one of the Soviet technical experts is taken as evidence that resumption of the North Manchuria Railway sale negotiations is not likely in the immediate future. 1933.12.05 — Dr. Wilhelm Frick, Interior Minister, declares on behalf of the German Government, that there is no foundation for the fears expressed in the Japanese and Indian press that members of foreign races in Germany will be treated differently from Germans. 1933.12.05 — The question of granting an immigration quota is debated by the western division of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at Sacramento, California. 1933.12.05 — Dr. Masaharu Anesaki, professor emeritus of Tokyo Imperial University, is chosen by the Foreign Office as Japan's member of the League's committee on intellectual co-operation. 1933.12.06 — A conference between the British Charge d'Affaires in Tokyo and Mr. Saburo Kurusu, chief of the Commercial Bureau of the Foreign Office, fails to reach a compromise on the Japanese and Indian trade proposals. 1933.12.06 — Interference with the movement of Japanese goods at Amoy and imposition of a special tax on cement by the new Fukien regime arouses concern in Tokyo. 1933.12.07 — Viscount Kikujiro Ishii tells the America-Japan Society in Tokyo that economic warfare between Japan and the U.S. is impossible, for their trade is complementary. 1933.12.07 — Plans are made for a Pan-Pacific Buddhist conference in Tokyo next July. 1933.12.07 — The Japan-Turkey Traders' Association discusses measures to balance Turco-Japanese trade, the Turkish Government having ruled that Japan must buy from Turkey at least 50 per cent. of what it sells. 1933.12.07 — The Japan Power Companies' Association decides to denounce the clause in debentures floated abroad giving holders the option of receiving interest in dollars or pounds. American holders will be paid in dollars only. 1933.12.08 — The Foreign Office decides to establish an organization to be called the International Culture Promotion Society to introduce Japanese culture abroad. It is to have a fund of 1,000,000 yen, of which the Foreign Office will provide 200,000 yen. 1933.12.08 — Mr. Yosuke Matsuoka, who headed Japan's last delegation to the League, resigns from the Seiyukai and the Diet and starts a campaign for dissolution of the political parties, which he says are not suited for Japan. 1933.12.08 — Admiral Count Gombei Yamamoto, former Premier, dies at the age of 81. 1933.12.09 — Despite some opposition, the cotton industrial and trade interests decide to leave solution of the Indian issue to the Minister of Commerce and Industry. 1933.12.09 — President Roosevelt orders investigation of the charge that Japan is dumping lead pencils in the U.S. 1933.12.09 — California's tuna fishermen renew their demand for a check on canned tuna from Japan. 1933.12.09 — The Education Ministry orders a reduction in the number of students admitted to Government higher schools during 1934. 1933.12.11 — The Nanking Finance Ministry decides to levy anti-dumping duties on eight important Japanese articles, including cotton yarn, raw silk and silk textiles. 1933.12.11 — The California Tariff Commission recommends to President Roosevelt that the California tuna industry be given protection from Japanese canned tuna. In the Washington hearings on a code for the U.S. fishing industry, Japanese fish imports into the U.S. are given attention. 1933.12.11 — The Soviet Union announces special privileges for settlers in the Far East. 1933.12.12 — The French Commerce Minister tells the customs committee of the Chamber that tariff measures will be considered to deal with Japanese competition. 1933.12.12 — Representatives of the United Foreign Missionaries' Conference urge President Roosevelt to lift the immigration ban on Orientals. 1933.12.12 — Mr. Harry Kingman, general secretary of the California Y.M.C.A., advocates a conference to deal with Oriental problems, asks repeal of the Exclusion Act and condemns the U.S. naval programme as a direct threat to Japanese national security. 1933.12.12 — The House of Commons is told that an examination is being made of the claim for compensation of Mr. E. Lenox Simpson, publisher of the Harbin Herald, who was deported from Manchoukuo. 1933.12.13 — To ease the tension caused by ourcries among British industrialists against Japanese competition, the Foreign Office takes under consideration a plan for control organizations of exporters in Japan and importers in England. 1933.12.13 — Government control of silkworm eggs for four years is decided on to standardize their quality. 1933.12.13 — France transfers from Harbin to Tientsin a vice-consul who was charged with obstructing Manchoukuo justice in a kidnapping case. 1933.12.13 — Ambassador Tameichi Ohra reports from Moscow a Tass news dispatch from Shanghai alleging that Japan is aiding the independence movement in Sinkiang Province. The allegation is laughed off in Tokyo. 1933.12.13 — General Hsu Wen-hai, former local police chief who rebelled against Manchoukuo, surrenders. 1933.12.13 — The Kokussi Kisen Kaisha and the Kawasaki Steamship Company plan to operate jointly a service to East Africa. 1933.12.13 — The Soviet Consul-General in Harbin formally warns Manchoukuo's diplomatic agent that the steps taken by Manchoukuo regarding the North Manchuria Railway are regarded as devoid of legal force and reserves the right to demand indemnity for losses. 1933.12.13 — The Japan Electric Bulb Industry Association agrees to limit exports to England to 18,000,000 bulbs yearly. 1933.12.13 — The Journal of Commerce, New York, reports an appeal to President Roosevelt from American rug manufacturers for protection from Japanese competition. 1933.12.13 — The U.S. raises by 15 per cent. to 45 per cent. the duty on canned tuna from Japan. Importers in New York are said ready to control tuna imports, but Pacific Coast packers demand a complete embargo. 1934.01.12 — Manchoukuo is said to have decided, "for political reasons," to release the six Soviet employees of the North Manchuria Railway detained in Harbin, though five of them are believed guilty of malfeasance. 1934.01.12 — A demonstration accompanies the handing to the Soviet manager of the N.M.R. of a resolution adopted by an all-Manchoukuo economic conference in Harbin demanding lower freight rates and use of Manchoukuo currency instead of the gold rouble as the standard for payments. 1934.01.12 — A party of blue jackets lands at Foochow to protect Japanese lives and property. 1934.01.12 — The Home Ministry completes the drafting of a bill for revision of the Peace Preservation Law that provides severer punishment for Communist activities. 1933.12.13 — Unusually large oil shipments to the Japanese navy from California attract attention. 1933.12.13 — The staff of the Japanese Embassy in Hsinking is increased by Imperial ordinance, making it the largest staff of any Japanese embassy. 1933.12.13 — Chief Executive Pu Yi selects a five-petalled orchid for his crest, and arrangements are made for the formation of a bodyguard for him on March 1. 1933.12.13 — There were 106,788 automobiles in the Japanese Empire at the end of 1933, according to Cabinet figures, of which 96,900 were in Japan proper. 1933.12.16 — Washington is pleased by the appointment of Mr. Hiroshi Saito as Japan's Ambassador. 1933.12.16 — Mr. W. F. Sadler, leader of the British Trade League, says Japan must raise the wages of its workers, if it wishes to prevent British action against trade competition. 1933.12.16 — The S. M. R. announces completion of the Harbin-Lafa Railway, 169 miles long. 1933.12.16 — Deposits in banks associated with the Tokyo Clearing House set an all-time record of 2,293,525,000 yen. Outstanding loans total 2,141,625,000 yen, a drop from a week ago. 1933.12.18 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry fixes 23.50 yen as the official minimum price per koku of rice, 60 sen higher than the provisional price set in October. The price in the open market, however, persists below this level. 1933.12.18 — The U.S. formally approves the appointment of Mr. Hiroshi Saito as Japan's Ambassador. 1933.12.18 — Increasing business forces the Osaka Communications Bureau to arrange for radio equipment to send messages to Hsinking. 1933.12.20 — The Japanese and British cotton industrialists' representatives in London agree to open formal negotiations at the earliest possible date. 1933.12.20 — Japan's notification to the International Labour Office that it is not prepared to ratify the agreement on labour hours drafted earlier this year, is regarded in London as frustrating hope of higher labour standards in Japan as a means of alleviating trade competition. 1933.12.20 — Sir Abe Bailey, South African mining magnate, says that Japan is stirring up a conflict between the white and coloured races through its plan to acquire some 3,000,000 acres of cotton land in Abyssinia. 1933.12.20 — Dr. Adolfo Gourdy, of the Argentine Department of Commerce, arrives in Japan to promote Japanese-Argentine trade relations. 1933.12.20 — The S. M. R. tells its shareholders that profits for the current fiscal year will be about 40,000,000 yen, with the total income of 253,000,000 yen. 1933.12.20 — The prefectural budget estimates for the 1934-35 fiscal year total 479,700,000 yen. 1933.12.20 — Lieutenant-General Naosuké Matsui is made a full general in the semi-annual army promotions. 1933.12.20 — Tokyo retail prices on December 15 are announced as 3 per cent. lower than on November 15, the first decline in six months. 1933.12.20 — Mr. Gaku Shiotsuki, a Diet member, resigns from the Seiyukai to prevent injury to the party from his being involved in a political scandal. 1933.12.20 — The U. S. Government decides that Japanese saké is a brew, not a distilled liquor, and can be imported without special permission. 1933.12.20 — The U. S. Fleet, it is announced, will leave the Pacific coast for the Atlantic on April 9. 1933.12.20 — The Italian Central Far East Institute is opened in Rome. 1933.12.20 — The Foreign Office decides to establish a section in the Japanese Embassy in Hsinking to control police affairs of the Japanese consulates in Manchoukuo. 1933.12.21 — The S. M. R. announces the signing of a 76,500,000 yen contract with Manchoukuo for the construction of the Tumen-Mutankiang, Koupeitsingtse-Lingyuan and Peian-Erchan railways. 1933.12.22 — The special Ministerial conference on domestic problems adjourns after agreeing on five policies for relief of agricultural distress, but without agreeing on a relief appropriation. 1933.12.22 — The Cabinet approves the decision of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to postpone for five years compulsory use of the metric system of weights and measures on the ground that confusion would result from enforcement at present. 1933.12.22 — It is decided in Tokyo to propose Java as the site of the projected trade conference with Holland and to limit the merchandise to be considered. 1933.12.22 — Dr. Rikitaro Fujisawa, internationally known mathematician, dies at the age of 72. 1933.12.22 — The U. S. National Recovery Administration orders the production of silk textiles reduced by 25 per cent. for 30 days. 1933.12.23 — The Empress gives birth to a son, the Crown Prince. Messages of congratulation pour in from abroad as the nation celebrates. 1933.12.23 — Mr. Yosuké Matsuoka announces formation of the Federation for the Abolition of Political Parties. 1933.12.23 — The Chief of the U. S. Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics recommends in his annual report that the limit of 1,000 planes for the navy be enlarged and that a dirigible to replace the Akron be built. 1933.12.23 — Moscow reports that the Soviet manager of the North Manchuria Railway has requested the Kwantung Army to meet its indebtedness for the transportation of troops and supplies, only 200,000 roubles of the total bill of 22,000,000 roubles having been paid. 1933.12.26 — The Emperor formally opens the 65th session of the Diet. 1933.12.26 — Ambassador Naotaké Sato says in a Paris interview that Japan is purposely keeping aloof from the European armament discussion, but will re-enter the debate when world armaments are taken up. 1933.12.26 — The judicial authorities prepare for a general amnesty in honour of the birth of the Crown Prince. 1933.12.26 — A meeting of Manchoukuo leaders decides on the enthronement of Chief Executive Pu Yi as Emperor on March 1. Preparations are made for reform of local administration in the direction of centralization. 1933.12.27 — Japanese residents leave the walled city of Foochow for the Nantai foreign settlement to escape aerial bombing. 1933.12.27 — The Privy Council approves the plan for establishment of a bureau in the Foreign Office for investigation of questions relating to policy. 1933.12.27 — Statistics for the end of 1932 show that 65,041 companies were doing business in Japan, a gain of 13.7 per cent. compared with the previous year. Their aggregate capital was 19,484,540,000 yen, with 14,046,604,000 yen paid up. 1933.12.27 — The U. S. navy intends to submit to Congress a 20-year building programme and a request for funds to finance it. 1933.12.27 — A programme is broadcast to the U. S. from Japan to celebrate the birth of the Crown Prince. 1933.12.27 — Dr. Herbert von Dirksen, the new German Ambassador, presents his credentials to the Emperor. 1933.12.28 — The Diet adjourns for the New Year holidays until January 23. 1933.12.28 — Mr. Joseph Stalin tells the Moscow correspondent of The New York Times that the U. S. S. R. would like friendship with Japan, but fears that the militant faction in Japan will push saner policies into the background. He thinks it unwise for Japan to attempt an attack. 1933.12.28 — Mr. V. M. Molotov, chairman of the Council of People's Commissars, tells the All-Union Central Executive Committee that the U. S. S. R. can not close its eyes to "the danger of a war of aggression in the Far East." 1933.12.28 — President Roosevelt pledges the U. S. to a policy of opposing armed intervention. 1933.12.28 — The Government adviser the Osaka cotton spinners to be patient and not to withdraw their delegates from the New Delhi parley. There are indications that the Indians desire to hasten the negotiations in order to end the Japanese boycott of Indian raw cotton. 1933.12.28 — Ambassador Naotaké Sato presents his credentials to the French President. 1933.12.28 — The Finance Ministry announces that Japan's invisible foreign trade in the 1932 calendar year is favourable by 15,000,000 yen, inward accounts totalling 767,000,000 yen and outward accounts 752,000,000 yen. 1933.12.29 — Brilliant celebrations are held throughout the Empire as the Crown Prince is named Tsuguno-Miya Akihito, meaning, freely, the Prince Who Will Ascend the Throne of Enlightened Benevolence. 1933.12.29 — Foreign Commissar Maxim Litvinov tells the Central Executive Committee that "the policy of Japan is the darkest thunder-cloud on the international political horizon" and charges Japan with aggressive designs. 1933.12.29 — Sir Joseph Bhore tells Mr. Setsuro Sawada that India's new tariffs on miscellaneous goods are meant to protect domestic industry and are in no way unreasonable. 1933.12.29 — Mr. Masayé Shoda, member of the House of Peers, resigns from the Seiyukai, reportedly as a protest against its inability to cope with the national emergency. 1933.12.30 — Four private concerns agree to merge with the Government Steel Works to form the Japan Iron Manufacturing Company. 1934.01.01 — Foreign Minister Hirota's New Year's message asserts that Japan desires concord and co-operation with all countries and is especially eager for friendly relations with its immediate neighbours. 1934.01.01 — The American Foreign Policy Association and the World Peace Foundation urge President Roosevelt to declare the intention of the U. S. to free the Philippines and surrender the naval bases there to demonstrate to Japan that it has no ambition to dominate in the Pacific. 1934.01.02 — The New Delhi negotiations are virtually completed by Japan's acceptance of an Indian reservation to the Japanese draft of the new trade treaty. 1934.01.02 — The Soviet authorities in Vladivostok fix the exchange rate of the rouble at 75 sen in violation of the 1931 agreement that the rate for payment of rental fees and other charges connected with the fishing rights of Japanese would be but 31½ sen. 1934.01.02 — Britain officially denies the report that Captain Robert A. Eden is being sent on a special mission to Japan and China. 1934.01.03 — The U. S. National Foreign Trade Council announces formation of an American-Japanese Trade Council to interest itself in problems affecting trade relations between the two countries. 1934.01.03 — President Roosevelt instructs the Tariff Commission to investigate match imports, most of which are from Japan. 1934.01.04 — The Japanese nation invested 4,582,923,000 yen in 1933 in national bonds, provincial bonds, debentures and stocks, an increase of 2,670,942,000 yen compared with 1932, according to the Bank of Japan. 1934.01.04 — During 1933, Japan lost 24 banks, leaving 516 ordinary banks and 85 savings banks. 1934.01.04 — A Manchoukuo postal adviser discusses with British postal authorities in London ways to speed up the delivery of mail to Shanghai sent via Siberia, which is delayed because of China's refusal to accept mail from Manchoukuo. Shanhsikwan is suggested as the distributing centre in place of Dairen. 1934.01.03 — The New Delhi conference confirms the terms of the new three-year trade agreement, which sets a basic quota of 325,000,000 square yards of Japanese cotton piece-goods to be bought by India and 1,000,000 bales of Indian raw cotton to be bought by Japan; lowers the Indian tariff on Japanese cloth from 75 per cent. to 50 per cent.; ends the Japanese boycott of Indian cotton, and provides for reciprocal most-favoured-nation treatment. 1934.01.06 — The Dai Nihon Cotton Spinners' Association formally announces termination of the boycott of Indian raw cotton. Dissatisfaction with the new trade agreement is voiced, however, and the Indian Government is requested to make arrangements more favourable to Japan at an early date. 1934.01.06 — American silk consumption in December was only 26,959 bales, less than in any other month since June, 1924. 1934.01.07 — A Foreign Office statement voices assurance that Japan's agreement to buy Indian raw cotton does not necessarily prejudice the future purchase of American cotton. 1934.01.08 — The movement to enthrone Chief Executive Pu Yi as Emperor becomes active, the people sending petitions to the capital of Manchoukuo. 1934.01.08 — The Soviet Ambassador tells Foreign Minister Hirota that the U. S. S. R. is ready to resume negotiations for sale of the North Manchuria Railway as soon as Manchoukuo releases the Soviet employees of the railway detained in Harbin. 1934.01.08 — The president of the Yokohama Specie Bank, estimating Japan's invisible foreign trade in 1933, gives inward accounts as 455,000,000 yen and outward accounts as 442,500,000, making a favourable balance of 12,500,000 yen. 1934.01.08 — An exhibition opens in London to call public attention to Japanese trade competition. 1934.01.08 — The U. S. Supreme Court holds invalid the sections in the California Alien Land Act and Code of Civil Procedure requiring proof that a buyer of land is eligible for citizenship, which were directed against Japanese. 1934.01.08 — Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang returns to Shanghai from Europe and says that he is not going to North China. 1934.01.09 — Representatives of Osaka and Kobe manufacturers and traders call at the Foreign Office to urge pressure on India to ameliorate the new duties on miscellaneous goods. 1934.01.10 — The Finance Ministry announces that the Empire's exports in 1933 were worth 1,952,069,000 yen, increasing 52.6 per cent. compared with 1932, and its imports 2,017,504,000 yen, increasing 32.3 per cent. The import excess was 85,435,000 yen, 27.1 per cent. higher than in the previous year. 1934.01.10 — A sensation is created in Europe by Premier Mussolini's denunciation of Japan as responsible for the revival of naval rivalry and his prophecy that it will one day challenge the West in a war. 1934.01.10 — The cruiser Kuma reinforces the destroyer Hakazé at Mawei to protect the Japanese residents at Foochow. 1934.01.10 — Ambassador Troianovsky says in Washington that the U. S. S. R. is ready to negotiate a non-aggression pact with the U. S., if it would have "a good influence on other nations." 1934.01.11 — Minister Akira Ariyoshi informs the Nanking Government that there are too many Japanese residents in Foochow and Amoy to be withdrawn to safety and asks that adequate measures be taken to protect them. 1934.01.11 — Four thousand cases of Japanese tuna fish are seized by the San Pedro customs authorities because they bear the N.R.A. blue eagle, but investigation reveals that the labels had been affixed by the importer after the goods had entered the U. S. and duty been paid. 1933.12.14 — The commander of the Japanese naval landing party at Foochow is instrumental in preventing a serious clash between Chinese bluejackets and the Fukien troops. 1933.12.13 — The Soviet Ambassador again asks Foreign Minister Hirota to use his good offices for resumption of the N.M.R. negotiations. 1933.12.13 — Japanese officials arrive in Kabul, Afghanistan, to negotiate for the opening of a legation. 1933.12.13 — The Railway Ministry decides to undertake itself to bore the proposed tunnel between Shimonoseki and Moji, rejecting private offers. 1933.12.13 — Thirty-five Japanese and foreign astronomers leave Japan for the Caroline Islands to witness the total eclipse of the sun on February 14. 1933.12.16 — New York papers make a "spy scare" of the questioning by the police at Kearny, New Jersey, regarding their entry into the U.S., of five Japanese railway experts, one of whom is charged with driving an automobile without a licence. 1933.12.17 — The Japanese landing party at Foochow begins withdrawal. 1933.12.17 — The Manchoukuo and Soviet authorities in Harbin are deadlocked over the future of the arrested Soviet railway employees, the former wishing them deported and the latter wanting them reinstated and later "transferred" to Soviet territory. 1933.12.17 — Mr. Edouard Herriot, presiding at a meeting of the foreign affairs commission of the Chamber of Deputies, says that the U.S. might assist the U.S.S.R. if a Soviet-Japanese war broke out. Other members disagree. 1933.12.17 — The Industrial Association of Portugal requests the Government to revise the Portuguese-Japanese commercial treaty, which accords to Japan most-favoured-nation treatment. 1933.12.18 — Vice-Admiral Takayoshi Kato succeeds Vice-Admiral Shigeru Matsuyama as Vice-chief of the Naval Staff Office. 1933.12.18 — The Soviet Ambassador calls Foreign Minister Hirota's attention to the demonstrations in Harbin against the rates of the N.M.R., and the latter consents to convey the Soviet views to the Hsinking authorities. 1933.12.18 — Dr. Stanley Hornbeck, chief of the Far Eastern division of the State Department, is reported in the press to have said publicly in Washington that the U.S. still adheres to the Stimson policy of not recognizing governments made by the sword. 1933.12.19 — The U.S. Fleet will not return to the Pacific from the Atlantic until November 1, later than originally planned, it is announced in Washington. 1933.12.19 — The U.S. customs authorities in San Francisco hold 100 copies of a Japanese book on naval affairs which is thought to be inimical to Japanese-American relations. 1933.12.19 — Mr. Kengo Mori, former Japanese financial commissioner in Europe and America, dies at the age of 57. 1933.12.19 — The value of securities in Japan on January 1 exceeded 33,141,000,000 yen, of which stocks accounted for 17,168,000,000 yen, according to the Tokyo Stock Exchange. 1933.12.20 — Manchoukuo formally announces that Chief Executive Pu Yi will be enthroned as Emperor on March 1. The Imperial regime is not to be mistaken for a restoration of the Ching Dynasty and will in no way affect North China. 1933.12.20 — Washington officials are said to think that the enthronement of Chief Executive Pu Yi is meant to impress the world with Manchoukuo's autonomy. President Roosevelt is represented as believing that nothing can be gained by reiterating the American policy regarding Manchoukuo. 1933.12.20 — Mr. William Bullitt, U.S. Ambassador to Moscow, gives credence to the rumours of war in the Far East in a speech in Philadelphia in which he says that the U.S.S.R., though desirous of meeting its obligations, may be forced by war to delay payments on goods from the U.S. 1933.12.21 — The presidents of the Seiyukai and the Minseto stress consolidation of constitutional politics in speeches to general meetings of their followers. 1933.12.21 — Mr. William R. Castle, Jr., former Under Secretary of State and Ambassador to Japan, writing in the New York Herald Tribune, says that the interests of Japan and the U.S. are parallel and that the divergences of view regarding the Manchurian question are the result primarily of a clash of principles, Japanese patriotism on the one hand and American ideals about the sanctity of treaties on the other. 1934.01.22 — General Sadao Araki resigns as War Minister because his illness prevents him appearing before the Diet and is succeeded by General Senjuro Hayashi, inspector-general of military education. 1934.01.22 — The report that Japan intends to demand a navy as large as that of the U.S. is used by Representative Carl Vinson, chairman of the naval affairs committee of the House, as an argument in favour of his bill for a $500,000,000 naval building programme to bring the U.S. fleet to full treaty strength by 1939. 1934.01.22 — Manchoukuo seeks to open consulates at Rashin and Seihin, Korea, to facilitate traffic into its territory from these ports. 1934.01.23 — The Diet, resuming business after the New Year's holidays, hears Premier Saito, Foreign Minister Hirota and Finance Minister Takahashi outline policies. 1934.01.23 — Foreign Minister Hirota declares that there is no denying that Japan's foreign relations are beset with many serious problems, but there is nothing to fear. Japan is ready to meet China more than half way, but China has so far given no concrete evidence of a desire to rectify relations. The U.S.S.R. is spreading unwarranted criticisms of Japan, but Japan is still desirous of friendship. Between Japan and the U.S. there exists no question intrinsically difficult of solution, and the U.S. will not fail to appraise correctly Japan's position in East Asia. Japan's traditional amity with Britain remains unshaken. 1934.01.23 — Finance Minister Takahashi presents the 1934-35 budget of 2,112,000,000 yen, of which 880,900,000 yen must be obtained from loans, for economic conditions do not warrant increased taxation. Even though industry and foreign trade have improved, Japan must prepare to meet many serious economic and financial conditions. 1934.01.23 — A protest is heard in the Lower House against the small farm relief appropriations. 1934.01.23 — War Minister General Hayashi, taking office, tells the press that there will be no change in the policy of the War Ministry unless specific developments occur. 1934.01.23 — Officials of the Foreign, Home, War and Navy Ministries consider ways to control literature likely to endanger relations with foreign countries. 1934.01.23 — The Counsellor of the U.S. Embassy informs the Foreign Office that the press reports misquoted Dr. Stanley Hornbeck and that he did not say that the U.S. will not recognize any government created by the sword. 1934.01.23 — Japan in 1933 exported 2,088,413,000 square yards of cotton cloth, more than any other country, worth 832,885,000 yen. 1934.01.23 — White Russians in Harbin stage a demonstration against the high charges of the N.M.R. 1934.01.23 — The British Far Eastern naval conference opens at Singapore, with much secrecy surrounding the proceedings. 1934.01.23 — Mr. Choji Machida, leading member of the Minseito in the Lower House, declares that the constant cry of "crisis" in connection with the 1935-36 naval situation has caused harmful uneasiness among the people. 1934.01.23 — The Japanese Ambassador in Rome is instructed to make friendly representations to the Italian Government regarding the tone of recent Italian press comments on Japan. 1934.01.23 — President Roosevelt says that no date for Japan has made no request for conversations on the 1935 naval conference. 1934.01.23 — The U.S. National Council for the Prevention of War denounces the Vinson naval construction bill as a threat to peace on the Pacific. 1934.01.23 — Sir Joseph Bhore, submitting to a select committee of the Legislative Assembly the new tariff schedule, defends the proposed specific duties as the only means available to protect Indian industries from Japanese competition. 1934.01.23 — The Cabinet decides to submit to the Privy Council the bill for revision of the Election Law. 1934.01.25 — General Chiang Kai-shek emerges stronger than ever from the fourth plenary session of the central executive committee of the Kuomintang, which endorses his policy of moderation towards Japan. 1934.01.25 — Manchoukuo appropriates 2,879,983 yuan for the enthronement of Chief Executive Pu Yi. 1934.01.26 — The Diet meets in camera to hear the Navy Minister answer charges that the Government has violated its pledge to keep armament expenditures as low as possible. 1934.01.26 — Admiral William H. Standley asks the House naval affairs committee to provide funds for 660 new aeroplanes for the U.S. navy, bringing the total to 2,100. 1934.01.27 — Navy Minister Admiral Osumi implies in the Diet that continued inquisitiveness as to naval matters by Minseito members will bring disclosures about the movement to alienate the public from the military that will embarrass the party. 1934.01.27 — Premier Mussolini explains to the Japanese Ambassador his ideas about Japan expressed in his recent newspaper article. 1934.01.27 — Mr. Joseph Stalin, addressing the Communist Congress in Moscow, says that a part of the Japanese population is preaching war with the U.S.S.R. and urging seizure of the Maritime Province. Mr. V. M. Molotov, speaking to the same congress, declares that vigilance over the Far Eastern situation must be strengthened. 1934.01.27 — President Roosevelt is believed unlikely to accept any invitation to visit Japan in the summer, for his trip to Honolulu is itself uncertain. 1934.01.27 — The U.S. army wants Congress to provide for 1,000 more aeroplanes and a larger flying personnel. 1934.01.28 — Baron Koi Furuichi, noted engineer, dies at the age of 80. 1934.01.29 — The Diet, shifting from scrutiny of defence issues, hears that the Government is being diligent in establishing industrial relations between Japan and Manchoukuo and that the time is not considered ripe for increasing taxes. 1934.01.29 — Washington officials are said to have hinted privately that there may be some chance for revision of Japan's naval ratio, but revision talk in Japan at this time is deplored as likely to prejudice the outcome of the 1935 conference. 1934.01.29 — The Tass News Agency alleges that Foreign Minister Hirota was wrong in telling the Diet that the U.S.S.R. had expressed regret over the publication of purportedly Japanese official documents giving plans for seizure of the N.M.R. 1934.01.29 — Ambassador Tsuneo Matsudaira informs the British Foreign Office that the Japanese Government and the entire Japanese cotton industry have fully authorized the Japanese delegation in London to negotiate with the Lancashire industrialists and that discussion of rayon will be permitted. 1934.01.29 — The Belgian Cotton Spinners' Association declares in a report that Belgian textiles are being driven by Japan from the African and South American markets. 1934.01.29 — Eighty-seven per cent. of the cotton piece-goods imported by the Dutch East Indies in 1933 was from Japan. 1934.01.30 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells the budget committee of the Lower House that he believes the Manchoukuo-Soviet border should be left undefined. 1934.01.30 — The Lower House of Congress adopts the Vinson bill for the construction of 102 new ships and adds an amendment authorizing the purchase of 1,184 aeroplanes by the U.S. navy. 1934.01.30 — Sir Robert Henry Clive is named British Ambassador to Tokyo, succeeding Sir Francis Lindley. 1934.01.31 — Mr. Kenkichi Yoshizawa, former Foreign Minister, tells the House of Peers it would be better not to hold the 1935 naval conference if failure seems certain. 1934.01.31 — Foreign Minister Hirota asserts that withdrawal from the League in no way affects Japan's title to the South Sea Mandated Islands. 1934.01.31 — The Navy Office presents to the Diet statistics showing that at the end of 1936 Japan's navy will be 68 per cent. as strong as that of the U.S., if over-age ships are counted, and 81 per cent. as strong, if only under-age ships are considered. 1934.01.31 — Japanese manufacturers of ammonium sulphate sign an agreement with the European Nitrogen Cartel to restrict exports. Japan expects to become self-sufficient during 1934. 1934.01.31 — The Soviet Consul-General in Harbin protests to Manchoukuo against the White Russian demonstration for lower rates on the N.M.R. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. III No. 1 (June 1934) --- (covers 1934.02.01 to 1934.04.30) 1934.02.01 — War Minister Hayashi tells the Associated Press that there will be no war between Japan and the U.S.S.R. unless the latter starts it, that no special preparations are being made for such a war, that there is no ambition to seize the Maritime Provinces and that Japan will be drawn into no schemes to extend the territory of Manchoukuo. 1934.02.01 — Official circles in Washington are impressed by the temperate attitude of Tokyo since the appointment of General Hayashi as War Minister. 1934.02.01 — The import division of the N.R.A. and the Tariff Commission receives requests from American match manufacturers for an embargo on Japanese matches, which are being sold at less than the cost of production in the U.S. 1934.02.01 — Japan's 1933 rice crop, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, was 70,847,134 koku, eclipsing the 1930 record of 66,800,000 koku. 1934.02.01 — The Meirinkai, a body of politically-minded retired army and naval officers, attracts attention with a statement charging the political parties with trying to alienate the people from the military. 1934.02.01 — Finance Minister Takahashi declares before the budget committee of the Lower House that it would be foolish to discuss devaluation of the yen until Japan is ready to permit conversion of notes into gold. 1934.02.02 — Expenses incidental to the Manchurian affair account for 163,658,182 yen in the 1934-35 budget, according to the Finance Minister. 1934.02.03 — The 20 civil defendants in the May 15 case are given sentences ranging from life imprisonment for Kosaburo Tachibana to imprisonment for three and a half years for three. Comment is heard on the severity of the sentences compared with those imposed on the naval and army defendants. 1934.02.03 — War Commissar Klimenti Voroshilov reveals officially the existence of fortified zones in Eastern Siberia and declares an attack from Japan can be resisted. 1934.02.03 — The Australian Minister of External Affairs announces that he will leave for Japan in March on a goodwill mission. 1934.02.03 — Some 1,100 bandits escape into the U.S.S.R. from the Hulin district, North Manchuria. 1934.02.03 — Of the total of 705,070,000 yen of Japanese securities in foreign currencies, 371,873,000 yen were held in Japan on October 1, 1933, according to the Finance Ministry. Japanese holdings of foreign securities were valued at 358,974,000 yen; overseas deposits totalled 242,853,000 yen, and loans outstanding abroad amounted to 142,105,000 yen. 1934.02.03 — Japan proper, Formosa and Karafuto had 610 ordinary and savings banks at the end of 1933, with aggregate deposits of 10,353,371,000 yen and loans of 6,604,629,000 yen, the Finance Ministry reports. 1934.02.05 — The new Indian tariff bill, levying higher duties on many miscellaneous goods from Japan, is introduced into the Legislative Assembly. 1934.02.05 — Moscow announces that the Soviet manager of the North Manchuria Railway has demanded that the Japanese Army pay arrears of 20,729,000 roubles alleged due for transportation of troops. 1934.02.05 — The special privileges for residents in Eastern Siberia are augmented by the Soviet Government, apparently to strengthen resistance against Japan. 1934.02.06 — The House of Peers hears a member charge China with having violated its treaty obligations to maintain territorial integrity by establishing an aviation company financed partly with American money. Discussion of an alleged aviation treaty between China and the U.S. brings a denial from officials of the U.S. State Department that any such treaty exists. 1934.02.06 — Japan's exports in January totalled 128,257,000 yen, greater by 19.4 per cent. than in 1933, and imports totalled 144,428,000 yen, less by 16.8 per cent., according to the Finance Ministry. 1934.02.06 — Baron Seinosuke Goh, chairman of the Japan Association of Commerce and Industry, issues a plea to the British people to combat economic nationalism. 1934.02.06 — The chairman of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, opening an exhibition of competitive Japanese goods, says that Japan's trade attitude must not be regarded as hostile and that the only way to combat competition is to persuade the Japanese to sell their goods at higher prices. 1934.02.06 — Three officials of Japanese tuna companies sail for the U.S. to make representations against higher tariffs on their products. 1934.02.05 — A bill is introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives for higher tariff rates to check the importation of Japanese tuna. 1934.02.08 — Dr. Joji Matsumoto succeeds Baron Kumakichi Nakajima as Minister of Commerce and Industry when the latter is forced to resign because of the attacks made on him in the Diet for a magazine article leading to an ancient treasure. 1934.02.08 — The commander of the Japanese troops operating in northeastern Kirin requests the Soviet authorities to disarm bandits who have entered Soviet territory. 1934.02.08 — The Arizona Attorney-General rules that Japanese are not entitled to acquire an interest in agricultural lands. 1934.02.08 — Ambassador Saito, reaching the U.S., declares that his principal aim is to present in its correct light the real position of Japan in the Far East. He refutes the talk of a Japanese-Soviet war. 1934.02.08 — The War Minister tells the Diet that Japan is independent of foreign assistance in operating its military industries. 1934.02.08 — The Indian section of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce expresses regret that the new Indian duties are not high enough to equalize the low prices of Japanese goods and declares that the quota of cotton goods allowed Japan in the new trade treaty is "higher than the circumstance warrant." 1934.02.08 — Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang is named vice-commander of the anti-Communist forces in Honan, Hupei and Anhwei. 1934.02.10 — A special Ministerial Conference on the agricultural depression decides to ask the Diet for 150,000,000 yen to use in buying Korean and Formosan rice to keep it off the market in Japan proper and for authorization to increase to a billion yen, if necessary, the fund for Government purchasing of domestic rice. 1934.02.10 — A movement is started in Britain to arouse public feeling against Japan-made bicycles. 1934.02.10 — Germany appoints its first military attache to the Tokyo Embassy since 1914. 1934.02.11 — The nation celebrates the 2,594th anniversary of the accession to the Throne of the first ruler, the Emperor Jimmu, and in honour of the Crown Prince's birth, the Emperor issues an amnesty rescript saving the lives of five persons condemned to execution, reducing the prison terms of more than 30,000 convicts and restoring civil rights to thousands more. 1934.02.12 — The Finance Ministry completes the drafting of a bill providing for the purchase of newly-mined gold by the Bank of Japan at current rates. 1934.02.13 — The Lower House of the Diet passes the 1934-35 budget without amendment. 1934.02.13 — Ambassador Saito, presenting his credentials to President Roosevelt, expresses assurance that all Japanese-American issues can be settled amicably and is told in reply that the U.S. is ready to co-operate cordially and sympathetically in maintaining peace in the Pacific region. 1934.02.13 — The Dutch East Indies decide to limit textile imports for three months, basing quotas on the 1931 import totals. 1934.02.13 — The South Manchuria Railway Company is authorized by the Overseas Ministry to invest 4,000,000 yen in the Manchoukuo Gold Mining Company, to which Manchoukuo will subscribe 5,000,000 yen and the Oriental Development Company 5,000,000 yen. The company will have a monopoly on gold mining in North Manchuria. 1934.02.14 — The Salvadorean Consul-General in Tokyo announces that his country will welcome Japanese immigrants. 1934.02.14 — The Anglo-Japanese textile conference formally opens in London and decides that the geographical scope of any possible agreement must be settled first of all. 1934.02.14 — The French Government is said to take the attitude that any negotiations between Japanese and French industrial groups for exploitation of Manchoukuo must be "entirely private." The contract that Mr. Andre d'Olivier is authorized to sign with the South Manchuria Railway Company is provisional and subject to approval in Paris. 1934.02.14 — Mr. Yuzuru Tomita, director of the Financial Affairs Bureau of the Finance Ministry, and Mr. Juichi Tsushima, Japan's financial commissioner to London, Paris and New York, change positions. 1934.02.14 — Mitsui & Co., Tokyo, underbidding American, English and French competitors, are awarded a contract for 886,000 feet of cast iron pipe by the Mexican Federal District Government. 1934.02.14 — A Canadian Catholic missionary, the Rev. Father Emile Charest, is killed by unidentified assailants in the interior of Manchuria. 1934.02.15 — The Japanese delegation is handed a note setting forth the British stand on definition of the areas to be covered in the proposed textile agreement. It asks for inclusion of all world markets and restriction on Japanese exports, without complementary restriction of British exports. 1934.02.15 — The Indian Legislative Assembly passes the bill for higher tariffs on miscellaneous goods, against which Japan has protested. 1934.02.15 — Objection is voiced in Tokyo to the new import restrictions in the Dutch East Indies, which are likely to reduce Japan's exports to that market by 70 per cent. 1934.02.15 — The Lower House votes to investigate charges that Cabinet Ministers, including Education Minister Ichiro Hatoyama, and Diet members are guilty of accepting bribes. 1934.02.15 — The Government is accused in the House of Peers of lenience towards reactionaries and suppression of freedom of speech. 1934.02.15 — The Cabinet decides to change the bill for revision of the Election Law, deleting the provision for proportional representation, to win the approval of the Privy Council. 1934.02.16 — The Foreign Office spokesman declares that the Government regards the unilateral decision of the U.S.S.R. to increase from 32.5 sen to 75 sen per rouble the exchange rate for payment of charges connected with fishing grounds along the Soviet coast as a breach of the 1931 exchange agreement. 1934.02.16 — A meeting of the Sino-Japanese advisory committee of the League is convoked for May 14 at the request of Britain, which wants a definition of the extent to which de facto recognition of Manchoukuo may be permitted in connexion with postal matters. 1934.02.16 — Representatives in Congress from Washington and Oregon join the entire California delegation in petitioning against modification of the Exclusion Act. 1934.02.16 — Japanese immigration into Brazil is strongly defended in the Brazilian Assembly by Deputy Court. 1934.02.17 — The Privy Council approves the amended bill for revision of the Election Law. 1934.02.19 — Count Miyoji Ito, member of the Privy Council and former Cabinet Minister, dies at the age of 78. 1934.02.19 — The Indian State Council approves the bill for higher tariffs on miscellaneous goods. 1934.02.20 — The Soviet authorities in Vladivostok declare invalid all Japanese bids in the annual auction of fishery grounds because accompanied by cheques made out at the old exchange rate of 32.5 sen per rouble. 1934.02.20 — The Nanking Foreign Office denies that the secessionist movements being financed in Fukien are being financed by money from the American wheat and cotton loan. 1934.02.20 — The Manchoukuo Government announces that a 5,000,000-yen oil company will be set up, in which the Government will invest 1,000,000 yen, to protect the oil resources of the country and to regulate the demand for petroleum within the State. 1934.02.20 — Governor Laurence Judd of Hawaii formally urges President Roosevelt to visit Japan or at least to attend a conference in Honolulu of governmental heads of Pacific nations. 1934.02.20 — The Foreign Residents' Association of Shanghai cables to the International Postal Convention in Cairo to designate the shorter route for mail between Europe and Shanghai, stating that much trouble is being caused by China's refusal to send mail via Manchoukuo. 1934.02.22 — The Soviet Foreign Vice-Commissar protests to Ambassador Ota against alleged flights of Japanese army planes over the neighbourhood of Iman on six occasions between February 13 and 17. Ambassador Ota promises to make an investigation. 1934.02.22 — Minister Akira Ariyoshi believes, following an interview with Mr. Wang Ching-wei, that "considerable softening of China's attitude towards Japan is evident." 1934.02.22 — The Japanese delegation replies to the British memorandum on the geographical scope of the proposed cotton trade agreement, rejecting inclusion of markets outside the British Isles and the Crown Colonies. 1934.02.22 — The Soviet Ambassador tells Foreign Minister Hirota that the U.S.S.R. means to remedy the result of the Vladivostok fishery auction and proposes certain new conditions for filling the railway posts held by the six Soviet citizens arrested by Manchoukuo, which Japan believes will be acceptable to the Hsinking authorities. 1934.02.22 — The gunboat Hasu is rushed to Kiukiang to protect about 100 Japanese there from a threatened attack by Communist forces. 1934.02.22 — The population of Greater Tokyo at the end of 1933 is announced as 5,432,034, greater than in 1932 by 133,097. 1934.02.23 — Chief Executive Pu Yi selects Kangyo, combining the Chinese characters for tranquillity and virtue, to designate the era to be inaugurated by his enthronement. 1934.02.23 — A four-day celebration of the birth of the Crown Prince starts with a banquet at the Imperial Palace for members of the Imperial Family, foreign diplomats and distinguished officials. The Emperor gives 750,000 yen for social welfare. 1934.02.23 — The U.S. State Department tells the press that no change in policy is contemplated regarding Manchoukuo and that recognition is not being considered. 1934.02.23 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells the House of Peers that Japan cannot wisely determine its attitude towards revision of the naval treaties until the policy of the U.S. is known. If the thought of war can be eliminated from Japanese and American minds, he adds, an agreement should not be impossible. He says there may be discussion of establishing a neutral zone in mid-Pacific. 1934.02.23 — Foreign Commissar Litvinov tells Ambassador Ota that the prospective release of the arrested Soviet employees of the North Manchuria Railway will pave the way for early resumption of the sale negotiations and intimates that a compromise proposal will be offered. 1934.02.23 — Mr. Matsuyama, Japanese Commercial Counsellor in London, informs the British Government that the Japanese Government will use their influence to limit incandescent bulb exports to Great Britain to a figure not in excess of the 1931-33 average and that the exporters put a control scheme into effect on February 15. 1934.02.24 — The Soviet employees of the N.M.R. arrested by Manchoukuo are released on the understanding that they will leave the country and that their posts will be filled by Soviet citizens jointly appointed by the Soviet and Manchoukuo heads of the railway. 1934.02.26 — Mr. William R. Castle, Jr., formerly Under Secretary of State, tells newspaper men in Washington that advance announcement by Japan that it will insist on parity is likely to wreck the 1935 naval conference. He advocates preliminary conversations among Japan, Britain and the U.S. on a basis of how many vessels are required to suit the needs of each nation. He also favours repeal of the Exclusion Act to ease Japanese-American relations. 1934.02.26 — Sir John Simon tells the House of Commons that Manchoukuo has raised the question of settling postal accounts with Britain. 1934.02.27 — Admiral of the Fleet David Beatty asks the House of Commons to increase Britain's naval strength and asserts that the country must be freed of its fetters at the 1935 naval conference. 1934.02.28 — While the Foreign Office drafts a protest to the U.S.S.R. against the flight of Soviet planes over Korea, the War Office denies a report that a Japanese plane had been shot down on the Soviet-Manchoukuo border, but says planes have been fired on several times. 1934.02.28 — The Izvestia upholds the Soviet demand for an exchange rate of 75 sen per rouble in fishery payments, claiming that the devaluation of the yen has enabled Japanese fishery firms to profit enormously at the expense of the U.S.S.R. 1934.02.28 — It is revealed that the British intimated on February 14 that rejection of their proposals might force Britain to invite other Powers to check the advance of Japanese goods. 1934.02.28 — Of Japan's principal commercial articles, only three fell in output during 1933, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 1934.03.01 — Chief Executive Pu Yi is enthroned as Emperor of Manchoukuo at Hsinking and in a message to the nation declares that much depends on the co-operation and sympathy of Japan. 1934.03.01 — Washington official circles contend that the enthronement in Hsinking is without immediate significance, holding that Manchoukuo is a Japanese protectorate and its form of government makes little difference. 1934.03.01 — Sir John Simon declares in the House of Commons that he has received no information indicating that any State is contemplating recognition of Manchoukuo. 1934.03.01 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei asserts that the new form of government in Manchoukuo will make no difference in China's policy. 1934.03.01 — The Diet receives the bill for Government control of the petroleum industry. 1934.03.02 — Before going into a secret session on naval affairs, the House of Peers is told by the Navy Minister that Japan will propose at the next naval conference reductions in the number and tonnage of warships and abolition of aircraft carriers. 1934.03.02 — The Soviet Foreign Vice-Commissar tells Ambassador Ota that the recent firing on a Japanese army plane at the Soviet-Manchoukuo border was meant as a warning. He promises to investigate the allegation that a Soviet plane has flown over Korea. As for the yen-rouble controversy, he replies to Japan's protest against unilateral denunciation of the 1931 agreement by formally proposing to alter it by negotiations and contending that the U.S.S.R. thereby frees itself from the agreement, a contention that Ambassador Ota holds invalid. 1934.03.02 — The War Office announces that from the outbreak of the Manchurian incident until the end of 1933, the public donated 21,398,208 yen to the Government. 1934.03.03 — Education Minister Hatoyama, though acquitted of bribery charges by an enquiry commission in the Lower House, resigns. Premier Saito decides to hold his portfolio for the time being. 1934.03.03 — Secretary of State Hull hands to Ambassador Saito a written expression of greetings and good will to be transmitted to Foreign Minister Hirota in reply to a similar message handed to Mr. Hull by the Ambassador on his arrival in Washington. 1934.03.03 — Trade reports show that the excess of imports for the first two months of the year was 34,597,000 yen, against 128,815,000 yen in the same period of 1933. 1934.03.03 — The agreement negotiated between the South Manchuria Railway Company and the French National Association for Economic Expansion regarding business enterprises in Manchoukuo is provisionally signed in Tokyo, the French being allowed four months in which to give their final approval. 1934.03.04 — A bomb that fails to explode is hurled at a group of Japanese at the shrine in Shanghai dedicated to Japanese war dead by a man believed to be a Korean. 1934.03.04 — The Manchoukuo-Japanese Telephone Company announces a reduction in charges for messages between Japan and Manchoukuo. 1934.03.04 — The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in New York urges President Roosevelt to reaffirm the determination of the U.S. not to recognize Manchoukuo. 1934.03.04 — The House of Commons is told that the Ambassador in Tokyo has been instructed to make renewed representations for the suppression of trademark infringements and other acts of unfair competition. 1934.03.04 — The director of the Tokyo City Educational Bureau resigns because of implication in a vast school bribery scandal. 1934.03.05 — Lancashire opinion holds that Japan has closed the door on a reasonable trade compromise and must take the blame for failure of the London conference. 1934.03.05 — Japanese firms decline to bid at the supplementary auction of fishery grounds in Vladivostok because of the exchange rate controversy. 1934.03.05 — Senator William E. Borah assails the export of munitions to the Orient. 1934.03.06 — The Journal of Commerce, New York, believes that the U.S. will be forced to recognize Manchoukuo and reports that certain commercial organizations are urging the Government to do so. 1934.03.06 — Paris diplomatic circles understand that the French Government will not support the projects for investment of French capital in Manchoukuo in co-operation with the South Manchuria Railway Company. 1934.03.06 — Miss Maryse Hilz, French aviatrix, arrives in Tokyo on her second flight from Paris. 1934.03.06 — The Japan Textile Guild Federation of Osaka resolves to petition Manchoukuo to lower its tariff rates on cotton cloth. 1934.03.06 — California tuna packers open a three-day conference to decide on how to meet Japanese competition. 1934.03.07 — The Anglo-Japanese trade conference admits that an impasse has been reached on the geographical scope of the proposed agreement, but an effort is made to prevent a breakdown, the British handing a memorandum to the Japanese that proposes to divide the world markets into five areas, any one of which can be considered first. The inclusion of the British Empire is considered a concession. 1934.03.07 — The Privy Council approves an exchange of notes with Turkey agreeing to renunciation of the most-favoured-nation clause in the Turco-Japanese trade treaty and an exchange of notes with Mexico agreeing to substitution of most-favoured-nation for national treatment of Japanese living in Mexico. 1934.03.07 — The Diet receives the Finance Ministry's bill for purchasing gold. 1934.03.07 — Ambassador William C. Bullitt, returning to Moscow, says that neither he nor official Washington expects war in the Far East. 1934.03.08 — A Nippon Dempo reports an intimation in naval circles that the U.S. naval programme will create a disparity that will make necessary a third replenishment programme for Japan. In 1939, it is estimated, on completion of the second replenishment programme and the Vinson programme, Japan will have only slightly more than 60 per cent. of the strength of the U.S. 1934.03.08 — Representative Carl Vinson, commenting on the above report, says that one of the fundamental aims of the U.S. programme is to eliminate suspicion of a naval race. Representative Fred Britten declares that the slightest exception to the U.S. programme from Japan or Britain will be "distinct evidence of their own untrustworthy intentions," for the U.S. is only doing what they have been doing for a decade. 1934.03.08 — Three representatives of French industries arrive in Tokyo on their way to Manchoukuo to study trade possibilities. 1934.03.09 — The Cabinet, to meet criticism in the Diet, adds 450,000 yen to the fund for the buying of colonial rice to be kept off the market, raising it to 110,000,000 yen. 1934.03.09 — The Dutch Foreign Minister tells Minister Toshihiko Taketomi that he hopes Japan will agree as quickly as possible to the proposal that a trade conference be held. 1934.03.09 — The chairman of the U.S. Tariff Commission tells a House committee that trade concessions might be obtained from Japan in exchange for leaving raw silk on the free list. 1934.03.09 — Mr. Sanji Muto, president of the newspaper Jiji and one of the men most responsible for the development of the cotton textile industry in Japan, is seriously wounded by a man with a personal grudge against him, who commits suicide. 1934.03.09 — Japan's national wealth at the end of 1930 totalled 110,188,004,000 yen, according to the Cabinet's Bureau of Statistics, or 1,710 yen per capita. 1934.03.09 — The Tajima Maru, an experimental fishing boat, is detained near Vladivostok on suspicion of engaging in espionage, but is subsequently released. 1934.03.09 — The Soviet Government publishes a charge that the Japanese troops fighting bandits in Manchuria set on fire a valuable timber concession of the North Manchuria Railway. 1934.03.09 — The first shipment of Cuban sugar to Japan passes through the Panama Canal. 1934.03.10 — Mr. Sanji Muto dies. 1934.03.10 — The Diet suspends for two weeks Mr. Kazumi Okamoto for his false bribery charges against Cabinet Ministers and others. 1934.03.10 — Colonel Asakichi Iimka and a sub-lieutenant are killed by bandits during an attack in the Ilan area, Kirin Province. 1934.03.10 — The last brick is laid in the lining of the Tanna Tunnel, which is to save several hours in rail traffic between Tokyo and Osaka. 1934.03.11 — The 537-ton torpedo boat Tomozuru, considered the last word in small warcraft and launched only a month ago, capsizes off the Goto Islands in heavy seas. 1934.03.11 — Japanese residents in Sao Paulo, Brazil, decide to work for withdrawal of two bills for inclusion in the new Brazilian Constitution of clauses ending or limiting Japanese immigration. 1934.03.11 — Foreign currency held by the Yokohama Specie Bank exceeds $50,000,000 yen, according to the Finance Minister, making it unnecessary for the Government to ship gold bullion to settle foreign accounts. 1934.03.11 — Ambassador Ota submits to the Soviet Government a plan for settlement of the fishery exchange rate controversy. 1934.03.12 — The Foreign Office spokesman says that the Soviet failure to realize that the Japanese fishing rights on the Soviet coast are Japanese State rights, not merely concessions granted by the Soviet Government to Japanese fishery firms, is the basic cause of the recurrent fishery disputes. 1934.03.12 — Progress toward resumption of the North Manchuria Railway negotiations is reported following a conference between Foreign Minister Hirota and the Soviet Ambassador. 1934.03.12 — The Nanking Government issues a manifesto declaring that non-recognition of Manchoukuo is a cardinal policy, but that the rising demand for a punitive expedition is regarded unwise. Any persons who co-operate in actions against Manchoukuo will be punished. 1934.03.12 — The articles of association of the new Societe Anonyme Consortium Franco-Japonais pour le Developpement des Affaires dans le Manchoukuo are published in Dairen. 1934.03.12 — Intervention of the Japanese Government is again petitioned by a Japanese resident of Guam regarding the order for disposal of land by aliens before April 4, and the matter is referred to the Washington Embassy. 1934.03.12 — Since the outbreak of the Manchurian incident, 165 aeroplanes have been donated to the Japanese Army and Navy. 1934.03.13 — Thirteen of the crew of the Tomozuru are found alive in its hull, but the remaining 100 are believed to have perished. The capsizing is attributed to an excessively heavy upper-structure. 1934.03.13 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells the Diet that he believes there is no ground for suspicion regarding the Singapore naval base and refuses to become alarmed by the U.S. naval programme. 1934.03.14 — Two Soviet army aviators whose plane landed near Little Hsingkai Lake, Kirin Province, on March 11 are rescued from bandits and arrested by Manchoukuo police. The landing is regarded in Hsinking as corroborating reports that Soviet planes have frequently flown over Manchoukuo. 1934.03.14 — The House of Peers passes the 1934-35 budget after subjecting it to heavy criticism. 1934.03.14 — The Anglo-Japanese trade conference breaks down for the time being. The Lancashire delegation announces that it is referring the matter to the Government, and the Japanese delegation issues a statement explaining its case and regretting the outcome. 1934.03.14 — The export of Japanese rayon textiles is said to have set an all-time record in February, totalling 23,087,000 yards, worth 7,238,000 yen. 1934.03.15 — The British press, commenting on the breakdown of the trade conference, calls on Lancashire to reorganize and warns against a tariff war with Japan. The Japanese delegation prepares to leave London, and Tokyo awaits a British move before deciding on the question of governmental talks. 1934.03.15 — The Lower House passes the supplementary budget of 20,990,000 yen and the bill for revision of the Election Law, but with many amendments attached to the latter. 1934.03.15 — The Soviet Ambassador is instructed to ask the Japanese Government to see that the Soviet aviators, alleged to be civilians, who landed in Manchoukuo, are released. 1934.03.15 — The Japanese Consul-General in Manila says that only three or four Japanese at Guam will be affected by the order to aliens to dispose of their land. 1934.03.16 — Ambassador Matsudaira calls on Mr. Walter Runciman to exchange views on the breakdown of the trade conference. 1934.03.16 — Foreign Minister Hirota assures the Diet that no rupture of trade relations with Britain need be feared, that Manchoukuo will be regarded as any other foreign country in trade relations, that the Japanese Minister to China is hopeful of inducing China to lower its high tariffs and that Japan will withdraw from the 1927 convention prohibiting trade restrictions and the 1933 tariff truce, for the new Trade Protection Law conflicts with them. 1934.03.16 — Sir Joseph Bhore, replying to a charge in the Legislative Assembly of Japanese manoeuvring to prevent Indians from shipping cotton to Japan, says that the Government has taken the matter up with the Japanese authorities. 1934.03.16 — Brazil appoints Mr. Luiz Martins Pereira Eboura, serving as Minister to Denmark, as Ambassador to Japan. 1934.03.17 — The Government submits to the Diet additional 1933-34 and 1934-35 budget bills for 18,550,000 yen, making the total asked at the present session 2,130,550,000 yen. 1934.03.17 — The U.S.S.R. agrees to recognize 32.5 sen per rouble in payment of fishery charges until the end of June, if negotiations for a new rate are opened as soon as possible. 1934.03.17 — The Manchoukuo Foreign Affairs Commissioner in Harbin hands a note to the Soviet Consul-General protesting the landing of a Soviet military plane on Manchoukuo territory. It is suggested in Hsinking, however, that the fliers were deserters. 1934.03.17 — The League is notified of Japan's intent to withdraw from the 1927 and 1933 tariff conventions. 1934.03.17 — The Finance Ministry announces that the U.S. was Japan's best customer in 1933, taking exports worth 492,237,000 yen, and also sold more goods to Japan than any other country, the value being 620,778,000 yen. 1934.03.17 — Deposits in all banks associated with clearing houses in Japan reached an all-time record of 6,393,099,000 yen at the end of February. 1934.03.17 — The League Secretariat asks all interested governments to supply information regarding the sale and use of opium in Manchoukuo. 1934.03.17 — Four delegates and 12 advisers and assistants are named to represent Japan at the 18th International Labour Conference. 1934.03.18 — A Kuomintang conference in Canton urges that a punitive expedition be sent against Manchoukuo. 1934.03.18 — A serious interpretation is placed by the Tokyo press on reports that the Curtiss-Wright Aeroplane Manufacturing Company is selling heavy bombers to China and that the U.S. navy plans an aerial survey of the Aleutians. 1934.03.19 — Prince Takahito Sumi, youngest brother of the Emperor, enters the Narashino Cavalry Regiment as a superior private. 1934.03.19 — Ambassador Ota is instructed to inform the Soviet Government that investigation has shown groundless the charge that Japanese planes have been crossing the Soviet border. 1934.03.19 — The U.S. House passes the McAdoo-Tydings bill for Philippine independence. 1934.03.19 — A project to restrict the annual Japanese immigration to 2 per cent. of the Japanese already resident is signed by 130 of the 264 deputies of the Brazilian Constitutional Assembly. 1934.03.20 — The Lower House adopts the Government bill for protection of foreign trade. Interpellators in the House of Peers urge stricter control of reactionaries. 1934.03.20 — The League Secretariat calls the attention of governments to the "necessity of supervising most strictly any application for the introduction of narcotics to Manchoukuo," citing the 1912 Hague convention. 1934.03.21 — The personal and informal messages exchanged by Foreign Minister Hirota and Secretary of State Hull are published, showing that they agree that no question exists between Japan and the U.S. that is "fundamentally incapable of amicable solution." Behind the notes, American and Japanese newspapers see a plan for improving and stabilizing relations. 1934.03.21 — The Japanese Ambassador to Brazil is instructed to point out the harm that restriction of Japanese immigration would do to friendly relations. 1934.03.21 — The vanguard of 5,000 Japanese immigrants who will settle on co-operative farms in the Parana Valley reaches Paraguay. 1934.03.21 — A report from the Governor of Guam indicating that there has been no discrimination against Japanese in enforcing the law prohibiting alien ownership of land is made public in Washington. 1934.03.22 — Three-quarters of Hakodate, in the Hokkaido, is wiped out by fire, bringing death to nearly 2,000 persons and destroying property worth many millions of yen. 1934.03.22 — Secretary of the Navy Swanson says conversations with Japan prior to the 1935 naval conference are highly desirable and emphasizes the wish of the U.S. to retain the present ratio. 1934.03.22 — The U.S. Senate passes the bill for Philippine independence, which goes to the President for signature. 1934.03.22 — The Lower House adopts the legislation to strengthen control of rice, but with a resolution attached calling for an extraordinary session of the Diet to discuss fundamental solution of the rice problem. 1934.03.22 — The Language Commission of the Education Ministry decides to recommend to the Government the use of "Nippon" instead of "Japan" and "Nihon" in all official translations. 1934.03.23 — Congressional sentiment is reported opposed to consideration at present of revision of the Exclusion Act, though in favour of it eventually, fearing agitation for lowering the bars against European refugees. 1934.03.23 — Lancashire plans to bargain with Holland to gain advantages over Japan in the Dutch East Indies market. 1934.03.23 — The British Minister to China declares to the press that Britain will follow the League's advice regarding Manchoukuo. 1934.03.24 — The Polish Minister to Japan denies that his recent trip to Manchoukuo had anything to do with recognition. 1934.03.24 — In a written reply to Diet interpellation, Foreign Minister Hirota says the Brazilian movement to restrict Japanese immigration is the work of an obvious minority and regrets that the question has been raised. 1934.03.24 — Manila celebrates as President Roosevelt signs the independence bill. 1934.03.25 — The Diet completes passage of the bills for rice control, petroleum control and revision of the Election Law. Only two of the 49 measures submitted by the Government fail, including the one for revision of the Peace Preservation Law. Premier Saito promises to call a special session, if necessary, to solve the rice problem. 1934.03.26 — The 65th session of the Diet ends. 1934.03.26 — Premier Cheng Hsiao-hsu and Finance Minister Hsi Hsia of Manchoukuo arrive in Tokyo on a goodwill mission. 1934.03.26 — At China's request, the U.S. $50,000,000 cotton and wheat loan is reduced to $10,000,000. 1934.03.26 — Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler assails the methods for study of the Far East in American schools as fantastic, in his report as a divisional chief of the Carnegie Peace Endowment. 1934.03.27 — The Manchoukuo mission conveys to the Emperor the thanks of the Emperor of Manchoukuo for the assistance given by Japan to the new Empire. 1934.03.27 — The State Department awaits a definite proposal before commenting on the report that the chief of the Commercial Affairs Bureau of the Foreign Office favours a multilateral trade agreement with the U.S. and the Latin American countries. 1934.03.28 — Manchoukuo plans on agency to purchase all of the cotton grown within its borders. Five agricultural experiment stations are to be opened. 1934.03.28 — Sir Harry Duncan McGowan, chairman of Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., advises Conservative members of Parliament to work for an agreement between the Lancashire and Japanese cotton spinners. 1934.03.29 — The Manchoukuo police announce that the two Soviet fliers who landed in Manchoukuo are political refugees and will not be returned to the U.S.S.R. 1934.03.29 — The conference on tuna between California packers and Japanese dealers reaches a deadlock. 1934.03.29 — Nanking announces that a group of teachers will be sent to Japan on an inspection trip, the first Chinese mission since the Manchurian incident. 1934.03.30 — The Treasury issues 160,000,000 yen of 4 per cent. bonds, the last for the 1933-34 fiscal year, the total for which is 140,000,000 less than the Diet authorized, increased revenue and curtailed expenditure having made a saving possible. 1934.03.30 — Ambassador Matsudaira is instructed to tell the British Government that Japan agrees in principle to the proposal for governmental trade talks, but would like to see the concrete plans. The Japanese delegation to the London conference leaves for home. 1934.03.30 — A series of functions starts in Japan and the U.S. to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the signing of the first Japanese-American treaty. Statements of felicitation are exchanged by Foreign Minister Hirota and Ambassador Grew. Secretary of State Hull endorses a proposal to designate March 31 as Perry Day. 1934.03.30 — A plan to make the South Manchuria Railway Company the centre of all activities connected with the development of the economic resources of Manchoukuo is approved in principle by the Cabinet. 1934.03.30 — The Manchoukuo Railway Bureau announces a profit of 13,226,000 yuan during its first year of business. 1934.03.30 — The War Minister reiterates his view that soldiers must refrain from expressing their individual views on political matters. 1934.03.31 — The U.S. Foreign Policy Association says that the Hirota-Hull messages are important chiefly because of their psychological effect and claims that Secretary Hull purposely delayed his response until after the Manchoukuo enthronement to avoid the impression that the U.S. was accepting the new Manchurian status. 1934.03.31 — Dr. W. W. Yen declares in Shanghai that China should not rely on the West for help in adjusting relations with Japan, for the nations of the Orient should settle their differences among themselves. 1934.03.31 — A spokesman of the Japanese Legation in Shanghai brands as a fabrication a Soviet report that Japan has interfered with the alleged plans of international bankers to make a loan to China. 1934.03.31 — Ambassador Matsudaira hands to the British Government Japan's reply to the proposal for governmental trade talks. 1934.03.31 — The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry objects to the Indo-Japanese trade agreement because it binds India to buy goods manufactured from raw materials that it exports. 1934.03.31 — The News-Chronicle, London, believes that the visit to Japan of Mr. John G. Latham, Australian Cabinet Minister, will result in the establishment of an Australian Legation in Tokyo. 1934.03.31 — The 1,900-ton submarine A6 is launched at Kobe. 1934.04.01 — The police publish details of the arrest in October of members of a group styled the Death-Defying Troops, which planned to kill the president of the Seiyukai, all Cabinet Ministers and leading financiers to alter the form of government and purify politics. 1934.04.01 — The Tokyo Municipal Assembly votes to tax incomes of more than 800 yen and domestic servants. 1934.04.01 — Premier Saito, after an interview with the Genro, Prince Kimmochi Saionji, gives the impression he has received encouragement to continue in power indefinitely. 1934.04.02 — Mr. Richard Washburn Child, sent to Europe to study economic conditions for President Roosevelt, reveals that an enquiry into Japanese trade competition is one of his main objectives and expresses belief that it will lower the standards of living throughout the world. 1934.04.02 — Senator David A. Reed wants to have the U.S.S.R. invited to sign any treaty for neutralization of the Philippines. 1934.04.02 — The Overseas Ministry sanctions the 1934-35 budget of the South Manchuria Railway Company, which calls for revenue of 245,483,000 yen and expenditure of 202,517,000 yen. 1934.04.02 — Brazil grants 717,200,000 acres along the upper Amazon for cultivation by Japanese. 1934.04.03 — Right-wing labour unions hold a mass meeting as a substitute for the usual demonstration on May Day. 1934.04.03 — The Foreign Office resents circulation by the Soviets of fabricated news dispatches in China that tend to arouse anti-Japanese sentiment. 1934.04.04 — The U.S.S.R. opens a direct telegraph line between Moscow and Vladivostok, enabling faster service to and from the Far East. 1934.04.04 — The Dutch Government is informed of Japan's acceptance of the proposal to hold a trade conference at Batavia. 1934.04.04 — The Government give indication of revising the regulations for conditioning cotton textiles to make export control more effective. 1934.04.04 — Mr. Fernand Maurette, Vice-Director of the International Labour Office, arrives in Tokyo to observe the Japanese labour situation. 1934.04.04 — Some sections of public opinion are said to favour Japan's withdrawal from the International Labour Conference, if any attempt is made to check Japanese trade. 1934.04.04 — The Japanese Military Attache in Peiping protests to the Peiping Military Council against renewed anti-Japanese activities in the North China neutral zone. 1934.04.04 — Mr. Kanichi Iriye, an auditor of the Bank of Japan and formerly of the Imperial Household Department, accepts appointment as Vice-Minister of the Manchoukuo Imperial Household. 1934.04.04 — Manchoukuo plans to create a committee to study policies, especially concerning economic development and realization of the Japanese-Manchoukuo economic bloc. 1934.04.04 — The Overseas Ministry announces it will send 500 more emigrants with military training to Manchoukuo. 1934.04.04 — The official enquiry into the capsizing of the torpedo boat Tomozuru holds that the design gave instability. 1934.04.05 — The manager of the U.S. Toy Manufacturers' Association states Japanese competition has forced many manufacturers out of business. 1934.04.05 — Prince Iyesato Tokugawa returns from nine months' trip in Europe and America. 1934.04.05 — The Manchoukuo Government rejects the Soviet demand for extradition of the two fliers who landed near Little Hanka Lake on March 11, holding they are political refugees. 1934.04.05 — Jiro Sato, Japan's first-ranking tennis player, commits suicide by leaping into the Malacca Strait from the Hakone Maru on his way to Europe with the Davis Cup team. 1934.04.06 — Japan is revealed to have requested that Britain, in return for acceptance of its demand for a preferential tariff clause in the Indo-Japanese trade convention, recognize Japan's right to levy preferential tariffs on goods from neighbouring States. 1934.04.06 — The Federation of Pencil Exporters' Associations of Japan decides to restrict exports to the U.S. to 125,000 gross per quarter, beginning May 1. 1934.04.06 — Mr. Herbert M. Bratter arrives in Tokyo to study Japanese finance for the U.S. Department of Commerce. 1934.04.06 — Factories in Japan with more than five workers increased by 3,882 to 67,318 in the 1932-33 fiscal year, hired more workers and showed a gain in production, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 1934.04.06 — The War Minister calls on Prince Saionji and confers on military matters. 1934.04.06 — The League Secretariat publishes Mr. Wang Ching-wei's statement on the enthronement of the Emperor of Manchoukuo. 1934.04.07 — The Cabinet's relations with the Seiyukai are strained by Premier Saito's offer of the Education portfolio, without consulting the party, to Mr. Zembei Horikiri, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Finance, who declines to accept. 1934.04.07 — The Bank of Japan sets 11.09 yen per momme as the official buying price for gold as the Gold Purchase Law goes into force. 1934.04.07 — Manchoukuo, the Empire of Manchu, is officially adopted as the new name for Manchoukuo. 1934.04.07 — A shortage in the supply of Soviet oil is credited with causing a marked increase in the sale of British and American oil in Manchoukuo. 1934.04.07 — Mr. Huang Fu meets General Chiang Kai-shek to discuss problems with Japan in North China. 1934.04.07 — A definite plan is said to have been worked out for the use of Soviet technicians in China, which the Japanese Foreign Office opposes as harmful to China and the Far East. 1934.04.07 — The Brazilian War Minister warns against restriction of Japanese immigrants, declaring the country needs them. 1934.04.08 — European disarmament plans are reported to include freedom for Soviet armaments in the Far East, if Japan refuses to co-operate. 1934.04.08 — Eight Korean farmers are killed in an outbreak resulting from grievances of Manchurian farmers against them at Niuhaintzi, Fengtien Province. 1934.04.09 — The Foreign Office spokesman declares Japan opposes the reported schemes for international co-operation in China, holding them harmful to both China and the peace of the Far East. The statement is called forth by the frequency of rumours that such moves are being contemplated. 1934.04.09 — Dr. L. Rajchman leaves Shanghai to report to the League on his investigation of the possibilities of assisting China. 1934.04.09 — Nanking leaders meet for a conference on China's policy towards Japan. 1934.04.09 — The Japanese Military Attache in Peiping issues a statement regretting that the Nanking Government has taken no steps since the Tangku truce to settle pending issues with Japan and Manchoukuo. 1934.04.09 — Naval authorities are desirous of suppressing all predication of policy for the 1935 naval conference because of the distorted fabrications appearing in the press, according to the Foreign Office spokesman. 1934.04.09 — The U.S. fleet leaves the Pacific coast for manoeuvres in the Atlantic. 1934.04.09 — Japanese, Philippine and Chinese representatives meet in Shanghai to consider Manchoukuo's participation in the Far Eastern Olympiad. 1934.04.09 — The head of the North Manchuria Railway Hospital, a Manchurian, and two Soviet employees of the railway are arrested in Harbin on a charge of plotting to send railway property into the U.S.S.R. 1934.04.09 — Farmers complain of difficulty in obtaining rice for their use, the Government's purchasing having diminished the supply in some districts. 1934.04.09 — Plans are completed for the founding of a 20,000,000 yen aluminium manufacturing concern in Formosa. 1934.04.10 — The Cabinet announces that it means to pay special attention to adjustment of finance and taxation, educational reform, thought control and farm relief. 1934.04.10 — The Navy Minister intimates in a press interview that Japan may suggest abandonment of the ratio system at the 1935 naval conference, replacing it with definite maximums for each class of ships. He voices opposition to further reductions in all categories. 1934.04.10 — Government purchases raise the future price of rice to 25 yen per koku, 1.70 yen higher than the official minimum. 1934.04.10 — Business and industrial groups ask the Government to make participation in the conference with Holland on trade with the Dutch East Indies conditional on a Dutch promise not to impose new restrictions on Japanese goods. 1934.04.11 — War Minister General Hayashi tenders his resignation because of the sentencing of his younger brother on a bribery charge. Premier Saito endeavours to have him withdraw it. 1934.04.11 — Baron Wakatsuki, president of the Minseito, tells the press he is not ready to agree to a complete coalition with the Seiyukai. 1934.04.11 — Mr. W. L. Clayton, head of one of the largest U.S. new cotton firms, refutes rumours Japan is buying cotton heavily for military purposes. 1934.04.11 — Mr. Alexandre Conty, former French Minister to Peiping, tells the Group for Defence of French Interests in the Far East that the French holders of Tokyo City bonds will get no redress unless pressure is brought on Japan through the Government. 1934.04.11 — Consul-General Masayuki Yokoyama says in Geneva that Japan's collaboration in abolishing licensed prostitution has been recognized by the League. 1934.04.12 — A Cantonese military mission arrives in the U.S. to inspect aeroplane factories and airports. 1934.04.12 — Mr. S. Terao, one of the delegates to the Indo-Japanese trade parley, denies at Bombay that Japan is putting obstacles in the way of Indian cotton merchants in making sales to Japanese spinners. 1934.04.12 — The Soviet fliers released by Manchoukuo tell of the hardships of existence with the Red Army. 1934.04.13 — Mr. Kazumi Okamoto, Lower House member who made sensational charges against Government leaders in the Diet, is held by the police for investigation. 1934.04.13 — The South Manchuria Railway Company gives indication that its shale oil enterprise at Fushun is on a sound basis. 1934.04.13 — The growth of Japanese trade competition in Africa is placed on the agenda of the French Colonial Economic Conference. 1934.04.14 — A last-minute proposal to limit Japanese immigration is submitted to the Brazilian Constitutional Assembly. 1934.04.14 — The Indian Government agrees to a reduction of the duty on certain kinds of Japanese silk in the new tariff bill. 1934.04.14 — Mr. Yutaro Tomita, Japanese Finance Commissioner, says in San Francisco that devaluation of the yen is inevitable. 1934.04.15 — General Hayashi, after a conference with Field Marshal Prince Kotohito Kan-in, Chief of the Army General Staff, agrees to remain as War Minister. 1934.04.15 — The U.S. Foreign Policy Association says a Japanese-American naval race is likely unless Far Eastern policies are modified. 1934.04.15 — Prefectural governors are informed by the Agriculture Ministry that the law for encouragement of storing silk cocoons will be enforced, if the price falls below 3.50 yen a kwan. 1934.04.16 — The U.S. Asiatic Fleet's Destroyer Squadron No. 5, comprising 12 ships, and an Indian scouting cruiser, anchor off Yokohama to pay goodwill visits. 1934.04.16 — Instructions are sent to Ambassador Kiyuiro Hayashi to intimate to the Brazilian Government that Japan hopes no legislation restricting Japanese immigration will be enacted. Japanese in Brazil endeavour to have the restriction proposal killed in committee. 1934.04.16 — The Spanish Ministry of Industry means to request the Cabinet to increase tariffs on certain Japanese goods. 1934.04.16 — China bans maps "recognizing" Manchoukuo as independent. 1934.04.17 — The Foreign Office spokesman, Mr. Eiji Amau, chief of the Information Bureau, tells the press that Japan will oppose any action of any Power or Powers which is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order in East Asia for which she, largely in view of her geographical position, has the most vital concern. Japan shares the responsibility for insuring peace in East Asia with other countries in this part of the world. Japan desires preservation of territorial integrity of China and her unification and prosperity, but these ends should, as a matter of principle, be attained through her own efforts. 1934.04.18 — The foreign press, particularly in the U.S., Britain and China, opens an attack on the Foreign Office spokesman's policy statement. 1934.04.18 — Minister Akira Ariyoshi tells the press, following an interview with Mr. Wang Ching-wei, that the postal and customs issues between China and Manchoukuo are likely to be settled shortly. Though the anti-Japanese boycott may be hard to subdue, Sino-Japanese relations in general are improving. He voices opposition to so-called international assistance to China. 1934.04.19 — The Society for International Cultural Relations holds its inaugural meeting in Tokyo under the presidency of Prince Fumimaro Konoye, who declares its function will be to exchange cultural understanding with other nations. In addition to the Government's grant of 200,000 yen, private interests have subscribed more than 500,000 yen. 1934.04.19 — Sir Arthur Salter, economic adviser of the Nanking Government, claims that the Chinese internal situation has improved greatly because of diminution of civil strife. 1934.04.19 — The Home Ministry reports 4.01 per cent. of unemployment among salaried workers, 5.11 per cent. among skilled and unskilled workers, and 10.24 per cent. among unskilled labourers. 1934.04.19 — Answering the Japanese statement on China policy, the Nanking Foreign Ministry asserts no State has the right to claim exclusive responsibility for maintaining peace in any designated part of the world. 1934.04.19 — The Indo-Japanese trade convention is initialled at New Delhi and is to be sent to London for signing. 1934.04.19 — The Association of British Chambers of Commerce calls on the Government to act to secure stable markets for British exports, if no early agreement with Japan, is in sight. The president of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce thinks Japan should regulate its industrial growth and avoid currency, mercantile and labour policies that make for price levels incompatible with standards of living in the rest of the world. 1934.04.20 — The Foreign Office spokesman reiterates that his statement of April 17 did not imply deviation from the principle of the open door and equal opportunity in China or from treaties relating to China; but Japan objects to having other Powers take any steps that might lead to disturbance of peace in East Asia. He points out that it was a reassertion of portions of Foreign Minister Hirota's speech to the Diet on January 23. 1934.04.20 — The Soviet press indicates that the Japanese statement is regarded as meaning Japan wants to establish itself as dictator of the Far East. 1934.04.20 — The Pope's wish to promote friendship with Manchoukuo is communicated to Foreign Minister Hsieh Chih-shih. 1934.04.20 — Five U.S. naval planes leave San Diego to participate in a survey of the Aleutian Islands. 1934.04.21 — Ambassador Hiroshi Saito is quoted as having said the Japanese statement was a result of indications that the U.S. wheat and cotton loan to China was liable to be used for political purposes that might threaten Asiatic peace. 1934.04.21 — Don Domingo Esguerra, the first Colombian Minister to Japan, announces on arrival in Tokyo that he will work to increase Japanese-Colombian trade. 1934.04.21 — A new 10,000,000-yen concern, the Automobile Manufacturing Company, plans to turn out enough parts to build 25,000 cars yearly. 1934.04.22 — The U.S. Ambassador, the former Ambassador to the U.S., Mr. Debuchi, and other notables participate in a celebration at Shimoda in honour of the signing of the first Japanese-American treaty in 1854. 1934.04.22 — Minister John G. Latham, Australian goodwill envoy to Japan, says at Hongkong that Australia wants Japan's friendship regardless of the condition of trade relations. 1934.04.23 — Sir John Simon tells the House of Commons a note of enquiry about the China policy statement has been sent to Japan. 1934.04.23 — Consul-General Yokoyama is credited in Geneva with hoping the Powers will consult Japan before aiding China. He is falsely represented as having included India and the Philippines in a list of East Asiatic nations that must collaborate with Japan in maintaining peace. 1934.04.23 — The Daily Mail, London, declares that China and the world will benefit, if Japan uses its influence to end Chinese anarchy. 1934.04.23 — Mr. T.V. Soong, former Nanking Foreign Minister, declares China is determined to co-operate with the League in the technical aspects of national reconstruction. 1934.04.23 — A step towards improvement of Sino-Japanese economic relations is seen in China's indefinite postponement of enforcement of the Mark of Origin Act, which has been an important issue with Japan. 1934.04.23 — Satisfaction with the operations of the British consular service in Manchoukuo is voiced by Sir John Simon. 1934.04.24 — Under-secretary of State William Phillips asks Ambassador Saito for an explanation of Japan's China policy as given in press reports. He also confers with the British and French Ambassadors. 1934.04.24 — The America-Japan Society of Tokyo holds a dinner in honour of the 80th anniversary of the treaty negotiated by Commodore Perry. 1934.04.25 — Foreign Minister Hirota explains Japan's China policy to the British Ambassador. 1934.04.25 — Nanking issues a statement declaring interference with China's sovereignty and independence will not be tolerated from no nation and charging that Japan is endangering the open door. 1934.04.25 — Sir Arthur Salter, economic adviser to the Nanking Government, denies in London that the activities of European economic experts in China have had an anti-Japanese significance. 1934.04.25 — The Dutch Government appoints Professor Van Geldern, of the Colonial Office, and Mr. Spanjaard, head of the advisory committee on the crisis import bill, as delegates to the Batavia trade talks with Japan. 1934.04.26 — The U.S. Ambassador and the Chinese Minister call on Foreign Minister Hirota in connection with the April 17 statement. 1934.04.26 — President Roosevelt and Secretary of State Hull confer on Japan's statement. 1934.04.26 — The United Aircraft and Transport Corporation, New York, announces an order from China for 20 scouting planes. 1934.04.26 — Captain Robert Eden, Lord Privy Seal, tells the House of Commons no official confirmation of Japan's intention to demand parity at the 1935 naval conference has been received, but the Government are following press reports closely. 1934.04.26 — The North Manchuria Railway organizations are resumed for consideration of Manchoukuo's reply to the latest Soviet proposal. 1934.04.27 — A policy statement in English is given by Foreign Minister Hirota to the U.S. and British Ambassadors. 1934.04.27 — Mr. Hu Han-min, Canton leader, appeals to Britain, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. to act in solving Far Eastern issues. 1934.04.28 — Indication is given by Secretary of State Hull that the Japanese policy statement is not considered a closed incident. 1934.04.28 — Minister Ariyoshi, returned to Japan to report to the Foreign Minister, tells the press that the League's technical assistance to China is still in the enquiry stage, but that a flow of capital into China through the League would be conducive to international control of the country. 1934.04.28 — Silk prices fall at Yokohama because of excessive stocks, reviving demands for Government relief. 1934.04.28 — Merchants at Balboa, Panama, where tons of Japanese goods await trans-shipment to Latin American markets, say the cheapness of Japan's commodities makes purchase of them compulsory. 1934.04.28 — Manchoukuo announces that it will return to the U.S.S.R. the plane that was landed by deserters near Little Hanka Lake. 1934.04.29 — Ambassador Grew hands to Foreign Minister Hirota a declaration of the U.S. policy regarding China. 1934.04.29 — Mr. T. A. Bisson, in a report of the U.S. Foreign Policy Association, declares Japan is not alone in encroaching on China, which has lost control of 2,400,000 square miles of territory since Britain took Hong-Kong in 1842. 1934.04.29 — The Seiyukai and the Minseito agree to unify their policies on rice, thought and education issues. 1934.04.30 — Sir John Simon reports to the House of Commons on Foreign Minister Hirota's answer to the British Ambassador's enquiry about the April 17 statement and says the Government are satisfied that Japan will continue to observe the Nine-Power Treaty and the open door in China. 1934.04.30 — Secretary of State Hull publishes the declaration of China policy sent to Japan, which states that the U.S. expects from other nations due consideration of its rights, obligations and legitimate interests. 1934.04.30 — The law for protection of foreign trade is gazetted and will go into force on May 1. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. III No. 2 (September 1934) --- (covers 1934.05.01 to 1934.07.31) 1934.05.01 — The Foreign Office issues a statement saying the British and American Ambassadors have been assured Japan has no intention of infringing upon China's independence or upon the rights of other Powers in China, but Japan cannot be indifferent to action prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order in East Asia. 1934.05.01 — The U.S. Commerce Department issues a survey showing that Japan's exports to Latin America gained by more than 150 per cent. in 1933, with a value of 47,000,000 yen. 1934.05.01 — The Philippine Legislature adopts the Tydings-McDuffie independence bill. 1934.05.01 — Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes declares Japan is "untouchable" from a naval viewpoint and denounces the London naval treaty. 1934.05.01 — May Day is observed quietly in Tokyo, the Left and Right elements holding separate celebrations. 1934.05.02 — The British Foreign Office explains to Minister Quo Tai-chi that when Sir John Simon referred in the House of Commons to Japan's special rights in China, he meant those recognized by the Powers, such as the railway zones in Manchuria and the concessions in treaty ports. 1934.05.02 — Consul-General Masayuki Yokoyama, in Geneva, conveys to Secretary-General Avenol of the League Japan's uneasiness over the possible misuse by China of the League's projected technical assistance and is assured that Dr. Ludwik Rajchman's report on the subject is not of a political nature. 1934.05.02 — President Shigeru Shimada of the Bank of Taiwan is dismissed by order of the Cabinet because of being involved in scandal. 1934.05.02 — Finance Minister Takahashi indicates that taxes must be raised, but that caution will be used in determining the time and the amount. 1934.05.02 — The Bank of Japan says that 460,000,000 yen of capital was subscribed in 1933 for investment in Manchoukuo, including 360,000,000 yen for the South Manchuria Railway Company, or 41 per cent. of all new Japanese corporate financing. 1934.05.02 — The annual report of the International Labour Office's director states that the depreciation of the yen has been the principal factor in Japan's trade gains, enabling lower wages in terms of other currencies. 1934.05.02 — The Manchoukuo police lift the ban on news of the arrest of a large number of Communists who were plotting disturbances during the enthronement of Emperor Kangté. 1934.05.03 — Baron Kitokuro Ikki, former Imperial Household Minister, becomes President of the Privy Council in succession to Baron Yuzuburo Kuratomi, who resigns because of ill health. 1934.05.03 — Mr. Walter Runciman tells Ambassador Matsudaira that the delay in reaching an Anglo-Japanese cotton textile trade agreement has made it necessary for Britain to recover freedom of action in dealing with Japanese goods entering the Crown Colonies. 1934.05.03 — Ambassador Naotake Sato is verbally informed that the French Government is satisfied with Japan's assurances it has no intention of infringing on the rights of other Powers in China and is hopeful that any threat to peace in the Far East will be met in accordance with the Nine-Power Treaty. 1934.05.05 — Official announcement is made Prince Chichibu will be sent to Manchoukuo by the Emperor to congratulate Emperor Kangté on his enthronement. 1934.05.05 — Mr. William R. Castle, Jr., former U.S. Ambassador to Tokyo, tells the New York Herald Tribune the world would be set back a generation, if Japan and the U.S. should permit other nations to force them into a silly and useless war. 1934.05.05 — Secretary-General Avenol of the League issues a communique saying the press reports of his conversation with Consul-General Yokoyama were inaccurate, no assurance having been given that the projected assistance to China would be limited to educational and hygienic measures. 1934.05.05 — Six U.S. mine-sweepers sail from Bremerton to the Aleutians to make an intensive survey, reportedly in preparation for fortifications after the termination of the Washington naval treaty. 1934.05.05 — Mr. Ryozo Asano, President of the Toyo Kisen Kaisha, is received at the White House by President Roosevelt, with whom he was a classmate at Harvard. 1934.05.04 — Foreign Minister Hirota, addressing the annual meeting of prefectural governors, says Japan has no wish to remain aloof in East Asia and that her foreign policy is guided by a desire for "universal brotherhood." He warns against the error of anti-foreignism and asks that foreigners in Japan be treated with special consideration. Japan's special mission in East Asia, he declares, is to bear, in common with the other East Asiatic States, the responsibility for maintaining peace and order. 1934.05.04 — Mr. Shunzo Yoshizaka, Japanese Government delegate to the International Labour Conference, assails the comparison of Japanese with European wages in the report of the director of the I.L.O. and points out that the yen is but one of 43 depreciated currencies. 1934.05.04 — Japanese sugar interests oppose the proposal that more sugar be imported from the Dutch East Indies to help balance trade. 1934.05.04 — An informal War Office statement says the number of active bandits in Manchoukuo has dwindled to about 15,000. 1934.05.06 — It is estimated that by the end of 1934 Japanese cotton spinning mills will have added 660,000 spindles, making a total of more than 9,200,000. 1934.05.06 — The U.S. Tariff Commission raises to 35 per cent. of the American selling price the duty on canned clams of the Japanese type. 1934.05.06 — The 1,386-ton destroyer Yugure is launched at Maidzuru. 1934.05.07 — Mr. Runciman announces in the House of Commons that the Crown Colonies will be asked to establish quotas for cotton and rayon imports, the British Government feeling it would not be justified in waiting longer for a trade agreement with Japan. Efforts are to be made, however, to remain on the friendliest terms with Japan. Higher duties on silk goods will be considered. 1934.05.07 — The Canadian authorities are represented as annoyed at the possibility of being drawn into a trade war with Japan as a result of Britain's action. 1934.05.07 — Sir John Simon, asked in the House of Commons about Japan's opposition to foreign activities in China prejudicial to peace and order, voices hope that such opposition would be common to all signatories of the Nine-Power Treaty. 1934.05.07 — Lord Ponsonby moves in the House of Lords a resolution urging the Government to adopt a more decided policy regarding the Far East, but withdraws it when told the Government is satisfied with Japan's assurance of respect for treaties. 1934.05.07 — A bill is introduced into the U.S. House for a military air base near Fairbanks, Alaska, with a squadron of 108 planes. 1934.05.08 — Admiral Osumi, Navy Minister, tells the conference of prefectural governors that a united public will be needed to see Japan through the 1935 naval conference, at which the nation must be freed from the fetters of the present treaties. 1934.05.08 — Mr. Jean Monnet, financial adviser to the Nanking Government, informs Consul-General Suma, in Nanking, of a plan for a bank through which foreign capital will be solicited for China's development and reportedly asks if Japan cares to participate. 1934.05.08 — The Meirinkai, organization of nationalistic tendency, asserting Holland's trade policy is anti-Japanese, advocates severance of diplomatic relations if the Batavia conference fails. 1934.05.08 — The Japan Rayon Association announces that production in April set an all-time record of 114,839 boxes. 1934.05.08 — Deposits in all banks associated with the Tokyo Clearing House totalled 2,587,676,000 yen on May 3, an all-time high record. 1934.05.08 — The U.S. fleet is scheduled to return to the Pacific on December 1 and begin manoeuvres on January 4. 1934.05.09 — The Foreign Office spokesman states that the situation created by the British decision to apply quotas is still being studied and that efforts to harmonize Anglo-Japanese trade relations have not been abandoned. The British quota system is expected to mean a loss of about 30,000,000 yen yearly to Japanese textile exporters. 1934.05.09 — The Daily Mail, London, declares Japanese competition has endangered British industry because Japan has been shut out of its natural market, China. 1934.05.09 — Trinidad announces plan to restrict Japanese goods. 1934.05.09 — The text of Dr. Rajchman's report on technical assistance for China is issued in Geneva and Nanking. 1934.05.09 — The Kwantung Army charges that Chinese troops broke the Tangku truce on May 5 by firing on a Japanese squad at Hsinfangtien. 1934.05.09 — A meeting of the North Manchuria Railway sale conference is held, but is reported to have ended in a deadlock. 1934.05.10 — Mr. John Greig Latham, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs and Industry, arrives in Tokyo on a goodwill visit. 1934.05.10 — The House of Commons is told the Government is studying the question of getting around the Congo Basin treaties, which make measures against Japanese imports in East Africa difficult. 1934.05.10 — The Jamaica Legislature requests the Secretary of State to introduce a bill fixing a quota system for imports. Japanese sales are expected to drop by 90 per cent. 1934.05.10 — Mr. Hatsunosuke Shimada, London representative of the Japanese Cotton Mill Association, voices doubt of the wisdom and justice of restricting the entry of Japanese goods into the Crown Colonies, where purchasing power is low. 1934.05.10 — Cotton spinners, weavers and exporters decide to adopt a licence system to control textile exports to the Dutch East Indies. 1934.05.10 — Japan and Uruguay sign a two-year commercial treaty giving most-favoured-nation treatment. 1934.05.10 — Vice-Admiral Kiyoshi Hasegawa is appointed Navy Vice-Minister. 1934.05.10 — Deputy de Oliveira tells the Brazilian Assembly that the attitude of the Japanese Foreign Office toward the movement to restrict Japanese immigration is equivalent to interference in Brazil's internal affairs. 1934.05.10 — The first grand military review in Manchoukuo is held in the presence of Emperor Kangté. 1934.05.11 — The Australian goodwill mission is received by the Emperor. Foreign Minister Hirota declares a Japanese-Australian trade agreement is needed. 1934.05.11 — Transfer of the administration of the South Manchuria Railway Zone to Manchoukuo is advocated at a meeting of Japanese Consuls in Manchuria at Hsinking. 1934.05.11 — The America-Japan Trade Council, New York, resolves against the use of arbitrary measures of reprisal in adjusting Japanese-American trade relations. 1934.05.11 — Sericultural leaders resolve to ask the Government to call a special session of the Diet to consider silk relief. 1934.05.11 — The Chosen Government-General decides to cease improvement of arable land in accord with the policy of alleviating over-production of rice. 1934.05.11 — Five Communist leaders who have changed their beliefs have their sentences reduced by the Tokyo Court of Appeal, three of them from life to 15 years' imprisonment. 1934.05.12 — Mr. Latham responds favourably to the overture from Foreign Minister Hirota for a commercial treaty, to be negotiated in Sydney, and indicates Australia plans to send a commercial representative to Tokyo. He expresses satisfaction at being assured the mandated islands in the South Seas will not be fortified. 1934.05.12 — The Foreign Office issues a summary of the Anglo-Japanese trade negotiations and says the situation is being carefully studied. 1934.05.12 — The Dutch East Indies Government prolongs for six months the import restrictions on coloured woven goods. 1934.05.12 — Soviet forts on the Amur River are reported to have fired on a Manchoukuo passenger steamer, killing one person and wounding several. 1934.05.12 — Finance Minister Takahashi reiterates that increased taxes are not needed pending economic recovery. 1934.05.12 — Chile appeals to the U.S. State Department to use its influence to obtain cheaper American freight rates on beans to Cuba to overcome Japanese competition. 1934.05.14 — The Manchoukuo committee of the League decides Manchoukuo must be paid for transmitting mails and cables, but such payment is not to affect the juridical question of recognition. It receives a note from China urging action against the sending of narcotics to Manchoukuo. 1934.05.14 — Manchoukuo informs the U.S.S.R. it regards as serious the attack on a Manchoukuo steamer on the Amur. A Japanese officer on the boat is said to have been wounded. 1934.05.14 — Mr. Chuichi Ohashi, Manchoukuo Foreign Vice-Minister, meets with Mr. B. I. Sokolsky, of the Soviet delegation, on the North Manchuria Railway sale question, but no agreement is reached. 1934.05.14 — Arrangements are completed for returning to the U.S.S.R. a fishing craft seized more than a year ago for entering Japanese waters. 1934.05.14 — Returning to Tokyo, Mr. Setsuzo Sawada, chief delegate to the Indo-Japanese trade parley, attributes the long delay in initialling the agreement to British opposition. He defends the agreement from criticism. 1934.05.14 — Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., announces a commission is being sent to Japan to seek prevention of competition in the chemical trade. 1934.05.15 — Ambassador Matsudaira is instructed to inform the British Government that the quota system is considered an infringement of the most-favoured-nation clause in the Anglo-Japanese trade treaty and to seek modification of it. 1934.05.15 — The Japan Economic Federation decides to organize a Japanese-American trade consultation commission, including both Japanese and Americans. 1934.05.15 — Between January 1 and May 10, Japanese exports increased 25 per cent. compared with the same period of 1933, and imports gained 8 per cent. 1934.05.15 — Denials in London fail to silence a rumour that the U.S. approached Britain for preliminary naval negotiations and was told Japan would have to be included. 1934.05.15 — Baron Reijiro Wakatsuki, President of the Minseito, tells party members a naval race among the Powers would place Japan in far greater difficulties than at present. He urges financial retrenchment and increased taxes. 1934.05.15 — The Japanese Embassy in Rio de Janeiro announces that the incident involving Japanese in Sao Paulo was exaggerated. One Japanese was killed by a Brazilian who had attacked a Japanese woman. 1934.05.16 — Home Minister Yamamoto tells the annual meeting of prefectural police chiefs that publications likely to affect foreign relations adversely should be suppressed, though legitimate freedom of speech should be upheld. 1934.05.16 — Ambassador Saito tells the U.S. public in a radio talk that Japan desires the unification and prosperity of China, but cannot be indifferent to any action prejudicial to law and order in East Asia. 1934.05.16 — The Secretary of the Navy declines to comment on a London report that the U.S. plans to give up its naval bases in the Far East and withdraw warships from the Philippine area. He announces early construction of 12 destroyers, two destroyer flotilla leaders and six submarines, costing $40,000,000. 1934.05.16 — The League's Manchoukuo committee decides that the Manchoukuo postal services may be recognized by the postal administrations of other countries, but not by governments. 1934.05.16 — The conclusion of a Sino-Soviet agreement giving the U.S.S.R. virtual control over Inner Mongolia is reported from Tientsin. 1934.05.16 — The Spanish Labour Minister requests the Cabinet to protect Spanish textiles in the colonies from Japanese competition. 1934.05.16 — Progress is reported in the efforts of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to persuade exporters of electric bulbs and matches to the U.S. to organize guilds to control the volume and prices of exports. 1934.05.17 — Ambassador Matsudaira communicates Japan's views on the quota system to the British Government. 1934.05.17 — The Japanese delegation to the Batavia trade conference leaves Tokyo. 1934.05.17 — The China Committee of the League adopts the Rajchman report and authorizes Dr. Rajchman to continue his work. Dr. V. K. Wellington Koo declares China is free to select for itself whatever foreign assistance it deems useful. 1934.05.17 — The Commercial Journal, Rio de Janeiro, editorially opposes further Japanese immigration, terming it "social invasion." 1934.05.17 — Following manoeuvres, the U.S. naval authorities intimate that under present circumstances a Japanese-American naval war is virtually impossible. 1934.05.17 — The military committee of the House of Representatives is told tinplate scrap from the U.S. is being used to great advantage by the Japanese chemical industry. 1934.05.17 — Prince Fumimaro Konoye, President of the House of Peers, sails for the U.S. on a trip which the press regards as very important in improving Japanese-American relations. 1934.05.17 — President Roosevelt orders the Tariff Commission to investigate whether china, porcelain and earthenware imports, mostly from Japan, threaten to injure domestic producers. 1934.05.18 — Labourites and Liberals attack the Government in the House of Commons on the ground it is "encouraging Japan in an expansionist policy." Sir John Simon retorts no country has pledged to use force to preserve China's territorial integrity and recalls that the League has recommended conciliation with Japan. 1934.05.18 — Admiral Sir Roger Keyes, supported by Rear-Admiral Murray Sueter, says Japan is destined to play a great role in the future of the Far East and advises an understanding with it. 1934.05.18 — Sir John Simon is understood to have assured Ambassador Matsudaira that Britain desires, with Japan's approval, to amend several points in the Indo-Japanese trade agreement. 1934.05.18 — The Federation of British Industries' Committee on Japanese competition votes to investigate in detail the effect of Japanese trade rivalry on British enterprises. Scepticism is voiced about the efficacy of the quota system, and sentiment is reported in favour of renewed efforts to reach a friendly arrangement with Japan. 1934.05.18 — Twelve British cotton operatives prepare to leave for China to teach Chinese workers in a new mill aimed at combating Japanese competition. 1934.05.18 — A cotton trade mission from Texas plans to visit Japan to investigate the market for raw cotton. 1934.05.18 — Mr. Stanley Baldwin declares Britain is prepared to double its air force. 1934.05.18 — Consul-General Suma protests to the Nanking Government against its refusal to appoint foreigners as pilots. 1934.05.18 — Ambassador Yurenev asks Foreign Minister Hirota that the yen-rouble exchange rate negotiation be between the Japanese and Soviet Governments, not between the Soviet Government and the Japanese fishery interests. 1934.05.19 — Finance Vice-Minister Hideo Kuroda is indicted for complicity in the Teikoku Rayon share scandal, and rumours are heard that Finance Minister Takahashi, if not the whole Cabinet, will have to assume responsibility and resign. 1934.05.20 — Two more Finance Ministry officials and one former official are indicted in the scandal case, making a total of 13 in prison. 1934.05.20 — Labour disputes, says the Home Ministry, have declined steadily since 1931. There were 2,456 in that year, 2,217 in 1932 and 1,897 in 1933. 1934.05.20 — Japan gains first place by a wide margin in the Far Eastern Olympiad at Manila, but fails to win revision of the constitution of the Far Eastern Athletic Association to permit the entrance of Manchoukuo. 1934.05.21 — Ambassador Saito, speaking in Chicago, says the recent statement on China policy was a "preventive diplomatic measure" aimed at preserving the friendship of nations interested in China. Japan is determined, he says, to "fulfil her responsibilities fully and successfully as the principal stabilizing influence in East Asia." 1934.05.21 — Washington is said to regard El Salvador's recognition of Manchoukuo as somewhat embarrassing, but of little actual importance. 1934.05.21 — The California Joint Immigration Committee opposes statehood for Hawaii because of mistrust of the Asiatic majority there. 1934.05.21 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells Ambassador Yurenev that Japan approves the plan to hold the revised auction of fishery grounds at Vladivostok on May 25. 1934.05.21 — The director of the Banking Bureau of the Finance Ministry is indicted in the bribery scandal. 1934.05.21 — The police announce that the last remnants of the Communist Party in Japan have been crushed with arrest since January 21 of 736 suspects, of whom 53 will stand trial, including a foreign teacher, William Bickerton, New Zealander charged with aiding the communist movement in Japan. 1934.05.22 — The Japanese delegation reaches an agreement with the Philippine delegation to dissolve the Far Eastern Athletic Association, replacing it with an organization that will include Manchoukuo. 1934.05.22 — The effect of export control is seen in the decrease of 30,826,000 yards from the March figure to 192,000,000 yards of cotton textiles sent abroad in April. 1934.05.23 — Navy Secretary Swanson tells the press the U.S. will consider strengthening its naval bases on the Pacific if the 5-5-3 ratio is changed. 1934.05.23 — League jurists express the view that El Salvador has violated its pledges under the Covenant by recognizing Manchoukuo. 1934.05.23 — El Salvador's charge d'affaires in Washington says recognition of Manchoukuo was motivated purely by economic considerations, increased sales to Japan being desired. 1934.05.23 — Manchoukuo completes withdrawal of 48 per cent. of the bank notes issued by the Chang regime. 1934.05.23 — A monument to the memory of Thomas A. Edison is unveiled at Yawata, Kyoto prefecture, whence came the bamboo used in the first electric bulb. 1934.05.24 — A Sino-Japanese agreement is announced for wireless communication between Tokyo and Shanghai, starting June 1. 1934.05.24 — Japanese silk sales in the U.S. are menaced by a reduction in the cost of American rayon. 1934.05.25 — Britain announces it has invited Japan, the U.S., France and Italy to hold bilateral naval discussions in London in preparation for the 1935 conference. The U.S. has already accepted. 1934.05.25 — Representative Fred Britten, former chairman of the House naval committee, is of the opinion Japan wants a larger naval ratio in order to dominate the Pacific and advises fortifying American islands if the existing treaties are scrapped. 1934.05.25 — The Brazilian Constituent Assembly passes the amendment to the Constitution restricting the annual number of immigrants, which affects Japan more than other nations. 1934.05.25 — The revised fishery auction at Vladivostok gives 42 grounds to Japanese, making their total 386, compared with the 367 held by the U.S.S.R. 1934.05.26 — Secretary of State Hull is reported to have outlined to Ambassador Saito the views of the U.S. regarding the London naval talks and given assurance that Japan will not be confronted with an Anglo-American fait accompli. 1934.05.27 — Public attention is called to the critical illness of Fleet-Admiral Togo on the 29th anniversary of the Battle of the Japan Sea. 1934.05.28 — The Anglo-Japanese traders' agreement on the quota for Japanese electric bulbs entering Britain is signed in London. 1934.05.28 — Soviet guards fire on the Manchoukuo steamer Yanghu on the Amur. 1934.05.28 — Twelve Japanese soldiers are killed and 26 injured when bandits wreck a troop train near Santaotze. 1934.05.29 — The Emperor raises the rank of Fleet-Admiral Togo to that of Marquis as his end nears. 1934.05.29 — Ambassador Matsudaira is instructed to accept the British proposal for preliminary naval conversations. 1934.05.29 — Mr. Norman Davis tells the Geneva disarmament conference that the U.S. is willing to reduce its navy, join in an international agreement for controlling traffic in arms, and agree to consult with other nations in the event of trouble. 1934.05.30 — Fleet-Admiral Togo dies. 1934.05.30 — Mr. William Thys arrives in Japan on a special mission to report to the Emperor the succession to the throne of the King of the Belgians. 1934.05.31 — Japan's Ambassador to Brazil declares no protest will be made against the constitutional amendment restricting immigration, but efforts for its modification will be made. 1934.05.31 — Organization of the China Finance Development Corporation is approved by Mr. T. V. Soong and other promoters. 1934.05.31 — The opium advisory committee of the League discusses privately the question of a system of import certificates to regulate the opium trade with Manchoukuo. 1934.05.31 — Manchoukuo deplores the firing on steamers by Soviet guards along the Amur and says it cannot bear the responsibility for any grave incident that may result. 1934.05.31 — The Foreign Office spokesman states that Japan, because bound by treaty to defend Manchoukuo, may call the attention of the Soviet Government to the dangers of firing on Manchoukuo steamers. 1934.05.31 — The claims of French holders of Tokyo City bonds are upheld at a meeting of the Parliamentary commission on finances. 1934.05.31 — The University of Paris accepts an endowment from the Mitsui Foundation for an Institute of Japanese Studies. 1934.05.31 — The 8,500-ton cruiser Mikuma is launched at Nagasaki. 1934.06.01 — The Navy Office spokesman is transferred to another post because of his statement that the navy is not opposed to an Ugaki Cabinet. 1934.06.01 — Mr. Fernand Maurette, Assistant Director of the International Labour Office, makes a preliminary report on his recent trip to Japan, in which he says Japan is not guilty of "social dumping." 1934.06.01 — The international silk conference at Lyons adjourns because of conflict between the British, Swiss and German delegates and the French, Italian and Spanish on measures to meet Japanese competition. 1934.06.01 — The German Orient Society is founded in Berlin, under official auspices, to further economic and social relations between Germany and the Orient. 1934.06.02 — Prince Chichibu leaves Tokyo for Manchoukuo as the Emperor's personal envoy to congratulate the Manchoukuo Emperor on His Majesty's enthronement. 1934.06.02 — Manchoukuo launches its sixth new gunboat on the Sungari River. 1934.06.02 — Rear-Admiral R. P. Hobson, retired U.S. naval hero, says peace with Japan necessitates U.S. control of the air and the sea on the Pacific. 1934.06.03 — Moscow publishes its reply to Manchoukuo's protest against the firing on steamers on the Amur River, in which is made the charge that the steamers were violating Soviet regulations and the hope expressed that further incidents can be avoided. 1934.06.04 — The U.S.S.R. accepts Japan's proposal to negotiate in Moscow on the yen-rouble exchange question. 1934.06.04 — Mr. Norman Davis is named U.S. delegate to the London naval talks, assisted by Rear-Admiral Richard H. Leigh and Commander T. Wilkinson. 1934.06.04 — The board of directors of the China Development Finance Corporation, which aims to obtain foreign funds for use in rehabilitation of China, holds its inaugural meeting in Shanghai. 1934.06.04 — Professor James Harvey Rogers, sent to the Far East by President Roosevelt to study monetary conditions, arrives in Tokyo from China. 1934.06.05 — Fleet-Admiral Togo is buried, with detachments of American, British, Chinese, French and Italian bluejackets at the funeral. Radio broadcasts from England and the U.S. convey sympathy. 1934.06.05 — The League asks Japan to join the proposed embargo on arms and munitions for Bolivia and Paraguay. 1934.06.05 — The Bahama Government announces import quotas designed to control Japanese competition with Britain in silk, cotton and woollen goods. 1934.06.06 — Secretary of State Hull denies Paris reports that Anglo-American joint action regarding naval disarmament has been arranged. 1934.06.06 — Secretary of the Navy Swanson approves plans for building 24 warships. He reiterates his belief that the existing naval ratios must be maintained unless all the other Powers agree to tonnage reductions. 1934.06.06 — Sir John Simon tells the Commons the Government is studying a report on British trade prospects in Manchoukuo and says no evidence has come to his attention of discrimination against British goods. 1934.06.06 — The Egyptian Consul in Kobe requests the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote larger Japanese purchases from Egypt to balance trade. A parallel request is made to the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry by Haiti's Consul. 1934.06.07 — Prince Chichibu presents to the Emperor of Manchoukuo the Emperor's message of congratulation and the Grand Cordon of the Chrysanthemum. 1934.06.07 — Mr. Juichi Tsushima, chief of the Financial Affairs Bureau of the Finance Ministry and former Finance Commissioner in London, Paris and New York, is made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. 1934.06.08 — The Japanese-D.E.I. trade conference opens at Batavia. 1934.06.08 — The Japanese-D.E.I. trade conference opens at Batavia. 1934.06.08 — Japan replies to the League's invitation to join the embargo on arms for Bolivia and Paraguay by saying that since giving notice of withdrawal Japan's attitude has been not to concern itself with the League's political affairs. 1934.06.08 — Vice-Consul Kuramoto disappears from the Japanese Consulate in Nanking, creating suspicion he has met with foul play. 1934.06.08 — The curtailment committee of the Japan Cotton Spinners' Association decides to reduce curtailment of production by 3.8 per cent. to 18.8 per cent. for three months from October 1, because of the brisk demand. 1934.06.08 — Australia eliminates Japan from the Davis Cup tennis competition. 1934.06.09 — Japanese trade gains in Haiti are shown in a report issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Department of State says it is making an extensive survey of Far Eastern markets. 1934.06.09 — The Jamaica Legislature passes a bill establishing quotas for foreign textiles. 1934.06.10 — The Japanese Consul-General in Nanking requests the Chinese authorities to conduct a careful search for Vice-Consul Kuramoto. 1934.06.10 — The Police Affairs Bureau of the Home Ministry is said to have definitely decided on a programme for complete abolition of licensed prostitution. Thirteen prefectures have already petitioned for abolition. 1934.06.11 — The Foreign Office reveals that Ambassador Ohta has objected to the use of a statement by him to give the impression that the casualties aboard the steamer Chihsien on the Amur resulted from shots by bandits on the Manchoukuo shore instead of from Soviet shots. 1934.06.11 — Japanese investments in Manchoukuo in 1933 exceeded 460,000,000 yen, according to the Bank of Japan. 1934.06.11 — The Straits Settlements Legislative Council passes a textile quota bill aimed at restricting imports from Japan. 1934.06.11 — The authorities in Kobe attach the property of foreigners on perpetual lease land who refuse to pay any taxes. 1934.06.11 — Six members of a reactionary organization are promptly arrested for creating a disturbance at the Soviet Embassy in Tokyo. 1934.06.12 — Exports of 22 Japanese commodities, including rayon, woollens, cotton yarn and rubber products, were more than 90 per cent. greater in the first third of 1934 than in the same period of 1933, the Finance Ministry announces. 1934.06.12 — The U.S.S.R. accepts Manchoukuo's proposal for a conference on river navigation questions. 1934.06.12 — Deputy Premier John G. Latham, returning to Brisbane, says his mission to Japan resulted in a better appreciation of Australia's aspirations and ideals. 1934.06.12 — The Mexican Foreign Minister denies that his doctrine is in favour of recognizing friendly governments even if of revolutionary origin applies to Manchoukuo. 1934.06.12 — The California Tuna Packers' Association announces rejection of the Japanese offer of quotas for canned and frozen tuna exports to the U.S. 1934.06.13 — Vice-Consul Kuramoto is found on the outskirts of Nanking, suffering from a nervous breakdown in which he had sought to end his life. 1934.06.13 — Secretary Swanson states that the construction of 6-inch gun cruisers with flying-decks is opposed. The attitude of the U.S. on reduction in naval aviation strength has not yet been decided. 1934.06.13 — Consul-General Yokoyama repeats, in a session of the general provisions committee of the disarmament conference, Japan's general reservation in regard to arms control. The Soviet delegate says the U.S.S.R. cannot join in any system of guarantees of execution of control unless its immediate neighbours also join. 1934.06.13 — British West Africa limits imports of Japanese textiles to 24 per cent. of the average from 1928 to 1931. 1934.06.13 — An Imperial Ordinance extends the right to purchase perpetual lease property to Japanese subjects and foreigners of all nationalities. 1934.06.14 — A Manchoukuo Foreign Office spokesman says the Soviets have shown no sincerity in trying to clear up the misunderstanding over the Chihsien shooting incident. 1934.06.14 — The lesson learned in the capsizing of the torpedo-boat Tomozuru causes Navy Minister Osumi to order reconstruction of five newly completed destroyers, redesigning of four under construction and designing of three not yet started in accord with new specifications. 1934.06.14 — Mr. Ryoen Asano, employers' delegate to the International Labour Conference, says in Geneva that Japan's living standards are mounting and its labour problem is fundamentally the same as other countries face. 1934.06.15 — Japan's rayon exports set an all-time high record of 29,793,000 yards in May, the Osaka Rayon Association reports. 1934.06.15 — Governor-General de Jonge tells the D.E.I. Legislative Council that the Government is ready to establish a licence system to protect domestic trade in textiles. 1934.06.15 — The St. Lucia Legislature bars Japanese textiles for the rest of 1934. 1934.06.15 — Mr. Shuzo Yoshisaka charges in Geneva that the director of the International Labour Office was unfair in dealing with Japanese competition in his annual report. 1934.06.15 — The Navy Office announces manoeuvres will be held from August until October in all waters comprising the Japanese defence area. 1934.06.15 — It is announced that more than 4,000 foreign tourists visited Japan in May. 1934.06.16 — The Trinidad Legislature imposes quota restrictions on textile imports, practically excluding Japanese goods for the rest of the year. 1934.06.16 — The Import Merchants' Association of Colombo, Ceylon, protests against the proposed quotas for Japanese goods. 1934.06.16 — Mr. Tadao Kikukawa, workers' delegate, says at the International Labour Conference that Japan should ratify important labour conventions to silence foreign criticism. Mr. Juitsu Kitaoka, Government delegate, replies that time is needed to adopt Occidental labour legislation because of economic nationalism and conditions in countries adjacent to Japan. 1934.06.17 — The Japanese-Soviet negotiations for revision of the yen-rouble exchange rate in connection with Kamchatka fishery payments opens in Moscow. 1934.06.17 — Bandits derail and loot a freight train on the eastern section of the North Manchuria Railway. 1934.06.18 — Prince Chichibu returns to Tokyo from Hsinking. 1934.06.18 — The Anglo-American naval talks open in London. 1934.06.18 — Manchoukuo announces that its first army manoeuvres will be held in October. 1934.06.18 — Sir John Simon, replying to a question in Commons, says the only Japanese troops south of the Great Wall are those normally there under international agreement. 1934.06.18 — A spokesman of the D.E.I. declares the Japanese press disregards the right of the D.E.I. Government to settle its own affairs and its real intentions towards Japan. 1934.06.18 — Professor William Bickerton, New Zealander charged with aiding the communist movement in Japan, is reported to have broken bail and fled the country. 1934.06.19 — Admiral William V. Pratt argues in the July issue of Foreign Affairs that Japan has no need for naval parity. 1934.06.19 — Mr. Norman Davis is said to have assured Ambassador Matsudaira that there is no sort of Anglo-American understanding for joint action against Japan on the naval issue. 1934.06.19 — Japan's population increased by 927,309 in 1933, announces the Cabinet's Bureau of Statistics. 1934.06.19 — Japan's cotton cloth exports set a new record in May with 265,623,000 square yards, according to the Japan Cotton Spinners' Association. 1934.06.19 — The Japanese-American Trade Council, consisting of Japanese and American business men, is inaugurated in Tokyo to study trade problems. 1934.06.19 — The Cyprus Legislature imposes quotas on foreign textiles and announces that Japan's has been exhausted. 1934.06.19 — The Jamaica Legislature asks the Secretary of State to levy a surtax of 55 cents a pair on Japanese rubber-soled shoes. 1934.06.19 — A ceremony opens radio telephone communication between Japan and Formosa. 1934.06.20 — Secretary Swanson says there has been no change in the plan to return the U.S. Fleet to the Pacific in the autumn. 1934.06.20 — Japanese importers and retailers in the D.E.I. agree to co-ordinate their efforts. 1934.06.20 — The Japanese cruiser Tenryu joins American and British warships at Chefoo in the search for 26 persons, including a Japanese, kidnapped from the steamer Shuntien. 1934.06.20 — Japan makes ratification of the 1931 opium convention conditional on retention of the right to a voice in appointing members of executive agencies even if not a member of the League. 1934.06.20 — The Privy Council approves the revised Election Law passed at the last session of the Diet. 1934.06.20 — Dr. Ludwik Rajchman, League technical adviser to China, says in London that the co-operation of the League with China will continue. 1934.06.21 — The one Japanese and five Britons kidnapped by Chinese pirates from the steamer Shuntien are freed. 1934.06.21 — Service is opened on the final stretch of Tokyo's first subway. 1934.06.22 — Postponement of the 1935 naval conference, with the status quo maintained, is opposed by Tokyo naval circles as unfair to Japan. 1934.06.22 — The Tokyo correspondent of the New York Herald Tribune says Japan wants a non-aggression pact with the U.S. Washington officials deny that negotiations have been proposed. 1934.06.22 — Britain replies to Japan's representations against the quota system, rejecting the view that it violates the Anglo-Japanese Commercial Treaty. 1934.06.21 — The Japanese Consul-General in Manila says that only three or four Japanese at Guam will be affected by the order to aliens to dispose of their land. 1934.06.21 — Ambassador Matsudaira calls on Mr. Walter Runciman to exchange views on the breakdown of the trade conference. 1934.06.21 — Foreign Minister Hirota assures the Diet that no rupture of trade relations with Britain need be feared, that Manchoukuo will be regarded as any other foreign country in trade relations, that Japan will withdraw from the 1927 convention prohibiting trade restrictions and the 1933 tariff truce, for the new Trade Protection Law conflicts with them. 1934.06.21 — Sir Joseph Bhore, replying to a charge in the Legislative Assembly of Japanese manoeuvring to prevent Indians from shipping cotton to Japan, says the Government has taken the matter up with the Japanese authorities. 1934.06.23 — Ambassador Matsudaira and Mr. Norman Davis again exchange naval views. 1934.06.23 — The British Admiralty explains that the apparent indication of a desire for increased naval strength conveyed to the U.S. naval experts was purely of an exploratory nature. 1934.06.23 — A Japanese trade mission arrives in Istanbul to negotiate for increased trade. 1934.06.23 — An Imperial Ordinance implements the law providing a licence system for raw silk exporters. 1934.06.24 — Mr. N. M. Hubbard, Jr., retiring head of the U.S. Navy League, declares neither political nor economic conditions favour holding the 1935 naval parley. 1934.06.24 — Five persons are kidnapped by bandits after another freight train is derailed and looted on the eastern section of the North Manchuria Railway. 1934.06.25 — The U.S. press says Ambassador Saito discussed with Senator Pittman, chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, the possibility of a non-aggression pact, in which Washington circles say the U.S. is little interested. 1934.06.25 — Prime Minister MacDonald tells Mr. Norman Davis the proposed increase in the British navy would be applicable only if the Washington and London treaties expire. 1934.06.25 — The press ban is lifted on news of the arrest in the past year of 2,000 members of a revived federation of communist labour unions. 1934.06.25 — Japanese delegates to the International Rotary Convention deny mysterious rumours that the Rotary Clubs of Japan mean to secede from the international body. 1934.06.26 — Agitation appears for a special session of the Diet to consider sericultural relief. 1934.06.26 — The U.S. navy announces that 12 patrol planes will fly from San Diego to Dutch Harbour, in the Aleutians. This, coupled with the proposed flight of army bombers to Alaska, is taken in some quarters as indicating an intention to establish an aerial outpost in Alaska. 1934.06.26 — The first session of the general commission of the Batavia trade parley reveals basic differences. 1934.06.26 — The North American Potters' Association asks the U.S. Tariff Commission to limit pottery imports from Japan. 1934.06.26 — The Manchoukuo-Soviet negotiations for sale of the North Manchuria Railway enter their second year. 1934.06.26 — State documents are revealed in Moscow showing that Czarist Russia had sought to win U.S. support against Japan and Britain in the Far East. 1934.06.26 — Captain Massauke Shimomura is ordered to London to assist Ambassador Matsudaira in the naval conversations. 1934.06.27 — Manchoukuo announces that 9,000,000 yen will be set aside in the next budget as a contribution to the expense of national defence, hitherto borne by Japan alone. 1934.06.27 — The Manchoukuo Legation in Tokyo issues a statement on revision of Manchoukuo's regulations to facilitate foreign investments. 1934.06.27 — Japan's attitude towards the $30,000,000 loans which China is reported seeking from the U.S. would depend on its nature, the Foreign Office spokesman says. 1934.06.27 — Service by Japanese steamers to Chungking, Szechwan province, China, is resumed for the first time since the Manchurian outbreak. 1934.06.27 — The Foreign Office spokesman asserts there is no plan to propose to the U.S. a non-aggression pact, and he doubts the report that Ambassador Saito mentioned the matter to Senator Pittman. 1934.06.27 — Secretary Swanson denies that the U.S. is planning an air base in Alaska, but military and naval strategists make no effort to conceal their interest in the coming flights, which are viewed as a gesture in response to the Japanese and British demands for greater naval strength. 1934.06.28 — A heavy blow at the 1935 naval parley is seen in reported endorsement by the British Cabinet of extensive aerial and naval expansion. 1934.06.28 — A committee of experts is set up at the Batavia parley to provide statistical data and investigate legal matters. 1934.06.28 — The text of the agreement for resumption of through railway service between Peiping and Mukden is published. 1934.06.28 — The Manchoukuo Government publishes its budget for the second year of Kangté amounting to 188,725,058 yuan. 1934.06.28 — Sir Robert Clive, the new British Ambassador to Tokyo, presents his credentials to the Emperor. 1934.06.28 — The British Treasury announces revised customs excise duties on silk and rayon. 1934.06.28 — A mission sails to the U.S. to engage in publicity to stimulate wider use of Japanese silk. 1934.06.28 — The U.S. Bureau of Agricultural Economics points out that Japan's cotton consumption is nearing a new peak. 1934.06.29 — A verbal report to Premier Saito on the Finance Ministry scandal is regarded as so grave that the Cabinet cannot avert resignation. 1934.06.29 — The destroyers Inazuma and Miyuki are seriously damaged in a collision off Saishu Island, Korea. 1934.06.29 — Brazilian communists hurl stones at the Japanese Embassy in Rio de Janeiro. 1934.06.29 — The Association of Importers of Japanese Hosiery and Underwear and the National Federation of Hosiery Manufacturers' Associations discuss in London a plan for voluntary limitation of Japanese imports. 1934.06.30 — Susumu Noguchi and his accomplices are sentenced to seven years' imprisonment each for trying to assassinate Baron Reijiro Wakatsuki. 1934.06.30 — Announcement of the arrival of two Japanese training ships at Batavia on their way back to Japan from Europe leads to rumours of war in the D.E.I. 1934.07.01 — The first passenger train leaving Peiping on the new through service to Mukden is blown up at Sating, killing four Chinese. 1934.07.02 — The Soviet authorities reject payment of rentals on fishing grounds for the second half of the year at the rate of 32.5 sen per rouble, demanding that a new rate be fixed in three months. 1934.07.02 — The Soviet Consul-General in Harbin makes representation against an editorial in the Harbin Times, urging the N.M.R. guards to shoot all communists and Soviet citizens loitering near the railway who appear suspicious. 1934.07.03 — Revenue during the 1933-34 fiscal year exceeded expenditure by 52,178,000 yen, and ordinary revenue was greater by 95,327,000 yen than in the 1932-33 fiscal year. 1934.07.03 — The Saito Cabinet resigns. 1934.07.03 — The Manchoukuo-Soviet waterways conference at Heiho agrees to reject the 1923 Sino-Soviet agreement as a basis for discussion. 1934.07.04 — Admiral Keisuke Okada receives the Imperial appointment to form a cabinet. 1934.07.04 — Mr. Norman Davis and Mr. Stanley Baldwin, new chief of the British delegation, talk confidentially on naval issues. 1934.07.04 — Manchoukuo announces cuts in the salaries of officials. 1934.07.05 — Foreign Minister Hirota, War Minister General Hayashi and Navy Minister Admiral Osumi agree to continue in office. Mr. Sadanobu Fuji is chosen Finance Minister. 1934.07.05 — Baron Kumakichi Nakajima, former Commerce Minister, is questioned in connection with the Finance Ministry scandal. 1934.07.07 — Mr. John G. Latham's report on his mission to Japan, recommends that Australia station a trade representative in Tokyo. 1934.07.08 — The Okada Cabinet is installed. 1934.07.08 — The Seiyukai expels Mr. Takejiro Tokonami and two other members who accepted cabinet posts. 1934.07.08 — Sixty-four vessels of the Combined Fleet pass through the narrow Kwannon Channel in an hour and 40 minutes, testing possible speed in an emergency. 1934.07.08 — The Soviets deny an American report that a non-aggression pact had been offered to the U.S. and refused. 1934.07.09 — Mr. Norman Davis calls on Ambassador Matsudaira, reportedly to inform him of his recent conversation with Mr. Baldwin. 1934.07.10 — The texts of the letters of recognition exchanged between Manchoukuo and El Salvador are published by the League. 1934.07.10 — Prince and Princess Kaya are entertained at a luncheon given by the President of Poland. 1934.07.10 — The navy starts the training of university students as reserve aviators. 1934.07.11 — Sir John Simon says in Commons that the British Ambassador in Tokyo has been instructed to make representations to the Japanese Foreign Office regarding the cutting off of Antung, Manchoukuo, to seagoing craft. 1934.07.11 — Floods in Ishikawa, Toyama, Niigata and Fukui prefectures result in deaths and great damage to property. 1934.07.12 — The Indo-Japanese trade agreement is signed in London. 1934.07.12 — The Foreign Office spokesman says Japan finds itself unable to meet the British suggestion that the turnbridge over the Yalu be kept open to allow seagoing vessels to pass to Antung, for changes in the river have made it impossible for them to proceed that far. 1934.07.12 — Tokyo military circles voice anger at a Soviet report that a Japanese army officer had been detected in the act of stealing secret documents from the Soviet Consulate at Heiho. 1934.07.12 — Secretary Swanson says the U.S. is prepared to build 55,000-ton battleships if necessary. 1934.07.12 — The New Zealand Tariff Commission suggests that Japanese competition be subjected to governmental negotiations, for it cannot be handled by tariffs. 1934.07.13 — The U.S. Navy Department reveals plans for an increase of 5,500 enlisted men and the building of 19 ships in the 1935-36 fiscal year. Fifteen ships are to be built yearly, at an estimated cost of $95,000,000, to replace obsolete units. 1934.07.13 — The Government announces a 200,000,000-yen bond issue bearing 4 per cent. interest, maturing before December 1, 1960, and selling at 98.50 yen. 1934.07.13 — Manchoukuo decides to revise at once its civil and criminal codes in preparation for abolition of extra-territoriality. 1934.07.13 — The Manchoukuo Amateur Athletic Association decides to join the new Oriental Athletic Association when formally invited by Japan. 1934.07.13 — Lack of authorization from Tokyo for Ambassador Matsudaira to enter into full discussion is given as one of the main reasons for the stalemate in the London naval talks. 1934.07.13 — The new Brazilian Constitution, including provision for restriction of Japanese immigration, is promulgated. 1934.07.16 — Naval leaders meeting in Tokyo decide on Japan's basic naval policy. Admiral Nobumasa Suetsugu is quoted as saying Japan will have to abrogate the Washington Treaty before the end of 1934 and propose a new disarmament plan, if the other Powers insist on continuance of the present ratio. 1934.07.16 — A communique issued in Tokyo, London and Washington announces that talks on naval questions other than procedure are not anticipated with Japan's representatives until about October. 1934.07.16 — Fewer banditry cases are reported in Mukden province, despite a seasonal increase in the number of bandits. 1934.07.16 — A demented young Japanese invades the U.S. Consulate in Mukden. 1934.07.17 — Of the 24 posts of Parliamentary Vice-Ministers and Counsellors, the Cabinet decides to give nine to the Seiyukai, nine to the Minseito and six to the House of Peers. 1934.07.17 — Ambassador Saito returns to Tokyo on leave. 1934.07.17 — Manchoukuo cites five instances of border transgressions in a protest to the U.S.S.R. 1934.07.17 — The Manchoukuo-Soviet waterways conference is reported about to sign an agreement to establish a joint technical commission. 1934.07.18 — Sir John Simon tells Commons that as far as he knows it has not been proposed that the 1935 naval conference discuss other than naval problems. 1934.07.18 — The Pacific Young Men's Buddhist Association opens a conference in Tokyo that is attended by representatives from China, India, the Straits Settlements, Siam, Ceylon, the United States, Canada and Manchoukuo. 1934.07.18 — The Manchoukuo Foreign Minister, upon the conclusion of a contract with a Japanese banking syndicate to float 10,000,000 yen of bonds to finance public works in Hsinking and Harbin, says Manchoukuo will welcome foreign investments. 1934.07.19 — The Supreme Military Council approves the navy's plans for Japan's naval policy. 1934.07.19 — The Foreign Office announces that notes have been exchanged with Estonia provisionally establishing most-favoured-nation treatment in commerce, customs and navigation. 1934.07.19 — The New Zealand Finance Minister says it would be unwise to single out Japan for special tariff treatment. 1934.07.20 — The Cabinet issues a statement of policy, containing 10 planks. 1934.07.20 — The commander of the British Garrison at Tientsin rejects a demand by the Kwantung Army that it be notified of any military activities intended near the Manchoukuo border. 1934.07.20 — The Foreign Office spokesman says Japan is not opposed to holding the 1935 naval conference at London. 1934.07.21 — Baron Nakajima, former Commerce Minister, is sent to prison, charged with acceptance of bribes. 1934.07.21 — President Roosevelt pledges a treaty-strength navy for the U.S. in three years. 1934.07.22 — The British Legation in Peiping indicates that the question of British military manoeuvres on Manchoukuo territory can be solved. 1934.07.23 — Foreign Minister Hirota presents to the Soviet Ambassador a final compromise offer for purchase of the North Manchuria Railway by Manchoukuo. 1934.07.23 — Discussions open in Dairen between officers of the Kwantung Army and Mr. Yin Ting, director of the Peiping-Shanhaikwan Railway Bureau, on various questions about the North China demilitarized zone. 1934.07.23 — A summary of the Indo-Japanese trade agreement is published in Tokyo and London. 1934.07.23 — Mr. Coonesinghe, Labour leader in the Ceylon State Council, advocates an anti-British boycott, if quotas on Japanese goods are forced on Ceylon. 1934.07.23 — Professor James H. Rogers, one of President Roosevelt's advisers, discusses Japanese-American economic questions with Finance Minister Fuji. 1934.07.23 — Floods in Southern Korea are said to have resulted in at least thirteen deaths and heavy damage to property. 1934.07.24 — Brigadier-General William Mitchell, retired, says the U.S. is menaced by Japan's air force. 1934.07.24 — The principles adopted by the Saito Cabinet's five-Minister conference are approved by the second and final session of the Okada Cabinet's similar conference on diplomacy, defence and finance. 1934.07.24 — Members of the All-Japan Cocoon Raisers' Association ask Premier Okada to call a special session of the Diet to provide silk relief. 1934.07.24 — A Korean leader of a group accused of espionage along the Moscow-Kazan Railway is sentenced to death by the Soviets. 1934.07.25 — The Foreign Office spokesman says one of the results of the London naval talks was an understanding among Japan, Britain and the U.S. not to discuss political issues. 1934.07.25 — Washington officials disclaim knowledge of any agreement to eliminate political issues from the naval talks, but in London it is said it was mutually understood such issues would not be raised, though no formal agreement was reached. 1934.07.25 — Secretary Swanson declares Alaska is among the sites being considered for a naval base. 1934.07.25 — The final stage in the North Manchuria Railway negotiations has been reached, the Foreign Office spokesman says, and the Soviet reply to Foreign Minister Hirota's compromise plan will determine success or failure. 1934.07.25 — The Dutch East Indies Government announces restriction of porcelain imports, alleging the step necessary to check an attempt by Japanese importers to monopolize the market. 1934.07.26 — Dr. Nagaoka protests to the Dutch East Indies Government against the restriction on ceramic imports, saying it violates the understanding that nothing affecting trade would be done until after the Batavia conference. 1934.07.26 — The Turco-Japanese trade equalization agreement is signed in Ankara. 1934.07.28 — President Roosevelt, speaking in Honolulu, says the army and naval forces in Hawaii must be considered an instrument for continuing peace. 1934.07.28 — The Manchoukuo Foreign Minister issues a statement saying that acceptance of Foreign Minister Hirota's final formula for sale of the North Manchuria Railway is being favourably considered. 1934.07.28 — The Moscow authorities reject Japan's request that it be informed of the charges brought against the Korean sentenced to death for espionage, claiming him to be a Soviet citizen. 1934.07.29 — Talks are started in Tokyo and The Hague to avert a collapse of the Batavia trade conference. 1934.07.29 — Nine Japanese import and retail organizations in the Dutch East Indies urge that Japan place an embargo on ceramic exports as a measure to persuade the Batavia authorities to reconsider the new import restrictions. 1934.07.29 — A Japanese-German agreement to avoid double taxation of the income of shipping companies is announced. 1934.07.29 — Bandits wreck a passenger train on the eastern section of the North Manchuria Railway. 1934.07.30 — The U.S.S.R., though willing to make slight concessions, fails to accept Foreign Minister Hirota's final compromise N.M.R. offer and is advised to resume direct negotiations with Manchoukuo. 1934.07.30 — The Navy Office admits it plans to send to assist Ambassador Matsudaira in the naval talks either Rear-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto or another high officer. 1934.07.30 — Captain Anthony Eden states in Commons that Britain will approve any aid to China by the League that is in the interests of China and the world in general. 1934.07.30 — The Ceylon Labour Party holds a mass meeting to protest against quotas on Japanese goods. 1934.07.30 — The Governor of Ceylon is empowered to regulate textile imports by a quota system. 1934.07.31 — Premier Okada tells foreign correspondents he cannot favour continuation of the ratio system, but wants reduction of naval armaments. 1934.07.31 — The Dutch Minister proposes to Foreign Minister Hirota that the question of allotment of shipping to Japanese and Dutch East Indies companies, on which the companies have already reached an agreement, be reconsidered at the Batavia trade parley. 1934.07.31 — Agriculture Minister Tatsunosuke Yamasaki tells the Cabinet that a decline of 5 per cent. is expected in the rice crop. The officials of his Ministry are said to want 3,000,000 yen in the next budget for sericultural relief. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. IV No. 3 (December 1935) --- (covers 1935.08.01 to 1935.10.31) 1935.08.01 — The periodical army shifts and promotions, involving 4,700 men, are formally announced. 1935.08.01 — Premier Okada explains to the presidents of the three major political parties the Government's policy of purifying elections and asks their co-operation. Dr. Suzuki, president of the Seiyukai, demands that the Government show impartiality. 1935.08.01 — The Pan-Pacific New Educational Conference opens at Tokyo, with 10 foreigners among the delegates. 1935.08.01 — Manchoukuo promulgates a new mining law, bringing exploration of essential minerals under State control. 1935.08.01 — Outer Mongolia's reply to Manchoukuo's second representation on the detention of a Kwantung Army engineer on June 23 is regarded as unsatisfactory. 1935.08.01 — Canada proclaims the value of the yen for customs purposes as 41.51 cents. 1935.08.02 — The appointment of Mr. Matsuoka as president of the South Manchuria Railway Company is formally announced. 1935.08.02 — Ambassador Matsudaira, returning to Japan on furlough, says Britain has a better understanding of Japan and voices uncertainty about the naval outlook. 1935.08.02 — Representatives of four patriotic societies visit the Italian Embassy to protest against the insult to the Japanese flag in a recent Rome demonstration. 1935.08.02 — A Japanese demand in the Moscow fishery negotiations for Soviet restriction of fishing at river inlets in Kamchatka in the spawning season is countered by a Soviet demand for Japanese restriction of deep-sea fishing to preserve the fish. 1935.08.02 — The Cabinet issues a statement clarifying national polity and condemning theories like that of Dr. Minobe. 1935.08.02 — A protest is sent to Washington against a caricature of the Emperor in Vanity Fair. 1935.08.02 — The army submits budget estimates of 454,000,000 yen, excluding the Manchurian expenses, which are expected to be at least 150,000,000 yen. 1935.08.02 — Soviet soldiers are said to have invaded Manchoukuo in a motorboat and kidnapped two Manchurians. 1935.08.04 — A vindication by Premier Okada of Baron Ikki, President of the Privy Council, and Mr. Tokujiro Kanamori, director of the Legislative Bureau, in the national polity controversy stirs the wrath of the Seiyukai and a number of patriotic organizations. 1935.08.04 — A Japanese gendarme is wounded at Lwanchow when Chinese alleged to be members of the Blue Shirt Society kill the commander of the third Peace Preservation Corps in the North China demilitarized zone. 1935.08.04 — The French Commerce Ministry sets up a committee to study trade relations between Japan and Syria. 1935.08.04 — In a Tokyo swimming meet, Hiroshi Negami sets a world record of 4 minutes and 41.8 seconds in the 400-metre free style, Reizo Koike one of 1 minute and 13 seconds in the 100-metre breast stroke in a 50-metre pool and Masanori Yusa one of 57.8 seconds in the 100-metre free style in a 50-metre pool. 1935.08.05 — Colonel Sakai makes representations to the Chinese authorities at Peiping about the Lwanchow incident and reportedly requests drastic changes in the administration of North China to preserve peace and order. 1935.08.05 — The Foreign Office spokesman says the circulation of the August issue of Vanity Fair has been banned in Japan to prevent ill feeling against the U.S. 1935.08.05 — Secretary Hull tells Ambassador Saito, during a talk on the Vanity Fair incident, that he is always sorry when incidents occur which, when taken amiss, become occasions for misunderstanding, but points out that the U.S. Government has no control over the press. 1935.08.05 — The ban is lifted on news of the arrest in the Kwansai of 61 Communist suspects in April, May and June, seven of whom have been indicted. 1935.08.05 — Manchoukuo submits to the Outer Mongolian delegation at Manchuli a new compromise proposal that, in addition to resident representatives stationed near the border to deal solely with border disputes, as desired by Outer Mongolia, separate diplomatic envoys with wider powers be exchanged between Hsinking and Urga. 1935.08.05 — Reizo Koike sets a world record of 2 minutes and 41.2 seconds in the 200-metre breast stroke at Tokyo. 1935.08.06 — The new platform of the Seiyukai stresses budget readjustment and economy, agrarian and other relief measures and rice control. 1935.08.06 — The Foreign Office denies that a Japanese firm has contracted to deliver munitions to Abyssinia. 1935.08.06 — The Emperor of Abyssinia denies having received assurances of Japanese support. 1935.08.06 — The Kwantung Army files a second protest against the Lwanchow incident with the Peiping Political Council. 1935.08.07 — Baron Kichiemon Sumitomo is reported to have had the largest personal income in Japan in the 1934-35 fiscal year, 4,571,000 yen. 1935.08.07 — The average life span of Japanese men is 44.84 years and of women 46.92 years, the Cabinet's bureau of statistics announces on the basis of the 1930 census. The death rate is 10 per 1,000 of population. 1935.08.07 — Italy's misunderstanding of Japan's Abyssinian policy is regarded as ended with the publication in the Italian press of the Japanese denial that munitions are being shipped to Abyssinia. 1935.08.07 — Restriction of installations becomes a topic of discussion with the report of the Japan Spinners' Association that the number of spindles in Japanese cotton mills exceeds 10,000,000. 1935.08.07 — Major Takahashi returns to Peiping from Taiwan with a promise of co-operation in creating a Sino-Japanese economic entente from General Yen Hsi-shan, chairman of the Shansi Provincial Government. 1935.08.07 — It is said at the U.S. Navy Department that the decision on replacement of over-age battleships will wait until the plans of Japan and Britain are known. 1935.08.08 — Indication is given that the 1936-37 budget demands will total about 2,800,000,000 yen, less by 100,000,000 yen than last year. 1935.08.08 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross is said to intend to lay the groundwork at Tokyo for Anglo-Japanese economic co-operation in world markets as well as China and to propose at Nanking that China join the sterling bloc. 1935.08.08 — Dr. Minobe tells the Nichi Nichi that he cannot alter his convictions regarding the national structure. 1935.08.08 — Japan's Consul-General at Seattle protests to the Mayor against an improper representation of the Emperor in a "coyote hunt." 1935.08.08 — Mr. Yoshiatsu Hori, Minister to Mexico, presents his credentials at Managua as Japan's first Minister to Nicaragua. 1935.08.08 — It is learned that the Osaka and Tokyo police have seized Communist literature sent to Japan by a New York organization. 1935.08.08 — General Shang Chen voices regret to Lieutenant-General Umazu for the Lwanchow affair. 1935.08.08 — General Pu Tse-yi, Suiyuan chairman, says the people of Suiyuan and Shansi desire early achievement of Sino-Japanese economic co-operation. 1935.08.09 — A Cabinet decision to abolish Japan's extraterritorial privileges in Manchoukuo and to surrender to the Hsinking Government the administration of the South Manchuria Railway Zone is formally announced. 1935.08.09 — The Cabinet approves a draft bill for control of the automobile industry which forbids foreign automobile manufacturers to expand their equipment unless they give to Japanese a controlling interest. Expansion of equipment after today will not be recognized. 1935.08.09 — It is denied in authoritative quarters at London that Sir Frederick Leith-Ross is going to the Far East for anything more than a study of the economic and monetary situation and the condition of British investments in China. 1935.08.09 — The League Council's invitation to Japan to continue to participate in the Child Welfare and Advisory Opium Traffic Commissions is accepted. 1935.08.10 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, leaving London for China, regrets rumours that his mission envisages an Anglo-Japanese deal inimical to American interests. 1935.08.10 — The Counsellor of Japan's Embassy at Washington calls the attention of the State Department to the Seattle lese-majeste incident. 1935.08.10 — Premier Mussolini receives a Japanese air mission touring Europe. 1935.08.11 — Lives are lost and much damage done by floods for the second time in six weeks in the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe district. 1935.08.12 — Major-General Tetsuzan Nagata, director of the military affairs bureau of the War Ministry, is murdered in his office by Lieutenant-Colonel Saburo Aizawa. 1935.08.12 — Finance Minister Takahashi indicates that he thinks it advisable to reconsider the requirement that oil companies store a six-month supply. 1935.08.12 — Exchange of ratifications of the Japanese-Netherlands arbitration and conciliation treaty is announced at The Hague. 1935.08.12 — The Manchoukuo Cabinet decides to start in 1936 the taxation on Japanese residents. 1935.08.12 — The Kwantung Army estimates that the number of bandits still active in Manchoukuo has been reduced to 18,000. 1935.08.13 — Assurance is given that the War Minister will not resign at once because of the assassination of Lieutenant-General Nagata, who has been posthumously promoted. 1935.08.13 — The refusal of General Han Fu-chu, Shantung chairman, to participate delays the conference of North China leaders at Peiping to discuss the rapprochement with Japan. 1935.08.14 — Field-Marshal Prince Kanin, General Hayashi and General Watanabe, the "Big Three" of the Army, agree that the Nagata assassination has demonstrated need for stricter discipline and greater unity. 1935.08.14 — The preliminary examination of Lieutenant-Colonel Aizawa is begun by the court-martial of the 1st Division. 1935.08.14 — The procurators of the Tokyo District Criminal Court receive a complaint against Mr. Tokujiro Kanamori, director of the Legislative Bureau, who is charged with having written a book on the Constitution which shows adherence to the Minobe theory. 1935.08.14 — The minutes of the Mandates Commission of the League reveal that Britain has been asked why Japanese products enter Palestine on an equal footing with those of League members and that France has been asked the same question regarding Syria and Lebanon. 1935.08.14 — The 11th session of the Japanese-Soviet fishery negotiations at Moscow results in no progress. 1935.08.14 — The Kwantung Army regrets the flying of Soviet planes over Manchoukuo on August 2, 5 and 6. 1935.08.14 — The Japanese at Tsinan protest against the beating of two Japanese by 6 Chinese soldiers. 1935.08.14 — The Manchoukuo Foreign Office denies that the same taxes will be imposed on Japanese as on Manchurians when extraterritoriality ends. The burden is to be lightened as much as possible. 1935.08.14 — The yen rises at 29.43 cents at New York. 1935.08.14 — Traffic accidents in Tokyo in 1934 killed 525 persons and injured 20,140. 1935.08.15 — Bandits believed inspired by anti-Japanese feeling attack a train on the Peiping-Mukden Railway near Shanhaikwan and kill a number of passengers. 1935.08.15 — Tientsin learns that Chinese peace preservation guards have fired on two Japanese boats on the Lwan River. 1935.08.15 — The War Minister informs the Cabinet of his decision to retain office and carry out his programme of unifying the army. 1935.08.15 — The Home, Justice and Education Ministries discuss a law to curb "mysterious pamphlets," one of which is blamed for inciting the Nagata assassination. 1935.08.15 — An Osaka gathering of the Seiyukai approves a statement assailing the Government for evading the national polity issue and charging it with lack of definite policies. 1935.08.15 — President Suzuki says defence and industry must be co-ordinated. 1935.08.15 — Mr. Matsuoka is advised by the Finance Vice-Minister to use caution in raising money for S.M.R. projects and to co-operate closely with Japan's bankers. 1935.08.15 — The Government appoints four councillors and four commissioners to the Japan-Manchoukuo Joint Economic Commission. 1935.08.15 — Indication is given at Washington that additional closed port areas in the Pacific will be instituted by the navy. 1935.08.15 — Japan's good-will mission is welcomed at Sydney. 1935.08.15 — Viscount Kintomo Mushakoji, Ambassador to Berlin, denies on his return to Tokyo on furlough that a Japanese-German political agreement is contemplated. 1935.08.15 — An official of the Ford Motor Company of Japan states that its directors have decided irrevocably not to relinquish control of Japanese interests under any circumstances. 1935.08.16 — The Foreign Office spokesman says the doors of Outer Mongolia are gradually being opened in commenting on Outer Mongolia's expression of readiness to station envoys on the Manchoukuo frontier to deal with disputes and to negotiate on other of Manchoukuo's demands at Manchuli in September. 1935.08.16 — The naval authorities tell Finance Ministry officials that their demands for the next budget represent the absolute minimum essential for national defence. 1935.08.16 — A grave view is taken by the Kwantung Army and the Japanese garrison in North China of the frequency of incidents in the demilitarized zone. 1935.08.16 — The chief procurators of district and appeal courts meet at Tokyo to be instructed on application of the revised Election Law. 1935.08.16 — The Soviet press pays tribute to Dr. Genshu Kato's skill in removing a single nerve fibre from the sciatic nerve of a living frog at the International Physiological Congress at Leningrad. 1935.08.17 — The Soviet Ambassador presents to Foreign Minister Hirota a plan for settlement of disputes on the Manchoukuo-Soviet frontier said to be like that used on the Soviet-Polish border. 1935.08.17 — General Minami and Major-General Tada, new Tientsin commandant, reportedly agree to check the spread of Soviet influence in China and take measures to ensure peace and order in North China. 1935.08.17 — Nanking protests against flights by Japanese planes in the Peiping-Tientsin area, which Major Takahashi claims are permitted under the Tangku truce. 1935.08.17 — Revision in Japan's favour of the Indo-Japanese commercial accord, which expires March 11, 1937, is asked by the Japan Cotton Spinners' Association, the Raw Cotton Traders' Association and the Export Cotton Yarn and Cloth Traders' Association. 1935.08.17 — The Manchoukuo yuan drops below par to 99.40 sen. 1935.08.18 — The Tokyo Nichi Nichi says opinion is growing at Hsinking in favour of withdrawing extraterritorial privileges from nationals of countries not recognizing Manchoukuo. 1935.08.18 — Japan takes third place in the men's track and field division of the Budapest International University Games. 1935.08.19 — The Young Men's League of the S.M.R. issues a statement opposing an alleged remark by General Minami that the S.M.R. is under the supervision of the Kwantung Army, pointing out that it is under the Kwantung Bureau in the Japanese Embassy at Hsinking. 1935.08.19 — Ambassador Debuchi's good-will mission arrives at Wellington, New Zealand. 1935.08.19 — The Japanese-U.S. swimming meet at Tokyo ends with a Japanese victory, 46 to 27. 1935.08.20 — Finance Minister Takahashi says that taxes will not be raised in the next fiscal year. 1935.08.20 — Premier Okada and Finance Minister Takahashi agree that the Government should support the War Minister in his measures to enforce stricter discipline in the army. 1935.08.20 — A group of leading Chinese at Tientsin announces that a body will be organized to assist Sino-Japanese co-operation. 1935.08.20 — The Mitsubishi Economic Institute shows that prices of manufactured goods are falling and those of raw materials rising. On June 26, the index number of the latter was 175.8, based on 100 for December 10, 1931, before the gold embargo, and that of the former 119.6. 1935.08.21 — The War Minister consults with General Araki on measures for stricter discipline in the army. 1935.08.21 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei promises General Chiang Kai-shek to withdraw his resignation. General Chiang is said to have pledged unconditional support to Mr. Wang's Japan policy. 1935.08.21 — Limitation of Japanese cotton textile sales in the U.S. by mutual agreement rather than by legislation is recommended in the Cabinet's cotton textile committee in its report, which President Roosevelt submits to Congress. 1935.08.21 — Japanese criticism of the U.S. naval manoeuvres in the Pacific is said at Washington to have had nothing to do with the decision to hold the 1936 manoeuvres in the Panama Canal area. 1935.08.21 — The social welfare bureau of the Home Office reports that participants in labour disputes in the first half of the year numbered only 59,821, fewer by 4,119 than in the same period of 1934. The demands are chiefly for maintenance of the status quo rather than advancement of rights and interests. The trend is attributed to the development of a co-operative spirit between labour and capital, aided by the nationalist movement. 1935.08.22 — Japan's guests to the New Orleans convention of the American Veterans of Foreign Wars leave Yokohama. 1935.08.23 — Floods in Aomori Prefecture caused by heavy rains take 22 lives and damage considerable property. 1935.08.23 — The army members of the Supreme Military Council approve the War Minister's measures for stricter discipline. 1935.08.23 — The financial investigators of the Cabinet Inquiry Bureau adopt a proposal that a system of granting national funds to local governments to aid in adjusting finances be established in the next fiscal year. 1935.08.23 — The Home Office announces that 13,210 arrests have been made in the nationwide campaign against "gangsters." 1935.08.23 — An American freighter, the Golden Mountain, is held because a sailor took photographs in the fortified area of Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. 1935.08.23 — Mr. Hector Bywater, writing in The Daily Telegraph, understands that general naval talks are unlikely because of Japan's continued insistence on a common upper limit. 1935.08.23 — A Kwantung Army spokesman says at Hsinking that drastic measures will have to be taken unless the North China authorities agree to inauguration of an air service between North China and Manchoukuo in accordance with the promise given in the Tangku truce. 1935.08.23 — The Philippine-Japan Society, with Marquis Yoshiaki Tokugawa as president, is inaugurated in Tokyo to foster cultural and economic relations. 1935.08.23 — The Dutch East Indian Government enforces new restrictions on immigration, regarded as a blow to the Japanese. 1935.08.23 — A central body for free discussion of co-ordinating the three major cotton industrial organizations is established at Osaka, called the Central Cotton Council. 1935.08.24 — The War Ministry submits to the Finance Ministry a request for 180,000,000 yen for Manchurian purposes, making its total budget estimate 604,000,000 yen. 1935.08.24 — Japan's annual report on its mandated islands, submitted to the League, denies the establishment of fortifications or military and naval bases. 1935.08.24 — A Peiping report claims that General Chiang Kai-shek has ordered Mr. Wang Ko-min, acting chairman of the Peiping Political Council, to establish an "economic construction committee" to effect Sino-Japanese economic co-operation in North China. 1935.08.24 — The ban is lifted on news of the arrest of 170 Koreans in 1935 for attempting to revive the Korean Communist movement, of whom 111 have been indicted. 1935.08.25 — The Asahi claims that China's Ambassador, on his return to Tokyo, will receive proposals that Nanking recognize Manchoukuo and that Japan and China co-operate in driving Soviet influence from Outer Mongolia and Sinkiang. 1935.08.25 — Hsinking is perturbed at the kidnapping by Soviet patrols in Manchoukuo territory of five Manchurians on August 10 and two on August 21 on the Amur River between Heiho and Tiguri. 1935.08.25 — The American freighter Golden Mountain is cleared of espionage charges at Tokuyama. 1935.08.28 — The War Minister tells garrison and divisional commanders that the army must be perfectly united and that any affiliations transcending the rank system must be punished severely. Officers must avoid compromising the army by ill-considered speech or action and must strive to eradicate false rumours concerning the army. 1935.08.28 — Japan's reply to Britain's naval communication, delivered at London, is said to discourage resumption of the naval conversations because it reiterates the demand for parity. 1935.08.28 — The Mandates Commission of the League is said to remain unconvinced that Japan has not fortified its mandated islands. 1935.08.28 — The annual world economic review of the U.S. Department of Commerce says that Japan's industries reached an all-time production peak in 1934, but that the advantages contributing to Japan's advance are diminishing. 1935.08.25 — It is announced at Hsinking that the last of the former Soviet employees of the Chinese Eastern Railway, 21,176 in all, have left for the U.S.S.R. 1935.08.28 — The Outer Mongolian delegates at the Manchuli conference leave for Urga to receive fresh instructions for resumption of the conference in September. 1935.08.28 — The Giornale d'Italia, Rome, editorially declares that Japan and Italy cannot be at loggerheads, for their positions and needs are similar. 1935.08.29 — Manchoukuo asks the Japanese War Office for assistance in obtaining the services of 140 young Japanese officers on the reserve list by next spring. 1935.08.29 — More than 1,500 ex-servicemen from all over the country, meeting in Tokyo, pledge to eradicate the Minobe theory, declare unsatisfactory the Government's statement on national polity and demand increased defences. 1935.08.29 — The Daily Herald, London, claims that Japan is preparing to negotiate with Britain, Holland and some other countries to obtain immigration rights in a number of Pacific areas. If such rights are given, a possibility is seen of modification of Japan's naval demands. 1935.08.29 — Manchoukuo demands that the U.S.S.R. release postmen arrested on the Ussuri River. 1935.08.29 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces that the rice crop is likely to be about normal. 1935.08.29 — The Association for Control of Cotton Textile Exports to the Philippines is inaugurated at Osaka. 1935.08.29 — Japan's Consul-General at Tientsin makes a formal protest to the Chinese regarding the bandit attack on a Mukden-Peiping train on August 15. 1935.08.29 — The Soviet Counsellor at Tokyo is told at the Foreign Office that a Japanese plan for a Manchoukuo frontier commission is being drafted. 1935.08.29 — London official quarters deny the report that Japan has proposed that immigration rights be granted in British possessions in the Pacific. 1935.08.29 — Government leaders reportedly decide that no modification can be made in the requirement that oil importers store a six-month supply, though the date of enforcement may be postponed. 1935.08.30 — Twenty-seven lives are lost in a typhoon that sweeps half the length of Japan and in heavy rains in the Hokkaido. 1935.08.30 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies rumours that Japan has become more sympathetic towards Italy's Abyssinian policy to enlist Italian support for its naval policy. 1935.08.30 — Lieutenant-General Toshizo Nishio, chief-of-staff of the Kwantung Army, is elected chairman of the Japan-Manchoukuo Joint Economic Commission. 1935.08.30 — Figures issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry show that production gained in all major industries except the manufacture of woollen yarn and aniline dyes in the first half of 1933. 1935.08.30 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry applies the Export Association Law to control ceramic exports to the Philippines, French Indo-China, Central and North Europe, East Africa, the Union of South Africa, Brazil and Argentina. 1935.08.30 — The chambers of commerce and industry of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto and Kobe decide to hold sample fairs in the spring of 1937. 1935.08.30 — Nanking announces abolition of the Peiping Political Council, allegedly to bring Sino-Japanese relations into normal diplomatic channels. 1935.08.30 — The Imperial Court starts two weeks of mourning for Queen Astrid of Belgium. 1935.08.30 — Premier Okada declines to answer in detail a questionnaire submitted by the Seiyukai's national polity clarification committee. 1935.08.30 — The Korean Government-General drafts a 317,425,000-yen budget for the next fiscal year, larger than the current budget by 27,190,000 yen. 1935.08.30 — China's Ambassador to Tokyo, interviewed at Kobe on his way back from Nanking, intimates that immediate recognition of Manchoukuo by China is difficult. 1935.08.31 — Dr. Wellington Koo, China's Ambassador to Paris, says at Shanghai that China and Japan must enter into closer co-operation for their mutual benefit. 1935.08.31 — The Peiping Political Council is formally abolished. 1935.08.31 — Mr. Yosuke Matsuoka assents to General Minami's request that he serve as one of the highest advisers of the Kwantung Army. 1935.08.31 — The gauge of the former Soviet railway between Hsinking and Harbin is narrowed to that of the S.M.R., permitting through traffic from Dairen to Harbin. 1935.08.31 — Representatives of the army, meeting for a second time with Finance Ministry officials on the budget estimates, assert that the international situation makes it impossible to accept less money and that it is impossible to promise a gradual decrease in Manchurian expenditures. 1935.08.31 — The Japan Rayon Association decides to curtail production by 20 per cent. from October 1 to the end of the year. 1935.09.01 — The names of foreign victims of the 1923 earthquake are enshrined at the Tokyo Earthquake Memorial Hall on the anniversary of the disaster. 1935.09.01 — The Manchoukuo Foreign Vice-Minister, Mr. Ohashi, and the Soviet Consul-General at Harbin, Mr. Slavutsky, discuss measures to deal with frontier disputes. 1935.09.01 — Japan takes fourth place in a two-day track and field meet of five nations at Berlin. 1935.09.02 — Japan's Consul-General at Tientsin protests formally against the continued activity of anti-Japanese elements. 1935.09.02 — Mr. T. T. Li, publicity director of the Nanking Foreign Office, arriving at Kobe, says that China has no intention of recognizing Manchoukuo, but that co-operation, based on equality, will solve most Sino-Japanese issues. 1935.09.02 — On instructions from Tokyo, Ambassador Ohta protests at Moscow against the provocative activities of the Comintern. 1935.09.02 — Osaka Prefecture has its third serious flood of the year, 35,000 houses being under water. 1935.09.03 — The Japanese-Manchoukuo postal negotiations reach a satisfactory conclusion at Dairen. 1935.09.03 — The Finance Ministry announces that Japan's invisible trade for the 1934 calendar year resulted in an import excess of 7,600,000 yen, largely because of investments in Manchoukuo, compared with an export excess in 1933 of 98,400,000 yen. Foreign investments totalled 310,800,000 yen. 1935.09.03 — The Soviet Foreign Commissariat announces rejection of Japan's protest against the Comintern. 1935.09.04 — General Yoshiyuki Kawashima, member of the Supreme War Council, succeeds General Hayashi as War Minister when the latter resigns because of the Nagata assassination. 1935.09.04 — The press section of the War Office issues a pamphlet, called The International Situation at Japan's Turning Point, which recommends national distribution of territories and natural resources. 1935.09.04 — Admiral Takeshita emphasizes the need for friendly Japanese-American relations in a radio speech at San Francisco. 1935.09.04 — Ambassador Debuchi says at Canberra there is no basis for rivalry between Japan and Australia. 1935.09.04 — The accusation is made at Tokyo that the Soviets delayed the transmission of Ambassador Ohta's report to the Foreign Office on his Comintern protest until Tass, the Soviet news agency, had sent a Soviet version to the Japanese press. 1935.09.05 — The Canadian Prime Minister reveals that Japan has been told that unless the 10 per cent. surtax on Canadian goods is removed the Canadian Government will be obliged to give notice that it considers the Anglo-Japanese commercial treaty no longer applicable to Canada. 1935.09.05 — New York hears there is a likelihood of a gentlemen's agreement limiting Japanese exports of bleached cotton textiles to the United States. 1935.09.05 — The Nanking Foreign Office issues a statement advising against too much credence in the talk of a Sino-Japanese economic rapprochement in North China. 1935.09.05 — The Hsinking committee for abolition of Japanese extraterritoriality in Manchoukuo approves measures for the transfer to Manchoukuo of industrial and educational rights. 1935.09.05 — Manchoukuo announces that 13 officials will be sent to Japan to inspect judicial administration and that 30 Japanese judicial experts will be invited to Hsinking to assist in preparing for abolition of extraterritoriality. 1935.09.05 — Finance Minister Takahashi says that Japan must take care that its economic position is sound enough to cope with renewed European economic interest in the Far East following settlement of the Italo-Abyssinian affair. 1935.09.05 — Colonel E. M. House, writing in Liberty, advocates redistribution of colonial areas in favour of Japan, Germany and Italy. 1935.09.05 — Ambassador Ohta asks the Soviet Foreign Commissariat to give definite answers to Japan's main proposals in the protracted fishery negotiations. 1935.09.06 — Britain is anxious to co-operate with Japan in measures to improve financial and economic conditions in China, Sir Frederick Leith-Ross says on arrival at Yokohama for a visit before going to Shanghai. 1935.09.06 — Close watch must be kept on Britain's intentions to oust Japanese goods, Mr. Shinjiro Matsuyama, commercial counsellor of the Japanese Embassy at London, says on returning to Japan. 1935.09.06 — The procurators agree to examine Dr. Minobe again before reaching a final decision on his indictment. 1935.09.06 — Foreign Minister Hirota advises the Soviet Ambassador to negotiate with Manchoukuo when the latter protests against the detention of Soviet nationals at Harbin. 1935.09.06 — Hsinking reveals that 109 protests have been made to the U.S.S.R. regarding frontier incidents. Four cases have been settled and 12 partially settled. 1935.09.06 — Prime Minister Bennett accuses Japan of combatting the efforts to protect Canadian living standards in a pre-election radio address. 1935.09.06 — Sir Frank Clarke, President of the Australian Legislative Council, declares at a dinner for Ambassador Debuchi at Melbourne that Australia wishes Japan well "while she confines her expansion to the north and the west — but not to the south." 1935.09.06 — Floods during the past three months have done 140,000,000 yen of damage to farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces. 1935.09.06 — The population of Greater Tokyo at the end of June is given as 5,709,817. 1935.09.06 — Consul-General Suma protests at Nanking against the new stamp duties enforced on September 1. 1935.09.06 — The South Manchuria Railway Company announces that a committee will be set up to prepare for the transfer to Manchoukuo of administrative rights in the South Manchuria Railway Zone. 1935.09.07 — The Foreign Office issues a statement refuting Prime Minister Bennett's accusations regarding Japan's trade policy. 1935.09.07 — General Kawashima takes over the duties of the President of the Manchurian Affairs Bureau of the Cabinet. 1935.09.07 — Mr. T. V. Soong is said to be desirous of a large British loan to prepare for adoption of the gold standard. 1935.09.07 — Admiral Takeshita declares at Los Angeles that Japan is certain to remain neutral in the event of an Italo-Abyssinian war. 1935.09.07 — The Dutch East Indies enforce their new regulation requiring permission for the entry of immigrants, which is considered a blow to the Japanese. 1935.09.08 — Communications Minister Tokonami dies. 1935.09.08 — The South Manchuria Railway Company announces that railway construction since the 1931 incident has taken 530 lives, largely because of bandits. 1935.09.09 — Premier Okada assumes the duties of Communications Minister. 1935.09.09 — Japanese residing abroad on October 1, 1934, including those in the Kwantung Leased Territory and the mandated islands, totalled 1,805,000, showing an increase of 216,000 in one year, the Foreign Office announces. Excluding those in the Kwantung Leased Territory and the mandated islands, the number was 872,814. 1935.09.09 — Announcement is made at Hankow that two Japanese firms have contracted for ore from the iron mine at Hsiangshan, Hupeh Province. 1935.09.09 — Emperor Kangte reviews the Manchoukuo river fleet at Harbin. 1935.09.09 — The Central Cotton Industry Council adopts a petition to the Government for increased exports to the U.S. to adjust the trade balance. 1935.09.09 — An Ottawa announcement that the U.S. will be approached for a reciprocal trade agreement is interpreted as a move to strengthen Canada's position in its trade dispute with Japan. 1935.09.10 — Mr. Keisuke Mochizuki, former Seiyukai member, is agreed upon by the senior members of the Cabinet as Communications Minister. 1935.09.10 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross confers with Finance Vice-Minister Tsushima, Governor Fukai of the Bank of Japan, Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu and Foreign Minister Hirota. 1935.09.10 — The Finance Minister announces that revenue in the 1934-35 fiscal year exceeded the budget estimates by 82,977,000 yen. Taxes alone were greater by 67,920,000 yen. 1935.09.10 — President Kodama of the Yokohama Specie Bank calls attention to over-production of cotton and rayon textiles and steel. 1935.09.10 — Persia's first official trade mission to Japan arrives at Kobe. 1935.09.10 — Melbourne's Australia-Japan Society is inaugurated on the arrival of Ambassador Debuchi. 1935.09.12 — The Japanese community at Manila is aroused by a message from the Japanese Association at Davao saying that the authorities are cancelling the leases on 21,070 acres of land, affecting the interests of 2,600 Japanese and investments totalling 28,000,000 yen. 1935.09.12 — The Nanking Foreign Office announces that nothing concrete was reached in the recent negotiations on economic co-operation between China's Ambassador at Tokyo and Foreign Minister Hirota. 1935.09.12 — Minister Kato hands to the Canadian Government the statement issued by the Foreign Office in response to Prime Minister Bennett's accusations. 1935.09.12 — The Dutch Minister to Tokyo, General J. C. Pabst, arrives at Batavia to confer with Dutch East Indian Government officials on the Dutch-Japanese trade dispute. 1935.09.12 — Ambassador Debuchi assails trade barriers at a dinner given in his honour by the Sydney Chamber of Commerce. 1935.09.12 — Sir Reginald Johnston says at Hsinking that the founding of Manchoukuo was the only possible key to maintenance of peace in the Far East. 1935.09.12 — The Japanese Embassy at Peiping reveals that the number of Chinese going to Japan for education has increased markedly since the first of the year. 1935.09.12 — General Abelardo L. Rodriguez, former President of Mexico, arrives in Japan for a visit. 1935.09.13 — The U.S. War Department announces that Secretary Dern will spend a few days in Japan on his way to the Philippines in October. 1935.09.13 — A mass meeting of Japanese at Davao petitions the Foreign Office to protect the land rights which the Philippine authorities regard as illegal. 1935.09.13 — Mr. Daba Birrou, from Addis Ababa, denies at Nagasaki that he has come to Japan to solicit help against Italy. 1935.09.13 — The Japan-American Trade Council, Tokyo, decides to send a delegate to the convention of the National Foreign Trade Council at Houston, Texas, in November. 1935.09.13 — Mr. Pedro Leao Velloso, Brazilian Minister to China, is appointed Ambassador to Japan. 1935.09.14 — Dr. Minobe is questioned by the procurators for six hours to learn whether his theories of the Constitution have undergone any change. 1935.09.14 — It is revealed at Hsinking that Japan and Manchoukuo are to negotiate on unification of their currency systems. 1935.09.14 — Dr. Haruichi Nagaoka is elected by the League Assembly and Council to fill Dr. Adachi's seat on the Permanent Court of International Justice. 1935.09.14 — Baron Masanaka Tomii, member of the Privy Council and noted jurist, dies at the age of 77. 1935.09.14 — Davao officials are instructed from Manila to cease ejecting Japanese tenant workers from lands on which sub-leases have been cancelled pending a hearing. 1935.09.14 — Sir Stafford Cripps says at London that a combination of non-League States — Japan, Germany and probably Italy — might become so strong that any question of sanctions might lead to a world war. 1935.09.17 — The Navy Ministry announces that fire in the gun turret of the cruiser Ashigara on September 14 injured 41 officers and men, three of whom have succumbed. 1935.09.17 — Manchoukuo celebrates the third anniversary of Japan's recognition. 1935.09.17 — The Tass News Agency denies reports that the Soviet Ambassador to China has been seeking to forestall an Anglo-Japanese loan to Nanking. 1935.09.17 — Japan's delegation to the congress of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is welcomed at New Orleans. 1935.09.18 — The ban is lifted on news of the plot of the God-Sent Troops in 1933 to overthrow the Cabinet. The judiciary decides to commit 14 to trial by the Supreme Court on a charge of attempted insurrection. 1935.09.18 — The Italian Ambassador explains conditions in Italy to Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu and is told that Japan's stand in the Abyssinian affair is strictly neutral. 1935.09.18 — The committee at Hsinking preparing for relinquishment of Japan's extraterritorial privileges decides that taxes imposed on Japanese in and near the Railway Zone will be less than half those on Manchurians, but that customs duties collected outside the South Manchuria Railway Zone shall be collected for Manchoukuo by the Kwantung Bureau of the Japanese Embassy for the time being. 1935.09.18 — General Minami explains to all commanders under the Kwantung Army the decision of the Tokyo military authorities regarding stricter discipline. 1935.09.18 — The price of raw silk reaches the highest level since the fall of 1931. 1935.09.18 — Admiral Takeshita tells the opening session of the meeting of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. at New Orleans that the Japanese accepted the invitation to attend with enthusiasm because of the opportunity to foster Japanese-American co-operation. 1935.09.19 — The judicial authorities decide not to prosecute Dr. Minobe, who has said that he will resign from the House of Peers. Postponement until June 30, 1936, of enforcement of the compulsory storage provision in the Oil Business Law is approved by the Cabinet. 1935.09.19 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, on the eve of his departure from Tokyo, says he is convinced of the eagerness of Japan's financial community to assist in the economic rehabilitation of China, but equally impressed with the difficulties of the task. 1935.09.19 — Consul-General Suma protests at Nanking against the application to Japanese of the new stamp duties collected since September 1. 1935.09.19 — The Cabinet approves expenditure of 14,000 yen for the trade negotiations with Egypt and of 200,000 yen to reimburse the U.S.S.R. for the protection of Japanese residents in North Manchuria during General Su Ping-wen's campaign. 1935.09.19 — Dr. Minobe formally resigns from the House of Peers, but tells the press he has not recanted his views. 1935.09.19 — The judicial authorities decide to drop the national polity charges against Director Tokujiro Kanamori of the Legislative Bureau of the Cabinet. 1935.09.19 — The national polity clarification committee of the Seiyukai has another interview with Premier Okada and voices dissatisfaction with his attitude. 1935.09.19 — The fourth anniversary of the Manchurian outbreak is observed. 1935.09.19 — The Morning Post, London, commenting on the visit to Tokyo of Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, advocates Anglo-Japanese co-operation in aiding China and Chinese recognition of Manchoukuo. 1935.09.19 — "Friends of the Chinese People" picket the Japanese Consulate-General at New York, charging Japan with provocative movements in China. 1935.09.19 — The Bank of Japan announces that the average index number of Tokyo retail prices on September 13 was 154.4, higher than on August 15 by 1.6 per cent. 1935.09.19 — The total value of all kinds of securities in Japan on September 1 is given by the Tokyo Stock Exchange as 38,179,000,000 yen, higher than on August 1 by 941,000,000 yen. 1935.09.19 — The belief that war is approaching in Europe results in higher prices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange which does a record business, 1,166,000 shares changing hands. 1935.09.19 — Egypt announces a 40 per cent. ad valorem exchange indemnity tariff on cotton and rayon piece goods from Japan. 1935.09.19 — Dr. Christian Lange, of Norway, addressing the political commission of the League Assembly, expresses dissatisfaction with Japan's explanation of conditions in its mandated islands and wishes an answer to the question whether Japanese products should enter mandated territories on an equal footing with those of League members. 1935.09.19 — Premier Okada refuses to accede to the War Minister's request for another statement to clarify the national polity. 1935.09.19 — Major-General Genkuro Eto, retired, files a fresh complaint against Dr. Minobe with the Tokyo District Criminal Court. 1935.09.19 — Thirty-nine experts are appointed to assist the Cabinet Inquiry Bureau. 1935.09.19 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a refutation of Dr. Lange's suspicions regarding harbour work in Japan's mandated islands and his questioning of equality in the treatment of goods from Japan and League members in other mandated territories. 1935.09.19 — China's economic inspection party postpones its departure for Japan in order to allow members to meet with Sir Frederick Leith-Ross. 1935.09.19 — The Government reportedly favours revival of the post of Japanese Financial Commissioner to China, abolished in 1929. 1935.09.19 — The Manchuria Coal Enterprise Committee decides at Hsinking that joint efforts be made by the Japanese and Manchoukuo authorities to exploit coal mines in North Manchuria. 1935.09.19 — The Osaka Shosen Kaisha announces that it will inaugurate in the spring a direct shipping service to New Zealand. 1935.09.19 — Japan's delegation to the convention of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. leaves New Orleans for Washington. 1935.09.19 — The Addis Ababa correspondent of the Asahi is told by Emperor Haile Selassie that Japan is regarded as a sister country and that Abyssinia must follow its programme to become a great Power. 1935.09.20 — The Minobe case is the chief topic of discussion at the Cabinet meeting, the defence Ministers voicing dissatisfaction. 1935.09.20 — Japan's Consul-General at Hankow protests against "anti-Japanese military training" among General Yen Feng's troops. 1935.09.20 — The Hopei Economic Association, believed by some to be aimed at promoting Japan's economic advance in North China, is established at Peiping. 1935.09.20 — Tokyo officials confer at Hsinking with representatives of the Kwantung Army and the Manchoukuo Foreign Office on the projected Japanese-Manchoukuo-Soviet border commission. 1935.09.20 — Ambassador Saito says at Washington that negotiations for a gentlemen's agreement on cotton textile sales to the Philippines are nearing conclusion, with only the figures to be decided. 1935.09.20 — Minister Akio Kasama sails from Kobe for Cairo to represent Japan in the trade negotiations with Egypt, carrying instructions approved by the Cabinet. 1935.09.20 — Foreign Minister Hirota thanks the Prime Minister of Australia for the reception of Japan's good-will mission. 1935.09.20 — Forty-eight Chinese art objects leave Kobe for London to be shown in the Jubilee Exhibition of Chinese Art at Burlington House. 1935.09.20 — Professor John Henry Wigmore, of Northwestern University, is decorated with the Third-class Order of the Sacred Treasure in recognition of his work on a history of Japan's legal system. 1935.09.21 — Justice Minister Ohara publishes a letter in which Dr. Minobe retracts his statement to the press following the decision not to indict him. The assertion is made that anyone publishing in the future theories similar to those of Dr. Minobe will be dealt with severely. 1935.09.21 — Lieutenant-General Kanichiro Tashiro, commander of the Gendarmerie, succeeds Lieutenant-General Toranouske Hashimoto as War Vice-Minister. 1935.09.21 — The Government announces the appointment of Mr. Takuichi Omura, director of the communications section of the Kwantung Army, as vice-president of the South Manchuria Railway Company, succeeding Mr. Yoshiaki Hatta. 1935.09.21 — The 1,368-ton destroyer Harusame is launched at Maizuru. 1935.09.21 — Twenty-nine Australian girls arrive in Tokyo for a six-week visit in Japan. 1935.09.21 — General Sung Che-yuan, taking office as commander of the Peiping-Tientsin defence forces, says he will strive for co-operation with Japan. 1935.09.22 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, interviewed at Shanghai, says he was assured at Tokyo of Japan's desire for a stable and prosperous China. Though financial aid to China was not discouraged, very stringent conditions were attached. 1935.09.22 — An Asahi report that Sir Frederick Leith-Ross had proposed that Japan join Britain in a loan to China of 300,000,000 yuan, in return for which Britain would recognize Manchoukuo, is given little credence in Tokyo, where it is said that he mentioned only an abstract plan of financial aid for China. 1935.09.22 — An Inner Mongolian good-will party, headed by the Living Buddha of Dolonor, arrives at Hsinking. 1935.09.22 — The Prime Minister of Australia cables to Foreign Minister Hirota that the visit of Japan's good-will mission will long be remembered. 1935.09.23 — Fifty-four members of the God-sent Troops are formally indicted by the Procurator-General of the Supreme Court on the charge of attempted rebellion. 1935.09.23 — Representatives of the oil companies are assured by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that steps will be taken next year to equalize the burdens of those that have complied with the oil storage law and those that have not. 1935.09.23 — Manchoukuo announces that Germany has agreed to negotiate for a postal money order service. 1935.09.24 — Joint military manoeuvres of troops of the U.S.S.R. and Outer Mongolia are reported at Manchuli. 1935.09.25 — Reductions in freight rates are announced by the South Manchuria Railway Company on all lines in Manchoukuo under its management. 1935.09.25 — Two hundred and fifty-nine lives are lost and much damage done to property throughout the country by storms and floods. 1935.09.25 — The Tass News Agency denies the press report from Tokyo that China's Sinkiang Province will eventually be admitted to the U.S.S.R. 1935.09.25 — The Governor of Macao, on his way to Lisbon, reportedly to discuss the Japanese situation at Macao, says at Singapore that Portugal does not want Japanese in its colonies. 1935.09.26 — Mr. Takeo Kawagoe, vice-president of the Manchurian Affairs Bureau, stresses the importance of increased Japanese emigration to Manchoukuo on his return to Tokyo from Hsinking. 1935.09.26 — A trade mission leaves Japan for Central and South America. 1935.09.27 — The Navy Office announces that 32 sailors and an officer were washed overboard and lost, 10 others injured and four destroyers damaged in a typhoon during the manoeuvres. 1935.09.27 — The Foreign, War and Navy Ministers discuss with Premier Okada Japan's policy towards China. 1935.09.27 — The British Government denies a press report that it is notifying the Washington treaty signatories that it must increase its fleet. 1935.09.27 — President Roosevelt declares that the naval policy of the U.S. will not change unless other nations build beyond the treaty limits. 1935.09.27 — The Foreign Office is informed of Australia's readiness to resume the negotiations for a trade pact. 1935.09.27 — The Foreign Office spokesman voices surprise at the Governor of Macao's references to Japanese design on Macao, which nobody in Japan thinks of taking. 1935.09.27 — The Kwantung Army announces that the Manchoukuo Air Transport Company will open lines to Seishin, North Korea, and Tungpel. 1935.09.28 — Japan's charge d'affaires at London is informed of Britain's desire to hold the naval conference before the end of the year and is asked to ascertain Tokyo's views. 1935.09.28 — A mission of 150 Chinese from Peiping arrive in Tokyo to study city administration, education and industry. 1935.09.28 — The rise in silk prices is attributed to anticipation of a shortage of 70,000 bales at the 1936 between-season. 1935.09.28 — The Home and Finance Ministries warn Tokyo City against loose finances. 1935.09.29 — Tension is said to be developing in South China because of Japanese protests against illegal taxes on imports. Eight warships are sent to Swatow. 1935.09.29 — Major-General Doihara is quoted as saying at Mukden that the organization of an autonomous administration in North China would greatly help peace and order. 1935.09.29 — The General Association of Japanese Labour Unions withdraws from the Japan Labour Council in order to organize a national patriotic labour union. 1935.09.30 — General Minami says at Mukden that the Chahar agreement seems to have been fulfilled by the Chinese. He regards the Inner Mongolian self-government movement a Chinese matter of no concern to Japan. 1935.09.30 — Consul-General Miura at Hankow presses General Chang Chun for a reply to his representations against anti-Japanese manifestations. 1935.09.30 — The Asahi claims that 7,038 arrests have been made in the campaign to purify the prefectural elections. 1935.09.30 — The second conference on treatment of foreign tourists, attended by customs inspectors and police, is held at Kobe. 1935.10.01 — The fourth national census is taken. 1935.10.01 — The Cabinet issues a report on measures taken by the Home, Education and Justice Ministries for clarification of the national polity and eradication of the institutional theory of the Emperor. 1935.10.01 — Chosen (Korea) celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beginning of Japanese administration in the peninsula. 1935.10.01 — Partial autonomy in self-government comes into force in Taiwan (Formosa). 1935.10.01 — The Japanese garrison at Tientsin announces that it has no connection with autonomy movements and other intrigues of local warlords in North China. Though it has no intention of interfering with the internal affairs of China, it is ready to control any disturbance in North China which is detrimental to Japanese residents and interests. 1935.10.01 — Consul-General Suma demands at Nanking the suppression of anti-Japanese motion pictures and asks reconsideration of the proposed tariff surtax for flood relief and the new regulations for licensing stamps. 1935.10.01 — Japan's Consul-General at Canton rejects a compromise proposal on the special taxes levied on Japanese goods. 1935.10.01 — Manchoukuo's Finance Minister, Mr. Sun Chi-chang, arrives in Tokyo to confer with Finance Minister Takahashi. 1935.10.01 — Manchoukuo inaugurates a postal money order service with Germany. 1935.10.01 — The railway between Lingyuan and Pingchuan, Jehol, is opened to traffic by the South Manchuria Railway Company. 1935.10.01 — Count Akinobi Kabayama urges at the International Conference of Commerce at London that anti-Japanese tariff barriers be lowered, for Japanese goods are beneficial to backward peoples. 1935.10.02 — The 1935 rice crop is estimated, on the basis of conditions on September 20, at 60,164,630 koku, greater than in 1934 by 16.9 per cent. but less by 7 per cent. than the previous five-year average. The total planted area is given as 3,205,128 chobu. 1935.10.02 — The Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolian conference is resumed at Manchuli. 1935.10.02 — The Canadian Board of Trade is revealed to have asked the Tariff Board to withdraw the 33⅓ per cent. import surtax on Japanese goods. 1935.10.03 — Foreign Minister Hirota rejects a request from the Soviet Ambassador for steps to prevent an anticipated raid on Soviet consulates in Manchoukuo, which should be taken up directly with Hsinking. He promises, however, to make an inquiry. 1935.10.03 — The Soviet Embassy in Tokyo announces that by September 22 contracts had been signed for 30,360,000 yen of the 93,500,000 yen of goods to be taken in part payment for the former Chinese Eastern Railway. 1935.10.04 — The British Ambassador, inquiring as to Japan's attitude in the event of sanctions against Italy, is told by Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu that no stand is seen to define Japan's stand until the League and Britain have reached a decision. 1935.10.04 — The yen exchange rate drops at New York to 28.55 cents. 1935.10.04 — The surrender of controlling interest to Japanese by two foreign firms, the Nipponophone Company, Limited, British (Columbia Graphophone), and the Yokohama Rubber Company, American (B. F. Goodrich), is revealed when the Finance Ministry sanctions transfer of the payments. 1935.10.04 — President Matsuoka orders economy and retrenchment in compiling the new budget of the South Manchuria Railway Company. 1935.10.05 — Colonel Chosaburo Yamada, who headed the conscription section of the military affairs bureau of the War Office under the late Lieutenant-General Nagata, takes his own life, holding himself responsible in part for his superior's assassination. 1935.10.05 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies a Reuter report that 100 Japanese officers have arrived at Addis Ababa. 1935.10.05 — Thirty reactionary leaders send a telegram of sympathy to Abyssinia. 1935.10.06 — The Asahi claims that Sir Frederick Leith-Ross has offered China an independent British loan of 200,000,000 yuan on the security of railway receipts, abandoning hope of a joint Anglo-Japanese loan. 1935.10.07 — The Chinese Ambassador asks Foreign Minister Hirota for a statement on Japan's China policy and concrete plans for Sino-Japanese co-operation to take back to Nanking. 1935.10.07 — An agreement inaugurating a telegraph service between North China and Manchoukuo and providing for telegrams in Japanese is reached at Tientsin by representatives of the Kwantung Army and the Tientsin Telegraph Bureau. 1935.10.07 — Consul-General Suma protests formally at Nanking against the anti-Japanese movement in Yunnan Province. 1935.10.07 — Emperor Kangte supervises the second annual army manoeuvres near Hsinking. 1935.10.07 — The Manchoukuo State Council approves the draft of the Japanese-Manchoukuo postal treaty. 1935.10.07 — Eleven asphalt producers create a cartel to control production and prices. 1935.10.08 — Hsinking learns of a border clash near Pogranichaya on October 6 in which Manchoukuo patrols were fired on by Soviet soldiers, who returned later and entered Manchoukuo, again firing. 1935.10.08 — The first plane on the new mail service between Fukuoka, Kyushu, and Taihoku, Formosa, arrives at the latter city in 10 hours. 1935.10.08 — Japan's Minister at Ottawa replies to Prime Minister Bennett's note of September 4 on the trade controversy, expressing readiness to negotiate an agreement. 1935.10.09 — Fifteen leading bankers, industrialists and business men of China arrive in Tokyo under the leadership of Mr. Wu Ting-chang to discuss economic co-operation with Japanese leaders. 1935.10.09 — The Hupeh authorities decide to comply with Japan's demand for suppression of anti-Japanese manifestations. 1935.10.09 — Major-General Yasutsugu Okamura, leaving for Manchuria and China to acquaint the Japanese military authorities there with the Tokyo decisions on policy towards China, charges that the Comintern is expanding its operations in China. 1935.10.09 — Addressing the Royal Asiatic Society, London, Sir Francis Lindley, former Ambassador at Tokyo, says Britain will do well to be friendly with Japan and abstain from unsupported promises to China. 1935.10.10 — Mr. Goro Morishima, chief of the first section of the East Asia Bureau of the Foreign Office, leaves for China to acquaint Japan's diplomatic authorities there with Tokyo's policy towards China. 1935.10.10 — Recognition of Manchoukuo by Nanking and joint defence against Communism are represented in a Shanghai report as the two main points of Japan's policy towards China. 1935.10.10 — Establishment of a Sino-Japanese consultative body is decided on at a dinner given by Japanese financial leaders in Tokyo in honour of the visiting Chinese economic mission. 1935.10.10 — Two Japanese industrialists are honoured in China's Double Tenth decoration list. 1935.10.10 — Counsellor Sako again asks at Moscow that the Soviets agree to abolition of the fishery ground auction system and prolongation for 12 years of the Karakhan-Hirota agreement. 1935.10.10 — The Finance Ministry announces that the bonds of the South Manchuria Railway Company's £6,000,000 sterling issue not already bought up by the Government will be redeemed in cash when they mature on January 1. The amount outstanding is estimated at £3,169,686. 1935.10.10 — Home Minister Goto approves regulations to prevent undesirable movie films from leaving Japan. 1935.10.11 — The Cabinet Inquiry Bureau submits to the Finance Ministry a 20,000,000 yen plan for subsidizing local government. 1935.10.11 — Colonel Toshimo Sakamoto succeeds Colonel Hideo Niimi as commander of the Tokyo Gendarmerie. 1935.10.11 — The Japan-America Trade Council, Tokyo, prepares a message for the meeting of the U.S. National Trade Council, asking reduction of U.S. tariffs on Japanese goods in order to balance trade. 1935.10.12 — The U.S. State Department announces the conclusion of a two-year gentlemen's agreement, retroactive to August 1, whereby Japanese exporters will not send to the Philippines more than 41,000,000 square metres yearly of cotton textiles. 1935.10.12 — The third annual air defence manoeuvres in the Osaka-Kobe area open. 1935.10.12 — The South Sea Development Investigation Commission of the Overseas Ministry decides to recommend establishment of 10,000,000 yen concerns to develop the mandated islands on a 10-year programme. 1935.10.12 — General Yen Fang, commander of the Wuchang-Hankow defence force, is dismissed at Japan's request because of anti-Japanese activities. 1935.10.12 — Ground is broken for Tokyo's second subway. 1935.10.12 — Premier Mussolini tells the Rome correspondent of the Asahi that he greatly admires Japan and regrets the recent misunderstanding about Abyssinia. 1935.10.12 — Major-General Okamura confers at Dairen with the vice-chief-of-staff of the Kwantung Army, the commander of the Japanese garrison in North China and the military attache of the Japanese Embassy in China. A complete accord of views is reported. 1935.10.12 — Moscow announces that a protest has been sent to Tokyo against alleged violation of the Soviet frontier on October 6, 8 and 12 near Pogranichaya and the firing of shots which killed and wounded men on both sides. It is proposed that an investigation commission be appointed. 1935.10.12 — Egypt formally rejects Japan's request for abolition of the exchange indemnity tariff on Japanese goods. 1935.10.12 — A delegation of army and naval reservists advises Premier Okada to resign because of the national polity issue. 1935.10.14 — Receiving the Soviet protest on the Pogranichaya border clashes, Foreign Minister Koki Hirota attributes them to the lack of a definite boundary and says he wishes to consult Manchoukuo on the proposal that a joint inquiry be made. 1935.10.14 — There were 12 casualties on the Manchoukuo side in the border clash with Soviet cavalrymen on October 12, it is said at Hsinking, including two Japanese and four Manchurian dead. 1935.10.14 — After the second session of the Dairen military conference, Major-General Okamura says that the army's chief concern at present is the advance of Chinese Communists from Szechwan to Shansi. 1935.10.14 — The Swatow incident is settled with acceptance by the Chinese of Japan's demands. 1935.10.14 — Manchoukuo decides to permit the establishment of four pulp companies to exploit forest resources. 1935.10.14 — The U.S. Secretary of War, Mr. George H. Dern, arrives in Japan on a courtesy call on his way to Manila. 1935.10.14 — Vice-Admiral Esteva, commander of the French Far Eastern Fleet, arrives at Yokohama on his flagship to pay an official visit. 1935.10.15 — The Cabinet issues a new statement on the national polity issue, asserting that the Constitution is based on the principle that sovereignty resides in the Emperor and that the theory of the State as the repository of sovereignty must be eradicated. 1935.10.15 — The Foreign Office instructs the London Embassy to answer Britain's naval communication of September 28. 1935.10.15 — The Government issues its second lot of 1935-36 deficit bonds, the Bank of Japan taking 200,000,000 yen and the deposits bureau of the Finance Ministry the remaining 50,000,000 yen. They mature in 27 years, bear 4 per cent. interest and sell at 98.10 yen. 1935.10.15 — The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry expresses its opinion to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that the law for control of major industries should be continued, though with revisions. 1935.10.15 — Italy's Ambassador, asking Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu about Japan's attitude towards sanctions, is told that steps taken by the League will be of no concern to Japan. 1935.10.15 — Japan's policy towards China is discussed by Japanese diplomatic officials at Shanghai with Mr. Morishima, from the Foreign Office. 1935.10.15 — Consul-General Suma discusses with the Nanking Communications Ministry the possibility of inaugurating an air service between Japan and China. 1935.10.15 — Hsinking's Defence Ministry announces that a verbal protest against the border clash of October 12 was made to the Soviet consul at Suifenho on October 13. 1935.10.15 — Colonel House, speaking at New York, says complete success of the League in settling disputes without resort to war might induce Japan, the U.S. and Germany to join it. 1935.10.15 — The president of the U.S. Textile Export Association says the agreement with Japan on Philippine cotton textile sales is disappointing, allowing the U.S. to dispose of only 38,000,000 square metres yearly, compared with the average of 43,000,000 square metres in the past four years. 1935.10.15 — The victory of the Liberals in the Canadian election is thought likely to bring about a trade agreement with Japan. 1935.10.16 — Final figures in the prefectural elections show that of the 1,121 assembly seats 670 are held by Seiyukai members, 648 by Minseito, 343 by independents, 53 by members of proletarian parties, 12 by Kokumin Domei members and 19 by others. 1935.10.16 — The Foreign Office spokesman says Japan will not block further naval talks and is convinced that through an exchange of frank views the other Powers can be induced to accept Japan's demands. 1935.10.16 — Plans are revealed at Hsinking for a 1,000,000-yen company to control forestry enterprises in Manchoukuo. It is approved by the Kwantung Army, and the capital will be furnished by the Manchoukuo Government, the South Manchuria Railway Company and other Japanese interests. 1935.10.19 — The Permanent Mandates Commission of the League reportedly decides that Japan shall have complete economic equality with the mandatory Powers in all mandates, though it must conclude special agreements on this with the mandatory Powers. 1935.10.19 — The Soviet delegation at Geneva denies that it has sounded out Britain on enforcement of sanctions in the event of aggression against the U.S.S.R. in the Far East. 1935.10.19 — The U.S. National Council for the Prevention of War considers recommendation that the exclusion law be repealed and naval parity be granted to Japan. 1935.10.19 — Tokyo hears Mr. W. Cameron Forbes, former Ambassador to Tokyo, broadcast from New York on U.S. trade with Japan, warning that unless the U.S. adjusts its trade Japan will buy elsewhere. 1935.10.19 — The National Association of Cotton Manufacturers adopts a resolution at Boston urging an agreement with Japan to restrict its cotton textile exports to the U.S. 1935.10.18 — Japan's naval reply, delivered at London, is said by British officials to brighten the prospects for a naval conference within the year, for the previous insistence on recognition of Japan's claims as the prerequisite for a conference has been modified. 1935.10.18 — Ambassador Saito gives to the U.S. State Department a memorandum on Japan's naval policy. 1935.10.18 — The police permit publication of news of the arrest of 200 Communist suspects in Kyoto on April 7. Twenty-eight were detained, of whom twenty-two have been turned over to the procurators. 1935.10.18 — Ambassador Matsushita, back from a five-month inspection tour of the Near East, says at Kobe that Japan's trade prospects there are not very hopeful because of the barter system. 1935.10.18 — Mr. A. R. Aguinaldo, representative of Philippine industrial and commercial interests, asks Tokyo business leaders to buy more from the Philippines to balance trade. 1935.10.18 — Australia's first trade commissioner to Japan, Mr. Longfield Lloyd, arrives in Tokyo to open an office. 1935.10.20 — Japanese resident officers in China meet at Shanghai to hear Major-General Okamura's instructions on closer relations with the central authorities with regard to Japan's policy towards China, the aim of which is close co-operation among Japan, Manchoukuo and China to maintain peace and order in East Asia. 1935.10.20 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei denies rumours that North China is threatened with trouble and that Japan has presented fresh demands to Nanking. 1935.10.20 — The Oriental Economic Association, a Sino-Japanese body, is inaugurated at Tientsin to promote economic co-operation. 1935.10.21 — The Foreign Office spokesman tacitly admits that Foreign Minister Hirota referred to the need for satisfying the natural requirements of nations in order to remove war causes in the naval reply to Britain. 1935.10.21 — An answer is being awaited to an inquiry to Moscow for clarification of the Soviet Union's connection with Outer Mongolia, the Foreign Office spokesman reveals in denying knowledge of an Urga report, via Moscow, that Manchoukuo has threatened to use force unless Outer Mongolia accepts Manchoukuo's demands. A conciliatory move is seen in the consent of the Outer Mongolian delegation at Manchuli to refer to Urga Manchoukuo's request for reconsideration of the rejection of the demand for an exchange of envoys to be stationed at Hsinking and Urga. 1935.10.21 — Japan and other non-members of the League are informed of the sanctions programme against Italy. 1935.10.22 — Finance Minister Takahashi submits the 1936-37 budget estimates to the Cabinet and asks for co-operation in keeping the total within that for the current fiscal year. 1935.10.22 — The Communications Ministry announces that a Sino-Japanese agreement has been reached to open a radio telephone service between Tokyo and Shanghai on February 15. 1935.10.22 — The Sino-Japanese Trade Society is founded in Tokyo to complement the new Sino-Japanese Business Society in Shanghai. 1935.10.22 — The Kwantung Army states that Kuomintang elements remaining in North China are engaged in anti-Japanese activities. Handbills urging resistance against Japan were circulated on October 10. 1935.10.22 — The office of the Japanese resident officer at Peiping announces that Japanese gendarmes sent to investigate the uprising of farmers in the Hsiangho district of Hopei Province found six Japanese in the crowd, whom they arrested and warned against participating in Chinese domestic movements. 1935.10.22 — The Kwantung Army authorities accuse the Soviets of lack of sincerity in connection with border incidents and hope that the border will be definitely fixed and a commission set up to deal with disputes. 1935.10.22 — A Hsinking Foreign Office spokesman declares that Manchoukuo will co-operate in the establishment of a border commission if the U.S.S.R. agrees to include border demarcation among its functions. 1935.10.22 — The Japanese-Egyptian trade negotiations open at Cairo. 1935.10.22 — Mr. Nicholas Roosevelt tells the San Marco (California) Community League that Japan aims to acquire the Philippines and the Dutch East Indies. 1935.10.23 — The Japanese military authorities in North China indicate they will not intervene in the autonomy movement in Hopei Province unless peace and order in the demilitarized zone are disturbed. 1935.10.23 — In British and Japanese official quarters at London, a denial is made that there is a reference in Japan's naval communication to Britain to the question of redistribution of natural resources. 1935.10.23 — Secretary Swanson reiterates that he favours maintenance of the 5:5:3 naval ratio. 1935.10.24 — Britain issues invitations to a naval conference, opening on December 2. 1935.10.24 — Sir Bolton Eyres-Monsell tells the Commons that the aim of the naval parley will be to reach an agreement on as many aspects of naval limitation as possible. 1935.10.24 — Secretary Hull announces that the U.S. accepts Britain's naval conference invitation. 1935.10.24 — A Japanese warning is given to the Chinese against the reported mobilization of troops to suppress the autonomy movement in Hopei Province, pointing out the proximity of the demilitarized zone. 1935.10.24 — General Shang Chen's order of curfew observance throughout Hopei Province is held a violation of the Boxer protocol. 1935.10.24 — Shorter sentences are given by the Supreme Court to four civilian defendants in the May 15 incident. 1935.10.25 — The Cabinet approves the Cabinet Inquiry Council's report on adjustment of local finances and orders that concrete legislation be drafted. 1935.10.25 — The Foreign Office spokesman says so far Japan has nothing to communicate to the sanctions committee of the League in response to the notification of the measures being taken against Italy. 1935.10.25 — Foreign Minister Hirota replies to the Soviet protest of October 14 with a counter-protest, charging that the Soviet troops were responsible for the border incident, having invaded Manchoukuo and fired on the Manchoukuo troops. He stresses the need for a commission to define the boundary. 1935.10.25 — It is stated at Hsinking that the right to tax Japanese residents will be turned over to the Manchoukuo Government before the end of the current year. Until equalized at the end of four years, the rate will be a quarter of that levied on Manchurians. 1935.10.25 — A two-day meeting of Japanese consular officials in North China opens at Tientsin to discuss the results of the Shanghai conference and the current situation. 1935.10.25 — Major-General Tada says at Tientsin that the Hsitungho autonomy movement is the result of maladministration and fears a serious situation if the Chinese use force in settling it. 1935.10.25 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry sanctions inauguration of sub-standard (health) insurance. 1935.10.26 — The Foreign Office announces the appointment of Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, Vice-President of the Privy Council, as Japan's member of the commission provided for in the Japanese-Dutch treaty of arbitration and conciliation, which is to come into existence on November 1. 1935.10.26 — The representative of Japanese labour tells the governing body of the International Labour Organization that industrial organization in Japan is such that there is no reason for not enforcing labour legislation similar to that in the West. 1935.10.26 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry permits the oil companies to raise the price of gasoline by 2.5 sen to 46 sen per gallon, effective November 1. 1935.10.26 — U.S. producers desire a voluntary reduction of 20 per cent. in Japanese cotton textile sales in the U.S., intimates Mr. C. Murchison, retiring director of the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. 1935.10.27 — The profits of the 1,430 most important joint stock companies in Japan in the first half of 1935 averaged 11 per cent., compared with 9.7 per cent. in the same period of 1934 and 10.6 per cent. in the second half of 1934, reports the Mitusi Gomei Kaisha. 1935.10.27 — The Cabinet Investigation Bureau is said to be aiming at greater authority for the Premier in its study of administrative reforms. 1935.10.28 — The natural increase of Japan's population in 1934 was 809,099, or 11.86 per 1,000 of population, the lowest rate since the Government started to compile comprehensive statistics in 1899, the Bureau of General Statistics in the Cabinet reveals. There were 2,043,783 births, the fewest since 1924, with a rate of 29.97 per 1,000 of population; 1,134,061 still-births, or 1.66 per 1,000; 1,234,684 deaths, or 18.11 per 1,000; 512,654 marriages, or 7.51 per 1,000, and 48,610 divorces, or .71 per 1,000. 1935.10.28 — Vice-President Garner and a party of Congressmen and newspaper men en route to the Commonwealth inaugural at Manila arrive in Tokyo for a two-day visit. 1935.10.28 — Minister Nobufumi Ito tells the Permanent Mandates Commission that Japan refuses to recognize that its withdrawal from the League has invalidated its right to equality of economic treatment in mandates. 1935.10.28 — Dr. Nagaoka is sworn in as a judge of the Permanent Court of International Justice. 1935.10.29 — The Emperor receives Vice-President Garner and Speaker Joseph W. Byrns, who are later the guests of Foreign Minister Hirota at luncheon. 1935.10.29 — Consul-General Shigeo Kawagoe protests to the North China authorities against their failure to eliminate anti-Japanese agitation, and Major-General Tada protests against their non-fulfilment of the Tangku and Peiping military agreements. 1935.10.29 — Lieutenant-Colonel Amemiya protests to the Nanking Foreign Office against the alleged failure of the Chinese to fulfil their obligations under the North China military agreements. 1935.10.29 — The Hsiangho autonomy trouble is settled as a result of negotiations between General Shang Chen and Major-General Tada. 1935.10.29 — The London Embassy delivers Japan's acceptance of Britain's naval conference invitation following approval by the Cabinet. 1935.10.29 — Rear-Admiral Yates Sterling, writing in The Navy League Magazine, predicts that the Western naval Powers will attempt to regain their influence in the Orient if and when the political situation in the West is stabilized. 1935.10.30 — Minister Nobufumi Ito reiterates Japan's denials of fortifications on the mandated islands before the Permanent Mandates Commission of the League. 1935.10.30 — Abyssinia asks the Japan Red Cross Society for assistance. 1935.10.30 — An Urga report published at Moscow says that Manchoukuo's request for an exchange of envoys to be stationed at Hsinking and Urga has again been rejected by Outer Mongolia. 1935.10.30 — The Cabinet decides that the 68th Diet session will open on December 24. 1935.10.30 — Accusations of scheming to assume greater authority with the support of the Japanese army are hurled at General Sung Che-yuan by pro-Nanking participants in a meeting at Peiping to consider the Japanese representations. 1935.10.31 — Japan's foreign trade for the first 10 months of 1935 shows exports of 2,141,876,000 yen and imports of 2,129,832,000 yen, giving a favourable balance of 12,034,000 yen, the first favourable balance since 1918. 1935.10.31 — The Japanese-Egyptian trade parley at Cairo is adjourned to allow the Japanese to consult Tokyo on Egypt's refusal to remove the 40 per cent. surtax on cotton and rayon textile imports. 1935.10.31 — Ambassador Debuchi, back from Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, says that he found everywhere warm feelings towards Japan. 1935.10.31 — The Japanese garrison at Tientsin announces that investigation has revealed secret activities against Japan and Manchoukuo by the Peiping branch of the National Military Council. 1935.10.31 — Hsinking learns that two Soviet troopers crossed into Manchoukuo territory north of Pogranichaya on October 13. 1935.10.31 — Formal announcement is made by the Italian Olympic Games Federation of renunciation of Rome's claim to the 1940 Games in favour of Tokyo. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. III No. 4 (March 1935) --- (covers 1934.11.01 to 1935.01.31) 1934.11.01 — Baron Reijiro Wakatsuki makes known his intention to resign from the presidency of the Minseito party. 1934.11.01 — Shares on the Tokyo Stock Market decline because of uneasiness about the Government's tax policy. 1934.11.01 — Nineteen Japanese oil companies organize an association to control production. A 30 per cent. curtailment is decided. 1934.11.01 — The U.S. National Foreign Trade Council is told that cotton producers must look to Japan if they want to increase exports. 1934.11.01 — Rear-Admiral Yates Stirling advocates a large American merchant marine to help the navy in the event of war with the Orient. 1934.11.01 — Representative J. Mark Wilcox recommends three aerial bases on the Pacific Coast and others for Panama, Hawaii and Alaska. 1934.11.01 — The Governor of Arizona assures the Japanese Consul at Los Angeles that he is doing everything possible to protect the lives and property of Japanese farmers in the Salt River Valley. 1934.11.01 — Hsinking inaugurates its new 100-kilowatt radio broadcasting station, the largest in the Far East. 1934.11.02 — The Manchoukuo Finance Office issues a statement on oil policy in which it pledges to protect the interests of those engaged in the oil business prior to the institution of the monopoly. 1934.11.02 — The Dutch East Indian authorities agree to allow a larger quota of sarong imports to Japanese traders pending the outcome of the Batavia trade conference. 1934.11.03 — Miss Kikuko Matsumoto lands at Mukden, completing the first flight from Tokyo by a Japanese aviatrix. 1934.11.03 — The U.S. State Department suggests to Attorney-General Cummings that he investigate the anti-Japanese disorder in Arizona. 1934.11.04 — The Finance Ministry announces that in the new fiscal year it expects the new tax on profits to yield 30,000,000 yen. 1934.11.04 — Mr. James L. Garvin, writing in The Observer, advocates an Anglo-American agreement if a three-Power naval accord is not attainable. 1934.11.05 — Japan replies to the second British and American communications on the Manchoukuo oil monopoly, denying that the open door is being violated. 1934.11.05 — Japan's representative on the League's Mandates Commission is questioned as to whether naval and military bases exist on the Japanese mandated islands. 1934.11.05 — British troops will no longer hold manoeuvres beyond the Great Wall at Shanhaikwan, Sir John Simon tells the House of Commons. 1934.11.06 — Finance Minister Fujii tells the Cabinet he desires to create a commission to devise measures to place Japan's finances on a sound basis. 1934.11.06 — Mr. Walter Runciman expresses doubt in the House of Commons about the advisability of imposing import quotas on Japanese goods. 1934.11.06 — Rear-Admiral Yamamoto denies that any military establishments prohibited by international agreements are maintained in the Japanese mandates. 1934.11.06 — The Japanese Legation at Kabul, Afghanistan, is opened. 1934.11.07 — The Emperor and Empress donate 500,000 yen for famine relief in the Tohoku district. 1934.11.07 — Nominal equality for Japan, with attainment of full equality delayed, is reportedly suggested to the Japanese delegation by the British. 1934.11.07 — Sir John Simon tells the House of Commons that British policy regarding recognition of Manchoukuo is still governed by the principles set forth in the League's resolution of February 24, 1933. 1934.11.08 — The Chancellor of the Exchequer refuses in the House of Commons to give assurance that the Treasury will not sanction any loan to Japan or Manchoukuo. 1934.11.08 — The China National Aviation Corporation announces that negotiations are under way for a trans-Pacific air service connecting China and the U.S. 1934.11.09 — Mr. Chuji Machida, Minister of Commerce and Industry, consents to head the Minseito's board of managers, which will direct the party instead of a president. 1934.11.09 — A Sino-Japanese agreement is reached for the opening of a wireless telephone service. 1934.11.09 — Mr. J. I. Piggott, member of the F.B.I. mission, says on the eve of his departure from Japan that he is returning satisfied, with a fair return for his journey. 1934.11.09 — Appreciation of Prime Minister MacDonald's efforts to bring about a naval agreement is voiced in Tokyo, but opposition to his suggestion of deferred parity is indicated. 1934.11.10 — British oil interests in Shanghai deny reports of an Anglo-American agreement not to sell oil to Manchoukuo. Hsinking is not much concerned. 1934.11.10 — Though prison terms shorter than those ordered by the Tokyo District Court are awarded, the six civilian defendants in the May 15 case give notice of appeal after hearing the judgements of the Tokyo Court of Appeals. 1934.11.11 — Sir William Garthwaite, writing in The Sunday Referee, advocates revival of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. 1934.11.12 — The second official estimate gives the 1934 rice crop as 50,746,140 koku, the poorest since 1913. 1934.11.12 — Japan's annual report on its mandated islands is adopted by the League's Mandates Commission and sent to the League Council for discussion in January. 1934.11.12 — To silence U.S. suspicion, Prime Minister MacDonald states there is no truth to the story that there is intense secret activity between the British and the Japanese on the economic and political fronts in connection with the naval talks. 1934.11.12 — A White House inspiration is seen in a Washington despatch to The Times saying that President Roosevelt would be greatly concerned should Anglo-American amity be injured in the naval conversations. 1934.11.12 — General Jan Smuts tells the Royal Institute of International Affairs that the Far East is the danger zone of the future and advises that British policy, though based on friendship for all and exclusive alliances for none, should give first place to relations with the U.S. 1934.11.12 — Representative Carl Vinson urges President Roosevelt's aviation commission to see that the U.S. navy's aerial forces are strengthened. 1934.11.12 — A contract is signed for the delivery of 40,000 tons of Soviet pig iron to Japanese firms. 1934.11.13 — The Manchoukuo Government publishes its petroleum monopoly regulations. 1934.11.14 — Tariff revisions are announced by Manchoukuo, including the imposition of a duty on wheat flour and the lowering of the duty on cotton textiles. 1934.11.14 — Pan-American Airways announces an early test flight from San Francisco to Shanghai. 1934.11.15 — The population of Japan proper increased by 956,300 in the year ending October 31, according to the Cabinet's statistics bureau, making a total of 68,194,900. 1934.11.15 — A second wireless service between Japan and the U.S. is provided by linking the stations of the Communications Ministry in Tokyo with those of the Mackay Radio & Telegraph Company. 1934.11.15 — Ambassador Saito says in Washington that circumstances may compel Japan to act as intermediary between the U.S. and Manchoukuo in the petroleum controversy. 1934.11.16 — A Manchoukuo protest to the Soviet Union charges that Soviet troops and farmers are encroaching on Manchoukuo territory in Kirin Province. 1934.11.16 — Manchoukuo's farm output in 1934 is estimated at 13,450,000 tons, less by 20 per cent. than in 1933, according to the Hsinking Department of Industries. 1934.11.16 — The Chinese Minister in London receives a categorical denial at the Foreign Office that Japan is negotiating with Britain for recognition of its special interests in China. 1934.11.16 — Shots are fired over the heads of Japanese guards by French troops holding manoeuvres on Manchoukuo territory near Shanhaikwan. 1934.11.16 — Shifts in the navy's personnel are announced, including that of Rear-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto to Vice-Admiral. 1934.11.17 — The Foreign Office spokesman doubts if Japan will offer to mediate between the Powers and Manchoukuo on the petroleum question. 1934.11.17 — Dr. Manuel Quezon says in Baltimore that the Philippines will protect U.S. trade from Japanese competition if given preferential entry for their goods into the U.S. market. 1934.11.17 — The Tokyo Court of Appeals sentences 18 defendants in the celebrated railway, decorations and Godo Woollen Textile Company scandals, including ex-Minister of Railways Heikichi Ogawa, who is given two years' imprisonment. 1934.11.18 — Mr. Kumetaro Murakami, who was shot in the jaw by Chinese bandits when he called out to guide Japanese rescuers to a group, including two foreigners, that had been kidnapped, is welcomed as a national hero on reaching Kobe from Dairen. 1934.11.19 — Japan's reply to the British naval proposals, delivered informally to Sir John Simon, reportedly leaves the way open for further discussion. 1934.11.19 — The Trappist monastery at Tobetsu, in the Hokkaido, is investigated by gendarmes on suspicion that the monks are engaging in espionage. 1934.11.20 — The 8,500-ton cruiser Suzuya is launched in the presence of the Emperor at Yokosuka. 1934.11.20 — The Conservative members from Lancashire submit to the House of Commons an amendment to the reply to the speech from the Throne, protesting against the inadequacy of the Government's measures to aid the British textile industry in coping with Japanese competition. 1934.11.21 — An article allegedly by Viscount Makoto Saito on the naval question appears in The Christian Science Monitor, but Viscount Saito denies having written or seen it. 1934.11.21 — Fresh talk is heard in Washington of the intentions of the U.S. to strengthen fortifications on the Pacific if the Washington Naval Treaty is abrogated. 1934.11.21 — The ashes of 3,000 soldiers who lost their lives in Manchurian campaigns are interred at the new Soldiers' Monument, Hsinking. 1934.11.21 — A committee is instituted by the Bureau of Tourist Industry of the Railway Ministry to do away with the complaints of foreign visitors about the treatment by policemen and gendarmes. 1934.11.22 — A statement issued by the Japanese Embassy at Washington says Japan stands for smaller navies for all nations and is prepared to accept a ratio of 3:3:3 or 2:2:2. U.S. naval circles indicate opposition. 1934.11.22 — Manchoukuo decides to appoint 10 general wholesale oil agencies throughout the country, in which foreign companies will be allowed to hold shares in proportion to the amount of oil business they have been doing. 1934.11.22 — Life imprisonment is pronounced for Nissho Inoue, head of the Blood Brotherhood, for Tadashi Konuma, who killed Mr. Junnosuke Inoue, and for Goro Hishinuma, who killed Baron Takuma Dan. Eight other members of the group receive from fifteen to three years' imprisonment. 1934.11.23 — Additional grants of 27,000,000 yen each for the Army and the Navy are allowed by the Cabinet in the 1935-36 budget. 1934.11.23 — The U.S. and British delegations are said to have agreed that equality of security, not equality of tonnage, must be the guiding principle of any new naval agreement. 1934.11.23 — The Manchoukuo Government announces the leasing of four districts in Northeastern Kirin to the Kwantung Army for reclamation. The East Asia Industrial Company is to take charge of the work. 1934.11.23 — An unofficial French trade mission to Manchoukuo is under consideration in Paris. 1934.11.23 — Mr. Alexander Oinas, representing the Estonian Government, arrives at Tsuruga from Vladivostok on his way to Manchoukuo to investigate economic conditions. 1934.11.23 — A tentative decision in favour of Tokyo City is made by the French Supreme Court in connection with interest payments on Tokyo franc bonds. 1934.11.24 — The Cabinet agrees on 2,190,644,000 yen as the 1935-36 budget total, calling for 750,357,000 yen of deficit bonds, and adopts the plan for a special tax on industrial profits. 1934.11.24 — Factory statistics for the 1933-34 fiscal year, announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, show that production totalled 4,401,455,000 yen, an increase of 32.1 per cent. compared with the previous year. 1934.11.24 — Britain is averse to signing bilateral naval agreements with either Japan or the U.S., according to London opinion. 1934.11.25 — Japan will absorb the economic system of the Philippines if the U.S. closes its door to Philippine products, Mr. Pedro Guevara, Philippine Commissioner, declares at Los Angeles. 1934.11.25 — Representative Florence P. Kahn says she will propose that Congress prevent the sale of obsolete U.S. ships to Japan and other foreign countries, as scrap metal should be conserved. 1934.11.26 — Finance Minister Sadanobu Fujii resigns because of illness. 1934.11.26 — The Seiyukai and the Minseito announce they have effected a coalition to promote the best interests of the nation. 1934.11.26 — The Japan Economic Federation announces the membership and regulations of its Anglo-Japanese Trade Relations Commission, which Mr. Manzo Kushida will head. 1934.11.26 — The League Secretariat announces that 16 nations have agreed to conform to the recommendations of the Assembly's advisory committee on postal relations with Manchoukuo, mail to be exchanged on the understanding that de facto recognition is not implied. 1934.11.27 — Mr. Korekiyo Takahashi is installed for the seventh time as Finance Minister. 1934.11.27 — Japan formally proposes to France and Italy that they join in abrogating the Washington Naval Treaty. 1934.11.27 — Representative Carl Vinson, chairman of the House committee on naval affairs, tells the press that the U.S. cannot grant naval equality to Japan "at any price" and will maintain the 5:5:3 ratio even though Japan ends the Washington Treaty. 1934.11.27 — General Sadao Araki upholds naval equality in a radio speech. 1934.11.27 — Secretary Hull announces that the U.S. has made no overtures to Britain regarding a pact of mutual assistance covering the Pacific area nor discussed the matter with Japan or other nations. 1934.11.27 — General Chiang Kai-shek, seeing a Japanese correspondent for the first time in four years, declares that Sino-Japanese questions should be settled according to the moral principles of the East. 1934.11.27 — The Dutch delegation at the Batavia trade conference formally proposes that Japan buy large quantities of sugar from Java. 1934.11.27 — A quota on Japanese silk goods imported into the United Kingdom is asked by a deputation of the Silk Association of Great Britain at a meeting of Conservative members of the House of Commons. Mr. Walter Runciman says there are no statutory powers authorizing such a quota and efforts to obtain them would involve treaty obligations. 1934.11.28 — The Emperor opens the extraordinary session of the Diet. 1934.11.28 — Mr. David Lloyd George, speaking in the House of Commons, declares that though Japan's difficulties cannot be ignored it should be told that the China Sea is not a closed sea. He believes there can be a settlement with Japan on a friendly basis. 1934.11.29 — Finance Minister Takahashi indicates opposition to a general tax increase or lower interest for national bonds in the near future. 1934.11.29 — The South Manchuria Railway Company concludes arrangements for floating in Japan 30,000,000 yen of bonds at 4.3 per cent. 1934.11.29 — Detailed regulations for operation of the Manchoukuo Petroleum Monopoly Law are published at Hsinking. 1934.11.29 — With the suppression of 2,000 bandits along the Harbin-Lafa Railway, the Kwantung Army claims that North Manchuria is virtually cleared of large bands of lawless elements. 1934.11.29 — Dutch acquiescence in Japan's proposal that the shipping issue be settled at a non-official parley at Kobe of the shipping interests concerned eases the impasse at the Batavia trade conference. 1934.11.29 — Senator Borah warns against the effects of a naval race. 1934.11.29 — Another bomb is hurled at a Japanese farmhouse in the Salt River Valley, Arizona. 1934.11.30 — The Premier and the Foreign and Finance Ministers deliver speeches at the Diet. 1934.11.30 — The Government issues 300,000,000 yen of 4 per cent. bonds at 98.50 yen, maturing in 1960, 295,000,000 yen to cover the budget deficit and 5,000,000 yen for Korean enterprises. 1934.11.30 — Japan plans to protest to China against the granting of an antimony export monopoly to a British firm by the Hunan Provincial Government, which violates Article IX of the Sino-Japanese supplementary treaty of commerce and navigation. 1934.11.30 — Notes are exchanged at Lisbon prolonging until December 31, 1935, the Japanese-Portuguese commercial treaty. 1934.12.01 — France declines to join Japan in abrogating the Washington naval treaty. 1934.12.01 — The U.S. requires a navy second to none, Secretary Swanson reiterates in his annual report to the President. 1934.12.01 — A new communication on the Manchoukuo petroleum monopoly question is sent to Japan by the U.S. 1934.12.01 — The War Minister tells an interpellator in the Diet that the Army does not intend to enact the economic and social changes advocated in the pamphlet published by the press department of the War Office. 1934.12.01 — The Tanna Tunnel is opened for service, saving from 15 minutes to two hours for Tokyo-Osaka trains. 1934.12.01 — The demand for pig iron in Japan in 1935 is estimated at 1,840,000 tons, more than in 1934 by 600,000 tons. 1934.12.02 — Finance Minister Takahashi tells the budget committee of the Lower House that the nation still has capacity to absorb deficit-covering bonds. 1934.12.03 — The Cabinet decides to set in motion the formalities necessary for giving notice of abrogation of the Washington treaty. 1934.12.03 — The keel of the 10,000-ton special duty ship Tsurugisaki is laid at Yokosuka. 1934.12.03 — Manchoukuo announces that the South Manchuria Railway Company will construct for it three new lines — the Linkou-Mishan, Solun-Wenchuan and Ssupingkai-Wenan — at a cost of 40,000,000 yen. 1934.12.04 — The extraordinary Diet session is prolonged for three days because of the delay in adoption of the relief budget. 1934.12.04 — The Japanese Consul at Los Angeles makes a new appeal for the safety of Japanese farmers in the Salt River Valley to the Governor of Arizona. 1934.12.04 — In a statement published in the U.S. to correct the erroneous views attributed to him in a Christian Science Monitor article, Viscount Saito, former Premier, declares that Japan's insistence on naval equality is not a demand for increased strength. Reduction of armaments is wanted. 1934.12.04 — The Nanking Finance Ministry announces the transfer of Mr. Hirokichi Kishimoto from the general affairs section of the Inspectorate-General of the Chinese Maritime Customs to the post of head of the Tientsin Customs Office. 1934.12.04 — Five new national parks are announced: Akan Lake, Daisetsuzan, Chubu-sangaku (Japan Alps), Nikko and Aso. 1934.12.05 — The Government's decision to abrogate the Washington Naval Treaty is submitted by the Emperor to the Privy Council for deliberation after Italy replies that it cannot join in Japan's move. 1934.12.05 — The Privy Council approves the changes made in February in the international postal treaty and the temporary trade agreement with Turkey. 1934.12.05 — Admiral of the Fleet Earl Beatty says in London that Britain's blunder at the London Naval Conference of agreeing to a limit of 50 cruisers must be rectified. 1934.12.05 — The Seiyukai introduces and passes a motion in the budget committee of the Lower House demanding that the Government appropriate an additional 180,000,000 yen for relief enterprises and refuses to participate in proceedings pending the Government's reply. 1934.12.05 — Damages done by natural calamities in Japan in 1934 amounted to 1,069,197,000 yen, states a Home Ministry report to the Diet. 1934.12.05 — Justice Minister Naoshi Ohara is assailed in the Diet for his denial of deliberate mistreatment by the procurators in their examination of the accused in the Finance Ministry scandal. 1934.12.05 — The Japanese Consul at Los Angeles urges the Governor of Arizona to apprehend those responsible for bombing outrages against Japanese farmers. 1934.12.05 — A sensation is caused in Singapore by the sudden death at police headquarters of a Japanese businessman, Mr. Yoshio Nishimura, who had been invited to give information about two Japanese from Europe. 1934.12.06 — The Government rejects the Seiyukai demand for more relief funds and threatens dissolution of the Diet unless it is withdrawn. 1934.12.06 — Mr. Norman Davis declares in London that abandonment of the principles of the system of treaties reached at the Washington conference "would lead to insecurity, international suspicion and costly competition" and that the U.S. stands for equality of security, not equality of armaments. The U.S. has proposed, he says, "progressive all-round reduction of naval armaments." 1934.12.06 — The Australian Trade Ministry proposes to reduce duties on cotton goods, benefiting Japan as well as Great Britain. 1934.12.07 — The farm and disaster relief budget of 211,284,518 yen for the current and the next two fiscal years is adopted by the Lower House after the Seiyukai yields to the Government's refusal to appropriate more. A resolution is adopted, however, expressing hope that more money will be provided in the future. 1934.12.07 — Two Japanese subjects are detained at Singapore on a warrant of banishment. No reason is given. 1934.12.07 — Senator Nye again assails adoption of a U.S. naval programme directed against Japan. 1934.12.08 — Radio telephonic communication is opened between Japan and the U.S. by an exchange of greetings by Foreign Minister Hirota and Secretary Hull. 1934.12.08 — All religious cults in Tokyo that appear irregular are said to be under police investigation. 1934.12.09 — The House of Peers passes the relief budget. 1934.12.09 — Espionage is rumoured involved in the death of Mr. Nishimura at Singapore on December 5. 1934.12.10 — The extraordinary session of the Diet ends. 1934.12.10 — General Jiro Minami is installed as Ambassador to Manchoukuo, Commander of the Kwantung Army and Governor of the Kwantung Leased Territory. 1934.12.10 — Vice-Admiral Takahashi, taking command of the Combined Fleet, issues a statement in which he emphasizes that peace in the Far East must be maintained by Japan. 1934.12.10 — Ambassador Tamekichi Ota returns to Tokyo from Moscow on leave. 1934.12.10 — The Foreign Office spokesman says that examination of the Kaisee Maru case has not disclosed any warrant for extradition of the crew of the ship to the Philippines. 1934.12.11 — The committee of the Privy Council entrusted with examining the Government's plan for abrogation of the Washington naval treaty decides unanimously to recommend its approval. 1934.12.11 — A draft plan for local self-government in Formosa is submitted to the Cabinet. 1934.12.11 — Viscount Kintomo Mushakoji, Ambassador to Turkey, is selected as Ambassador to Germany, and Mr. Iyemasa Tokugawa, Minister to Canada, is given the Turkish post. 1934.12.11 — The Japanese Consulate at Shanhaikwan protests to the Chinese Customs Office against the seizure of a small Japanese steamer drifting toward the coast because of engine trouble. 1934.12.11 — An unemployed Japanese at San Diego, California, is arrested on suspicion of espionage, but released when found innocent. 1934.12.11 — Colonel E.M. House, writing in Liberty, predicts revival of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. 1934.12.12 — Eighteen regulations giving force to the revisions made in the Election Law are promulgated. 1934.12.12 — The first formal trade treaty between Japan and Rumania is signed at Bucharest. 1934.12.12 — The French Ambassador protests to the Foreign Office against reports in the Tokyo press charging Lieutenant Tessier du Cros, language student attached to the French Embassy, with espionage. 1934.12.12 — Announcement is made that Norway will open a consulate at Dairen. 1934.12.13 — Eighty cavalrymen of the Hsingan Army mutiny and loot the arsenal at Tungliao. 1934.12.14 — An agreement is signed on draft waterways regulations by the Manchoukuo-Soviet waterways technical committee at Heiho. 1934.12.14 — Senator Quezon, stopping in Japan on his way back to Manila from the U.S., sees no reason for a conflict between Japan and the Philippines when the latter gain independence. 1934.12.14 — Major-General Smedley D. Butler warns that big industrial interests in the U.S. may advocate war against Japan to combat the depression. 1934.12.15 — The Japan-America Trade Council asks the America-Japan Trade Council to ease the agitation among U.S. manufacturers for restriction of imports from Japan. 1934.12.15 — Nicaragua's first consul-general to Japan, Mr. Alberto Orozco, arrives in Tokyo. 1934.12.15 — It is learned that the Foreign Office has informed foreign embassies in Tokyo that army and navy officers attached to them for language study will no longer be granted diplomatic privileges, as such privileges are not given to Japanese officers at foreign capitals. 1934.12.15 — Captain T. Yamaguchi, Japanese naval attache at Washington, dissents from the U.S. view that the 5:5:3 ratio gives Japan equality of security. 1934.12.15 — Representative Carl Vinson says he will press for construction of a canal across Nicaragua to give the U.S. two waterways between the Atlantic and the Pacific. 1934.12.15 — Dr. Mataro Nagayo, dean of the medical department, is chosen president of Tokyo Imperial University. 1934.12.16 — Japanese superiority in submarines in return for recognition of 70 cruisers for Britain is said to be embodied in a tentative naval formula worked out by Vice-Admiral Yamamoto and Admiral Sir Ernle Chatfield, in which equality for Japan is recognized in principle. 1934.12.16 — Mr. W. R. Hearst predicts that Japan will eventually occupy the Philippines and thereby menace the U.S. 1934.12.17 — Premier Okada denies the intimation of Dr. Suzuki, president of the Seiyukai, that the Government has committed itself to an increase in relief expenditure. 1934.12.17 — The 1934-35 revenue of 121 cities in Japan is estimated by the Home Ministry at 840,571,000 yen, more than in the previous fiscal year by 32,065,000 yen, and of 1,149 towns and villages at 460,376,000 yen, a gain of 8,454,000 yen. 1934.12.18 — The French Navy Minister tells the Chamber that France has declined to join Japan in denouncing the Washington Treaty only not to embarrass Britain and make a gesture appearing discordant. The Star, London, claims that France and the U.S.S.R. have concluded a military alliance against Japan and Germany, which the Soviet Embassy at London denies. 1934.12.18 — Completion of the 250-kilometre railway from Tumen, on the Korean border of Manchoukuo, to Ningguta is celebrated. 1934.12.18 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry warns Japanese sugar manufacturers not to raise prices further. The current quotation is 22.03 yen a picul. 1934.12.19 — The Privy Council approves abrogation of the Washington Naval Treaty. 1934.12.19 — The London naval conversations are adjourned until an "opportune moment" for resumption. 1934.12.19 — General Minami, leaving to take up his duties at Hsinking, says Japan's policy towards Manchoukuo continues to be based on recognition of the new State's independence and on acceleration of its development as a means of contributing to peace in East Asia. 1934.12.19 — Manchoukuo promulgates regulations for a special committee to appraise the value of the facilities of oil dealers that will be purchased in connection with the oil monopoly. 1934.12.19 — The number of business concerns in Japan proper at the end of 1933 was 71,186, with an aggregate capitalization of 19,052,852,000 yen, of which 14,539,781,000 yen was paid up, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces. 1934.12.19 — The Hunan Provincial Government formally notifies the Japanese Consulate at Changsha that it is breaking off negotiations with a British firm for the granting of an antimony sales monopoly, which Japan had protested as a treaty violation. 1934.12.20 — The U.S. National Foreign Trade Council announces that it is sending a trade mission to China. 1934.12.20 — Mr. Masanao Hanihara, Ambassador at Washington when Congress adopted the law barring Japanese immigrants, dies in Tokyo at the age of 59. 1934.12.20 — The Pig Iron Co-operative Sales Organization announces that about 200,000 tons of pig iron will be imported from India to meet requirements in the first half of 1935. 1934.12.20 — As a further step toward currency unification, Manchoukuo announces that the hsiaoyangpiao (small money) used in Antung Province will be withdrawn from circulation. 1934.12.21 — The report of the F.B.I. mission published at London, stresses the progress of Manchoukuo, reveals that British industry has been promised participation in its development and suggests various approaches to Anglo-Japanese economic co-operation. 1934.12.21 — Final questions in the N.M.R. negotiations, Foreign Minister Hirota and Ambassador Yurenev decide, are to be handled by Mr. Shigenori Togo, director of the European and Asiatic Bureau of the Foreign Office, and Mr. B. I. Kozlovsky. 1934.12.21 — Mr. Frank B. Kellogg, interviewed at Washington, voices conviction that Japan is not terminating the Washington Naval Treaty because of desire for war. 1934.12.21 — The embargo on dyed shalloon exports is lifted by the new Japan Dyed Shalloon Export Guild, which will control shipments. 1934.12.22 — The Privy Council approves the plan for reform of the Japanese administrative system in Manchuria. 1934.12.22 — The F.B.I. appoints a permanent committee, headed by Lord Barnby, to discuss Anglo-Japanese economic problems with the corresponding committee of the Japan Economic Federation. 1934.12.22 — The authorities at Singapore indicate confidence that manoeuvres have shown that the port will soon be safe from any attack from the sea or air. 1934.12.22 — A letter from the Navy Ministry to Lieutenant de Cros, of the French Embassy, in which assurance is given that the charge of spying made against him in the press is believed to be without foundation, is made public. 1934.12.22 — Anti-Catholic agitation is reported on Amami-Oshima because of suspicion that foreign Catholic priests have been engaging in espionage. 1934.12.22 — The Superior Court of Arizona acquits three Japanese charged with violation of the anti-alien land law when it is proved they are U.S. citizens. 1934.12.22 — Secretary of Commerce Roper's report to the President shows that U.S. exports to Asia increased by 53 per cent. during 1934. 1934.12.23 — The first birthday of the Crown Prince is celebrated. 1934.12.23 — Japan wants to overcome its naval inferiority because it believes it cannot otherwise reach an understanding with China, Dr. Wilhelm Solf, former German Ambassador to Tokyo, writes in the Berliner Tageblatt. 1934.12.24 — The 67th session of the Diet convenes, and Mr. Kunimatsu Hamada, of the Seiyukai, is elected Speaker of the Lower House. 1934.12.24 — The Batavia trade conference adjourns, with conclusion of a new trade treaty dependent on future developments. Ambassador Nagaoka hands to Governor-General de Jonge a message from Foreign Minister Hirota saying that Japan will do everything possible to promote friendly relations in order to bring about resumption of the conversations. 1934.12.24 — An agreement on the establishment of Chinese and Manchoukuo customs offices along the Great Wall is signed at Peiping. 1934.12.24 — The Foreign Office spokesman welcomes the reported intention of the U.S. authorities to discourage provocative utterances in connection with the naval question. 1934.12.24 — The Chilean Exchange Control Commission decides that imports from Japan will be admitted only against shipments of equal value to Japan from Chile. 1934.12.25 — The Finance Ministry announces that the 1935-36 budget will total 2,193,414,289 yen, divided into 1,293,082,841 yen for the ordinary account and 900,331,448 yen for the extraordinary account. To meet the deficit in revenue, 749,651,680 yen of bonds will be required. 1934.12.25 — The Soviet-Manchoukuo waterways navigation regulations are signed at Heiho, though on some details an agreement was not reached. 1934.12.26 — The 67th Diet session formally opens in the presence of the Emperor. 1934.12.26 — The War Minister, General Hayashi, is appointed President of the Manchurian Bureau and Mr. Ryuichiro Nagaoka as head of the Kwantung Board with the promulgation of the Imperial Ordinance governing the new system of Japanese administration in Manchuria. 1934.12.26 — The Emperor of Manchoukuo receives a letter, dated August 16, from the President of the Dominican Republic conveying his desire "to continue and promote the friendly relations existing between the Dominican Republic and the Empire of Manchoukuo." 1934.12.26 — Mr. Kozlovsky and Mr. Togo take up the N.M.R. negotiations previously conducted by Foreign Minister Hirota and Ambassador Yurenev. 1934.12.26 — The Japan Iron Manufacturing Company is ordered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to retain the price of 44.60 yen per ton for pig iron, despite price increases by other companies. 1934.12.26 — Minister Ariyoshi meets with Mr. Wang Ching-wei at Nanking on the new licence regulation for foreign pilots on the Yangtze and the transfer of Mr. Kishimoto to the Tientsin Customs Office. 1934.12.26 — Petroleum sales quotas for refiners and importers in 1935 are fixed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The demand is estimated at 1,150,000 kilolitres, greater than in 1934 by 150,000 kilolitres. Foreign firms are given a large share of the increase. 1934.12.26 — The War Minister tells the Cabinet that the Army, Navy and Home Ministries mean to submit to the Diet an aerial defence bill. 1934.12.26 — The Supreme Court upholds Tokyo City in a test case brought by a holder of Tokyo franc bonds demanding payment in sterling instead of depreciated francs. 1934.12.27 — The Cabinet approves the plan for organization of a commission to investigate national policies. 1934.12.27 — The Diet recesses for the New Year holidays. 1934.12.27 — The procurators, with completion of the preliminary examination, lift the press ban on details of the Teikoku Rayon Company scandal, involving two former Cabinet Ministers, officials of the Finance Ministry and business men, 17 in all, which brought the downfall of the Saito Cabinet. 1934.12.27 — General Minami, after presenting his credentials to the Emperor of Manchoukuo, is quoted as having told the press that political changes in Japan cannot alter Japan's Manchoukuo policy. 1934.12.28 — The Finance Ministry announces that the 1933 balance of Japan's international accounts was adverse by 11,600,000 yen, compared with 56,700,000 yen in 1932. The favourable balance of 66,200,000 yen in invisible trade counteracted a large portion of the unfavourable balance of 77,800,000 yen in visible trade. 1934.12.28 — The defendants in the Teikoku Rayon scandal issue statements denying guilt and charging maltreatment by the procurators during their examinations to force confessions. 1934.12.28 — The U.S. Ambassador presents a fresh representation to the Foreign Office on the Japanese Oil Control Law. 1934.12.28 — British, U.S. and Dutch oil representatives confer in Shanghai on Far Eastern oil questions. 1934.12.28 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry approves an increase of 3½ sen in the retail price of gasoline in Tokyo, making it 43½ sen. 1934.12.28 — The U.S. delegation at London indicates it will not return to the naval talks unless Japan's attitude changes. 1934.12.28 — Dr. Mineichiro Adachi, member and former president of the World Court, dies at Amsterdam. 1934.12.28 — The widow of Fleet-Admiral Marquis Togo dies. 1934.12.28 — France fixes the import quota for Japanese canned and prepared shellfish for the first half of 1935 at 1,310 metric quintals. 1934.12.28 — The Dominican Government denies that its President's letter to the Emperor of Manchoukuo meant recognition of the new State. 1934.12.29 — Ambassador Saito delivers to Secretary Hull Japan's notification of abrogation of the Washington naval treaty. A statement issued by the Ambassador expresses confidence there will not be competitive naval building. 1934.12.29 — Secretary Hull issues a statement declaring that the U.S. favours equality of security, not equality of armaments. 1934.12.29 — Rear-Admiral J. M. Reeves announces that the 1935 manoeuvres of the U.S. navy in the Pacific will be on a greater scale than ever before. 1934.12.29 — The U.S. naval delegation leaves London to return to Washington. A spokesman says a multilateral Pacific non-aggression pact including China and the U.S.S.R. might cause the U.S. to reconsider its insistence on the 5:5:3 ratio. 1934.12.31 — Announcement is made of an agreement giving Japanese the right to lease land in North Manchuria with no restrictions except that the leases are to run for 30 years, subject to renewal. 1934.12.31 — The net profit of Japan's international shipping in 1934 is estimated at about 120,000,000 yen. 1934.12.31 — Special New Year messages to the Japanese public are sent by Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler, who says the Japanese Government is endangering its high reputation; Admiral W. V. Pratt, who regrets Japanese-American misunderstanding; Colonel E. M. House, and Mr. Arthur Brisbane. 1935.01.01 — Announcement is made of an agreement between Manchoukuo and China, reached at Peiping on December 14, to exchange mails. 1935.01.02 — Secretary Swanson denies there was any significance to the announcement of detailed plans for the U.S. fleet manoeuvres simultaneously with Japan's abrogation of the Washington Treaty. 1935.01.02 — Mr. Nobufumi Ito, Minister to Poland, tells the Association of Warsaw Lawyers that he favours the principle of zones of influence instead of the Open Door for China. 1935.01.03 — Finance Minister Takahashi warns that Japan's foreign trade prosperity cannot be viewed optimistically until many international economic problems are settled. 1935.01.04 — Officers of the Kwantung Army and Japanese resident officers in China meet at Dairen, reportedly to consider China's lack of sincerity in observing the 1933 Tangku truce, though this is denied at Tokyo. 1935.01.04 — The League Secretariat publishes the Mandates Commission's report on Japan's rule over the South Sea islands. 1935.01.04 — Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr., advocates U.S. recognition of Manchoukuo and at the same time assails the Government's failure to counteract Japanese trade competition. U.S. official sources are credited with indicating that no step will be taken in the immediate future to challenge Japan's retention of the mandated islands. 1935.01.04 — Cuba notifies Japan of abrogation of their trade convention, effective April 4. It is said to desire a new one based on reciprocity. 1935.01.05 — The Finance Ministry is reported confident that redemption in cash of the South Manchuria Railway 6,000,000 sterling bonds maturing January 1, 1936, can be managed without harming Japan's credit position. 1935.01.05 — Prime Minister MacDonald promises, in a radio address, that Britain will make every effort during the two years before expiration of the Washington Naval Treaty to find a new basis for a world peace agreement. 1935.01.06 — Lord Rothermere, in The Sunday Dispatch, warns against British participation with the U.S. in action against Japan and expresses the belief that eventually Japan will monopolize the international trade in all textiles. 1935.01.07 — The Imperial Household Department formally announces that the Emperor of Manchoukuo will visit Japan early in April. 1935.01.07 — General Takashi Hishikari, retiring Ambassador to Manchoukuo, returns to Tokyo from Hsinking. 1935.01.07 — Foreign Minister Hirota, claims the Tokyo Nichi Nichi, means to take definite steps to improve Sino-Japanese relations, offering economic assistance if Nanking sincerely suppresses anti-Japanese agitation. 1935.01.07 — The French Ambassador informs Foreign Minister Hirota of the French note to the U.S. on the naval question, in which dissatisfaction with the ratio system is expressed. 1935.01.08 — Finance Minister Takahashi warns the Cabinet that excessive Japanese investments in Manchoukuo are likely to disturb Japan's international credit position. 1935.01.08 — Japanese cotton cloth exports in 1934 totalled 2,567,639,000 yards, more by 25 per cent. than in 1933, the Export Cotton Yarn and Cloth Traders' Association announces. 1935.01.08 — Infantile dysentery becomes epidemic at Kawasaki, a city between Tokyo and Yokohama. 1935.01.08 — Mr. Norman Davis, back at Washington, believes the ground was prepared at London for a new naval agreement that perhaps can be reached this year. Nobody wants a naval race, he says. 1935.01.08 — Mr. W. R. Castle, Jr., regrets in a Washington speech the untimeliness of the announcements of Representative Vinson's naval building programme and the naval manoeuvres in the Pacific. 1935.01.08 — Senator W. H. King introduces a resolution proposing investigation by the Senate foreign affairs committee to determine whether Japan has violated the Kellogg-Briand Anti-War Pact or the Nine-Power Treaty and is fortifying the South Sea mandated islands. 1935.01.09 — Home Minister Goto asks more than 20 prefectural governors to submit their resignations in a shake-up aimed at ending stagnation among office-holders. 1935.01.09 — The Bank of Japan estimates business investments in 1934 at 1,323,052,000 yen, an amount exceeded only in 1929. 1935.01.09 — Captain Tamon Yamaguchi, naval attache of the Washington Embassy, says in a New York speech that Japan seeks disarmament, not increased armaments, and attributes reluctance to entrust Oriental affairs to Japan to misunderstanding. 1935.01.09 — Administration leaders in the U.S. Senate block Senator King's resolution for an enquiry into Japan's observance of international treaties. 1935.01.10 — The Finance Ministry announces that the Japanese Empire's 1934 exports totalled 2,258,081,000 yen and imports 2,400,424,000 yen, giving an adverse balance of 142,343,000 yen. 1935.01.10 — A formal protest is made to the Nanking Government against a new boycott of Japanese goods by a student organization. 1935.01.10 — Manchoukuo accepts Japan's proposal that a committee be formed to prepare for the Japanese-Manchoukuo economic conference. 1935.01.10 — Military circles are represented as opposed to Finance Minister Takahashi's warning on investments in Manchoukuo, claiming they are not similar to foreign investments and are essential for development of the new State. 1935.01.10 — The postal service between Manchoukuo and China is opened. 1935.01.10 — General Tsuang Shih-yi, Manchoukuo Home Minister, arrives in Tokyo on a good-will visit. 1935.01.10 — The official commission charged with working out relief measures for the famine-stricken Tohoku prefectures holds its initial meeting. 1935.01.11 — The Foreign Office spokesman is quoted as saying Japan cannot accept any difference from the U.S. in the means of maintaining national security. For the U.S. to insist on superiority would seem to indicate an intention to engage in aggressive operations in the Far East. What Japan wants is the scrapping of aggressive armaments. 1935.01.11 — The Bank of Japan raises the price it will pay for gold from 2.95 yen a gramme to 3.09 yen. 1935.01.11 — The refusal of Chinese postal authorities to accept for transmission mail addressed to "Manchoukuo" is regarded by the Japanese representatives in North China as a violation of the Sino-Manchoukuo postal exchange agreement. 1935.01.12 — Home Minister Goto announces a plan for establishment of an economic section in each prefectural government to take charge of economic planning. 1935.01.12 — The Kwantung Army indicates opposition to the use of dirigibles on an air line between Tokyo and Hsinking. 1935.01.12 — A Brazilian report says that Japanese immigrants in 1934 totalled 28,620, or 81.5 per cent. of all immigrants. 1935.01.12 — Manchoukuo denies that guards could have fired on Soviet troops across the frontier near Blagoveshchensk on December 2 or near Heiho on December 4, as claimed in a Soviet protest. 1935.01.13 — The U.S. National Foreign Trade Council announces that it is sponsoring a trade mission to Japan, separate from that being sent to China. 1935.01.14 — The Yokohama City Assembly joins the Yokohama Chamber of Commerce and Industry in supporting the campaign of raw silk traders in opposition to the Government's draft bill for the establishment of guilds to control export raw silk sales. 1935.01.15 — The Cabinet approves and announces 24 shifts among prefectural governors and agrees to Home Minister Goto's plan for economic sections in the prefectural governments. 1935.01.15 — Figures announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry show that the production of silk cocoons in 1934 was 87,199,771 kwan, less than in 1933 by 13.8 per cent., worth 204,131,502 yen, less than in 1933 by 59.2 per cent. 1935.01.15 — The F.B.I. announces the personnel of its special committee to maintain contact with the similar body of the Japan Economic Federation on Anglo-Japanese economic relations. 1935.01.15 — The South Manchuria Railway Company starts operation for Manchoukuo of the Tuning, Chingta and Jehol railways. 1935.01.15 — Indications of agitation against Japanese farmers appear in Tulare County, California. 1935.01.16 — Secretary Swanson reiterates his view that the 5:5:3 ratio is essential for national defence, but says the U.S. will not start a naval race. 1935.01.16 — The yen declines to 28.40 cents, the lowest in relation to the dollar since November 4, 1933. 1935.01.16 — Rayon textiles exported from Japan in 1934 totalled 345,655,000 yards, 33 per cent. more than in 1933, worth 113,467,000 yen, according to the Japan Rayon Association. 1935.01.17 — The Japanese garrison at Jehol City announces that a decision has been taken to deal with the invasion of Manchoukuo territory by troops of General Sung Che-yuan, of Chahar. 1935.01.17 — Mr. Lloyd George declares the danger of war in the Pacific necessitates close Anglo-American understanding and asks the Government to adopt a stronger policy regarding China. 1935.01.17 — The Philippine Justice Secretary regrets Japan's refusal to extradite the crew of the Kaisee Maru and adds that the Philippines will remember the precedent should Japan ever seek extradition. 1935.01.17 — Premier Okada exchanges views with Mr. Chuji Machida, head of the Minseito, and Mr. Kenzo Adachi, president of the Kokumin Domei, and asks the support of their parties in the Diet. 1935.01.17 — Dr. Suzuki, president of the Seiyukai, accepts the Premier's second invitation to discuss national affairs. 1935.01.18 — Japanese and Manchoukuo troops start operations to drive General Sung's troops from the Fengning district of Jehol. An explanation is issued by the Kwantung Army at Hsinking. 1935.01.18 — Representations are made to the U.S.S.R. by the Heiho authorities against the illegal entry of armed troops into Manchoukuo on January 15 near Honantun. 1935.01.18 — Japanese exports to Manchoukuo in 1934, according to the Finance Ministry, totalled 107,132,000 yen and imports from Manchoukuo 164,193,000 yen; exports to the Kwantung Leased Territory 295,869,000 yen and imports 27,238,000 yen; exports to North China 55,094,000 yen and imports 46,719,000 yen; exports to Central China 60,168,000 yen and imports 63,049,000 yen; exports to South China 1,899,000 yen and imports 9,791,000 yen, and exports to Hongkong 33,496,000 yen and imports 1,480,000 yen. All figures show increases compared with 1933. 1935.01.18 — Dr. Nagaoka, returning to Tokyo from the Batavia trade conference, expresses the belief that the foundation for an agreement has been laid. 1935.01.18 — Commerce Minister Chuji Machida consents to become president of the Minseito. 1935.01.18 — The Siamese Government announces the appointment of Professor Choji Ito, of Kyushu Imperial University, as lecturer on economics at the University of Siam. 1935.01.19 — Japan's 1934 report on its mandated islands is approved by the League Council. 1935.01.19 — Mr. C. Murchison, director of the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, points out at Louisville, Kentucky, that Japan has succeeded better than any other country in maintaining purchases in the U.S. 1935.01.21 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies a report that Foreign Minister Hirota means to propose to China a pact based on the non-menace, non-aggression principles and another report that the Japanese Legation is being moved to Nanking. 1935.01.21 — The Harris Foundation of the University of Chicago recommends general consultation in connection with the Kellogg Pact as a substitute for the present system of consultation on preservation of China's integrity and characterizes U.S. possession of the Philippines, Samoa and Guam as a military weakness. 1935.01.21 — Filipinos regard Japan as a menace to independence, declares Philippine commissioner P. Guevara at Washington. 1935.01.22 — The actual 1934 rice crop is announced as 51,839,629 koku, less by 26.8 per cent. than the 1933 crop and by 17.2 per cent. than the average crop for the previous five years. 1935.01.22 — The total value of securities in Japan at the beginning of the year is given by the Tokyo Stock Exchange as 38,198,000,000 yen. 1935.01.22 — An all-time high record of 12,539,684,000 yen in bank deposits in Japan proper, Formosa and Saghalien was established at the end of 1934, the Finance Ministry announces. 1935.01.22 — The personnel of the Manchurian Affairs Bureau meets under Premier Okada for the first time. 1935.01.22 — The Premier and the Foreign and Finance Ministers deliver addresses at the resumption of the 67th Diet session. Foreign Minister Hirota notes improvement in relations with the U.S.S.R. and hopes China will realize Japan's peaceful intentions. 1935.01.22 — Agreement on all major issues in the N.M.R. negotiations enables the formation of a committee to draft the transfer agreement. 1935.01.22 — U.S. silver leaders are reported disappointed at Japan's apparent opposition to the U.S. policy of increasing the silver price because of its unsettling effect on Chinese commerce. 1935.01.22 — Senator W. H. King announces he will push his resolutions for inquiries into Japan's activities in its mandated islands and the legality of its actions in Manchuria under the Nine-Power Treaty. 1935.01.22 — The Kwantung Army clashes with General Sung's troops on the Jehol border. 1935.01.22 — Japan will oppose postponement of the 1935 naval conference, Vice-Admiral Yamamoto believes in a London statement. 1935.01.22 — Consul-General A. Kimura denies at Manila the statement of commissioner Guevara at Washington that he had said it is up to the Filipinos themselves to determine whether the large Japanese investments in the Islands would menace independence. 1935.01.23 — Senator W. G. McAdoo expresses pleasure at Japan's abrogation of the Washington Treaty, saying it will give the U.S. freedom to build as large a navy as it needs. 1935.01.23 — Secretary Swanson voices the belief that the projected use of Wake and Midway Islands as bases for a trans-Pacific air route would not violate the non-fortification clause of the Washington Treaty. 1935.01.23 — In an attempt to embarrass Communications Minister, Takejiro Tokonami, the Seiyukai accuses him in the Diet of having accepted a bribe of 500,000 yuan from Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang. 1935.01.23 — Alleged third-degree methods of the police and procurators are denounced in the House of Peers by Dr. Tatsukichi Minobe, authority on constitutional law. 1935.01.23 — The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry announces the formation of an economic mission to Brazil, headed by Mr. Hachisaburo Hirao, president of the Kawasaki Dockyard Company, Kobe. 1935.01.23 — The Shizuoka Prefectural Government announces that experimental cotton planting in 1934 yielded 3,000 kwan, with a net profit of 51.21 yen per tan of land. 1935.01.23 — The Chinese postal authorities say they will accept mail bearing such addresses as Manchoukuo and Hsinking, if the former names of these places are also used. 1935.01.24 — A clash occurs near Lake Buir between Manchoukuo troops and a detachment of Outer Mongolians invading Manchoukuo territory. 1935.01.24 — The Moscow press welcomes Foreign Minister Hirota's policy of friendship with the U.S.S.R., but criticizes his references to Soviet defences in the Far East and the "sovietization" of Sinkiang. 1935.01.24 — Professor James T. Shotwell tells the University of Georgia's Institute of Public Affairs that the 1924 immigration law and the Stimson policy of not recognizing Manchoukuo should be modified. 1935.01.25 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei declares to a Japanese interviewer that he means to exert every effort for Sino-Japanese co-operation. 1935.01.25 — Frank recognition that East Asia is Japan's sphere of influence is urged by The Daily Mail, London. 1935.01.26 — Questioned in the Diet, Finance Minister Takahashi says his remarks to the Cabinet on January 8 on Manchurian investments had been misinterpreted. Though such investments may seriously affect the exchange position of the yen, he did not hold they should be prohibited. Assistance to Manchoukuo cannot be withheld. 1935.01.26 — Mr. Guy Locock, director of the F.B.I., states at Manchester that Manchoukuo has promised that with the transfer of the N.M.R. British industry may be able to participate in its development. 1935.01.26 — The U.S. State Department publishes documents covering Japanese-American friction in 1919 regarding the N.M.R., then the Chinese Eastern Railway. 1935.01.26 — Discussions are held between Chinese and Japanese military representatives at Peiping for a conference to settle the Jehol-Chahar incident. 1935.01.27 — A charge that Outer Mongolia has been invaded by Manchoukuo troops is made by the Outer Mongolian Premier in a statement, published in Moscow, in which the claim is made that the territory in dispute has from time immemorial belonged to the Khalkhas Mongolians. 1935.01.28 — The Kwantung Army announces that with the complete withdrawal of General Sung's troops from Jehol the border campaign has ended. 1935.01.28 — Sir Oswald Mosley, British Fascist leader, assails British statesmen for interfering in Far Eastern affairs and advocates letting Japan create an empire in Manchuria and Mongolia. 1935.01.28 — Mr. V. M. Molotov tells the 7th All-Union Congress of Soviets that two major sources of danger to the U.S.S.R. are Japan and Germany. 1935.01.28 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells the Diet that the efforts of the U.S. Government have calmed the anti-Japanese trouble in Arizona. 1935.01.28 — Under-Secretary of State Phillips says in New York that the U.S. is ready to negotiate on proportionate lowering of naval levels, leaving the balance unaffected. 1935.01.28 — Prime Minister MacDonald informs the House of Commons that the naval question is being discussed through diplomatic channels in an effort to create a situation favourable to resumption of the preliminary conversations. 1935.01.28 — Sir Samuel Hoare says in the House of Commons that the Government is satisfied that no Japanese textiles are entering India through a third country to evade the quota. 1935.01.29 — Minister Ariyoshi, after conferring with Mr. Wang Ching-wei at Nanking, tells the press there are definite signs of steady improvement in Sino-Japanese relations. Mr. Wang promises to reinstate Mr. Kishimoto as chief secretary of the Inspectorate-General of the Chinese Maritime Customs and to postpone enforcement of the new regulations governing foreign pilots on the Yangtze. 1935.01.29 — Lieutenant-General Yoshimichi Suzuki, military attache of the Japanese Legation in China, tells General Chiang Kai-shek that improvement of Sino-Japanese relations depends on strict control of anti-Japanese sentiment in China and assures him Japan has no aggressive intentions. 1935.01.29 — The Government introduces into the Lower House its bill for a special tax on the profits of certain industries, estimated to yield 30,000,000 yen in the next fiscal year. 1935.01.29 — The captain and crew of the Kaisee Maru, whose extradition to Manila was refused, are sentenced to prison terms in Formosa for violence against Philippine officials in September. 1935.01.30 — Minister Ariyoshi meets at Nanking with General Chiang Kai-shek, at the latter's request, to discuss Sino-Japanese relations. 1935.01.30 — A Sino-Japanese meeting at Tatan, Jehol, is arranged to settle the border dispute. 1935.01.30 — General Minami says at Mukden that Sino-Japanese co-operation should be possible in combating Communism. 1935.01.30 — The Outer Mongolian invaders of Manchoukuo are forced to evacuate Halhamiao. 1935.01.30 — A Manchoukuo protest is handed to the Soviet Consul-General at Harbin against crossings into Manchoukuo territory by Soviet soldiers and arrests of Manchoukuo subjects, which the note says have been increasing of late. 1935.01.30 — The Soviet Congress hears that the Red Army has been increased to 940,000 men, largely to man the new fortifications in the east and west. 1935.01.30 — The Finance Ministry estimates interest payments on national indebtedness in the 1934-35 fiscal year at 394,447,000 yen and in the 1935-36 fiscal year at 445,151,000 yen, the latter divided into 371,911,000 yen on domestic debts and 73,240,000 yen on foreign debts. 1935.01.31 — Navy Minister Osumi tells the Lower House budget committee he is confident there will be no naval race even if a new treaty is not concluded. 1935.01.31 — Minister Ariyoshi, returning to Shanghai from Nanking, voices faith in General Chiang Kai-shek's sincerity in desiring to end anti-Japanese agitation. 1935.01.31 — A rumour is circulated in Nanking that China is entering an economic bloc with Japan and Manchoukuo, but Government officials deny it. 1935.01.31 — Mr. Sadanobu Fujii, recent Finance Minister, dies as a result of the strain on his health of formulating the 1935-36 budget. 1935.01.31 — Dr. Manuel Quezon advises the Philippine Constitutional Convention to omit from the charter of the Commonwealth Government any provision likely to offend Japan or other countries. 1935.01.31 — The Japanese military attache at Warsaw denies rumours of a Japanese-Polish military alliance. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. IV No. 1 (June 1935) --- (covers 1935.02.01 to 1935.04.30) 1935.02.01 — General Chiang Kai-shek tells newspaper men at Nanking that the anti-Japanese movements should be abandoned in response to Foreign Minister Hirota's references to China in his Diet speech and that Sino-Japanese relations will improve if Japan deals with China on an equal footing. 1935.02.01 — The parcel post and money order services between China and Manchoukuo are opened. 1935.02.01 — The Manchoukuo Army sends a note to the Outer Mongolian Government requesting that its troops be withdrawn and truce arrangements made. 1935.02.01 — The Pravda declares that Japan's reiterated refusal to sign a non-aggression pact with the U.S.S.R. indicates that its military circles are considering an attack. 1935.02.01 — The committee drafting the North Manchuria Railway transfer agreements holds its first meeting at Tokyo. 1935.02.01 — Governor-General Frank Murphy of the Philippines visits Tokyo on his way from Manila to Washington and has lunch with Foreign Minister Hirota. 1935.02.01 — The Japan Cotton Spinners' Association decides to increase curtailment of production from 11.2 per cent. to 16.2 per cent. for three years, effective April 1, because of the rapid expansion of equipment. 1935.02.01 — The Ceylon State Council adopts a resolution asking the British Colonial Secretary to suspend the quota system applied to imports from Japan. 1935.02.02 — The first meeting of Japanese and Australian representatives for the conclusion of a commercial treaty is held at Canberra. 1935.02.02 — The Tatan "peace conference" is successfully concluded, with the Chinese expressing regrets for the Jehol border incident and agreeing not to send troops beyond Shihmenchang, Nanshihchantre and Tungyehchiao. 1935.02.02 — The Manchoukuo Communications Ministry reveals that it has received proposals, through the Japanese postal authorities, from Poland and the Dutch East Indies for the opening of postal money order services. 1935.02.02 — The Finance Ministry announces that Japanese holdings of foreign currency securities and deposits totalled 1,448,706,000 yen at the end of October, 1934. It estimates that Government payments abroad during the 1935-36 fiscal year will be 213,092,817 yen. 1935.02.02 — The Dutch East Indian authorities serve notice that restrictions will be imposed on brushes, safety razor blades and five other categories of sundry goods from Japan. 1935.02.04 — The Foreign Office spokesman says he can assure the world that no political demands were presented by Minister Ariyoshi in his recent talks with Nanking leaders. Official communiques are issued at Hsinking and Peiping on the results of the Tatan conference. 1935.02.04 — Outer Mongolia agrees to negotiate with Manchoukuo on the Lake Buir incident. 1935.02.04 — The Shanghai office of the Russo-Asiatic Bank issues a statement protesting against the impending sale of the North Manchuria Railway, on which it has a claim. 1935.02.04 — One hundred Protestant clergymen of Greater New York address a message to President Roosevelt protesting against the naval manoeuvres on the Pacific as "destructive of neighbourliness." 1935.02.04 — Hawaiian statistics show that of the electorate of 71,000, those of Japanese descent number 15,317, greater than in 1932 by 4,044 and second only to native Hawaiians. 1935.02.04 — Senator John H. Bankhead reveals he is considering legislation to protect the U.S. textile industry from Japanese competition. The Senate agricultural committee hears that Japan is ousting U.S. cotton textiles from Cuba and South American countries as well as from the Philippines. 1935.02.04 — Secretary Hull indicates that Japan will share in the trade advantages given to Brazil in the new reciprocal trade agreement. 1935.02.04 — Representative J. W. Martin demands in Congress that Japanese imports into the U.S. be checked, and Commissioner Guevara tells the Senate's agricultural committee that early definition of future U.S.-Philippine trade relations will save the U.S. textile market in the islands from Japanese competition. 1935.02.05 — The Cabinet and the Seiyukai indicate willingness to compromise on the latter's demand for 150,000,000 yen more for farm relief. 1935.02.05 — It is revealed in the Diet that the extension of military conscription to Korea is under consideration. 1935.02.05 — The Finance Minister indicates that Japanese investments in Manchoukuo since September, 1932, have totalled 481,000,000 yen. 1935.02.05 — Premier Guendun of the Mongolian National Republic declares Manchoukuo is to blame for the Lake Buir incident and that the disputed area has belonged always to the Halkha Mongols. 1935.02.05 — A bill introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives prohibits Japanese from not only acquiring, leasing or occupying land, but also cultivating crops or being employed in harvesting. 1935.02.06 — Navy Minister Osumi tells a Diet committee that no figures for its global tonnage plan were offered by Japan in the London conversations and that none will be offered until Britain and the U.S. recognize the fundamental principles of the Japanese claims. He hints at the formulation of a third replenishment programme and says Japan will consider revision of the agreements on limitation of Pacific fortifications if the other Powers to deal with Hawaii and Singapore included. 1935.02.06 — Secretary Swanson says the U.S. naval manoeuvres in the Pacific will not approach within 2,000 miles of Japan. 1935.02.06 — Mr. Nagabumi Ariga and Mr. Kikunosuke Fukai retire as managing directors of the Mitsui Gomei Kaisha, and Mr. Kaneo Nanjo is appointed to serve with Managing Director Seihin Ikeda. 1935.02.07 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells a Diet committee Japan has no idea of concluding any sort of anti-war pact with the U.S.S.R. and that the anti-Japanese trouble in Arizona is being settled through negotiations with the U.S. 1935.02.07 — The Nanking Government instructs the police and the Kuomintang to curb anti-Japanese manifestations. Washington officials indicate there is little chance for an agreement on Pacific fortifications on a basis differing widely from that in the Washington Naval Treaty. 1935.02.07 — Mr. Genkuro Eto demands in the Lower House of the Diet that the Government suppress Lectures on the Constitution, by Dr. Tatsukichi Minobe, member of the House of Peers and authority on constitutional law, on the ground that it contains passages disrespectful to the Emperor. 1935.02.07 — Figures for 1934 show that the favourable balance of the U.S. in its trade with Japan widened to 179,435,000 yen. Imports from the U.S. totalled 769,539,000 yen, and exports to the U.S. 398,428,000 yen. 1935.02.08 — War Minister Hayashi tells a Diet committee that it cannot be said that transfer of the N.M.R. to Manchoukuo will mean abandonment of warlike intentions by the U.S.S.R. in the Far East and agrees that the increase in Japanese military expenditures has been caused in part by the increase in Soviet military strength. 1935.02.08 — The Foreign Office spokesman reveals that the Shanghai office of the Japanese Legation in China is gradually being moved to Nanking because of increased business there. 1935.02.08 — Osaka and Tokyo business men indicate readiness to give economic assistance to China. 1935.02.08 — Twenty thousand rice dealers assemble in Tokyo to protest the Government's rice control bill. 1935.02.08 — Senator E. W. Gibson, member of the Senatorial mission to Manila, says on returning to Washington that the Philippines are worried over Japanese economic advances and uncertain about the policies Japan will pursue when they are free. 1935.02.08 — The Japanese Consul at Davao warns the Philippine Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce that Japanese farmers will contest the proposed cancellation of their land leases on the ground they were acquired illegally. 1935.02.08 — General MacArthur recommends to the House military committee that the army be given $90,000,000 with which to buy 800 armoured aeroplanes. 1935.02.08 — Plans are revealed at Honolulu for an air base covering 1,200 acres and costing more than $10,000,000. 1935.02.08 — The first of a group of 20 Siamese naval officers and cadets arrive in Japan for study. 1935.02.08 — Rayon production in Japan sets a new record in January, 111,211 boxes, made possible by increased plant equipment. 1935.02.09 — Premier Okada tells the Lower House budget committee that the Government has decided to provide 13,000,000 yen more for farm relief by increasing by this amount the second reserve fund. The Seiyukai regards this as unsatisfactory response to its demand for an increase of 180,000,000 yen. 1935.02.09 — Finance Vice-Minister Tsushima expresses confidence in Japan's ability to meet foreign payments and points out that the foreign trade statistics, though honestly compiled, do not reflect accurately the balance of payments. 1935.02.09 — The U.S. Department of Commerce publishes a report in which complaints against imports from Japan are held unwarranted in view of the far larger U.S. sales to Japan. 1935.02.09 — The Manchoukuo authorities oppose the proposal of Outer Mongolia that the Lake Buir negotiations be held on Soviet territory, with Soviet officials as observers. 1935.02.09 — General Jan Smuts urges before the South Africa Institute of International Relations that Britain and the U.S. unite in facing the Japanese menace to peace. 1935.02.10 — At a luncheon given for him by Mr. H. L. Stimson at Washington, Lord Lytton advocates that the world appeal to Japan to help in saving the collective system of preserving peace. 1935.02.10 — Mr. Hatazo Yokotake, commercial attache of the Japanese Legation in China, returns to Tokyo with recommendations for Japan's policy towards the question of economic assistance for China. He is said to favour promotion of trade, with China producing more of the raw materials needed by Japanese industry, such as cotton. 1935.02.12 — The Emperor grants 200,000 yen to 784 social welfare organizations on the occasion of the 2,595th anniversary of the founding of the Empire. 1935.02.12 — The Mayor of Tokyo formally announces plans for the international exposition to be held in Tokyo in 1940 in celebration of the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of the Empire. 1935.02.12 — Manchoukuo and China agree on details of direct telegraphic communications. 1935.02.12 — The Philippine Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce is said to have abandoned his plan to buy out Japanese holdings in Davao, but will recommend a stricter policy on new leases. 1935.02.13 — Vice-Admiral Yamamoto, returning to Tokyo, says he will make certain recommendations to the Government, but no concession can be made on the fundamentals of the Japanese naval claims. 1935.02.13 — The U.S. House's military committee hears a demand for air bases in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. 1935.02.13 — Foreign Minister Hymans says the Belgian Government has been endeavouring for two years to obtain a market for Belgian goods in Manchoukuo, where two consulates-general have been established. 1935.02.13 — Manchoukuo announces the release, because of insufficient evidence, of six of the Soviet employees of the N.M.R. arrested last August on suspicion of Communist activities. 1935.02.13 — The Shanghai Telephone Company and the Nanking Communications Ministry reach an agreement for radio telephone services between China and Japan, Europe and the Philippines. 1935.02.13 — A committee in the Foreign Office to study the question of abolition of extra-territoriality in Manchoukuo holds its first meeting. Government officials meet to consider adjustment of trade with countries that sell more to Japan than they buy from it. 1935.02.13 — Manchoukuo plans patrol posts along the northwestern border to prevent incidents like that at Lake Buir. 1935.02.13 — General Chiang Kai-shek tells the Nanking correspondent of the Asahi that Sino-Japanese co-operation must be based on moral principles. 1935.02.13 — The Manchoukuo Government decides to limit to 40,000 the number of Chinese immigrants into Manchoukuo this year. 1935.02.14 — The Lower House of the Diet approves the 1935-36 budget without change. 1935.02.14 — The Government decides to ask the Diet to lower the import duties on iron and steel. 1935.02.14 — Senator E. D. Thomas urges that Congress provide funds for an exchange of students between Japan and the U.S. and that a quota basis be provided for Japanese immigration. 1935.02.15 — Replying to a suggestion in the House of Peers that Japan, Manchoukuo and China form a silver monetary bloc, Finance Minister Takahashi says the time for it is not ripe. 1935.02.15 — The War and Navy Ministers assure a Diet committee that Japan will not go to war unless convinced that the fate of the nation is at stake. 1935.02.15 — The Foreign Office spokesman says no tangible plan for economic assistance to China has been worked out, despite press reports, and no spectacular plan can be expected. 1935.02.15 — The Anglo-Japanese Trade Council holds its first meeting at Tokyo, with Mr. Masao Kushida as chairman. 1935.02.15 — Three American officials of the Corn Products Refining Corporation at Osaka charge that in examining them in connection with trouble with two Koreans the police subjected them to public indignity. 1935.02.15 — Professor Basil Hall Chamberlain, translator of the Kojiki and author of works on the Japanese language, dies at Geneva at the age of 85. 1935.02.15 — The first professional baseball team in Japan, the Tokyo Giants, sails for a series of games in the U.S. 1935.02.16 — Baron Ohara charges the Government in the Diet with failure to develop emigration to Manchoukuo, and Finance Minister Takahashi replies that in his opinion the attempt to promote emigration has been taken up prematurely. 1935.02.16 — Governor Hijikata of the Bank of Japan, addressing the annual shareholders' meeting, presents an optimistic picture of Japanese economic conditions. 1935.02.16 — The Higher Naval Technical Council of the Navy Office holds its first meeting for consideration of designs for new destroyers. 1935.02.16 — Manchoukuo observes the 30th birthday of Emperor Kangte. 1935.02.16 — Mr. Chang Kung-chun, president of the Chungkuo Bank, Shanghai, said to be an economic envoy of the Nanking Government, arrives in Japan on his way to Manchoukuo for an inspection tour. 1935.02.16 — Secretary of State Hull declares in New York that President Roosevelt's "good neighbour" policy applies to the Orient as well as the Occident. 1935.02.16 — Mr. Raymond L. Buell, president of the Foreign Policy Association, declares that President Roosevelt's policy of unlimited naval and aerial expansion can only be interpreted as a challenge to Japan. 1935.02.16 — Sir Leslie Wilson, Governor of Queensland, arrives in Tokyo on a pleasure trip. 1935.02.17 — Major-General Doihara, arriving in Shanghai, issues a statement stressing that China must suppress the anti-Japanese movement before it can hope for co-operation with Japan. 1935.02.17 — The press ban is lifted on the arrest in November of more than 200 Korean radical suspects, 47 of whom have been indicted. 1935.02.17 — A survey of causes for Japan's export trade advantages made by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry gives the low exchange rate of the yen as the leading factor, with low labour wages, low prices of domestic materials and better management and technique also important. 1935.02.17 — Honolulu celebrates the 30th anniversary of the arrival of the first group of Japanese immigrants. 1935.02.18 — Communications Minister Tokonami tells a Diet committee that funds will be asked in the 1936-37 budget to start a 200,000,000 yen programme of expanding Japan's commercial air lines. 1935.02.18 — Foreign Minister Hirota and Ambassador Youreneff discuss Japanese-Soviet problems in general. 1935.02.18 — A new anti-alien land bill is introduced in the Arizona Senate. 1935.02.18 — The Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha, holding company for all the Mitsubishi interests, announces that Mr. Manzo Kushida is succeeding Mr. Kosuyata Kimura as director-in-chief. 1935.02.18 — The Federation of Japanese Exporters to Central and South America decides to send a good-will mission to El Salvador. 1935.02.19 — Baron Ohara assails the 1935-36 budget in the House of Peers, saying it is out of proportion to national economic strength and condemning the military estimates as based on an "imaginary" national crisis. 1935.02.19 — Dr. Wang Chung-hui, judge of the Permanent Court of International Justice, says on arrival in Tokyo that the importance of his visit to Japan has been overestimated and he has no concrete plans to present to Japanese leaders for Sino-Japanese co-operation. 1935.02.19 — Representatives of 21 banks and companies with unpaid loans to China, estimated at 90,000,000 yen, entrust adjustment negotiations to Mr. Uchida, director of the Oriental Development Company. 1935.02.19 — The Philippine Secretary of Commerce and Agriculture reports to the acting Governor-General that immediate steps are needed to deal with Japanese landholdings in Davao, where more than half of the 164,000 acres of arable land are controlled by Japanese. 1935.02.20 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells a Diet committee that control of imports may be necessary to adjust the trade balance. 1935.02.20 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei stresses the need for Sino-Japanese co-operation in addressing the Central Political Council at Nanking. 1935.02.20 — Japan's acting Consul-General at Nanking calls to the attention of the Chinese authorities the anti-Japanese character of the new "Use Chinese Goods" Society. 1935.02.20 — The police treatment of the three Americans arrested at Osaka is brought up in the Diet by Dr. Sonei Uzawa, who asks the Home Minister for a full report. 1935.02.20 — The Heiho-Chengching section of the Peianchien-Heiho Railway opens for business. 1935.02.20 — Lieutenant-General Gumpei Yamamuro, head of the Salvation Army in Japan, resigns. 1935.02.20 — Rear-Admiral E. J. King presents to the House naval committee a plan for adding 500 planes to the U.S. navy by 1937, making the total 2,470 by that time. 1935.02.20 — It is announced that Rear-Admiral O. G. Murfin will succeed Rear-Admiral F. B. Upham as commander of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet. 1935.02.22 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells a Diet committee he has confidence in the sincerity of General Chiang Kai-shek in seeking Sino-Japanese co-operation. 1935.02.22 — Dr. Wang Chung-hui exchanges views with the War and Navy Ministers. 1935.02.22 — Major-General Doihara meets with Mr. Wang Ching-wei at Nanking. 1935.02.22 — Mr. Kenkichi Yoshizawa, former Foreign Minister, suggests in the House of Peers that a separate Ministry be created to handle foreign trade. 1935.02.22 — There is no question of Japan helping Abyssinia in the event of war with Italy, Ambassador Sugimura declares at Rome. 1935.02.22 — The number of automobiles in the Japanese Empire at the end of October, 1934, is given as 123,000, greater than in 1933 by 11.3 per cent. 1935.02.22 — The Cabinet approves the additional budget of 10,245,000 yen for the 1935-36 fiscal year. 1935.02.22 — Finance Minister Takahashi tells a Diet committee that notes of the Bank of Chosen and the Bank of Taiwan will be abolished to achieve currency unification. 1935.02.22 — Viscount Watanabe criticizes in the Diet the tendency to deprive the minority of the right to express opinions freely and demands that the Government promote parliamentarism. 1935.02.22 — Baron Okura questions in the Diet the advisability of accepting from Manchoukuo its contribution of 9,000,000 yen towards the cost of defence by Japan. 1935.02.22 — The Foreign Office spokesman makes an oral statement withholding information from the Home Office claiming that the three Americans arrested at Osaka were not mistreated. 1935.02.22 — The Japanese delegation replies to the British memorandum on the geographical scope of the proposed cotton trade agreement, rejecting inclusion of markets outside the British Isles and the Crown Colonies. 1935.02.25 — The press section of the War Office publishes a pamphlet for distribution in connection with the 30th anniversary of the Russo-Japanese War, in which it describes the nature of the national crisis and the path to be followed by Japan. 1935.02.25 — Dr. Minobe defends his interpretations of the Constitution in the House of Peers. 1935.02.25 — The American oil tanker Elisabeth Kellogg is cleared of suspicion that it had purposely grounded in Tokyo Bay for espionage. 1935.02.25 — An Arizona court enjoins two Japanese fathers from cultivating land held in the names of their children, U.S. citizens. 1935.02.25 — Representatives of the National Masses Party call at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo to protest against the Arizona anti-alien land bill. 1935.02.25 — Foreign Minister Hirota and Ambassador Youreneff continue their talks on general Japanese-Soviet relations. 1935.02.25 — The Anglo-Japanese Trade Council at London names five advisers, four of them Japanese and the fifth Mr. A. P. Edwardes, who is a Manchoukuo adviser. Lord Barnby cautions against the dangers of a too extensive programme of Japanese development in the new State. 1935.02.25 — Chinese circles in Shanghai indicate opposition to the purchase at auction by Japanese interests of a big Chinese cotton textile mill. 1935.02.25 — Ambassador Sugimura explains to the International Olympic Committee, meeting at Oslo, Japan's reasons for desiring the 1940 Olympic Games for Tokyo. 1935.02.27 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies foreign reports that Japan is trying to win advantages from China in return for economic assistance and charges some foreign critics with deliberately seeking to estrange China and Japan. 1935.02.27 — The Central Political Council of the Nanking Government adopts a resolution providing for strict protection of life and property and freedom of occupation, which is interpreted as aimed against the anti-Japanese boycott. 1935.02.27 — Dr. Wang Chung-hui's visit to Japan has been helpful in improving Sino-Japanese relations, Foreign Minister Hirota says in the Diet. 1935.02.27 — Dr. Chen Pao-fan, president of the International Investment Company, Shanghai, arrives in Tokyo to talk with officials and business men on Sino-Japanese economic matters. 1935.02.27 — Japanese consular officials in Manchoukuo agree that undesirable Japanese elements there must be strictly controlled. 1935.02.27 — Premier Okada tells a Diet interpellator he does not believe Dr. Minobe's book on the Constitution, as a whole, conflicts with the national idea of the State, and Home Minister Goto refuses to suppress it. 1935.02.27 — That Japan is engaged in propaganda in the U.S. for repeal of the Exclusion Act is charged by Mr. V. S. McClatchy, secretary of the California Joint Immigration Committee. 1935.02.27 — In the annual auction at Vladivostok, Japanese interests win 30 of the 73 fishery grounds offered. 1935.02.28 — A bill to provide 261,036 yen to defray expenses in connection with the visit to Japan of the Manchoukuo Emperor is presented in the Diet. 1935.02.28 — A formal complaint of lese-majeste is filed in the Tokyo District Court against Dr. Minobe because of his views on the rights of the Emperor by Mr. Genkuro Eto, of the Lower House of the Diet. 1935.02.28 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces that the talks with U.S. and British oil men regarding the six-month storage provision in the new Oil Business Law, started on January 9, have been suspended until April. 1935.02.28 — The Duke of Atholl, in a letter to The Times, attacks Lord Lothian's charges against Japan's China policy in The Times of February 18 as calculated to create ill feeling. 1935.02.28 — Dr. Yuzo Tsubouchi, the translator into Japanese of all of Shakespeare's works and himself a noted dramatist, dies at the age of 96. 1935.03.01 — Foreign Minister Hirota says in the Diet he believes the Nanking Government enjoys sufficient power and support to be dealt with on the question of co-operation and urges that the present opportunity to effect co-operation not be lost. 1935.03.01 — Dr. Sun Fo, President of the Legislative Yuan, tells interviewers at Nanking that the Far Eastern Powers must form a political and economic bloc to oppose the invasion of European and American influences, in accordance with the Pan-Asia policy of the late Dr. Sun Yat-sen. 1935.03.01 — Manchoukuo celebrates the third anniversary of its founding. 1935.03.01 — The naval authorities deny the report that Japan is likely to propose a three-year naval building holiday. 1935.03.02 — It is stated at London that Britain has invited Japan, the U.S. and France to make suggestions for joint financial assistance to China. The move is not designed, it is said, to forestall a separate Sino-Japanese agreement. 1935.03.02 — The Japanese-Dutch shipping conference at Kobe collapses before opening because of failure to agree on the official language to be used. 1935.03.02 — Rumania denounces its trade agreement with Japan and prohibits further imports. 1935.03.03 — Major-General Doihara arrives at Canton to talk with Southwestern leaders. 1935.03.03 — Mr. Lloyd George, writing in The Sunday Pictorial, again urges an Anglo-American joint policy with regard to Far Eastern problems. 1935.03.04 — "Interested consideration" is now being given by the British, French, American and Japanese Governments to the question of an international group loan for China, says a statement attributed to an official source at London. 1935.03.04 — Tokyo circles indicate suspicion of the British move to help China. 1935.03.04 — Manchoukuo sends a new note to Outer Mongolia proposing that the Lake Buir parley be held at Hsinking or Urga. 1935.03.04 — The Japanese shipping interests in the Java Rate Pool inform the Dutch of their withdrawal, which means a freight war. 1935.03.04 — The yen-dollar exchange rate hits the lowest mark since October 30, 1933, 27 7/8 cents, keeping pace with the fall of the pound sterling at New York. 1935.03.04 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces that in 1933 Japan had 71,649 industrial enterprises, employing 1,901,428 operatives and producing goods worth 7,829,193,131 yen, more than in 1932 by 31 per cent. 1935.03.05 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells a Diet committee he has no reason to believe Britain and the U.S. are suspicious about the Sino-Japanese rapprochement. 1935.03.05 — The Government introduces in the Diet a bill designed to provide stricter control of reactionary organizations. Mr. Seijun Ando, of the Seiyukai, denounces reactionary violence, urges the army to assure the public it is not the centre of Japanese Fascism and assails restriction of free speech. 1935.03.06 — The Foreign Office spokesman says Japan has no objection to discussing assistance for China with the other Powers through diplomatic channels, but it is important that China help itself. 1935.03.06 — Sir John Simon says in the House of Commons that a tentative proposal for a loan to China received in December had been considered unsatisfactory. 1935.03.06 — The British Minister to China denies a statement attributed to him to the effect that Britain is seeking to make a loan of £10,000,000 to China for the establishment of a credit system. 1935.03.06 — Nanking denies the rumour that establishment of a credit system with money obtained from Britain and the U.S. is contemplated. 1935.03.06 — President Roosevelt admits that a study is being made of the suggestion that international help be given to China. 1935.03.06 — Finance Minister Takahashi tells a Diet committee that the yen may have to be pegged to the dollar instead of the pound sterling, if Britain does not cease its currency manipulation. 1935.03.07 — The Lower House of the Diet passes the national budget of 18,000,000 yen for the 1934-35 fiscal year. 1935.03.07 — Minister Ariyoshi again meets with Mr. Wang Ching-wei at Nanking and later says he received pledges that efforts will be continued to control anti-Japanese agitation and a denial that Britain or the U.S. had been asked for a loan. 1935.03.07 — Finance Minister H. H. Kung says China desires the Powers to lend it about £20,000,000 and intimates that negotiations are in progress with "a certain country." 1935.03.07 — Undersecretary of State Phillips says Britain has been informed that the U.S. will give sympathetic consideration to the possibilities of joint assistance for China. 1935.03.07 — The NRA Textile Planning Committee is said to be investigating textile imports from Japan, which increased from 1,648,000 yards in 1932 to 17,370,000 yards in 1934. 1935.03.07 — References to Japan, including a statement by Senator King that he believed it had not lived up to the terms of the Nine-Power Treaty, figure in the debate preceding adoption by the Senate of the bill providing for 45,000 more men in the army. 1935.03.07 — Ecuador denounces its trade treaty with Japan, effective in one year. 1935.03.07 — Railway Minister Uchida tells a Diet committee that plans for the Shimonoseki-Moji tunnel will be completed in the next fiscal year. 1935.03.08 — The House of Peers passes unanimously the 1935-36 budget. 1935.03.08 — The America-Japan Trade Council in Tokyo decides to petition for lower cable and radio tolls across the Pacific. 1935.03.08 — The Emperor of Manchoukuo attends an elaborate ceremony at Hsinking in honour of those who lost their lives in the founding of the new Empire. 1935.03.09 — The Emperor presents silver cups to the captain of the President Jackson and medals to 13 of the crew for their rescue of the crew of the Japanese freighter "Hokuman Maru." 1935.03.09 — Mr. C. T. Wang, former Nanking Foreign Minister, advocates at Singapore that the Manchurian issue be placed in "cold storage" for the sake of improving Sino-Japanese relations. 1935.03.09 — Announcement is made that the Nanking Railway Ministry has agreed to repay to the Mitsui Bussan Kaisha over 25 years about 9,000,000 yen owed on materials for the Tientsin-Pukow Railway. 1935.03.09 — Major-General Hugh S. Johnson says the U.S. should withdraw from the Philippines and wash its hands of Far Eastern affairs to avert war. 1935.03.10 — The 50th anniversary of the capture of Mukden in the Russo-Japanese War is observed on an elaborate scale. 1935.03.10 — Writing in The Observer, Mr. J. L. Garvin advocates a 10-year world truce based on acceptance of the territorial status quo, in which Japan's participation would be essential. 1935.03.11 — The N.M.R. transfer documents are initialled at Tokyo by Japan, Manchoukuo and the U.S.S.R. The Foreign Office spokesman leaves to scholars the question of whether the U.S.S.R. has thereby recognized Manchoukuo. 1935.03.11 — Foreign Minister Hirota and Ambassador Youreneff again confer on settlement of various Japanese-Soviet questions. 1935.03.11 — Protests against the U.S. naval manoeuvres in the North Pacific are made by the National Council for the Prevention of War, the secretary of the Department of International Justice and Good Will of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America and the clergymen of Topeka, Kansas. 1935.03.11 — The Lower House passes the Government's bill for imposition of a special tax on profits, but with amendments made by the Seiyukai. 1935.03.11 — Radiophone communication is opened between Japan and England and Germany. 1935.03.11 — Mr. Fernand Maurette, assistant director of the International Labour Office, tells French foreign trade experts at Paris that Japan is not guilty of "social dumping." 1935.03.11 — Government circles in Moscow welcome the N.M.R. agreement as removing one source of Japanese-Soviet misunderstanding. 1935.03.11 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei praises the improvement in Sino-Japanese relations at the memorial services for Dr. Sun Yat-sen at Nanking, at which a message from Foreign Minister Hirota is read. 1935.03.12 — The N.M.R. transfer documents are referred to the Privy Council. 1935.03.12 — The U.S. Navy Department authorizes Pan-American Airways to build airports on Midway, Wake and Guam islands for its trans-Pacific service. The navy reserves the right to take over the facilities in a crisis. 1935.03.12 — The mission being sent to Brazil by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry announces that it is entirely private and denies the rumour that it will negotiate a 100,000,000 yen loan to Brazil. 1935.03.14 — Foreign Commissar Litvinov says discussion should start of withdrawing Japanese and Soviet troops from near the Manchoukuo border. 1935.03.14 — Manchoukuo signs a contract with a Japanese banking syndicate for the floating of bonds to pay for the N.M.R. 1935.03.14 — Sir Bolton Eyres-Monsell implicitly opposes naval equality for Japan telling the House of Commons that Britain adheres to the principles of "equality of security." 1935.03.14 — The Singapore naval base is "an essential element" in the British Empire's security in the South Pacific, the Civil Lord of the Admiralty tells the House of Commons. 1935.03.14 — The Lower House of the Diet passes a bill providing 17,000,000 yen yearly for grants-in-aid to certain local governments. 1935.03.15 — War Minister Hayashi tells the press that Dr. Minobe's theory of the status of the Emperor has become an issue involving national thought and therefore must be dealt with. 1935.03.16 — The Lower House expels Mr. Takejiro Tokonami and two other members who have worked more than 30 years for parliamentary government, including Mr. Yukio Ozaki, who responds with a warning against placing the Government above the people. 1935.03.16 — China expresses regret, in a note, at Japan's part in the N.M.R. negotiations and informs the Powers that it reserves all rights in the property. 1935.03.16 — The improvement in Sino-Japanese relations is reflected in the February trade figures, which show exports to China worth 11,143,000 yen, compared with 7,629,000 yen in the same month of 1934. 1935.03.17 — The Finance Ministry announces that real estate in Japan at the end of 1930 had a value of 61,934,648,000 yen, with land alone worth 41,931,548,000 yen. 1935.03.17 — The Federated Council of Churches of Christ in America urges President Roosevelt to make clear to Japan that American advocacy of the Open Door does not imply that naval force will be used to protect U.S. investments in the Far East. 1935.03.18 — Foreign Minister Hirota says in the Diet that Manchoukuo products cannot be given preferential treatment by Japan in the immediate future because of relations with other countries. He and General Hayashi give assurance that measures are being taken to harmonize Manchoukuo and Japanese industries. 1935.03.18 — No indication is given that Japan will join the other signatories of the Versailles Treaty in protesting against Germany's denunciation of its military clauses. 1935.03.18 — The Arizona Senate passes the anti-alien land bill and turns it over to the House. Major-General J. G. Harbord warns that it may complicate foreign relations. 1935.03.19 — The Emperor of Manchoukuo sanctions the N.M.R. transfer documents. 1935.03.19 — Hsinking announces that the oil monopoly will come into force on April 10. 1935.03.19 — The postal authorities in North China give instructions to send all mail to Japan via Manchoukuo as stipulated in the Sino-Manchoukuo postal agreement. 1935.03.20 — Ambassador Saito tells the New York Japan Society that better Sino-Japanese relations will benefit the whole world. 1935.03.20 — Secretary Swanson reveals that consideration is being given to the building of new battleships after the naval treaties expire. 1935.03.20 — The Japanese Training Squadron receives a warm welcome at Bangkok. 1935.03.21 — The Arizona anti-alien land bill dies with adjournment of the Legislature. 1935.03.21 — Finance Minister Kung says Britain has been informed of China's willingness to accept a joint international loan, but terms have not yet been arranged. 1935.03.21 — Manchoukuo promulgates its new law for control of alien labourers, mainly Chinese. 1935.03.22 — The special profits tax bill is adopted with amendments by the House of Peers, necessitating a conference with the Lower House. 1935.03.22 — The Lower House passes unanimously a resolution drafted by the three major parties asking the Government to clarify the form of the State. 1935.03.22 — Major-General Doihara says at Dairen that Chinese conditions are not yet sufficiently stable to warrant hope for an immediate rapprochement with Japan. 1935.03.22 — The German Ambassador, in informing Foreign Minister Hirota of Germany's decision to rearm, says no thought is entertained of raising the question of the return of the former German islands held by Japan. 1935.03.22 — Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr., blames Secretary Hull for the increasing competition of Japanese with U.S. cotton textiles. 1935.03.22 — The British Cotton Trade League publishes a report saying headway against Japanese competition cannot be gained unless Britain is prepared to withdraw trade privileges from India. 1935.03.23 — The N.M.R. becomes the property of Manchoukuo with the signing of the transfer documents at Tokyo and the payment to the U.S.S.R. of 23,300,000 yen, the first instalment. 1935.03.23 — Opposition to the scheduled abolition of licensed prostitution is indicated by 470 members of the Lower House. 1935.03.23 — Members of a reactionary group are arrested after one of them tries to break into the home of Baron Ikki, President of the Privy Council. 1935.03.25 — The Lower House adopts the Government's three rice bills and sends them to the House of Peers. 1935.03.25 — Foreign Minister Hirota says in the Diet that Japan would not be averse to taking over North Saghalien from the U.S.S.R. 1935.03.25 — The Cabinet decides not to prolong the Diet session, which ends without passing the bills for stronger rice control, cocoon control, lower duties on pig iron and steel, revision of the Peace Preservation Law, fertilizer control and Northern deep-sea fishery control. The special profits tax bill and the 20,000,000 yen supplementary budget are adopted, and the House of Peers passes a memorandum on promotion of civil aviation. 1935.03.25 — Telegrams between Foreign Minister Hirota and Foreign Commissar Litvinov, in which hope is reciprocated that the N.M.R. agreement will be followed by further co-operation in eliminating causes for conflict and misunderstanding, are published in Tokyo. 1935.03.25 — Japan replies to the third British note on the Manchoukuo oil monopoly, again rejecting the British contentions. 1935.03.25 — Mr. Stanley Baldwin tells the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce he believes it still possible to reach some kind of a trade agreement with Japan. 1935.03.25 — The Senior Trade Commissioner for India reports that more than half of India's woollen imports are from Japan. 1935.03.26 — The Secretary-General of the League gives to the press a statement regretting Japan's departure from the League, but expressing satisfaction that Japan will continue to co-operate internationally in the spirit of the Imperial Rescript issued two years ago. 1935.03.26 — The N.M.R. is re-named the Wide Gauge Line of the State Railways and divided into six sections. 1935.03.26 — The Canadian Minister and Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu discuss trade adjustment. 1935.03.27 — Japan's withdrawal from the League becomes effective. Consul-General Yokoyama, in a statement in the Journal de Geneve, says Japan will maintain indirect contact with the League in humanitarian undertakings. 1935.03.27 — Minister Victor Hoo raises the question of whether Japan has fulfilled its obligations under the third paragraph of Article 1 of the League Covenant. 1935.03.27 — Senator W. G. McAdoo advocates stronger fortifications in the Aleutians and on Guam after the naval treaties expire. The U.S. House approves $58,000,000 for naval bases on the Pacific and an increase in naval officers from 1,499 to 6,531. 1935.03.27 — Senator J. H. Metcalf urges the Senate to increase the tariff on cotton textiles, saying that foreign competition, chiefly Japanese, has forced 22 New England mills to close. 1935.03.27 — The U.S. Bureau of Domestic and Foreign Commerce claims that textile imports from Japan were greater in January than in the whole of 1934. 1935.03.27 — Syria, which applies the highest tariffs to goods from countries not belonging to the League, extends by two months the application of the lowest tariffs to Japanese goods. 1935.03.27 — Sir Victor Sassoon recommends at Shanghai that China obtain sterling credits against which to issue currency. 1935.03.27 — Yokohama opens an exposition to mark completion of its post-earthquake reconstruction. 1935.03.28 — The Japan Economic Federation starts an intensive study of the Government's industrial control policy. 1935.03.28 — Eighty-three Soviet employees of the N.M.R., suspected of Communist activities are released by the Manchoukuo police at Harbin and deported. 1935.03.28 — Cuba imposes additional duties on the goods of 30 countries, including Japan. 1935.03.28 — The Japanese Embassy at Rio de Janeiro intimates that Japanese diplomats in South American capitals are to meet to discuss ways to improve trade. 1935.03.29 — Captain Anthony Eden and Foreign Commissar Litvinov are believed to have touched on the Far Eastern situation in their conversations at Moscow, but Soviet officials deny the rumours that a Far Eastern security pact was proposed. 1935.03.29 — The Finance Ministry estimates revenue for the 1934-35 fiscal year as greater by 90,000,000 yen than the budgetary amount, and savings of 30,000,000 yen in expenditure and unused reserves of 10,000,000 yen bring the total to 130,000,000 yen less than anticipated. 1935.03.30 — The Government issues 350,000,000 yen of bonds, the last in the 1934-35 fiscal year, 250,000,000 yen of which are accepted by the Bank of Japan and the rest by the Deposits Bureau in the Finance Ministry. 1935.03.30 — Direct radio communication is opened between Japan and Brazil. 1935.03.30 — The Korean Government-General reports that 18,500 Koreans emigrated in 1934. 1935.03.31 — Japanese exports during the first quarter of the year are estimated at 581,000,000 yen, compared with 477,998,000 yen last year, and imports at 745,000,000 yen, compared with 516,069,000 yen last year. 1935.03.31 — To prevent accusation of starting a naval race, Rear-Admiral Standley opposes a larger building programme than is needed to bring the U.S. navy up to treaty strength. 1935.03.31 — Mr. W. R. Hearst urges the severance of all ties with the Philippines to avoid trouble with Japan. 1935.03.31 — Two Japanese being "smuggled" into the U.S. from Mexico are killed when the motor-car in which they are being driven by an American is pursued by immigration officers and forced over a cliff. 1935.04.02 — Major-General Doihara arrives in Tokyo to report to army leaders on his visit to China. 1935.04.02 — Hankow and Wuchang claim to have entirely suppressed the anti-Japanese movement. 1935.04.02 — The Japan Radio Broadcasting Association puts into force its reduced subscription fee of 50 sen a month. 1935.04.03 — The Emperor of Manchoukuo leaves Hsinking for Tokyo. 1935.04.03 — A British spokesman denies the report that a three-Power consortium to investigate Chinese economy has been proposed and says definite replies and detailed suggestions are being awaited from Japan, the U.S., France and China on the question of assistance for China. 1935.04.03 — The Far Eastern situation is discussed extensively in the House of Lords during debate on a motion by Lord Peel that the British Government offer its services to facilitate a Sino-Japanese rapprochement. 1935.04.03 — Secretary Swanson announces that Rear-Admiral Upham, commander of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet, will visit Yokohama aboard the cruiser Augusta on a good-will mission to dispel fears that the U.S. naval manoeuvres are unfriendly to Japan. 1935.04.03 — Senator Nye charges that U.S. shipbuilders use Japanese war-scare propaganda whenever a naval construction bill is before Congress. 1935.04.03 — The Brazilian Commissioner of Immigration tenders his resignation because of the entrance of 6,800 Japanese into Brazil during the first quarter of the year, despite the yearly quota of 2,849. 1935.04.03 — The Nanking Government renews for 30 years the leases of the general foreign settlement and the Japanese concession at Hangchow. 1935.04.03 — The property of the North Manchuria Railway at Shanghai is turned over to Manchoukuo through the South Manchuria Railway Company. 1935.04.04 — The U.S. economic mission to Japan and China, headed by Mr. W. Cameron Forbes, arrives at Yokohama. 1935.04.04 — The army reveals that three young officers involved in a "plot" in November, for which there is insufficient evidence to warrant legal action, will be suspended for breach of military discipline. 1935.04.04 — Military Attache Takahashi declares at Peiping that the Nanking Government continues ministering towards Japan in dealing with pending issues. 1935.04.05 — The Foreign Office spokesman says that reports of British policy towards China are so conflicting that its real nature is difficult to determine and advocates that the Sino-Japanese rapprochement be left alone. 1935.04.05 — Discussion of revising the NRA brings demands to the Administration from many U.S. manufacturers that imports from Japan be curtailed. 1935.04.05 — Rio de Janeiro Japanese claim the number of Japanese immigrants into Brazil seems to be exceeding the 1935 quota only because of the agreement reached the authorities that the 1934 quota of 20,000 could be filled. 1935.04.06 — The Emperor of Japan welcomes the Emperor of Manchoukuo at Tokyo Station. 1935.04.06 — Dr. Alfred Sze, Chinese Minister at Washington, says China has adopted the "good neighbour" policy and hopes to apply it to relations with Japan. 1935.04.06 — Decorations are awarded to 6,200 soldiers who took part in the Manchurian incident. 1935.04.06 — Manchoukuo announces that henceforth the fiscal year will start on January 1 instead of July 1. 1935.04.08 — Japanese diplomatic and consular representatives in China open a three-day conference at Shanghai to compare notes on the enforcement of Nanking's order to suppress the anti-Japanese movement. 1935.04.08 — The economic mission to Brazil sails from Yokohama for the U.S. 1935.04.08 — Mr. Kanji Kato, executive chairman of the National Council of Labour Unions, is delayed in sailing to the U.S. as guest of an American labour group, because the U.S. Government is still considering his visa application. 1935.04.09 — The Home Office suppresses three of Dr. Minobe's books on the Constitution and asks him to revise two others, and the Education Ministry instructs prefectural governors and heads of Government schools to define clearly the fundamental principle of Japanese polity. 1935.04.09 — The Government's funded indebtedness at the end of the 1934-35 fiscal year is announced as 9,090,454,000 yen. 1935.04.09 — Ambassador Saito, speaking at Worcester, Massachusetts, points out that Japanese textiles imported by the U.S. in 1934 represented only 11/100 of 1 per cent. of the U.S. production. 1935.04.09 — The U.S. economic mission urges Commerce Minister Machida to settle the controversy with foreign oil firms over application of the Oil Industry Law. 1935.04.09 — The Dutch freighter Jane is held by the authorities for having entered the naval port of Mako, in the Pescadores. 1935.04.09 — Osaka cotton interests meet to discuss measures to cope with U.S. restrictions on Japanese textiles. Japanese business men, meeting with the U.S. economic mission, urge that Japanese-American trade be adjusted by greater U.S. purchases of Japanese silk. 1935.04.09 — The Oakland Chamber of Commerce adopts a resolution asking Congress to restrict cotton textiles from Japan. 1935.04.09 — The Privy Council approves the 1911 convention for restriction of the manufacture and sale of narcotics, with the reservation that Japan's position as a signatory shall not be impaired by its withdrawal from the League. 1935.04.09 — The Japanese representative on the League's disarmament commission associates himself with the minority report, submitted by Britain, Italy and Poland, on a convention for control of the manufacture of and traffic in arms. 1935.04.12 — Japan replies to the U.S. protest on the Manchoukuo oil monopoly in a memorandum similar to that given to Britain. 1935.04.12 — Ambassador Saito, after conferring with Secretary Hull on trade relations, says there is no cause for economic friction between the two countries, that a reciprocal trade agreement is not required and that the possibility of triangular trade among Japan, the U.S. and Latin America is being explored. 1935.04.12 — Japanese business men and members of the U.S. economic mission adopt a resolution in favour of efforts to reduce trans-Pacific cable and radio tolls. 1935.04.12 — A demand is made in the House of Commons for measures to check hosiery imports from Japan. 1935.04.12 — Ambassador Ota leaves Tokyo to resume his duties at Moscow. 1935.04.12 — Abolition of extra-territoriality in Manchoukuo in 1943 is forecast after a meeting of the Foreign Office commission investigating the matter. 1935.04.12 — Japan replies to the Dutch protest on the Manchoukuo oil monopoly in the same manner as to the British and U.S. protests. 1935.04.12 — The All-Japan Federation of Industrial Organizations decides that the employers' delegate to the International Labour Conference shall reject the proposal for a world agreement on reduction of working hours. 1935.04.12 — President Roosevelt points out that cotton textiles from Japan amount to less than 1 per cent. of the U.S. production when a group of New England Governors and Senators presents to him a statement urging heavier duties on such imports. 1935.04.12 — A resolution is introduced in the House of Representatives asking an ad valorem tax of 50 per cent. on cotton textiles entering the U.S. 1935.04.12 — Mr. Norman Thomas, U.S. Socialist leader, advocates repeal of the Exclusion Act and realization that the fate of the Far East is not worth a war to the U.S. 1935.04.13 — A Rengo statement of views said to be held by Foreign Office authorities charges U.S. business men in Latin America with agitating for restriction of Japanese goods. Though Washington officials refuse to comment, American observers deny the charges. 1935.04.13 — The Manchurian Affairs Bureau in the Cabinet approves the draft agreement for the proposed Japanese-Manchoukuo Economic Council, which will be submitted to the Hsinking Government. 1935.04.13 — It is announced at Geneva that Japan will continue to co-operate with the League in the effort to establish strict regulation of the arms traffic. 1935.04.13 — The League Secretariat proposes to reorganize the Tokyo office of the League, making it smaller. 1935.04.14 — The Emperor of Manchoukuo says farewell to the Emperor of Japan. 1935.04.15 — The Manchoukuo Emperor leaves Tokyo for Kyoto. 1935.04.15 — The U.S. Department of Commerce announces that 19,000,000 yards of cotton textiles were imported from Japan in January and February. December of last year was the only previous month in which the volume exceeded 1,000,000 yards. 1935.04.15 — Minister Ariyoshi confers with Mr. Wang Ching-wei at Nanking, reportedly to ask that greater efforts be made to suppress the anti-Japanese movement. 1935.04.16 — Preliminary negotiations for revision of the Japanese-Soviet fishery conventions are started at Moscow. 1935.04.16 — Silk and rayon textile exporters decide to adjust foreign markets and control export quantities and prices. 1935.04.16 — Dr. G. H. C. Hart, director of the Department of Economic Affairs of the Dutch East Indies, arrives in Tokyo. 1935.04.16 — Japanese bankers at Shanghai join with other foreign bankers in promising to give the Nanking Government moral support in coping with the financial crisis by voluntarily abstaining from exporting silver. 1935.04.16 — Manchoukuo admits to citizenship 100 former Soviet employees of the N.M.R., who will retain their railway posts. 1935.04.17 — President Roosevelt, acting on a State Department recommendation, asks the Tariff Commission to investigate complaints about bleached cotton cloth imports, most of which come from Japan, and Undersecretary of State Phillips says the State Department will not oppose a higher duty if the Commission advises it. 1935.04.17 — Representative A. T. Treadway introduces in the House a bill imposing specific instead of ad valorem duties on cotton textile imports to protect New England mills from Japanese competition. 1935.04.17 — Twenty Canton military officers leave Hong Kong for Japan to study in various military schools. 1935.04.18 — The State Department reveals that a new U.S. protest against the Manchoukuo oil monopoly has been delivered to Japan. 1935.04.18 — Fifteen New England Congressmen and textile industrialists confer with Secretaries Hull, Roper and Wallace on Japanese textile competition and find them sympathetic, though a letter from Secretary Hull printed in the Congressional Record discourages action against Japanese goods. 1935.04.18 — Nine army scouting planes arrive at Tsitsihar from Yokkaichi, Shiga prefecture, where they took off yesterday morning. 1935.04.18 — Minister Ariyoshi declares that settlement of problems in North China must be handled with special care. 1935.04.19 — The Cabinet approves the plan of organization of the National Policy Investigation Council and its Investigation Bureau. 1935.04.19 — Tokyo naval authorities point out that the U.S. manoeuvres will be staged within 700 nautical miles of the Kuriles. 1935.04.19 — President Roosevelt sets up a Cabinet committee to study the U.S. cotton textile situation, including the effects of imports from Japan. 1935.04.19 — General Chripin, writing in the Pravda, urges big Soviet air reserves because of the alleged construction by Japan of dozens of aerodromes in Manchoukuo. 1935.04.20 — A seven-point peace programme, including advocacy of revision of the Exclusion Act, is addressed to American Christians by 217 American missionaries in Japan. 1935.04.21 — An earthquake in Shinchiku and Taichu provinces, Formosa, kills more than 3,180 persons, seriously wounds 5,317 and completely destroys 16,511 buildings. 1935.04.21 — The Dutch East Indies restrict the importation of 16 categories of cotton textiles, mainly from Japan. 1935.04.22 — Minister Akira Ariyoshi, meeting with Foreign Minister Hirota on his return from China, is reported optimistic about Sino-Japanese relations. 1935.04.22 — The British Minister to China denies that Britain is negotiating with China for a £10,000,000 loan to rehabilitate national finances. 1935.04.22 — Major-General Seishiro Itagaki, assistant chief-of-staff of the Kwantung Army, says on arrival in Tokyo that the U.S.S.R., if it desires peace in the Far East, will immediately come to terms with Japan on a demilitarized zone along the Manchoukuo border. 1935.04.22 — Poland announces that it has agreed to establish postal relations with Manchoukuo. 1935.04.22 — The U.S. House appropriation cuts in half the amount asked by the Administration for naval construction, hoping that the naval conference will effect tonnage reductions. 1935.04.22 — Mr. Arthur Henderson, speaking at Scarborough, blames events in the Far East for the new race in armaments. 1935.04.24 — Leading bankers meet with Finance Minister and agree that Japan's financial outlook is satisfactory. 1935.04.24 — Dr. Suzuki, president of the Seiyukai, reiterates that his party will have nothing to do with the National Policy Investigation Council. 1935.04.24 — The Social Affairs Bureau of the Home Office reports that there were 369,710 unemployed in December. 1935.04.24 — Mr. Annuel May, vice-president of the American Manufacturers' Export Association, warns that restriction of imports from Japan would risk sale of raw cotton to that country. 1935.04.24 — A Soviet mission arrives at Tokyo to arrange for the commodities to be taken in part payment for the N.M.R. 1935.04.24 — The Nanking Railway Ministry agrees to pay the 100,000,000 yen owed to the Yokohama Specie Bank on bonds floated in 1911 in instalments over 17 years. 1935.04.25 — Finance Minister Takahashi assures the annual meeting of clearing house officials that heavy foreign payments this year will not affect seriously the yen exchange rate. Mr. Hirono Mori, director of the Clearing House Federation, urges reduction of the high proportion of military expenses. 1935.04.25 — The Tokyo Asahi credits army circles with strong scepticism regarding China's sincerity in seeking Japan's co-operation. 1935.04.25 — The League's committee for the protection and welfare of children recommends that the Council invite Japan to continue to send a delegate to its meetings. 1935.04.25 — Textile imports from Japan are assailed at meetings in Augusta, Philadelphia and Hartford. Mr. G. A. Sloan, chairman of the Cotton Textile Code Authority, tells the American Cotton Manufacturers' Association that Japanese imports are making serious inroads into the U.S. market and checking U.S. cotton yarn and textile exports to other markets. 1935.04.25 — The Department of Commerce announces that the U.S. advanced from sixth to third place among Japan's glassware customers in 1934, taking 1,816,000 yen's worth, 126 per cent. more than in 1933. 1935.04.25 — Representative Carl Vinson declares in the House there will be no danger of a naval race unless some country goes beyond the 5:5:3 ratio. 1935.04.26 — The Foreign Office's Trade Inquiry Council decides that measures must be taken against countries discriminating against Japanese goods, starting with Canada. 1935.04.26 — The U.S. Lower House passes the $419,000,000 naval appropriation. 1935.04.27 — The Foreign Office spokesman says Japan has not been approached on postponement of the naval conference. 1935.04.27 — The Manchoukuo Foreign Minister replies to a message of friendship from the Foreign Minister of El Salvador. 1935.04.27 — A mail plane of the Japan Air Transport Company crashes near the Manchoukuo-Korean border, killing the pilot and the mechanic. 1935.04.27 — Emperor Kangte returns to Hsinking from Japan. 1935.04.27 — Chinese imports from Japan during the first quarter totalled 33,600,000 Chinese dollars, compared with 37,210,000 dollars in the same period of 1934. U.S. sales fell to 41,100,000 dollars and British to 28,900,000 dollars. 1935.04.27 — Mr. C. V. Sale, of Sale & Company, regards the U.S. silver policy as likely to extend the influence of the yen in China and bring about a sharper cleavage between Eastern and Western interests. 1935.04.27 — The American Cotton Manufacturers' Association recommends that textile imports from Japan be curtailed. Such imports during the first quarter are announced as 16,721,000 square yards, 68 per cent. of all imported cotton goods. 1935.04.27 — A Brazilian spokesman says cotton exports will be a concrete topic of discussion with the Japanese economic mission. 1935.04.27 — Japan agrees to participate unofficially in the work of the League's child welfare committee pending an official invitation from the Council. 1935.04.27 — Senator Nye urges that the U.S. cease leading the world in armament expenditure. 1935.04.28 — The Takao Local Court decides to confiscate the Dutch freighter, belonging to the Royal Dutch Oil Company, which entered the Mako fortified zone and to fine the crew 2,000 yen. 1935.04.28 — Confucianists of Japan, Manchoukuo and China open a conference at Tokyo to seek ways to improve relations in the Far East. 1935.04.28 — Mr. W. M. McNutt, organizer of the American League Against War and Fascism, asserts at San Francisco that the next war will be fought to protect U.S. oil interests in China from Japanese expansion. 1935.04.29 — The Empire celebrates the 34th birthday of the Emperor. 1935.04.29 — Sir John Simon reveals in the House of Commons that the fourth British note to Japan on the Manchoukuo oil monopoly holds that those responsible for the monopoly must also be responsible for British losses under it. 1935.04.29 — The Governor of Maine asks President Roosevelt's textile committee to put a quota on Japanese cotton goods. 1935.04.29 — Akinori Goto, 26, sentenced on September 23, 1933, to four years at hard labour for complicity in the May 15 incident, is paroled. 1935.04.30 — Significance is seen in the arrival in Tokyo to attend the Oriental Tourist Conference of Mr. Yin Tung, director of the Peiping Railway Bureau. 1935.04.30 — The ban is lifted on news of the arrest of 11 youths in December in a plot to kill Prince Saionji and other leaders. Seven have been indicted. 1935.04.30 — Representative M. Maverick declares that U.S. Admirals are talking too much about foreign policy, which is the business of the State Department. --- Contemporary Japan, Vol. IV, No. 2 (September 1935) --- (covers 1935.05.01 to 1935.07.31) 1935.05.01 — May Day passes quietly in Tokyo, where right-wing and left-wing workers demonstrate separately. 1935.05.01 — A one-day air service between Tokyo and Hsinking is inaugurated. 1935.05.01 — Hsinking announces that arrangements have been made with Outer Mongolia to settle the Lake Buir incident at a conference at Manchuli. 1935.05.01 — The Panama Foreign Minister denies reports that Japanese are buying a small island west of the Panama Canal. 1935.05.01 — Reorganization of the U.S. cotton textile industry instead of imposition of higher duties on Japanese cloth is recommended to President Roosevelt's textile committee by the Governor of Rhode Island. 1935.05.01 — The Commodore Perry Post of the American Legion, composed entirely of veterans of Japanese parentage, is formed at Los Angeles. 1935.05.02 — The secretariat of the Trade Inquiry Commission in the Foreign Office sets up a committee to carry out the decision to retaliate against Canada because of its restrictions on Japanese goods and another to seek adjustment of the excess of imports from countries as Germany, Norway, Sweden, Indo-China and the U.S. 1935.05.02 — Plans are announced for formation of the Japan-Africa Cotton Yarn and Textile Export Association, which will control export quantities and prices. 1935.05.02 — The increase in Japan's production of cotton textiles is called to the attention of the opening session of the World Cotton Congress at Rome. 1935.05.02 — Emperor Kangté issues an Imperial Edict expressing desire for all Manchoukuo to realize the indivisible relationship between it and Japan and to strive to strengthen their friendly ties. 1935.05.02 — Sir John Simon says in the House of Commons that to Reichsführer Hitler's complaint that Japan, though no longer in the League, still administers the former German islands in the Pacific he replied that Britain does not regard the transfer of a mandate as a discussable question. 1935.05.02 — Rear-Admiral W. W. Phelps, retired, says "only a plain warning spoken in terms of sea power will deter Japan" from taking Western possessions in the South Pacific. 1935.05.02 — The Oriental Tourist Commission opens at Tokyo. 1935.05.03 — Justice Minister Ohara tells the opening session of the prefectural governors' meeting at Tokyo that reactionary violence must be stopped. 1935.05.03 — Surprise is expressed in Tokyo at Sir John Simon's attribution to Reichsführer Hitler of an inquiry as to why Japan continues to hold the South Sea mandated islands, and again the assertion is made that the islands will never be surrendered. 1935.05.03 — The Canadian Minister informs Mr. Saburo Kurusu, director of the Commercial Bureau of the Foreign Office, that Canada is not inclined to reconsider its restrictions on Japanese goods. 1935.05.03 — Mr. Hachisaburo Hirao, head of the economic mission to Brazil, says at New York that U.S. restriction of Japanese goods may make necessary the buying of Brazilian cotton by Japan. 1935.05.03 — The Brazilian President, in a message to Congress, indicates opposition to the limitation on Japanese immigrants, of whom the Sao Paulo planters demand 40,000 yearly. 1935.05.03 — Rear-Admiral Frank B. Upham, commander of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet, arrives at Yokohama on a good-will visit. 1935.05.03 — The Foreign Office spokesman says Japan understands that the Franco-Soviet mutual assistance pact applies only to Europe. 1935.05.03 — A sensation is created at Tientsin by the assassination of two pro-Japanese owners of Chinese papers. 1935.05.03 — Consul-General Kimura denies at Manila the rumour that Japanese are involved in the uprising of the Sakdalistas, whose leader, Mr. Benigno Ramos, is visiting in Japan. 1935.05.04 — Kwantung Army authorities at Hsinking warn that measures will have to be taken if General Yu Hsueh-chung, chairman of the Hopei Provincial Government, persists in opposition to execution of the Tangku truce. 1935.05.04 — Home Minister Goto tells the prefectural governors to be careful to uphold the fundamental principles of the State, to purify elections and enforce official discipline. 1935.05.04 — The police drive in Tokyo against lawless elements results in 2,060 arrests. 1935.05.04 — Philippine officials make clear there is no suspicion of Japanese connections with the Sakdal uprising. 1935.05.04 — A Vatican spokesman gives the impression that the Holy See and Japan are about to enter into diplomatic relations. 1935.05.04 — The military authorities at Harbin announce that the campaign opened in March in Pinkiang and Sankiang provinces has exterminated 1,000 bandits. 1935.05.06 — War Minister Hayashi tells the prefectural governors that the mental attitude of the nation must not be allowed to relax, for the real national crisis lies in the future. 1935.05.06 — The Foreign Office spokesman says nothing is known about the reported negotiations for diplomatic relations between Japan and the Holy See. 1935.05.06 — An official overture for purchase of North Saghalien was made to the U.S.S.R. three or four years ago, the Foreign Office spokesman reveals. 1935.05.06 — A court decision at Los Angeles is tantamount to a ban on the importation of electric light bulbs from Japan on the ground of patent infringements. 1935.05.06 — The Governor of Massachusetts urges President Roosevelt's textile committee to restrict cotton cloth from Japan. 1935.05.06 — The U.A. Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce gives Japan, with 1,830 planes, sixth place among the nations in military air strength. The U.S.S.R. is second, with 3,000, and the U.S. fifth, with 2,066. 1935.05.07 — Admiral Osumi tells the prefectural governors that Japan must increase national strength to assure security. 1935.05.07 — Japan's Consul-General at Manila thinks it would be futile for the Philippines to seek the extradition from Japan of the Sakdal leader, for he would probably be regarded as a political refugee. 1935.05.07 — Cuba raises the tariffs on Japanese cotton textiles by 20 per cent. and on silk and rayon textiles by 100 per cent. 1935.05.07 — Representative Edith N. Rogers asks Secretary Hull to propose to Japan that it voluntarily fix a quota for cotton textile exports to the U.S. 1935.05.08 — The Privy Council approves the Imperial Ordinances for the creation of the Cabinet Inquiry Council and the Cabinet Inquiry Bureau. 1935.05.08 — Secretary of Commerce Roper indicates that the President's textile committee is avoiding proposals that quotas be placed on Japanese cotton cloth. 1935.05.08 — The Far Eastern Enterprise Company, a 100,000-yen Franco-Japanese engineering firm, starts business at Dairen. 1935.05.09 — President Suzuki tells Premier Okada he can not join the Cabinet Inquiry Council. 1935.05.09 — The British Columbia authorities decide to request Ottawa to modify its policy toward Japanese goods in order to avert retaliation. 1935.05.09 — Navy Minister Osumi tells an interviewer that an amicable solution of the naval disarmament problem is not necessarily impossible. 1935.05.09 — Senator E. W. Gibson, in a report to Congress, fears that independence will leave the Philippines at the mercy of Japan. 1935.05.09 — Representative Carl Vinson denies that Japanese cotton textiles are aided in the U.S. market by the processing tax on domestic cotton. 1935.05.09 — The California Assembly defeats a bill designed to prevent Japanese from fishing in State waters. 1935.05.09 — Hsinking learns that Soviet defences on the Japan Sea coast are making rapid headway. 1935.05.10 — The Seiyukai expels Dr. Rentaro Mizuno and Mr. Keisuké Mochinaai for joining the Cabinet Inquiry Council. 1935.05.10 — Major-General Hugh Johnson writes that the U.S. must decide whether it would step in and prevent Japanese occupation of the Philippines after independence. 1935.05.10 — The Times, London, believes editorially that the U.S.S.R. will eventually sell North Saghalien to Japan. 1935.05.10 — Manchoukuo announces that a postal money order service between it and the Dutch East Indies has been opened. 1935.05.11 — The Cabinet announces the appointment to the Cabinet Inquiry Council of four veteran statesmen, four members of the House of Peers, five members of the House of Representatives and two financial leaders. 1935.05.11 — Investigation of the assassination of two pro-Japanese Chinese newspaper men at Tientsin reveals that it was the work of officially inspired terrorists. 1935.05.11 — Foreign Vice-Minister Shigenitsu appeals to 11 prefectural governors to prevent unpleasantness for foreign tourists by moderating port examinations and fortified zone regulations. 1935.05.11 — The Eastern New York conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church adopts a resolution demanding repeal of the Oriental Exclusion Act. 1935.05.11 — Ambassador Matsudaira presents to King George a cloisonné vase from the Emperor in honour of the Silver Jubilee. 1935.05.12 — The Tokyo press credits the army with dissatisfaction because it has not been consulted about elevating the Legation in China to an Embassy, a step it regards as premature. 1935.05.12 — Mr. Katsutaro Ano leaves London on a solo flight to Tokyo. 1935.05.12 — Moscow announces the building of semi-rigid dirigibles for use in the Far East. 1935.05.13 — Ambassador Matsudaira declares at London that the elevation of Japan's Legation in China to an Embassy is evidence of the progress of happier Sino-Japanese understanding. 1935.05.13 — Mr. Yin Tung and Mr. Chiang Fang-hsin, president of the Shanghai Agricultural and Commercial Bank, are told by Japanese bankers at Tokyo that Japan has no money to lend China and that economic co-operation can best be obtained by joint investments and trade reciprocity. 1935.05.13 — A large party of women, members of the Garden Club of America, is welcomed at Yokohama on arrival to visit Japanese gardens. 1935.05.14 — It is made known at Moscow that the U.S.S.R. has informed Japan of its readiness to negotiate on certain provisions of the fishery convention and on a number of questions regarding its application. 1935.05.14 — Canada gives indication of negotiating with Japan on the trade issue, and the British Columbia Government recommends that Ottawa investigate the effects on Canadian industry of Japanese retaliation. 1935.05.14 — Spokesmen for big Japanese concerns testify before the U.S. Tariff Commission on textile imports from Japan. 1935.05.14 — The injunction against Japanese electric light bulbs is upheld at Los Angeles. 1935.05.14 — The Home Ministry organizes a commission to inspect municipal finances. 1935.05.15 — Britain informs Japan it will exchange Ambassadors with China. 1935.05.15 — Nanking formally approves the exchange of Ambassadors with Japan. 1935.05.15 — Secretary of the Navy Swanson asserts the North Pacific manoeuvres in no way threaten Japan and will not cross the 180th meridian. 1935.05.15 — Japanese fishermen in Hawaii become apprehensive because of a recommendation to the Governor to restore the fishing industry to American citizens. 1935.05.15 — The Opium Seizure Committee of the League decides to ask Japan's collaboration. 1935.05.15 — Ecuador serves notice of abrogation of its trade pact with Japan. 1935.05.15 — The Japan Rayon Association decides that members shall curtail production by 20 per cent. for three months, starting July 1. 1935.05.15 — Manchoukuo celebrates the return of Emperor Kangté from Japan. 1935.05.16 — The U.S. informs Japan that Ambassadors will be exchanged with China. 1935.05.16 — The U.S. Tariff Commission hears Japanese representatives argue that textiles imported from Japan meet a special demand which the U.S. industry is unable to meet. 1935.05.16 — Postal savings deposits reach a new high level of 3,916,111,266 yen, with 44,961,411 depositors. 1935.05.16 — Japan's economic mission reaches Brazil. 1935.05.16 — Portugal denies reports that it is selling Macao to Japan. 1935.05.16 — Manchoukuo announces that parcel deliveries by mail will start June 15. 1935.05.17 — Japan and China formally announce that they will exchange Ambassadors, and the Tokyo press understands that the Japanese Embassy will eventually be established at Nanking. 1935.05.17 — The Cabinet Inquiry Council holds its initial meeting. 1935.05.17 — Home Minister Goto instructs the prefectural police chiefs to suppress rightists who act under the guise of patriotism and to respect freedom of speech that is not calculated to undermine the national foundation. 1935.05.17 — The Foreign Office spokesman says the authorities concerned are co-operating to make the visits of foreign tourists to Japan more pleasant. 1935.05.17 — Hsinking receives reports of extensive Soviet railway building in Outer Mongolia and Siberia. 1935.05.17 — Dr. Jacob Gould Schurman, former U.S. Minister to China, assails Japan's continental policy in a speech at Utica, New York. 1935.05.18 — The first-class destroyer Shigure, 1,368 tons, is launched at Uraga. 1935.05.18 — The communications authorities of Manchoukuo and China reach an agreement on a direct telephone service. 1935.05.18 — The yen sets a new high for 1935 of 28.91 cents at New York. 1935.05.18 — The Dutch East Indies promulgate additional import restrictions on Japanese cotton goods. 1935.05.18 — Colombia places a provisional limit of 1,411,598 pesos on imports from Japan from May 1 to October 31 pending the conclusion of a new commercial treaty. 1935.05.18 — Mr. Hirao, head of the Japanese economic mission, says at Rio de Janeiro that Japan is likely to start cotton purchases from Brazil with an order for 200,000 bales. 1935.05.18 — Japan's Davis Cup team eliminates the Dutch team in the first round of the European Zone. 1935.05.20 — A brigade of Japanese troops advances from Jehol into the demilitarized zone south of the Great Wall to drive out bandits. Major Tan Takahashi warns the military authorities at Peiping against violation of the Tangku truce. 1935.05.20 — A 10-year plan for civil aviation is submitted to the aviation research committee of the Communications Ministry. 1935.05.20 — Prime Minister Bennett tells the House of Commons a fair settlement of the trade issue with Japan is being sought. 1935.05.20 — The Japan-Canadian Society petitions the Canadian Government to moderate the restrictions on Japanese goods and urges Foreign Minister Hirota to apply the Trade Protection Law to goods from Canada unless the latter alters its policy. 1935.05.20 — The Opium Advisory Committee of the League decides formally to ask the Council to invite Japan to continue to send delegates to its meetings. 1935.05.22 — General Chang Ching-hui succeeds Mr. Chang Hsiao-hsu as Manchoukuo Premier and organizes a new Cabinet. 1935.05.22 — The War Minister, General Hayashi, leaves Tokyo for a tour of Manchoukuo. 1935.05.23 — The Japanese-Manchoukuo agreement for simplification of customs procedure at the Korean-Manchoukuo border and through railway traffic is signed at Hsinking. 1935.05.23 — The Overseas and War Ministries reportedly work out a plan to send 500,000 emigrants to Manchoukuo in 15 years through a 50,000,000 yen company. 1935.05.23 — The Minseito notifies the Seiyukai that it has decided to discontinue collaboration in formulating national policies. 1935.05.22 — Colonel Giga, chief of the Kwantung Army's special service office at Shanhaikwan, warns General Yu Hsueh-chung that action may be necessary against bandits in the demilitarized zone. Japanese military leaders meet at Tientsin to discuss action against terrorism in North China. 1935.05.22 — Finance Minister Kung tells Consul-General Suma that China's import tariffs will be raised on June 1 and that Japan's claims have been taken into consideration. 1935.05.22 — The Tass news agency, Moscow, issues a résumé of the Japanese-Soviet fishery talks, indicating readiness to prolong for 12 years the 1928 convention and for three years the 1932 agreement. 1935.05.22 — The League Council approves inviting Japan to continue cooperation with the opium, white slave and child welfare committees. 1935.05.22 — The appeal of the civilian defendants in the May 15 case opens in the Supreme Court. 1935.05.24 — The bandits in the North China demilitarized zone are crushed by the Kwantung Army in a battle near Maoshankou. 1935.05.24 — The Cabinet approves notification to the U.S.S.R. of intent to revise the 1928 fishery convention. 1935.05.24 — The Japanese-Manchoukuo agreement simplifying customs procedure at the border is implemented at Seoul (Keijo). 1935.05.24 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces that the total area of cultivated farm land in 1934 was 6,057,643.4 cho (14,791,971 acres), greater than in 1933 by 8,881 cho. 1935.05.24 — Business leaders and Government officials agree to extend the Industrial Control Law. 1935.05.25 — The members of the Cabinet Inquiry Bureau, associated with the Cabinet Inquiry Council, are appointed. 1935.05.25 — Manchoukuo formally asks Japan to consent to elevation of the Legation at Tokyo to an Embassy and to the appointment of Mr. Hsieh Chieh-shih as Ambassador. 1935.05.25 — General Hayashi, arriving at Dairen, emphasizes that nothing must be allowed to stand in the way of Japanese-Manchoukuo friendship. 1935.05.25 — A spokesman for U.S. importers of Japanese textiles tells President Roosevelt's textile committee that U.S. trade with Japan may be jeopardized by unfair propaganda against Japanese goods. 1935.05.25 — Brigadier-General Mitchell, retired, says at Boston that Japan is seeking world dominion and can be curbed only by an efficient air force. 1935.05.26 — Ambassador Ota notifies the Moscow Government of Japan's desire to revise the fishery convention. 1935.05.26 — Navy Minister Osumi, in a statement in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the battle of the Japan Sea, declares Japan's international position is as serious as during the Russo-Japanese War. 1935.05.26 — The Japanese detachment engaged in suppressing lawless elements in the demilitarized zone retires to the Jehol border. 1935.05.26 — Ambassador Ariyoshi tells interviewers that Sino-Japanese economic co-operation can best be arranged by private interests. 1935.05.27 — Japan's Consul-General at Nanking protests against China's projected sugar monopoly. 1935.05.27 — The Japanese-Dutch East Indian trade negotiations are resumed at Batavia, with Consul-General Koshida requesting that restrictions on Japanese goods be lifted. 1935.05.28 — The army is said to be determined to act independently unless the Cabinet moves to eradicate the Minobé theory. 1935.05.28 — The Canadian Minister at Tokyo indicates readiness to negotiate on trade adjustments. 1935.05.28 — Foreign Office officials confer with prominent economists and bankers on the silver crisis in China. 1935.05.28 — Several Japanese are arrested at Palawan, in the Philippines, in a fishery dispute. 1935.05.29 — Colonel Sakai and Major Takahashi present a number of demands to the Peiping military authorities regarding the removal of anti-Japanese elements in North China. 1935.05.29 — The War Office announces that air defence headquarters will be established at Tokyo, Osaka and Kokura. 1935.05.29 — Mr. Hajimé Matsushima, former Ambassador to Rome, leaves Tokyo on a tour of South Asia and the Near East for the Foreign Office to encourage cultural contacts. 1935.05.29 — The Soviet Government formally expresses readiness to negotiate on revision of the fishery convention. 1935.05.29 — U.S. imports of Japanese cotton cloth in April are announced as 3,169,000 yards, compared with 4,171,280 in March. 1935.05.29 — The Belgian Senate approves the Foreign Office's plan to station a consul at Harbin to intensify economic relations with Manchoukuo. 1935.05.30 — London circles reportedly view unfavourably the demands of the Japanese army in North China. 1935.05.30 — Undersecretary of State Phillips says at San Diego it is the purpose of the U.S. to adjust all trade difficulties with Japan in a spirit of co-operation. 1935.05.30 — The Trade Investigation Council of the Foreign Office decides in principle to invoke the Trade Protection Law against Canada. 1935.05.31 — Foreign Vice-Minister Tang Yu-jen assures Lieutenant-Colonel Amemiya that Nanking is seeking a settlement of the North China issue. 1935.05.31 — General Ho says at Peiping that Japan and China should equally share responsibility for maintaining peace in East Asia, with Japan guiding China as an elder brother. 1935.05.31 — Nanking announces that the tariff increases scheduled to come into force June 1 have been postponed indefinitely. 1935.05.31 — Japan informs the League of acceptance of the invitation to continue participation in the Opium Advisory Committee. 1935.06.01 — The Japan Broadcasting Association starts daily short-wave international radio programmes. 1935.06.01 — The Tokyo army authorities intimate that the North China issue is hardly a subject for diplomatic negotiations, being based on the Tangku truce, a local military arrangement. 1935.06.01 — General Hayashi says at Heiho that the North China situation is not so serious as to require immediate action by the Japanese garrison. 1935.06.01 — The special service ship Tsurugisaki, 12,000 tons, is launched at Yokosuka. 1935.06.01 — Seventy Japanese immigrants are held up at Rio de Janeiro when officials claim the 1935 quota is filled. 1935.06.02 — The Manchoukuo and Outer Mongolian delegates exchange friendly remarks at the opening of the Manchuli conference. 1935.06.02 — The Canadian Minister at Tokyo, Mr. Herbert Marler, and the Counsellor of the British Embassy, Mr. George E. Sansom, are knighted in King George's birthday honours list. 1935.06.03 — The War Office states that the Japanese military authorities in North China have demanded withdrawal of anti-Japanese elements in the area and dismissal and punishment of those responsible for recent disorders in accordance with the Tangku truce and other agreements. 1935.06.03 — Rear-Admiral Yates Stirling, Jr., warns in the U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings that lapse of the naval agreements may result in an Anglo-American political combination to cope with Japanese trade gains. 1935.06.03 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry instructs the Japan Knitted Goods Export Guild to enforce stricter control of the quantities and prices of knitted goods sent to the Dutch East Indies, British North Borneo, the Straits Settlements and New Guinea to avoid complaints. 1935.06.04 — General Ho's acceptance of part of the Japanese demands in North China is not regarded as adequate by Colonel Sakai. 1935.06.04 — The War Minister denies at Mukden that there is lack of harmony between the Foreign Office and the army regarding the steps taken in North China. 1935.06.04 — Ambassador Ariyoshi leaves Tokyo to return to Shanghai. 1935.06.04 — Mr. Eigo Fukai, Deputy Governor, succeeds Mr. Hisa-akira Hijikata as Governor of the Bank of Japan. 1935.06.04 — Japanese diplomats in the principal capitals of Europe open a three-day meeting at Paris to exchange views. 1935.06.04 — Japan deposits with the League its ratification of the 1931 opium convention. 1935.06.04 — Manchoukuo instructs its Minister at Tokyo to return to Hsinking in preparation for the appointment of Mr. Hsieh Chieh-shih as Ambassador. 1935.06.04 — The Black Dragon Society sponsors a meeting at Tokyo which adopts a resolution of sympathy with Abyssinia in its controversy with Italy. 1935.06.04 — Commerce Secretary Daniel C. Roper blames U.S. importers for the substantial volume of cheap Japanese goods entering the country. 1935.06.05 — Major-General Isogai, before leaving Shanghai for Tientsin, says the anti-Japanese policy of General Chiang Kai-shek is to blame for the North China trouble. 1935.06.05 — The Manchuli conference adjourns until June 10 to allow the Outer Mongolians to inquire of their Government whether they may discuss more than the Lake Buir incident. 1935.06.06 — Nanking orders the dismissal of General Yu, Hopei chairman. 1935.06.06 — The Japanese Consul-General at Batavia inquires of the Dutch East Indian authorities if it is considered possible to resume the suspended shipping conference and is told the only barrier is the insistence that Japanese be the official language. 1935.06.06 — The Japanese Government delegate at the International Labour Conference opposes the reaching of decisions on labour problems at present because of the unique conditions in Japan. 1935.06.07 — Japanese military leaders confer at Tientsin regarding the North China issue. 1935.06.07 — Finance Minister Takahashi appoints a sub-committee in the Tariff Investigation Committee to formulate measures for applying to Canadian goods the Trade Protection Law. 1935.06.07 — The procurator asks a 2,000-yen fine against the captain of the Juno, Dutch oil tanker, when the appeal against confiscation of the ship, which entered the Mako fortified zone, opens at Taihoku. 1935.06.08 — The War Office denies rumours that a time limit has been set for China's acceptance of the North China demands. 1935.06.08 — The British Government announces it is sending Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, its chief economic adviser, to China to prepare a report on the financial and economic situation. 1935.06.09 — A second set of demands is handed to the Peiping authorities. They are said to include withdrawal from North China of all Kuomintang organizations, all troops of the Central Army, the 3rd Gendarmerie Corps and the Blue Shirt Society and punishment of General Yu and all others responsible for disturbing order. 1935.06.09 — The troops of the Central Army in North China receive orders to withdraw. 1935.06.09 — A member of Japan's economic mission to Brazil says purchase of Brazilian cotton is unlikely because of high prices and inadequate quantities. 1935.06.09 — More than 1,000 Australian sheep reach Yokohama for farmers in the Tohoku district. 1935.06.09 — Japan will resume membership in the International Union of League of Nations' Association, the Brussels assembly of the organization hears. 1935.06.09 — Reizo Koiké sets a new long-course record of 2 minutes 42.8 seconds for the 200-metre breaststroke. 1935.06.10 — General Ho formally accepts the demands of the Japanese army. 1935.06.10 — A protest is made to General Ho against tampering by Chinese troops with Japanese military telephone lines. 1935.06.10 — The Soviet Embassy at Tokyo protests to the Foreign Office against alleged invasion of Soviet territory and firing by Japanese troops on Soviet soldiers near Yangmulintsé, south of Mishan, on June 5. 1935.06.10 — The Taihoku District Court fines the captain of the Juno 500 yen for having entered the Mako fortified zone. 1935.06.11 — A protest is handed to General Sung Che-yuan, Chahar chairman, against mistreatment by Chinese troops of members of the Kwantung Army's special service department at Changpei, and a number of demands are presented. 1935.06.11 — Army headquarters in Tokyo deny that a new Sino-Japanese military agreement in North China is contemplated. 1935.06.11 — The Times, London, editorially regards North China developments as an army triumph over Foreign Minister Hirota's policy of conciliation with China. 1935.06.11 — Mr. Kanju Kato says at New York that the Japanese workers are opposed to imperialism. 1935.06.11 — The Foreign Office states that the Japanese-Soviet shooting incident at Yangmulintsé was the fault of the Soviets, who fired on Japanese troops, forcing them to shoot in defence, killing one Soviet on Manchoukuo territory. 1935.06.11 — The Japanese-Soviet fishery negotiations open at Moscow. 1935.06.11 — France, the U.S. and Italy are expected to send financial experts to China with Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, and Japanese participation is hoped at London. 1935.06.11 — Mr. Kuhara urges Dr. Suzuki to make repudiation of the so-called senior statesmen, the jushin, who are regarded as ultra-conservative, a major plank in the Seiyukai platform. 1935.06.11 — Two British steamers are detained at Kaiko, Formosa, for having entered a closed port. 1935.06.12 — The Privy Council finds unsuitable for application to Japanese conditions seven treaties adopted at the 17th International Labour Conference. 1935.06.12 — The Foreign Office spokesman calls malicious the report that the Manchoukuo Emperor will go to Peiping. 1935.06.12 — The Daily Mail, London, advises against British interference with Japan's China policy. 1935.06.12 — The Cabinet Inquiry Bureau holds its first meeting and prepares to work out its initial problem, reform of central and local finances. 1935.06.13 — The Los Angeles District Court of Appeals upholds the refusal of the State Pharmacy Board to permit Japanese subjects to take examinations for U.S. pharmacists' licences. 1935.06.13 — The reorganized Imperial Academy of Art holds a stormy first meeting, many of the old members opposing the Education Ministry's regulations. 1935.06.13 — The man who attempted to assassinate the publisher of the Yomiuri, Mr. Matsutaro Shoriki, is sentenced to three years in prison. 1935.06.14 — The New York Times editorially believes the Japanese demands may eventually eliminate Nanking's sovereignty in North China. 1935.06.14 — Secretary Hull says he is unaware of any plan to withdraw U.S. marines from Peiping and Tientsin. 1935.06.14 — Ambassador Ariyoshi presents his credentials to the chairman of the Nanking Government, Mr. Lin Sen. 1935.06.14 — Ambassador Mushakoji tells the East Asiatic Association for the Development of German-Japanese Relations at Hamburg that Japan's commercial advances do not menace world trade. 1935.06.14 — The Tariff Commission of the Foreign Office tentatively decides to impose a 50 per cent. surtax on certain Canadian goods. 1935.06.14 — A Finance Ministry report shows that banks and other financial institutions hold 4,200,000,000 yen of the 8,650,000,000 yen of national bonds. 1935.06.14 — Sentences of from six months to two years are asked for seven youths accused of plotting to kill Prince Saionji and other national leaders. 1935.06.15 — London reports say China has sent notes on the North China situation to Britain and the U.S., with remarks appended to the note to the former constituting a virtual appeal for action under the nine-Power treaty. 1935.06.15 — Nanking denies that representations about the North China situation have been made to the Powers. 1935.06.15 — The War Minister says at Shimonoseki that more money will be needed to maintain peace and order in the new State, indicates that he will encourage large-scale emigration to Manchoukuo and calls attention to the continued military preparations of the U.S.S.R. along the Manchoukuo border. 1935.06.15 — The police ban is lifted on news of the arrest on February 11, 1933, of 323 Communist suspects in Fukuoka and Oita prefectures, of whom 10 have been indicted and 10 sentenced. 1935.06.15 — The Imperial Academy of Art adopts supplementary regulations that promise to end the controversy between art groups and the Education Ministry. 1935.06.15 — Ten thousand Japanese welcome the training cruisers Asama and Yakumo at Honolulu. 1935.06.16 — The War Minister returns to Tokyo from Manchoukuo. 1935.06.17 — Means must be found to balance the national budget to safeguard the economic structure from the accumulation of deficit bonds, the Cabinet Inquiry Council is told on receiving formally from the Government its first project, discovery of means to improve financial conditions of the central and prefectural governments. 1935.06.17 — Finance Minister Takahashi reportedly urges at the meeting of the Cabinet Inquiry Council that a non-aggression pact with the U.S.S.R. be concluded to reduce Japan's defence needs. 1935.06.17 — The British Consul-General at Mukden, calling at Kwantung Army headquarters at Hsinking, is given an emphatic denial of Japanese support in any movement for the independence of North China. Sir Samuel Hoare says in the Commons that the Government is in communication with Japan and China regarding the "disquieting developments" in North China. 1935.06.17 — The British Ambassador at Washington discusses Far Eastern affairs with State Department officials. 1935.06.17 — Senator William H. King introduces a resolution to empower the Senate foreign affairs committee to inquire into Japan's activities in China to see if the Kellogg or nine-Power pacts are being violated. 1935.06.17 — The Home Minister reports that labour strikes so far this year, 523 in number, are fewer than in the same period of 1934. 1935.06.18 — The Central Election Purification League is organized by ten leading political, cultural and social groups, with Viscount Saito as president. 1935.06.18 — Bank of Japan councillors advise the sale of more national bonds to the masses. 1935.06.18 — Cotton textile exports to India are reported very slow, with 74 per cent. of the quota for the first half of 1935 still unfilled. 1935.06.19 — The Kwantung Army announces that no further action is contemplated for the time being in North China, where the situation is developing in a gratifying manner. 1935.06.19 — The 2nd and 25th Divisions of the Nanking Government's troops complete their withdrawal from North China. 1935.06.19 — A Nanking spokesman denies that an appeal has been made to the Powers to restrain Japan. 1935.06.19 — Japanese naval circles indicate that the ratio system is none the less opposed because of its perpetuation in the Anglo-German accord. 1935.06.19 — Premier Okada says that continued issuance of deficit bonds seems inevitable because immediate reduction of defence expenditures is made difficult by the international situation. 1935.06.19 — Finance Minister Takahashi, after receiving a visit from the Soviet Ambassador, tells interviewers a non-aggression pact with the U.S.S.R. must wait for settlement of pending issues. 1935.06.19 — The closing of the Mukden branch of the Texas Oil Company is regarded as evidence that the foreign oil firms are withdrawing from Manchoukuo. 1935.06.20 — China's Ambassador at Tokyo, Mr. Chiang Tso-ping, presents his credentials to the Emperor. Mr. Wang Ching-wei says China has yielded on the North China issue not because of weakness but because of the need for friendship with Japan. 1935.06.20 — The Philippine Legislature receives a plea from New York textile exporters for action to protect the U.S. textile trade with the Islands from Japanese competition. 1935.06.20 — The American trade mission to the Far East visits Tokyo on its way back to the U.S. from China. 1935.06.21 — The War Minister says the army will try to keep its estimates low, but replenishment of the air force is urgent. 1935.06.21 — Negotiations are opened at Ottawa for adjustment of Japanese-Canadian trade, Minister Sotomatsu Kato submitting Japan's reply to the Canadian memorandum of May 28. 1935.06.22 — The Teikoku Rayon bribery trial opens at the Tokyo District Court. 1935.06.22 — The four Japanese shipping companies with services to the Dutch East Indies agree to merge them into a single company to facilitate adjustment of competition with the Java-China-Japan Line. 1935.06.22 — The last of Soviet employees of the North Manchuria Railway are dismissed. 1935.06.22 — Governor-General Murphy approves a proposal to cancel "illegal leases" of public land in Davao, much of which is worked by Japanese. 1935.06.22 — The California Joint Immigration Commission charges that plans are being made to introduce into the public schools a textbook on Japanese subjects that contains propaganda. 1935.06.23 — Negotiations for settlement of the Chahar incident are opened at Peiping between Major-General Doihara and General Chin Te-shun, acting Chahar chairman. 1935.06.24 — Chinese troops enter Jehol and attack a detail of Manchoukuo border police. 1935.06.24 — Sir Arthur Balfour tells the Eighth Congress of International Chambers of Commerce at Paris that Japanese trade competition has possibilities for good and advises other countries to revise their trading methods. 1935.06.25 — Finance Minister Takahashi tells the public that an attempt must be made in the next fiscal year to reduce the amount of deficit bonds, to delete items from fixed expenditure and to avoid increases in personnel costs. 1935.06.25 — The traffic bureau of the Railway Ministry decides to ask for funds in the next budget to establish four air lines to be operated in conjunction with the railways to link Japan with Formosa, Saghalien, Korea and China. 1935.06.25 — The South Manchuria Railway Company lowers rates on 66 kinds of freight on the line between Harbin and North Korean ports. 1935.06.25 — The Chinese at Peiping ask the Japanese to withdraw their request that Nanking confirm the terms of the Chahar settlement. 1935.06.25 — General Shang Chen is appointed chairman of the Hopei Provincial Government. 1935.06.25 — The Daily Mail, London, again advises editorially that Japan be left alone in North China. 1935.06.25 — Mr. Runciman tells the Commons that British exports to Manchoukuo in 1934 totalled £641,000, compared to £516,000 in 1933. 1935.06.26 — In reply to a second protest from the Soviet Ambassador against the June 5 incident at Yangmulintsé, Foreign Minister Hirota reportedly points out that the controversy shows the need for a border commission, and the Ambassador promises to submit the suggestion to Moscow. 1935.06.26 — The Mayor of Shanghai apologizes to the Japanese for a lèse-majesté article in a Shanghai magazine, the Hsin Sheng, or New Life. 1935.06.26 — Sir Samuel Hoare tells the Commons that there has been no neglect of the Open Door in North China. 1935.06.26 — The committee concerned of the Tariff Investigation Committee adopts a recommendation that additional ad valorem duties of 50 per cent. be imposed on the chief imports from Canada. 1935.06.26 — The Governor of Rio Grande do Sul promises Mr. Hirao, head of the Japanese economic mission, to discuss with the President of Brazil plans for admitting large groups of Japanese agricultural immigrants. 1935.06.27 — Announcement is made at Peiping of acceptance in full by the Chinese of the Japanese demands for settlement of the Chahar dispute. 1935.06.27 — Outer Mongolian soldiers are said to have entered Manchoukuo on June 25 and carried off a Japanese surveyor attached to the Kwantung Army and a Russian cart driver. A protest is handed to the Outer Mongolian delegation at Manchuli. 1935.06.27 — The Japanese Legation at Havana proposes to the Cuban Government that Japan buy enough sugar and tobacco to exempt Japanese goods from the double tariff imposed on imports from countries taking from Cuba less than 25 per cent. of what they sell. 1935.06.27 — Government officials and traders discuss a request from Iraq that trade be adjusted on a barter basis. 1935.06.27 — Reichsfuehrer Hitler presents to the Emperor a 14th century portrait of the Emperor Saga in the possession of the Munich Museum. 1935.06.28 — Ambassador Ariyoshi issues a statement voicing satisfaction with the North China and Chahar settlements and urges China to redouble its efforts to suppress anti-Japanese activities and adjust relations with Japan. 1935.06.29 — Habarovsk reports published at Moscow allege that Japanese troops crossed the Soviet frontier on June 23 and 26 and that Manchoukuo gunboats sailed into a Soviet channel of the Amur River. 1935.06.29 — The War Minister tells the Cabinet Inquiry Council that the bandits in Manchoukuo have been reduced from 200,000 to 30,000 and that since January 120 Japanese soldiers have been killed in fighting them. 1935.06.30 — Japan's exports during the first half of the year are estimated by the Finance Ministry at 1,221,373,000 yen and imports at 1,415,938,000 yen, giving an import excess of 194,565,000 yen, greater than in 1934 by 14,769,000 yen. Both exports and imports gained. 1935.06.30 — As a result of the North Pacific manoeuvres, the U.S. navy reportedly will recommend fortification of the Guam and American Samoan naval bases and establishment of naval seaplane stations on a number of other islands after the Washington treaty expires. 1935.07.01 — Moscow publishes the text of a protest to Japan against alleged border violations, which may have "grave consequences to Soviet-Japanese relations." 1935.07.01 — The Chinese Ambassador calls on the War Minister to ascertain his views on Sino-Japanese relations. 1935.07.01 — The British Foreign Secretary tells the Commons he sees no need to ask Japan and China to give information about any agreement that may result from the North China situation. 1935.07.01 — The Tumen-Mutankiang Railway is opened for traffic. 1935.07.01 — Sentences of two years and 18 months are asked for two "patriotic" ruffians who created a disturbance at the home of Baron Ikki on March 23. 1935.07.02 — A formal and vigorous protest against the lèse-majesté article in the Hsin Sheng is handed by Ambassador Ariyoshi to the Nanking Government. 1935.07.02 — The Foreign Office receives the Soviet border protest. Tokyo circles attribute the trouble to the absence of a definite border. 1935.07.02 — Izvestia charges that certain military and aggressive circles in Manchuria wish to disrupt peaceful relations between Japan and the U.S.S.R. 1935.07.02 — Two Manchoukuo gunboats are launched at Harbin for river defence. 1935.07.03 — The sinking of the Midori Maru in the Inland Sea when rammed by the Senzan Maru in fog results in the death of 85 persons. 1935.07.03 — Major-General Isogai protests to Foreign Vice-Minister Tang Yu-jen against the lèse-majesté issue. 1935.07.03 — Japanese interest in Brazilian manganese ore is revealed in the recommendations resulting from the visit of Japan's economic mission to Brazil, which are published at Rio de Janeiro. 1935.07.04 — The Kwantung Army and Manchoukuo lodge a joint protest with Outer Mongolia against the detention of the Japanese surveyor on June 25. 1935.07.04 — The Kwantung Army announces an agreement between the North China Communications authorities and the Manchuria Telegraph and Telephone Company to establish direct telegraph and telephone services. 1935.07.04 — The American Council of the Institute of Pacific Relations issues a report saying Japan's trade expansion has helped rather than harmed U.S. exports. 1935.07.05 — London papers believe Japan will be invited to join League members in trying to prevent an Italo-Abyssinian war. 1935.07.05 — A balance sheet prepared by the S.M.R. and the Hsinking Finance Ministry shows that Manchoukuo had a favourable trade balance, visible and invisible, of 15,153,000 yuan in 1933 and 99,742,000 yuan in 1934. 1935.07.05 — The War Minister again advises Premier Okada on further steps to clarify the national polity. 1935.07.06 — The Soviet Ambassador corrects the press reports on the attitude of Moscow towards the border commission proposal, saying it is in general accord with the Japanese plan but has not yet fully accepted all the details. 1935.07.06 — The Outer Mongolian Foreign Minister charges that the Manchoukuo delegation at the Manchuli conference is delaying negotiations and seeking to aggravate relations. 1935.07.06 — Half a million members of air defence organizations participate in manoeuvres in Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki. 1935.07.08 — Premier Okada, interviewed on the first anniversary of his Cabinet, says he still stands on the 10-point platform enunciated soon after taking office. 1935.07.08 — The Tariff Commission adopts the plan for tariff increases on goods from Canada. 1935.07.08 — The Shanghai Hsin Sheng case is regarded as closed with the tendering of a formal apology to Ambassador Ariyoshi by the chairman of the Kuomintang's publicity committee. Indications are given that the Kuomintang and the Nanking Government are agreed on China's policy towards Japan. 1935.07.08 — North China will welcome Japanese co-operation in industrial development, says Mr. Wang Ko-min, acting chairman of the Peiping Political Council. 1935.07.08 — Ambassador Grew says optimism about Japanese-U.S. relations is warranted in a speech to the America-Japan Society, Tokyo. 1935.07.08 — A 196-acre naval aerodrome is opened at Yatabe, Ibaraki prefecture. At the suggestion of Professor Kummel, Far Eastern expert, Germany plans to exchange professors with Japan. 1935.07.08 — The yen rises to 29.27 cents at New York. 1935.07.09 — Revival of the Hsin Sheng case is threatened by violent denunciation of Japan by the editor of the Hsin Sheng when the court at Shanghai sentences him to 14 months' imprisonment. 1935.07.09 — Consul-General Suma protests at Nanking against anti-Japanese manifestations at Hankow. 1935.07.09 — Canada replies to Japan on the trade controversy, offering to modify some of its restrictions on Japanese goods, but not to a satisfactory extent. 1935.07.09 — Without mentioning Japan, Governor-General Murphy asks the Philippine Legislature to protect the American textile market in the Islands. 1935.07.09 — Mr. Busuké Iwamoto, one of 12 Diet members visiting Manila, assists propaganda to the effect that Japan will seize the Philippines after their independence. 1935.07.09 — Japanese cotton textile exports during the first six months of 1935 totalled 3,164,200,587 yards, worth 314,943,840 yen, more than in the first half of 1934 by 120,411,180 yards. 1935.07.09 — The Dutch East Indies reimpose the quota on Japanese porcelain. 1935.07.09 — The Home Ministry's unemployment relief committee debates legislation to make unemployment reserve funds obligatory. 1935.07.09 — The army announces plans to form an air reserve system. 1935.07.10 — The Soviet Ambassador proposes the 1934 Soviet-Roumanian border pact as a model for the agreement covering disputes along the Manchoukuo-Soviet border. Foreign Minister Hirota is said to have questioned its efficiency. 1935.07.10 — A visit to Peiping by the Soviet Ambassador to China arouses rumours of fresh Soviet activities in Inner Mongolia. 1935.07.10 — The naval authorities decide to ask 732,000,000 yen in the 1936-37 budget. 1935.07.10 — A Hsinking spokesman states unofficially that nationals of countries not recognizing Manchoukuo will not be accorded extraterritorial privileges. 1935.07.10 — Four Japanese officers are appointed by the Ex-Servicemen's Association to attend the convention of Veterans of Foreign Wars in New Orleans in September. 1935.07.10 — Leaders of the cinema industry accept the Home Minister's proposal of control in the interests of the State. 1935.07.10 — Reports reach Osaka of plans in the Dutch East Indies to prohibit the entry of foreign workers. 1935.07.12 — Sir Samuel Hoare tells the Commons that he trusts the anxiety caused by events in North China is ending and Britain's desire for the friendliest relations with Japan will be given unrestricted opportunity to develop. Order and stability in China, he says, can be maintained only by promotion of good Sino-Japanese relations; but China "needs help from the West no less than from the East." 1935.07.12 — The vice-president of the S.M.R. gives the Kwantung Army assurances of co-operation in the economic exploitation of North China. 1935.07.12 — The Kwantung Army reveals that the Outer Mongolia delegates at Manchuli favour a commission to deal with Manchoukuo-Mongolian border dispute. 1935.07.12 — A national peace conference at New York recommends extension of the U.S. non-intervention policy in the Far East and elimination of racial discrimination in immigration. 1935.07.12 — Negotiations open at Peiping regarding maintenance of peace and order along the Manchoukuo-Chahar border. Major Takahashi points out that General Sung's troops are not being withdrawn from Chahar as speedily as promised. 1935.07.12 — The Kwantung Army announces that the Soviet charges of border violations are groundless. 1935.07.12 — Hsinking is angered by the Soviet withdrawal of permission for the opening of Manchoukuo consulates at Vladivostok and Habarovsk. 1935.07.12 — The Communications Ministry's Aviation Commission adopts a 12-year civil aviation plan that will cost 250,000,000 yen. 1935.07.13 — According to the Tokyo Asahi, the Kwantung Army has evidence of Soviet assistance to Manchoukuo bandits. 1935.07.13 — Readiness on the part of Japan to help the Nanking Government to suppress the Communists is claimed in the press. 1935.07.13 — The Home Office announces that local governments in the 1934-35 fiscal year borrowed 318,520,000 yen, bringing their total indebtedness to 3,317,790,000 yen. 1935.07.13 — Prime Minister Bennett indicates that he will not recommend opening more Canadian markets for Japanese goods. 1935.07.13 — Sixty-three miners are entombed in a Mitsubishi coal mine at Fukuoka. 1935.07.13 — Three hundred teachers meeting in Tokyo assail the Education Ministry's proposal to end compulsory English courses in middle schools. 1935.07.14 — The payers of the highest taxes in Tokyo prefecture for the 1933-34 fiscal year are revealed as Baron Hisaya Iwasaki, assessed 316,744 yen, Baron Koyata Iwasaki, 244,494 yen, and Baron Toshikuma Mitsui, 146,081 yen. 1935.07.14 — France decides to establish air bases on islands in the South Pacific to improve mail communications. 1935.07.15 — The agreement for establishment of a Japanese-Manchoukuo economic commission is signed at Hsinking. 1935.07.15 — Outer Mongolia, replying to the protest against the detention of a Kwantung Army surveyor, declines to exchange envoys with Manchoukuo, but proposes a joint border commission. 1935.07.15 — General Shang Chen, Hopei chairman, says the provincial authorities are ready for the projected economic co-operation between Japan and North China. 1935.07.15 — The Shanghai municipal authorities issue a decree prohibiting anti-foreign movements. 1935.07.15 — Japanese exporters decide to co-operate with U.S. cotton textile interests in the Philippine market. 1935.07.16 — Colonel Kiichi Tanaka, commander of the 4th Army Air Regiment, is killed in a plane crash, bringing the death toll from this cause since January 1 to 46 in 31 disasters. 1935.07.16 — General Jinzaburo Masaki, Inspector-General of Military Education, resigns. General Jotaro Watanabe, member of the Supreme War Council, succeeds him. 1935.07.16 — The Cabinet approves the draft ordinance applying the Trade Protection Law to Canadian goods. 1935.07.16 — The Italian Government announces that Ambassador Sugimura has assured Premier Mussolini that Japan has no intention of interfering in the Abyssinian affair. 1935.07.16 — The Kwantung Army authorities warn against optimism regarding settlement of border issues with the U.S.S.R., which they regard as insincere. 1935.07.16 — Manchoukuo announces the second issue of North Manchuria Railway purchase bonds, totalling 50,000,000 yen, bearing 4 per cent. interest and selling for 97.10 yen. 1935.07.16 — Police reveal the arrest of 187 alleged Communists trying to revive the Communist Party. 1935.07.16 — In the Kanagawa prefectural and Yokohama municipal graft scandals, 118 of the 121 suspects are indicted. 1935.07.17 — Another earthquake in Formosa kills 48, seriously injures others and does much damage to property. 1935.07.17 — The Foreign Office denies having instructed Ambassador Sugimura to give Premier Mussolini any assurances regarding the Abyssinian dispute and doubts the authenticity of the Rome reports of their talk. 1935.07.17 — Manchoukuo proposes to Outer Mongolia the establishment of a diplomatic agency on the frontier to regulate relations. 1935.07.17 — Harbin learns that on July 15, shots from the Soviet shore of the Amur put out of commission a Japanese motorboat. 1935.07.17 — Egypt notifies Japan of renunciation of their trade agreement. 1935.07.17 — The Central Raw Silk Association is alarmed by reports from Washington of a bill to impose a processing tax on silk. 1935.07.18 — A spokesman of the Manchoukuo Foreign Office says that a commission to settle frontier issues would be of little value unless there were diplomatic relations between Manchoukuo and Outer Mongolia. 1935.07.18 — Mr. Mitsuru Toyama, noted nationalist, on behalf of the Ethiopian Problem Society, cables to the Foreign Minister at Addis Ababa an expression of hope that independence will not be sacrificed. 1935.07.18 — The A.A.A. amendment imposing processing taxes on silk and rayon is withdrawn in the U.S. Senate. 1935.07.18 — Minister Kato and Prime Minister Bennett open negotiations at Ottawa on trade questions. 1935.07.18 — The Philippine Legislature adjourns without action on anti-Japanese tariff and fishery bills, but Dr. Quezon promises higher duties on cotton textiles in the autumn. 1935.07.19 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells the Italian Ambassador that Abyssinia is violating the 1928 treaty with Italy by buying Japanese goods. 1935.07.19 — The Foreign Office spokesman disputes the contention of Counsellor Mariani of the Italian Embassy that Abyssinia is violating the 1928 treaty with Italy by buying Japanese goods. 1935.07.19 — The Communications Ministry decides to ask 17,500,000 yen in the next budget to subsidize 15 new air lines. 1935.07.20 — Foreign Minister Hirota replies to the Soviet protest against alleged border violations, saying no basis can be found in fact for the charges and expressing regret that Moscow assumes the Japanese authorities in Manchoukuo are seeking to complicate relations. 1935.07.20 — It is estimated at Hsinking that there have been 2,356 incidents on the Manchoukuo-Soviet border since the Manchurian outbreak, only 10 per cent. of which have been settled. 1935.07.20 — The Government issues 200,000,000 yen of bonds, half for the Manchurian incident and half for the regular budget deficit, selling at 93.10 yen, maturing in 27 years and one month and bearing 4 per cent. interest. The whole issue is taken by the Bank of Japan. 1935.07.20 — Prime Minister Bennett indicates Canada will impose a 33 1/3 per cent. ad valorem surtax on Japanese goods because of the Japanese surtax on Canadian goods. 1935.07.22 — The Emperor sanctions about 1,100 army changes designed to create greater unity. Generals Hishikari and Matsui and Lieutenant-General Shinji Hata, former commander of the Tokyo Gendarmerie, are placed on the waiting list. 1935.07.22 — Sir Bolton Eyres-Monsell tells the Commons that Britain is abandoning the ratio system of naval limitation and seeking to persuade the Powers to declare their building programmes up to 1942. 1935.07.22 — The Italian press assails Japan for what it calls a volte-face in its Abyssinian policy and injects a racial issue into the situation. Guards are increased at the Japanese Embassy at Rome. 1935.07.22 — Moscow publishes a report from Ulanbator claiming that the Kwantung Army has threatened to "act in a most decisive manner" unless Outer Mongolia accepts Manchoukuo's demands. 1935.07.23 — The Soviet Counsellor at Tokyo confers at the Foreign Office on Japan's reply to the protest against alleged frontier incidents. 1935.07.23 — Japan's Consul-General at Alexandria is informed of Egypt's desire for a new trade treaty. 1935.07.24 — The imposition of a 33 1/3 per cent. surtax on Japanese goods, effective August 5, is announced at Ottawa. 1935.07.24 — Reports are revived in London and Washington that the U.S. means to fortify various Pacific islands when the Washington naval treaty ends. 1935.07.25 — General Yen Hsi-shan urges a common Sino-Japanese front in checking Soviet penetration into China. 1935.07.25 — Radicals and liberals demonstrate against "Japan's imperialistic policy" towards Mongolia at the Japanese Consulate-General at New York. 1935.07.25 — Rites before the Grant Memorial at Tokyo mark the 40th anniversary of General Grant's death and recall his visit to Japan in 1879. 1935.07.25 — Naval officials at Washington say the question of additional naval bases on the Pacific is still under consideration. 1935.07.25 — Syria agrees to prolong for another month its provisional trade treaty with Japan. 1935.07.25 — The Communications Ministry approves a three-year plan of installing radio beacons and wireless telephone stations along air lines. 1935.07.26 — Finance Minister Takahashi warns against an optimistic view of increased bond issues and says it is not sound to add indefinitely to the national debt. 1935.07.26 — The Communications Ministry formally adopts the 10-year programme for development of civil aviation and decides to ask 1,730,000 yen in the next budget to launch it. 1935.07.26 — Minister Yoshitaro Hori, presenting his credentials at San Salvador, declares that the good understanding shown by El Salvador in relation to Far Eastern developments will intensify a rapprochement with Japan. 1935.07.26 — U.S. army authorities object to Japanese photographing of an attack plane on exhibit in Detroit. 1935.07.26 — Dr. Hajimé Inoué, of the Physical and Chemical Research Institute, claims to have perfected a practical process for liquefaction of coal into heavy oil. 1935.07.27 — Six Siamese naval officers arrive at Kobé to make a six-month inspection tour and arrange for the building of two training ships. 1935.07.27 — Matsuyuki Takagi, former president of the Teikoku Rayon Company, testifies before the Tokyo District Criminal Court that his confession to the procurators of having received a bribe was made to end "torture" and get out of jail. 1935.07.27 — Canadian business interests protest against the 33 1/3 per cent. surtax on Japanese goods. 1935.07.29 — Prefectural police chiefs are ordered to control strictly the autumnal election of prefectural assemblymen and suppress all violations of the Election Law without regard for political considerations. 1935.07.29 — Fifty police, customs, gendarmerie and other officials meet at Shimonoseki to discuss better treatment for foreign tourists. 1935.07.29 — Japan's Consul-General at Harbin protests to the U.S.S.R. against the firing on a Japanese boat on the Amur on July 9. 1935.07.30 — The Japanese and Italian delegates abstain from voting on the anti-force resolution of the Inter-Parliamentary Union at Brussels. Japan's delegate approves the principles but not the phrasing. 1935.07.31 — The Navy Ministry submits 1936-37 budget estimates of 712,000,000 yen, the Foreign Office 49,840,000 yen, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 17,500,000 yen and the Justice Ministry 78,277,000 yen. 1935.07.31 — Finance Minister Takahashi warns against defence expenditure likely to stimulate a world arms race and advises postponing investments in North China for several years. 1935.07.31 — Seiyukai members adopt a resolution charging the Government with insincerity in dealing with the Minobé theory. 1935.07.31 — A reduction in wireless tolls between Japan and North and South America is announced. 1935.07.31 — Three Japanese, Dr. Haruichi Nagaoka, Ambassador Naotaké Sato and Dr. Saburo Yamada, are among the 24 nominees for the post of the late Dr. Mineichiro Adachi in the Permanent Court of International Justice. 1935.07.31 — The Inter-Parliamentary Union is invited to hold its next conference at Tokyo. 1935.07.31 — The British captain of a Chinese patrol boat confesses to having confiscated a Japanese boat and its cargo outside Chinese territorial waters on June 1. --- Contemporary Japan, Vol. V, No. 3 (December 1936) --- (covers 1936.08.01 to 1936.10.17) 1936.08.01 — The annual naval manoeuvres are started. 1936.08.01 — The War Office announces the placing on the reserve list of 12 officers, including General Giichi Nishi, Inspector-General of Military Education, and Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Tatekawa, commander of the 4th Division, and the placing on the waiting list of 215 others, including General Ayao Kishimoto. 1936.08.01 — Opposition to the proposed change of the Diet convocation from December to September is voiced because of the necessity for Cabinet members to attend the annual army manoeuvres, usually in October. 1936.08.01 — Japan is given to understand that Nanking's success in putting down the trouble in the Southwest will make no difference in its policy towards Japan. 1936.08.01 — The Third America-Japan Student Conference opens in Tokyo. 1936.08.01 — The U.S. Department of Commerce announces that cotton textile imports in June were the largest since March, 1921, comprising 14,620,000 square yards, including 12,038,000 from Japan. 1936.08.02 — Finance Minister Baba tells interviewers he has heard nothing of the War Minister's reported advocacy of meeting defence replenishment entirely by bond issues and asserts that to meet all extraordinary expenditure and the interest on bonds by bond issues alone would tend to imperil State finances. 1936.08.02 — Prince Konoyé tells an interviewer that in connection with reforms he thinks the House of Peers should have authority equal to that of the House of Representatives and believes the day of the two-party political system is ended. 1936.08.02 — The nationalist movement in China constitutes the most powerful barrier at present to Japan's advance, declares a report of the United States Foreign Policy Association. 1936.08.02 — The Foreign Office announces establishment of a general affairs section in its commercial bureau to improve "commercial diplomacy." 1936.08.02 — Delegates of the National Federation of Elementary School Teachers adopt a resolution endorsing extension of compulsory education to eight years. 1936.08.02 — President Matsuoka of the South Manchuria Railway announces that a 16,000,000-yen plant to liquefy coal will be built at Fushun. 1936.08.02 — Tokyo starts a three-day celebration of the award of the 1940 Olympic Games. 1936.08.04 — General Jiro Minami is selected to succeed General Ugaki as Governor-General of Korea. 1936.08.04 — The Minseito submits to the Premier a statement wherein it is asserted that establishment of a fundamental diplomatic policy is a prerequisite for administrative renovation and expansion of armaments. 1936.08.04 — Trade control measures are to be applied to the whole Empire to prevent evasion in parts outside of Japan proper, the Minister of Commerce and Industry indicates. Cotton textile exporters decide to extend the number of markets to which export control measures will be applied. 1936.08.04 — The Japan-to-Africa-and-the-Near-East Export Guild is learned to have signed an agreement with the Syrian Government whereby exports to Syria will be controlled and a balance established in Syrian goods purchased. 1936.08.04 — Naoto Tajima's third place in the running broad jump sends the Japanese flag up at the Berlin Olympic Games for the first time. 1936.08.04 — President Matsuoka of the South Manchuria Railway Company confers at Hsinking with Kwantung Army leaders on reorganization of the railway company and development of North Manchuria. 1936.08.04 — The legislature of Palawan Islands, most westerly unit of the Philippines, is said to be petitioning President Quezon to induce the U.S. to establish a naval base on the island. 1936.08.05 — Education Minister Hirao, back from a Kwansai trip, reports to the Premier that Kwansai business men are opposed to nationalization of the electric power industry. 1936.08.05 — Second and third places are won by Japanese entrants in the Olympic pole vaulting. 1936.08.06 — An Asahi report from London claims that Sir Samuel Hoare has worked out privately a plan for Anglo-Japanese co-operation calling for British recognition of Manchoukuo, Japanese reaffirmation of respect for China's territorial integrity and the open door, resumption of the Anglo-Japanese trade negotiations and Japanese compliance with the London naval treaty. 1936.08.06 — London comment on Sir Samuel Hoare's reported plan for adjustment of Anglo-Japanese relations is sceptical. 1936.08.06 — Kwantung Army headquarters learn that 56 Soviet bullets fell near a Japanese patrol post south of Turangtze, on the eastern border of Manchoukuo, on August 2. A protest is planned. 1936.08.06 — The Finance Ministry announces its fifth bond conversion operation, bonds bearing 5 per cent. interest to the amount of 422,500,000 yen being called in and 400,000,000 yen of 3.5 per cent. bonds redeemable in 1951 being issued. 1936.08.06 — Education Minister Hirao denies that he expressed personal opposition to the electric-power nationalization plan in reporting the opposition of Kwansai business men to the Premier. 1936.08.06 — Japan wins first and second places in the Olympic hop, step and jump event. 1936.08.07 — The Cabinet decides to lift the tariff on soya bean oil from Manchoukuo in conjunction with the increased duty on Australian beef tallow. 1936.08.07 — The joint Japan-Manchoukuo Economic Committee decides that Manchoukuo will support Japan's trade retaliation against Australia. 1936.08.07 — Caution is indicated in Tokyo's reaction to Sir Samuel Hoare's reported plan for adjustment of Anglo-Japanese relations, official knowledge of which is denied by the Foreign Office. 1936.08.07 — Chinese customs officials arouse Japanese ire by mistreatment of a secretary of the Shanghai consulate-general at North Station, ignoring extraterritorial rights. 1936.08.07 — A memorial opposing the Amazonas land grant to a Japanese firm is signed by 101 members of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. 1936.08.08 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry decides to create bureaux to control fuel, foreign trade and industry. 1936.08.08 — The law for control of seditious literature is extended to the colonies. 1936.08.08 — The Embassy at Moscow is instructed to protest against the fining of five fishing vessels seized off Kamchatka. 1936.08.08 — Fresh accusations are heard of Soviet oppression of Japanese residents in Vladivostok. 1936.08.08 — The ban is lifted at Hsinking on news of Chinese Communist activities in Manchoukuo in the autumn of 1935, when more than 50 suspects were arrested, of whom 14 are to be indicted. Efforts to spread communism at the orders of the Third International are alleged. 1936.08.08 — Foreign Minister Chang Chun states that Nanking has a plan for North China development that should contribute to Sino-Japanese amity. 1936.08.08 — The Times, London, comments that Britain welcomes Japanese friendship but there are many difficulties, chiefly in the trade sphere, to be overcome before a rapprochement can be reached. 1936.08.08 — Australia announces that prohibited Japanese goods ordered prior to July 9 may enter to prevent dislocation of trade. 1936.08.08 — The Metropolitan Police Board ends the emergency guard maintained in the capital since the February 26 incident. 1936.08.08 — A young reactionary arrested in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, confesses he was planning to assassinate General Terauchi because of the army personnel shifts and General Ugaki because of his alleged intention to enter politics. 1936.08.08 — Moscow rejects the Japanese protest against the fines imposed on five fishing boats seized off Kamchatka and declines to give assurance that further seizures will not be made. A request is made that Japan endeavour to prevent illegal entries into Soviet waters. 1936.08.08 — Soviet surveyors are reported to have entered Manchoukuo about 10 miles from Hsilohotou, on the upper Amur, on July 27 and surveyed the locality. Hsinking plans a protest. 1936.08.08 — A squad of the Japanese naval landing party at Shanghai is called out because of an anti-Japanese demonstration by 2,000 Chinese university students. 1936.08.08 — Domei reports that Japan will probably try to checkmate anticipated plans by General Chiang Kai-shek to regain influence in North China. 1936.08.08 — Kitei Son wins the Olympic marathon, and Shoryu Nan places third, both surpassing the old Olympic record. 1936.08.08 — Attention is called to the importation of 134,797 bales of Brazilian cotton during the first seven months of 1936, compared with only 14,614 bales in the whole of 1935 and 101,117 in 1934. 1936.08.10 — Reports persist regarding Nanking efforts to win control of Shantung Province. 1936.08.10 — Attention is called in press reports from Tientsin to the large number of spinning concerns in North China being bought by Japanese industrialists. 1936.08.12 — The navy's 1937-38 budget estimates total 779,000,000 yen, greater than the current budget by 243,000,000 yen. 1936.08.12 — Wool import quotas are announced for members of the Japan Woollen Manufacturers' Association in connection with the control necessitated by retaliation against Australia. 1936.08.12 — Soviet fishing in the Okhotsk Sea in violation of treaty regulations is reported by the Japanese consul at Petropavlovsk. 1936.08.12 — Japan's swimming team takes the Olympic 800-metre relay in a new world record. Miss Hideko Mayehata wins first place in the 200-metre breast stroke, the first Japanese woman to attain such distinction in international competition. 1936.08.13 — Foreign Minister Arita is reported to have told the Cabinet that the Foreign Office sees no need for special measures in response to recent agitation for reorganization of foreign policy. The focal point of Japanese diplomacy is the U.S.S.R., with security of the Manchoukuo border the immediate objective, requiring replenishment of defence forces, especially those in Manchuria, after which negotiations can be opened with Moscow for withdrawal of troops from the border regions with conclusion of a non-aggression pact or creation of a demilitarized zone. Friendship with Britain is wanted. 1936.08.13 — The Foreign Office is informed of the arrest of several Soviet employees of the Japanese Embassy in Moscow, against which a protest has been made. 1936.08.13 — A protest is filed with the Soviet consul-general in Harbin against reported prevention of passage of Manchoukuo ships through the Popalikov waterway on the Amur. 1936.08.13 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry decides to encourage the manufacture of liquid fuel substitutes, compel adulteration of gasoline with 20 per cent. of alcohol and have the Fuel Research Institute industrialize coal liquefaction. 1936.08.14 — Floods in Central Korea take more than 130 lives and damage much property. 1936.08.14 — Ambassador Ohta returns to Tokyo from Moscow to retire. He is quoted as saying that the war preparations of the Soviets are not for the purpose of menacing others but result from excessive fear. 1936.08.14 — A formal apology is made by the Chinese customs authorities for searching the portfolio of a Japanese consular official at Shanghai. 1936.08.14 — A London report attributes to informed sources the view that no basis for strengthening cooperation between Japan and Britain has yet been found by influential British circles giving thought to the problem. 1936.08.15 — Manchoukuo enforces a trade control law and prohibits imports of Australian flour, wool and rice without official permission. 1936.08.15 — The Rashin Fortified Zone Headquarters, North Korea, is established. 1936.08.15 — Ranan gendarmes reveal the arrest of 12 Koreans on suspicion of having sold technical information regarding North China to the U.S.S.R. 1936.08.15 — Japan takes first, third and fourth places in the Olympic 1,500-metre freestyle race and first, third and fourth in the 400-metre freestyle, retaining the swimming crown won at Los Angeles in 1932. 1936.08.15 — The sixth biennial conference of the Institute of Pacific Relations opens at Yosemite. 1936.08.16 — The American Hosiery Manufacturers' Association appeals to the Tariff Commission for higher duties on Japanese cotton hosiery, imports of which were more than four times as large in the first half of the year as in the same period of 1935, reaching 890,577 dozen pairs. 1936.08.17 — A Soviet steamer, the Terek, is reported to have tried to enter the Mako naval port on August 16. It is taken to Takao for examination, and the captain is indicted. 1936.08.17 — The Navy Ministry submits budget estimates of 770,000,000 yen, including 240,000,000 yen for new projects. 1936.08.17 — Prime Minister Lyons says in a broadcast speech that Japan is responsible for the trade conflict and that Australia has no intention of altering its policy. 1936.08.17 — Urging Philippine producers to turn out goods that will compete with imports, President Quezon points to Japan as a model. 1936.08.17 — Manchoukuo announces exports of 344,091,000 yuan and imports of 338,502,000 yuan for the first half of the year, giving a favourable balance of 5,789,000 yuan. Japan supplied 50 per cent. of the imports and took 90 per cent. of the exports. 1936.08.17 — Ambassador Kawagoyé meets with Lieutenant-General Tashiro in Tientsin and tells newspaper men that there is no reason for pessimism about a Sino-Japanese rapprochement. 1936.08.17 — Prefectural health officials in conference in Tokyo consider increased facilities for treatment of mental diseases. At the end of 1934, 79,315 confirmed and unconfirmed insane patients were registered with the police, but the actual number of mental cases is believed nearer 300,000. 1936.08.17 — To facilitate the purchase of land by tenant farmers on a 25-year programme requiring 60,000,000 yen. 1936.08.17 — Ambassador Ohta reportedly tells the Cabinet that Japan should give favourable consideration to a non-aggression pact with the U.S.S.R. on condition that Soviet forces in the Far East be withdrawn. 1936.08.17 — Interest is stirred by Foreign Vice-Minister Chao Chieh's announcement that a Sino-Soviet trade agreement will shortly be concluded. 1936.08.17 — Recognition by Nanking of the "special nature" of the North China régime is seen in the granting of permission to the Hopei-Chahar Political Council not to send formal delegates to the National People's Congress in November. 1936.08.17 — Mr. Albert V. Alexander warns Japan against the dangers of isolation at the Institute of Pacific Relations conference. Mr. John R. Stewart declares that Manchoukuo is no solution to Japan's economic difficulties. Dr. Teijiro Uyeda suggests further use of "gentlemen's agreements" to control Japan's increasing exports as an aid to peace in the Orient, and Mr. W. W. Lockwood demonstrates that the growth of Japanese exports is largely non-competitive from the standpoint of the U.S. 1936.08.17 — Premier Lyons' accusation that Japan is responsible for the Japanese-Australian trade deadlock is characterized in Tokyo as domestic propaganda. A threat is heard in Melbourne to prohibit the entry of Japanese rayon and cotton textiles unless Tokyo resumes negotiations for a trade agreement. 1936.08.17 — A Japanese ethnological exhibition opens in Berlin. 1936.08.18 — The Premier, Finance, War and Navy Ministers confer on the defence budget estimates. 1936.08.18 — The chief secretary informs the Cabinet that henceforth only Ministers, Vice-Ministers, bureau directors and section chiefs will give out information about Government matters. He later denies to reporters that there is any intention of muzzling the press. 1936.08.18 — Opposition is reported in farming circles to the proposed bill of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to facilitate the purchase of land by tenant farmers on a 25-year programme requiring 60,000,000 yen. 1936.08.19 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry submits budget estimates of 40,572,000 yen, including 8,141,000 yen for unified control and promotion of trade as a new national policy, administered by an expanded trade bureau. 1936.08.19 — Justice Minister Hayashi rules that there is insufficient evidence of violation of law to justify indictment of the five men held responsible for the rumours that resulted in suspension of trading on the stock exchanges July 21. 1936.08.19 — Japan protests at Moscow against firing by Soviet soldiers across the eastern Manchoukuo border. 1936.08.19 — General Sung gives assurances to Ambassador Kawagoyé that the Hopei-Chahar authorities are ready to co-operate with the Japanese in economic exploitation of North China. 1936.08.19 — Japan's delegation to the I.P.R. conference expresses deep concern at the possible spread of communism into Japan from the U.S.S.R. Soviet delegates accuse Japanese diplomats of inconsistency, and British and Dutch spokesmen say that nations being harmed by Japanese trade may be forced to combine for protection. 1936.08.19 — Officers and men of the training cruisers Iwate and Yakumo are welcomed in Washington, where Rear-Admiral Standley declares that such good-will visits break down doubt and suspicion. 1936.08.19 — The Australian Wool Growers' Council and the Graziers' Federal Council issue a statement asserting that there is ample room for settlement of the trade dispute with Japan without surrendering the policy of protecting Anglo-Australian industries. 1936.08.19 — A committee report calling the Amazonas land concessions to Japanese inconsistent with national security and invalid because granted without proper authority, reaches the floor of the Brazilian Senate. 1936.08.19 — The California's Joint Immigration Committee protests to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction against textbooks concealing and misrepresenting facts in favour of Japan. 1936.08.19 — The Minseito presents to the Premier a resolution urging fulfilment of the pledges made by the Cabinet when it was formed. 1936.08.20 — A Japanese resident at Fengtai, near Peiping, is injured when Chinese sentries stab him with bayonets. 1936.08.20 — A protest is lodged through the Soviet consul-general in Harbin against the firing of shots by Soviet soldiers in the direction of Japanese and Manchoukuo troops near the eastern border. 1936.08.20 — India announces a reduction from 25 per cent. to 20 per cent. on British cotton cloth with a mixture of satin and velvet, placing Japanese goods in this category at an added disadvantage. 1936.08.20 — A Japanese physician is wounded and a Japanese-managed hotel partially destroyed by a bomb thrown by an unidentified Chinese at Changsha. 1936.08.20 — The North China Development Company and the Tientsin Municipal Government establish the Sino-Japanese Joint Electric Industry Company. 1936.08.20 — Japan's I.P.R. delegation charges that actions by other nations have virtually forced Japan to formulate certain trade and territorial policies. 1936.08.21 — General Minami leaves Tokyo for Seoul to assume his duties as Governor-General of Korea. 1936.08.21 — Mr. Tomita, financial commissioner in London, tells Osaka business men on his return from a trip to China that there is reason to doubt that the success of Nanking's currency reforms will continue. 1936.08.21 — Director Kuwashima of the Foreign Office's East Asiatic bureau goes to Osaka to urge cotton industrialists to invest in North China. 1936.08.21 — Resentment is caused when Chinese troops at Fengtai try to intimidate Japanese officials investigating yesterday's attack on a Japanese resident. 1936.08.21 — Foreign Vice-Minister Chen Chieh denies to Consul-General Suma that there is a secret Sino-Soviet treaty and claims that the negotiations for a Sino-Soviet trade agreement remain deadlocked. 1936.08.21 — Nanking is asked by Consul-General Suma to arrest 200 members of a Korean society working for a revolution in Korea and turn them over to the Japanese authorities. 1936.08.21 — The Chinese at the I.P.R. conference declare that China will accept recommendations aid from any nation except Japan. Dr. Hu Shih blames Japan for most of China's plight and asserts that the Chinese are ready, if necessary, to fight for their existence. The Japanese delegation denies his accusations. 1936.08.21 — The Brazilian Senate unanimously approves the committee report condemning the Japanese land concessions in Amazonas. 1936.08.24 — With all estimates except part of the War Office's submitted, the 1937-38 budget demands are expected to total about 3,430,000,000 yen, with new projects calling for 1,350,000,000 yen. 1936.08.24 — A Japanese teacher is released by the Chinese peace preservation corps in Hopei Province after strong representations by the Japanese consular authorities. 1936.08.24 — Prince Fumimaro Konoyé tells Communications Minister Tanomogi he is willing to accept the presidency of the Japan Broadcasting Association. 1936.08.24 — New Orleans cotton merchants voice alarm at Japan's waning purchases of U.S. cotton and see this as retaliation against American tariff action on Japanese goods. 1936.08.24 — The Kwantung Army announces the execution on August 21 of nine Russian members of the "Soviet Storm Troops," a secret society in northwestern Hsingan Province, and the sentencing to imprisonment for periods not exceeding 20 years of 28 others for attempting to disturb peace and order in Manchoukuo. 1936.08.24 — Consul-General Suma protests to the Nanking Government regarding reported attempts by Chinese officials to prevent the reopening of the Japanese consulate-general at Chengtu, Szechwan Province, by impeding the journey of Consul Eiichi Iwai. 1936.08.25 — The Cabinet approves and announces seven national policy projects, details of which are to be worked out: defence replenishment; tax adjustments; reform and improvement of education; stabilization of the national livelihood, including promotion of health, prevention of damages from natural calamities, rehabilitation of rural communities and encouragement of moderate-scale industry and business; promotion of industry and trade, including control of the electric power industry, self-sufficiency in liquid fuel, iron and steel, acquisition of adequate raw materials for the fibre industry, encouragement and control of foreign trade, shipping and aviation and promotion of overseas expansion; establishment of important policies towards Manchoukuo, including promotion of emigration and investment, and reform of the administrative machinery. 1936.08.25 — It is understood that extension of the compulsory education period is to be postponed and efforts concentrated for the present on improvement of instruction. 1936.08.25 — Minseito comment on the policy programme is favourable; Seiyukai comment, unfavourable. 1936.08.25 — Nanking is informed that two newspaper men of a party of four Japanese visiting in Chengtu, Szechwan Province, were killed yesterday by a Chinese mob. 1936.08.25 — Ambassador Kawagoyé talks with General Han Fu-chu at Tsinan. 1936.08.25 — Mr. Kenkichi Yoshizawa tells the I.P.R. conference that the only remedy for the Sino-Japanese situation is a more conciliatory attitude on both sides for a long period. He admits that Japan's actions have not always been correct but asserts that the Chinese have too often been unfriendly. 1936.08.25 — The Japan Wool Import Control Society is established in Osaka to restrict purchases of Australian wool and minimize the losses from more expensive wool from other countries. 1936.08.25 — The police announce that of the 17,919 persons detained on suspicion of election law violations last February 17,915 have been indicted, approximately 10,000 of them for buying or selling votes. 1936.08.25 — The giving of instructions to the 29th Army Corps on the necessity for Sino-Japanese amity is included among the requests made to the Hopei-Chahar authorities for settlement of the August 22 attack on a Japanese resident by Chinese soldiers at Fengtai. 1936.08.25 — Japan's delegation at the I.P.R. conference recommends a parley to revise the Nine-Power Treaty under the Kellogg-Briand pact rather than the League Covenant. Mr. Frederick V. Field points to the cost of $600,000 last year for maintaining the Far Eastern policy of the U.S., in return for which trade and investments yielded only $430,000,000, and Mr. James G. MacDonald, of the New York Times, recommends recognition by Japan that other countries will not abandon their Far Eastern interests. 1936.08.25 — Moscow announces that Ambassador Youreneff has been ordered to protest to Japan against violation of the Soviet frontier by Japanese planes. 1936.08.25 — Soviet cavalrymen enter Manchoukuo south of Tungning, on the eastern border, and fire on a Japanese patrol, which drives them back. 1936.08.25 — The Soviet Embassy requests release of the captain and crew of the Soviet steamer held in Formosa for trying to enter the Mako naval port. 1936.08.25 — Sixteen Japanese soldiers are killed and seven wounded in an engagement with bandits east of Pinshen, Pinkiang Province, Manchoukuo. 1936.08.26 — Opinion in Tokyo favours firm pressure on China or complete eradication of the anti-Japanese movement in connection with settling the Chengtu affair. 1936.08.26 — Japanese diplomatic, naval and military officials meeting in Shanghai decide on a firm attitude regarding the Chengtu affair. 1936.08.26 — A Nanking Foreign Office spokesman voices regret at the Chengtu incident, suggests that communists were to blame, claims that the local authorities did all they could to prevent it and says that orders have been given to arrest the guilty and see that foreign residents are protected. 1936.08.27 — Consul-General Suma points out the gravity of the Chengtu incident to Foreign Minister Chang Chun and reserves all rights. 1936.08.27 — Nanking announces the execution of two leaders of the Chengtu mob that killed two Japanese. A Chinese inquiry party is sent to the scene. In a formal note to the Japanese Embassy expressing regret for the incident, the Nanking Foreign Office promises that all measures will be taken to deal with the aftermath. 1936.08.27 — Major-General Kita issues a statement at Shanghai asserting that settlement of the Chengtu trouble must be accompanied by eradication of the anti-Japanese movement in China. 1936.08.27 — Arrest of a Formosan in Tientsin because of suspicion that sugar in his warehouse had been smuggled causes Sino-Japanese friction, but a settlement is reached when the customs authorities admit that the proceedings were without adequate basis. 1936.08.27 — Foreign Minister Arita protests to the Soviet Ambassador against yesterday's frontier clash. 1936.08.27 — Mr. Mamoru Shigemitsu is appointed Ambassador to Moscow. 1936.08.27 — The Asahi sees new evidence that the Genro has ceased to play an important role in the Government since the February 26 incident in Premier Hirota's failure to report to him on the Cabinet's adoption of national policy projects. 1936.08.28 — A typhoon kills more than 1,500 persons in South Korea and damages much property. 1936.08.28 — Japanese and Chinese inquiry parties arrive at Chengtu. 1936.08.28 — General Chiang Kai-shek's instructions to the Southwest authorities regarding the Chengtu affair are considered inadequate by the Japanese military authorities in Shanghai. 1936.08.28 — Agreement between Manchoukuo and Outer Mongolia to open a new conference at Manchuli on September 23 to consider various problems is announced in Hsinking. 1936.08.29 — Premier Hirota asks Cabinet members to make suggestions on administrative reforms. Disinclination for radical changes is seen. 1936.08.29 — Consul-General Murai and Sir Henry S. Gullett open negotiations in Canberra to end the Japanese-Australian trade conflict. 1936.08.29 — The War Office announces transfer from the waiting list to the reserve list of 271 officers, including General Ayao Kichimoto, Lieutenant-General Katsu Murai, Lieutenant-General Saburo Najima and Lieutenant-General Minoru Tanaka. 1936.08.29 — Five labour organizations move to form a united labour front with the Social Mass Party. 1936.08.29 — The Japanese authorities in Shanghai are said to be agreed to press Nanking for elimination of the anti-Japanese movement, abandonment of "double-dealing," diplomacy and positive manifestations of sincerity in connection with the Chengtu incident. 1936.08.29 — A Manchoukuo villager is wounded by Soviet machine-gun bullets fired across the border south of Tungning, Pinkiang Province. 1936.08.29 — The I.P.R. conference closes with the delegates agreed that the most important Pacific problems are those of methods to achieve collective security and those involving the changing balance of power. 1936.08.30 — The Hopei-Chahar Political Council announces regulations permitting the entry into the area under its jurisdiction of goods from East Hopei, where tariff rates are a fourth of those levied by Nanking, on payment of consumption taxes an eighth of Nanking's customs duties. 1936.08.30 — Foreign Vice-Minister Chen Chieh attributes the Chengtu incident to "an irresistible force" and urges that the Japanese authorities show great patience. 1936.08.30 — Finance Minister Baba tells newspaper men that he opposes the Seiyukai plan of State purchase of the electric power industry because it would require too large a bond issue. 1936.08.31 — The Finance Ministry announces that revenue during the 1935-36 fiscal year totalled 2,213,581,000 yen, greater by 12,000,000 yen than in the preceding year, and that expenditure totalled 2,266,477,000 yen, greater by 45,000,000 yen than in the preceding year. 1936.08.31 — The Communications Ministry adopts shipping plans for the 1937-38 fiscal year, including increased subsidization and construction of superior vessels. 1936.08.31 — Officials of the Foreign, War, Navy, Finance and Overseas Ministries reportedly decide that efforts for an economic entente with Siam be pursued in a manner that will not be mistaken for economic aggression. 1936.08.31 — The Nichiro Fishing Company receives an appeal from its boats operating on the Kamchatka coast that something be done to avert a clash with Soviet patrol boats, which are said to be exerting "unwarranted pressure." 1936.08.31 — The Foreign Office denies rumours that it is planning to control cotton sales in North China and force buyers to pay a uniform price. 1936.08.31 — The Soviet authorities agree to extend by five years the right of the North Saghalien Oil Company to prospect for oil, which expires in December. 1936.09.01 — Consul-General Suma points out to Foreign Minister Chang the gravity of the Chengtu affair and urges a speedy settlement. 1936.09.01 — Ambassador Kawagoyé and Major-General Kita reject approaches by Mr. Kan Tsung-wu, of the Nanking Foreign Office, on settlement of the Chengtu affair, explaining that nothing can be done until the inquiry is completed. 1936.09.01 — Lieutenant-General Sadaaki Kagesa, of the Army General Staff, says on his return to Tokyo from China that the situation in North China requires quick and effective action by Japan. 1936.09.01 — Fresh complications in the Shanghai trial of Chinese accused of murdering a Japanese bluejacket are feared with the report that three new suspects have been made to confess falsely to the murder. 1936.09.01 — Mr. Wang Keh-min, reportedly entrusted by Nanking with plans to oust General Han Fu-chu from Shantung, to transfer to Nanking the silver holdings in North China and to reorganize the Hopei-Chahar Political Council, leaves Shanghai for Peiping to take office as chairman of the economic affairs commission of the northern administration. 1936.09.01 — The appointment of Admiral Seizo Kobayashi, retired, as Governor-General of Formosa and of five former public officials to seats in the House of Peers is approved by the Cabinet. 1936.09.01 — Mr. Seigo Nakano's Tohokai invites principal farm organizations to form a united front in the next session of the Diet. 1936.09.01 — The Soviet Embassy, asking release of the Soviet vessel held for unlawful entry at Mako, is told that it must be dealt with in accordance with Japanese law. 1936.09.01 — The Australian authorities are learned to have seized a Japanese fishing craft off the Solomon Islands on a charge of poaching and fined the captain £514. 1936.09.01 — The Japanese Consulate at Hsinmintfu, Fengtien Province, Manchoukuo, is closed and its functions divided between the offices at Mukden and Chinchow. 1936.09.02 — Britain is informed that Japan will convert into submarines 15,198 tons of the 28,000 tons of destroyers in excess of the treaty limits allowed because of British invocation of the escalator clause to retain 40,000 tons of destroyers. 1936.09.02 — The Chinese Ambassador in Tokyo conveys to Foreign Minister Arita Nanking's regrets over the Chengtu incident and gives assurance that it is ready to negotiate a settlement based on the findings of its inquiry commission. 1936.09.02 — The Kwantung Army announces that Soviet troops invaded Manchoukuo on August 13 north of Heiho and had to be warned away when found cutting trees. 1936.09.02 — Announcement is made at Canberra that Consul-General Murai has agreed to transmit to Tokyo Australia's proposals for termination of the trade controversy. 1936.09.02 — Officials of the Foreign, Commerce and Industry, Finance, Agriculture and Forestry and Overseas Ministries are unable to reach an agreement on unifying administration of foreign trade. 1936.09.03 — Bureau and Sectional chiefs of the Foreign, War and Navy Ministries and the Naval General Staff draft Japan's demands in connection with the Chengtu incident. 1936.09.03 — Japanese leaders in China meet at Shanghai to hear the report of the Chengtu inquiry group. 1936.09.03 — The Meirinkai, society of retired officers, urges the Government to adopt a vigorous policy in dealing with the Chengtu case. 1936.09.03 — Two Japanese warships start up the Yangtze to Hankow because of the Chengtu situation. 1936.09.03 — Peiping reports tell of signs of dissatisfaction in the Hopei-Chahar Political Council and the 29th Army Corps with regard to Sino-Japanese economic co-operation. 1936.09.03 — Americans residing in China look to the Japanese and British authorities for protection, declares Mr. F. R. Townsend, former U.S. Consul in China, in a Washington speech. 1936.09.03 — Japanese gendarmes sent to Hinganlungton, on the eastern border of Manchoukuo, to investigate an incident are fired on by Soviet guards. 1936.09.03 — The arrest of a number of Koreans engaged in organizing an extremist leftist body is revealed. 1936.09.04 — The Emperor sanctions the policy of dealing with the Chengtu incident agreed on by the Cabinet. It is indicated that in addition to the usual demands Japan will insist that the causes of the incident be eradicated. 1936.09.04 — The spring cocoon crop amounted to 41,392,000 kwan, valued at 199,510,000 yen, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. 1936.09.04 — The New York Times advocates consideration of the political aspects of Japan's retention of excess submarines before answering Tokyo's notification. 1936.09.04 — Representative J. W. Martin, Jr., Massachusetts Republican, urges higher tariff barriers against cheap Japanese goods. 1936.09.05 — Ambassador Kawagoyé is instructed on negotiations with Nanking to settle the Chengtu incident. 1936.09.05 — Ambassador Hsu Shih-ying informs Foreign Minister Arita that Nanking no longer insists on dealing with the Chengtu affair as a local issue. 1936.09.05 — Commander Narimoto Nakatsu, resident naval officer at Hankow, says on completion of a separate inquiry by the army and the navy at Chengtu that the plans for the anti-Japanese attack apparently were with the connivance of the Central authorities and that the local officials tried to conceal the facts. 1936.09.05 — Several Shanghai organizations start agitation against the Hopei-Chahar Political Council's plan for a consumption tax on goods entering through East Hopei. 1936.09.05 — The new British Ambassador to China, Sir Hughe M. Knatchbull-Hugessen, arrives in Japan for a brief visit on the way to his post. 1936.09.05 — Ambassador Youreneff counters a Japanese protest against border incidents filed on September 2 with a protest against flights by Japanese and Manchoukuo planes over the U.S.S.R. and the firing of shots by Manchoukuo troops. 1936.09.05 — Communications Minister Tanomogi opposes State ownership of the electric power industry at the second four-Minister conference on the question. 1936.09.06 — Education Minister Hirao tells interviewers he will resist postponement of extension of compulsory education. 1936.09.06 — Two thousand members of the Federation of National Salvation Societies demonstrate in Shanghai in opening a drive for funds for the anti-Japanese volunteers in Manchuria. 1936.09.06 — Nanking announces that the Kwangsi warlords, General Li and General Pai, have agreed to capitulate. 1936.09.07 — The executives of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry decide to oppose the plan for control of the electric power industry, arguing that it strikes at the right of private ownership of property. 1936.09.07 — The committee, preparing for enforcement of the factory retirement allowance law, indicates readiness to reject the request of industrialists that women who leave work to marry not receive a retirement allowance. 1936.09.07 — Shipping companies operating lines to South Africa decide to contribute to the fund for compensation of losses from the importation of South African wool instead of Australian. 1936.09.07 — The average index number of Tokyo wholesale prices in August is given by the Bank of Japan as 200.7, the highest since January, 1930. 1936.09.07 — Resolutions urging firm action on the Chengtu incident are submitted to Premier Hirota by eighteen patriotic organizations and the Japan Press Association. 1936.09.08 — The murder of a Japanese resident at Pakhoi, Kwangtung Province, by a Chinese mob allegedly stirred up by troops of the reorganized 19th Route Army, is learned at Canton. 1936.09.08 — Mr. Wang Keh-min is greeted at Tientsin by a demonstration in opposition to his taking office under the Hopei-Chahar Political Council because of his alleged leanings towards Nanking. 1936.09.08 — The Hopei-Chahar Political Council opens in Tientsin an office to collect the new consumption duties on imports coming overland from East Hopei. A spokesman calls the system an expedient to encourage movement of the vast quantities of low-taxed merchandise held in various places. 1936.09.08 — Nanking decrees adoption of universal conscription to strengthen defences. 1936.09.08 — Mr. Henry L. Stimson's The Far Eastern Crisis, published in New York, reviews the Manchurian and Shanghai incidents and asserts that an agreement between the U.S. and Japan regarding Manchoukuo is impossible because anything acceptable to Japan would be rejected by China. 1936.09.08 — Irritation is indicated in Tokyo official quarters at criticism of Japan and publication of diplomatic documents in Mr. Robert Lansing's War Memoirs. 1936.09.08 — The Cabinet approves establishment of a legal commission to serve as an advisory body on laws for the Justice Minister. 1936.09.08 — The Japan Cotton Traders' Association announces that 4,447,555 bales of cotton were imported between September 1, 1935, and August 31, 1936, setting an all-time record. Notable were the reduced amounts from the U.S. and Egypt and the increased amounts from India, Africa, China, Brazil and other Latin American countries. 1936.09.08 — The Providence, Rhode Island, Textile Association issues a declaration that existing tariff barriers are inadequate to halt imports of cheap textiles from Japan. 1936.09.08 — A united farm policy and a united front against Fascism are advocated by the National Farmers' Union in celebrating its 11th anniversary. 1936.09.08 — The Foreign Office notifies the Spanish Legation in Tokyo that as it no longer represents the Madrid Government all business with Spain will be transacted through the Japanese Legation in Madrid. 1936.09.09 — The gunboat Saga, at Canton, is ordered to take a Japanese inquiry party to Pakhoi, and the destroyers Wakatake and Sanagi are ordered from Shanghai to Kwangtung waters. 1936.09.09 — Consul-General Suma protests at Nanking against the Pakhoi incident and requests assistance for the Japanese inquirers sent to the spot. 1936.09.09 — The Japanese Consulate-General in Tientsin announces settlement of the incident in which a Chinese customs cruiser fired on the Japanese-owned Taiei Maru on June 22 and seized it on suspicion of smuggling. 1936.09.09 — Secretary of the Navy Swanson reportedly asserts that Japan's decision to retain submarines as part of the cruiser tonnage allowed by Britain's invocation of the escalator clause is a violation of the naval treaty and warns that the U.S. will counter such action by retaining excess submarine tonnage at parity with Japan. 1936.09.09 — Application to rayon textile exports of the provision in the Export Guild Law compelling non-members of guilds to abide by control measures is promulgated, effective September 15, and similar compulsion is ordered for exporters of not only rayon textiles but silk textiles and cotton yarn and textiles to Syria and Lebanon. 1936.09.12 — In a statement on the Pakhoi affair, the War Office says that Nanking has been following a false path which it must abandon for the sake of Far Eastern peace. 1936.09.12 — Four destroyers are ordered from Tsingtao to Kwangtung waters to protect Japanese lives and property because of the continued tension over the Pakhoi incident. 1936.09.12 — Foreign Vice-Minister Chen Chieh tells the press that Nanking will not try to evade responsibility for the Pakhoi affair because it occurred in an area beyond Government control and that nothing will be left undone to prevent fresh incidents. 1936.09.12 — The Chinese authorities at Canton try to induce Japan not to send warships to Pakhoi, contending that it would aggravate the situation. 1936.09.12 — Two British papers in Shanghai, the North-China Daily News and the Shanghai Times, condemn anti-Japanese agitation in China that leads to incidents like those at Chengtu and Pakhoi. 1936.09.12 — The army bans membership in labour unions for arsenal workers. 1936.09.12 — The Japanese art exhibit at Boston in connection with the Harvard tercentenary is opened with a speech by Ambassador Saito. 1936.09.12 — A Japanese taxi owner in Davao is refused permission to expand his business in a case before the Philippine Supreme Court to test the prohibition in the Constitution against establishment or expansion of business enterprises not controlled by Filipinos. 1936.09.11 — General Chiang Kai-shek orders military preparations to oust from Pakhoi the 19th Route Army. 1936.09.11 — A protest is made at Canton against pressure by the local police against Japanese residents. 1936.09.11 — The Japanese Consul-General in Shanghai asks Mayor Wu Teh-cheng to give special attention to protection of Japanese because of the serious developments in Sino-Japanese relations. 1936.09.11 — Opposition is revealed in the Hopei-Chahar Political Council to the inauguration of the Tientsin Electricity Company, the first Sino-Japanese joint enterprise in North China under the new régime, because of the manner in which it was formed. 1936.09.11 — The Social Mass Party issues a statement assailing the army's order to arsenal workers to sever relations with labour unions. 1936.09.11 — The U.S. is reported in Tokyo to have notified Japan that substitution of submarines for destroyers in taking advantage of Britain's invocation of the escalator clause violates the 1936 naval treaty and suggested that negotiations be opened. It is indicated that Japan does not intend to alter its policy. 1936.09.12 — The Finance Ministry announces that the first bonds of the current fiscal year will be issued on September 21, totalling 210,000,000 yen, selling at 96 yen, maturing in 20 years and bearing interest of 3.5 per cent. All are being taken by the Bank of Japan. 1936.09.12 — A committee of the Diet System Inquiry Commission decides to recommend that the Diet be convened in November instead of December. 1936.09.12 — A suspect arrested in Shanghai reveals that the secret society responsible for the attempt to murder Mr. Wang Ching-wei last November was plotting to assassinate Japanese. 1936.09.12 — Mr. Wang Keh-min formally declines appointment as chairman of the economic affairs commission of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council. 1936.09.12 — The Hongkong Government announces that permission has been granted to the American-owned Pan-American Airways to use Hongkong as the eastern terminus of its trans-Pacific air service and that the China National Aviation Corporation, a Sino-American firm, will also establish a base there. 1936.09.12 — Twenty-five officers and men are killed and 64 wounded in an engagement with bandits following derailment of a Japanese troop train west of Muling, Pinkiang Province. 1936.09.12 — The charge is made at Hsinking that some communist bandits, including Manchurians and Koreans, on the eastern frontier of Manchoukuo have been receiving Soviet aid. 1936.09.12 — The Manchoukuo-Korean Development Company, which will promote Korean immigration into Manchoukuo, is formally inaugurated in Hsinking. 1936.09.12 — The Toyama prefectural police arrest 15 Koreans suspected of plotting for Korean independence. 1936.09.12 — Japan's Consul-General in Vladivostok reports that he has protested against the detention of several Korean fishing boats. 1936.09.15 — Ambassador Kawagoyé arrives in Nanking to open negotiations on recent anti-Japanese incidents. 1936.09.15 — The Japanese Consulate-General in Canton announces that leaders of the 19th Route Army at Pakhoi yesterday refused to let the Japanese inquiry party land. 1936.09.14 — Settlement of the Fengtai incident, in which Chinese soldiers injured a Japanese resident, is announced at Peiping. General Sung is to order his troops to abstain from anti-Japanese actions. 1936.09.14 — Continued anti-Japanese agitation is reported in various parts of China. 1936.09.14 — General Yen Hsi-shan is said to be advancing control by Nanking over Shansi and Suiyuan in the interests of national unity. 1936.09.14 — London denies reports that Britain has asked Japan to invoke the escalator clause in connection with its decision to retain submarines above the treaty limits. 1936.09.14 — The Social Mass Party and the National Council of Labour Unions protest formally against the War Ministry's order that arsenal workers must withdraw from unions. 1936.09.14 — The International Federation of P.E.N. Clubs, meeting in Buenos Aires, decides to hold its 1940 congress in Tokyo. 1936.09.15 — The War Office submits to the Finance Ministry estimates for the 1937-38 fiscal year totalling 822,000,000 yen, including 300,000,000 yen for launching the new replenishment programme, the term for which has been reduced to six years and the cost to 3,300,000,000 yen. 1936.09.15 — Farm debts in Japan at the end of August, 1935, are announced as 4,091,225,000 yen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, on 1,500,000,000 yen of which interest of more than 10 per cent. is being paid. 1936.09.18 — The Privy Council approves organization of a South Seas section in the Foreign Office and revision of the regulations for the governments of Korea, Formosa, the South Sea Mandated Islands and the Kwantung Leased Territory. 1936.09.18 — Premier Hirota confers with President Hiranuma of the Privy Council on creation of a post of Minister without portfolio. 1936.09.18 — The political research committees of the Minseito and the Seiyukai are unable to decide on their attitudes towards the proposed State control of the electric power industry. 1936.09.18 — A state of alarm is proclaimed in Shanghai for four days because of the approaching anniversary of the Manchurian incident, September 18. 1936.09.18 — Harvard confers honorary doctorates on Dr. Masaharu Anesaki and Dr. Kiyoshi Shiga. 1936.09.18 — Representatives of Kobé, Yokohama and Nagasaki organize a committee to work for liquidation of perpetual leases granted to foreigners in the three cities when the foreign concessions were abolished. 1936.09.17 — On the basis of demands totalling 3,199,991,000, to which may have to be added about 100,000,000 yen, Domei forecasts a 1937-38 budget in excess of 3,000,000,000 yen. Of the new demands of 1,518,200,000 yen, the army and the navy are asking 826,000,000 yen, or 62 per cent. 1936.09.17 — Education Ministry leaders agree to the creation of a commission to consider general revision of the educational system. 1936.09.17 — A standing committee of the Social Mass Party decides to campaign against the army's order to arsenal workers to leave labour unions. 1936.09.17 — The Chinese Ambassador in Tokyo informs Foreign Minister Arita that the 19th Route Army has started to evacuate Pakhoi but that further patience is required. 1936.09.17 — Vice-Admiral Koshiro Oikawa warns the Chinese authorities at Shanghai that the Japanese navy is fully determined to cope effectively with the Pakhoi situation. 1936.09.17 — A bomb is thrown at a Japanese establishment in Swatow. 1936.09.17 — Secretary of State Cordell Hull denies reports that the U.S. may abandon the Stimson doctrine and recognize Manchoukuo. 1936.09.17 — Sir Henry S. Gullett denies in Sydney that the Japanese-Australian trade negotiations have been halted, but Tokyo is of the opinion that no progress has been made since their resumption on August 28. 1936.09.18 — The fifth anniversary of the Manchurian outbreak is observed. 1936.09.18 — General Uyeda, Kwantung Army commander, issues a proclamation reaffirming the fundamental principles of the Kyowakai (Concordia Society), the only authoritarian political party in Manchoukuo. 1936.09.18 — The Cabinet approves an Imperial Ordinance making the Ex-Servicemen's Association an official organization under the direct control of the War and Navy Ministers. 1936.09.18 — The Cabinet approves the appointment of Mr. Kenjiro Kitajima, director of the colonial bureau of the Overseas Ministry, as Governor of the South Sea Mandated Islands. 1936.09.18 — The Overseas Minister obtains Cabinet approval for making Rashin, North Korea, an independent city. 1936.09.18 — The Cabinet agrees to abolition of silver notes of the Yokohama Specie Bank in Manchuria, effective October 1. 1936.09.18 — Japanese and Chinese troops confront each other at Fengtai following an encounter between units passing along the same road. 1936.09.18 — Attention is attracted by the visit to Canton of the Governor of Hongkong, Sir Andrew Caldecott, who meets with General Chiang Kai-shek. 1936.09.19 — A Japanese consular policeman is murdered at Hankow. 1936.09.19 — The friction between Japanese and Chinese troops at Fengtai is settled by negotiation, the Chinese agreeing to move the soldiers to another area. 1936.09.19 — The Supreme Court sentences Heikichi Ogawa, former Railway Minister, to two years in prison at hard labour and payment of a fine of 192,470 yen and seven other former officials in terminating the railway bribery case opened in 1929. 1936.09.19 — Work starts on the tunnel to link Kyushu with the Main Island. 1936.09.19 — A Brazilian economic mission, headed by Mr. Joaquim Pedro Salgado Filho, arrives in Tokyo. 1936.09.19 — Moscow reports that Manchoukuo and Outer Mongolia have exchanged 21 prisoners each at the frontier. 1936.09.20 — The annual air defence manoeuvres in the Kwansai are started. 1936.09.21 — The Emperor receives in audience the Brazilian economic mission. 1936.09.21 — The War Minister, accompanied by the Navy Minister, submits to the Premier a plan for administrative reforms. 1936.09.21 — The Navy Office announces the organization of a special landing party to send to China to strengthen the forces of the 3rd Fleet. 1936.09.21 — Foreign Vice-Minister Chen Chieh tells the press that settlement of the Sino-Japanese situation requires patience. 1936.09.21 — Lieutenant-General Itagaki, Kwantung Army chief-of-staff, issues a statement voicing concern at the situation in China. 1936.09.21 — General Sung Che-yuan issues a statement urging peaceful co-operation with Japan and calling on the populace to promote friendly relations. 1936.09.21 — Foreign Minister Arita tells the Soviet Ambassador that protests against deductions from the Chinese Eastern Railway payments to meet debts of the railway contracted while under Soviet management should be addressed to Manchoukuo. 1936.09.21 — A firm to make paper from Chinese reed, the Tokyo Paper Manufacturing Industry Company, capitalized at 10,000,000 yen, is formed at Kobé. It will build a plant between Tientsin and Taku. 1936.09.21 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issues licences to four automobile firms to turn out yearly 21,839 cars, of which Ford is allotted 12,360 and General Motors 9,479. 1936.09.21 — The U.S. Department of Commerce claims that Japan has extended its quota for cotton textile shipments to the Philippines. Of the total of 52,617,000 square meters reaching the market in the year ending July 31, exceeding the quota by 3,517,000 square metres, 43,976,000 square metres were direct from Japan and 8,690,000 square metres through Hongkong. 1936.09.21 — A menace from Japanese fishermen in coastal waters is alleged in Canada and the United States. 1936.09.22 — The Cabinet approves the Finance Ministry's tax revision programme, designed to increase revenue by 200,000,000 yen in the next fiscal year and 300,000,000 yen in later years. Among numerous changes, the inheritance tax is increased by 100 per cent., the corporation income tax by 80 per cent., and the individual income tax by 50 per cent. The house tax is to be transferred to the national treasury. 1936.09.22 — The Home Office issues a statement explaining the changes in local taxation, the aim of which is said to be to distribute the tax burden more evenly. 1936.09.22 — Japanese officials and business men open talks with the Brazilian economic mission. 1936.09.22 — Renewed activity by ultra-patriotic elements results in the "preventive detention" of more than 40 men. 1936.09.22 — The Chinese authorities at Hankow refuse to do little more about the murder of a Japanese consular policeman than to assist in locating the murderer. 1936.09.22 — Chinese newspapers attempt to prove that China cannot be held responsible for the murder of the Japanese policeman at Hankow because it took place in an area not under Chinese jurisdiction. 1936.09.22 — The Chinese military authorities at Fengtai are charged with failure to carry out the terms of the agreement settling the incident of September 18. 1936.09.22 — Japanese and Chinese groups arrive off Pakhoi to inquire into the recent anti-Japanese murder. 1936.09.22 — The Far Eastern Red Army begins its annual manoeuvres around Habarovsk. 1936.09.23 — Three Japanese bluejackets are fired on in Shanghai, and one is killed and the others wounded. 1936.09.23 — Investigation of the Pakhoi incident is started. 1936.09.23 — Chinese reports that General Chiang Kai-shek is seeking British intercession in the Sino-Japanese situation are denied in London. 1936.09.23 — The central executive committee of the General Federation of Government Labour Unions decides to combat the army's order to arsenal workers to leave unions. 1936.09.24 — The Emperor leaves for the army manoeuvres in the Hokkaido. 1936.09.24 — The Emperor sanctions a strengthening of the Japanese naval forces in China waters. 1936.09.24 — Rear-Admiral Eijiro Kondo, commander of the landing party at Shanghai, issues a proclamation explaining the reasons for the emergency guard measures instituted by the navy following the shooting of three bluejackets. 1936.09.24 — The British Ambassador denies to Foreign Minister Arita that Britain has any intention of mediating in the Sino-Japanese situation. 1936.09.24 — The Manchurian Affairs Bureau announces approval of reorganization of the South Manchuria Railway Company, providing for unification of the management of the S.M.R., Manchoukuo State and North Korean lines. 1936.09.24 — Manchoukuo announces that the conference with Outer Mongolia has been postponed until October 1. 1936.09.24 — Finance Minister Baba tells Seiyukai and Minseito groups that the tax increases are necessary and that the people can bear them. 1936.09.23 — The Mayor of Shanghai issues a decree calling on the populace to refrain from any action likely to arouse foreign ill-feeling. 1936.09.23 — The Kwantung Army reveals that two Manchoukuo subjects fishing on the Ussuri River near Hulin were taken by Soviet guards on September 20. 1936.09.23 — The Manchoukuo Finance Department announces that Manchoukuo had a favourable international balance of 87,962,000 yuan in the 1935-36 fiscal year. 1936.09.23 — Members of the Minseito's political research committee charge that the whole scheme for State management of the electric power industry is tinged with bureaucratic ideology. 1936.09.24 — With the drop of the pound-dollar rate following devaluation of the French franc, the Yokohama Specie Bank lowers its dollar acceptance rate from $291 to $291. The French move is not expected to affect Japan greatly. 1936.09.24 — Chinese attempt to burn the offices of the Nittetsu Kisen Kaisha in Shanghai, 13 miles south of Changsha. 1936.09.27 — The Osaka prefectural police raid the headquarters of the Hito-no-Michi religious sect at Fusei, Osaka Prefecture, and arrest the founder on criminal charges. The doctrines of the sect, which has more than 1,000,000 members, are to be investigated. 1936.09.27 — The American Foreign Policy Association challenges the right of Japan to retain 11,000 tons of overage submarines due to be scrapped before the end of the year. 1936.09.28 — Growing concern regarding the Far Eastern situation is reported in London political quarters. 1936.09.28 — Manchoukuo is said to be protesting to the U.S.S.R. against the seizure of a motorboat of the North Manchuria Gold Mining Company and detention of its crew on the Amur on September 21. 1936.09.29 — Counsellor Dodds of the British Embassy calls at the Foreign Office to make it clear that the British Ambassador was not responsible for the press report that assurance had been given to him by Foreign Minister Arita that Japan would not resort to force in settling the Chinese situation, and the British Ambassador later announces that the report was without foundation. 1936.09.29 — The chiefs-of-staff of the Kwantung Army and the North China garrison meet in Hsinking. Major-General Gun Hashimoto tells the press that the two military units mean to communicate to Nanking their hope that it will rectify its anti-Japanese policy. Need is felt for Nanking's recognition of the special nature of North China, he says. 1936.09.29 — The incident of August 22, in which a Japanese resident at Fengtai was hurt by Chinese soldiers, is settled at Peiping with a formal apology. 1936.09.29 — A prize of 5,000 Chinese dollars is offered by the Shanghai municipal police for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the attack on Japanese bluejackets on September 23. 1936.09.29 — General Chiang Kai-shek issues a new mandate to all local authorities to protect foreign residents. 1936.09.29 — Lifting of the press ban on news of the examination of suspects in the murder of Mr. Kosaku Kayao in Shanghai on July 10 reveals that four men and two women are being held. 1936.09.29 — The Japanese Press Association of Tsingtao urges Premier Hirota to act firmly in settling the China situation and protecting Japanese lives and property. 1936.09.29 — Dr. V. K. Wellington Koo warns the League Assembly that the Far Eastern situation is enshrouded in insecurity because of the increased war preparations of certain Powers. 1936.09.29 — The Soviet naval forces in the Far East start manoeuvres. 1936.09.29 — Assistant Secretary of State Francis B. Sayre minimizes the effects of Japanese competition on the New England textile industry in a speech at Boston. 1936.09.29 — Prime Minister Lyons declares that Australia means to adhere firmly to its new trade policy and that the negotiations with Japan are only on points of detail. 1936.09.29 — Satisfied with its talks in Tokyo, in which a number of recommendations were adopted, the Brazilian economic mission leaves for the Kwansai. 1936.09.29 — The 14-year-old dispute between France and Japan over interest payments on the 108,800,000-franc loan to the Tokyo Municipal Government in 1912 is settled with a compromise. 1936.09.30 — Fear is voiced in Japanese financial quarters that an attempt might be made at the proposed international monetary conference to raise the exchange value of the yen, which would harm Japanese trade. 1936.10.01 — Prince Mikasa, youngest brother of the Emperor, is appointed a sub-lieutenant in the army and decorated with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum. 1936.10.01 — The Foreign Office denies and assails a Reuter report that Japan's demands to China include the right to station Japanese troops at various points along the Yangtze. 1936.10.01 — General Sung issues an order to his troops to maintain friendly relations with the Japanese forces stationed in North China. 1936.10.01 — The Hopei provincial chairman orders all officials under him to be ready for an emergency at a moment's notice, alleging that a Sino-Japanese war is inevitable. 1936.10.01 — Japan's foreign trade for the first nine months of the year is revealed to have witnessed a gain in exports by 89,000,000 yen to 1,981,000,000 yen, but a greater gain in imports by 232,000,000 yen to 2,193,000,000 yen. 1936.10.01 — Ambassador Saito informs the Foreign Office that the French Government has requested him to convey its desire for Japan's support for the currency agreement among Britain, the U.S. and France. 1936.10.01 — The Australian Government appoints a committee of four representatives of the wool industry to advise it on all phases of the Japanese trade problem affecting wool. 1936.10.01 — Finance Minister Baba says in an interview that he considers the nation under quasi-wartime conditions and that preparations should be made accordingly. 1936.10.01 — Britain and the Soviet Union reach a tentative agreement extending the provisions of the 1936 naval treaty to the Soviet Union's naval forces in Europe but not to those in the Pacific, where it remains free to build ships of any tonnage or gun calibre. 1936.10.01 — Announcement is made at Mukden of the death of 11 Japanese soldiers and the wounding of seven in an engagement with bandits near Kuantien, Antung Province, on September 29. 1936.10.01 — The Railway General Directorate, central organ for all railways in Manchoukuo, is formally inaugurated at Mukden. 1936.10.01 — The Manchoukuo Broadcasting Corporation, to unify radio broadcasts, is inaugurated. 1936.10.01 — The 30th anniversary of the inauguration of the Kwantung Government is celebrated at Dairen. 1936.10.02 — Foreign Minister Arita sends Mr. Kazuyé Kuwashima, director of the Asiatic Bureau of the Foreign Office, to Nanking to inform Ambassador Kawagoyé fully of the Government's intentions with regard to the China situation. 1936.10.02 — The Shanghai First Special District Court sentences to death two Chinese accused of having taken part in the murder of Warrant Officer Hideo Nakayama last December. 1936.10.02 — The Chinese authorities are said to be shipping great quantities of silver from Shanghai to Hongkong for safekeeping. 1936.10.02 — An agreement is reached in Moscow on all fundamental questions involved in the new Japanese-Soviet fishery convention. 1936.10.02 — President Manuel Quezon denies reports that Hawaiian-born Japanese are buying land in Davao. 1936.10.05 — Twenty-one newspapers of Shanghai and Nanking publish a joint declaration on the Sino-Japanese situation, warning the Chinese people against antagonism towards foreigners and appealing to Japan to adopt a generous attitude. 1936.10.05 — Lord Rothermere, arriving in Yokohama, issues a statement in which he declares that the majority of his countrymen entertain nothing but admiration and good will for Japan. 1936.10.05 — The Indo-Japanese trade negotiations at Simla, deadlocked since September 26, are resumed. 1936.10.04 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry estimates the 1936 rice crop at 67,840,000 koku, 18.1 per cent. greater than the 1935 crop and 14.8 per cent. greater than the average for the previous five years. 1936.10.05 — General Chiang Kai-shek returns to Nanking to deal personally with the Sino-Japanese crisis. 1936.10.05 — Denying a London report that a British representation had been lodged with Japan regarding developments in China, the Foreign Office spokesman says that the Sino-Japanese situation has been explained to the British and U.S. Governments through their Embassies in Tokyo. 1936.10.05 — Announcement is made at Tsingtao of settlement of the Moeki Maru incident of June 19. 1936.10.05 — General Sung says that his recent talks with Lieutenant-General Tashiro on Sino-Japanese economic co-operation in North China were premised on strict adherence to the principles of equality and reciprocity. 1936.10.05 — Hsinking learns of Soviet seizure of a Manchoukuo boat on the Ussuri River on October 2. 1936.10.05 — Moscow leaders indicate that the U.S.S.R. will launch shortly a huge programme to build up strong fleets for the Pacific and the Baltic. 1936.10.05 — The British delegate presents a resolution to the economic committee of the League Assembly for the granting to all nations of equal access to certain raw materials. 1936.10.05 — Finance Minister Baba tells a convention of bankers at Nagoya that the Government's cheap money policy is designed to bring about sound development of trade and industry and to contribute to the stabilization of national living. 1936.10.05 — Mr. Kenkichi Yoshizawa, former Foreign Minister, arrives in London, where he plans to see a number of prominent British statesmen. 1936.10.06 — The Communications Ministry announces that domestic postal rates will be raised with the start of the 1937-38 fiscal year, letters to cost four instead of three sen and a half sen. A revenue increase of 11,140,000 yen is anticipated, of which 3,000,000 yen will be turned over to the national treasury. 1936.10.06 — Twenty-one newspapers in Canton print a joint declaration on the Sino-Japanese crisis, calling on the Chinese to be ready to give their lives for the nation and appealing to Japan to accept the basic principle of Chinese equality. 1936.10.06 — Mr. Kuwashima, sent by Foreign Minister Arita, arrives in Nanking. 1936.10.06 — The Foreign Office is informed of efforts of the consular authorities in Harbin, Heiho and Blagoveshchensk and the Embassy in Moscow to obtain the release of the North Manchuria Gold Mining Company's motorboat on the Amur, for the miners to whom it was taking food across the river are facing starvation. 1936.10.06 — Announcement is made in Hsinking that 5,118 Japanese officials and civilians have been decorated by Emperor Kangté for their services in the construction of Manchoukuo and promotion of friendly relations. 1936.10.06 — Mr. Neville Chamberlain, Chancellor of the Exchequer, voices concern at the annual bankers' dinner in London over the possibility that Far Eastern economic progress may be interrupted by differences between Japan and China. 1936.10.06 — The Cotton Textile Institute, New York, reveals that U.S. and Japanese cotton interests are discussing the possibility of holding a conference to adjust competition. 1936.10.07 — The Finance Ministry makes public a part of the projected tax increases. Individual income taxes are to start at .8 per cent. on 1,200 yen of income and rise progressively to 58 per cent. on more than 4,000,000 yen, compared with the old 3.8 per cent. on 1,200 yen and 36 per cent. on more than 4,000,000 yen. Corporations with head offices in Japan are to pay 10 per cent. on their incomes instead of the present 5 per cent., and those without head offices in the country are to pay twice as much. 1936.10.07 — Mr. Ichiro Hatoyama, Seiyukai manager, assails Finance Minister Baba for speaking of "preparation for war." 1936.10.07 — Secretary of the Navy Swanson asserts that the U.S. is following a wait-and-see policy regarding the proposed extension of the non-fortification clause of the Washington naval treaty but is prepared to answer fortifications with fortifications. 1936.10.07 — London political quarters indicate that the British Government is doing its utmost to avoid any action likely to impede or prejudice the outcome of the Sino-Japanese negotiations. 1936.10.07 — The North-China Daily News, Shanghai, prints an interview with Lord Rothermere in which he says he gained the impression in Japan that the Government is in an entirely accommodating spirit and does not seem to intend to push its China policy to a point where foreign interests in China would be menaced. 1936.10.07 — Reform of the Hopei-Chahar administration is seen in announcement of a decision to set up a standing committee of five men to govern the political council. 1936.10.08 — General Chiang Kai-shek and Ambassador Kawagoyé agree that joint efforts should be made to adjust relations and thus contribute to Far Eastern peace, according to a communiqué issued following their meeting. 1936.10.08 — Ambassador Kawagoyé tells the press he was impressed by General Chiang Kai-shek's enthusiasm for adjustment of relations and that the situation, though difficult, is not necessarily hopeless. 1936.10.08 — A bomb is thrown at a Japanese store in Hankow but fails to explode. 1936.10.08 — The Tohoku general meeting of the Seiyukai adopts a resolution accusing the Cabinet of sinisterness and urging that diplomatic policy be made the centre of the national programme. 1936.10.08 — Foreign Minister Arita rejects a request from the Soviet Ambassador for release of the Soviet ship held for violation of the Mako fortified zone on August 13, telling him the matter is still under judicial investigation. 1936.10.08 — Mr. Nathaniel M. Hubbard, president of the American Navy League, issues a statement in which he asserts that "Japan must get out of China" before the U.S. can consider the British proposal for perpetuation of the non-fortification clauses of the London naval treaty. 1936.10.10 — A strong protest is lodged with the Chinese authorities at Hankow against the attempt to bomb a Japanese store. 1936.10.10 — A good-will mission of six officials of the East Hopei régime arrives at Moji for a three-month tour of Japan. 1936.10.10 — General Chiang Kai-shek issues a statement on the Double Tenth Festival in which he asserts that China is capable of great progress if not interrupted or embarrassed. He denies that communism is any longer a menace and claims that national unity has been achieved. 1936.10.10 — The Nanking Foreign Office denies through Reuter that Ambassador Kawagoyé submitted to General Chiang Kai-shek a set of definite claims. 1936.10.10 — An agreement extending for five years the prospecting rights of the North Saghalien Oil Company is signed in Moscow. 1936.10.10 — Readiness by Japan to participate in another world economic conference is hinted. 1936.10.10 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry estimates the production of summer-autumn cocoons at 18,587,340 kwan, 1 per cent. more than last year. 1936.10.11 — A number of Japanese and Manchoukuo soldiers are killed and wounded in two clashes with Soviets on the eastern frontier. 1936.10.12 — London denies Tokyo press reports alleging that Britain has approached other signatories of the Nine-Power Treaty with a view to protesting to Japan against its demands to China. 1936.10.12 — Baron Tomii, new counsellor in London, confers with the British Foreign Office on the Far Eastern situation. 1936.10.12 — Sixty-six North China university professors issue a joint manifesto urging that Nanking take a rigid stand in negotiating with Japan. 1936.10.12 — The Hankow authorities offer 3,000 yuan for the arrest of the murderer of Policeman Yoshioka and 3,000 yuan for the arrest of those who tried to bomb a Japanese store. 1936.10.12 — The Hopei-Chahar Political Council expropriates the Lungyen Iron Ore Company for development with Japanese co-operation. 1936.10.12 — Moscow and Tokyo exchange protests over the October 11 border incidents. 1936.10.12 — The Home Office reveals that there were 1,468 labour disputes from January to August, with 65,861 disputants, compared with 1,116 and 51,431 respectively in the same period of 1935. 1936.10.15 — The Cabinet approves formation of a 27-member commission to study possible reforms in the House of Peers. 1936.10.15 — The commission to study ways and means of improving national health set up by the Society for the Advancement of Science holds its first meeting and hears a report showing steady decreases in the number of patients suffering from tuberculosis, dysentery, short-sightedness, bad teeth and mental disorders. 1936.10.15 — In an effort to avert national control of the electric power industry, Mr. Ichizo Kobayashi, president of the Tokyo Electric Light Company, proposes that the five leading power companies merge and reduce rates. 1936.10.15 — Opposition to the reported British financial assistance to China if it has political significance is indicated in Tokyo. 1936.10.15 — A Hongkong report claims that China has agreed to use by Britain of the Paracelso Reefs as a fueling station for a Sino-British air service. 1936.10.15 — Reports from Peiping allege manoeuvres by the British, French and Soviet envoys in China to consolidate the positions of their countries in North China. 1936.10.15 — The Japanese authorities in Peiping warn the Hopei-Chahar Political Council regarding the anti-Japanese manifesto issued by university professors, calling attention to the inadvisability of anything prejudicing public sentiment. 1936.10.15 — Mr. Li San-hao is appointed chairman of the economic affairs commission of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council. 1936.10.14 — Ambassador Yoshida is instructed to adhere to the procès verbal extending the effectiveness of Article 22 of the London naval treaty, regarding the use of submarines. 1936.10.14 — Ambassador Saito, speaking in Pittsburgh, denies Japanese aggressive designs in China. He calls attention to the unreality of condemning war without taking into consideration the inevitability of changes in "pelf and power," for which legal provision is lacking. 1936.10.14 — Lord Marley, Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, accuses Japan of imperialistic ambitions in the Pacific in a Chicago speech and urges an Anglo-American understanding to prevent war. 1936.10.17 — The Navy Office announces that the first large-scale fleet manoeuvres since 1933, started on August 1, are about to enter a particularly intensive stage under the personal supervision of the Emperor. 1936.10.17 — The second-class cruiser Kumano, 8,500 tons, is launched at Kobé. 1936.10.17 — The New York Herald Tribune understands that the State Department has decided that the U.S. cannot afford to accept the British proposal for extension of the Pacific non-fortification agreement unless the whole Pacific question is re-examined. 1936.10.17 — The second conference at Manchuli between Manchoukuo and Outer Mongolia opens. 1936.10.17 — The Soviet consul-general at Harbin is asked to return the body of Lieutenant Tominaga, killed on the border on October 12. 1936.10.17 — Announcement is made of the death of eight Japanese during the past week in anti-bandit operations in Manchoukuo. 1936.10.17 — Mr. J. Spencer Kennard, American Baptist missionary returning from furlough in the U.S., is forbidden entry at Yokohama on the ground that he harbours communistic ideas that make his presence injurious to peace and order. 1936.10.17 — Members of the so-called God-Sent Troops issue a statement denouncing the Government for its detention of 14 of them on September 22 as a protective measure. 1936.10.17 — The Mitsui Gomei Kaisha announces that 1,450 joint-stock companies in Japan proper averaged profits of 11.1 per cent. during the first half of 1936. 1936.10.17 — Dr. Kiroku Hayashi disputes the late Mr. Robert Lansing's reference to Japan in his Memoirs in an article in the Gaiko Jiho. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. IV No. 4 (March 1936) --- (covers 1935.11.01 to 1936.01.29) 1935.11.01 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei is shot at Nanking, allegedly because of his pro-Japanese policy. A false report claiming the assassins were Japanese is circulated by Reuters' Nanking correspondent. 1935.11.01 — Assurances are given to the Japanese military and consular authorities in North China that the utmost will be done to exterminate anti-Japanese and anti-Manchoukuo activities. 1935.11.01 — The Kwantung Army and the South Manchuria Railway Company reach an accord at Dairen on preliminary plans for the Hsing Chung Kung Ssu, the Japanese-Manchoukuo concern that will co-operate in economic exploitation of North China. 1935.11.01 — The report of the U.S. economic mission to the Far East, published at New York, attributes Japan's trade expansion partially to the decline of the yen but mainly to the willingness of the Japanese to work hard for modest wages. 1935.11.01 — Admiral Kanji Kato, member of the Supreme War Council, retires from active service on reaching the age limit, 65. 1935.11.02 — Lieutenant-Colonel Aizawa is indicted for the murder of Lieutenant-General Nagata on August 12. 1935.11.02 — Ambassador Ota requests Mr. Litvinov to resume the Japanese-Soviet fishery negotiations. 1935.11.03 — Nanking announces nationalization of silver and the linking of the yuan to the pound sterling. 1935.11.03 — A Shanghai report claims that Nanking, through Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, has obtained a £10,000,000 loan from Britain to use for currency reform. 1935.11.03 — Fifty agitators for autonomy in North China are shot at Tsinin. 1935.11.03 — The world marathon record is beaten by three runners in the national track and field championship meet at Tokyo. Son Kitei, Korean, finishing in 2 hours 26 minutes 41 seconds and Tamao Shioaki and Nobuichi Nakamura in 2 hours 21 seconds. 1935.11.04 — Admiral Osami Nagano and Ambassador Matsuzo Nagai are appointed delegates to the naval conference, and their instructions are approved by the Cabinet. 1935.11.04 — The Cabinet approves a draft Japanese-Manchoukuo agreement for unification and stabilization of Manchoukuo's currency. 1935.11.04 — Japanese protests are raised to the reported British credit loan to China to finance the currency reforms. 1935.11.04 — Lieutenant-Colonel Iisogai, pointing to the British order to British subjects in China to comply with Nanking's prohibition of payments in silver, says it may be possible to see important Sino-British political significance in Nanking's currency programme. 1935.11.04 — Ambassador Ariyoshi, calling on Finance Minister Kung, is asked for a sympathetic attitude towards the Chinese currency decisions. 1935.11.04 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross denies that a British loan has been made to China and criticizes what he calls Tokyo's suspicions regarding Britain's part in the Chinese currency changes, which he says comply with the Japanese demand that China help itself. 1935.11.04 — In connection with China's currency programme, Finance Minister Takahashi tells the press that Britain is certain to give serious attention to China when the European political situation is stabilized. 1935.11.04 — General Shang Chen is urged by Japanese army representatives to fulfil China's obligations under the North China military agreements. 1935.11.04 — The U.S.S.R. publishes its protest of October 14 on the October 12 border clash, Japan's reply and a second protest to Tokyo. 1935.11.05 — The Cabinet Inquiry Council is instructed to study educational and cultural reforms, and the establishment of a special body for improving the educational system, with special reference to clarification of national polity, comprising some 60 members under the Education Minister, is approved by the Cabinet. 1935.11.05 — Sixteen assistants to the delegates to the London naval conference are named. 1935.11.05 — Judicial officials meet in Tokyo to consider, among other things, measures to combat Communism. 1935.11.05 — General Sung Che-yuan forbids the transfer of silver from North China to Nanking. 1935.11.05 — Fifty-two track and field athletes are named as candidates for Japan's delegation to the Berlin Olympic Games. 1935.11.06 — The British Ambassador assures Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu that Britain has made no loan to China and adheres to its policy of co-operation with Japan on Chinese financial matters. 1935.11.06 — The British Ambassador to China tells Consul-General Suma that Britain has no intention of concluding an exclusive financial arrangement with China. 1935.11.06 — Foreign Vice-Minister Tang Yu-jen tells Consul-General Suma that China had no alternative to instituting its currency reform and that the proposed British loan, which has not yet been concluded, has nothing to do with the currency problem. 1935.11.06 — General Sung's hold over North China is strengthened by the appointment of two adherents to important posts, General Chin Teh-chun as Mayor of Peiping and Mr. Hsiao Cheng-ying as Chahar chairman. 1935.11.06 — Britain proposes to postpone for a few days the opening of the naval conference to permit the arrival of Japan's delegation. 1935.11.06 — Negotiations between Minister Kato and Prime Minister Mackenzie King to adjust Japanese-Canadian trade relations are revealed at Ottawa. 1935.11.06 — Sixteen Communists are arrested in Aomori Prefecture for trying to revive their party among poverty-stricken farmers. 1935.11.07 — The Communications Minister sanctions the establishment of the Domei Tsushinsha, designated as a national news agency, absorbing Rengo and possibly Nippon Dempo. 1935.11.07 — Mr. H. Hirao, head of the mission to Brazil, announces in Tokyo that a 10,000,000 yen concern will be formed to develop Japanese-Brazilian trade. 1935.11.08 — China's chargé d'affaires in Tokyo tells Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu that Nanking had no alternative to embarking on currency reforms and is told that the manner in which Nanking took the step was unsatisfactory. 1935.11.08 — Major-General Isogai voices opposition to Nanking's currency programme on the ground that it will hurt the Chinese masses and hints at firm measures should an attempt be made to drain North China of its silver. Chinese bankers in North China ask Nanking to allow them to keep their silver under a special local committee. Handbills distributed in various parts of North China urge financial independence from Nanking. 1935.11.08 — General Sung is urged to co-operate with Nanking by General Hsiung Pin, an envoy from General Chiang Kai-shek. 1935.11.08 — Mr. H. Hirao, reporting to the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry on his mission to Brazil, proposes the establishment of Japanese-Brazilian trade councils in both countries to promote trade and suggests encouragement of cotton production in Brazil. 1935.11.08 — A rock from the summit of Mt. Rainier, a good-will gift from the U.S. National Park Service to the Japan National Park Association to be placed on the summit of Mt. Fuji, arrives at Yokohama. 1935.11.09 — A Japanese bluejacket in uniform is killed by a revolver shot in a Shanghai street, resulting in tension and demands that the Chinese police find the culprit. 1935.11.09 — Japanese consular officials in South China meet at Hong Kong to discuss the application of the latest instructions from Tokyo. 1935.11.09 — The annual army manoeuvres open in South Kyushu. 1935.11.09 — The Mayor of Tokyo receives at the Home Ministry a summary of the results of the investigation of city administrative affairs and a warning against continued corruption. 1935.11.10 — An airplane owned by the newspaper Nichi-Nichi leaves Tokyo for Manila on a good-will flight. 1935.11.11 — A Japanese-owned store in the Shanghai International Settlement is attacked by a Chinese mob, leading to the placing on guard of all available Japanese bluejackets. Shanghai Chinese pour into the International Settlement because of fear of another Shanghai incident. Tokyo shows an inclination to withhold action on the bluejacket incident pending clarification of the motives behind it. 1935.11.11 — Responsible London quarters deny that there have been negotiations for a loan to China and voice surprise at the Tokyo report that Japan will reply shortly to the British proposals. 1935.11.11 — Nanking assents to the retention of silver holdings by banks in North China. 1935.11.11 — Finance Ministry officials open final deliberations on the 1936-37 budget by deciding to hold the total to 2,217,000,000 yen, with the deficit bond issue 657,000,000 yen. 1935.11.11 — Japan's first consulate in El Salvador is opened at San Salvador. 1935.11.11 — The Manchoukuo Embassy in Tokyo announces that up to October 31 contracts had been signed for the delivery of 65,858,000 yen of goods to the U.S.S.R. in part payment for the Chinese Eastern Railway. 1935.11.12 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces the second rice crop forecast, 17,019,730 koku, greater by 10.1 per cent. than the 1934 crop but 8.1 per cent. less than the average of the previous five years. 1935.11.12 — The Imperial Agricultural Society estimates 1935 farm losses from natural calamities at 197,700,000 yen and 1934 losses at 245,000,000 yen. 1935.11.12 — Shanghai Japanese receive handbills warning of further anti-Japanese incidents. 1935.11.12 — Ambassador Ariyoshi warns Japanese in Shanghai against rash acts likely to precipitate a crisis. 1935.11.12 — London observers regret the removal to Aden of most of Britain's Far Eastern naval forces, fearing that it will affect British prestige in the Far East. 1935.11.12 — Participating in an international Armistice Day broadcast under the auspices of the Carnegie Foundation for International Peace, Baron Wakatsuki declares that efforts to eliminate forces which threaten peace are as necessary as the procedure and organization to maintain peace. 1935.11.12 — Senator William H. King urges at Manila a pact to guarantee Philippine independence, with Japan one of the signatories. 1935.11.12 — The Nichi-Nichi good-will plane arrives at Manila from Tokyo. 1935.11.12 — The Japan-Manchoukuo Economic Commission discusses partial revision of Manchoukuo's export duty regulations. 1935.11.12 — Eighty-eight alleged anarchists are rounded up in Tokyo and Osaka following the disclosure that an attempted Tokyo bank robbery was designed to obtain funds for their movement. 1935.11.13 — The Emperor reviews 30,000 troops, ending the army manoeuvres. A spokesman of the Japanese garrison at Tientsin voices satisfaction with the steps taken by the North China authorities to prevent the shipment of silver to Nanking, holding this to be in the interests of the masses. 1935.11.13 — The War Office reportedly instructs Major-General Tada, at Tientsin, to keep in close touch with the Kwantung Army regarding the North China situation. He is to deal firmly with any disturbances in the demilitarized zone but to refrain from indiscretion. 1935.11.13 — A strong protest against the Shanghai anti-Japanese incidents is made by the Japanese Consulate-General in Nanking. 1935.11.13 — China and France agree to link their air lines at Hanoi. 1935.11.13 — The Italian protest to the Powers against sanctions is communicated to Japan "for reference." 1935.11.13 — Abolition of Egypt's 40 per cent. ad valorem exchange compensation tax on Japanese goods is urged at a joint meeting of spinners, exporters and representatives of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry at Osaka. 1935.11.13 — The Seisanko, a reactionary group, cables to President Roosevelt, demanding full independence for the Philippines at once. 1935.11.13 — More alleged anarchists are arrested in Kyoto and Osaka. 1935.11.14 — Japan's naval and diplomatic authorities at Shanghai agree to continue diplomatic efforts for settlement of the recent incidents. 1935.11.14 — Consul-General Suma warns the Nanking Foreign Office again about the anti-Japanese manifestations at Shanghai and points out to the Communications Ministry that the Sino-French air agreement ignores a Sino-Japanese understanding that China will not enter into aerial agreements with any foreign country for the present. 1935.11.14 — Independence for North China is demanded in a circular telegram issued jointly by the Peiping Chamber of Commerce, Bankers' Association and Currency Exchange and in a manifesto issued by Mr. Yin Ju-keng, administrative inspector of the demilitarized zone. 1935.11.14 — The Japan Nitrogenous Fertilizer Co-operative Distribution Association and the European Nitrogenous Fertilizer Cartel sign an agreement whereby Japan will import 125,000 tons of ammonium sulphate and be allowed to export 60,000 tons in 1936. 1935.11.14 — Announcement is made that a 300,000-yen firm, the Oceania Mining Company, will be set up to develop a nickel mine in New Caledonia. 1935.11.14 — A rock is brought down from the top of Mt. Fuji to send to the U.S. National Park Service in return for the rock from the top of Mt. Rainier. 1935.11.15 — Foreign Minister Hirota congratulates Dr. Quezon on the inauguration of the Philippine Commonwealth, and a statement by the Foreign Office spokesman declares that no support "is given by Japan to any foreigner who engages in a rebellious scheme against the legitimate government" of the Philippines. 1935.11.15 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross and the British Ambassador to China reportedly make an unsuccessful effort to obtain Japan's support for China's currency programme through Ambassador Ariyoshi. 1935.11.15 — Major-General Isogai rejects an appeal from Finance Minister Kung for Japanese support of China's currency reforms. 1935.11.15 — Ambassador Tsiang Tso-ping denies to Consul-General Suma at Nanking that the Occidentalists have brought about a change in China's policy towards Japan. 1935.11.15 — The Japanese naval authorities at Shanghai decide to withdraw special guards around the scene of the bluejacket's murder. 1935.11.15 — The navy announces the promotion of 12 rear-admirals to the rank of vice-admiral and of 44 captains to the rank of rear-admiral. The organization of the three fleets for 1936 is made public. 1935.11.15 — Adjustment of Japanese-German trade is discussed by the German trade mission with Foreign Office officials. 1935.11.15 — Mr. Kumaichi Horiguchi, cultural envoy to Latin America, returns to Japan. 1935.11.16 — Japan's delegation leaves Tokyo for the London naval conference. 1935.11.16 — The Chinese authorities at Shanghai take steps to check the exodus of Chinese residents because of war fears. Fifty thousand are said to have left. 1935.11.16 — The Japanese consular office at Shanhaikwan prohibits Japanese under its jurisdiction to smuggle silver out of North China. 1935.11.16 — Manchoukuo announces that its Foreign Currency Exchange Control Law will be enforced in December. 1935.11.17 — Egypt gives notice of extension for another month from November 19 of its trade treaty with Japan. 1935.11.18 — An unofficial Belgian commercial and industrial mission arrives in Tokyo to study trade possibilities. 1935.11.18 — China's chargé d'affaires at Tokyo informs Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu that Nanking has accepted the basic outlines of Japan's proposals for co-operation and is ready to negotiate on specific questions. 1935.11.18 — Major-General Isogai is told by Foreign Vice-Minister Tang Yu-jen that General Chiang Kai-shek is agreeing to autonomy for North China because of his policy of co-operating with Japan. Japan's assistance is asked in Nanking's currency reforms, but Major-General Isogai reportedly replies that the reforms mean economic subordination to Britain. 1935.11.18 — Lieutenant-Colonel Amemiya, resident officer at Nanking, rejects a plea by General Chen Yi, Fukien chairman, that Japan stem the autonomy movement in North China which the Japanese officer declares is purely spontaneous. 1935.11.18 — U.S. State Department officials intimate that the alleged Japanese encouragement of an autonomous regime in North China is a development of the Japanese policy against which representations were made in April, 1934. 1935.11.18 — Washington and London indicate concern over developments in North China but agree that there is nothing they can do to check them. The British Ambassador at Washington confers with Undersecretary of State Phillips. 1935.11.18 — General Chiang Kai-shek tells the 5th National Kuomintang Congress that political and economic co-operation with Japan will be sought and is said to plan the creation of a Sino-Japanese committee to adjust relations. 1935.11.18 — Mayor Chin Teh-chun of Peiping says the prime object of the proposed new regime in North China would be to suppress Communism with Japan's aid. 1935.11.18 — A destroyer is ordered to Tientsin from Port Arthur as a precaution against disturbances. 1935.11.18 — Importance is attached to a conference at Shanghai of Britain's Ambassadors to China and Japan and Sir Frederick Leith-Ross. 1935.11.18 — Manchoukuo's Foreign Affairs Commissioner at Harbin protests to the Soviet consulate-general against the abduction of Koreans and Manchurians by Soviet soldiers north of Yangkuanping, on the Tumen River. 1935.11.18 — Paris diplomatic quarters understand that the U.S.S.R. is speeding military preparations in Siberia because of fear that war with Japan may come in the spring. 1935.11.18 — Taiwan (Formosa) and Fukien Province, China, are linked by air for the first time by a good-will flight from Taihoku to Foochow. 1935.11.18 — Officials of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry point out that Government control of exports has so far not resulted in the feared decrease in the volume and value of exports. 1935.11.18 — The Japan Rayon Industry Association decides to retain the 20 per cent. curtailment of production for the first quarter of 1936. 1935.11.18 — President Quezon says the law will be enforced regarding Japanese land sub-leases in Davao but that changes in the law will be recommended if injustice is found. 1935.11.19 — General Chiang Kai-shek tells Ambassador Ariyoshi he has a plan for peaceful settlement of the North China autonomy situation and to adjust a desire for settlement of the negotiations for a Sino-Japanese rapprochement opened between Foreign Minister Hirota and Ambassador Tsiang Tso-ping. 1935.11.19 — General Chiang Kai-shek informs North China leaders he has opened negotiations with the Japanese Ambassador regarding the autonomy question and is thinking of establishing a self-government organization in the area. 1935.11.19 — Japanese army officers at Tientsin agree to continue their policy of non-interference in Chinese internal affairs but to give sympathetic support to any regime in North China which works for a rapprochement between Japan and Manchoukuo and China and joint defence against Communism. 1935.11.19 — References abroad to Japanese violation of the Nine-Power Pact in North China bring the assertion in Tokyo official quarters that North China does not intend to break away from China but merely wishes autonomy like that of Southwest China in order to fight Communism and promote the welfare of the populace. 1935.11.19 — Colonel E. M. House, writing in the November 30 issue of Liberty, predicts race wars and says Japan may be a determining factor in leading the way for all coloured races. He urges the white nations to treat with greater consideration and respect the coloured nations. 1935.11.19 — The Seiyukai's committee on clarification of the national polity agrees to urge party leaders to press the Government for further clarification measures. 1935.11.19 — Twenty-eight ships of the Kawasaki Steamship Company are tied up by a strike ordered by the New Seamen's Union when the company rejects demands for better treatment of crews. 1935.11.19 — Lack of confidence in General Chiang Kai-shek's promises is voiced by Japan's resident army officers at Shanghai. 1935.11.19 — China's Foreign Vice-Minister confers with Ambassador Ariyoshi and other Japanese diplomats on details of the Ariyoshi-Chiang interview. 1935.11.19 — Chinese rowdies in Singapore attack a Japanese hospital because of the Sino-Japanese tension. 1935.11.19 — It is asserted in London official quarters that any peaceful outcome of the Sino-Japanese crisis will be welcomed. 1935.11.19 — Washington reports say that the U.S. delegation to the naval conference will contest any Japanese claims that greater responsibilities in the Orient necessitate greater naval strength. 1935.11.19 — The U.S. Navy Department estimates that the U.S. has 87 under-age warships, totalling 731,000 tons, and is building 84 more of 280,000 tons; Britain has 146 under-age ships of 877,000 tons and is building 49 of 161,000 tons, and Japan has 147 of 370,000 tons and is building 17 of 97,000 tons. 1935.11.19 — The importance of preserving Japanese-American trade is stressed in the official declaration adopted at the closing session of the U.S. National Foreign Trade Council at Houston, Texas. 1935.11.19 — The New Seamen's Union orders a general strike of members aboard 400 ships when strikers on vessels of the Kawasaki Steamship Company are dismissed by a court ruling. 1935.11.22 — The 5th National Kuomintang Congress adopts a plan for local self-government throughout China, including North China. 1935.11.22 — The Times, London, warns the British Government to take adequate measures to assure the open door and equal opportunity in North China. 1935.11.22 — London officials deny that there have been Anglo-American discussions of applying economic sanctions to Japan. 1935.11.22 — The War Office informally announces some 700 shifts and promotions in the army, effective December 1. Two Imperial Princes, Lieutenant-General Prince Asaka and Lieutenant-General Prince Higashikuni, General Kenkichi Ueda and General Giichi Nishi are appointed to the Supreme War Council. 1935.11.22 — The China Clipper leaves Alameda, California, on the first regular mail flight to Manila. 1935.11.23 — Interviewed at Shanghai, Ambassador Ariyoshi reveals that General Chiang Kai-shek has agreed in principle to Japan's three demands, but that Nanking and Tokyo differ somewhat in their interpretations of the North China situation. 1935.11.23 — Police arrest 30 alleged anarchists in Aichi Prefecture. 1935.11.23 — The New Seamen's Union, on the advice of the police, withdraws the strike orders to members on ships belonging to companies other than the Kawasaki Steamship Company. 1935.11.23 — The Japan Salvation Army celebrates the 40th anniversary of its founding. 1935.11.24 — Mr. Yin Ju-keng proclaims the independence of 26 hsien in the North China demilitarized zone under the East Hopei Anti-Communist Autonomous Committee, with headquarters at Tungchow. 1935.11.24 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross says at Tientsin, commenting on the autonomy movement, that a break in the economic relations between North China and the rest of China might have grave consequences in North China finances. 1935.11.25 — The Cabinet's Bureau of Statistics announces that the October 1 census showed a population of 97,694,648 in Japan proper, Chosen (Korea), Taiwan (Formosa) and South Saghalien, an increase of 8.1 per cent. since 1930, with an additional 1,759,000 in the Kwantung Leased Territory, the South Manchuria Railway Zone and the mandated islands. In Japan proper, the ratio between urban and rural residents increased from 32.7 to 67.5. 1935.11.25 — Autonomists agitating at Tientsin temporarily occupy several public offices. 1935.11.25 — Major-General Isogai declines to receive Foreign Vice-Minister Tang Yu-jen for discussion of the autonomous regime in the demilitarized zone, which he says is purely a Chinese affair. 1935.11.25 — The Foreign Office spokesman, voicing his personal views, asserts that the movements of Sir Frederick Leith-Ross create suspicion that he is back of certain Chinese elements and that his criticism of the North China autonomy movement will only aggravate the situation. 1935.11.25 — Dr. C. T. Wang receives no encouragement from the Japanese authorities at Shanghai when he informs them he is going to Japan. 1935.11.25 — The Manchuli conference ends in failure because of the persistent refusal of Outer Mongolia to allow a Manchoukuo envoy to be stationed at Ulanbator. 1935.11.25 — Sixty Seiyukai members decide to make the national polity question an issue of confidence in the Government in the Diet. 1935.11.25 — Members of the assemblies of six impoverished prefectures in Northeast Japan meet in Tokyo and resolve that the 27,000,000-yen subsidy for rehabilitation of the area recommended by the Cabinet Inquiry Council must be forced through the Diet. 1935.11.25 — Engineers of the Railway Ministry formally decide to start work next year on the Shimonoseki tunnel between the Main Island and Kyushu. 1935.11.25 — The Cabinet takes up the 1936-37 budget, which Finance Minister Takahashi wishes to limit to 2,243,000,000 yen, though the army and the navy have not ended their negotiations for larger appropriations. 1935.11.25 — Nanking's Executive Yuan decides to establish a branch at Peiping to be headed by General Ho Ying-chin and to name General Sung Hopei-Chahar Pacification Commissioner as the main points of its plan to check the autonomy movement. 1935.11.25 — Nanking's Foreign Vice-Minister informs Ambassador Ariyoshi that Japan's three demands will be met and announces that China has decided to open negotiations with Japan on Foreign Minister Hirota's three-point programme. 1935.11.25 — As Outer Mongolia was responsible for the collapse of the Manchuli parley, Manchoukuo will hereafter take on its own initiative whatever steps are needed to cope with frontier incidents, a Hsinking Foreign Office spokesman says. 1935.11.25 — Two Manchoukuo navigation officials are fired on by Soviets on the Amur River at Blagoveshchensk. 1935.11.25 — The Exchange Control Commission decides to extend to the Kwantung Leased Territory and the South Manchuria Railway Zone Japan's Exchange Control Law to simplify enforcement of Manchoukuo's Exchange Control Law. 1935.11.25 — A strike of 45,000 automobile drivers in Western Japan against the increased cost of gasoline ends after eight hours when the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry promises to mediate, though the Ministry of Commerce and Industry sees no need for lowering the price. 1935.11.25 — President Quezon reveals instructions to cease the cancellation of Davao land leases pending investigation. 1935.11.27 — The army issues an informal statement regarding remarks to the effect that the national emergency has been created by it and maintaining that its programme is reasonable and must be supported by the whole nation. 1935.11.27 — General Sung declines Nanking's offer of the post of Hopei-Chahar Pacification Commissioner. 1935.11.27 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei resigns as President of the Executive Yuan and Foreign Minister because of his health. 1935.11.27 — Prince Fumimaro Konoye, writing in Liberty, supports Colonel House's suggestion that land and raw materials be redistributed. 1935.11.27 — Britain is not willing to adhere to ratios at laid down in the Washington naval treaty because the conversations with the Japanese last year showed the futility of trying to maintain the system, which Japan opposes, a British Government spokesman says at London. 1935.11.28 — A second Imperial Prince is born to the Emperor and the Empress. 1935.11.28 — Mr. E. Racedo, the new Argentine Minister, presents his credentials to the Emperor. 1935.11.28 — Dr. C. T. Wang says at Kobe that, unless the North China question is settled satisfactorily, Sino-Japanese relations, which he would like to see adjusted, are likely to be aggravated. 1935.11.28 — The Japanese military authorities formally warn the Peiping-Hankow and Tientsin-Pukow railways against sending freight cars out of North China. 1935.11.28 — Two Japanese destroyers arrive at Tangku to protect Japanese residents against possible trouble in North China. 1935.11.28 — The British Ambassador at Washington discusses the North China situation with State Department officials. 1935.11.28 — Preliminary conversations are opened at Kobe for resumption of the Japanese-Dutch East Indian shipping conference. 1935.11.28 — The German economic mission leaves Tokyo for Manchoukuo. 1935.11.28 — The Soviet Ambassador protests the appearance of vessels flying the Japanese flag on the Amur, which the Aigun treaty stipulates shall be navigated by only Chinese and Russian ships. 1935.11.28 — The U.S. State Department requests Ambassador Saito to see that Japan observes the agreed limitation on cotton textile exports to the Philippines, which have increased through shipments via Hong Kong. 1935.11.28 — The eight-day strike of the New Seamen's Union is amicably settled through the mediation of the Hyogo prefectural authorities, but the settlement terms are kept secret. 1935.11.28 — The Education Ministry notifies prefectural governors that religious training in the schools should be fostered but kept non-sectarian. 1935.11.28 — The Ministries of Commerce and Industry and Finance agree to establish a central depository for commercial and industrial interests. 1935.11.29 — The Foreign Office spokesman says that the Japanese garrison in North China was justified in preventing the removal of railway cars to other parts of China under the provision in the Boxer protocol for keeping open the railway from Peiping to the sea. 1935.11.29 — The Nanking Foreign Office protests to Consul-General Suma against the presence of Japanese troops at the Fengtai Station and requests appropriate steps by the Japanese garrison to curb the autonomy movement. 1935.11.29 — General Sung informs North China leaders that he has made up his mind to bring about autonomy. 1935.11.29 — The Tokyo press claims that the British charge d'affaires on November 27 asked Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu to explain Japan's policy and intentions with regard to the North China autonomy movement, with which the Japanese military authorities are reportedly connected, and is told that it is strange for one State to make so serious a representation on the basis of inaccurate reports and that it is Britain, through the activities of Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, that gives the impression of interfering in China's domestic affairs. 1935.11.29 — China's Ambassador at Washington informs Secretary of State Hull of developments in North China, reportedly on instructions from Nanking. 1935.11.29 — Ambassador Ota informs the Foreign Office that the Moscow fishery talks have reached a new deadlock, the Soviets claiming that Japanese fishing rights in Soviet waters are based on the 1928 convention, not the Portsmouth treaty. 1935.11.29 — Members of the party of Congressmen and journalists who attended the Philippine Commonwealth inaugural return to Tokyo on their way back to the U.S. 1935.11.29 — Pan-American Airways' clipper plane completes its trans-Pacific mail flight to Manila. 1935.11.29 — The Philippine Legislature receives a bill restricting firms not 70 per cent. owned by Filipinos or Americans and employing fewer than 80 per cent. of Filipinos, which would affect Japanese firms severely. 1935.11.30 — The Cabinet fixes the 1936-37 budget at 2,272,000,000 yen after a 10-hour session, during which negotiations between the War Office and the Army General Staff Office result in acceptance of an additional 8,000,000 yen by the army. The navy is given 2,000,000 yen more. Service expenditure totals 1,019,000,000 yen, or 47 per cent. of the budget. 1935.11.30 — Nanking notifies foreign envoys that it refuses to recognize any actions of Mr. Yin Ju-keng's regime in the demilitarized zone. 1935.11.30 — General Ho Ying-chin leaves Nanking to negotiate with General Sung on the autonomy question. 1935.11.30 — Consul-General Suma charges the Nanking Government with failing to fulfil its promises to suppress the anti-Japanese movement. 1935.11.30 — The Nanking authorities are charged with trying to shift to Japan their responsibility for the North China situation and advise postponement of General Ho's trip to Peiping. 1935.11.30 — The Peiping branch of the National Military Council is abolished. 1935.11.30 — The Foreign Office is said to have instructed Ambassador Saito to reject the U.S. complaint against Japanese cotton textiles transshipped to the Philippines from Hong Kong, holding that such shipments are beyond Japanese control. 1935.11.30 — The U.S. Navy Secretary's annual report to the President emphasizes the necessity of regular appropriations to allow the navy to attain full treaty strength. 1935.12.01 — Additional naval changes are announced, including the appointment of Admiral Nobumasa Suetsugu as a member of the Supreme War Council, of Vice-Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai as commander of the Yokosuka naval station and of Vice-Admiral Gengo Hyakutake as commander of the Sasebo naval station. 1935.12.01 — The Communications Ministry announces that an air line between Taihoku, Taiwan (Formosa), and Bangkok, Siam, will be opened in 1936. 1935.12.01 — A movement is started to demand revision of the international copyright convention to permit the Japanese to use foreign musical compositions and translate books without exorbitant payments. 1935.12.01 — The railway connecting Chifeng and Yehpaishu, in Jehol Province, Manchoukuo, is opened. 1935.12.02 — The Emperor's youngest brother, Prince Sumi, attains majority at the age of 20 and is made the head of a new Imperial House with the name of Prince Mikasa. 1935.12.02 — Japan's naval delegation arrives at London. 1935.12.02 — Because of Nanking's sending of General Ho to North China, which is regarded as contrary to General Chiang Kai-shek's promise to work out a satisfactory solution of the situation, Ambassador Ariyoshi puts off his second interview with General Chiang. 1935.12.02 — China's charge d'affaires at Paris calls on Premier Laval to protest against foreign interference in North China, according to reports. 1935.12.02 — Dr. C. T. Wang calls on Foreign Minister Hirota and Vice-Minister Shigemitsu. 1935.12.02 — The New York Herald-Tribune says that Japan's military actions in North China are legally correct, but the motives behind them are open to suspicion. 1935.12.02 — Generals Li Tsung-jen and Pai Chung-hsi, of Canton, urge Nanking to resist the "enemy" in North China. 1935.12.02 — A final decision is made by the Tokyo authorities to transfer to Manchoukuo the taxation rights in the South Manchuria Railway Zone when extraterritoriality is abolished. 1935.12.02 — The German economic mission arrives at Hsinking for conference with Manchoukuo officials on economic co-operation. 1935.12.02 — The Manchou Airway Company's new airfield at Seishin, North Chosen (Korea), is opened. 1935.12.02 — The specie reserve of the Bank of Japan is given as 100,937,000 yen, at 1 yen per ounce of gold, the rate prevailing prior to the gold embargo. 1935.12.02 — Two stone lanterns from Japan are presented to the Edison Library at West Orange, New Jersey. 1935.12.03 — Finance Minister Takahashi urges observance of the Government's low-interest policy and avoidance of reckless operation in order to maintain sound finances. 1935.12.03 — China's Ambassador at London reportedly alleges to Sir Samuel Hoare that Japan is violating the Nine-Power treaty in North China and is told that Britain, though still loyal to the principles of that treaty, desires to see the Ethiopian conflict settled before taking up Far Eastern issues. 1935.12.04 — The new Imperial Prince is named Prince Masahito Yoshi. 1935.12.04 — London press reports credit Admiral Nagano with asserting that Japan is ready to abolish submarines if certain conditions are met and that political discussions at the conference are inescapable. 1935.12.04 — A Kwantung Army statement charges that Soviet officials carried off three Koreans near the eastern frontier of Pinkiang Province on December 2. 1935.12.04 — China's London Embassy issues a communique alleging that certain "Japanese agents" have tried to compel Hopei peasants to sign a manifesto favouring autonomy. 1935.12.04 — The British Air Ministry announces that arrangements are being made for a flight to Japan of Royal Air Force planes at Singapore. 1935.12.04 — The Egyptian Cabinet extends for another month the commercial treaty with Japan because of the slowness of the negotiations for a new treaty. 1935.12.05 — Sir Samuel Hoare says in the Commons that the reports of Japanese activities in connection with the North China autonomy movement have caused the British Government considerable anxiety and trusts that the Sino-Japanese negotiations to adjust relations will succeed. 1935.12.05 — Sir Austen Chamberlain tells the Commons that non-recognition of Manchoukuo is the source of all unrest in the Far East. 1935.12.05 — Secretary of State Cordell Hull, asserting that an effort is being made to change substantially the political status of several northern provinces of China, urges respect for international treaties relating to that country. 1935.12.05 — The Nanking Foreign Office informally announces that it has no intention of invoking the Nine-Power treaty because of North China developments and that its representatives at London and Paris merely reported events at the request of Sir Samuel Hoare and Premier Laval. 1935.12.05 — The Japanese military authorities at Peiping refuse to receive General Ho and reportedly advise him to grant the autonomists a free hand and leave North China. 1935.12.05 — The Japanese and British naval delegations agree on conference procedure in their first informal talks. 1935.12.05 — The Foreign Office authorities doubt the attribution to Admiral Nagano of the statement that discussion of political questions at the naval parley is inescapable, for the Government is absolutely opposed to such discussion. 1935.12.05 — The 1935 edition of Jane's Fighting Ships asserts that the design of some of Japan's aircraft tenders and auxiliaries suggests that in an emergency they might be converted into aircraft carriers. 1935.12.05 — Education Minister Matsuda tells the initial meeting of the Educational Reform Board that its mission is to revitalize education on the basis of the Imperial Rescript on Education. 1935.12.06 — General Chiang Kai-shek is made President of the Executive Yuan, a step welcomed by Japan because it makes him directly responsible for adjustment of Sino-Japanese relations. 1935.12.06 — The Foreign Office spokesman says that if China is to be considered an independent country the idea of having its integrity guaranteed by the eight other signatories of the Nine-Power treaty must be renounced. 1935.12.06 — Consul-General Suma warns Nanking that the activities of its Ambassadors at London and Washington are unfriendly towards Japan. 1935.12.06 — Mr. Hsiao Cheng-ying and General Ho reach a compromise on the situation. 1935.12.06 — An agreement on business co-operation is signed by the Central Bank of Manchou and the Bank of Chosen. 1935.12.06 — More than 4,000 representatives of unions of small merchants and industrialists throughout the country meet in Tokyo to protest against the Government's failure to protect their interests against the encroachment of the farmers' co-operatives. 1935.12.06 — Officials of the Home, Foreign, Finance, Overseas and Communications Ministries adopt a uniform policy of stricter censorship of publications from abroad. 1935.12.07 — Japan's naval delegation restates Tokyo's position to the British delegation. 1935.12.07 — The Foreign Office receives an application for permission for three Royal Air Force planes from Singapore to visit Japan. 1935.12.07 — Japan accepts the invitation to participate in the 1937 Paris International Exposition. 1935.12.08 — Admiral Osumi tells the press that Japan's naval plan would be accepted if the other Powers ceased to press for unreasonable superiority. 1935.12.08 — Leaders of the Omotokyo, a religious cult said to have 400,000 followers, are arrested because of lese majeste. 1935.12.09 — Admiral Nagano advocates the establishment of "a common limit of naval armaments to be fixed as low as possible" and reduction of offensive armaments to assure "a state of non-menace and non-aggression" at the opening session of the naval conference. 1935.12.09 — Opposition to abolition of submarines is voiced in a statement issued by the Japanese naval delegation. 1935.12.09 — Senator Gerald P. Nye says at Honolulu he sees no threat to the security of any Western Power in Japan's demand for naval parity. 1935.12.09 — Senator Key Pittman predicts an eventual crisis between Japan and the U.S. because of the former's expansion. 1935.12.09 — A Japanese protest is filed with the city authorities when Peiping university students shout against Japanese imperialism in demonstrating against the autonomy movement. 1935.12.09 — A fight follows intrusion into the Catholic Seimei Higher Girls' School, in Kagoshima, by members of the "All-Japan League for the Annihilation of False Religions." 1935.12.10 — The naval conference decides to take up first the Japanese demand for parity, and Admiral Nagano is asked a number of questions to be answered later. 1935.12.10 — Tokyo naval circles indicate opposition to the U.S. proposal for a 20 per cent. reduction in fleet strengths unless parity is granted and to the British proposal for abolition of submarines. 1935.12.10 — Chekiang University students at Hankow denounce the North China autonomy movement and organize anti-Japanese agitation. 1935.12.10 — Consul-General Suma asks the Chinese Foreign Office to control student demonstrations against the autonomy movement lest it develop into a widespread anti-Japanese movement. 1935.12.10 — Mr. Roy Howard cables from Manila to the Scripps-Howard papers that the Philippines are of the opinion that "Asia for the Asiatics" means "Asia for the Japanese" and therefore are likely to ask for permanent U.S. protection. 1935.12.10 — Education Minister Matsuda urges encouragement of religion to offset the evils of material civilization at the opening meeting of the Committee for Investigation of Religious Control. 1935.12.11 — Admiral Nagano explains details of Japan's proposals to the naval conference and says Japan suggests a maximum common upper limit with the maximum as low as possible. 1935.12.11 — The arrival in Moscow of Outer Mongolia's Premier and War and Foreign Ministers is considered significant. 1935.12.11 — General Chang Chun, China's new Foreign Minister, says he means to work for Sino-Japanese friendship. 1935.12.11 — A Japanese gunboat is sent from Hankow to Wuhuch, between Hankow and Taiyeh, to protect Japanese lives and property from mutineers. 1935.12.11 — Japan's Embassy at Hsinking announces that Japanese nationals in Manchuria, including those in the Kwantung Leased Territory and the South Manchuria Railway Zone, total 1,335,780, of whom 301,251 are from Japan proper. 1935.12.11 — President Matsuoka tells S.M.R. shareholders an 8 per cent. dividend can be assured for several years to come. 1935.12.11 — The Railway Ministry announces that work will be started in the next fiscal year on 20 new railway lines decided on for their value to national defence and exploitation of natural resources. 1935.12.11 — Secretary of War Dern says at San Francisco he does not fear trouble in the Philippines from Japanese immigration. 1935.12.12 — The other Powers voice objections to Japan's demand for a common upper limit at the naval conference. 1935.12.12 — The Foreign Office spokesman says Japan has no objection to an agreement among the European Powers on a common upper fleet limit, but would reserve all rights where its interests might be affected. 1935.12.12 — The inclusion of ex-Ambassador Tsiang Tso-ping and other men versed in Japanese affairs in General Chiang Kai-shek's Cabinet gives hope of early adjustment of Sino-Japanese relations. 1935.12.12 — Prime Minister Baldwin tells the Commons that Japan, by leaving the League, lost its legal right to equal commercial treatment in British mandates apart from the rights embodied in the Anglo-Japanese trade pact. 1935.12.12 — The Izvestia, Moscow, blames Japan for the slowness of the negotiations for a new fishery agreement. 1935.12.12 — Radio communication is opened between Hsinking and Paris. 1935.12.13 — Admiral Nagano is said to have told the naval conference that Japan is willing to have the common upper limit previously proposed for Japan, Britain and the U.S. apply also to France and Italy. A spokesman of the Japanese delegation denies that Japan intends to withdraw from the conference and proposes a division of spheres in the Pacific. In an effort to avert a deadlock, the Japanese and British delegations confer. 1935.12.13 — Canton students start a one-week strike in protest against North China developments and seek Kuomintang co-operation in anti-Japanese demonstrations. 1935.12.13 — Mr. Frank R. Kellogg says at Washington he sees nothing menacing in the Far Eastern situation and no violation by Japan of the Nine-Power treaty. 1935.12.14 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces that Japan's exports during the first 10 months of 1935 were worth 2,098,000,000 yen, greater than in 1934 by 12.1 per cent., compared with the British increase of 7.3 per cent. and the American of 1.2 per cent. Imports totalled 2,012,000,000 yen, greater than in 1934 by 9.1 per cent., compared with the British increase of 1 per cent. and the American of 23.3 per cent. 1935.12.14 — Shanghai university students form a National Relief Federation and decide to encourage demonstrations against Japan in connection with North China autonomy. 1935.12.14 — Japan's consulate-general at Nanking protests against the anti-Japanese agitation by students in various parts of China. 1935.12.14 — The East Hopei Anti-Communist Autonomous Committee announces that it will collect all taxes and cease remission to Nanking of the customs and salt gabelle revenues. 1935.12.14 — Attention is drawn to the activities of Japanese buyers of silver in China for shipment abroad in a statement issued by the U.S. Commerce Department. 1935.12.15 — The East Hopei Anti-Communist Autonomous Committee, which has decided not to join General Sung Che-yuan's regime, which it regards as inadequate, takes over Tangku after a clash with General Shang Chen's troops. 1935.12.15 — The Tokyo press attributes to the Foreign Office fears of an Anglo-American joint front against Japan's naval formula. 1935.12.16 — The naval conference decides to suspend temporarily discussion of Japan's proposals and take up the British plan for quantitative limitation. 1935.12.16 — The Japanese military authorities in North China protest against General Sung's reported intention to send 1,100 troops from Fengtai to Tientsin, which would violate the Boxer protocol. 1935.12.16 — Canton's Mayor tells Japan's consul-general that the student anti-Japanese agitation will be suppressed only if it goes to extremes. 1935.12.16 — The Japan-Manchoukuo Joint Economic Council decides to establish a company to have exclusive lumbering rights in Kirin Province for 21 years. The Manchoukuo Government is to subscribe half of the capital of 5,000,000 yen and Japanese interests the rest. 1935.12.16 — The Nara police raid the headquarters of the Tenrikyo, a strong Shinto sect, in quest of evidence of tax evasion by its leaders. 1935.12.16 — A tentative decision is reached to increase the import duty on gasoline by 1.7 sen per gallon, or 1 per cent. 1935.12.16 — The U.S. Ambassador, Mr. Joseph Clark Grew, returns to Tokyo from a six-month furlough. 1935.12.17 — Ambassador Ariyoshi arrives at Nanking to sound out the Government's intentions towards North China and resume his negotiations with General Chiang Kai-shek on the basis of Mr. Hirota's three principles. 1935.12.17 — The British Ambassador reportedly seeks to learn Japan's intentions in North China from Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu. 1935.12.17 — The U.S. Ambassador, calling on Foreign Minister Hirota, reportedly exchanges views on Chinese and Philippine problems. 1935.12.17 — The Japanese delegation regards the British proposal for declaration of building programmes as a veiled method of perpetuating the ratio system. The Japanese and U.S. delegations meet to discuss further their conflicting claims. 1935.12.17 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces that the official minimum and maximum rice prices for the current rice year are 24.80 yen and 33.20 yen per koku. 1935.12.17 — Public donations to the army in cash and equipment, including 16 planes, since December 31, 1931, have totalled about 17,900,000 yen, according to the War Office. 1935.12.18 — General Sung, inaugurating the Hopei-Chahar Political Council, declares that the new regime will base its foreign policy on the special relations of North China with Japan, recognizing Japan's rights under the Tangku truce. 1935.12.18 — To lead Japan's economic expansion on the Continent, the Kocho Koshi, or China Development Company, a subsidiary of the South Manchuria Railway Company, is organized at Dairen with capitalization of 10,000,000 yen, of which a quarter is paid up. 1935.12.18 — Moscow announces the completion of a railway paralleling the Trans-Siberian line from Karga, near Chita, to Habarovsk. 1935.12.18 — Deposits in the banks associated with all clearing houses in Japan at the end of November totalled 7,439,916,000 yen, an all-time record, according to the Tokyo Clearing House. Their outstanding loans totalled 3,419,372,000 yen. 1935.12.18 — Tokyo retail prices on December 15 stood at 155.6 (based on 100 for July, 1914), the highest since June 15, 1931, according to the Bank of Japan. 1935.12.19 — The new Danish Minister, Baron Bertouch-Lehn, presents his credentials to the Emperor. 1935.12.19 — General Chiang Kai-shek assures Ambassador Ariyoshi that Nanking will continue Mr. Wang Ching-wei's foreign policy and claims that the Government was reorganized with special consideration for Sino-Japanese relations. Ambassador Ariyoshi points out that Nanking's plan for solution of the North China autonomy issue is at variance with Japanese policy on several points. 1935.12.19 — Nanking students petition General Chiang Kai-shek to punish all traitors in North China and recover Manchuria. 1935.12.19 — Manchoukuo's next budget is estimated at 219,000,000 yuan. 1935.12.19 — Senator Key Pittman says at Las Vegas, Nevada, that the U.S. must sooner or later fight Japan for its very existence. 1935.12.19 — Egypt decrees a 40 per cent. exchange compensation surtax on cotton and rayon piece-goods from China because of suspicion that many consignments from China are actually Japanese. 1935.12.22 — The reported decision of the Cabinet Inquiry Council to recommend an increase in taxes draws a warning against hasty action from Finance Minister Takahashi at a Cabinet meeting. 1935.12.22 — Finance Minister Takahashi announces that the draft 1936-37 budget totals 2,278,200,000 yen, with the deficit bond issues 684,000,000 yen. 1935.12.22 — Seiyukai leaders agree not to use the national polity issue as a means of embarrassing the Government in the Diet. 1935.12.22 — Officials and prominent business men discuss measures for development of the mandated islands, and the Cabinet approves the establishment of the South Sea Development Company, to be capitalized at 20,000,000 yen, which will receive 5,000,000 yen in subsidies over 10 years. 1935.12.22 — The naval conference adjourns until January 6. Admiral Nagano makes it clear that the British formula is unacceptable to Japan on the grounds that it perpetuates the ratio system. 1935.12.22 — The Kwantung Army blames yesterday's border incident on penetration by 70 Outer Mongolians into Manchoukuo. 1935.12.22 — The Moscow fishery talks are resumed. 1935.12.22 — Hankow students demonstrate against Japan. 1935.12.22 — Dr. Frederick Libby, secretary of the U.S. National Council for the Prevention of War, asserts that Senator Pittman's jingoism menaces national policy and demands that the Administration repudiate his anti-Japanese utterances. 1935.12.22 — The Daily Mail, London, declares Senator Pittman's ideas are wild and will be dismissed with ridicule in Britain. 1935.12.22 — The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at San Francisco upholds the injunction issued in Los Angeles against the importation of Japanese incandescent bulbs infringing on General Electric Company patents. 1935.12.22 — The Manchoukuo Communications Ministry announces that seven new railways will be built for it by the South Manchuria Railway Company at a cost of 85,000,000 yuan, linking Hsinlitun and Hsinchiu (Chinchow Province), Hsinchiu and Newchwang (Chinchow), Meiho (Fengtien) and Tunghua (Antung), Tunghua and Chian (Antung), Tapingchuan and Lupei (South Hsingan), Nongho and Nonkiang (Lungkiang) and Mishan and Hulin (Pinkiang). 1935.12.22 — Senator Pittman reiterates at Phoenix, Arizona, his belief that the U.S. and Britain may have to stage a naval demonstration on the Pacific to curb Japanese expansion. 1935.12.22 — Ambassador Saito appeals to the U.S. public to ignore Senator Pittman's remarks about Japan. 1935.12.22 — The U.S. State Department announces that Ambassador Saito has informed it that Japanese manufacturers and exporters of cotton textiles have decided voluntarily to restrict exports to the U.S. 1935.12.22 — The Dutch East Indies announces that only 100 Japanese immigrants may enter in 1936. 1935.12.22 — Seiyukai members adopt "Bureaucracy or Party Politics?" and "Lameness or Stability?" as slogans for the coming general election and decide to assail the Government in the Diet on foreign policy and lack of financial aid to agriculture and industry. 1935.12.22 — Navy Minister Osumi tells the press that Japan's naval demands are immutable and leave no room for compromise. Further talk is regarded of no avail unless Britain and the U.S. abandon their superiority complex. He sees no great increase in Japanese naval expenses if the conference fails. 1935.12.24 — The Hopei-Chahar Political Council announces that the customs and salt gabelle revenues will continue to be remitted to Nanking. 1935.12.25 — Headed by Communications Minister Mochizuki, the Showakai, a political club, is founded with 48 Diet members, including Railway Minister Uchida and Agriculture Minister Yamazaki, all former Seiyukai members. 1935.12.25 — Awards are made to 3,169 army, naval and civil leaders in connection with the Manchurian and Shanghai incidents. 1935.12.25 — Ambassador Ariyoshi gained the impression, says the Foreign Office spokesman, that Foreign Minister Chang Chun, though eager to improve relations, has yet to understand Japan's intentions. 1935.12.25 — The Foreign Office spokesman says that a revival of anti-Japanese agitation in the U.S.S.R. has been reported. 1935.12.25 — It is revealed at Moscow that Outer Mongolia protested yesterday to Manchoukuo about the December 19 frontier incident, demanding the return of the guards taken prisoners, indemnification, an apology and assurances against a recurrence. 1935.12.25 — The 10,500-ton airplane carrier Soryu is launched at Kure. 1935.12.25 — Paris denies rumours of a Franco-Japanese agreement on naval issues. 1935.12.25 — The police lift the ban on news of the arrest in July of 96 Communists in Chosen (Korea), of whom 13 have been indicted. 1935.12.24 — Mr. Tadakatsu Suzuki, first secretary of the Rome Embassy, arrives at Addis Ababa to open a Legation. 1935.12.24 — Representative A. T. Treadway assails Senator Pittman's assertions about Japan as "incorrect sensationalism" and in the same interview criticizes the Japanese agreement to curb textile exports to the U.S., saying Japan's lower production costs enable it to undermine U.S. markets. 1935.12.24 — U.S. cable and wireless companies announce cancellation from February 1 of "collect" arrangements for messages to the Far East because of changing currency conditions. 1935.12.25 — The Pravda, Moscow, claims that the Soviet destroyer and submarine fleets have been quadrupled in the past four years. 1935.12.25 — Manchoukuo, filing a counter-protest in reply to Outer Mongolia's protest against the December border incident, warns that effective measures will have to be taken unless Outer Mongolia abandons its anti-alien and closed-door policy and stops its clandestine activities at the frontier. 1935.12.25 — The Kwantung Army announces that Outer Mongolian troops made two border attacks yesterday. 1935.12.25 — Mr. Tang Yu-jen, former Foreign Vice-Minister, is assassinated at Shanghai, presumably because of his policy of improving Sino-Japanese relations. 1935.12.25 — The East Hopei Anti-Communist Autonomous Committee becomes the East Hopei Anti-Communist Autonomous Government. 1935.12.24 — The Emperor receives the credentials of the new Brazilian Ambassador, Mr. P. Leao Zelloso. 1935.12.24 — Renewed student agitation at Shanghai compels the Japanese authorities to post armed guards around the district where their nationals live. 1935.12.26 — The Emperor formally opens the 68th Diet session. 1935.12.26 — Admiral Viscount Makoto Saito becomes Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal in succession to Count Nobuaki Makino, who resigns because of poor health. 1935.12.26 — General Honjo, Admiral Osumi and General Araki are made Barons for their services in the Manchurian and Shanghai incidents. 1935.12.26 — Nanking decides to use force in suppressing the student agitation against Japan. 1935.12.26 — The Japanese-Manchoukuo postal treaty is signed at Hsinking. 1935.12.26 — Senator Pittman, claiming that his remarks about Japan were misquoted, criticizes Ambassador Saito for asking the American people to ignore them and announces he will clarify his attitude on the Senate floor as soon as possible. 1935.12.26 — The Kochi Prefectural Assembly adopts a resolution in favour of abolishing licensed prostitution. 1935.12.27 — The Diet adjourns until January 21, and the Cabinet puts off its decision on dissolution. 1935.12.27 — Ambassador Ota calls the attention of the Moscow authorities to the desirability of breaking the deadlock in the fishery negotiations. 1935.12.27 — China's charge d'affaires in Tokyo informs Foreign Vice-Minister Shigemitsu that Nanking would like to hold a Sino-Japanese conference at Nanking for adjustment of relations and set up a joint commission to deal with pending issues. 1935.12.27 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces 1936 oil quotas, giving most of the increase of 140,000 kilolitres to Japanese companies, especially those that have completed the compulsory storage facilities for a six-month supply. 1935.12.28 — Notes exchanged between Prime Minister Mackenzie King and Minister Kato, whereby Canada makes tariff concessions to Japan, thereby ending their trade conflict, are published in Tokyo and Ottawa. Japan agrees, in return, to end on January 1 its 10 per cent. surtax on certain Canadian goods. 1935.12.28 — Finance Minister Takahashi, giving a dinner for members of the new Showaki, declares that a speedy return to party politics is essential. 1935.12.28 — Manchoukuo protests to Outer Mongolia against repeated border violations, warning that it may be compelled to resort to every means available for self-defence. 1935.12.28 — The Tokyo press voices confidence in the capacity of Japan's shipyards to give superiority in the event of a naval race. 1935.12.28 — Mr. Francis B. Sayre, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, advocates in Philadelphia equality of access to the colonial markets of the world. 1935.12.29 — The charge is made at Shanghai that the Soviet Embassy in China is encouraging the anti-Japanese student agitation. 1935.12.30 — Outer Mongolia's Premier expresses hope in a Moscow interview that the U.S.S.R. will aid his country against what he calls "Japanese invasion." 1935.12.30 — Moscow announces that the Soviet-Manchoukuo border around Blagoveshchensk has been closed because of an epidemic believed to be plague on the Manchoukuo side. 1935.12.30 — Foreign Minister Chang Chun affirms at Nanking that a Sino-Japanese conference has been proposed to Japan. Peiping understands that Nanking aims to press revision of Sino-Japanese treaties at the conference. 1935.12.30 — Siam's Minister of the Interior, Mr. Luang Pradit Manodharm, arrives in Japan on his way home from Europe and America. 1935.12.31 — The Finance Ministry announces that Japan's invisible foreign trade in 1934 was favourable by 8,740,000 yen. 1936.01.01 — Baron Goh's New Year message urges a balanced budget to prevent inflation. Japanese Legations are opened in Abyssinia and Egypt. 1936.01.01 — The Domei News Agency, by which Rengo has been absorbed, starts operations. 1936.01.01 — Figures published by the International Labour Office show that unemployment in Japan fell to 349,880 on August 1, compared to 367,910 on August 1, 1934. 1936.01.01 — Moscow denies foreign reports that it has concluded a new agreement with Outer Mongolia. 1936.01.03 — President Roosevelt, addressing Congress, is generally believed to be referring to Japan, Italy and Germany in saying that world peace is being blocked by nations which, in seeking expansion and outlets for trade and population, fail to demonstrate the patience needed to attain objectives by peaceful negotiations. 1936.01.04 — A Shanghai report sees impending recognition of Manchoukuo by Italy in the arrival in the Far East of Mr. Leone Weillschott with the rank of Minister to reopen Italy's consulate-general at Mukden. 1936.01.04 — Mr. Nathaniel Peffer says in a New York debate that the U.S. must choose between building a vast navy to use against Japan or acquiesce in Japanese control of China, and Sir Arthur Willert states that Britain wants to see what the other Pacific Powers are going to do about Japanese expansion before deciding her own policy. 1936.01.04 — Representative Edith Rogers announces she will take up with the State Department the question of Japan's growing rayon exports to the Philippines. 1936.01.07 — Japanese officers are fired on by General Sung's men at the Chaoyang Gate, Peiping. 1936.01.07 — Mr. Samuel W. King, Hawaiian delegate to Congress, refutes the argument of Mr. V. S. McKlatchy, of the California Joint Immigration Commission, that many Japanese residents would go to the mainland if Hawaii were given statehood. 1936.01.07 — The London naval conference is resumed. 1936.01.07 — Fresh reports of a Japanese-German military alliance are denied by the Foreign Office spokesman, who also blames the talk abroad of Japanese-Soviet tension on the tone of the Soviet press. 1936.01.07 — The Kwantung Army announces that Soviet troops invaded Manchoukuo on December 28 and carried off 26 Manchurians gathering firewood. 1936.01.07 — The report of the Permanent Mandates Commission to the League Council, published at Geneva, gives details of the questioning of the Japanese delegate regarding Japan's mandated islands and states that no action will be taken on the question of commercial equality for Japan in all mandates unless the Council so requests. 1936.01.07 — Mr. Tokujiro Kanamori, director of the Cabinet's Legislative Bureau, resigns because of criticism of his alleged support of the institutional theory of the Emperor. 1936.01.07 — Japan exported 2,711,261,000 square yards of cotton cloth, worth 491,458,000 yen, in 1935, the Export Cotton Yarn and Cloth Traders' Association announces. 1936.01.07 — Japan took first place in world rayon production in 1935 with 124,642,000 pounds, according to the Japan Rayon Association. 1936.01.08 — Secretary of the Navy Swanson indicates that the U.S. will replace capital ships if Japan and Britain start to build. 1936.01.08 — A memorandum by the late Mr. Adolph S. Ochs, New York Times publisher, on a conversation before the Washington conference with Lord Lee of Fareham, First Lord of the Admiralty, who allegedly asked that Washington be informed of Britain's willingness to watch the Atlantic if the U.S. watched the Pacific, appears in Powerful America, by Mr. Eugene Young. 1936.01.08 — A Japanese-Soviet war is inevitable, Sir Frederick Whyte tells a London gathering. 1936.01.08 — The Soviet trade representative in Japan announces that contracts have been signed for 92,000,000 yen of the goods to be delivered in part payment for the Chinese Eastern Railway, leaving a balance of only 1,500,000 yen. 1936.01.08 — An anti-Japanese boycott is threatened at Canton as students encourage consumption of domestic goods. 1936.01.08 — France reduces by 48 per cent. the 1936 quota on Japanese canned salmon. 1936.01.09 — Admiral Nagano warns the British delegation that Japan can discuss no plan that does not provide quantitative limitation and it is pointed that Britain will agree to reopen discussion of the Japanese formula. 1936.01.09 — Japan's consul-general at Canton protests against anti-Japanese student agitation. Chung Shan University students organize 147 anti-Japanese units. 1936.01.10 — The British Admiralty desires renewal of the Anglo-Japanese alliance, claims the London correspondent of the Paris Oeuvre. 1936.01.10 — Ambassador Yurenev protests to Foreign Minister Hirota against flights over Soviet territory by Japanese military planes and asks about the rumoured Japanese-German military alliance. 1936.01.10 — Chairman Molotov assails Japan in addressing the Soviet Central Executive Committee and announces plans for strengthening defences in the Far East. 1936.01.10 — A representative of the East Hopei regime is understood to have exchanged with the Manchoukuo Foreign Vice-Minister copies of a draft treaty of amity. 1936.01.10 — A representation is made to the Peiping authorities against press accounts blaming the Japanese for the Chaoyang Gate incident. 1936.01.11 — The Seiyukai reportedly decides to submit to the Diet a motion of non-confidence in the Government. 1936.01.11 — The Outer Mongolian mission to Moscow starts for home, disappointed, it is said, at the refusal of the Soviets to agree to anything likely to cause trouble with Japan. 1936.01.11 — Senator William H. King claims that the U.S. has blacklisted silver purchases to discourage Japanese drainage of silver from China. 1936.01.11 — Lord Lee denies the Ochs memorandum on Anglo-U.S. naval co-operation. 1936.01.11 — Siam's Home Minister, Mr. Luang Pradit Manodharm, visiting in Tokyo, is decorated with the Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun. 1936.01.14 — The British and American delegates rebuff Japan's new arguments on its naval formula, and the withdrawal of the Japanese delegation becomes only a question of time. 1936.01.14 — A U.S. Navy Department official says no plans are being considered for increasing defences in the Pacific beyond the Washington treaty limits, but does not say what will happen after the treaty expires. 1936.01.14 — The Soviet Central Executive Committee approves a budget appropriation of 14,800,000,000 roubles for defence, compared with 6,500,000,000 roubles in the current budget. 1936.01.14 — General Sung expresses regrets to Consul-General Kawagoe at Tientsin over the Taku and Chaoyang Gate incidents. 1936.01.14 — General Sung formally asks that the Japanese military authorities appoint advisers to his administration. 1936.01.14 — Prince Aditya accepts the presidency of the Bangkok Siamese-Japanese Association, which is expected to accomplish much in promoting friendly relations. 1936.01.15 — Following Admiral Nagano's final presentation of Japan's formula and the other delegations' rejection of it, the Japanese delegation informs Viscount Monsell that it "can no longer usefully continue participation" in the conference. 1936.01.15 — Finance Minister Takahashi tells the press that failure at London need not mean expansion of defence expenditure. 1936.01.15 — The Paris Oeuvre declares editorially that Paris is closer to Tokyo than to London on the naval question and will not countenance an anti-Japanese attitude at the four-Power conference. 1936.01.15 — Assistant War Commissar Tukhachevsky tells the Central Executive Committee that the Red Army, with 1,300,000 men, making it the world's largest fighting unit, must be strengthened because of Japanese and German "war preparations." 1936.01.15 — An official Ulanbator report circulated by Moscow says seven "Japanese-Manchurian" soldiers were taken prisoners by Outer Mongolian troops 25 kilometres inside Outer Mongolia with 30 nomads from Manchoukuo who said they had been encouraged to migrate into territory said to belong to Manchoukuo. 1936.01.15 — The All-Japan Federation of Labour, with 45,000 members, and the General Federation of Japanese Labour Unions, with 50,000, merge as the All-Japan General Federation of Labour Unions. 1936.01.16 — The Premier and the Foreign and Navy Ministers issue statements regretting the failure of the other Powers to accept Japan's naval proposals, asserting that Japan continues to desire peace and disarmament and expressing doubt that the international situation will be aggravated. Foreign Minister Hirota declares Japan has no intention of stimulating a naval race. 1936.01.16 — The naval conference invites Japan to appoint observers. 1936.01.16 — A British spokesman says the naval parley will seek an agreement to which Japan can adhere at a later date. 1936.01.16 — An Ulanbator report published at Moscow gives the notes between Outer Mongolia and Manchoukuo on the December 19 border clashes, in which the latter allegedly threatens to take decisive action for self-defence. 1936.01.16 — The Japanese Lawn Tennis Association announces that Japan will not participate in the 1936 Davis Cup tournament because of lack of funds and strong players. 1936.01.17 — The Foreign Office spokesman says, when asked to comment on Marshal Tukhachevsky's statements at Moscow, that the expansion of the Soviet army is a Soviet matter, and Japan will not interfere. He again denies the reported Japanese-German military alliance. 1936.01.17 — Hsinking hears that 10 Outer Mongolian soldiers entered Manchoukuo on January 13 and looted a frontier station, from which they carried away an officer and six soldiers. Manchoukuo gendarmes sent to the scene to investigate are fired on. 1936.01.17 — Counsellor Seijiro Yoshizawa, speaking at Augusta, Georgia, says the pressure toward the Pacific of Soviet propaganda menaces Japan just as did the military pressure of Czarist Russia. 1936.01.17 — General Sung accepts the Japanese demands for settlement of the Chaoyang Gate incident. 1936.01.18 — The press reports conviction in army circles that Japan's forces in Manchoukuo must be strengthened unless the U.S.S.R. ceases its military expansion. 1936.01.18 — War Office estimates give Japan's standing army as about 250,000 men, China's as about 2,410,000 excluding Communist troops, and the Soviet's as about 1,600,000. 1936.01.18 — Two foreign principals of Christian mission schools at Heijo, Chosen (Korea), are deprived of their permits because of refusal to allow students to pay obeisance at Shinto shrines. 1936.01.18 — Dr. Kagawa, speaking at Washington, cites the economic inter-dependence of Japan and the U.S. as surety that there will be no war between them. 1936.01.19 — Seiyukai managers agree to include the national polity issue among the grounds for the party's motion of non-confidence in the Government to be presented at the Diet. 1936.01.19 — Manchoukuo files a strong protest with Outer Mongolia against border incidents. 1936.01.19 — The Japan Cotton Spinners' Association agrees to control production and export prices more strictly. 1936.01.19 — The German economic mission to the Far East leaves Tokyo for Shanghai. 1936.01.20 — Japan accepts the invitation to appoint Japanese observers to the naval conference and names Charge d'Affaires Fujii and Captain Fujita. 1936.01.20 — The Navy Minister tells a conference of fleet and naval station commanders and naval school heads that Japan is determined to observe the principles of non-menace and non-aggression and must strive to fulfil its national destiny on the basis of unity and co-operation. 1936.01.20 — A Moscow report says Outer Mongolia has protested to Manchoukuo against border incidents and offered to exchange seven Manchoukuo soldiers detained on January 13 for the Outer Mongolians captured on December 19. 1936.01.20 — A German Foreign Office spokesman denies a London report that Japan and Germany signed a mutual assistance agreement at Tokyo on January 4. 1936.01.21 — The Diet is dissolved before the Seiyukai has an opportunity to act on its motion of non-confidence in the Government, and a general election is ordered for February 20. A Government statement says the Diet situation hampered execution of policies and that hope is entertained of a fresh situation in which the Government can proceed. 1936.01.21 — Premier Okada, in his Diet speech, claims that Japan is prospering and that the Government means to do everything possible to enhance national strength. 1936.01.21 — Foreign Minister Hirota announces to the Diet his three-point policy toward China and acceptance of China's proposal that rapprochement negotiations be opened. He indicates concurrence with the thesis that natural resources and markets must be made more freely available and hits back at critics of Japan abroad. 1936.01.21 — Finance Minister Takahashi tells the Diet that the increase of 62,000,000 yen in the new budget is balanced by increased revenue, that a tax increase is impossible and that failure in the public bond policy would be disastrous. 1936.01.21 — Washington naval authorities show an inclination to take Foreign Minister Hirota's assertions in his Diet speech as grounds for hope that a naval race can be avoided, though Japan's building plans must first be learned. 1936.01.21 — Hsinking learns of new Outer Mongolian attacks on the Manchoukuo outpost at Olahochka, southwest of Lake Buir, on January 14 and 16. 1936.01.21 — Manchoukuo investigations are said to have established that Manchurians fishing on the Ussuri River have been mistreated more than 100 times by Soviet officials. 1936.01.22 — Representatives of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Manchoukuo cities adopt a resolution of protest against the taxes to be imposed on Japanese when extraterritoriality is abolished. 1936.01.22 — A Nanking Foreign Office spokesman denies to the press that China has agreed in principle to Mr. Hirota's three-point formula for adjustment of relations and says concrete proposals for their application are being awaited. 1936.01.22 — A Japanese cruiser and two destroyers arrive at Swatow because of the situation created by the killing of a Japanese consular policeman. 1936.01.22 — A Hsinking Foreign Office spokesman, commenting on Outer Mongolia's reply to the protest against the January 15 clash at Helemutu, asserts that Ulanbator lacks sincerity in dealing with the frontier question. 1936.01.22 — The South Manchuria Railway Company announces a five-year programme for development of the railway areas in North Manchoukuo and South Manchoukuo. 1936.01.22 — The League Council adopts the recommendation of the Permanent Mandates Commission that consideration of Japan's claim to economic equality in all mandates be postponed. 1936.01.22 — Admiral Reeves announces that the U.S. fleet will remain on the Pacific throughout 1936. 1936.01.23 — The Japanese Embassy office at Shanghai states that, despite Nanking's denial, General Chiang Kai-shek has accepted Mr. Hirota's formula. 1936.01.23 — The Foreign Office is informed from Moscow that the fishery talks are still making no progress. 1936.01.23 — Vice-Admiral Sankichi Takahashi is quoted as having said at Osaka that unless the U.S. abandons use of its fleet for trade expansion instead of national defence Japan will have to expand the cruising radius of its navy to New Guinea, Borneo and the Celebes with the shift of its economic advance to the south. 1936.01.23 — Secretary of the Treasury Morgenthau denies buying silver in Japan, from where shipments are consigned to a certain New York bank. 1936.01.24 — Prefectural governors are instructed to enforce the Election Law rigidly and stamp out corrupt election practices. 1936.01.24 — Baron Seinosuke Goh, president of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, tells Cabinet Vice-Ministers and Counsellors that with the expansion of military expenditures apparently past its peak the time has come for fundamental revision of the national financial policy. 1936.01.24 — The Canadian Allied Trade Associations urge the Government to protect the textile and allied industries from the competition of Japanese cotton and rayon goods. 1936.01.25 — The Cabinet's Bureau of Statistics announces that births in Japan proper totalled 1,141,821 in the first half of 1935 and deaths 575,919, giving a natural increase of 565,911, more than in the same 1934 period by 103,935. 1936.01.25 — A Nanking Foreign Office statement modifies the previous denial of Foreign Minister Hirota's assertion that China had accepted his three-point programme and says that it has been neither endorsed in full nor declined and that concrete proposals from Japan are being awaited. 1936.01.25 — Part of the Japanese garrison at Tientsin is sent to Tungchow for permanent stationing. 1936.01.25 — Nanking sets up an autonomous regime for the Mongols in Suiyuan, under Prince Sha. 1936.01.25 — Tokyo army circles are reportedly concerned about the frequency of incidents on the Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolia border, which is blamed on the U.S.S.R., and feel that strong measures may be necessary to fulfil Japan's obligation to defend Manchoukuo. 1936.01.25 — The Belgian economic mission to the Far East asks Manchoukuo representatives to arrange heavier purchases of Belgian goods to balance Belgium's purchase of 1,000,000 yen of soya beans yearly. 1936.01.25 — Chief procurators and prefectural police chiefs gather in Tokyo to receive instructions on enforcement of the Election Law. 1936.01.26 — An explosion of the oil tank of the destroyer Yayoi, 1,315 tons, at the Sasebo naval station kills 6 workmen and injures a number of others. The damage to the warship is reported to be slight. 1936.01.28 — A court martial opens for trial of Lieutenant-Colonel Aizawa, who killed last August 12 Lieutenant-General Nagata, director of the Military Affairs Bureau of the War Office. Aizawa says he has done away with Nagata, because he considered Lieutenant-General Nagata was blocking the movement for national reform. 1936.01.28 — King George V is laid to rest after impressive ceremonies at London. A memorial service is held in St. Andrew's Church, Azabu, Tokyo, to which the Emperor sends Prince and Princess Takamatsu. 1936.01.29 — Britain presents to the four-Power naval conference her programme for limiting the size of each type of warships and gun calibre. 1936.01.29 — Akira Ariyoshi, Japanese Ambassador to Nanking, makes farewell calls on several Chinese leaders. --- Contemporary Japan, Vol. V, No. 1 (June 1936) --- (covers 1936.02.01 to 1936.04.30) 1936.02.01 — Education Minister Genji Matsuda dies and is succeeded by Mr. Tsukikichi Kawasaki, of the Minseito. 1936.02.01 — The Kwantung Army claims indisputable evidence of Soviet instigation of the mutiny of Manchoukuo guards at Mishan on January 29, for a dead Soviet soldier was found on the field after a battle on January 30 with the mutineers. Ten Japanese and two Manchurians were killed and an equal number wounded. 1936.02.01 — Harbin hears that Soviet soldiers were repulsed after invading Manchoukuo north of Tungning, on the eastern border. 1936.02.01 — Six Chinese are arrested in North Manchuria on a charge of spying for the U.S.S.R. 1936.02.01 — Lieutenant-Colonel Aizawa declares in the third session of his trial that he killed Lieutenant-General Nagata because he considered him the leader of interference with the Showa Restoration movement. 1936.02.01 — Secretary Hull denies Tokyo press reports that a Japanese-U.S. understanding has been reached on spheres of influence in the Pacific. 1936.02.01 — The Navy Ministry announces that the 1936 training cruise of the cruisers Iwate and Yakumo, commanded by Vice-Admiral Zengo Yoshida, will be to the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the U.S., starting in May. 1936.02.02 — A Kwantung Army communiqué alleges that the Manchoukuo mutineers in the Chinchangkou incident of January 30 were reinforced by Soviet soldiers. 1936.02.02 — The Soviet army headquarters in Habarovsk suggest investigation by a third party of the January 30 clash. 1936.02.02 — Uneasiness in Tokyo at the possibility that Foreign Commissar Litvinov is seeking Anglo-Soviet political co-operation against Germany and Japan is reported by Nippon Dempo. 1936.02.02 — Polish police order confiscation of 100,000 Japanese light bulbs falsely declared as made in Germany. 1936.02.02 — Manchoukuo completes plans for a commission to encourage exploitation of mineral resources. 1936.02.03 — A Minseito manifesto says an absolute majority in the Diet is wanted in order to bring about the so-called Showa Restoration by returning parliamentary government to its proper course. 1936.02.03 — A Hsinking report says negotiations for a Manchoukuo-German trade agreement are to get under way soon in Tokyo. 1936.02.04 — Caution in investing in Manchoukuo because of the need for funds to absorb national bonds is urged in a report of the Economic Study Commission of the Tokyo Clearing House. 1936.02.04 — Opposition to the Soviet proposal of a neutral's participation in investigation of the January 30 incident is indicated in Tokyo. 1936.02.04 — Foreign Secretary Eden tells the Commons that British interests have not been materially affected by developments in North China and hopes that Japan and China will succeed in regularizing their relations. 1936.02.04 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, in Shanghai, is reportedly asking London's instructions on another visit to Tokyo to confer on the China question. 1936.02.05 — A Kwantung Army spokesman assails the Soviets for persistently blaming Japan and Manchoukuo for border incidents and urges demarcation of the frontier. 1936.02.05 — The Daily Express, London, says a European naval attaché in Tokyo has reported that Japan means to build 21,000-ton battleships, 13,000-ton cruisers and other warships when the naval treaties lapse. 1936.02.05 — Lieutenant-Colonel Aizawa tells the court-martial he was disillusioned when held for the Nagata assassination, which he considered above the law. 1936.02.05 — An American missionary is kidnapped by bandits at Tunghua, Manchoukuo. 1936.02.06 — Foreign, War and Navy Ministry officials conferring on the Soviet-Manchoukuo border situation reportedly consider peace preservation by means of frontier demarcation and perfection of Japan's military forces in Manchoukuo. 1936.02.06 — Three million former soldiers are urged by an Ex-Servicemen's Association pamphlet to vote for Diet candidates who understand defence needs. 1936.02.06 — Lieutenant-Colonel Aizawa's defence counsel maintains that in time of national crisis it is permissible to break the law. 1936.02.06 — Attention is attracted in London by an English translation of Lieutenant-Commander Toda Ishhimaru's Japan Must Fight Britain. 1936.02.06 — Dr. Wilhelm Solf, former German Ambassador to Tokyo, dies in Berlin. 1936.02.07 — Mr. Hachiro Arita's appointment as Ambassador to China is approved by the Cabinet. 1936.02.07 — Dr. Somai Uzawa resigns from the Seiyukai to obtain complete freedom as defence counsel for Lieutenant-Colonel Aizawa. 1936.02.08 — Outer Mongolian troops are reported to have invaded Manchoukuo near Halhamiao and attacked a Japanese unit. 1936.02.08 — The War Office announces that in a three-month anti-bandit campaign opened in September 265 Japanese and Manchoukuo soldiers, policemen and volunteers were killed and 170 wounded. Of the bandits, 4,646 were killed, 1,976 arrested and 3,713 induced to surrender. 1936.02.08 — The Nanking Foreign Office denies Japanese press reports that China is unable to accept Mr. Hirota's three principles for adjustment of relations. 1936.02.08 — The Japanese-Egyptian trade negotiations are resumed. 1936.02.08 — Six Afghan students, the first to come to Japan, arrive in Tokyo for a year's stay. 1936.02.09 — Senator Pittman, in a press statement after conferring with General Fang Chen-wu, hopes the nine-Power treaty signatories will "give consideration to Japan's activities in China when European affairs settle down." 1936.02.09 — General Li Tsung-jen denies that Kwangsi Province has a secret pact with Japan and says arms have been bought from Japan because Nanking prohibited purchases from Europe and America. 1936.02.09 — Harbin reports say the Soviet Railway Commissar is visiting Habarovsk to reorganize all Siberian railways to increase their military value. 1936.02.10 — The Foreign Office spokesman indicates that Japan supports redistribution of raw materials but regards it as a remote ideal. He divides nations into those content with the status quo, those with resources but no vitality to utilize them, and those with vitality but no resources. 1936.02.10 — Ambassador Ariyoshi, arriving in Kobé from Shanghai, voices optimism on reaching Kobé from Batavia at the prospect of agreement between Japan and the Dutch East Indies on trade and shipping. 1936.02.10 — Two Japanese officials of Manchoukuo are named advisers to departments of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council. 1936.02.10 — Speaking in the Senate, Senator Pittman declares Japan intends to close China to America, even if war is necessary to do so, and urges naval and air forces adequate to protect the U.S. rights. 1936.02.10 — The National Council for the Prevention of War takes issue with the Pittman speech and urges that the Administration make known its stand regarding it. 1936.02.10 — Ambassador Saito denies that Japan has any intention of closing China to the U.S. and declares that a Japanese-American war is unthinkable. 1936.02.10 — Bangkok observers believe the reorganized Siamese Cabinet will pursue a more friendly policy towards Japan. 1936.02.10 — Three fighting boats of the Royal Air Force leave Singapore for Japan on a good-will flight. 1936.02.10 — The Social Mass Party, in a manifesto, claims that the Fascist wave started by the Manchurian incident is on the wane. 1936.02.10 — Hsinking publishes a list of 17 Soviet and Outer Mongolian invasions of Manchoukuo since September of last year. 1936.02.10 — Senator J. Hamilton Lewis alleges that there is a possibility of a Japanese-Soviet alliance against the U.S. 1936.02.10 — Senator Pittman's speech brings forth proposals to strengthen defences on the Pacific coast. 1936.02.11 — Grants totalling about 200,000 yen are made by the Emperor to 798 social welfare organizations on the nation's 2,596th birthday. 1936.02.11 — Manchoukuo demands by note that the U.S.S.R. hand over the mutineers involved in the Chinchangkou incident and proposes demarcation of the frontier to prevent disputes. The Soviet Consul-General in Harbin rejects the demand. 1936.02.11 — Deputy Henri Torrès, reporting the Franco-Soviet pact on behalf of the foreign affairs commission, assures the Chamber that the treaty does not involve France's participation in a Far Eastern war. 1936.02.11 — The New York Herald Tribune editorially calls Senator Pittman irresponsible for his utterances about Japan. 1936.02.11 — Ten military cadets sentenced to four years' imprisonment in the May 15 case are paroled because of good behaviour. 1936.02.11 — Nanking appoints General Yen Hsi-shan to supervise establishment of district autonomy among the Mongols in Suiyuan Province. A decision is also reached to supplant the Peiping-Tientsin Defense Force and the Tientsin-Pukow Peace Preservation Corps with the Tientsin Peace Preservation Corps. 1936.02.12 — A Japanese-Manchoukuo force is said to have forced the withdrawal of 100 Outer Mongolian soldiers from Olanhodok. Two planes aid the Outer Mongolians. 1936.02.12 — Eight Japanese are killed and four Japanese and seven Manchurians wounded. 1936.02.12 — Foreign Vice-Minister Ohashi of Manchoukuo charges in Hsinking that the U.S.S.R. is ignoring international justice and persistently manoeuvring to disturb peace and order in Manchoukuo. 1936.02.12 — Shanghai students battle with police who try to end an anti-Japanese meeting. 1936.02.12 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross leaves Shanghai for South China on an inspection trip. 1936.02.12 — Manchoukuo's Finance Department announces that 1935 imports totalled 661,140,519 yuan and exports 410,997,511 yuan. Trade with Japan accounted for 60 per cent. of the combined total. 1936.02.12 — The Privy Council approves the issuance of bonds for typhoon and flood relief and a temporary trade agreement with Liberia. 1936.02.12 — The Aizawa court-martial meets in camera to hear the testimony of Lieutenant-General Toranouské Hashimoto, War Vice-Minister when Lieutenant-General Nagata was killed. 1936.02.12 — The social bureau of the Home Office announces that Japan had 1,557 labour disputes in 1935, involving 84,790 workers. Arbitration settled 694 cases. 1936.02.13 — The registration of candidates for Diet seats closes with a total of 876, divided as follows: Seiyukai, 316; Minseito, 298; Showakai, 49; Kokumin Domei, 13; Social Mass Party, 29; Independents, 107, and others, 26. 1936.02.13 — The participation of Soviet planes in the Outer Mongolian border clash of yesterday is verified in reports reaching Japanese headquarters in Tsiitsihar. 1936.02.14 — Vice-Commissar Stomonakov rejects Japan's version of the Chinchangkou incident and insists that neutral interests be represented in any inquiry. 1936.02.14 — The Moscow Foreign Commissariat issues a communiqué claiming that the February 12 clash took place in Outer Mongolia following an invasion by Japanese-Manchoukuo troops. 1936.02.14 — The Soviet consulate-general in Mukden announces that Moscow has ordered its closing. 1936.02.14 — Hsinking learns of a secret pact between the U.S.S.R. and Sinkiang whereby the former guarantees to protect the latter from outside interference and to aid its development with loans and Soviet advisers. 1936.02.14 — Pan-American Airway officials in New York deny a Washington report that Japan had objected to the establishment of a terminal in China for the company's trans-Pacific line. 1936.02.15 — Senator R. R. Reynolds, speaking in the Senate, assails Senator Pittman's attack on Japan, America's "best customer." 1936.02.17 — An Outer Mongolian force of 1,000 attacks Assailsume but is repulsed. 1936.02.17 — Three Manchoukuo lumbermen are carried by Soviet troops across the border. 1936.02.17 — War between Japan and the U.S.S.R. is only a matter of time, The New York Herald Tribune says editorially. 1936.02.17 — Soviet delay in granting visas prevents two officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry from leaving Tokyo with the fishery industrialists going to Vladivostok for the annual fishery auction on February 28. 1936.02.17 — The annual report of the Governor of the Bank of Japan says that higher prices for produce have helped the farmers, though much remains to be done to rehabilitate them, and that the impediments to Japan's foreign trade continue. 1936.02.17 — Undersecretary of State Phillips says in Chicago that the U.S. cannot abandon the open door principle regarding China, but it will not "dictate nor intrude in any local controversy" and has no thought of aggression against any country. 1936.02.17 — Japan and Shanghai are linked by radiophone. 1936.02.16 — Manchoukuo demands immediate withdrawal of the Outer Mongolian troops around Lake Buir in a protest to Ulanbator. 1936.02.16 — The U.S.S.R. tells Manchoukuo it is ready to close all consulates in Manchoukuo except that in Harbin and to allow Manchoukuo only one in the U.S.S.R. 1936.02.16 — A Manchoukuo patrol near Heiho is fired on by Soviets. 1936.02.16 — Moscow announces that the two Japanese aviators and the plane in which they landed in Soviet territory on January 9 were returned to the Japanese authorities on February 11. 1936.02.17 — Breaking silence in the election campaign, Premier Okada and Finance Minister Takahashi address a Tokyo mass meeting under the auspices of the Cabinet, the first in history. 1936.02.17 — General Senjuro Hayashi, former War Minister, testifies in camera in the Aizawa trial. 1936.02.17 — Hsinking officials agree to reject the Soviet proposal that a neutral be included in the inquiry commission for the Chinchangkou clash. 1936.02.17 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies that there has been any change in Japan's policy of regarding a non-aggression pact with the U.S.S.R. untimely until pending questions are solved. 1936.02.18 — The Cabinet reportedly endorses the Foreign and War Ministers' policy of settling amicably through diplomatic channels the troubles with the U.S.S.R. on the Manchoukuo border. 1936.02.18 — Major Seizo Arisuyé, in a report to the Cabinet on the border situation, is said to have stated that there are more than 300,000 Soviet troops in the Far East and 30 submarines at Vladivostok. 1936.02.18 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against the giving of machineguns and bullets to bandits by Soviet fliers who made a forced landing near Jehol on January 22. 1936.02.19 — The head of Belgium's economic mission to the Far East is credited with the statement in Kobé that he will recommend Belgian recognition of Manchoukuo if an agreement is reached to buy Belgian goods. 1936.02.20 — The general election is held, with 11,190,000 votes cast and 20 per cent. of the eligible voters abstaining. 1936.02.20 — The Emperor sanctions the replacement of two army units in Manchoukuo and one in North China. 1936.02.20 — Thirteen Japanese and 28 Koreans are severely beaten by Chinese policemen in Tungchow, Hopei Province. 1936.02.21 — The president of the Seiyukai, Dr. Suzuki, is found to have lost his Diet seat in the election. 1936.02.21 — Rear-Admiral Iwashita, arriving in Yokohama from London, discounts the possibility of a naval race because of Japan's withdrawal from the naval conference. 1936.02.21 — Foreign Vice-Commissar Stomonakov yields to Japan's objection to neutral participation in the proposed Chinchangkou incident inquiry commission, asks that the U.S.S.R. have as many representatives as Japan and Manchoukuo combined and expresses hope that a commission can be set up to deal with the Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolia border situation. 1936.02.21 — Communists demonstrate before Japan's consulate-general in New York against alleged preparations for war against the U.S.S.R. 1936.02.21 — The American island of Kure, in the Pacific, is placed under the jurisdiction of the Navy Department for naval purposes. 1936.02.21 — Japan's consul-general in Batavia proposes to Director of Economic Affairs G. H. C. Hart that the Japanese-Dutch East Indian trade negotiations be resumed. 1936.02.21 — The 1,368-ton destroyer Yamakaze is launched at Uraga. 1936.02.22 — The final election results show that the three pro-Government parties—the Minseito, with 201 seats, the Showakai, with 20, and the Kokumin Domei, with 11—control the new Diet. The rest of the 466 seats are divided among the Seiyukai, 174, the Social Mass Party, 18, other groups, nine, and independents, 25. 1936.02.22 — Mr. Hachiro Arita leaves Tokyo for China to take up his duties as Ambassador. 1936.02.22 — A memorial boulevard of cherry trees, including 200 presented by Ambassador Saito, is dedicated at Fredericksburg, Virginia. 1936.02.23 — The Moscow press emphasizes the dangers of anti-Soviet action by Japan and Germany in celebrating the 18th anniversary of the Red Army. 1936.02.24 — In the general election, the Minseito received 4,180,000 votes, or 41.2 per cent. of the total; the Seiyukai 4,070,000, and the Social Mass Party, 510,000. 1936.02.24 — Election law violations tabulated so far total 2,133, involving 3,831 persons, including 45 candidates. 1936.02.24 — The Japanese military authorities in North China pay close attention to reports of a movement of Communist forces in Shensi towards Shansi. 1936.02.25 — The Cabinet decides to hold a special Diet session for three weeks from April 20. 1936.02.25 — The Finance Ministry is credited with a draft working budget for the 1936-37 fiscal year of 2,291,000,000 yen, larger by 17,000,000 yen than the draft nullified by the dissolution of the Diet. 1936.02.25 — General Jinzaburo Masaki leaves the Aizawa court-martial in apparent indignation after giving testimony in camera. Counsel requests the summoning of Viscount Saito. 1936.02.25 — Manchoukuo renews its request for diplomatic relations with Outer Mongolia in a fresh protest against invasions. 1936.02.25 — The annual exhibition of the Imperial Art Academy opens in Tokyo. 1936.02.25 — The number of motorcars in the Japanese Empire at the end of October, 1935, is given as 134,859, gaining 13,667 in a year. 1936.02.25 — The Japan Rayon Association rules that members must suspend 30 per cent. of their spindles from April 1 to June 30. The current suspension is 20 per cent. 1936.02.26 — The War Office announces that junior officers in the morning killed Premier Okada, Viscount Saito and General Watanabe, seriously injured Finance Minister Takahashi and Grand Chamberlain Suzuki and attacked the inn where Count Makino was staying and the office of the Tokyo Asahi. Their aim was "to eliminate those perpetrating destruction of the national polity." 1936.02.26 — Home Minister Goto is made provisional acting Premier, and the Cabinet, on tendering its resignation, is ordered to carry on pending the formation of a successor. 1936.02.26 — A state of emergency is ordered in the area under the direction of the 1st (Tokyo) Division. The 1st Fleet is ordered to Tokyo Bay, and the 2nd Fleet to Osaka Bay. The Yokosuka defence squadron arrives off Tokyo. 1936.02.26 — Because of censorship of messages from Tokyo, exaggerated reports of events are circulated abroad. Ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives abroad are instructed to prevent misinterpretation of the Tokyo situation. Ambassador Saito voices assurance in Washington that there will be no change in the fundamental form of the Japanese Government. 1936.02.26 — The stock and commodity exchanges throughout Japan close. 1936.02.26 — Mr. Arita arrives in Shanghai on his way to Nanking to present his credentials as Ambassador. He says Japan's Embassy will soon be moved to the capital. 1936.02.27 — Limited martial law for maintenance of peace and order is proclaimed in Tokyo under Lieutenant-General Kohei Kashii. Nearby troops are moved into the city. A warning is issued against wild rumours. 1936.02.27 — The Finance Ministry announces that Finance Minister Takahashi died yesterday. The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Chuji Machida, is made concurrently Finance Minister. 1936.02.27 — National leaders confer ceaselessly at the Imperial Palace on the situation. 1936.02.27 — The good-will flight to Japan of Royal Air Force planes is abandoned at Shanghai because of the Tokyo situation. 1936.02.27 — Professor Kotaro Tanaka, exchange professor, gives the first of a series of lectures in Rome on the commercial code. 1936.02.28 — The Foreign Office spokesman declares that Japan's foreign policy will not be altered by the incident. 1936.02.28 — Japanese interests obtain 20 of the 18 fishery lots auctioned in Vladivostok. 1936.02.29 — The Tokyo insurgents surrender. Non-commissioned officers and privates are offered pardon. 1936.02.29 — Announcement is made that Premier Okada escaped death when his brother-in-law, Colonel Denzo Matsuo, was mistaken for him and killed by the insurgents. He escaped from his official residence, tendered his resignation and was received in audience yesterday by the Emperor. 1936.02.29 — War Minister Kawashima, in a statement to the press, says that the incident has soiled the history of the Empire and the Army and that the Army hopes to renovate itself to merit the confidence of the State and the people. 1936.02.29 — The Cabinet announces the dismissal of 20 officers involved in the rebellion. 1936.02.29 — Officials of the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police Board tender their resignations, assuming responsibility for the incident. 1936.02.29 — Outer Mongolia suggests to Manchoukuo that a mixed commission to investigate the February 12 and other incidents and to devise measures to prevent further trouble. 1936.02.29 — The Moscow Foreign Commissariat claims to have been reliably informed that the Japanese military authorities in Harbin have decided to raid shortly the couriers carrying diplomatic mail to and from Soviet consulates in Manchoukuo. 1936.02.29 — London naval conference circles hear that the U.S.S.R. is sending more than standard submarines and planes to the Far East. 1936.02.29 — Mr. Chester H. Rowell urges in a radio talk from San Francisco that the U.S. take the initiative in assuring Pacific peace by reopening the question of exclusion of Orientals. 1936.03.01 — The Emperor confers posthumous honours on Viscount Saito, Finance Minister Takahashi, General Watanabe and Colonel Matsuo. 1936.03.01 — The Cabinet issues a statement of hope that the Government and the people "will unite to oppose radicalism, respect moderation and follow the paths of justice." 1936.03.01 — The martial law headquarters announce that one of the rebel officers, Captain Shiro Nonaka, "disposed of himself" and that the majority of the others are in military prison. The non-commissioned officers and soldiers are in isolation in their barracks. 1936.03.01 — The Metropolitan Police Board announces the deaths of five policemen in the incident. 1936.03.01 — Finance Vice-Minister Tsushima points to the calmness in business circles and the strength of the yen and Japanese bonds abroad during the incident as evidence of financial strength. 1936.03.01 — The second detachment of the fourth group of armed emigrants, numbering 145, leaves Tsuruga for Manchoukuo. 1936.03.02 — Prince Saionji arrives in Tokyo and is requested by the Emperor to recommend a new Premier. 1936.03.02 — The police ban is lifted on news of the suicide on February 29 of Major Takenuké Amano, battalion commander of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, as a gesture of responsibility for the participation of subordinates in the uprising. 1936.03.02 — The Cabinet announces the dismissal of another officer who took part in the incident. 1936.03.02 — Public donations for the families of the five policemen killed in the uprising pour into police stations. 1936.03.02 — In statements, the Seiyukai urges renovation of politics and economy and protection of parliamentarism and the Social Mass Party declares it means to adhere to its reform platform. 1936.03.02 — The American and British Ambassadors express to Foreign Minister Hirota their appreciation of the protective measures taken during the incident. 1936.03.01 — Mr. Josef Stalin tells Mr. Roy Howard, U.S. publisher, that the U.S.S.R. will help Outer Mongolia if that country is attacked by Japan. 1936.03.01 — Announcement is made that Japanese sub-consulates will be established at Shaohuchengtsé, Fengtien Province, Fuyou, Kirin Province, and Tasan, Lungchiang Province, Manchoukuo. 1936.03.01 — Unification of control of all armed organizations in Manchoukuo under the Defence Ministry, with provincial police forces converted into peace preservation corps, is decided at Hsinking. 1936.03.01 — London is said to be considering representations to Tokyo on the detention of Mr. Gerald Sansom, a British journalist, on the ground of having circulated false rumours regarding the Tokyo uprising. 1936.03.04 — Prince Konoyé declines an Imperial command to form a Cabinet. 1936.03.04 — A special court-martial headed by the War Minister to deal with those involved in the February 26 incident is set up by an urgent Imperial Ordinance. 1936.03.04 — The resignations of Generals Hayashi, Abe, Matsui, Araki, Uyeda, Nishi and Terauchi, all of the Supreme War Council, are submitted to the Throne. 1936.03.04 — General Guichi Nishi is chosen Inspector-General of Military Education. 1936.03.04 — Martial law headquarters announce that about 1,400 men participated in the February 26 incident and a number of units called to the capital for guarding have returned to their barracks. 1936.03.04 — The Cabinet decides to disburse 770,618 yen for "extraordinary expenditures" in connection with the February 26 incident. 1936.03.04 — Ambassador Ohta assures Foreign Commissar Litvinov that the February 26 affair will not affect Japanese-Soviet relations. 1936.03.04 — The Chinese Government protests against aeroplane flights in North China by the Japanese military authorities, who claim that they are permitted by the Tangku truce. 1936.03.05 — Foreign Minister Hirota accepts the Imperial command to form a Cabinet. 1936.03.05 — Premier Okada's secretary explains that the Premier remained hidden in his official residence after the rebels had mistakenly shot his brother-in-law and escaped on the following day. 1936.03.08 — Mr. Kurahei Yuasa becomes Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, and Mr. Tsunemori Matsudaira, Ambassador to London, replaces him as Imperial Household Minister. 1936.03.08 — General Kenkichi Uyeda replaces General Minami as commander of the Kwantung Army and Ambassador to Manchoukuo. 1936.03.08 — Announcement is made of the suicide of Hisashi Kono, a former aviation captain, who participated in the attack on Count Makino's inn. 1936.03.08 — Admiral Nagano and Ambassador Nagai, delegates to the naval conference, return to Tokyo. 1936.03.08 — Ambassador Arita presents his credentials to the Chairman of the Chinese Government, Mr. Lin Sen. 1936.03.09 — General Terauchi explains to Mr. Hirota that the Army insists on utilizing the incident as a turning point in national policy and on establishing a fundamental course based on State control and complete reform of the administration. 1936.03.09 — General Minami says in Hsinking that prompt control of wild rumours prevented disturbance in Manchoukuo following the Tokyo incident. 1936.03.09 — Manchoukuo asks Outer Mongolia for further details of its proposal that a mixed commission be set up to deal with border disputes. 1936.03.09 — Export Cotton Yarn and Cloth Traders' Association figures show that Japan for the third successive year sent more cotton cloth abroad in 1935 than Britain, 2,711,793,000 square yards to 1,949,112,000. 1936.03.09 — Mr. Sachiro Koshida, former consul-general in Batavia, and Vice-Consul Kotani voice optimism on reaching Kobé from Batavia at the prospect of agreement between Japan and the Dutch East Indies on trade and shipping. 1936.03.09 — Mr. Hirota meets with General Terauchi, Admiral Nagano and other army and naval leaders for further discussion of the policies of his projected Cabinet. 1936.03.09 — The U.S. import tariff on Japanese knitted woollen gloves and mittens is increased more than to 50 per cent. 1936.03.09 — Mr. Hirota completes the formation of his Cabinet and takes office. A statement is issued in which he says there is need for caution in administering State affairs in the current grave situation and asserts that he and the defence Ministers are entirely in agreement. 1936.03.09 — Finance Minister Baba issues a statement saying that the nation must prepare for increased expenditure, that bonds should continue to be issued, that ordinary revenue should be increased, that the tax system should be revised, that money rates should be lowered and that national economy has sufficient strength to permit these reforms. 1936.03.09 — Foreign Vice-Commissar Stomonakov is understood to have assented partially to Ambassador Ohta's plea for definition of the Soviet-Manchoukuo border and to have presented a set of proposals dealing with the work of the proposed commission to inquire into the January 30 clash. 1936.03.09 — Members of women's patriotic bodies in Shanghai stage an anti-Japanese demonstration. 1936.03.10 — Heavy bear selling marks resumption of trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. 1936.03.10 — Finance Minister Baba issues a second statement, promising that modifications in the financial policy will not be made in a manner to cause violent fluctuations in the financial world. 1936.03.10 — Baron Kenichiro Ikki asks to be relieved of his duties as President of the Privy Council. 1936.03.10 — The martial law headquarters announce that about 150 civilians, including Ikki Kita and Zei Nishida, are being detained in connection with the February 26 incident. 1936.03.10 — Generals Kawashima, Hayashi, Masaki, Araki and Abe are placed on the reserve list. 1936.03.10 — Observance of Army Day is curtailed because of the incident. 1936.03.10 — China's new Ambassador, Mr. Hsu Shih-ying, arrives in Tokyo. 1936.03.10 — The Nanking Executive Yuan reportedly decides to protest to Japan against interference with the customs at Tientsin and Chinwangtao. 1936.03.11 — The Cabinet designates a committee headed by Finance Minister Baba to draft its statement of policies. 1936.03.11 — Chinese workers in several Japanese-owned cotton mills in Shanghai start a go-slow strike and demand higher wages, shorter hours and the right to organize. 1936.03.11 — Mrs. Margaret Sanger arrives in Kobé for a brief visit in Japan. 1936.03.12 — Imperial sanction is given to the appointment of Baron Hiranuma as President of the Privy Council and his succession as Vice-President by Mr. Kentaro Arai, a member of the Council. 1936.03.12 — Dr. Torajiro Ikeda, head of the first civil affairs section of the Supreme Court, is selected President of the Supreme Court. 1936.03.12 — Prince Saionji returns to his Okitsu villa from Tokyo. 1936.03.12 — Count Yasuya Uchida, former Foreign Minister and president of the South Manchuria Railway Company, dies. 1936.03.12 — A formal protest to the Foreign Office by the Soviet Embassy against the arrest of a number of its Japanese employees brings advice to cease employment of left-wing sympathizers. 1936.03.12 — Announcement is made in Hsinking of an agreement on direct freight traffic between North China and Manchoukuo, effective May 1, between the Board of General Directors of the South Manchuria Railway Company and the Peiping-Mukden Railway Bureau. 1936.03.12 — Minister Masaaki Hotta leaves Berne for London to observe the meetings of the League Council and the Locarno signatories. 1936.03.12 — The French Senate ratifies the Franco-Soviet mutual assistance pact. 1936.03.13 — The Cabinet tentatively decides to convoke the Diet on May 1 for about three weeks. 1936.03.13 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against occupation of Pachangtao, an Amur River island. 1936.03.13 — A Moscow statement alleges that a Japanese-Manchoukuo detachment fired on workers excavating on the Amur River 250 metres inside Soviet territory on March 5. 1936.03.13 — An Ulanbator report to Moscow says that War Minister Demid informed the National People's Assembly that Soviet aid is assured in the event of an attack on Outer Mongolia. 1936.03.13 — Wanisaburo Deguchi and seven other leaders of the Ohmoto cult are indicted on charges of lèse-majesté and violation of the peace preservation law. 1936.03.13 — Two Japanese pearling boats are seized by the Dutch authorities in the Aru Islands. The crews are imprisoned and ordered deported on charges of poaching. 1936.03.14 — The Asahi understands that the Army has no intention of coercing the Government into achieving sweeping reforms immediately, but it trusts that reforms will be adopted one by one without delay. 1936.03.14 — Finance Minister Baba asks leading bankers to co-operate with him in his policies. 1936.03.14 — The Japan-Manchoukuo Economic Commission approves plans for the establishment of the Manchoukuo Salt Company, in which Manchoukuo will invest 1,250,000 yen and Japanese interests 3,710,000 yen. 1936.03.14 — The U.S.S.R. informs Manchoukuo of its assent to the establishment of a Manchoukuo consulate in Habarovsk. 1936.03.14 — Outer Mongolia, replying to Manchoukuo's inquiry of March 6, says it would restrict the work of the proposed frontier commission to investigation of the February 12 clash, on completion of which it might inquire into other incidents and consider preventive measures. 1936.03.14 — An economic mission to Siam, headed by Mr. Yunosuké Yasukawa, president of the Toyo Rayon Company, leaves Tokyo for Bangkok. 1936.03.14 — The Philippine Forestry Division refuses to let a Japanese firm cut timber in excess of its quota pending a final decision on the status of all foreign lumbering permits. 1936.03.15 — Ambassador Ohta informs Foreign Vice-Commissar Stomonakov that Japan sees no need to use its good offices in adjusting relations between Manchoukuo and Outer Mongolia, for they are already negotiating. 1936.03.15 — Mr. Gerald Sansom, British writer detained by the Tokyo police, is escorted to Kobé, from where he sails for Shanghai. 1936.03.18 — Indictments on charges of election law violations in the general election total 1,347. 1936.03.18 — In reply to Mr. Stomonakov's statement of March 9, Ambassador Ohta proposes redemarcation of the Soviet-Manchoukuo border between Lake Hanka and the Tumen River on the basis of various treaties. If this is acceptable, Japan is ready to agree to the Soviet proposal that a standing commission be formed to examine frontier troubles in the same area. Mr. Stomonakov asks if Japan would agree to similar commissions for the Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolian frontier and assert that the U.S.S.R. wants the commissions to deal with the entire Soviet-Manchoukuo border, not a portion of it. 1936.03.18 — Manchoukuo tells the U.S.S.R. that assent to the establishment of a consulate in Habarovsk will not silence its demand for as many consulates in the U.S.S.R. as that country has in Manchoukuo. 1936.03.18 — Hsinking indicates dissatisfaction with Outer Mongolia's reply on the proposed frontier commission because of its continued refusal to open diplomatic relations. 1936.03.18 — The U.S.S.R. maintains in the Far East at least 30 submarines—probably many more—and 50 motor torpedo-boats, Mr. Hector Bywater writes in The Daily Telegraph on the basis of information learned through the German Admiralty. 1936.03.18 — Foreign Minister Chang Chun tells Ambassador Arita that both he and General Chiang Kai-shek are determined to work towards stabilization in co-operation with Tokyo. 1936.03.18 — The Arizona Supreme Court reverses the conviction by the Maricopa County Superior Court of five Japanese farmers charged with violation of the alien land law. 1936.03.18 — Publication of documents by the State Department reveals U.S. concern in 1919 at the possibility of renewal of the Anglo-Japanese alliance. 1936.03.18 — Foreign Secretary Eden is requested in the Commons to prepare a statement on the effect of Japan's policies on British interests in China and elsewhere. 1936.03.18 — Japan recognizes Colonel Raphael Franco's régime in Paraguay. 1936.03.17 — Premier Hirota publishes a statement of his Cabinet's policies, asserting that "the first administrative principle is to emphasize the ideals on which our nation was founded and to bring about national unity." 1936.03.17 — The Cabinet Statistics Bureau announces a natural increase of 760,439 in the population of Japan proper between January and September, 1935. 1936.03.17 — Major-General Isogai, back in Shanghai from North China, says he found conditions in the north "regrettable." 1936.03.17 — Hsinking learns that Soviet engineers surveying in Sankiang Province on May 1 were driven out. 1936.03.17 — The War Office announces that 4,100 Japanese soldiers lost their lives in Manchuria between the 1931 outbreak and the end of 1935. The number of wounded and sick was 171,598. 1936.03.17 — Shanghai reports a secret agreement aiming at military and political co-operation between Nanking and Moscow. 1936.03.19 — The War Office announces the release of approximately 1,430 privates involved in the February 26 incident. It is intimated that they will not be indicted. 1936.03.19 — Premier-Foreign Minister Hirota explains informally Japan's foreign policy to diplomatic chiefs of mission. 1936.03.19 — The Finance Ministry issues 350,000,000 yen of 1935-36 deficit bonds bearing 4 per cent. interest. The selling price is raised from the usual 98.10 yen to 99.25 yen, but the maturity is shortened by seven years to 20. 1936.03.19 — The New York Sun considers Premier Hirota's policy statement too lacking in details to permit evaluation of its full significance, but attaches most importance to the part on financial reforms. 1936.03.19 — The British Government approaches Japan on adherence to the proposed agreement among the naval Powers restricting submarine warfare. 1936.03.19 — A communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Arita-Chiang talks in Nanking says that despite differences in views not a little was accomplished, though no attempt was made to reach special conclusions. 1936.03.19 — Hsinking suggests to Ulanbator that the proposed border commission be made a permanent body in lieu of Outer Mongolia's agreement to open diplomatic relations with Manchoukuo. 1936.03.19 — Count Henri de Baillet-Latour, of the International Olympic Committee, arrives in Tokyo to inspect Olympic Games facilities. 1936.03.20 — The martial-law ban on public meetings in Tokyo is partially lifted, but political gatherings and outdoor assemblies are still prohibited. 1936.03.19 — More troops called to Tokyo for guarding return to their barracks. 1936.03.22 — General Uyeda issues a statement on Japanese-Manchoukuo relations in which he points out the necessity of measures to counter the moves of the Soviet Union, Outer Mongolia and the Communist force in Shensi. 1936.03.22 — A Soviet protest is lodged with the Manchoukuo authorities at Harbin against the arrest of Dalbank officials on March 16. 1936.03.22 — The ban is lifted on some of the details of the February 26 incident, the manner in which the victims were killed and Premier Okada escaped and the biographies of the leading rebels. 1936.03.22 — General Uyeda leaves Tokyo for Hsinking to take up his duties as commander of the Kwantung Army and Ambassador to Manchoukuo. 1936.03.22 — Two Soviet ships are detained for examination in Aomori Bay on suspicion of having entered the Tsugaru fortified zone. 1936.03.23 — Lieutenant-General Okitsu Osumi is installed as Chief Aide-de-Camp to the Emperor in succession to General Baron Honjo. 1936.03.23 — Lieutenant-General Yoshijiro Umezu is appointed War Vice-Minister in extensive army personnel shifts designed to remove officers deemed to share responsibility for the February 26 incident. 1936.03.23 — The Navy sets up a reform council which appoints committees to work out a new defence policy, suggest structural changes in the Navy and study harmony between execution of naval policies and the national budget. 1936.03.23 — Justice Minister Hayashi orders special vigour in prosecution of offences based on ideas contrary to the national polity, illegal direct actions, regardless of motives, serious election offences, misfeasance in office, etc., in addressing the nation's presiding judges and chief procurators. 1936.03.23 — Ambassador Saito is instructed to express to Secretary of State Hull the Japanese Government's sympathy over the flood losses in the northeastern section of the United States. 1936.03.23 — Nanking's sending of large forces into Shansi on the pretext of using them against the Communists is believed in some quarters to be aimed at taking control from General Yen Hsi-shan, thereby exerting pressure on North China. 1936.03.23 — Senator Pittman, in a radio talk, again taxes Japan with violation of the nine-Power treaty and the League Covenant. 1936.03.23 — A Japanese ice firm in Davao files a writ to test the stipulation in the Philippine Constitution that corporations in the islands must be 60 per cent. Filipino-owned. 1936.03.23 — Mr. Molotov tells a French correspondent in Moscow that conversations in progress between Ambassador Ohta and Foreign Vice-Commissar Stomonakov hold a possibility of improvement in relations. 1936.03.24 — Because of rumours of nationalization of electric power and an increase in taxes which are having a disturbing influence, the Cabinet instructs its chief secretary to issue a statement advising that only authorized assertions by the authorities be taken seriously. 1936.03.24 — Communications Minister Tanomogi wins his colleagues' approval of establishment of a committee under the Cabinet to co-ordinate information for publication. 1936.03.24 — A Japanese soldier is killed in a clash with Outer Mongolians southeast of Halhamiao. 1936.03.24 — Two Japanese, five British and two American Municipal Councillors are elected in Shanghai, but the counters overlook 323 ballots. 1936.03.21 — Mr. Harunaburo Hirao, Kobé business man, takes office as Education Minister. 1936.03.21 — Premier Hirota, meeting foreign correspondents, declares that there has been no change in foreign policy, but the process of adjusting relations with other countries will be speeded up to meet the criticism that diplomacy has been conducted with slowness. The Cabinet considers its primary mission the realization of reforms that have long been deemed necessary, but execution of which has been hampered. 1936.03.21 — Mr. Jotaro Yamamoto, Seiyukai elder, member of the House of Peers and former S.M.R. president, dies. 1936.03.21 — Great Britain, the U.S. and France conclude a naval treaty providing for an annual exchange of building programmes and restrictions on the tonnage and guns of various categories of ships. 1936.03.21 — A British Admiralty spokesman says Japan, Britain and the U.S. are conversing through diplomatic channels on the question of fortifications on Pacific islands, the restrictions on which will lapse when the naval treaties end. 1936.03.21 — Discovery of plans for anti-Japanese agitation results in a police raid on dormitories of Fuh Tan University, Shanghai. 1936.03.21 — Yugoslavia aims to restrict imports from Japan by ordering importers to report to the Finance Ministry and receive foreign exchange corresponding to the amount imported from the National Bank of Yugoslavia. 1936.03.26 — The War Office announces that several casualties were suffered when nine Japanese soldiers making a topographical survey near Changlingtzu, on the eastern Manchoukuo-Soviet border, were fired on yesterday by Soviet troops. With the arrival of Japanese reinforcements, the fighting continued. 1936.03.26 — Ambassador Ohta is instructed to protest against the Changlingtzu clash, and Premier-Foreign Minister Hirota makes an oral protest to Ambassador Yurenev when the latter presents a protest from Moscow. 1936.03.26 — The French Ambassador assures Mr. Hirota that the Franco-Soviet mutual assistance pact does not menace the Far East. 1936.03.26 — Prefectural governors assemble in Tokyo and hear the Premier and the Finance, War, Justice and Home Ministers outline their policies. Their co-operation is asked in stabilizing and improving national life and harmonizing conflicting interests. War Minister Terauchi appeals for their aid in defeating influences likely to alienate the public from the army. 1936.03.26 — A public funeral service is held for Finance Minister Takahashi. 1936.03.26 — Japanese resentment at the omission of 323 votes in counting the results of the Shanghai Municipal Council election results in a decision to hold a new election. 1936.03.27 — Foreign Vice-Commissar Stomonakov rejects Japan's protest against the Changlingtzu incident and protests against an alleged Japanese penetration of an island in the Argun River, resulting in the death of three Japanese. 1936.03.27 — Ambassador Ohta tells Mr. Stomonakov that Japan does not consider it expedient to have the proposed commission for settlement of border disputes cover the whole Manchoukuo-Soviet border or to connect with the Manchoukuo-Soviet border negotiations those regarding the Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolian border. 1936.03.27 — Moscow circulates Ulanbator messages saying further border clashes are feared because of a concentration of Japanese-Manchoukuo troops near Lake Buir. 1936.03.27 — Ratifications of the Franco-Soviet mutual assistance pact are exchanged in Paris. 1936.03.27 — The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Takuichi Kawasaki, dies of stomach ulcers. 1936.03.27 — Ambassador Arita, visiting in Hsinking, declares that there will be no change in Japan's three principles for adjustment of relations with China. 1936.03.27 — The Governor of Singapore issues an order that no shipping company can bring more than 25 aliens to Singapore monthly, which is regarded as directed against Japan. 1936.03.28 — Dr. Gotaro Ogawa, Minseito, becomes Minister of Commerce and Industry. 1936.03.28 — The navy places on the waiting list, to be retired in a few days, Admiral Yamamoto, of the Supreme War Council, seven vice-admirals and six rear-admirals. Admirals Kobayashi and Nakamura leave the Supreme War Council and are assigned to the Naval General Staff. 1936.03.28 — General Uyeda arrives in Hsinking to take up his duties as Commander of the Kwantung Army and Ambassador to Manchoukuo. 1936.03.28 — The Soviets at Changlingtzu refuse to negotiate with Japanese emissaries on delivery of the two Japanese killed in the clash. 1936.03.28 — Suspicion that the Soviets killed the two Japanese missing in the Changlingtzu clash to eliminate evidence is voiced in a communiqué issued by the headquarters of the Korean Army. 1936.03.28 — The Outer Mongolian People's Assembly approves the Soviet-Outer Mongolian mutual assistance pact. 1936.03.28 — Moscow observers say the Soviet-Outer Mongolian mutual aid pact will allow the U.S.S.R. to establish a virtual protectorate over Outer Mongolia. 1936.03.29 — Moscow agrees to turn over the bodies of the two Japanese killed in the Changlingtzu incident. 1936.03.30 — The Kwantung Army announces that two Outer Mongolian planes bombed and machine-gunned a Japanese-Manchoukuo patrol party yesterday 25 kilometres north of Taulan, killing one soldier and wounding four. Manchoukuo and the Kwantung Army protest to Ulanbator. 1936.03.30 — A Nanking Foreign Office spokesman denies that China has given assent to the reported Soviet-Mongolian pact and says the Moscow Embassy has been instructed to ascertain whether a pact really exists. 1936.03.30 — France announces the appointment of Dr. Frederic Albert Kammerer, Ambassador to Turkey, as Ambassador to Japan, succeeding Mr. Fernand Pila. 1936.03.30 — Tokyo City's 331,730,733-yen 1936-37 budget is approved by the Municipal Assembly. 1936.03.31 — Finance Ministry officials decide on a 1936-37 working budget of 2,306,000,000 yen, larger by 28,000,000 yen than the draft budget that failed of adoption when the Diet was dissolved. Provision is made for about 706,000,000 yen of bonds. 1936.03.31 — The Cabinet is informed of the assent of Nippon Dempo to joining Domei, forming a single national news agency. 1936.03.31 — Foreign Vice-Commissar Stomonakov reminds Ambassador Ohta that on February 21 he informed him of the Soviet obligation to assist Outer Mongolia if attacked. Replying to the March 16 border proposals, he reiterates the Soviet desire for dispute-adjustment machinery for the entire Soviet-Manchoukuo border and for Japanese aid in bringing into existence analogous machinery for the Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolian frontier. 1936.03.31 — Manchoukuo receives from Outer Mongolia a protest alleging that the border clash of March 29 was caused by Japanese-Manchoukuo attacks inside Outer Mongolia, 50 kilometres from the frontier, and urges a conference to discuss the situation as soon as possible. 1936.03.31 — Suspicion is aroused when the Japanese at Changlingtzu are told by the Soviets that interruption in the telegraph service to Habarovsk has delayed instructions for turning over the bodies of the two Japanese killed in the recent clash. 1936.03.31 — Mr. Legenère, writing in Le Matin, says Japan is fully warranted in opposing the Franco-Soviet mutual assistance pact. 1936.03.31 — Secretary of State Hull tells a Congressional committee that trade questions with Japan have increased in number and difficulty and that the Government has given constant attention to the interests of U.S. oil and automobile firms in Japan. 1936.03.31 — Factory statistics for 1934 announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry show that industrial production reached an all-time high figure of 9,350,016,000 yen. The spinning and weaving industry led with 1,197,771,000 yen. Materials used aggregated 1,696,616,000 yen in value, and wages totalled 773,931,000 yen. There were 86,511 factories and 2,165,453 workmen. 1936.04.01 — The Kwantung Army announces that 12 Outer Mongolian planes bombed yesterday a Japanese-Manchoukuo patrol and that later an Outer Mongolian land force penetrated Manchoukuo and was repulsed. 1936.04.01 — Manchoukuo urges Outer Mongolia to shelve its proposals of March 19 for exchanging resident representatives. 1936.04.01 — Mr. Roy Howard, U.S. publisher, says on reaching New York from a world tour that the Outer Mongolian situation is "more tinder" than any European situation. 1936.04.01 — Manchoukuo lifts the ban on news of the arrest on December 3 of 16 members of the Kirin National Salvation Society plotting to overthrow the Government and oust the Japanese. Funds are said to have been received from the Peiping National Salvation Society. 1936.04.01 — Dr. O. P. Trautmann, German Ambassador to China, intimates at Singapore that Germany's claim for colonies does not include repossession of its former islands now under Japanese control and denies that Germany has any agreement with Japan concerning the matter. 1936.04.01 — The Finance Ministry approves an appropriation of 200,000 yen for the Education Ministry to use in erecting the 1940 Olympic Games for Tokyo. 1936.04.01 — Companies belonging to the Japan Spinners' Association consumed in 1935 5,879,511 bales of cotton, 110,000 more than in 1934. American cotton fell by 37,000 bales to 1,691,000, and Indian gained by 163,000 to 1,566,000. 1936.04.01 — Representative Joseph W. Martin, Jr., of Massachusetts, calls Secretary of State Hull's attention to the continued expansion of textile imports from Japan. 1936.04.02 — Mr. Hachiro Arita is installed as Foreign Minister. Lieutenant-General Kashii resigns because of responsibility in connection with the February 26 incident and is succeeded by Lieutenant-General Tsutoichi Iwakoshi as commander of the Tokyo garrison and martial law headquarters. 1936.04.02 — Manchoukuo warns Outer Mongolia of the danger of "a most serious contingency" unless provocative acts against Manchoukuo are stopped. 1936.04.02 — A Soviet military plane flies over Mulintze in northeastern Pinkiang Province, and is fired at by Japanese-Manchoukuo guards. 1936.04.02 — The Soviets at Changlingtzu hand over the bodies of the two Japanese soldiers killed in the recent fighting. 1936.04.03 — Lieutenant-General Nishio, retiring Kwantung Army chief-of-staff, blames insufficiency of border patrols for the troubles of Manchoukuo with the U.S.S.R. and Outer Mongolia. 1936.04.03 — A Soviet bomber flies over Manchoukuo northwest of Heiho, and a scouting plane appears over Suifenho. 1936.04.04 — Secretary of State Hull places an embargo on exports of tin-plate scrap between April 16 and July 1. Japan is the largest buyer. 1936.04.05 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against the flight of a military plane over Suifenho on April 3. 1936.04.05 — Count de Baillet-Latour tells Japanese newspaper men that Tokyo has adequate equipment for the 1940 Olympic Games. 1936.04.06 — The Bank of Japan reduces its discount rates by 1 rin daily to encourage cheaper money. 1936.04.06 — The Navy Minister says the public must be prepared for some increase in the 1937-38 budget if Britain and the U.S. build battleships. 1936.04.06 — General Minami, back in Tokyo, minimizes the consequences of Manchoukuo-Soviet border disputes. 1936.04.06 — Major-General Matsumoro arrives in Peiping to head the special service office there of the Kwantung Army. 1936.04.06 — The Belgian economic mission to the Far East reaches Hsinking to confer with officials on stronger Manchoukuo-Belgian economic relations. 1936.04.07 — The Finance Ministry announces the conversion on May 1 of 373,000,000 yen of 1931-36 deficit bonds, maturing in the 1936-37 and 1937-18 fiscal years into an issue bearing 3.5 per cent. 1936.04.07 — The Nanking Foreign Office denounces the Soviet-Mongolian pact as a violation of Moscow's recognition of China's sovereignty over Outer Mongolia. 1936.04.07 — Consul-General Suma sounds out Foreign Minister Chang Chun's intentions regarding the Soviet-Mongolian pact, calling attention to Japan's concern. 1936.04.07 — Mr. Manuel G. Soriano arrives in Yokohama to open the Dominican Republic's first consulate-general in Japan. 1936.04.08 — Commanders of divisions and colonial forces are instructed in conference in Tokyo to purge the Army of elements guilty of violating discipline. The War Minister says he has three main aims: administrative reform, replenishment of arms and unity in the Army. 1936.04.08 — Moscow publishes the text of the Soviet-Mongolian mutual assistance protocol, signed in Ulanbator on March 12. 1936.04.08 — Foreign Commissar Litvinov rejects China's protest against the Soviet-Mongolian pact, maintaining that it in no way violates the Sino-Soviet treaty of 1924. He implies that Outer Mongolia is regarded as an autonomous part of the Chinese Republic. 1936.04.08 — The Kwantung Army headquarters, announcing more details of the clash of March 31 on the Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolian border, reveals that four Japanese soldiers were killed. Three Mongolian planes were forced down and two armoured cars captured. 1936.04.09 — A Japanese officer and two soldiers are killed in a clash with Soviets near Suifenho. 1936.04.09 — A Hsinking spokesman says the Soviet-Mongolian pact means Outer Mongolia has become virtually Soviet territory. 1936.04.09 — A Manchoukuo ordinance establishes the Manchoukuo News Agency, embracing most of the existing news agencies and newspaper publishing companies of the country. 1936.04.10 — Japan's consul in Suifenho demands through the Soviet consul delivery of the bodies of the three Japanese killed in yesterday's frontier clash. 1936.04.10 — A Habarovsk report to Moscow claims that yesterday's fighting took place 3,000 metres inside Soviet territory. 1936.04.10 — President Quezon and several Cabinet members arrive in Davao to study the Japanese land question. 1936.04.10 — Radiophone service opens between Japan and the South African Union. 1936.04.11 — Ambassador Ohta protests against the Suifenho clash of April 9 and receives a counter-protest from Vice-Commissar Stomonakov, who says the Soviet troops are authorized to fire on armed border transgressors without warning. 1936.04.11 — Nanking makes a second protest to Moscow against the Soviet-Outer Mongolian mutual assistance pact. 1936.04.11 — Dr. C. T. Wang, mentioned as Dr. W. W. Yen's successor as China's Ambassador in Moscow, declares that a Japanese-Soviet war is inevitable. 1936.04.11 — Baron Seinosuké Goh, at a luncheon for Japan's delegates to the International Labour Conference, advocates continued avoidance of the Marxian theory of class struggle in the relations between Japanese capital and labour and effort to assure the prosperity of medium-sized and small industrial establishments. 1936.04.11 — The Seiyukai begins discussion of alteration of policies to meet new national conditions. 1936.04.12 — A Hsinking report says the Kwantung Army and Manchoukuo will promise to protect from Communism the area governed by the East Hopei régime. 1936.04.12 — Professor Ho Shih attracts attention with a Sino-Japanese rapprochement programme in the Tientsin Ta Kung Pao calling for extensive concessions by Japan. 1936.04.13 — The Governor of North Hsingan Province, Manchoukuo, and five of his associates are to be court-martialled in Hsinking for collusion with the Soviets and Outer Mongolians, to whom they supplied information about Japanese-Manchoukuo troop movements in return for a promise of aid in gaining independence, the Kwantung Army announces. 1936.04.13 — A 50-minute engagement between 20 Japanese soldiers and 50 Soviets on the Ussuri River south of Hulin on April 11 is announced by the Kwantung Army. 1936.04.13 — References to Japan are made in a warlike speech by Secretary-General A. V. Kosarev to the all-Union congress of the Communist Youth League. 1936.04.13 — Consul-General Kiyoshi Uchiyama denies press reports that he told President Quezon at Davao that the Japanese are not opposed to confiscation of land held by Japanese after the leases expire. No concrete proposals were made for solution of the land issue. 1936.04.13 — The Osaka district council of the All-Japan Trade Union Conference agrees to abide by the Home Office's ban on May Day demonstrations. 1936.04.13 — Turkey's Ambassador in Tokyo notifies the Foreign Office of the Turkish desire to have the Lausanne treaty modified to permit refortification of the Dardanelles. 1936.04.14 — Twenty-seven prominent Americans cable a message to Premier Hirota in which they express a desire to look forward to "a new era of Japanese-American relations." 1936.04.14 — Parliamentary Vice-Ministers and Counsellors are appointed, the Seiyukai and Minseito each contributing eight, the Showakai one and the House of Peers five. 1936.04.14 — The Cabinet agrees to support efforts to bring to Tokyo the 1940 Olympic Games. 1936.04.14 — Major-General Seishiro Itagaki becomes chairman of the Japan-Manchoukuo Economic Commission. 1936.04.14 — Manchoukuo's Minister of Mongolian Affairs tenders his resignation because of the North Hsingan collusion affair. 1936.04.14 — Hsinking's intention to send an expedition to examine the frontier from Lake Hanka to the Tumen River is revealed. 1936.04.14 — L'Oeuvre, Paris, alleges that the supposed Japanese-German alliance contains a clause whereby Germany relinquishes to Japan all claims to its former Pacific islands now under Japanese mandate. 1936.04.14 — Mr. Seihin Ikeda, managing director of the Mitsui Gomei Kaisha, tenders his resignation on grounds of poor health. 1936.04.14 — Mr. W. Cameron Forbes, former U.S. Ambassador in Tokyo, urges in a New York speech that the Japanese exclusion legislation be repealed. 1936.04.14 — A Federal grand jury in Los Angeles compels the San Francisco branch of the Yokohama Specie Bank to produce the accounts of two Japanese suspected of connection with an espionage case. 1936.04.17 — A Nanking Foreign Office spokesman, saying a reply to the second protest to Moscow is not expected, gives the impression that China is dropping the Soviet-Outer Mongolian pact issue. 1936.04.17 — The Japan Cotton Spinners' Association agrees to control production and export prices more strictly. 1936.04.17 — The German economic mission to the Far East leaves Tokyo for Shanghai. 1936.04.17 — Premier Hirota replies to the good-will message of 27 prominent Americans, asserting that the Japanese people share the desire to "enter upon a new era of American-Japanese relations" and pledges "earnest efforts to improve them." 1936.04.17 — Mr. Shigeru Kawagoyé, consul-general in Tientsin, it is revealed, has been selected as the new Ambassador to China. 1936.04.17 — The Cabinet decides to tell the Diet "the whole truth" about the February 26 incident. 1936.04.17 — Reprimands and warnings to high officials of the Metropolitan Police Board at the time of the uprising are decided by the Cabinet. 1936.04.17 — The Social Mass Party decides to press in the Diet for free speech, a Japanese-Soviet non-aggression pact and a world parley for redistribution of natural resources and to oppose higher taxes. 1936.04.17 — Major-generals attached to divisional headquarters assemble in Tokyo for instructions on coping with the aftermath of the February 26 incident and fostering public sentiment favourable to military service. 1936.04.17 — The Japanese-Manchoukuo committee on the matter approves draft regulations for abolition of Japanese extraterritoriality in Manchoukuo. 1936.04.17 — The bodies of the three Japanese soldiers killed in the fighting near Suifenho on April 9 are turned over to the Japanese authorities. 1936.04.17 — A Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce tour party arrives in Yokohama. 1936.04.17 — A good-will mission of the East Hopei regime arrives in Hsinking. 1936.04.17 — Fifty-four men are killed and 28 injured when cars carrying them down the shaft of the Tadakuma coal mine, Fukuoka Prefecture, crash. 1936.04.17 — The captain of the Suchan, one of the two Soviet ships detained in Aomori, is indicted on a charge of entering a closed port. 1936.04.17 — Radio telephone communication is opened between Japan and Brazil. 1936.04.21 — General Jiro Minami is placed on the waiting list. 1936.04.21 — Police start demolition of the shrines of the outlawed Omotokyo cult. 1936.04.21 — Press reports say the authorities are studying the possibility of applying the trade protection law to Australia if it raises tariff rates on Japanese rayon and cotton textiles. 1936.04.21 — Twenty-five labour bodies with 10,000 members form the National Round-Table Conference of Patriotic Labour Unions to confront left-wing unions. 1936.04.21 — Mr. Yin Ju-keng, chairman of the East Hopei Anti-Communist Autonomous Government, makes a bid for Japanese investment in his territory in an interview with a Hochi correspondent. 1936.04.21 — A Domei revives the story of serious Japanese interest in a league of nations for Asia. 1936.04.21 — A Kwantung Army communiqué cites the discovery of Soviet bullets on bandits west of Jaoho, Sankiang Province, as proof that the U.S.S.R. is assisting Communist elements in Manchoukuo. 1936.04.21 — Though all are agreed on the desirability of reform in the House of Peers, representatives of its groups are unable to decide on procedure. 1936.04.21 — The Communications Ministry celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding. 1936.04.21 — The seizure of two Japanese fishing boats by the Philippine authorities at Calayan on a charge of illegal fishing is learned. 1936.04.21 — A Cairo report alleges that the Japanese-Egyptian trade talks have been broken off and that the Japanese delegates are going home. 1936.04.22 — Manchoukuo announces that the four Mongol leaders found guilty of collusion with the U.S.S.R. and Outer Mongolia have been sentenced to death and two others to imprisonment. 1936.04.22 — The procurator demands confiscation of the Soviet steamer Suifun and a 1,100-yen fine in the trial of its captain for entering a closed port. 1936.04.22 — China gives its agreement to the appointment of Mr. Kawagoyé as Japan's Ambassador to Nanking. 1936.04.22 — A question in the House of Commons on the North China situation brings the reply that there has been no material change since Secretary Eden reviewed the matter on April 2. 1936.04.22 — Tokyo doubts a Cairo report that the Japanese-Egyptian trade negotiations collapsed, but it is admitted that an impasse has been reached. 1936.04.22 — General Minami and General Baron Honjo are placed on the reserve list. 1936.04.22 — The Privy Council approves ratification of the treaty on compensation of labourers for illness contracted in service adopted at the 18th International Labour Conference, but rejects three others guaranteeing wages and allowances for the involuntarily unemployed, regulating employment of women at night and regulating working hours in glass-bottle factories. 1936.04.22 — The Navy Minister opens a series of meetings with Diet leaders to explain the Navy's estimates and policies. 1936.04.22 — The Aizawa trial is started again. 1936.04.22 — Brazil is said to be modifying its interpretation of the restriction in the Constitution on immigration in a way that will increase the quota for Japanese, of whom 1,486, excluding children under 14, will be allowed to enter during the current year. 1936.04.23 — Foreign Minister Arita and Ambassador Yurenev reiterate their countries' respective stands on the question of border commissions without reaching a decision. 1936.04.23 — The captain of one of the two Soviet vessels held at Aomori for violating fortified zone regulations, is fined 1,000 yen. 1936.04.23 — Chiefs of ordnance of divisions and colonial armies meet in conference in Tokyo to hear instructions on replenishment and improved technique in handling of arms. 1936.04.23 — Mr. Yutaro Tomita, Financial Commissioner, confers with Secretary of the Treasury Morgenthau on his way home from London. 1936.04.23 — Tientsin police discover a plot for an anti-Japanese demonstration by Communist students. 1936.04.24 — The Foreign, War and Navy Ministers hold the first of regular weekly meetings which, they hope, will result in closer co-operation. 1936.04.24 — The draft treaty relinquishing to Manchoukuo extraterritorial rights of taxation and control of Japanese industries is approved by the Cabinet. 1936.04.24 — The Cabinet reportedly decides that Japan has no objection to discussion with other Locarno signatories of the Turkish request for refortification of the Dardanelles. Chargé d'Affaires Fujii asks the British Foreign Office to expedite the opening of negotiations for revision of the Indo-Japanese trade treaty. 1936.04.24 — A party of eight members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is welcomed in Yokohama and Tokyo on arriving for a three-week good-will visit. 1936.04.24 — Hsinking learns that 24,000 Orovchin societies in Amur Province have been reorganized into armed bodies. 1936.04.24 — Foreign Minister Arita tells foreign correspondents that he has confidence that Japanese-Soviet issues can be settled amicably. 1936.04.24 — The Soviet Defence Commissar, at a dinner in the Japanese Embassy, asserts that the U.S.S.R. wants peace and denies that Soviet troops have been crossing the border into Manchoukuo. Ambassador Ohta, in reply, declares that there are no Japanese-Soviet problems that cannot be solved through peaceful channels. 1936.04.26 — The U.S.S.R. rejects Japan's demand for extension for 12 years of Japanese leases of Far Eastern fishery lots. On minor points, however, concessions are offered. 1936.04.27 — The U.S.S.R. assents to Japan's demand that the proposed Manchoukuo-Soviet border commission limit their labours to the section of the border between Lake Hanka and the Tumen River. Negotiations for adjustments along the rest of the frontier are to come later. 1936.04.27 — Premier Hirota explains to the Tohoku Rehabilitation Investigation Council the Government's plans to spend 19,721,531 yen for Tohoku relief during the current fiscal year. 1936.04.27 — The population of Japan proper on November 1 of last year was 69,254,148, the Cabinet Statistics Bureau announces. 1936.04.28 — The Cabinet decides to recommend for Imperial appointment to the House of Peers Mr. Katsuji Debuchi, former Ambassador to the U.S., Mr. Kyunaku Endo, former director of the general affairs board of Manchoukuo, and Dr. Kinaburo Suzuki, Seiyukai president. 1936.04.28 — The Cabinet Inquiry Council holds its last meeting to hear Premier Hirota explain the reasons for its abolition. 1936.04.28 — Asking Japanese efforts to check anti-Soviet activities of White Russians in Manchoukuo, Ambassador Yurenev is advised by Foreign Vice-Minister Horinouchi to take the matter up with Hsinking. 1936.04.28 — The Leeds Chamber of Commerce adopts a resolution asking the Government to reduce Japanese competition in British colonies and Dominions. 1936.04.30 — A Privy Council committee starts examination of the treaty on surrender of extraterritorial rights to Manchoukuo. 1936.04.30 — Major-General Kita, new military attaché to the Embassy in China, arrives in Nanking to meet Chinese leaders. 1936.04.30 — A stone from Mt. Fuji is handed to the American Ambassador by the National Park Association and the Home Office to be sent to the U.S. National Park Service in return for its gift of a rock from Mt. Rainier. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. V No. 2 (September 1936) --- (covers 1936.05.01 to 1936.07.31) 1936.05.01 — The Diet convenes for a three-week special session. 1936.05.01 — The Social Mass Party announces its determination "to fight it out" with the Government to fulfill its responsibility to the masses. 1936.05.01 — The Chinese Ambassador assures Foreign Minister Arita that there is no truth to the reports of a Sino-Soviet understanding on the Soviet-Outer Mongolian mutual assistance pact. Mr. Arita attributes the reports to Nanking's lukewarm attitude in its protest to Moscow and the feelings of the Chinese people on the matter. 1936.05.01 — Lieutenant-General Kanichiro Tashiro is personally appointed by the Emperor as commander of the Japanese garrison in North China. 1936.05.01 — Following the first session of the public trial of two Chinese charged with the murder of a Japanese bluejacket in Shanghai last November, the Japanese consulate-general in Shanghai issues a statement on the case. 1936.05.01 — Announcement is made of the signing yesterday of a Manchoukuo-German trade agreement, effective June 1, details of which are to be disclosed later. Neither de jure nor de facto recognition of Manchoukuo by Germany is involved, claims the Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, which calls it merely a technical agreement on foreign exchange. 1936.05.01 — Ambassador Sugimura reports from Rome that the Italian Government has given assurance that it fully recognizes the rights of other nations in Abyssinia. 1936.05.01 — President Roosevelt sends a good-will message to the Japanese people through the Domei correspondent in a party of correspondents received at the White House. Secretary of State Hull hopes that Japan will support a programme of "economic liberalism." 1936.05.01 — May Day passes quietly in Japan, with all demonstrations banned. 1936.05.01 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry approves an increase of five sen to 51 sen per gallon in the retail price of gasoline. 1936.05.02 — The British Ambassador sounds out Foreign Minister Arita on the tariff policies of the East Hopei and Hopei-Chahar regimes and the North China smuggling issue. 1936.05.02 — Close Japanese - Manchoukuo co-operation in establishing peace and promoting the welfare of mankind is urged in a message issued by Emperor Kangte on the first anniversary of the Imperial Rescript issued following his return from Tokyo. 1936.05.02 — Paraguay authorizes 100 families from Japan to enter as a colonization experiment. 1936.05.03 — Reports that Japan plans to build a 35,000-ton battleship with 21-inch guns attract notice in the London press. 1936.05.03 — The Emperor opens the 69th Diet with a message of exceptional effect because of its expression of regret at the February 26 incident. 1936.05.03 — The Minseito presents to the Diet a recommendation that 100 yen be paid annually to needy families of soldiers. 1936.05.03 — The navy issues a booklet, the International Situation and the Imperial Navy as Viewed Through the Results of the Russo-Japanese War, in which emphasis is placed on the importance to defence of economic development and the desirability of parallel increase of emigration and investment abroad. 1936.05.03 — Major-General Kita, returning to Shanghai from a Nanking visit, says that Nanking leaders seem fully inclined towards early adjustment of Sino-Japanese relations, but in China at large there exists deep-rooted sentiment against better relations with Japan. 1936.05.03 — Ambassador Saito declares in a Baltimore speech that a Siberian war is unlikely because both Japan and the U.S.S.R. lack offensive force in that area. He also minimizes Japanese-American economic irritation, pointing out that only 8 per cent. of U.S. imports from Japan are competitive. 1936.05.03 — Tokyo's population when the national census was taken on October 1, 1935, is announced as 5,875,667, more than in 1930 by 904,828. The density is 10,667 per square kilometre. 1936.05.03 — Automobile operators throughout Japan agitate against the higher gasoline price. 1936.05.05 — The Bank of Japan increases the purchase price of gold to 23.125 yen from 11.18 yen per momme to strike a balance with the Manchoukuo purchase price and thus check smuggling to Manchoukuo. Governor Fukai is credited with the statement that it will "no doubt have the effect of inflating the currency." 1936.05.05 — The arrest is revealed of a number of Japanese employees of the Soviet Embassy in Tokyo and members of the Japanese-Soviet News Agency on suspicion of having disclosed military secrets. 1936.05.05 — The first annual meeting of army chiefs-of-staff meets in Tokyo. 1936.05.05 — The Nanking Government promulgates the draft Constitution for China, under which the Southwest fears General Chiang Kai-shek means to become dictator. 1936.05.06 — Premier Hirota emphasizes to the Diet the difficulties of the national situation and outlines abstractly what the Government means to do to surmount them. 1936.05.06 — Foreign Minister Arita, in his Diet speech, blames the state of Japanese-Soviet relations on "lack of comprehension" by Soviet statesmen of Japan's position and their "baseless fears and suspicions." Regarding the menace to peace of the Soviet's excessive armaments in the Far East, Japan cannot be indifferent. 1936.05.06 — War Minister Terauchi tells the Diet that at the bottom of the February 26 incident lay "radical revolutionary thought absolutely contrary to the principles of the Japanese State, which was held in some quarters outside the army." He is certain that army discipline has not been affected by the incident. The Lower House interpellates him in camera. 1936.05.06 — Presenting the 1936-37 budget, Finance Minister Baba tells the Diet that an increase in expenditure is likely and that it is necessary to increase revenue by reforming the tax system and adjusting Government monopolies and special accounts. 1936.05.06 — A demand for free speech is raised in the Lower House by Mr. Shojiro Koyama, Minseito, who holds it essential for renovation of the public mind, and Mr. Kunimatsu Hamada, Seiyukai, who regrets the continuance of martial law. 1936.05.07 — The Navy Office announces that 130 warships will take part in the 1936 manoeuvres in waters near Japan from early August to October 29. 1936.05.07 — The Foreign Office is informed of a lull in the Uruguayan Congress to provide a colony for 200 Japanese families. 1936.05.07 — The Cabinet approves a second supplementary budget of 7,200,000 yen. 1936.05.07 — Mr. Takao Saito, Minseito, charges in the Diet that participation of soldiers in politics was one of the causes of the February 26 incident, defends parliamentary government and demands suppression of rightist extremists as vigorously as leftist. He is applauded heartily, and the War Minister expresses agreement with his views. 1936.05.07 — The War Minister is questioned in camera by the Upper House on the February 26 incident. 1936.05.07 — Finance Minister states in the Diet that the interest rate on national bonds may eventually be reduced to 3 per cent. 1936.05.07 — Opposition by consumers causes the oil companies to postpone the five-sen increase per gallon in the gasoline price. 1936.05.07 — Negotiations are opened in Moscow on extension until the end of the year of the Japanese-Soviet fishery convention because of the difficulties encountered in seeking a new convention. 1936.05.07 — Senator Nye assails in the Senate the bill authorizing two battleships, charging that Japan and the U.S. are in a mad arms race because of unnecessary fear of each other. 1936.05.07 — Mr. Hisashi Aso, Social Mass, excites Diet conservatives in speaking of the February 26 incident and demanding concrete measures to alleviate social unrest. 1936.05.07 — Premier Hirota voices a desire to encourage freedom of speech when interpellated in the first hearing of the Lower House's budget committee. 1936.05.07 — The Justice Minister is assailed in the Lower House for the severity with which the election law has been enforced. 1936.05.07 — The War Minister admits to the budget committee that defence expenditure may increase but declines to commit himself on figures. 1936.05.07 — Indications are given that the Government's bill for suppression of seditious literature will meet strong opposition in the Diet as a curb on freedom of speech. 1936.05.07 — Leading bankers approve the Baba monetary policy in a round-table meeting. 1936.05.07 — Part of the troops of the 1st Division, assigned to duty in Manchoukuo, leave Tokyo. 1936.05.07 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against aid given a group of bandits in escaping into Soviet territory on April 30, demanding their extradition, and the abduction of two Manchoukuo farm women on May 2 in the Mishan district. 1936.05.07 — The police announce that public contributions to the families of policemen killed in the February 26 incident total 218,352.91 yen, which will be divided among trust funds. 1936.05.07 — The Boston Evening Transcript, commenting on Foreign Minister Arita's Diet speech, believes that neither Japan nor the U.S.S.R., despite hot words, is contemplating war. 1936.05.07 — Mr. Shigeru Kawagoye, arriving in Tokyo from Tientsin to be appointed Ambassador to China, is quoted as saying that economic development of North China looks very promising and that General Sung Che-yuan merits support. 1936.05.09 — The War Office announces that the retrial of Lieutenant-Colonel Aizawa, who killed Lieutenant-General Nagata in August of last year, was started in secret on April 24, and that the death sentence was decided on May 7. 1936.05.09 — The Navy Minister tells a budget committee interpellator that the Government desires the convocation of a new naval conference as soon as possible. 1936.05.09 — Ambassador Saito tells the Boston Japan Society that Japan, Britain and the U.S. have reached a stage where there is "no menace or even a serious conflict of interests" and sees hopeful signs of an agreement in a few years on drastic naval reductions. 1936.05.09 — The Justice Minister reaffirms respect for personal rights when assailed in the Lower House budget committee on the treatment of suspects in election law violation cases. 1936.05.09 — Education Minister Hirao is attacked in the Upper House for his advocacy of reforming the Chinese characters in Japanese writing. 1936.05.09 — The Finance Ministry announces details of the so-called Manchurian affair funds, totalling 202,167,000 yen, of which the War Office receives 185,273,000 yen, and the secret service funds, of 14,207,128 yen, of which the War Office receives 7,274,403 yen and the Foreign Office 3,262,032 yen. 1936.05.09 — Moscow agrees to extension of the Japanese-Soviet fishery convention to the end of the year. 1936.05.09 — General Feng Yu-hsiang, vice-chairman of the National Military Council, is credited by a London Daily Herald correspondent with having said that peace with Japan is no longer possible and that China should seek an alliance with Britain, the U.S.S.R. and the U.S. to check Japan. 1936.05.09 — The Silk Spinning Industrial Society indicates opposition to the British proposal that imports of Japanese silk textiles into Great Britain should be limited to 10,000,000 square yards yearly. Last year, 18,157,302 square yards were sold. 1936.05.09 — The Central Bank of Manchou announces a reduction in interest rates on deposits and loans in line with Japan's cheap money policy. 1936.05.12 — Representatives of rice dealers all over the country meet in Tokyo to campaign against the Government's bill for revision of the rice control law, claiming it will deprive them of a living. 1936.05.12 — The Cabinet approves a third supplementary budget of 3,000,000 yen. 1936.05.12 — The Manchurian Affairs Bureau announces that since September, 1931, Japan has invested 788,000,000 yen in Manchoukuo. 1936.05.12 — Kwantung Army staff officers discuss a 20-year plan to settle 1,000,000 Japanese families in Manchoukuo. 1936.05.12 — The House of Peers adopts a resolution calling for reform of the house. 1936.05.12 — Interpellation on the February 26 incident continues in the Lower House budget committee. 1936.05.12 — Replies to Diet interpellations are taken to indicate that the Government means by "gradual reform of the existing order" application of State control to key industries connected with national defence. 1936.05.12 — Kwanto industrialists adopt a resolution demanding drastic revision of the Government's bill on compulsory retirement allowances for workers. 1936.05.12 — At least 3,400,000 yen of gold was smuggled out of Japan in 1935, the Finance Ministry announces. 1936.05.12 — The Australia-Japan Society, to quieten Australian fears, issues a denial that Japan seeks territory in the South Pacific. 1936.05.12 — The chances of a Japanese-Soviet war are minimized by Lieutenant-General Itagaki on leaving Tokyo to return to Hsinking. He denies that the scheduled replenishment of the Japanese forces in Manchuria is connected with Japanese-Soviet relations. 1936.05.12 — The Italian Ambassador formally notifies Japan of Italy's annexation of Abyssinia. Foreign Vice-Minister Horinouchi voices hope that Japan's interests will be protected. 1936.05.12 — Surrender of sovereignty over the Philippines will close the door in the Orient to the U.S., Mr. John Haussermann, Manila mining magnate, declares in Washington. 1936.05.13 — Mr. Hu Han-min, leader of the Southwestern faction, dies. 1936.05.13 — It is reported in London that Tokyo has rebuffed parallel British and American protests against alleged Japanese connivance in smuggling in North China. 1936.05.13 — Mr. Hu Han-min's purported will, published in Canton, asserts that there is need for a vigorous struggle against Japan. 1936.05.13 — Navy Minister Nagano tells a budget sub-committee that there must soon be formulated a naval replenishment programme to cope with the international situation. Desire is voiced for a new naval treaty, but its terms must be such as Japan can accept. 1936.05.13 — Finance Minister Baba tells a budget sub-committee that an effort will be made to avoid new taxes that affect the masses. 1936.05.13 — The army will spend in the current fiscal year, the Diet is informed, 79,992,000 yen for improvement of equipment and 72,294,000 yen for replenishment of strength. Direct purchases from abroad will cost only 1,581,000 yen. 1936.05.13 — The army's new 150,000-tsubo airfield at Choshi, Chiba Prefecture, is inaugurated. 1936.05.13 — The new Japanese Garrison Corps for Manchuria arrives at Dairen. 1936.05.13 — Soviet and Japanese forces clash near Changlingtzu, on the eastern border of Manchoukuo. 1936.05.13 — Hsinking learns that an Outer Mongolian plane landed on Manchoukuo soil near Bangote on May 8. 1936.05.13 — The Foreign Office spokesman says that Japan's charge d'affaires in Addis Ababa has been authorized to call on the Italian High Commissioner but that the call will not signify recognition of Italy's annexation of Abyssinia. 1936.05.13 — Opposition to an Australian proposal to limit cotton textile imports from Japan to 54,093,000 square yards, the 1933 figure, is voiced at a meeting in Tokyo on adjustment of Japanese-Australian trade. 1936.05.13 — The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry cables Australian leaders to consider the harmful effects of contemplated restrictions on imports from Japan. 1936.05.14 — The Emperor receives the credentials of the new Chilean Minister, Mr. Martin Figueroa. 1936.05.14 — The army and the navy resent an insinuation in the House of Peers by Mr. Jusha Tsumura, Kenkyukai, that officers are less loyal than the men under them. 1936.05.14 — The Government's bill for suppression of seditious literature is assailed in the Lower House. 1936.05.14 — The War Minister tells a budget sub-committee that plans for island fortifications in the Pacific suspended when the Washington naval treaty was concluded should be revived unless a new treaty is signed. 1936.05.14 — Allegation is made at Manila that 70,686 acres of the 152,255 acres held by Japanese in Davao were acquired illegally. 1936.05.14 — A London Foreign Office spokesman tells the press that Japan's reply to the May 5 representation on the North China smuggling was not satisfactory. 1936.05.14 — Prime Minister Baldwin, revealing that the League will consider revision of the League's boundaries, hopes that reforms can be made that will induce Japan, the U.S. and Germany to enter the organization. 1936.05.14 — Mr. Yunosuke Yasukawa, back from his good-will mission to Bangkok, asserts there is a great deal of room for expansion of Japanese-Siamese trade. 1936.05.14 — The South Manchuria Railway Company announces that the Chinese Railway Ministry has ordered seven high-powered locomotives costing 700,000 yuan. 1936.05.15 — Imperial sanction is given for the resignation of Mr. Tsumura from the House of Peers, appeasing the army and the navy for his remarks on the loyalty of officers. 1936.05.15 — The Finance Minister tells a Diet committee that he means to encourage industry and defray defence expenses even if deficit bonds have to be issued in addition to an increase in taxes. 1936.05.15 — The Social Mass Party, the Kokumin Domei and the Independents submit to the Diet a resolution urging that the Government call another special Diet session to consider administrative reforms. 1936.05.15 — The War Office announces that it has been decided to increase the number of soldiers in the North China garrison when the regular replacements are sent. 1936.05.15 — Mr. Kawagoye is invested with the office of Ambassador to China. 1936.05.15 — The Foreign Office spokesman blames the so-called North China smuggling on the high Chinese tariff rates and lack of zeal on the part of the customs officials in the affected area. 1936.05.15 — A Nanking report says a second representation has been filed with Japan regarding the North China smuggling. 1936.05.15 — Mr. Yin Ju-keng, East Hopei chairman, denies that contraband goods are flowing through East Hopei but admits that import duties there have been cut to 25 per cent. of those imposed by Nanking. 1936.05.15 — A tentative Japanese-American agreement to restrict 1936 imports of Japanese cotton textiles into the U.S. to the 1935 yardage is reported at Washington. 1936.05.15 — Vancouver citizens of Japanese ancestry send a delegation to Ottawa to petition for the right to vote. 1936.05.16 — The Lower House passes the 1936-37 budget. 1936.05.16 — Party opposition to the bill for control of seditious literature is intensified when the director of the police bureau of the Home Office states that advocacy of the overthrow of the Hirota Cabinet would be regarded as sedition. 1936.05.16 — Reinforcements of the North China garrison arrive in Peiping. 1936.05.16 — Washington is represented as watching closely the Japanese troop movements in North China but does not think serious issues for the U.S. will be raised. Undersecretary of State Phillips asserts that Secretary Hull's statement of December 1 of last year still represents the U.S. attitude towards Japan's activities in China. 1936.05.16 — The good-will visit of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. ends with their departure from Yokohama. 1936.05.16 — Mr. Yujiro Tomita, financial commissioner in London, Paris and New York, returns to Tokyo to report on economic and financial developments abroad. 1936.05.16 — The international convention for suppression of traffic in obscene publications is ratified by Japan. 1936.05.17 — The War and Navy Ministries announce that hereafter only generals and lieutenant-generals and admirals and vice-admirals on the active lists may serve as Ministers, reserve officers being excluded. 1936.05.17 — It is reported that hereafter the War Minister alone will arrange the semi-annual personnel shifts in the army, no longer collaborating with the Chief of the General Staff and the Inspector-General of Military Education. 1936.05.18 — Foreign Minister Arita tells a Lower House committee that he has definite reasons for trusting President Quezon in settling the Davao land question. 1936.05.18 — Sir Frederick Maze, Inspector-General of the Chinese Maritime Customs, tells newspaper men in Shanghai that the revenue cutters and maritime police in North China must be rearmed to combat smuggling. 1936.05.18 — The U.S. Supreme Court denies the petition of the Japanese plaintiffs for review of the Los Angeles Federal Court's ruling that imports of electric light bulbs from Japan must cease on the grounds that they infringe American patents. 1936.05.19 — The Upper House completes Diet action on bills for establishment of two companies to aid rehabilitation of the Tohoku district and of a central bank for commercial and industrial guilds. 1936.05.19 — The Lower House passes bills for control of the automobile industry, shipping routes and fertilizers and for extension of the law on control of basic industries. 1936.05.19 — A Diet sub-committee recommends fortification of the Soya Straits, between Saghalien and the Hokkaido, and establishment of an air base in the Hokkaido. 1936.05.19 — The South Manchuria Railway Company reveals a record profit for the 1935-36 fiscal year of 49,600,000 yen. 1936.05.19 — Ambassador Yoshida is said by the Nichi Nichi to have been instructed to seek in London an agreement with Britain on China, naval armaments and trade. 1936.05.19 — Dr. S. Mack Eastman, chief of the extra-European section of the International Labour Office, arrives in Kobe for a brief survey of labour and social conditions in Japan. 1936.05.22 — The Privy Council approves the agreement for extension to the end of the year of the Japanese-Soviet fishery convention. 1936.05.22 — Foreign Minister Arita endorses Manchoukuo's suspension of retirement payments to Soviets formerly employed by the Chinese Eastern Railway because of Soviet failure to meet debts not indicated when the railway was transferred and asks the Soviet Ambassador for enlightenment on details of the Soviet plan for frontier commissions. 1936.05.22 — An agreement is reached to reduce the interest rate from 7.3 to 6 per cent. on 10,000,000 yen in loans to Nanking on the South Manchuria Railway Company railway loans to Manchoukuo. 1936.05.22 — The military attache of Japan's Embassy in China asserts that the Chinese would violate the Tangku truce by sending armed revenue cutters into waters adjoining the North China demilitarized zone. 1936.05.22 — To combat smuggling in North China, the Kuomintang orders capital punishment for leaders of smugglers. 1936.05.22 — The British Foreign Secretary is pressed in the Commons for elucidation of the North China smuggling situation. 1936.05.22 — Japan is charged with laxity in suppressing illegal opium traffic at a meeting of the League's Advisory Committee on Traffic in Opium. Mr. Stuart Fuller, of the U.S. State Department, asserts that Japan supplied nearly 27 of the 32 tons of acid and acetic anhydrides imported by China in 1935. 1936.05.22 — Representative Rogers criticizes the U.S. Government for not checking cotton cloth imports from Japan and reads to Congress a letter from Secretary of State Hull predicting a more definite understanding with Japan on limitation of such imports. 1936.05.22 — The Upper House completes Diet action on three bills designed to stabilize sericulture. 1936.05.22 — The Minister of Commerce and Industry tells the Upper House that partial control of commerce is preferable to an all-embracing programme of controlled economy. 1936.05.22 — A Lower House committee forces withdrawal of petitions sponsored by the All-Japan Federation of Industrial Organizations demanding withdrawal or drastic amendment of the Government's bill for compulsory discharge allowances for workers. 1936.05.23 — The Lower House adopts a resolution pledging to protect parliamentary government and renovation of general administration in accordance with the Imperial wish. 1936.05.23 — The Japan Press Association, in convention in Hiroshima, adopts a resolution favouring greater efforts to guarantee free speech, guides the ideas of the people correctly and promote the status of the nation and urges Cabinet Ministers and Diet members to drop the bills for control of seditious literature and protection of defence secrets. 1936.05.23 — Gendarmerie chiefs assembled in Tokyo are told by Procurator-General Jiro Mitsuyuki that there must be no toleration of thoughts or actions in the realm of patriotism that ignore the prestige and laws of the nation. 1936.05.23 — President Roosevelt proclaims higher tariff rates on cotton textiles, the new duties ranging from 14 to 45.7 per cent., compared with the old rates of 23.8 to 30.1 per cent. Ninety per cent. of the imports from Japan are affected. 1936.05.23 — Foreign Vice-Commissar Stomoniakov protests to Ambassador Ota against the arrest of Japanese employees of the Soviet Embassy in Tokyo. 1936.05.23 — The Emperor receives in audience the High Commissioner to the Philippines, Mr. Frank Murphy, on his way from Manila to Washington. 1936.05.23 — The Foreign Office issues a statement reviewing the Japanese-American negotiations on limitation of cotton textile sales and attributes their failure to the contention of the U.S. that it had no authority to co-operate in checking sales through unregulated countries. 1936.05.23 — President Roosevelt says the tariffs on cotton goods were raised only because efforts to reach an agreement with Japan were unsuccessful and that the Administration still desires to lower trade barriers. 1936.05.23 — Australia announces higher duties on rayon and cotton textiles, affecting goods from Japan, and the licensing of a number of other imports. 1936.05.23 — Home Minister Ushio reminds a Lower House committee that freedom of speech and the press is granted by the Constitution only within the limits of the law when the bill on seditious literature is assailed as an infringement on constitutional rights. 1936.05.23 — Counsellor Wakasugi warns Nanking against propaganda regarding the North China smuggling. 1936.05.23 — The Lower House adopts resolutions calling for Diet reforms and revision of the election law. 1936.05.23 — The Upper House completes Diet action on the bills for control of basic exports, the automobile industry and fertilizers, for autonomous rice control, for revision of the laws on control of basic industries, on export guilds, on rice control and on tariffs and for establishment of the Formosan Development Company. 1936.05.23 — The Parliamentary Home Vice-Minister declares unacceptable to the Government four bills offered in the Lower House to give civic rights to women but promises that their enfranchisement will be considered when changes in the local administrative systems are drafted. 1936.05.23 — Mr. Kanju Kato, Social Mass, points out in the Lower House that munitions firms, despite larger profits made possible by War Office orders, have been cutting wages and asks if this is calculated to stabilize national livelihood. 1936.05.24 — The Diet session is extended by a day. 1936.05.24 — The House of Peers completes Diet action on the 1936-37 budget. 1936.05.24 — The Lower House passes the disputed bill on compulsory discharge allowances for workers after amending it to make it applicable only to factories and mines with 30 or more workers and to make the discharge allowance less than 5 per cent. of the wages paid up to the time of discharge. 1936.05.24 — Foreign Minister Arita declares in the Diet that, whatever measures are taken to protect Japanese trade from discrimination, such as application to Australia of the trade protection law, the Empire's fundamental trade liberalism will remain unchanged. 1936.05.25 — The Diet is again extended by one day to permit adoption of the bill for control of seditious literature, which the Lower House amends to apply only to "mysterious documents" not coming under the newspaper or publication laws. 1936.05.25 — The extension to the end of the year of the Japanese-Soviet fishery convention is signed in Moscow. 1936.05.25 — Indication is given of British opposition to the Soviet's proposal to exclude in Far Eastern fleet from the scope of the Anglo-Soviet naval talks. 1936.05.25 — Foreign Secretary Eden tells the Commons that the Japanese military authorities in the North China demilitarized zone seem to be preventing customs officials from carrying arms and that the principal smugglers are Japanese and Koreans. 1936.05.25 — Foreign Minister Chang Chun asserts at a meeting of Foreign Office officials that Nanking is determined to oppose the smuggling in North China to adjust relations with Japan. 1936.05.25 — Sir Henry Gullett tells the Australian House of Representatives that Japan will come to realize that its interests are not prejudiced by Australia's tariff revisions and doubts that there will be retaliation. 1936.05.25 — Admiral O. G. Murfin, commander of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet, arrives in Yokohama aboard his flagship, the Augusta, for a 10-day good-will visit. 1936.05.26 — The Upper House completes Diet action on the seditious literature and workers' discharge allowance bills. 1936.05.26 — Consul-General Kuramatsu Murai protests to Australia against its new restrictions on Japanese goods. 1936.05.26 — The Japan Wood Industry Association decides to boycott 250,000 bales of Australian wool, a third of Japan's annual requirements. 1936.05.26 — Secretary of State Hull denies that the higher tariff rates affecting Japanese cotton textiles and the silver agreement with China have any political significance. Counsellor Yoshizawa calls attention to a New York Times report crediting the U.S. with a plan to retaliate against the North China smuggling by ousting Japanese goods from the Philippines and is told that it has no foundation. 1936.05.26 — It is learned that the Soviets will not permit Japanese ships for inspection of the fishing in northern waters to enter any Soviet port. 1936.05.27 — The Diet session ends with only the bill for protection of national mobilization secrets not adopted. 1936.05.27 — The Communications Ministry announces the opening on June 1 of telephone communication with Australia and a direct radio service to Tientsin. 1936.05.27 — The Nanking Foreign Ministry announces that it has asked Japan not to increase its troops in North China, maintaining that there is no need for such action and that it would only stir resentment. 1936.05.27 — The British representative on the League's Opium Advisory Committee warns that traffic in drugs in China by Japanese may cause Chinese hatred that will last for generations. The Japanese representative cites arrests of Japanese and Korean drug traffickers in Tientsin. 1936.05.27 — Ten passengers are killed and 11 injured when bandits wreck a train on a branch of the Harbin-Pogranichnaya Railway in East Pinkiang Province. 1936.05.27 — Commander J. E. Van Zandt, head of the Veterans of Foreign Wars mission to Japan, says on returning to Seattle that he sees no prospects of war between Japan and the U.S. 1936.05.28 — Japan's desire to renew the Indo-Japanese trade agreement is formally conveyed to the British Government. 1936.05.28 — The secretariat of the Trade Commission draws up plans to retaliate against Australia's restrictions on Japanese goods. 1936.05.28 — The gentlemen's agreement whereby Japanese exports of certain kinds of cotton rugs to the U.S. are limited is extended for a year. 1936.05.28 — The New York Times warns against a retaliatory tariff policy for the U.S., pointing out that even if imports of Japanese cotton textiles continued to increase for the rest of 1936 at the rate of the first three months the U.S. would still be exporting to Japan $2.95 of raw cotton for every $1 of imported Japanese cloth. 1936.05.28 — Mr. Fuller, U.S. delegate, charges at Geneva that wherever Japanese influence advances in the Far East drug traffic follows. 1936.05.28 — Two thousand workers and students in Tientsin stage a demonstration in protest against the increase in the Japanese garrison. 1936.05.29 — Mr. Sayemasa Okamoto becomes director of the American bureau of the Foreign Office; Baron Shu Miyai, counsellor of the London Embassy; Mr. Kanzo Shiozaki, consul-general in San Francisco, and Mr. Tateki Horiuchi, consul-general in Sydney. 1936.05.29 — A freight car of a Japanese military train is damaged by a bomb near Tientsin. 1936.05.29 — The House of Commons is told that Sir Frederick Leith-Ross is going again to Japan from China for further exchanges on views on financial and economic questions of common Anglo-Japanese interest. 1936.05.29 — The League's Opium Advisory Committee adopts a resolution urging Japan to tighten its efforts to curb Japanese drug traffickers. 1936.05.29 — An Institute of Pacific Relations report by Mr. W. Lockwood warns that restrictions on imports into the U.S. from Japan would impair the position of U.S. goods in Japan. 1936.05.29 — Guided by General Douglas MacArthur, the Philippines launch a 30-year programme of national defence. 1936.05.29 — Leaders of 70 patriotic organizations meet in Osaka to organize a political party to promote Japanism in opposition to social democracy. 1936.05.30 — Foreign Minister Arita tells reporters that the three Hirota principles for adjustment of Sino-Japanese relations remain unchanged and denies that political endeavours in China will be abandoned in favour of economic. 1936.05.30 — The press ban is lifted in Peiping on news of the death early on the morning of May 27 of a Japanese official of the Manchoukuo Defence Department, allegedly caused by British soldiers who had earlier assaulted other Japanese nationals. A protest is lodged with the British Embassy. 1936.05.30 — Peiping university students strike in protest against Japanese activities and urge the 29th Army Corps to put up resistance. 1936.05.30 — The War Office announces expansion of existing independent artillery, engineering and transportation battalions and balloon corps into regiments. 1936.05.30 — The Tokyo martial-law headquarters lift the ban on public meetings except those for discussion of the February 26 incident, street demonstrations and mass meetings. 1936.05.30 — The Foreign Office is informed that Britain is agreeable to negotiations at Calcutta for extension and revision of the Japanese-Indian trade agreement. 1936.05.30 — Silk cocoons bring higher prices than last year in the first 1936 transactions on the Numazu Exchange. 1936.05.31 — The Manchoukuo-Soviet waterways technical commission meets at Blagoveshchensk to negotiate on regulations for navigation signs and dredging. 1936.06.01 — Foreign Minister Arita rejects a protest against the increased Japanese troops in North China conveyed by the Chinese Ambassador and asserts that circumstances in the area, including the Communist menace, necessitate the increase. 1936.06.01 — Lieutenant-General Tada, back from North China, says conditions there have improved much in the past year and advocates pushing ahead with Japan's programme for stabilizing East Asia. 1936.06.01 — The U.S. State Department receives from the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai a report on North China smuggling alleging that the Japanese authorities are negligent in preventing it. 1936.06.01 — Manchoukuo publishes the text of the trade agreement concluded with Germany on April 30. 1936.06.01 — Sir Henry S. Gullett, replying to a representation from the Australia-Japan Society in Tokyo, denies that Australia's tariff changes will affect Japan seriously. 1936.06.01 — Manchoukuo decides to comply with a request from Japan to cooperate in retaliating against Australia's tariff increases. 1936.06.01 — Efforts to induce Egypt to resume the trade negotiations with Japan meet with the response that domestic political conditions make a further delay advisable. 1936.06.01 — The news services of Nippon Dempo Tsushinsha are merged with those of Domei Tsushinsha, which becomes the sole large Japanese news agency. 1936.06.01 — Ten military cadets who participated in the May 15 (1932) incident are released from prison at the expiration of their sentences. 1936.06.01 — The navy announces formation of the 3rd Battle Squadron and the 3rd Air Battle Squadron. 1936.06.02 — The Emperor's interest in the movement to obtain the 1940 Olympic Games for Tokyo is indicated to Count Michimasa Soyeshima, member of the International Olympic Committee, in an audience. 1936.06.02 — The Cabinet decides that the Ministries shall submit concrete plans for administrative reforms on July 3. 1936.06.02 — Manchoukuo's committee on trade relations decides to recommend a licensing system for imports of Australian flour. 1936.06.02 — Manchoukuo completes the drafting of an industrial control law in which the lines of Japanese-Manchoukuo industrial co-operation are defined. 1936.06.02 — Manchoukuo urges Outer Mongolia to agree to an exchange of diplomatic representatives and objects to conferring at Chita, in Soviet territory, on the establishment of border commissions. 1936.06.02 — Meetings of the Soviet-Manchoukuo waterways technical commission are postponed indefinitely when differences arise on concrete problems. 1936.06.02 — Southwestern members of the central executive committee of the Kuomintang denounce Nanking's policy towards Japan in a circular telegram. 1936.06.02 — Yokohama celebrates the 77th anniversary of its opening to foreign trade. 1936.06.02 — Under the law permitting naturalization of war veterans regardless of ancestry, the first Japanese, Mr. Keizo Matsumoto, of San Francisco, becomes an American citizen. 1936.06.02 — Attaching a warning that it be applied cautiously, the Privy Council approves the draft treaty with Manchoukuo for partial relinquishment of extraterritorial rights. 1936.06.02 — Consul-General Murai endeavours to induce the Australian authorities to lift the new restrictions on Japanese goods. 1936.06.02 — The Foreign Office spokesman regards the anti Japanese utterances in China's Southwest as designed for domestic consumption. 1936.06.02 — Nanking protests a series of alleged Japanese activities, including flights by army planes in North China. 1936.06.02 — Dr. C. T. Wang says at San Francisco that the major threat to peace in the Far East is the possibility of a Soviet-Japanese war and that the Nanking Government cannot curb eternally the desire of the Chinese people to resist aggression. 1936.06.02 — The Shanghai trial of the Chinese accused of killing a Japanese bluejacket on November 9 is postponed indefinitely pending further inquiry. 1936.06.02 — Japan recognizes Colonel Toro's regime in Bolivia. 1936.06.03 — The Minister of Commerce and Industry informs the Overseas Minister that he will enforce the revised law for control of basic industries on July 1 and asks co-operation in its application in the colonies. 1936.06.03 — The Privy Council receives for consideration a draft Japanese-Manchoukuo treaty on mutual protection of designs, patents, trademarks and other property rights. 1936.06.03 — The British Embassy in Peiping asks the Japanese Embassy for additional evidence that the Japanese who died on May 27 was killed by British soldiers. 1936.06.03 — The Japan Economic Federation adopts a resolution urging the Government to apply to Australia the trade protection law. 1936.06.03 — The Japanese and Indian delegates at the International Labour Conference submit resolutions urging a special conference to deal with labour conditions peculiar to Asiatic countries. 1936.06.03 — The Mitsui Foundation imports 760 sheep, the first of several consignments from Australia, to lend to farmers in the poverty-stricken Tohoku district. 1936.06.03 — General Li Tsung-jen tells the press at Canton that the aim of the campaign against General Chiang Kai-shek is to realize "anti-Japanese national salvation." 1936.06.03 — A spokesman of General Chiang Kai-shek intimates that Nanking is not reluctant to co-operate with the Southwest in an anti-Japanese joint front. 1936.06.03 — The Kwantung Army announces that 82 incidents arising from Soviet and Mongolian penetration of Manchoukuo occurred during the first five months of 1936, compared with 33 in the same period of 1935. 1936.06.03 — The Emperor makes a grant to the fund to send Japanese athletes to the Olympic Games. 1936.06.03 — Foreign Minister Arita reportedly advocates co-operation with Britain in his weekly meeting with the War and Navy Ministers. 1936.06.03 — The Agriculture and Forestry Minister informs the Premier of his opposition to the Communications Ministry's plans for nationalization of electric power. 1936.06.03 — The Japan Federation of Export Guilds adopts a resolution supporting vigorous action against Australia's tariff policy. 1936.06.03 — Rejection by Japan of an overture for limitation of rayon exports to the Philippines is reported at Washington. 1936.06.03 — Japanese in Canton make preparations for safety in the event of disturbances. 1936.06.03 — The Southwest Political Council designates the Kwantung-Kwangsi forces the "Anti-Japanese National Salvation Revolutionary Army." 1936.06.05 — Domei reports that the army will withdraw support from the Hirota Cabinet unless plans for the political reforms demanded at the time of its formation are submitted to the next Diet session. 1936.06.05 — Japanese residents in Peiping adopt a resolution urging the Japanese Embassy to press the British for a satisfactory settlement of the May 27 murder case. 1936.06.05 — Australia, replying to Japan's protest against the new trade restrictions, says it means to adhere to the revised tariffs but is willing to negotiate a friendly settlement. 1936.06.05 — Agricultural districts suffered more than 100,000,000 yen of damage from excessive snow and cold last winter, the Imperial Agricultural Society estimates. 1936.06.05 — Minister Makoto Yano presents his credentials to the President of Spain. 1936.06.07 — On the eve of Sir Frederick Leith-Ross' arrival in Tokyo, Domei believes that Foreign Minister Arita will urge him to recommend British recognition of Japan as the stabilizing force in East Asia, to whom should be left maintenance of peace there. 1936.06.07 — Mr. Kao Chung-wu, director of the Asiatic bureau of the Nanking Foreign Office, is thought to have been convinced by talks with Chinese and Japanese leaders in North China that Nanking must give virtually independent authority to the Hopei-Chahar Political Council. 1936.06.08 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross talks with Major-General Renauke Isogai, of the War Office. 1936.06.08 — Consul-General Tatsuo Kawai warns General Chen Chi-tang at Canton not to let the anti-Japanese campaign of the Southwest assume serious proportions. 1936.06.08 — Navy Minister Nagano urges naval chiefs of staff to devote themselves exclusively to their duties, eschewing political activities. 1936.06.08 — Justice Minister Hayashi cautions high judicial officials to avoid infringement of freedom of speech in enforcing the new law for control of seditious literature. 1936.06.09 — The Japanese Embassy in Peiping announces acceptance of the British Embassy's invitation to have observers attend the examination of the British soldiers accused of killing a Japanese on May 27. 1936.06.09 — Officials of the Cabinet Inquiry Bureau open discussion of the national fuel policy by considering compulsory mixture of alcohol with gasoline. 1936.06.09 — The Japanese Government delegate to the International Labour Conference voices opposition to international legislation fixing a 40-hour week for the textile industry. 1936.06.09 — The naval training squadron, composed of the Iwate and Yakumo, sails from Yokosuka for the U.S. 1936.06.09 — President Quezon, visiting Davao, asserts that the so-called Japanese problem there does not exist. The Japanese are working 132,131 acres, he says, but millions of acres remain for exploitation. 1936.06.09 — The Japanese-Manchoukuo treaty on partial abolition of extraterritoriality is signed at Hsinking. 1936.06.09 — Announcement is made of termination of the shipping war between Japan and the Dutch East Indies with an agreement allowing to Japanese ships 64.25 per cent. of all freight from Japan and 60 per cent. of that to Japan. 1936.06.09 — Winning 22 seats, compared with only one in the previous assembly, the Social Mass Party does even better in the Tokyo Prefectural Assembly election than in the February general election. 1936.06.09 — Nanking students demonstrate before the Japanese consulate-general. 1936.06.09 — General Sung Che-yuan refuses to give the backing of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council to the Southwestern campaign against Nanking. 1936.06.09 — Britain and the U.S.S.R. are said to have agreed to exchange notes on inclusion of the Soviet naval forces in the Far East in their naval accord on condition that Japan observes similar restrictions. 1936.06.10 — Australia's Trade Commissioner in Tokyo issues a statement claiming to show that Japan is not seriously affected by the Australian tariff changes. 1936.06.11 — Mr. Saburo Kurusu, Ambassador to Brussels and former director of the commercial bureau of the Foreign Office, confers on trade relations with Secretary Hull and other State Department officials in Washington. 1936.06.11 — The British Inquiry into the murder of a Japanese on May 27 opens in Peiping. 1936.06.11 — Major-General Kita calls the attention of Foreign Minister Chang Chun the revival of anti-Japanese agitation throughout China. 1936.06.11 — In response to his request that they cease military operations, Southwestern military leaders advise General Chiang Kai-shek to declare war on Japan. 1936.06.11 — Improved arrangements for settling Japanese immigrants in Manchoukuo are decided on at a Hsinking conference. 1936.06.11 — Forty Manchoukuo border guards at Maosiang, on the eastern border, revolt and escape into Soviet territory. 1936.06.11 — The Soviet Ambassador in Tokyo suddenly cancels plans to leave for Moscow on June 25 on unexplained instructions from his Government. 1936.06.11 — A group of Siamese naval officers and men arrives in Japan for training. 1936.06.11 — Thirty-one miners lose their lives in a Fukuoka coal-mine disaster. 1936.06.12 — The Cabinet approves appointment of commissions to study reform of the House of Representatives and revision of the election law. 1936.06.12 — The Tariff Commission formally decides to recommend invocation of the trade protection law against Australia. 1936.06.12 — The omission of mention of Far Eastern questions is noted in the platform adopted by the Republican Party at Cleveland. 1936.06.13 — The Cabinet's Bureau of Statistics announces that the population increase in Japan proper last year was 1,028,623, an all-time record, with a rate of 14.83 per 1,000. 1936.06.13 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, emphasizing that the solution of Chinese problems must be through economic and financial, not political, means, tells Japanese newspapermen that he has been assured of Japan's desire to co-operate with Britain in China and elsewhere but that "practical action" remains to be realized. 1936.06.13 — Fifty thousand people in Canton demonstrate against Japan. 1936.06.13 — An anti-Japanese demonstration is held by Peiping students. 1936.06.13 — The Foreign Office is informed that Australia desires postponement of application of the trade protection law until after the Canberra Cabinet is able to consider the situation. 1936.06.13 — The War Office announces that from January 1 to May 15 Manchoukuo territory was trespassed 82 times by Soviet and Outer Mongolian troops. 1936.06.13 — British officials deny that the principle of Soviet-Japanese naval parity in the Pacific has been accepted. All that the Soviets claim is secrecy for their Pacific fleet construction plans as long as Japan does not adhere to the 1936 naval treaty. 1936.06.14 — Several Tokyo papers credit War Minister Terauchi with the intention to seek a 50-kilometre demilitarized zone along the Soviet-Manchoukuo frontier. 1936.06.14 — Urging the Chinese authorities to declare war on Japan, Peiping university students demonstrate at the Executive Yuan. 1936.06.14 — University students decide on a three-day anti-Japanese strike. 1936.06.15 — Further removal of martial-law restrictions in Tokyo leaves only meetings for discussion of the February 26 incident forbidden. 1936.06.15 — The law for control of seditious literature goes into force. 1936.06.15 — Mr. Kazuye Kuwashima, director of the East Asiatic bureau of the Foreign Office, discusses Sino-Japanese issues with General Sung at Peiping. 1936.06.15 — The Manchoukuo Communications Department announces completion of the 10-mile railway between Pinchuan and Jehol City and approaching completion of the 160-mile line between Mutankiang and Mishan and the 90-mile one between Solon and Naeihsingan. 1936.06.15 — Mr. Misao Shibusawa, employers' representative, tells the International Labour Conference that freedom of trade is an absolute necessity for Japan, that Japanese employers are anxious to ensure the well-being of their employees and that over-population in Japan is the main cause of unemployment. 1936.06.15 — The grant of 2,410,000 acres of land made by the State of Amazonas for Japanese colonization is reported in serious danger of cancellation by the Brazilian Senate. 1936.06.16 — President Quezon tells the Philippine Assembly that the size of the Japanese land holdings in Davao is too insignificant in proportion to the amount of land available to create a real problem. 1936.06.16 — Discrimination against Japanese is seen in a Brazilian bill to permit the entry of European immigrants in excess of the constitutional limitation of 2 per cent. of those already in Brazil. 1936.06.17 — Australia's proposal to make minor concessions in enforcement of the restrictions on Japanese imports is judged in Tokyo inadequate to permit suspension of retaliation plans. 1936.06.17 — Overseas Minister Nagata tells the prefectural governors that the practicability of settling Japanese farmers in North Manchuria has been proven and that 1,000 families will be sent in the current year. 1936.06.17 — The first group of Japanese emigrants to Paraguay, numbering 80, leaves Kobe for Asuncion. 1936.06.17 — Japan answers the Soviet proposals of April 26 regarding the conclusion of a new fishery convention. 1936.06.17 — The prefectural governors are told by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry that the Government plans to revise the system of land tenancy in an effort to minimize disputes between owners and tenants. 1936.06.17 — Negotiations are continued at London by Charge d'Affaires Fujii and Assistant Foreign Undersecretary Craigie on perpetuation of the submarine warfare limitations in the 1930 naval treaty. 1936.06.17 — Attention is called by the Yomiuri to Premier Hirota's postponement of the customary post-Diet call on Prince Saionji and interprets it as evidence of his determination to assume full responsibility for administration. 1936.06.17 — Foreign Minister Arita again rejects the Soviet complaint against the stoppage of retirement allowance payments to former employees of the Chinese Eastern Railway. He explains that payment was stopped because the U.S.S.R. failed to meet debts of the railway not shown in its balance sheet when transferred to Manchoukuo. 1936.06.17 — Consul-General Murai gives formal notice to Canberra that Japan will proceed to apply the trade protection law to Australian goods. 1936.06.17 — Prime Minister Lyons tells the Australian Sheep Breeders' Association he hopes a friendly settlement of the trade problem will be possible with Japan in a few days. 1936.06.17 — Clouds spoil part of the solar eclipse observations, especially those of the British expedition at Kamishari, in the Hokkaido in which foreign scientists work side by side with Japanese. 1936.06.22 — A Chinese customs boat fires on a Japanese vessel, the Taiei Maru, off Chinkow, south of Tangku. 1936.06.22 — Japan's consul-general in Hong-kong appeals to the British police to protect Japanese school children from mistreatment by Chinese. 1936.06.22 — More troops called into Tokyo for martial-law guarding return to their original barracks. 1936.06.22 — The main contingent of Japan's athletes for the Olympic Games leaves for Berlin. 1936.06.22 — Shanghai students occupy North Station in attempting to take a train to Nanking to present to the Government an anti-Japanese petition. 1936.06.22 — Communications Ministry officials reportedly approve a plan for establishment of a 2,000,000,000-yen company, privately owned but Government managed, to bring the electric power industry of the nation under State control without the necessity of investment by the Government. 1936.06.22 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, on the eve of leaving China for England, issues a statement summarizing the impressions gained during his nine months in the Far East. China's financial outlook depends, he says, on peace and order in the interior and settlement of the special situation in North China, which requires a better political understanding between China and Japan. 1936.06.22 — Ambassador Kawagoye, arriving in Shanghai, advocates Sino-Japanese economic co-operation as the quickest way to improve relations. 1936.06.22 — The issue of sterilizing lepers and lunatics is revived by the director of the sanitation bureau of the Home Office in a recommendation to the Home Minister. 1936.06.22 — Overseas Minister Nagata, as president of the Imperial Educational Society, announces formally that the seventh conference of the World Federation of Educational Associations will be held in Tokyo next August with more than 1,000 foreign participants. 1936.06.22 — Better treatment of foreigners is discussed at a meeting of prefectural governors, chiefs of police foreign affairs sections and representatives of the Foreign Office. 1936.06.22 — California's right to deny alien Japanese the privilege of dealing in liquors is upheld by the Superior Court at Los Angeles. 1936.06.22 — Ambassador Sato tells the Dardanelles conference at Montreux that Japan fully understands the need for re-examination of some of the provisions of the Dardanelles convention. 1936.06.22 — Dr. Salvador de Madariaga, at a luncheon given by Foreign Secretary Eden in London, proposes the appointment of a League committee to examine the Abyssinian and Manchoukuo regimes to find some means of extending de facto recognition. 1936.06.22 — Announcement is made that London will compete with Tokyo for the 1940 Olympic Games. 1936.06.23 — The Cabinet approves invocation of the trade protection law against Australia and considers ways to compensate for reduced sales to Japanese customers there for wool imports. 1936.06.23 — The War Minister reiterates to the Cabinet the need for measures to improve national health. 1936.06.23 — Prince Konoye accepts the post of vice-chairman of the proposed commission to study reform of the House of Peers. 1936.06.23 — Announcement is made at Ottawa of the appointment of Mr. Randolph Bruce as Canadian Minister to Japan, succeeding Sir Herbert Marler, who is transferred to Washington. 1936.06.23 — Paraguay decides to restrict imports from Japan because trade is unbalanced. 1936.06.24 — Imperial sanction is received for application to Australia of the trade protection law. 1936.06.24 — Ambassador Shigeru Yoshida, arriving in London to take his post, says in an interview that it is significant that opinion in Japan favours promotion of closer Anglo-Japanese friendship. 1936.06.24 — The Privy Council approves the draft Japanese-Manchoukuo treaty for protection of industrial property rights. 1936.06.24 — Minseito representatives ask the Home Minister for fairness in controlling speech. 1936.06.24 — Protests against the firing on the Taiei Maru by a Chinese customs boat are made to the Tientsin customs authorities by Commander Hisaharu Kubota and Consul Iichi Kishi. Commander Kubota says the navy will have to take action unless the Chinese settle the incident satisfactorily. 1936.06.24 — Japan's delegate at the Dardanelles conference says Japan is willing to accept limitation of Japanese warships entering the Black Sea, but only on condition that similar limitation is placed on Soviet warships leaving it. 1936.06.24 — A Federal Grand Jury at Los Angeles indicts a former petty-officer in the U.S. navy, Harry Thompson, and "an officer in the Japanese navy" on charges of conspiracy to violate the espionage act. 1936.06.25 — The army publishes figures showing that tuberculosis among young men examined for military service has increased nearly 20 times since 1890, there being 24 in each 1,000 in 1935. For various reasons, 40 per cent. of those examined in 1933 had to be rejected. 1936.06.25 — A Foreign Office statement on trade action against Australia asserts that a fundamental agreement on an equal footing is desired. 1936.06.25 — Consul-General Murai announces at Sydney that application of the trade protection law to Australia will be rescinded when the Australian Government acts fairly. 1936.06.25 — Three fresh incidents are reported on the Soviet-Manchoukuo border, firing on Japanese patrols and airplane scouting. 1936.06.26 — The Cabinet approves the regulations for the commissions to study reform of the Lower House of the Diet and revision of the election law. 1936.06.26 — Elevation of the Maizuru strategic port to a naval base, with a commander named directly by the Emperor, and other changes in naval organization to cope with the coming treatyless situation are announced, effective July 1. 1936.06.26 — Prefectural police chiefs, meeting in secret session, discuss control of the situation after martial law is lifted in Tokyo. 1936.06.26 — A Japanese employee of the Japanese barracks at Fengtai is beaten up by 24 Chinese soldiers when he tries to keep two of them from forcing their way into the barracks, and injuries are reported on both sides, a Japanese officer sent to the Chinese barracks to make an inquiry is detained for some hours. A protest is lodged with the Hopei-Chahar Political Council. 1936.06.26 — Japanese residents in Tsingtao hold a mass meeting to voice disapproval of the firing by a Chinese customs patrol boat on the Moshi Maru off Tsingtao. 1936.06.26 — A secret Sino-German agreement providing China with 100,000,000 Chinese dollars of credit with which to buy German munitions is alleged in Shanghai reports. 1936.06.26 — Manchoukuo's first trade representative to be stationed in Europe arrives at Berlin. 1936.06.26 — Major L. F. Giblin, Melbourne University economics professor, assails Australia's tariff policy as shortsighted. 1936.06.26 — A Peruvian decree limits foreign residents to two for each 1,000 Peruvians and apportions business licences at the ratio of 20 per cent. for foreigners and the remainder for Peruvians. The quota for Japanese residents is already exceeded. 1936.06.26 — Japan's representative at the meeting in Geneva of the League's Opium Advisory Committee signs the new anti-opium convention. 1936.06.27 — The Minseito's political research committee adopts a series of recommendations on foreign relations to submit to the Government, with emphasis on redistribution of overseas resources to make secure the existence of the Japanese nation and development of trade. 1936.06.27 — The Asahi believes an Anglo-Japanese rapprochement likely by the time of King Edward's coronation. 1936.06.27 — A formal protest is lodged at Nanking against the firing by Chinese customs boats on Japanese ships. 1936.06.27 — Japanese destroyers are sent to Tsingtao and Tangku because of tension since the firing by customs boats on Japanese ships. 1936.06.27 — Japanese diplomats conferring in Shanghai agree to take a firm stand on the acts of customs vessels against Japanese ships in North China waters. 1936.06.27 — Two Manchoukuo farmers are carried off by Soviet soldiers east of Lake Hanka after a clash with Manchoukuo frontier guards. 1936.06.28 — A Japanese businessman is arrested illegally by Chinese troops at Fengtai. 1936.06.28 — Four Japanese guards are taken away by Soviet cavalrymen near Manchuli. 1936.06.29 — The Japanese-Manchoukuo treaty on protection of industrial rights is signed at Hsinking. 1936.06.29 — The Tientsin customs commissioner, Mr. H. D. Hilliard, apologizes formally to the Japanese authorities for the insult to the Japanese flag when the Taiei Maru was fired on by a customs boat. 1936.06.29 — The Minseito's political research committee adopts recommendations on administrative reforms to submit to the Government, with emphasis on lightening the tax burden in the provinces. 1936.06.29 — A Japanese fishing boat is seized by a Soviet patrol boat off Kamchatka. 1936.06.29 — The U.S. Department of Commerce announces that imports of Japanese cotton textiles in May totalled 5,310,000 square yards, less than in April but much more than in May of last year. 1936.06.29 — The bluejackets on guard duty at naval buildings in Tokyo since the February 26 incident are withdrawn. 1936.06.29 — The Japanese Ambassador in Berlin inquires at the German Foreign Office about the reported trade agreement with China and is told that it understands it to be still under negotiation and has no motive other than strengthening of trade relations. A promise is made to seek details from the Economic and Defence Ministries. 1936.06.29 — Lieutenant-Colonel Imai, resident officer in Peiping, makes four proposals to the Chinese authorities regarding the June 26 incident at Fengtai — withdrawal of the troops involved, an apology, punishment of those responsible and a guarantee for the future. 1936.06.29 — A protest is made to the Hopei-Chahar Political Council against the arrest at Fengtai of a Japanese businessman. 1936.06.29 — General Sung attributes the recent Fengtai incidents to misunderstanding and predicts an amicable settlement with the Japanese authorities. 1936.06.30 — The Japanese Embassy in Peiping requests the British Embassy to expedite the trial of the British soldiers accused of killing a Japanese on May 27 and objects to the way in which witnesses have been examined. 1936.06.30 — The Society for the Advancement of Science appropriates 300,000 yen to study the social and economic causes of deterioration of the health of the nation. 1936.06.30 — Heidelberg University confers honorary doctors' degrees on Professor Junjiro Takakusu, Professor Tatsukichi Irisawa and Dr. Matsukichi Koyama. 1936.07.01 — The War Office announces that the death sentence imposed on Lieutenant-Colonel Aizawa was sustained yesterday by the High Court-Martial. 1936.07.01 — The Japanese Embassy in Peiping presents to the local authorities four requests in connection with the Fengtai incident of June 28 — an apology, punishment of the soldiers responsible, compensation for injuries and a guarantee against recurrence. 1936.07.01 — General Yeng Yung-tai, Hupeh chairman, tells Chinese press men that Nanking's policy of opposing Japan is unchanged and that the Southwest is mistaken in charging the contrary. 1936.07.01 — The United States State Department announces that Japan's reply to the representation regarding alleged mistreatment of Americans by Japanese troops in Peiping on June 23 is satisfactory. 1936.07.01 — The U.S. War Department appoints a board to select a site near Fairbanks, Alaska, for an army air base accommodating 1,000 planes. 1936.07.01 — Rear-Admiral Standley intimates that because of Japan's refusal to join the London naval treaty the U.S. will equip the two battleships to be started next year with 16-inch guns. 1936.07.01 — Ambassador Ota protests against the capture of four Japanese cavalrymen near Manchuli on June 28 and is told that they were taken in territory recognized as Soviet in the 1911 Tsitsihar agreement. 1936.07.01 — The Japanese Minister in Peru begins efforts for modification of the new Peruvian restriction on immigration. 1936.07.01 — The Foreign Office announces that the Union of South Africa has revised the regulations prohibiting the residence of non-whites in the vicinity of Johannesburg, removing some of the discrimination against Japanese. 1936.07.01 — Manchoukuo's Foreign Minister issues a statement clarifying the Government's position regarding status of foreigners other than Japanese. Special treatment is to be abolished gradually. 1936.07.02 — Premier Hirota tells the Cabinet Intelligence Commission at its first general meeting that its main function is to "gather information at home and abroad and so harmonize it that the facts thus amassed will not conflict, to the detriment of the ultimate interests of Japan." 1936.07.02 — The Foreign Office hears from the Petropavlovsk consulate that four Japanese fishing boats have been seized by the Soviets. 1936.07.02 — General Sung sends an emissary to apologize formally for the Fengtai trouble and orders the responsible troops to leave the area. 1936.07.02 — Formal proposals are submitted to the Tsingtao customs authorities for settlement of the Moeki Maru incident. 1936.07.02 — In reply to an inquiry by Colonel Tatsumi Amemiya, Japanese resident officer, the Nanking Government admits a 100,000,000-yuan barter agreement with Germany but denies that it stipulates purchase of arms. 1936.07.03 — The Cabinet opens consideration of national policy projects by hearing Communications Minister Tsunetogi's ideas on State control of the electric power industry, encouragement of aviation and control of shipping. Because of their complexity, it is requested that all materials on them and budget estimates be submitted. 1936.07.03 — The War Office announces the execution of Lieutenant-Colonel Aizawa. A public funeral is forbidden. 1936.07.03 — Representatives of a number of labour unions meet to form a new Council of the Labouring and Farming Proletariat to constitute a "people's front" against Fascism. Willingness to unite with the Social Mass Party is indicated. 1936.07.03 — Ambassador Ota protests against the detention of Japanese fishing vessels off Kamchatka by the Soviet authorities. 1936.07.03 — The Japanese community in Peiping is dissatisfied at exoneration by the British consular court of two British soldiers accused of killing a Japanese on May 27. The evidence was held insufficient. 1936.07.03 — The U.S. Tariff Commission announces an increase in the import duty on zippers from 45 per cent. to 66 per cent. ad valorem, effective July 31, to check imports from Japan. 1936.07.03 — The U.S. National Association of Hosiery Manufacturers announces that it will agitate for protection against low-priced hosiery imports, mostly from Japan. 1936.07.03 — A Federal jury in Los Angeles finds H. T. Thompson guilty of giving confidential naval information to a Japanese officer. 1936.07.03 — The Education Ministry issues a defence of its plan for extension of compulsory education, which is encountering opposition because of its cost. 1936.07.03 — Import restrictions in foreign countries are blamed for the decline in cotton textile exports in the first half of 1936 in a statement made by the Japan Cotton Industry Guild Federation. 1936.07.03 — Foreign Office and Tokyo City officials open conversations on settling the dispute with French holders of Tokyo bonds. 1936.07.03 — The British Ambassador requests release of an Indian jeweler detained by the police at Hsinking. 1936.07.03 — The U.S. National Brotherhood of Potters adopts a resolution demanding a curb on chinaware imports from Japan. 1936.07.05 — Sir Walter Citrine, general secretary of the British Trades Union Congress, writes on returning to London from Moscow that the U.S.S.R. is guided by fear of a combined attack by Germany and Japan. 1936.07.05 — Direct wireless communication is opened between Tokyo and Moscow. 1936.07.06 — Permission is given for the entry into Japanese territorial waters of two Soviet ships to rescue the 3,030 passengers and crew of a third Soviet ship aground in the northern Kuriles. 1936.07.06 — The War Office announces that Lieutenant-General Harubiko Uemura, former head of the army arsenal, is being court-martialled on a bribery charge. 1936.07.06 — The Philippine Legislature receives a bill for quotas on imports, which would affect Japanese trade. 1936.07.07 — The War Office announces that 15 former army officers and four civilians of the 123 indicted for participation in the February 26 incident were sentenced to death on July 5 by the Tokyo Court-Martial. Fifty-nine others receive prison sentences ranging from life to two years, some with stays of execution. Fuller details are disclosed of the motives and the plans and their execution. 1936.07.07 — The third conversion of 5 per cent. Government bonds, amounting to 361,000,000 yen, into 34 per cent. bonds closes successfully. 1936.07.07 — Ambassador Kawagoye meets with General Chiang Kai-shek. 1936.07.07 — Mr. Wang Keh-min arrives in Tientsin to talk over with Japanese and Chinese leaders the proposal that he head the economic affairs commission of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council. 1936.07.08 — The War Minister seeks the understanding of the Premier and the Finance Minister on a conference of officials to consider some of the difficulties attendant on transfer to Manchoukuo of police and administrative rights in the South Manchuria Railway Zone. 1936.07.08 — Talk is heard of starting the fiscal year in January instead of April in connection with changing the time of the Diet session. 1936.07.08 — Ambassador Ota is instructed to renew his protest against the Soviet detention of Japanese fishing vessels in Kamchatka. 1936.07.08 — Australia, in announcing the licencing of 18 per cent. of its imports from Japan, indicates willingness to negotiate with or withhold suspension of discriminatory ordinances. 1936.07.08 — It is learned that Guatemala's prohibition of the opening of new commercial and industrial establishments by Asiatics does not apply to Japanese. 1936.07.08 — Eleven Japanese soldiers are killed and five wounded in an engagement with 300 bandits west of Chinchuan, Fengtien Province. 1936.07.08 — Major-General Kita, back from North China, asserts in Shanghai that Nanking can solve the smuggling issue by reducing tariffs. 1936.07.09 — The Overseas Ministry adopts the outlines of a 2,000,000,000-yen plan for Japanese emigration to Manchoukuo over 20 years and of a 2,000,000-yen plan for exploitation of the South Sea Islands. 1936.07.09 — The Japanese delegation at the Dardanelles conference objects to the provision in the British plan for closing of the straits by Turkey only after the approval of two-thirds of the League Assembly. 1936.07.09 — Australia decides to issue an import licence for silk alone of the Japanese goods that require licences and hints that even this may be revoked if the Japanese-Australian trade dispute persists. 1936.07.09 — The Foreign Office learns that the Soviet authorities at Petropavlovsk have fined four Japanese fishing boats seized on charges of violating Soviet territorial waters. 1936.07.09 — Mr. Kyohei Kato, a director of the Mitsubishi Gomei Kaisha, accepts the presidency of the new Formosan Development Company. 1936.07.09 — The first group of 35 American Pacific Coast high-school teachers invited by Japan by the Board of Tourist Industry arrives at Yokohama. 1936.07.09 — Mr. Wilbur Burton, an American newspaper man of Shanghai, is refused permission to enter Japan at Moji. 1936.07.09 — Shipping operators and seamen's unions agree to wage increases for officers and sailors of merchant vessels. 1936.07.10 — Education Minister Hirao asserts that raising the educational level of the people by prolonging the period of compulsory schooling is an imperative necessity and more important, in the broad sense, than national defence. 1936.07.10 — A Japanese resident of Shanghai, Mr. Kosaku Kayao, is murdered. A Chinese is believed guilty. 1936.07.10 — Thirteen army officers placed on the waiting list after the February 26 incident, including Lieutenant-Generals Kashii, Hori, Hashimoto and Iwasa, are transferred to the reserve list. 1936.07.10 — Australia offers to suspend provisionally the new system of quotas on Japanese goods if negotiations for a trade settlement are opened, or to negotiate with the restrictions remaining in force. Tokyo still insists on withdrawal of the tariff increases before negotiating. 1936.07.10 — South Africa's Trade Commissioner in the Far East, Mr. A. T. Brennan, meets with Japanese business men in Tokyo to persuade them to purchase South African wool as a substitute for Australian. 1936.07.10 — More than 50 members of the "Communist Academy" are rounded up in Tokyo. 1936.07.10 — Official approval is given to the sending of national art treasures to Boston for exhibition during the Harvard Tercentenary. 1936.07.10 — The Japanese Training Squadron is welcomed at San Francisco. 1936.07.11 — The Privy Council receives for consideration a draft Imperial ordinance lifting martial law in the capital. 1936.07.11 — Ordinances are promulgated enforcing from August 1 the shipping control law and creating the Shipping Route Control Commission. 1936.07.11 — The law on control of the automobile industry takes effect with promulgation in the Official Gazette. 1936.07.11 — General Chiang Kai-shek advocates adjustment of Sino-Japanese relations by diplomatic means in addressing the second plenary session of the third central executive and supervisory committees of the Kuomintang. 1936.07.11 — The Cantonese authorities claim discovery of a Blue Shirt plot to assassinate Japanese in Canton. 1936.07.11 — Representations are made to the Chinese authorities in Shanghai regarding the murder yesterday of a Japanese merchant. 1936.07.11 — Feeling rises among the Shanghai Japanese at the insincerity of the Chinese judiciary in the trial of the Chinese accused of murdering a Japanese bluejacket. 1936.07.11 — Moscow announces release of the four Japanese fishing vessels held at Kamchatka after payment of fines for four Japanese soldiers taken prisoners near Manchuli. 1936.07.12 — The War Office announces execution of 13 of the 17 men sentenced to death in the February 26 case. 1936.07.13 — The Japanese naval authorities in Shanghai take added measures to protect Japanese lives and property because of growing anti-Japanese sentiment. 1936.07.13 — Consul-General Suma calls the attention of the Nanking Foreign Office to the latest Shanghai murder of a Japanese and urges that steps be taken to curb anti-Japanese sentiment. 1936.07.13 — A U.S. Foreign Policy Association report, "Clash in the Pacific," advocates that the U.S., Britain and the U.S.S.R. combine to check Japan's aggression, at the same time guaranteeing to Japan orderly trade with China and the right to develop Chinese agriculture and industry. 1936.07.13 — General Chiang Kai-shek asserts that China will not agree to anything injuring its sovereignty but hopes that peaceful efforts to solve diplomatic issues with Japan will succeed. 1936.07.13 — A Nanking Foreign Office representative voices formal regrets to the Japanese authorities in Shanghai at the Kayao murder case. 1936.07.13 — A former U.S. naval officer, J. S. Farnsworth, is arrested in Washington on a charge of selling confidential naval information to Japanese. 1936.07.13 — Foreign Vice-Minister Ohashi of Manchoukuo enters Soviet territory on an inspection trip in connection with establishment of border commissions. 1936.07.13 — More than 20 additional Communist suspects are arrested in Tokyo. 1936.07.14 — War Minister Terauchi submits to the Cabinet a 12-year defence replenishment programme to cost 3,000,000,000 yen during the first six years and recommends creation of a powerful organ to decide on national policies, establishment of an Air Ministry to aid civilian aviation, stabilization of national livelihood by easing the burden on farmers, reforming the tax system, equalizing central and local taxes, adjusting farm debts and promoting health, large-scale emigration to Manchoukuo and increased industrial investments there. 1936.07.14 — The procurator demands imprisonment for a year and five months for the head of the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal's engineering department, who is charged with accepting bribes on purchases. 1936.07.14 — The Kuomintang gathering at Nanking issues a manifesto pledging that China's territorial integrity and sovereignty will be safeguarded and asserting that international developments are favourable to China. 1936.07.14 — Dr. C. T. Wang alleges to newspaper men in New York that a Sino-Japanese war seems inevitable and may come at any time. 1936.07.14 — Agreement is reached at Peiping on the appointment of two Japanese army officers as military advisers to the Hopei-Chahar Political Council. 1936.07.14 — Pearl Harbour, Honolulu, it is understood, will henceforth be a major base for overhauling warships. 1936.07.14 — Vice-Admiral M. Sakonji, president of the North Saghalien Oil Company, opens talks in Moscow for extension of the Japanese oil concessions in Soviet Saghalien. 1936.07.15 — Britain notifies Japan of invocation of the escalator clause of the 1930 naval treaty to retain 40,000 extra-treaty tons of destroyers. 1936.07.15 — Education Ministry officials formally adopt the plan to extend compulsory education to eight years and agree to minimize the cost as much as possible. 1936.07.15 — The Foreign Office learns of a Philippine bill aiming at prohibition of marine product imports from countries other than the U.S., which would affect Japanese interests seriously. 1936.07.16 — Naval leaders confer on a replenishment programme that reportedly will spread over five years and cost 2,000,000,000 yen. 1936.07.16 — The Japanese-Manchoukuo proposals for the projected frontier commissions are handed to the Soviet Embassy in Tokyo for transmission to Moscow. 1936.07.16 — The Korean military authorities announce the arrest of members of the unrecognized Chinese consulate at Seishin on charges of espionage. 1936.07.16 — The verdict in the trial of the Chinese charged with the murder of a Japanese bluejacket in Shanghai is postponed indefinitely. 1936.07.16 — Mr. Frank Murphy, High Commissioner to the Philippines, reveals at Washington that the State Department is working for revision of the Japanese – American gentlemen's agreement on Japanese textile sales to the Philippines. 1936.07.16 — Admiral Jean Pierre Esteva, commander of the French naval forces in the Far East, arrives at Yokohama aboard his flagship on an unofficial visit. 1936.07.17 — Imperial ordinances are promulgated ending tomorrow the martial law in force in Tokyo since February 27. 1936.07.17 — Announcement is made that the police will keep in close touch with the gendarmerie in maintaining peace and order. 1936.07.17 — Japan's delegation at the Dardanelles conference expresses satisfaction that the new straits convention makes concessions to the Japanese viewpoint, including prohibition of egress from the Black Sea by Soviet warships unless to fulfil League obligations. 1936.07.17 — Mr. Itaro Ishii, consul-general in Shanghai, is named Minister to Siam. 1936.07.17 — Governor Poindexter of Hawaii says in New York that the islands are to become a Gibraltar but that there is no concern about trouble with Japan. 1936.07.18 — Hsinking plans to protest to the U.S.S.R. against the seizure of a Manchoukuo boat on the eastern border. 1936.07.18 — Mr. Shigeo Odate, of the Hsinking Government, completes in Tokyo a series of conferences in connection with the partial abolition of Japan's extraterritorial rights in Manchoukuo. 1936.07.18 — The Third-Class Order of the Rising Sun is conferred on Mr. J. de la Morandiere, retiring director of the Maison Franco-Japonaise. 1936.07.20 — Four days of training the residents of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki to defend themselves from air attacks start. 1936.07.20 — Ambassador Sato signs for Japan the new Dardanelles convention at Montreux with reservations made necessary by Japan's position as a non-member of the League. 1936.07.20 — Lord Peel presses the Government in the House of Lords for action on smuggling in North China, and Lord Newton asserts that it would be a blunder to try to stem Japan's advance in that area. Lord Stanhope, Foreign Undersecretary, remarks that various "incidents" have made the progress of British friendship with Japan more difficult. 1936.07.20 — Negotiations open at Simla for extension of the Japanese-Indian trade agreement, which expires in March. 1936.07.21 — A newspaper report, later denied by the Ministries concerned, of contemplated stock exchange reforms so affects shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange that trading is suspended for the day on all of the leading bourses of the nation. 1936.07.21 — Mr. Yin Ju-keng, East Hopei leader, warns that Mr. Wang Keh-min, chairman-designate of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council's economic affairs commission is likely to extend General Chiang Kai-shek's influence in North China. 1936.07.21 — Chinese customs officials board a train between Tientsin and Pukow and seize merchandise in the possession of Japanese on suspicion that it has been smuggled into the country. 1936.07.21 — The Tokyo military authorities are credited by the press with irritation at the reported Sino-American arms loan. 1936.07.21 — Washington denies that a loan has been made to China to finance arms purchases. 1936.07.21 — A French economic delegation arrives at Hsinking to promote trade relations. 1936.07.22 — The Emperor reports at the Imperial Sanctuaries at the Palace the lifting of martial law and the return of normal conditions. A similar service is held at the Yasukuni Shrine. 1936.07.22 — A Chinese policeman in the employ of the Japanese consulate-general at Tientsin is killed by guards of the Mayor of Tientsin, who pledges to right the wrong when handed a Japanese protest. 1936.07.22 — The Soviet Foreign Commissariat gives a farewell dinner for Ambassador Ota. Vice-Commissar Stomoniakov asserts that the U.S.S.R. has no intention of obstructing Japanese interests but will not permit its own interests to be obstructed. 1936.07.22 — Fifteen Communists are executed near Seoul for their part in a plot in Chientao. 1936.07.22 — The rumour that led to suspension of the stock exchanges is traced to a plot between security dealers and newspaper men. 1936.07.23 — The Privy Council receives for consideration an ordinance establishing in the Foreign Office's European and Asiatic bureau a South Seas section. 1936.07.23 — Prime Minister Lyons announces that Australia will at once resume the trade negotiations with Japan. 1936.07.23 — It is believed in Peiping that as a result of the success in subduing Kwangtung, Nanking will seek to increase its control over North China. 1936.07.24 — Woollen interests decide that Japan needs 775,000 bales of wool a year. 1936.07.24 — The Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry is told by the U.S. consul-general in Tokyo that the State Department is giving consideration to its recommendation that a U.S. consulate be opened in Osaka. 1936.07.27 — The War Office announces unification of all air regiments under a new Air Force Headquarters to be headed by a general or lieutenant-general appointed directly by the Emperor. 1936.07.27 — The Japan Cotton Textile Traders' Guild Federation reveals that 43 countries directly limiting imports took in the first half of 1936 only 381,023,000 square yards of Japanese cotton cloth, compared to 649,797,000 in the same period of 1935; 37 countries indirectly limiting imports took 246,737,000 square yards, compared to 326,862,000 in 1935, and 50 countries making no discrimination against Japanese goods took 493,513,000, compared to 412,216,000 in 1935. 1936.07.27 — Consul-General Suma urges Foreign Minister Chang Chun to expedite settlement of various recent incidents in North China and Shanghai and sounds him out on Sino-Japanese economic co-operation. 1936.07.28 — Merger of the Tokyo Prefectural Hypothec Bank with the Hypothec Bank of Japan is counted a victory for the Finance Ministry in its efforts to merge all such local banks with the national one. 1936.07.28 — Ambassador Ota, pressing for resumption of the Japanese-Soviet fishery negotiations, is told by Vice-Commissar Stomoniakov that the U.S.S.R. cannot yield more than it did before the talks were suspended. 1936.07.27 — The commission studying Diet reforms holds its first meeting under Premier Hirota and receives topics for consideration, including a change in the Diet opening date, improvements in procedure and creation of standing committees, the last of which the Government opposes. 1936.07.27 — Announcement is made in the Official Gazette that all personnel matters in the Army General Staff will from August 1 be under the War Minister, the authority of the Chief of the General Staff being confined to direction of staff officers. 1936.07.27 — The Japanese Embassy at Peiping asks the British Embassy to reconsider the recent acquittal of British soldiers accused of murdering a Japanese. 1936.07.27 — Hsinking learns that an Outer Mongolian plane landed in Manchoukuo on July 18 and that the pilot questioned inhabitants about military conditions. 1936.07.27 — The Soviet authorities permit Japanese steamers to enter Kamchatka waters to help two wrecked Japanese fishing vessels. 1936.07.28 — The Finance, Navy and Commerce and Industry Ministers agree to press adoption of a national fuel policy. 1936.07.28 — Ambassador Ota leaves Moscow for Tokyo to retire. 1936.07.28 — A good-will party of 79 Japanese students is received at Manila by President Quezon. 1936.07.29 — Three incidents in which Japanese are assaulted occur in Peiping. 1936.07.29 — Another Chinese cotton mill in Tientsin is purchased by the Toyo Cotton Spinning Company, of Japan. 1936.07.29 — The temperature in Tokyo rises to 96.1 degrees Fahrenheit, the highest since 1929. 1936.07.29 — Five leaders of the Totenjuku, who tried to rob a bank to obtain funds for a political reform plot, are sentenced to from seven to five years in prison. 1936.07.29 — The Kwantung Army announces the filing of a protest against the fall of Soviet machine-gun bullets on a tent of Japanese soldiers near Tungning, on the eastern border, on July 26. 1936.07.29 — The Election Law Revision Commission, holding its first meeting, is told by Premier Hirota that the Government wishes to present a revision bill at the next session of the Diet. 1936.07.30 — The Soviet Ambassador protests again to Foreign Minister Arita against Manchoukuo's suspension of retirement allowances to Soviets formerly employed by the Chinese Eastern Railway and charges that the Soviet Embassy in Tokyo is under unwarranted police surveillance. He is told that Manchoukuo is justified because of the Soviet failure to pay railway debts and that the Soviet Embassy must be given as much protection as is the Japanese Embassy in Moscow. 1936.07.30 — Asked for recognition of the regime set up by the Spanish rebels, the Foreign Office decides to await developments before replying. 1936.07.30 — The Anglo-Soviet naval pact is initialled in London. 1936.07.30 — Evidence that North China is coming under Nanking's sway is seen in General Sung Che-yuan's reported decision to send representatives to the National People's Congress in Nanking in November. 1936.07.30 — The New York Herald-Tribune notes editorially that the Filipinos, despite American suspicions, welcome increased Japanese economic activity in the Philippines. 1936.07.31 — The International Olympic Committee awards the 1940 Olympic Games to Tokyo. 1936.07.31 — The War Office announces the sentencing by the Tokyo Court-Martial of six young officers active in the background of the February 26 incident. One receives life imprisonment and the others either four or six years. 1936.07.31 — The Seiyukai view that formulation and execution of a stable foreign policy should precede domestic administrative reforms is submitted to Premier Hirota. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VI No. 3 (December 1937) --- (covers 1937.08.01 to 1937.10.31) 1937.08.01 — The Cabinet agrees informally to present to the Diet a bill increasing taxes to help meet the expenses of the North China incident and another providing for the issuance of bonds in small denominations to be sold through post offices. 1937.08.01 — War Minister Sugiyama tells the Lower House budget committee that endeavours are being made to learn full details of the Tungchow massacre. 1937.08.01 — Lieutenant-General Katsuki, North China garrison commander, broadcasts to the nation from Tientsin an appeal for full support of the army until the punitive operations in North China have been completed. To correspondents, he stresses the menace of Communism in East Asia. 1937.08.01 — A peace maintenance commission is inaugurated in Tientsin under the chairmanship of Marshal Kao Ling-wei, former Premier of the Peking Government. 1937.08.01 — The British chargé d'affaires denies to the Foreign Vice-Minister that Foreign Secretary R. Anthony Eden declared in the Commons that Britain had warned Japan that it would refuse to recognize division of Chinese territory. 1937.08.02 — Lieutenant-General Prince Naruhiko Higashi-Kuni is made director of the Air Corps Headquarters, replacing Lieutenant-General Motoo Furusho, who is given command of the garrison in Formosa. 1937.08.02 — The Japanese garrison in North China announces that Tientsin has been cleared of Chinese troops. 1937.08.02 — Ambassador Shigemitsu rejects Soviet representations regarding an alleged raid by White Russians under Japanese protection on the Soviet consulate-general in Tientsin on August 2. 1937.08.02 — The American authorities investigate rumours that American aviators have agreed to serve in the Chinese army. 1937.08.02 — The World Education Conference opens at Tokyo Imperial University. 1937.08.02 — Count Michimasa Soyeshima issues a statement recommending that ¥3,000,000 yen be appropriated for the 1940 Olympic Games. 1937.08.02 — The Lower House approves the second supplementary budget, appropriating 34,380,000 yen from the surplus funds of the past fiscal year for miscellaneous purposes, and the third supplementary budget, appropriating 7,000,000 yen for the general accounts, including 700,000 yen with which to open the projected Health and Social Ministry, and 337,000,000 yen obtained from revaluation of the Government's gold reserves for a number of special accounts. 1937.08.02 — A Lower House committee is told that the Government has decided to reserve 200,000,000 yen of the profit from revaluation of its gold reserves for the purchase of Government bonds. Of the net profit of 747,000,000 yen, 418,000,000 yen will be held for future gold shipments and 128,000,000 yen for the purchase of gold. 1937.08.02 — The Government promulgates an ordinance authorizing it to warn profiteers and fix prices for principal commodities. Offenders may be punished with three months' imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 100 yen. 1937.08.02 — Leading bankers pledge unanimous support of the Government in execution of its financial policies at a conference called by the Governor of the Bank of Japan. As a beginning, they agree to take 100,000,000 yen of North China incident bonds. 1937.08.02 — Manchoukuo promulgates an ordinance providing action against profiteers who try to take advantage of the current emergency to raise prices. 1937.08.02 — The Diet receives a petition from its one Korean member, Mr. Shunkin Boku, asking revision of the Conscription Law to enable Koreans to serve in the army. 1937.08.03 — The War Office announces that between July 28 and August 1 the Japanese forces in North China had 288 men killed and 724 wounded. 1937.08.03 — Japanese warplanes bomb troop trains along the Peiping-Suiyuan Railway. 1937.08.03 — The commander of the Japanese garrison in North China contributes 100,000 yuan to the Tientsin Peace Maintenance Commission for rehabilitation of Chinese affected by the military operations. 1937.08.03 — Decorations for 2,983 naval officers and men for services in the Manchurian and 1932 Shanghai incidents are announced. 1937.08.04 — The House of Representatives receives a bill imposing emergency tax increases to provide about 120,000,000 yen to help meet the expenses of the North China incident. The Class I income tax, applying to juridical persons, is increased by 30 per cent.; the Class II income tax, by 5 per cent., and the Class III income tax, applying to personal incomes, by 7.5 per cent., to be collected at the rate of 10 per cent. on the three remaining instalments in the current fiscal year. The extraordinary profit taxes applying to both juridical persons and individuals are increased by 15 per cent., and the special levy on dividends and interest on public and corporate debentures is increased by 10 per cent. A 20 per cent. ad valorem consumption tax is imposed on musical instruments, cameras, films, phonographs, records and precious and semi-precious stones, half to be paid by the manufacturers or importers and half by the consumers. 1937.08.04 — The Lower House approves groups of bills on revaluation of the Government's gold reserves and revision of the tariffs. 1937.08.04 — With many still missing, between 130 and 160 bodies of Japanese victims in the Tungchow massacre are recovered. 1937.08.04 — The Japanese troops operating on the Peiping-Hankow Railway occupy Liangshiang, 19 miles southwest of Peiping. 1937.08.04 — Service is resumed on the railway between Tientsin and Peiping. 1937.08.04 — A spokesman of the Japanese consulate-general in Tientsin denies that Japanese had anything to do with the raid on the Soviet consulate-general there, which he says was the work of White Russians. 1937.08.04 — London financial circles dismiss rumours that Finance Minister H. H. Kung has arranged with the British Government for a loan of £10,000,000. 1937.08.05 — The Foreign Minister tells a Lower House committee that Japan's main demand of China is that it co-operate in fighting Communism and that it will be possible for the two countries to shake hands if China's radicals are controlled. 1937.08.05 — The Lower House receives the fourth supplementary budget, appropriating 419,600,000 yen for financing the North China incident, divided into 157,000,000 yen for the War Office, 93,000,000 yen for the Navy Office, 65,400,000 yen for the Finance Ministry and 4,100,000 yen for the Foreign Office. The total of the year's four supplementary budgets is 257,090,000 yen bringing national expenditure for the fiscal year to 3,409,120,000 yen and necessitating the issuance of 1,170,000,000 yen of bonds. For the North China incident alone, 516,600,000 yen has been appropriated. 1937.08.05 — The Finance Ministry announces that since April, 1934, when the Bank of Japan Gold Purchase Law went into force, the Government has bought 117,611 kilograms of gold, paying for it 376,807,000 yen, or an average of 3,218 yen per gramme. During the first seven months of 1937, it bought 25,239,844 grammes for 94,020,579 yen, and from March 9, 1937, it shipped 84,279,930 grammes, worth 327,736,814 yen. 1937.08.05 — Foreign exchange control is tightened in the Kwantung Leased Territory and the South Manchuria Railway Zone. 1937.08.05 — Hsinking decides to extend for another year its Emergency Trade Control Law. 1937.08.05 — Der Angriff, Berlin, reports that the Soviet Union is strengthening its Far Eastern forces and also the Outer Mongolian army. 1937.08.06 — The Lower House approves the 419,600,000 yen fourth supplementary budget and the emergency tax increases. 1937.08.06 — The Lower House adopts a resolution urging the Government to "insure permanent peace and order in East Asia by eliminating anti-Japanese sentiment and agitation on the part of China." 1937.08.06 — The Minui Foundation informs the Home Office that it will donate 300,000 yen for the families of soldiers at the front. 1937.08.06 — Tension grows in Hankow, with Japanese and Chinese forces facing each other at the boundary of the Japanese Concession, which the Chinese have surrounded. 1937.08.06 — Nanking is said to have sent more than 200,000 soldiers to North China. 1937.08.06 — Secretary of State Cordell Hull announces that steps will be taken to discourage Americans from joining the Chinese forces. 1937.08.06 — Tass, the Soviet news agency, accuses the Japanese-Saghalien Petroleum Company of violating the Soviet-Japanese oil concession agreement. 1937.08.06 — Count Michimasa Soyeshima, member of the International Olympic Committee, returns from a three-month tour of Europe and the United States, where he conferred on preparations for the 1940 Games. 1937.08.07 — The House of Peers completes Diet action on the 419,600,000 yen supplementary budget for the North China incident and the bill increasing taxes. 1937.08.07 — Premier Konoe, in a formal statement, praises the Diet for its diligence in passing 54 bills in the 71st session. 1937.08.07 — China's National Defence Council decides to organize nation-wide resistance against Japan on a basis of sustained warfare. 1937.08.07 — Chinese troops are repulsed from Liangshiang, 19 miles southwest of Peiping on the Peiping-Hankow Railway. 1937.08.07 — The army announces the transfer to the air force of 120 field officers from other branches of the service as a step towards strengthening it. 1937.08.07 — The World Education Conference in Tokyo ends. 1937.08.07 — German trade circles are said to be disappointed over trade with Manchoukuo. During the first six months of 1937, German purchases from Manchoukuo totalled 32,000,000 marks, more by 28,000,000 marks than Manchoukuo purchased from Germany. 1937.08.07 — Announcement is made in Canada that Tokyo has informed the Canadian fishing authorities that no licences are issued to Japanese to fish in Western Pacific and Alaskan waters. 1937.08.08 — The 71st Diet session is closed with a brief ceremony. 1937.08.08 — Evacuation of Japanese residents from cities along the Yangtze River is completed, with only a few consular officials and others remaining, who will leave shortly. 1937.08.08 — Tientsin reports indicate that Nanking troops are moving through Suiyuan into Chahar in an apparent attempt to invade Jehol Province, Manchoukuo, violating the Doihara-Chin agreement. 1937.08.08 — Ambassador Sugimura declares in Paris that Japan has no idea of conquering China and wants only an autonomous régime in North China willing to respect Japanese rights and interests. 1937.08.08 — Representative George H. Tinkham, Massachusetts Republican, demands an inquiry into the failure of the U.S. to withdraw its troops from China, suggesting that the explanation may be found in a secret Anglo-American agreement. 1937.08.09 — Chinese peace preservation corps troops on an extra-Settlement road near the Hungjao aerodrome, Shanghai, kill Sub-Lieutenant Isao Ohyama, commander of the 1st Company of the Japanese naval landing party, and First-Class Seaman Yozo Saito, who was driving his car. 1937.08.09 — War Minister Sugiyama tells the press that Japan is determined to punish the Chinese for violating the Umezu-Ho and Doihara-Chin military agreements regarding Hopei and Chahar. 1937.08.09 — The police affairs bureau of the Home Office is reported to have issued special instructions for the protection of the 26,000 Chinese residing in Japan. 1937.08.09 — Mr. Toshio Shimada, Seiyukai executive, urges that the nation resolve firmly to cope with the North China crisis in addressing Diet members of his party and asserts that the Seiyukai means to cooperate with the Government. 1937.08.09 — Two more Japanese pearling luggers are seized off Australia on a charge of operating illegally in Australian waters. 1937.08.09 — Washington cancels a scheduled autumn visit to Japan of chips of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet because they are needed in China waters to evacuate American nationals. 1937.08.09 — Representatives of Japanese Residents' Association in southern California decide to campaign for funds to be sent to the Japanese fighting in North China. 1937.08.10 — The Tokyo naval authorities give Vice-Admiral Hasegawa, commander of the 3rd Fleet, full authority to deal with the situation created in Shanghai by the murder of two Japanese naval men, and Navy Minister Yonai reportedly tells the Cabinet that a cautious attitude will be maintained pending study of the results of the inquiry into the incident. 1937.08.10 — The Sino-Japanese inspection of the scene of the slaying of two Japanese naval men is said to have compelled the Chinese who participated to admit the falsity of their original allegations. 1937.08.10 — The Japanese consulate in Swatow advises all Japanese residents to withdraw because of increasing tension. 1937.08.10 — The special taxes made necessary by the North China incident are to be levied in the colonies as well as in Japan proper, the Cabinet decides. 1937.08.11 — The 3rd Fleet announces an increase in its landing party at Shanghai because of the increasing menace to Japanese lives and property. 1937.08.11 — Consul-General Okamoto asks Mayor O. K. Yui to withdraw the increased Chinese peace preservation corps from districts bordering those at Shanghai where Japanese reside and to remove the defences constructed around the International Settlement. The Mayor reportedly replies that the latter has already been started voluntarily and that the former will be carried out. 1937.08.11 — Receiving a resolution urging the Japanese and Chinese authorities to keep the International Settlement free from hostilities which the foreign consular corps in Shanghai had adopted, Consul-General Okamoto states that there has been no change in Japan's policy of co-operating to the best of its ability in protecting foreign lives and property. 1937.08.11 — An autopsy on a Chinese soldier whom the Chinese alleged to have been shot by the Japanese who were killed on August 9 shows that he must have been killed by his own comrades. 1937.08.11 — The lull in North China is broken with a clash south of Nankow, on the Peiping-Suiyuan Railway northwest of Peiping. 1937.08.11 — The procurator asks a year's imprisonment for Baron Kumakichi Nakajima, former Minister of Commerce and Industry, six months' for Mr. Chuzo Mitsuchi, former Railway Minister, and two years' for Mr. Hideo Kuroda, former Finance Vice-Minister, in the Teikoku Rayon scandal trial, which brought about the Saito Cabinet's resignation in 1934. 1937.08.11 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is said to have warned the Oji Paper Manufacturing Company, which produces about 95 per cent. of the nation's paper, that it will be placed under control unless it stops its allegedly arbitrary business methods and to have ordered it to submit monthly reports on details of its operations. 1937.08.11 — The Manchoukuo State Council approves a supplementary military budget of 3,178,183 yuan. 1937.08.11 — The South African Commissioner in London is asked if his Government will acquiesce in the Japanese proposal to open a Legation in the Union of South Africa. 1937.08.12 — Additional Chinese troops arrive in the Shanghai area. 1937.08.12 — The Mayor of Shanghai rejects Japan's demand for withdrawal of the Chinese armed forces around the International Settlement at a meeting of the international commission set up under the 1932 truce agreement, which ends with nothing but a pledge by both Japanese and Chinese not to fire unless fired on. 1937.08.12 — Excepting the consular staff, all Japanese residents in Swatow evacuate. 1937.08.12 — An engagement occurs around Liangshiang, 19 miles south of Peiping on the Peiping-Hankow Railway. 1937.08.12 — Japanese troops on the Peiping-Suiyuan Railway occupy Nankow. 1937.08.12 — The Japanese military authorities in Peiping are said to be taking special pains to protect local cultural institutions. 1937.08.12 — The Government's syndicate banks agree to take 100,000,000 yen of North China incident bonds, maturing in 12 years and two months, bearing 3.5 per cent. interest and selling at 98.50. 1937.08.13 — Fighting breaks out in Shanghai. The office of the Japanese naval attaché issues a statement placing entire responsibility on the Chinese. 1937.08.13 — The Chinese authorities ask all the Powers except Japan to withdraw their nationals from the Hongkew and Yangtzepoo districts of the International Settlement at Shanghai. 1937.08.13 — The Cabinet decides to take every measure to protect Japanese residents at Shanghai but also to urge Nanking to alter its attitude. 1937.08.13 — The Finance Ministry announces that North, Central and South China took in July 18,541,000 yen of Japanese goods, compared with 10,288,000 yen in the same month of 1936, and sold to Japan goods worth 13,009,000 yen, compared with 11,299,000 yen. 1937.08.14 — More than 1,000 foreigners and Chinese non-combatants are killed when Chinese aeroplanes drop bombs on the Palace and Cathay Hotels, in the International Settlement, and on the French Concession in Shanghai. 1937.08.14 — Vice-Admiral Hasegawa, commander of the 3rd Fleet, announces at Shanghai that it has become necessary to take effective measures of self-defence and advises all Chinese non-combatants to leave the areas used by Chinese troops. 1937.08.14 — The Navy Office issues a statement explaining the necessity for action at Shanghai in self-defence. 1937.08.14 — Nanking issues a statement saying that it reserves the right to take any action at Shanghai based on the needs of self-defence. 1937.08.14 — The foreign consular authorities at Shanghai protest to the Chinese against the dropping of bombs on the International Settlement. 1937.08.14 — The Japanese Embassy in London issues a statement denying Japanese responsibility for the Chinese bombing of the International Settlement. 1937.08.14 — Great Britain and the U.S. urge Japan and China not to use Shanghai as a theatre of military operations. 1937.08.14 — The Japanese naval authorities at Shanghai reject a request by the naval authorities of other countries that they move the Japanese flagship from the vicinity of the International Settlement, where Chinese bombing of it endangers non-combatants. They explain that its presence is necessary for the protection of Japanese lives and property. 1937.08.14 — The Chinese Ambassador asks Foreign Minister Hirota whether Japan would consider any proposals for peaceful settlement of the hostilities and reportedly is told that it would but that the first condition must be abandonment by Nanking of its anti-Japanese policy. 1937.08.14 — Two Japanese bluejackets are wounded by a Chinese sniper in Tsingtao. 1937.08.14 — Lieutenant-General Hayao Tada, commander of the 11th Division, becomes Vice-Chief of the General Staff, succeeding Lieutenant-General Kiyoshi Imai. 1937.08.14 — Major-General Seiichi Kita is succeeded by Major-General Kumakichi Harada as military attaché of the Japanese Embassy in China. 1937.08.15 — The Cabinet decides to take punitive action against the Chinese at Shanghai and to call an extraordinary session of the Diet to consider measures bearing on the new situation, including ones placing the nation's economic activities on a war-time footing. A statement is published declaring that Japan's patience is exhausted and that it has become imperative to "take drastic measures in order to punish the lawless Chinese troops and impress on the Nanking Government the necessity of revising its attitude." It adds that Japan harbours no territorial designs, has no ill-will towards the masses of China and will spare no effort to safeguard foreign rights and interests in China. 1937.08.15 — Mr. Shinrokuro Hidaka, counsellor of the Japanese Embassy in Nanking, is instructed to withdraw as soon as possible. 1937.08.15 — The commander of the Formosan Army issues a communique instructing residents of Formosa to arrange their affairs on a war-time basis. 1937.08.15 — The British Government decides to evacuate a large portion of its nationals from Shanghai. 1937.08.15 — Two Chinese bombs fall near the U.S.S. Augusta in attempts to hit Japanese warships at Shanghai. 1937.08.15 — The Soviets announce the closing of their consulates in Suifenho and Heiho, alleging Manchoukuo pressure against them. 1937.08.16 — The Foreign Office spokesman explains that it is obviously impossible for the Japanese forces at Shanghai to withdraw and says that foreign protests should be directed to those responsible for the situation, the Chinese. 1937.08.16 — British concern over the Shanghai situation is conveyed to Counsellor Tomii of the Japanese Embassy by Mr. C. W. Orde, chief of the Far Eastern section of the British Foreign Office. 1937.08.16 — American and British women and children are ordered to leave Shanghai. 1937.08.16 — Fifteen hundred Japanese women and children evacuate Shanghai. 1937.08.16 — The British decide to send reinforcements from Hongkong to Shanghai. 1937.08.16 — Vice-Admiral Hasegawa warns all non-combatants to stay away from aerodromes likely to be used by the Chinese army. 1937.08.16 — The naval authorities announce that 32 Chinese warplanes and 17 hangars have been destroyed in the aerial fighting around Shanghai, in which eight Japanese planes have been lost. 1937.08.16 — Eleven of 20 Chinese aeroplanes in a battle over Kuyung, east of Nanking, are said to have been shot down. 1937.08.16 — Japanese residents in Tsinan, Shantung Province, and along the railway from there to Tsingtao are ordered to withdraw. 1937.08.16 — The commander of the Japanese garrison in Peiping visits foreign Embassies and Legations to give fresh assurances that foreign lives and property will be protected. 1937.08.16 — A group of Lower House members agrees that the Government should abandon its policy of non-aggravation of the situation and seek the overthrow rather than the reconsideration of the Nanking Government. 1937.08.16 — Japan's consul-general in Vladivostok is instructed to protest to the Soviet authorities against the detention of 15 Japanese fishing boats since June. 1937.08.16 — Officers and cadets of the Japanese Training Squadron visit Rome. 1937.08.17 — Imperial sanction is given for a five-day extraordinary session of the Diet, opening on September 4. 1937.08.17 — Finance Minister Kaya tells the press the Government is not seeking dictatorial power to deal with economic and financial affairs in its intended legislation for emergency economic control. It will not force the holding of national bonds but will endeavour to mobilize capital not required for defence industries for absorption of bonds. 1937.08.17 — The Central Co-operative Society instructs the nation's co-operative societies to do everything possible to help the Government in coping with the Sino-Japanese situation. 1937.08.17 — The naval authorities announce the arrival of Japanese naval reinforcements at Shanghai as the hostilities continue on a large scale. 1937.08.17 — The Japanese authorities at Shanghai protest against the Municipal Council's decision to withdraw policing from the Japanese-inhabited Yangtzepoo district of the International Settlement. Through the mediation of the British naval authorities, a compromise is reached. 1937.08.17 — Secretary of State Hull indicates that the U.S. will follow a middle course with regard to the Far Eastern situation and announces that 1,200 marines are being sent to Shanghai. 1937.08.17 — Senators Nye, Bone and Clark urge President Roosevelt to invoke the Neutrality Act with regard to the Sino-Japanese hostilities. 1937.08.17 — Announcement is made in Washington of the appointment of Mr. Maxwell M. Hamilton, assistant chief, as chief of the Far Eastern division of the State Department, succeeding Dr. Stanley K. Hornbeck, who will serve as adviser. 1937.08.18 — The British chargé d'affaires in Tokyo informs the Foreign Vice-Minister that Britain is willing to undertake jointly with other neutral Powers the protection of Japanese lives and property at Shanghai if a neutral zone is created from which Japanese and Chinese forces are withdrawn. 1937.08.18 — Chinese in the Pootung area shell Japanese refugees, including women and children, on the Wayside Wharf of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Shanghai. 1937.08.18 — Chinese warplanes cease to appear over Shanghai, all their bases in the vicinity having been demolished. 1937.08.18 — Chinese troops sink six Japanese steamers across the Whangpoo River just above the French Concession, Shanghai, to stop navigation. 1937.08.18 — Japanese consular officials leave Canton for Hongkong, completing the evacuation of Japanese nationals from the city. 1937.08.18 — The Foreign Office expresses gratitude for the help given in the evacuation of Japanese by officials of the American and Italian Embassies in Nanking and the American consulate in Tsinan. 1937.08.18 — Public contributions to the War Office since the outbreak of the hostilities reach 8,332,643 yen, and to the Navy Office, 4,730,030 yen. 1937.08.18 — The U.S. Secretary of Commerce issues a statement opposing application of the Neutrality Act to the Sino-Japanese situation, arguing that it would in reality aid Japan and might result in permanent loss to American trade. 1937.08.18 — Agriculture and Forestry Minister Yoriyasu Arima urges Premier Konoe to reorganize the Cabinet and adopt a system of Ministers without portfolio to provide more effective administrative leadership in handling the national crisis. 1937.08.18 — Governor Yuki of the Bank of Japan urges representatives of the nation's life insurance companies to co-operate fully with the Government in meeting the Sino-Japanese situation. They are expected to help absorb national bonds. 1937.08.19 — The Foreign Vice-Minister Horinouchi informs the British chargé d'affaires that Japan cannot accept the British proposal for neutralization of the Shanghai area and protection of Japanese lives and property there by neutral forces. He urges that the Powers who negotiated the 1932 truce agreement press the Chinese to evacuate the area. 1937.08.19 — France accepts the British suggestion for a neutral zone at Shanghai. 1937.08.19 — The Foreign Office issues a statement answering foreign criticism of Japan in connection with the Shanghai situation, declaring that the Chinese alone are responsible. 1937.08.19 — The Japanese landing party at Shanghai advances north of the eastern extremity of the International Settlement. 1937.08.19 — Nanking requests British, American, French and Italian warships on the river at Shanghai to move more than five miles from Japanese warships or induce the Japanese to move their warships. 1937.08.19 — Japanese bombers hit the General Staff headquarters, the Central Military Academy and other military establishments in two raids on Nanking. 1937.08.19 — Tsingtao's mayor issues a statement pledging his utmost to preserve peace and order in the city and telling the public not to be nervous. 1937.08.19 — The Foreign Office estimates that up to yesterday morning 6,917 Japanese had withdrawn from North China. 1937.08.19 — The War Office announces execution of four civilians who took part in the February 26 (1936) incident. 1937.08.19 — Fifteen U.S. track and field stars arrive at Yokohama for several weeks of competition in Japan. 1937.08.19 — The Pravda, Moscow, accuses Ambassador Shigemitsu of anti-Soviet propaganda because he issued a statement on the Japanese denial of the Soviet charge that Japanese were responsible for the recent raid of White Russians on the Soviet consulate-general in Tientsin. 1937.08.19 — The Empress donates gifts to the naval officers and bluejackets wounded in China. 1937.08.19 — Premier Konoe tells newspaper men that a policy of punishing China has been substituted for that of non-aggravation and local settlement enunciated following the North China outbreak but that the objective remains Sino-Japanese co-operation. He declares that no third Power will be allowed to intervene. 1937.08.19 — The lull on the Peiping-Hankow Railway is broken by a clash at Chochow, 40 miles south of Peiping. 1937.08.19 — Inner Mongolian troops repulse a Chinese attack north of Changpei. 1937.08.19 — Japanese naval aeroplanes bomb the aerodrome at Kiukiang, Kiangsi Province. 1937.08.19 — Japanese complete evacuation of Foochow. 1937.08.19 — Several influential Chinese organizations in Tientsin voice desire to co-operate with the Japanese in liquidating communist and Kuomintang influences. 1937.08.20 — The Asahi reports that the Soviets have assembled nine warplanes for delivery to China. 1937.08.20 — An American bluejacket is killed and 18 others wounded when a stray shell of unknown origin falls on the U.S.S. Augusta at Shanghai. Washington takes the incident calmly. 1937.08.20 — The Central Bank of China is said to have formulated measures for discriminating against Japanese interests, implying a severance of Sino-Japanese financial relations. 1937.08.20 — Japanese banks dealing in foreign exchange agree to maintain the yen-sterling rate at 1 shilling 2 pence. 1937.08.20 — Manchoukuo decrees that all steel products imported through the semi-official Japan-Manchoukuo Trading Company will be exempt from customs duties. 1937.08.20 — The Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry and Commerce and Industry decide to import ammonium sulphate in large quantities to bring down the domestic price. 1937.08.21 — Britain presents to Japan a demand for indemnification of the loss of life and property of British subjects and occupation of British-owned buildings by Japanese forces at Shanghai. 1937.08.21 — Britain orders the 419th Hyderabad Regiment and the 36th Rajputana Regiment from India to Hongkong and Singapore for the duration of the Shanghai trouble. 1937.08.21 — The Kwantung Army announces that Kalgan was bombed yesterday as part of a campaign to wipe out the Chinese forces who have entered Chahar Province in violation of the 1935 Doihara-Chin agreement. 1937.08.21 — Chinese raiding parties fail in desperate attempts to break into the International Settlement at Shanghai in the Yangtzepoo district. 1937.08.21 — A Japanese naval spokesman at Shanghai states that the shell which fell on the U.S.S. Augusta yesterday cannot have been Japanese and must have been Chinese. 1937.08.21 — The Peiping Peace Maintenance Council takes over financial organs in the area under its jurisdiction. 1937.08.21 — Representatives of foreign banks in Japan, invited to a conference at the Bank of Japan, express willingness to co-operate in establishing a standard exchange rate. 1937.08.21 — Japan has accepted the invitations of the United States Government to participate in the New York and San Francisco world fairs, the Foreign Office announces. 1937.08.22 — The Japanese naval authorities at Shanghai assure foreign naval authorities, who have suggested the desirability of moving Japanese warships farther down the Whangpoo, that appropriate measures will be taken to spare foreign vessels the danger likely to be occasioned by the proximity of Japanese warships. 1937.08.22 — Concentration of Chinese troops around Tsingtao increases tension there, leading to the withdrawal of all remaining Japanese women and children, leaving about 6,000 Japanese men. 1937.08.22 — Additional evidence of growing communist influence at Nanking is seen in the release of Chin Tu-hsiu, powerful communist leader imprisoned in 1932. 1937.08.22 — Mr. T. Carter, secretary-general of the Institute of Pacific Relations, says in Moscow that he gained the definite impression while in the Far East that the Chinese Communists have entered into an agreement with General Chiang Kai-shek on resistance against Japan. 1937.08.23 — The War Office announces that an army unit has landed along the Yangtze River near Shanghai. 1937.08.23 — Chinese bombs dropped in the neighbourhood of Shanghai's three largest department stores, in the heart of the International Settlement, result in more than 500 casualties. 1937.08.23 — The War Office amends the army regulations to extend by three years to 46 the age limit for captains other than intendant-captains, whose age limit is extended by two years to 50. 1937.08.23 — Secretary of State Hull addresses a fresh appeal to Japan and China "to refrain from resort to war" in a statement in which he declares the U.S. will make every effort to preserve peace within the limits of its existing policies. He is regarded as taking exception to Tokyo's statement that allowances should be made for special circumstances in the Far East, embodied in its response to Mr. Hull's declaration of July 16 on peace principles. 1937.08.23 — The Paris Embassy cables to the Foreign Office a report in the République claiming that the Soviets are supplying war materials to China in return for trade and railway rights. 1937.08.23 — Berlin political circles are reported openly sympathetic towards Japan in its military operations in China, which are regarded as directed solely against Communism. 1937.08.23 — The new Soviet Ambassador, Mr. Mikhail Slavutsky, arrives in Tokyo. 1937.08.23 — Minseito and Seiyukai leaders pledge co-operation with the Government after hearing the Premier explain legislation for the extraordinary Diet session. 1937.08.23 — Leaders of the Tokyo Stock Exchange ask the Minister of Commerce and Industry to extend relief to the stock market, which has suffered from heavy selling since the Sino-Japanese outbreak. 1937.08.23 — Announcement is made of occupation inland from the Yangtze River near Shanghai by the newly arrived Japanese army troops. 1937.08.23 — The Japanese forces on the Peiping-Suiyuan Railway break through the Chinese front at Patalung and gain control of the eastern section of the Great Wall. 1937.08.23 — The Japanese on the Tientsin-Pukow Railway occupy Tsinghai, about 28 miles southwest of Tientsin. 1937.08.23 — The Cabinet agrees on the general principle that no new appropriations, unless absolutely essential, will be permitted in compiling the 1938-39 budget and that standing expenditures will be reduced as much as possible. 1937.08.23 — Education Minister Yasui explains to the Cabinet his Ministry's plan for national spiritual mobilization. 1937.08.23 — The Government continues its meetings with members of parties in the Upper and Lower Houses to solicit co-operation in the extraordinary Diet session. 1937.08.23 — The Political and Economic Study Society, composed of leading Osaka business men, urges the Government to control foreign trade immediately. 1937.08.23 — On the Government's advice, life insurance companies resume buying on the stock market, helping to stabilize quotations. 1937.08.23 — The Finance Ministry announces that 379,566,000 yen of gold was shipped to the United States between March 9 and July 31 to meet international trade payments. 1937.08.23 — A declaration calling for Sino-Japanese economic co-operation and joint defence against Communism is issued by a group of anti-Communist organizations in Hopei Province. 1937.08.23 — A mass meeting in Hsinking under the auspices of the Concordia Society resolves to support the Japanese army in its operations in China. 1937.08.23 — Mr. Alberti de Stefani, until recently financial adviser to Nanking, writes in the Stampa that the Sino-Japanese hostilities will inevitably result in a marked weakening of Occidental influence in the Far East. 1937.08.23 — Mrs. Margaret Sanger, birth-control leader, arrives in Tokyo for private conferences with birth-control workers. 1937.08.23 — The commander of the 3rd Fleet proclaims that Chinese vessels will not be allowed to sail along the China coast from the mouth of the Yangtze to Swatow. 1937.08.23 — Kalgan, capital of Chahar Province, is occupied by a unit of the Kwantung Army. 1937.08.23 — Nanking, waiting until after Japan's rejection of the British plan, indicates willingness to withdraw troops from the Shanghai area if Japan does likewise. 1937.08.23 — Members of the First Lobby of the Lower House adopt a resolution urging the overthrow of the Nanking Government because of its anti-Japanese and pro-Communist policies. 1937.08.23 — The law revaluing the Bank of Japan's gold reserves goes into effect, increasing the value of the reserves from 446,328,000 to 801,000,000 yen. 1937.08.23 — The Bank of Japan advances its first loan to industry for expansion of productive capacity through the Industrial Bank of Japan, providing 7,000,000 yen for a munitions firm. 1937.08.23 — Business leaders pledge co-operation when given explanations of the need for creation of a war-time financial and economic structure by the Finance and Commerce and Industry Ministers and the Governor of the Bank of Japan. 1937.08.24 — Britain's Ambassador in China, Sir Hughe Montgomery Knatchbull-Hugessen, is wounded when the motorcar in which he is riding from Nanking to Shanghai is fired on by an aeroplane said to be Japanese. No previous notice was given to the Japanese that he would approach the area of hostilities, and the car is said to have shown no distinguishing marks visible from the air. 1937.08.24 — Prince -Saionji, the Elder Statesman, is visited by Premier Konoe, to whom he reportedly voices concern over the extension of the military operations in China but says that the Government's fixed policy must be adhered to and supported by the entire nation. 1937.08.24 — The Premier tells newspaper men that not much importance is attached to moves by foreign Powers to stop the Shanghai fighting, which are based on inadequate understanding of Japan's position. 1937.08.24 — The Foreign and Navy Ministries issue statements explaining that the closing of the China coast to Chinese shipping is motivated by a desire to speed settlement of the Sino-Japanese trouble and that peaceful commerce of third Powers will be fully respected. 1937.08.24 — The Times, London, declares editorially that there is danger of Soviet intervention in the Sino-Japanese trouble after Japan has become more deeply involved. 1937.08.24 — The U.S.S.R. is said to have notified Japan that it will not recognize its consulates at Odessa and Novo Sibirsk after September 15. 1937.08.24 — The War Office announces that Lieutenant-General Shunroku Hata, of the Supreme War Council, has been made Inspector-General of Military Education to replace General Count Hisaichi Terauchi, whose new post is not revealed. 1937.08.24 — The South Manchuria Railway Company announces that its branch in Tientsin will henceforth be the head office in North China, absorbing the Peiping branch. 1937.08.27 — The Cabinet decides on bills for emergency control of investments, foreign trade and shipping. 1937.08.27 — Informal approval is given by the Cabinet to a bill of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry authorizing it to buy rice to any extent, though in a manner that will not affect the market price, to sell to the army and the navy without restriction by the Rice Control Law. 1937.08.27 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry turns over to the Legislative Bureau for final drafting a bill giving it wider control over commodities involved in foreign trade, with emphasis on supply and distribution. 1937.08.27 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, taking its first measure of emergency economic control, orders the Osaka Sampin Exchange to suspend transactions in raw cotton for March delivery because the quotation is much higher than the actual import price and is depressing exports of cotton textiles. 1937.08.27 — The gendarmerie issue a warning against "wild rumours" in connection with army and naval affairs, especially the hostilities in China. 1937.08.27 — Japanese troops occupy Yinhsingchen, between Woosung and the Shanghai International Settlement. 1937.08.27 — The mountainous area and plateau west of Lianghsiang, on the Peiping-Hankow Railway, come under Japanese control. 1937.08.27 — London instructs its Embassy in Tokyo to present demands regarding the aerial attack in which the British Ambassador to China was injured. 1937.08.27 — Secretary of State Hull reveals that the U.S. has served notice on Japan and China that American rights and interests in the Far East must be respected fully and that they will be held responsible for damages resulting from their hostilities. Some observers see in this evidence that the U.S. has no intention of withdrawing from the Orient. 1937.08.27 — Nineteen Bellanca warplanes leave Baltimore for China aboard the freighter Wichita. 1937.08.27 — Prince Teh, after receiving a message from Field-Marshal Prince Kan-in voicing appreciation of the help of the Inner Mongolian army in operations against the Chinese, declares the time has come for the Mongols to "rise to reconstruct Asia under the leadership of Japan." 1937.08.27 — A Chinese mob at Tsingtao loots more than 10 homes evacuated by Japanese. 1937.08.28 — Lotien, north of Shanghai, is occupied by Japanese forces. 1937.08.28 — An autonomous North China as a buffer between Manchoukuo and China is universally recognized as necessary for the security of Japan, says the Hamburger Fremdenblatt. 1937.08.28 — The Tokyo Gendarmerie Corps announces that 19 persons were on August 25 turned over to the procurators' office of the Tokyo District Civil Court for violation of the new Seditious Literature Control Law by distributing literature attempting to justify the February 26 (1936) incident. 1937.08.29 — Nanking announces the conclusion on August 21 of a non-aggression pact with the U.S.S.R., which it claims to be simply the first step towards organization of a collective peace security system for the Powers on the Pacific. 1937.08.29 — A Japanese hospital ship sailing down the Yangtze with wounded soldiers is fired on by Chinese artillery. Three orderlies are wounded. 1937.08.29 — Fresh army reinforcements land near Shanghai and advance. 1937.08.29 — The Peiping-Suiyuan Railway comes under complete Japanese control between Peiping and Kalgan. 1937.08.29 — The staff of the Japanese Consulate-General leaves Amoy, conditions there having become aggravated. Many Formosans are said to have been executed. 1937.08.30 — Chinese warplanes bomb the American liner President Hoover off Woosung, near Shanghai, injuring two passengers and five members of the crew. 1937.08.30 — Though Washington regards as satisfactory China's apology for the bombing of the President Hoover, the commander of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet is instructed to advise all American merchant vessels to remain outside the Shanghai area and to evacuate Americans from Shanghai by warships. 1937.08.30 — The Sino-Soviet non-aggression pact is said to contain provisions on military co-operation, war supplies and participation by the Communists in the Nanking Government. 1937.08.30 — China hands to the Secretariat of the League of Nations a note accusing Japan of violating the Nine Power treaty and the Kellogg-Briand anti-war pact. 1937.08.30 — General Chiang Kai-shek appeals for international intervention in the Sino-Japanese conflict in an interview with the Reuters correspondent in Nanking. 1937.08.30 — Nanking promulgates a national conscription law. 1937.08.30 — A complete collapse of the privileges of Occidental Powers in the Orient is inevitable, says The New York Times, commenting on the Sino-Japanese hostilities. 1937.08.30 — The Japanese forces along the Tientsin-Pukow Railway launch a general offensive in the direction of Machang and Tangkwantun. 1937.08.30 — The Tientsin Peace Maintenance Commission takes over the local telephone administration and forbids the payment of subscriptions to Nanking. 1937.08.30 — Cholera cases in Shanghai cause concern. 1937.08.31 — Public donations to the War Office in connection with the hostilities in China reach 10,062,577 yen. War Minister Sugiyama voices gratitude. 1937.08.31 — The Cabinet decides to appoint a full-time president for its Planning Board. 1937.08.31 — Japanese aeroplanes stage two raids on military positions at Canton. Changchow, Kienow, Shoukuan, Paiyun and Tienho are also attacked. 1937.08.31 — The Japanese forces in the Shanghai area occupy the Woosung fort, the village of Woosung, Chuchiapin and Lichiachia. 1937.08.31 — Hsinking reports that the Manchoukuo Government has received reliable information that a secret military agreement accompanies the Sino-Soviet non-aggression pact. The U.S.S.R. will provide war materials in return for recognition of its political rights in Outer Mongolia and Sinkiang. Similar information is given in a Moscow dispatch to the Paris paper Le Jour. 1937.08.31 — The Foreign Office is informed that 28 Japanese residents have been killed and 134 wounded at Shanghai since the fighting started. 1937.08.31 — Ten Catholic priests of a French mission at Wanshoushan, in the Western Hills, near Peiping, are said to have been abducted by 29th Army soldiers. 1937.08.31 — The Finance Ministry announces that exports exceeded imports during the last 10 days of August for the first period this year. Exports totalled 105,632,000 yen, and imports 102,786,000 yen, bringing the adverse balance for the year down to 774,831,000 yen. 1937.08.31 — Mr. N. M. Hubbard, president of the American Navy League, tells the press that indefinite suspension of Philippine independence is possible if the Sino-Japanese hostilities are prolonged. 1937.09.01 — The Dollar liner President Hoover, which was bombed by a Chinese warplane near the mouth of the Yangtze River, arrives in Kobe. 1937.09.01 — Firm determination to stay out of all foreign wars is once again announced as the basis of American foreign policy by Secretary of State Cordell Hull in a radio address to the American nation. 1937.09.02 — The decision to term the present conflict in China the "China Incident" instead of the "North China Incident" is announced by the Cabinet in Tokyo. 1937.09.02 — Ships of third Powers specifically employed for the purpose of carrying war supplies to China cannot be considered as engaging in peaceful commerce, Foreign Minister Koki Hirota tells foreign correspondents. 1937.09.02 — The Asama unit of the Japanese army occupies the Shihtzelin fort northwest of Paoshan, according to an official communique. 1937.09.02 — The Japanese interception of Chinese shipping along the China coast from the mouth of the Yangtze to Swatow, together with the Chinese blockade of the Yangtze above Chinkiang, has caused practically complete suspension of domestic services both inland and coastwise. 1937.09.02 — Sir Robert Craigie, the new British Ambassador to Tokyo, accompanied by Lady Craigie arrives at Yokohama from Vancouver on the Canadian Pacific liner Empress of Russia. 1937.09.03 — The third supplementary budget covering expenditures for the China Incident is adopted by the Cabinet for submission to the Diet. The whole of the expenditures will be raised by bonds. 1937.09.03 — A provisional autonomous government for Chahar Province is established at Kalgan following the declaration of independence of Chahar. 1937.09.04 — The 72nd extraordinary Diet session is opened by H.I.M. the Emperor to discuss added expenditures totalling some two billion yen. 1937.09.04 — Headed by Consul-General Masajiro Osake, consular officials and police, the last group of Japanese remaining in Tsingtao, 306 in number, departs for Moji. 1937.09.05 — Japan is determined to continue its military operations in China regardless of time and cost until a final victory has been won, Premier Konoe resolutely reemphasizes in his address to both Houses of the Diet. 1937.09.05 — Foreign Minister Koki Hirota in his Diet speech states the hope that, as a result of the present military developments, the statesmen of China will speedily reconsider their policy and hasten the realization of an international situation making possible harmonious co-operation between Japan, China and Manchoukuo. 1937.09.05 — Finance Minister Okinori Kaya outlines the 2,064,000,000 yen special budget for the China incident and discusses the control measures proposed by the Government in his speech before the Diet. 1937.09.05 — Paoshan near Woosung is captured by Japanese army units which have been approaching it for several days from opposite directions after taking Woosung fort toward the south and Shihtzelin fort toward the north. 1937.09.05 — Press reports in Shanghai state that, following closely the conclusion of the Soviet-China non-aggression pact, negotiations are under way in Nanking between Major-General Lepin, military attaché to the Soviet Embassy in China, and General Feng Yu-hsiang, vice-chairman of the National Military Council, for a secret offensive and defensive alliance between Nanking and Moscow. 1937.09.05 — The whole China coast, with the exception of Tsingtao and the foreign concessions, is closed to Chinese vessels by the Japanese navy. Proclamations prohibiting Chinese traffic and dividing the coastline into major sections are issued by Vice-Admiral Kiyoshi Hasegawa, commander of the Third Fleet. The northern section placed under Vice-Admiral Yoshida's control, runs from Chinwangtao to the southern end of Shantung Province. The southern section extends from Haichow at the northern extremity of Kiangsu Province to the southern boundary of Kwangtung Province near Pakhoi. 1937.09.05 — Six Chinese newspapermen, four of them connected with English-language papers in Shanghai, are executed by a firing squad by authority of the Shanghai-Woosung Garrison Headquarters on the ground that they circulated reports detrimental to the Chinese army. 1937.09.05 — Two Chinese customs cutters are seized by a Japanese warship. One of them catches fire and is sunk near Shekwan, 12 miles from Hongkong. They are the first vessels to be captured by the Japanese navy since the extension of the blockade to cover the entire China coast. 1937.09.07 — Foreign Minister Koki Hirota declares in the Diet that so far there has been no convincing evidence that Sir Hughe Montgomery Knatchbull-Hugessen, British Ambassador to China, was wounded by a Japanese plane. 1937.09.07 — Eight Japanese tug and fishing boats are detained by the Soviets at a Siberian Maritime Province bay. 1937.09.07 — Determination to proceed with the organization of the 1940 Olympic Games is expressed at a meeting of the Olympic Organizing Committee. Members are assured that reports that the Government has decided to withdraw its support are without foundation. 1937.09.07 — The 4,114 ton freighter Nestad, loaded with a cargo of pig iron, is forced to delay its scheduled sailing from San Pedro en route to Japan as 14 members of the crew present demands for a special bonus in view of the current crisis in the Far East. 1937.09.07 — Frequent and lengthy attacks on all principal Chinese positions in Shanghai are continued by Japanese army planes. Places attacked include the Far Eastern Race Course near Kiangwan. 1937.09.08 — Convinced that Japan has no intention of interfering with third Powers' shipping in enforcing its naval blockade of the China coast, the British Government will take no hasty action in connection with the matter, reliable sources in London indicate. 1937.09.08 — That Japanese naval forces have taken possession of the Pratas Shoals, about 185 miles southeast of Hongkong and east of the regular steamship line to Manila, is confirmed by Chinese lighthouse keepers arriving in Hongkong from the shoals. 1937.09.08 — A strong protest will be made in Moscow over the seizure and detention of 26 Japanese and Korean ships by Soviet coastal patrol boats in the Japan Sea and the navy will be instructed to take appropriate steps to protect Japanese shipping, the spokesman of the Foreign Office declares. 1937.09.08 — Reassurances that Japan is fully prepared to respect the rights and interests of other Powers in the current Sino-Japanese conflict are given by Mr. Yakichiro Suma, counsellor of the Japanese Embassy at Washington, to Mr. Maxwell M. Hamilton, chief of the Far Eastern Division of the State Department. 1937.09.09 — With the passage of budgetary and other emergency bills by the House of Peers, the five-day extraordinary Diet session is brought to a close. 1937.09.09 — Premier Konoe issues a statement declaring that only by being loyal to the national cause can the people respond adequately to the desire for stabilization of the Far East voiced in the Imperial Rescript granted at the opening of the Diet session. 1937.09.11 — Japan's protest to the Soviet Union over the allegedly unlawful detention of Japanese fishing craft brings a sharp counter-protest from Moscow, as the Soviet Ambassador, Mr. Michael Slavutsky, calls on Foreign Minister Koki Hirota. No conclusion is reached. 1937.09.11 — With the greater section of Swatow virtually reduced to ruin by the bombings and bombardments of Japanese warplanes and warships, the British destroyer Thracian sails from Hongkong for Swatow in response to an urgent request from the British consul-general there. The Daring, another British destroyer, is at Swatow to take British nationals on board. 1937.09.11 — The new British Ambassador, Sir Robert L. Craigie, presents his credentials to His Majesty the Emperor. Sir Robert and Lady Craigie are later received in audience by Her Majesty the Empress. 1937.09.11 — Western Japan is seriously damaged by a typhoon which crosses from the Pacific to the Japan Sea. Damage includes 25 persons killed, 30 injured, 100 houses destroyed and 100 vessels sunk or damaged. 1937.09.11 — Machang, a walled town south of Chaokwantun on the Tientsin-Pukow Railway, is occupied by the Akashiba detachment. Tsinghsien several miles south of Machang is also captured. 1937.09.11 — Mr. Paul Scheffer, former editor of the Berliner Tagblatt, previously a correspondent in the Soviet Union, arrives in Japan on his way from the Dutch East Indies, Bali, Indo-China, Siam and the Philippines on his way to the United States. 1937.09.12 — The Chinese Government presents to the League of Nations a written appeal, based on Article 17 of the League Covenant, referring to conflicts between a non-member State of the League and a non-member State. The Chinese delegation stresses the allegation that Japan is threatening China's independence, its territorial possessions and also the interests of foreign nations in China. 1937.09.12 — The Finance Ministry begins preparations for the 1938-39 budget with an estimated total of under ¥1,000,000,000 separate from the China incident expenditures. 1937.09.12 — Yangchangchen, a key position southwest of Paishan in the Shanghai sector, is occupied by the Taui and Tagaru units. 1937.09.13 — Japanese forces capture Tatung, a key point in north Shansi Province, according to an announcement by the Japanese Garrison at Tientsin. 1937.09.13 — Connection by land between the Japanese forces, extending from the units at the eastern end of the International Settlement to those operating from Woosung is established after Chinese troops are cleared from the Chunkung Road, running from the eastern extremity of the Settlement to Woosung. 1937.09.14 — Strictly guarding against any American commitments at Geneva regarding the Far Eastern crisis, officials of the State Department at Washington, manifest a disinterested attitude toward China's appeal to the League of Nations in connection with the Sino-Japanese conflict. 1937.09.14 — The agreement on eradication of submarine piracy in the Mediterranean is signed by Great Britain, France, Bulgaria, Rumania, the Soviet Union, Jugoslavia, Turkey, Greece and Egypt at the Nyon Conference. 1937.09.14 — The signing of a formal contract for sale of the Chosen Corporation, an American-owned gold mine in Korea, to the Japan Mining Company for ¥112,000,000 is reported. 1937.09.14 — President Roosevelt's application of a partial arms embargo is interpreted as notice that in the event American private ships attempting to run banned cargoes either to China or to Japan are seized, sunk or fired upon, the Government will not assume responsibility. 1937.09.15 — General Juichi Terauchi is in command of all Japanese military forces in North China and General Iwane Matsui has been sent to Shanghai to direct the fighting there as the highest commander, it is announced. 1937.09.15 — A battle said to be the largest in which the Japanese army has fought since the Battle of Mukden in 1905 gets under way along a front of more than 50 miles extending from Kuan, south of Peiping, westward to the Peiping-Hankow Railway and beyond to Tafangshan, 30 miles west of the Liulio. Chinese troops along this front are said to number about 300,000. 1937.09.15 — Mr. Eiji Amau, Japanese Minister to Berne, declares at Geneva that the League of Nations must realize that Japan is continuing a life-and-death struggle for stabilization of the Orient. 1937.09.15 — Japanese naval forces take over the island of Cheniushan, off the coast of Haichow, northern Kiangsu Province, with little opposition. 1937.09.16 — President Roosevelt's proclamation prohibiting Government-owned merchant vessels from transporting arms and ammunition to Japan and China is carried into effect as longshoremen start unloading 19 Bellanca bombers destined for China from the freighter Wichita at San Pedro. 1937.09.17 — The Ishiguro and Banzai units occupy Chochow on the Peiping-Hankow Railway, from which dislodged Chinese troops are retreating en masse. 1937.09.17 — Stressing world interdependence in a speech marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of the American Constitution, President Roosevelt declares that the actions of other nations in any part of the world "surely and quickly affect" the United States. The President assails foreign dictatorships as a threat to civilization. 1937.09.18 — The Chinese fortifications at Tengchen in Suiyuan Province are occupied by Japanese after two days of fighting in which Japanese units engaged Chinese forces nearly 10 times their number. 1937.09.19 — Twenty-six Chinese planes are shot down in a fierce engagement with Japanese warplanes which attack Nanking and effectively destroy the enemy aerodrome and hangars there. 1937.09.19 — Japanese army planes raid the Chinese air base at Taiyuan, capital of Shansi Province, shooting down or demolishing seven Chinese planes. 1937.09.19 — The largest battle of the recent North China hostilities, taking place on the Chochow plains on a front more than 65 miles long, has ended in a sweeping victory for the Japanese forces after five days of fighting. 1937.09.20 — The announcement by Vice-Admiral Kiyoshi Hasegawa, commander of the Third Fleet at Shanghai, that extensive bombing of Nanking is contemplated after noon of September 21st causes consternation among officials of the Nanking Government. The Admiral extends this communication to the diplomatic representatives of the Powers, advising them to remove their nationals to places of safety. Chinese non-combatants in Nanking are warned to avoid all buildings of military significance. 1937.09.20 — Thirty-six Chinese aeroplanes are destroyed in engagements over Nanking yesterday and today. 1937.09.20 — The United States formally agrees to take part in the deliberations of the League of Nations' advisory committee of 23 members, which meets at Geneva tomorrow to open its study of China's appeal against Japan. 1937.09.20 — British and Soviet officials at Nanking decide to remain at their posts despite the recommendations of Vice-Admiral Hasegawa, but officials of all other Powers decide to leave for safety. American Ambassador Nelson T. Johnson and other staff officials, with the exception of Second Secretary J. Hall Paxton, boarded the American gunboat Luzon yesterday and sailed up the Yangtze to Wuhu, 50 miles above Nanking. 1937.09.20 — Eleven Chinese planes are shot down as Japanese naval planes braving dense clouds and rain attack Canton. More than 70 planes of the Kwangtung Army rise to meet the Japanese but they are practically annihilated. 1937.09.20 — Sir Robert Craigie, the British Ambassador, calls on Foreign Minister Koki Hirota to ascertain formally the Japanese Government's policy regarding Vice-Admiral Hasegawa's recommendation that foreign nationals evacuate Nanking. He is assured that Japan will continue to respect the rights and interests of neutrals and that the warning was merely to ensure safety. 1937.09.20 — The United States Government has given the Japanese Government to understand that American-Japanese relations will be seriously strained if Japan carries out its original plan to bomb Nanking. 1937.09.22 — Japanese planes again raid Canton, bombing the Paiyun and Tienho airfields and air defence positions. 1937.09.22 — Following a 24-hour period of suspense after the designated time specified by Vice-Admiral Hasegawa in his warning to non-combatants and foreign diplomats in Nanking, the city is bombed three times. 1937.09.22 — Japanese troops effectively link Lotien, Yangchangchen and Woosung in a 12-mile front, when one unit establishes contact with the Takamori detachment at Chienchiachai, five kilometres southeast of Lotien. 1937.09.22 — The Japanese Government's formal reply to the British protest on the Knatchbull-Hugessen incident admits that the wounding of the British envoy "may have been caused by Japanese planes which mistook the Ambassador's motorcar as a military bus or truck." Beyond communicating that admission, the note merely conveys a formal expression of sympathy and intimates that, if finally it is proved that Japanese pilots are responsible, the Government will comply with the British demand for due punishment of the guilty. 1937.09.25 — Secretary of State Cordell Hull again makes a formal protest against the Japanese bombing of Nanking. 1937.09.25 — Two hundred and seventy-two Chinese warplanes have been destroyed by Japanese naval air forces alone since August 14; naval air forces have lost 31 planes during the same period, according to a Navy Office communique. 1937.09.24 — The Japanese Government decides to reject the invitation from Geneva requesting Japanese participation in the League Assembly's committee of 23 studying the Chinese appeal for League assistance in the Sino-Japanese hostilities. The reply is forwarded to Geneva. 1937.09.24 — All vessels belonging to the United States Asiatic Fleet are ordered to remain in China waters to offer all possible protection and assistance to American nationals in case of need so long as the Sino-Japanese controversy exists, the Navy Department at Washington announces. 1937.09.25 — General Jinzaburo Masaki, former Inspector-General of Military Education, is acquitted by the Tokyo Court-Martial of the charge of having aided the participants in the uprising of February 26, 1936. The evidence offered is considered insufficient for conviction, according to an announcement made by the War Office. 1937.09.25 — An official British protest is lodged with the Foreign Office against the Japanese bombing of Nanking and Canton. The protest is delivered orally by the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, who calls on Foreign Vice-Minister Kensuke Horinouchi. 1937.09.25 — Japanese naval warplanes conduct three more raids on Nanking. Other squadrons launch three attacks on Canton. 1937.09.25 — The North China outlook is brighter because of the Japanese occupation of Paoting on the Peiping-Hankow Railway, and Tsagtchow on the Tientsin-Hankow Railway, indicating that the pacification campaign is nearing completion, a spokesman of the Japanese garrison in North China tells newspapermen. 1937.09.25 — Seventy Japanese fishing vessels illegally seized on the high seas by Soviet authorities in July have been fined ¥500 each and are released. Most of the vessels return to Korea. 1937.09.25 — The current Far Eastern crisis with special reference to Moscow's increasingly positive intervention in the Sino-Japanese conflict through the extension of assistance to China is reported to have been among important topics discussed between Premier Mussolini and Reichsführer Hitler in the course of their conversation at Münich. 1937.09.25 — Prince Hiroyoshi Fushimi, commanding the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla, is slightly wounded in the left hand by an enemy bullet, while His Highness is engaged in action on the Whangpoo River. His aide, Commander Hayakawa, is also wounded. 1937.09.26 — Warplanes of the Japanese naval air forces carry out two bombing attacks on Canton. The Yuantung Military Academy and other military positions in the city are demolished. 1937.09.26 — Tientsin is the scene of a mammoth public celebration held under the auspices of various local organizations in honour of the victories of the Japanese forces at Paoting and Tsangchow in North China. 1937.09.26 — The Moscow Government formally notifies Japan through Ambassador Michael Slavutsky that it will not evacuate its Embassy at Nanking and will hold Tokyo responsible for any damage resulting from bombing by Japanese planes. 1937.09.27 — Japanese navy warplanes resume their bombing of Chinese fortifications in the Chapel "pocket" at Shanghai. Japanese army planes in North China twice raid Chinese troop concentrations on the south Hopei plains. 1937.09.27 — Sharply rapping Japanese for killing "innocent civilians," the League's advisory committee charged with handling the Far Eastern dispute votes a forceful condemnation of "inexcusable" bombing attacks by Japanese planes on undefended Chinese cities. 1937.09.27 — Distribution of incendiary reports that Japanese air forces are making deliberate attacks on non-combatants in Canton and Nanking are scored by Mr. Tatsuo Kawai, Foreign Office spokesman, in an interview with foreign correspondents. He states that a Reuters' report which stated that a large number of non-combatants were killed in the raids on Canton is based on Chinese prevarication. 1937.09.28 — High appreciation is being voiced by the Japanese navy authorities in Shanghai of the rescue by the British freighter Sooshow of a Japanese naval airplane drifting off Amoy. Four Japanese airmen seriously injured are rescued by the British ship. 1937.09.28 — The Assembly of the League of Nations during its morning session unanimously adopts the formal resolution of the League's advisory committee on the Sino-Japanese dispute solemnly condemning "the bombing of defenceless Chinese towns by Japanese planes." Commenting on the resolution, naval authorities in Tokyo declare that the League acted flippantly since all information received by it was obtained from inaccurate news reports and Chinese allegations. 1937.09.28 — Amalgamation of the Cabinet's Bureau of Resources and Board of Planning is approved in principle by the Cabinet at its regular meeting. The new organ will decide on policies dealing with wartime conditions. 1937.09.28 — The military aerodromes at Nanking, Kuyang, about 30 miles southeast of the capital, and Wuhu, 30 miles up the Yangtze from Nanking, are objectives of Japanese naval raiding parties. 1937.09.29 — The Japanese vanguard that last night occupied Potowchen, 24 miles southwest of Tsangchow on the Tientsin-Pukow Railway, reaches Tungkwang, 12 miles nearer the Shantung border and begins to attack the Chinese positions. 1937.09.29 — Naval warplanes raid the air bases at Haichow, in northern Kiangsu, Sutsien on the Grand Canal southwest of Haichow, and Hwaiyin on the Grand Canal southeast of Sutsien Barracks; munitions depots at the bases were also bombed. 1937.09.29 — Great Britain envisages the establishment of an international commission to undertake mediation in the Sino-Japanese conflict, according to an I.N.S. dispatch from London. The commission would be set up by a conference of Powers interested in the Far East, including the United States, that would meet in London as soon as possible. The mediation plan contemplated by the British Government reportedly involves submission of the dispute to arbitration. 1937.09.30 — Gradually driving the Chinese from their positions, the Sano and Haji detachments succeed in reaching the Shanghai-Woosung Railway in the southern part of the Chapel sector. 1937.10.01 — H.I.H. Prince Taka Kuni, Lord Custodian of the Grand Shrines of Ise, dies at Kyoto after a long illness. 1937.10.01 — The Kwangtung Provincial Government has prohibited navigation by merchant vessels of the waters leading to Canton. The decree makes the Canton-Kowloon Railway the sole line of transportation between Hongkong and Canton. 1937.10.01 — Japan's foreign trade for the first three-quarters of 1937 is marked by an excess of imports amounting to ¥744,129,000; exports totalled ¥2,460,769,000 and imports ¥3,204,898,000. Exports gained 23.9 per cent and imports 46 per cent over the same period for 1936. 1937.10.01 — At a joint mass meeting in New York the American League Against War and Fascism and American Friends of the Chinese People urge a nation-wide boycott of Japanese goods and an embargo on exports of war materials to Japan. 1937.10.01 — Speaking before the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences in Philadelphia, Mr. Raymond Buell, president of the Foreign Policy Association, warns that the United States will inevitably be involved in a costly war if it invokes the Neutrality Act in the current Far Eastern dispute. 1937.10.01 — Deep chagrin and disappointment prevail in Chinese quarters at Geneva after the 11-Power subcommittee of the League of Nations' advisory committee refuses to vote immediate adoption of a Chinese resolution indicting Japan for aggression. 1937.10.02 — Japanese naval air forces carry out a series of raids on widely scattered strategic points in Central and South China, including Kwangsin, Kiangsi Province, the Tienho Aerodrome near Canton, and the sinking of a Chinese gunboat off Whampoa on the Pearl River. 1937.10.02 — Withdrawal of the headquarters of the Red Army from Habarovsk to Irkutsk, 2,500 miles inland, is allegedly confirmed by information reaching reliable quarters in Harbin. 1937.10.02 — Japan's exchange restrictions will temporarily debar the entry of foreign vocal and orchestral talent, such as Miss Grace Moore, Leopold Stokowski, Jacques Thibaud and others, according to the Finance Ministry. 1937.10.02 — The German Consul at Manila, Mr. G.A. Sakowsky, issues a statement asserting that the Captain of the North German Lloyd liner Sharnhorst emphatically denied that he reposted the sinking of a Chinese junk by a Japanese submarine off Hongkong on September 23. 1937.10.02 — Due to British opposition, the Nanking Government has withdrawn its plan calling for the removal of the Bank of China, Central Bank of China and Bank of Communications from Shanghai to Nanking. 1937.10.02 — The Japanese troops along the Tientsin-Pukow Railway occupy the walled town of Tehchow, inside the northern border of Shantung Province. 1937.10.02 — The anti-Japanese silk campaign being launched by the American League against War and Fascism and several other peace organizations in connection with the nation-wide boycott movement against Japanese goods, will collapse from its own weight, Mr. R. D. Jenkins, vice-president of the International Silk Guild, New York, predicts. 1937.10.04 — A draft ministerial ordinance providing for the restriction and prohibition of imports and exports is approved by the Trade Inquiry Commission for promulgation on October 9, to be effective immediately. Prohibited imports consist of those named in 232 items of the Tariff Law. Coffee imports are not restricted; cheese is exempted from restriction. 1937.10.04 — Emerging from a secret session, members of the League's sub-committee of 11 named by the advisory committee to draft recommendations on the Sino-Japanese dispute reveal in an interview with the Associated Press that "the preliminary consensus of opinion is that Japan's military action in China since the Lukoukiao incident of July 7 is not justified." 1937.10.04 — While advance units of the Japanese Army, following the Japanese occupation of Paoting, are still energetically pushing southward along the Peiping-Hankow Railway, the Chinese command has concentrated about 130,000 troops near Chengting and Shihkiachwang in an attempt to organize a final stand against the Japanese. 1937.10.04 — Japanese artillery and air forces co-operate with the naval landing party in Shanghai in an attempt to drive the Chinese from their positions close to the International Settlement. 1937.10.05 — The United States is faced with possible loss of part of its $500,000,000 trade with the Orient due to developments in the Sino-Japanese hostilities and restriction of imports by Japan, according to a Washington dispatch. 1937.10.05 — Major-General Kazumoto Machijiri, an aide-de-camp to the Emperor, is appointed to the post of Director of the Military Affairs Bureau of the War Office in succession to Lieutenant-General Atsushi Ushiroku. 1937.10.05 — Repeated raids by Japanese aircraft and warships are reported to have reduced completely the air and naval forces of the Kwangtung Provincial Government. 1937.10.05 — The first official estimate places Japan's rice crop for 1937 at 66,994,170 koku. This amount is 139,022 koku or 5 per cent less than the actual 1936 crop, but is 3,446,137 koku, or 6.8 per cent over the past five-year average. 1937.10.06 — The declaration in Chicago by President Roosevelt that he is determined to keep the United States out of war meets with an immediate, favourable response from the American public. Officials at Washington interpret the address as serving notice that the United States will participate in world affairs with greater vigour than at any time since the Great War. 1937.10.06 — The League's committee of 23 adopts a resolution suggesting that the signatories of the Nine-Power treaty confer to work out a solution to the Sino-Japanese dispute on behalf of the League Assembly. The Assembly begins discussion on a draft resolution upholding the verdict that "powerful Japanese armies invaded Chinese territory" in violation of international obligations and calling upon League members individually to study means of assisting China. 1937.10.06 — Japanese naval planes bomb the Canton-Hankow Railway south of Shaokwan. Nanking, too, is successively raided by Japanese planes. In the latter bombing three Chinese planes are shot down and seven planes on the ground are destroyed. 1937.10.07 — Japanese naval bombers again attack Canton and drop bombs on Tungshan, the Tienho aerodrome, and Whampoa on the Pearl River, where the naval torpedo works is demolished. 1937.10.07 — Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr., New York Republican, commenting on President Roosevelt's speech on aggressors, calls it "the most provocative, inflammatory and dangerous ever delivered by any American President." 1937.10.07 — An embargo on shipments of all kinds of war materials to Japan is proposed to the United States and British Governments by Mr. Henry Stimson, Secretary of State in the Hoover Administration, in a 4,000-word letter addressed to the editor of the New York Times. 1937.10.07 — The United States Government is pledged to participate in the proposed conference of signatories of the Nine-Power treaty regarding the Sino-Japanese hostilities, but it is authoritatively learned that it will refuse to impose sanctions on Italy, Germany, Japan or even the Soviet Union for allegedly launching an "epidemic of world lawlessness." 1937.10.08 — Prime Minister Chamberlain tells the annual national congress of the Conservative Party that Great Britain stands 100 per cent behind the declarations made by President Roosevelt in his recent Chicago speech denouncing aggressor nations. 1937.10.08 — The Soviet Embassy in Nanking declines to deny that the recent visit to Moscow of Ambassador Dimitri Bogomolov and Major-General E.D. Lapin, military attaché, was connected with a mission to secure Soviet military assistance for China, says an Associated Press report. 1937.10.09 — Italy considers Japan justified in its operations in China and will not be sparing in general support of Japan, the Italian Ambassador to Tokyo, Mr. Giacinto Auriti, states to Foreign Vice-Minister Kensuke Horinouchi. 1937.10.09 — Japan is acting only in self-defence in China and therefore is not violating the nine-Power treaty or the Kellogg-Briand anti-war pact, says the Foreign Office in a statement embodying its first formal comment on the treaty-violation charges in the resolution adopted by the Assembly of the League of Nations and the statement issued by the State Department in Washington. 1937.10.09 — On the eve of what is expected to be the final battle along the Peiping-Hankow Railway for control of Hopei Province, the Chinese have concentrated no less than 200,000 troops on the southern bank of the Puto River, north of Shihkiachwang. 1937.10.09 — The Ishiguro and Banzai detachments forming the Japanese vanguard in North China occupy the Shihkiachwang fortress. 1937.10.09 — The capture of Kwehsien, key town midway between Tatung and Taiyuan, the provincial capital of Shansi, is confirmed. 1937.10.09 — Firm determination to fight to the last man to safeguard national independence is urged on the Chinese people by General Chiang Kai-shek in a radio message broadcast through the Central Station in Nanking on the occasion of the Double Tenth Festival, the 26th anniversary of the completion of the nationalist revolutionary campaigns. 1937.10.09 — Casualties of the Japanese navy since the beginning of the China incident have been 1,533 men, while 59 planes have been lost, according to a Navy Office communique. During the same period, the Japanese navy sunk 18 Chinese naval vessels and destroyed some 250 aeroplanes. Japanese naval planes also bombed 28 aerodromes, 10 military arsenals and important points on various railways. 1937.10.09 — It is authoritatively reported that Premier Mussolini and Chancellor Hitler agreed in their recent Berlin conversations that Italy and Germany are ready to intervene in Spain if any European nation appears definitely to be headed toward Bolshevism. 1937.10.09 — China would welcome a peace move if it were started by Japan, according to a statement made by Dr. H.H. Kung, Chinese Minister of Finance, in an interview with the press on his arrival in Singapore from Europe. 1937.10.11 — Military attachés of six foreign nations stationed in Tokyo, including those of America and Britain, sail from Kobe for North China. 1937.10.11 — Lord McGowan, chairman of the British Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., issues a statement declaring that dumdum bullets of military-rifle calibre manufactured by his company have not been supplied either to China or Japan during the past three years. 1937.10.11 — The National Spiritual Mobilization campaign is started in Tokyo with the inaugural meeting of the central federation sponsoring the movement. The purpose of the movement is the successful attainment of Japan's national mission, Premier Konoe states in a congratulatory address before 3,000 persons in the Hibiya Public Hall. 1937.10.11 — The Belgian Government formally announces acceptance of the League's suggestion that the projected conference of signatories of the nine-Power treaty be held in Brussels. 1937.10.11 — Three motorcars belonging to the British Embassy in Nanking are attacked by Japanese naval planes in Shanghai on the highway two miles south of Minhang and 14 miles south of Shanghai. In them were the British assistant air attaché, First Lieutenant Sydney S. Murray, other members of the Embassy and a secretary of the Soviet Embassy, Mr. Skavov. All were on their way from Shanghai to Nanking. No one is wounded. 1937.10.11 — The Peiping Peace Maintenance Commission proclaims that, effective tomorrow, Peiping shall be known as Peking. 1937.10.12 — President Roosevelt virtually denies the likelihood of economic sanctions on the part of America against Japan, in a 75-minute talk broadcasted to the American people. 1937.10.13 — The Koito unit, pursuing Chinese troops to the west from Shihkiachwang along the Chengtai Railway, reaches the Hopei-Shansi border and is facing the enemy positions near Niangtzekwan. 1937.10.13 — The Canadian Government will join the nine-Power conference, Prime Minister W.T. MacKenzie King announces to the Powers. 1937.10.13 — The American Federation of Labour at its convention at Denver, Colorado, votes in favour of a nation-wide boycott of Japanese goods to protest against Japan's military operations in China. 1937.10.14 — Japanese forces attacking the Chinese in Suiyuan Province capture without difficulty the two cities of Kweihua and Suiyuanchen, the provincial capital. 1937.10.14 — Explaining Japan's stand in the current Sino-Japanese conflict, Ambassador Hiroshi Saito delivers an off-the-record speech at a meeting of the Press Club at Washington. 1937.10.13 — Prince and Princess Chichibu return to Japan after seven months abroad during which time Their Highnesses were Imperial proxies at the Coronation of King George VI and visited European and North American countries. 1937.10.13 — Foreign Minister Koki Hirota has cabled instructions to Ambassador Mamoru Shigemitsu at Moscow to open negotiations with the Kremlin for the formal signing of the revived Soviet-Japanese fishery treaty. 1937.10.13 — The British Government has sent a note to Tokyo protesting against the recent attack near Shanghai by a Japanese plane on motorcars belonging to the British Embassy in Nanking. 1937.10.13 — An earnest hope that Japanese silk will not be boycotted by the United States is voiced in a statement issued in New York by Mr. William Gooch, president of the National Association of Hosiery Manufacturers. 1937.10.13 — Father Boyle, 73, Danish missionary resident at Takushan near Antung, Manchoukuo, who was kidnapped by bandits on September 2, is rescued by Japanese troops from a bandit hideout near Hsiuyen in eastern Antung Province. 1937.10.16 — The Japan Iron Manufacturing Company drafts a new five-year plan whereby the production of pig iron is to be raised to 6,300,000 tons and that of steel to 5,000,000 tons a year by the end of 1941. 1937.10.16 — Mr. Norman H. Davis, President Roosevelt's ambassador-at-large, will head the American delegation to the forthcoming nine-Power conference, it is announced in Washington. Other members of the delegation are Mr. Stanley Hornbeck, former chief of the division of Far Eastern affairs, Mr. Jay Pierrepont Moffat, department expert, and Mr. Robert Pell and Mr. Charles Bohlem, both of the State Department. 1937.10.16 — William E. Dodd, Jr., son of the American Ambassador to Germany, announces that he will personally lead the nation-wide boycott campaign against Japanese goods, being sponsored jointly by the League against War and Fascism and the Manufacturers Boycott Committee. 1937.10.16 — The China Mail, Hongkong, publishes sensational reports that at least 50 foreign airmen, some of whom have seen action in Spain, have passed through Hongkong to join the Chinese air force at the front. 1937.10.17 — For the first time in the Shanghai hostilities, Japanese army and navy planes staged a joint attack on Chinese positions. 1937.10.17 — Senator William Borah, Republican of Idaho, Senator R.M. LaFollette, Progressive of Wisconsin, and Senator Walter F.D. George, Democrat of Georgia, all members of the Senate foreign committee, sharply denounce sanctions. Each separately warns that the United States must be prepared for war, if it joins another world Power in imposing sanctions against Japan. 1937.10.18 — The appeal of British labour for a boycott of Japanese goods has been fully approved by trade unionist organizations in the Dominions, the British Trades Union Council says in a statement published today. 1937.10.18 — The Extraordinary Electric Power Investigation Commission in the Communications Ministry unanimously agrees that a bill providing for State management of the electric power industry should be presented to the Diet in the next regular session. 1937.10.18 — Dr. Honumi Tanaka, president of Waseda University, sends a statement to American educational leaders in answer to accusations against Japan made last month by Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler, president of Columbia University. 1937.10.19 — The Italian Ambassador, Mr. Giacinto Auriti, calls on Foreign Vice-Minister Kensuke Horinouchi, with whom he exchanges views on the conference of signatories of the Washington nine-Power treaty opening in Brussels on October 30. Italy has received an invitation to the conference. 1937.10.19 — Diet members advise the Government to reject an invitation to the Brussels conference of signatories of the Washington nine-Power treaty. 1937.10.19 — The Board of Cabinet Councillors recently established by Premier Konoe, holds its first session. The ten members are: General Kazushige Ugaki; Mr. Chuji Machida; Admiral Nobumasa Suetsugu; Admiral Baron Kiyokazu Abo; Mr. Yonezo Maeda; General Baron Sadao Araki; Baron Seinosuke Goh; Mr. Kiyoshi Akita; Mr. Yosuke Matsuoka; and Mr. Seihin Ikeda. 1937.10.19 — The Kailan Mining Administration, a British-controlled concern operating coal mines in East Hopei, has proposed to sell the alumina clay from its mines to Japan. 1937.10.19 — Prince Teh, leader of the independence movement for Mongols, and General Li Shou-sin, commander of the Inner Mongolian forces fighting with the Japanese, call on the commander of Japanese army units at Paotow and congratulate him on the recent successful drive in Suiyuan. 1937.10.20 — Rear-Admiral Shigeyoshi Inoue is appointed Director of the Naval Affairs Bureau of the Navy Ministry in succession to Vice-Admiral Soetake Toyoda. 1937.10.20 — Mr. Mamoru Shigemitsu, Japanese Ambassador to Moscow, leaves on a trip to Berlin. 1937.10.21 — Japan is formally invited to attend the Brussels conference of the Washington nine-Power treaty and will reply after Government leaders have conferred. The invitation is presented to Foreign Minister Koki Hirota by Baron de Bassompierre, Belgian Ambassador to Tokyo. 1937.10.21 — Mr. Salmoon O. Levinson, known as the "father of the Kellogg peace pact," in an interview with the United Press at Chicago, declares that the Brussels conference is already doomed because actually it will not be a nine-Power conference. An attempt by any of the participating Powers to curb Japan would be not only futile but dangerous, he says. 1937.10.22 — Expressing deep concern over the developments in the Far East and hoping that the Powers of the world will find a peaceable solution of the conflict at the nine-Power conference, King George VI in his speech from the Throne formally opens the new session of Parliament. 1937.10.22 — In a surprise change, Marquis Koichi Kido, president of the Board of Peerage and Heraldry of the Imperial Household Department, is appointed Education Minister in succession to Mr. Eiji Yasui. 1937.10.23 — Certain units of the naval air force cross the ocean and stage another vigorous mass raid on Nanking, bombing all military establishments in and around the city. 1937.10.23 — From January 1, 1938, the maximum monthly imports of raw cotton have been fixed at 1,050,000 piculs, the Commerce and Industry Ministry announces. 1937.10.24 — Japanese forces in Shanghai make the largest gains of the 10-week campaign as the Chinese begin a general retreat along the entire front. The movement began yesterday morning with a general offensive by the Japanese against Tachangchen and Kiangwanchen. The retreat becomes general this morning as pressure increases. Certain enemy positions at Tachangchen are occupied at noon. 1937.10.24 — Hankow, capital of Hupeh Province and greatest Chinese military base on the upper reaches of the Yangtze, is attacked for the third time by Japanese naval planes. Nanchang, capital of Kiangsi Province, has been attacked by bombers the previous evening. 1937.10.24 — Italy is likely to join the Japanese-German anti-Comintern pact in the near future, it is reliably learned in Tokyo. 1937.10.25 — The Tanikawa unit of the Japanese army in Shanghai captures a commercial college south of Kiangwanchen and is attacking Kiangwanchen from the south along the Woosung-Shanghai Railway. Another force has crossed Tsoumatang Creek and reaches a point near Lochiatzu. 1937.10.25 — Dr. Oskar P. Trautmann, German Ambassador to China, calls on Japanese Ambassador Shigeru Kawagoe at his residence in Shanghai to exchange important information on the current situation. 1937.10.26 — Representatives of all the banners of Inner Mongolia open a three-day meeting at Suiyuan to discuss the establishment of a Mongolian Autonomous Government. Prince Yun, of the Central Banner of the Chaboda League in Suiyuan, is slated to become chairman of the new régime and Prince Teh, president of the Silingol League, to head the political department. General Li Shou-sin is to be appointed War Minister. 1937.10.26 — Dueto the tense political situation in Brussels, the Far Eastern conference of the nine-Power pact signatories, previously scheduled to open on October 30, is postponed until November 3. 1937.10.27 — Chenju and Kiangwan, which for two months have been Japanese objectives in the Shanghai area, fall before the advance of Japanese army units. The Shanghai-Nanking Railway is cut at two points. The naval landing party drives Chinese soldiers from Chapei, capturing the North Station and the junction of that railway with the Shanghai-Hangchow-Ningpo line. 1937.10.27 — Up to October 24, 9,640 Japanese soldiers and blue jackets had met death in action in North China and around Shanghai, according to the War Office. The known Chinese casualties, based on the bodies of dead and wounded abandoned on battlefields, are established at 105,970. The announcement adds that the Chinese are believed to have had 425,000 casualties. 1937.10.27 — Japan formally declines the Belgian invitation to take part in the conference of signatories of the nine-Power treaty in Brussels. 1937.10.28 — The Belgian Government extends formal invitations to Germany and the Soviet Union to assist in the deliberations of the Far Eastern Conference under the nine-Power pact. 1937.10.28 — The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Government changes the name Kweisui (Kweihua-Suiyuan), capital of Suiyuan Province, to a Mongolian name, Hohokota. 1937.10.29 — The German Government formally declines the Belgian invitation to take part in the forthcoming conference of signatories of the nine-Power treaty in Brussels on the ground that it is not a signatory to the agreement. 1937.10.30 — A resolution demanding an immediate movement for severance of diplomatic relations with Great Britain once and for all unless Britain modifies its unfriendly policy toward Japan is unanimously adopted at an emergency meeting of the Council on Current Affairs, composed of members of the House of Representatives. 1937.10.30 — Japanese units drive Chinese forces from the area east of the Tientsin-Pukow Railway, and gain control of Ningtsing in southern Hopei Province near the Shantung border, about 25 miles northeast of Tehchow. 1937.10.30 — Negotiations are concluded between the South Manchuria Railway Company and the Nissan interests in Tokyo whereby all heavy industry companies in Manchoukuo will be taken over by the Japan Industry Company. The latter will reorganize and establish a large special industrial company with headquarters at Hsinking, under the joint support of the Japanese and Manchoukuoan Governments. 1937.10.31 — The Japanese forces succeed in crossing the southern side of Soochow Creek and secure a strategic position from which to start a vigorous attack on the enemy on the second defence line connecting Nansiang with Kiating. 1937.10.31 — Japanese troops penetrating the plains of Shansi from the Hopei-Shansi border have gained complete mastery of the Pingting basin, to the east of Taiyuan. Sinhsingchen, 12 kilometres west of Yangchuan on the Shihkiachwang-Taiyuan Railway, is captured. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. V No. 4 (March 1937) --- (covers 1936.10.16 to 1937.01.17) 1936.10.16 — The Soviet Ambassador conveys to Foreign Minister Arita Moscow's reply to the Japanese-Manchoukuo counter-proposals regarding establishment of commissions to define the eastern Soviet-Manchoukuo border and handle incidents occurring along it. 1936.10.16 — The Takao District Court fines the captain of the Soviet freighter that entered the closed naval port of Bako 1,500 yen. 1936.10.16 — Japan's investments in Manchoukuo since the Manchurian incident amounted to 1,124,000,000 yen on October 10, announces the Manchurian Affairs Bureau, of which 685,000,000 yen were drawn from the Japanese money market by the South Manchuria Railway Company. In addition, the Government spent 1,067,328,000 yen as Manchurian incident expenditure up to the 1936-37 fiscal year. 1936.10.16 — The Brazilian economic mission sails for home from Kobe. 1936.10.16 — Five Japanese are learned to have reached the top of Nanda Kot, hitherto unscaled 22,530-foot Himalayan peak, on October 1. 1936.10.17 — The Dai Nippon Youth Party, formed by Colonel Kingoro Hashimoto, retired, is inaugurated. It is dedicated to the spreading of the doctrine of the Imperial Way and constructing a moral world. 1936.10.17 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against the firing by Soviet guards on a Manchoukuo outpost at Siaoyuanshan, three kilometres north of Manchuli. 1936.10.17 — Chiang Kai-shek holds a conference at Hangchow on the North China issue attended by General Han Fu-chu, Shantung leader, Nanking leaders and representatives of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council and the Suiyuan Provincial Government. 1936.10.17 — General Sung and Consul-General Tateki Horiuchi sign at Peiping an agreement providing for an air service between North China and Manchoukuo and Japan. 1936.10.18 — The Finance, Railway and Commerce and Industry Ministers agree in principle on State management of the electric power industry under private ownership. 1936.10.18 — China announces an agreement between its Communications Ministry and a French syndicate for construction of a railway between Chengtu and Chungking, Szechwan. 1936.10.18 — Abridged translations of Mr. Henry L. Stimson's The Far Eastern Crisis are given wide circulation as supplements to two monthly magazines, the Chuo Koron and the Kaizo. 1936.10.19 — The choice of Prince Chichibu as the Emperor's proxy to attend the coronation of King Edward VIII is announced by the Imperial Household Department. 1936.10.19 — Announcement is made in London of the appointment of Mr. W. M. Kirkpatrick, Parliament member, as representative in China of the Export Credits Guarantee Department. A denial is made of reports that Britain has concluded with China any loan or credit arrangement. 1936.10.19 — Illegal detention of two officers of the Japanese naval landing party in plain clothes on October 16 by Chinese police is revealed by the Japanese Embassy office in Shanghai. 1936.10.19 — The War Office announces the suicide of Captain Wataru Tanaka, who was involved in the February 26 incidents. 1936.10.19 — Reference to the establishment of air lines between Japan proper and the mandated islands in Tokyo's annual report to the Permanent Mandates Commission arouses comment in the United States. 1936.10.20 — The Cabinet approves State management of the electric power industry under private ownership, effective from the 1938-39 fiscal year. 1936.10.20 — President Matsuoka of the S.M.R. declares at Dairen that Japan must support Manchoukuo's industrial development or abandon the commercial policy it has followed since the Manchurian incident. 1936.10.20 — The Korean Industrial and Economic Investigation Committee, composed of officials and business leaders, holds its first meeting in Seoul to discuss the objectives of Korean industry. 1936.10.20 — General Chiang Kai-shek voices determination to strive for amicable solution of the Sino-Japanese crisis by diplomatic means at a meeting of the Executive Yuan. 1936.10.20 — Foreign Minister Arita informs Ambassador Yureneff of objections to four of the six proposals submitted by Moscow on the projected commissions for the eastern Soviet-Manchoukuo border. 1936.10.20 — The counsellor of the British Embassy in Peiping explains to Secretary Kato of the Japanese Embassy the reasons for stationing in China a representative of the Export Credits Guarantee Department. 1936.10.20 — India gives notice of its intent to terminate on March 31 its trade agreement with Japan, explaining that it wishes to protect its industries in the event of failure of the negotiations for a new agreement. 1936.10.20 — Ambassador Shigemitsu meets with officials and business men for discussion of Japanese rights in North Saghalien in preparation for his duties in Moscow. 1936.10.20 — The Japan Economic Federation adopts recommendations on control of imports and exports to submit to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 1936.10.21 — The Emperor assumes direction of the annual naval manoeuvres. 1936.10.21 — Modification of Japan's requests to China is predicted following reports that Ambassador Kawagoe is advising that insistence on their acceptance in the original form would result in rupture of the negotiations. 1936.10.21 — Representatives of electric power companies agree to continue opposition to State management of their industry, holding that the Government has not met their objections with only nominal changes in the original plan. 1936.10.21 — The fifth conversation of Ambassador Kawagoe and Foreign Minister Chang Chun is reported a failure, and the Japanese officials at Nanking decide to send Consul-General Suma to Tokyo to submit a report. 1936.10.23 — The Cabinet approves the naming of two committees of Ministers, one to prepare a plan for central administrative reforms and the other to outline improvements in local administration. The War Office indicates satisfaction. 1936.10.23 — Ambassador Kawagoe takes the initiative in seeking resumption of the negotiations with Foreign Minister Chang. 1936.10.23 — President Matsuoka of the S.M.R. arrives in Tokyo to negotiate with the Government and bankers on the finances of his company for the next fiscal year. 1936.10.23 — Prince Kinmochi Saionji, the Genro, celebrates quietly his 87th birthday. 1936.10.24 — Consul-General Suma arrives in Tokyo from Nanking to report to the Foreign Office on the Sino-Japanese negotiations. 1936.10.24 — The Jiji Shimpo claims that the Soviet Ambassador in China has hinted to Nanking that a Sino-Japanese accord against Communism might result in the loss to China of Sinkiang and Kansu. 1936.10.24 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry permits the Japan Iron Manufacturing Company to increase the prices of 44.60 yen a ton for pig iron to be used in making steel and of 47.50 yen for that to be used in casting to 50 yen. 1936.10.24 — The Japan Red Cross Society announces that 3,000 yen has been sent to the International Red Cross Committee for work in Spain. 1936.10.25 — Mr. Yang Yung-tai, pro-Japanese chairman of the Hupeh Provincial Government, is assassinated in Hankow. 1936.10.25 — Fourteen letter writers are rounded up in Tokyo. 1936.10.25 — Officials of the U.S. Bureau of Air Commerce indicate that no conflict of interests can be seen in the opening of air lines from Japan to the South Sea mandated islands and that such lines would be of little use in a war. 1936.10.26 — A Japanese shop in Taiyuan is ransacked by Chinese police, following which an anti-Japanese demonstration is staged in the city. 1936.10.26 — The sixth Kawagoe-Chang conversation at Nanking is reported to have resulted in no progress. 1936.10.26 — The Japanese garrison in North China starts manoeuvres that will last ten days. 1936.10.26 — Rome observers see a possibility of a united front among Japan, Germany and Italy against Communism because of an editorial by Mr. Virgirio Gayda stating that Japan's views and purposes regarding Communism are similar to those of Italy and Germany. 1936.10.27 — Consul-General Suma starts back to Nanking from Tokyo with instructions on the Sino-Japanese negotiations. 1936.10.27 — The French Embassy in Tokyo denies to the Foreign Office the press reports of activities by the French Ambassador in China in connection with the Sino-Japanese talks and hopes that the press will correct them. 1936.10.27 — The Finance Ministry announces higher rates for the sugar consumption tax and institution of a tax on wheat plants expected to yield an additional 18,000,000 yen in revenue yearly. 1936.10.27 — Announcement is made in London that the commander of the British naval forces in China waters has postponed a scheduled visit to Japan for reasons that are being investigated locally, referring to trouble at Keelung on October 8 involving British sailors. 1936.10.27 — A Soviet army plane flying over Manchoukuo makes a forced landing, and one of its two occupants is detained. 1936.10.26 — The Kwantung Army announces that Soviet troops yesterday invaded Manchoukuo and fired on a frontier patrol unit west of Lake Hankai. 1936.10.26 — Tokyo police seize copies of the September 26 Literary Digest because of an article disrespectful to the Imperial Family. 1936.10.28 — The U.S. Fisheries Commissioner at Seattle says that Japanese fishermen are threatening the existence of Alaskan salmon by operating outside the three-mile limit at Bristol Bay. 1936.10.28 — Premier Hirota, admitting that the tax increases and other reform projects may have far-reaching effects, voices hope that the people will regard them with full comprehension of the circumstances making them necessary and co-operate with the Government, which is determined, he says, to overcome every obstacle in the way of reforms. 1936.10.28 — Japan's consul-general in Tsingtao protests against the shipment of 8,000,000 yuan of silver to Nanking. 1936.10.28 — The Washington Post criticises the manoeuvres of the Japanese garrison in North China, regarding them as meant to bring pressure on Nanking to yield to Japan's proposals. 1936.10.28 — The Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolian conference at Manchuli holds its first business meeting and encounters complications regarding procedure. 1936.10.28 — An Outer Mongolian delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Amor, arrives in Moscow on a good-will visit. 1936.10.28 — President Claudius Murchison tells the Cotton Textile Institute that a mission is being sent to Japan to try to arrange a voluntary adjustment of Japanese cotton textile exports to the U.S. 1936.10.28 — General Chiang Kai-shek says in an interview at Sian that recovery of administrative rights in Hopei and adjustment of conditions in northern Chahar and eastern Suiyuan constitute the most pressing questions facing China. 1936.10.28 — General Han Fu-chu says in an interview at Tsinan that he still advocates Sino-Japanese co-operation. 1936.10.28 — A formal protest is made to General Yen Hsi-shan against the police raid on a Japanese shop at Taiyuan. 1936.10.28 — Foreign Secretary Eden declares in the House of Commons that the British Government hopes that the Sino-Japanese negotiations will lead to a general easing of the tension in the Far East. 1936.10.29 — Officials of the Overseas Ministry, opposing the army's plan for its reduction to a bureau, propose that it take over the Manchurian Affairs Bureau. 1936.10.29 — The 1936 naval manoeuvres end with a review before the Emperor. 1936.10.31 — Nanking makes representations to the Japanese Ambassador regarding the manoeuvres of the Japanese garrison in North China, which are said to infringe on Chinese sovereignty. 1936.10.31 — The 2nd Special District Court, Shanghai, frees the only suspect held for examination in connection with the shooting of three Japanese sailors on September 23. 1936.10.31 — The Manchoukuo Foreign Office issues a statement asserting that the Soviet plane which flew over Manchoukuo territory north of Manchuli and made a forced landing on October 17 was deliberately sent out for scouting. 1936.10.31 — Members of the Labour and Farmers Council protest to the director of the Metropolitan Police Board's higher special service against the severity of control over public speeches. 1936.10.31 — Mr. Heikichi Ogawa, former Railway Minister, enters prison to serve his two-year term for complicity in a railway scandal. 1936.10.31 — Regular radiophone service is inaugurated between the United States and the Japanese trans-Pacific liner Chichibu Maru. 1936.10.31 — Consul-General Suma returns to Nanking from Tokyo with instructions on the Sino-Japanese negotiations. 1936.10.31 — Ambassador Kawagoe protests to Nanking against the Taiyuan shop incident. 1936.10.31 — Announcement is made at Hsinking of the return by Outer Mongolia of the bodies of eleven Japanese soldiers killed in action last spring near Taonan. 1936.10.31 — High officials of the Foreign Office and envoys on furlough meet to discuss the situation developing in Europe between the Fascist States and the U.S.S.R. 1936.10.31 — Mr. Robert Randolph Bruce arrives in Tokyo to present his credentials as Canadian Minister. 1936.10.31 — Mr. Shingo Uchida, former Railway Minister, goes to the procurators' office for questioning in connection with a scandal that took place while he was Minister. A contribution from contractors to the Shinsei Club, his political organization, is alleged to have been a bribe. 1936.11.01 — A Japanese legation is opened in Helsingfors, consulates-general in Tsintshar and Amoy, and a consulate in Santos, Brazil. 1936.11.01 — The 1,368-ton destroyer Yukaze is launched in Osaka. 1936.11.02 — A Japanese resident of Changsha is attacked and seriously wounded by an unidentified Chinese. 1936.11.02 — General Yen Hsi-shan declares to the press that Nanking is determined to repel any armed invasion, even if life must be sacrificed. 1936.11.02 — General Sung Che-yuan declares at a luncheon in honour of Lieutenant-General Tashiro that the rumour that Japan intends to invade North China is a misunderstanding and denies that the Hopei-Chahar Political Council has reached a secret agreement with the Japanese. 1936.11.02 — Manchoukuo charges the U.S.S.R. with violating the waterways agreement by erecting beacons on Manchoukuo territory along the Amur and Argun Rivers. 1936.11.03 — Chief Secretary Ando of the Seiyukai warns the Finance Minister that the budget will face trouble in the Diet unless the additional revenue from increased taxes is allotted to stabilisation of the national livelihood as well as to defence. 1936.11.03 — The Emperor grants a message to the Ex-Servicemen's Association voicing expectation that its members will serve the Imperial trust by obeying the Imperial instructions. 1936.11.03 — Two gunboats move up the Yangtse from Hankow because of yesterday's anti-Japanese incident at Changsha. 1936.11.03 — Shanghai reports say that leaders of the Chinese Communist Army have proposed to Nanking that a compromise be reached and an "anti-Japanese national front" be established. 1936.11.03 — The Shanghai police order a Chinese-owned news agency actively spreading news inimical to Japan and Manchoukuo to suspend business. 1936.11.03 — Canton hears that Kwangsi, Kweichow, Szechwan and Yunnan are planning an anti-Japanese bloc in opposition to General Chiang Kai-shek. 1936.11.03 — Nanking is sent a telegram by 46 educators in Hopei urging any move for secession of Hopei from China. 1936.11.03 — Travellers reaching Tsuruga from Vladivostok bring the news that Mr. Kaichiro Naka, clerk of the Vladivostok Steamship Company, who was arrested on July 1 near a fortified zone, was sentenced to death by a court-martial on October 13. 1936.11.03 — Opening Parliament, King Edward voices hope that Japan and China will soon agree on a satisfactory solution of their differences. 1936.11.03 — Japan's 1936 wheat crop is estimated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at 8,961,784 koku, less than 22 per cent. than in 1935, but more by 11.9 per cent. than the average for the previous five years. 1936.11.04 — An eight-day celebration to mark completion of the new Diet building is opened. 1936.11.04 — The army's administrative reform plan is shown to participants in the so-called Five-Minister and Four-Minister conferences at their first meeting. 1936.11.04 — Seiyukai and Minseito leaders, meeting separately, decide to reject interference by the army in politics and to question the War Minister on press reports of reform opinions in certain sections of the army. 1936.11.04 — The army issues a pamphlet, Replenishment of Army Armaments and the Spirit in which it is to be Effected, in which it is declared that the time has come when all obstacles to replenishment of military strength must be overcome, regardless of sacrifices. 1936.11.04 — Japanese official and business circles indicate satisfaction at the re-election of President Roosevelt. 1936.11.04 — The Kwantung Army receives a report from border guards telling of the confession of a captured bandit leader that communist bandits have been receiving munitions and funds from the U.S.S.R. 1936.11.04 — Protests are lodged in Moscow and Vladivostok against the death sentence for a Japanese arrested in Vladivostok for alleged espionage. 1936.11.04 — Japanese residents in Ningsia Province are urged by the Chinese authorities to withdraw because of the growing menace from communist troops. 1936.11.04 — Mr. Shingo Uchida, Railway Minister in the Okada Cabinet, is indicted on a bribery charge. 1936.11.04 — An exhibition of Japanese fashions and dress materials opens in Berlin. 1936.11.04 — Japanese-German economic relations are normal because political divergencies do not exist, Dr. Otto Kiep, leader of the German economic mission to Manchoukuo, tells the German-Japan Society in Berlin. 1936.11.05 — A Japanese clerk is stabbed in Shanghai by an unidentified Chinese. 1936.11.05 — The director of the foreign affairs section of the Formosan Government-General issues a statement based on police data denying foreign press charges that three British sailors were mistreated in Keelung on October 8. 1936.11.05 — Foreign Secretary Eden again voices hope in the House of Commons that Sino-Japanese relations will be placed on a stable and friendly footing. 1936.11.05 — Leaving for Moscow, Ambassador Shigemitsu says that creation of an atmosphere favourable to the conclusion of a non-aggression agreement is more important than an agreement itself, which Japan still considers premature. Withdrawal of the Soviet Far Eastern Army is the greatest pending question between Japan and the U.S.S.R., he says, and it is hoped that the Soviets can be induced to take the initiative in this. 1936.11.05 — Siam gives formal notice of abrogation of its commercial agreement with Japan, which is to be replaced by a new treaty. 1936.11.05 — Arrangements are made to organize a Japanese-Brazilian Enterprise Council under the auspices of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 1936.11.06 — The War Minister tells the Cabinet that the army does not hold the views on reform of the Diet attributed to it in current reports. It wants the will of the people represented correctly, the authority of the Diet in accordance with the Constitution respected and the parliamentary politics proper to Japan developed. Indignation is reported in the army at the version of General Terauchi's words published by the Cabinet, declaring it to be exaggerated. 1936.11.06 — The Diet System Inquiry Commission decides to ask Premier Hirota to explain the Government's basic policy on reorganization of the Diet because of confusing reports of its reform intentions. 1936.11.06 — Education Minister Hirota formally submits to the Cabinet his plan for increasing from six years to eight the term of compulsory education. 1936.11.06 — Governor Eigo Fukai of the Bank of Japan is quoted as saying that there is no need to worry over the decline in the market price of 6.51 per cent. Government bonds, one issue of which has dropped to five sen below its issue price of 98 yen. The demand for bonds is expected to increase as Government funds are distributed through purchases. 1936.11.06 — The protocol remaining in force the rules for submarine warfare laid down in the 1930 naval treaty is signed in London by Japan, Britain, the U.S., France, Italy, the British Dominions and India. 1936.11.06 — The Foreign Office spokesman voices surprise that his remarks on the Keelung affair on October 30 were considered provocative by the British, for he had spoken with reluctance only after the affair had been given prominence in the British press. Anglo-Japanese friendship must be promoted, he declares, and "pin-pricking" tactics avoided. 1936.11.06 — The British Ambassador notifies Foreign Vice-Minister Horinouchi of the results of the British official investigation of the Keelung affair. 1936.11.06 — The British Cotton Trade League adopts a resolution advising the Government not to participate in an international currency conference unless Japan takes part. 1936.11.06 — The Canadian customs authorities are urged to increase the duties on habatai silk from Japan. 1936.11.06 — Japanese cotton textile interests show little enthusiasm over the reported intention of the U.S. Secretary of Labour to call a conference of the principal textile nations to discuss establishment of the 40-hour week, better labour conditions and adjustment of quotas and import duties. Fear is voiced that the aim would be to check Japanese textiles. 1936.11.06 — The Japan-to-Latin America Export Guild calls attention to the harmful effect on trade with Japan of export control laws in Ecuador, Venezuela and other Latin American countries. 1936.11.06 — Abolition of discriminatory treatment of immigrants from Asia is provided for in a bill presented to the Brazilian Federal Trade Council by the agricultural bureau of the State of Sao Paulo. 1936.11.07 — The new Diet building is formally opened. 1936.11.07 — Non-parliamentary members of the Minseito decide to start a movement for protection of constitutionalism and ask non-parliamentary members of the Seiyukai to join them in a united front. 1936.11.07 — President Adachi of the Kokumin Domei assails the Government's secrecy regarding the Sino-Japanese negotiations in addressing a meeting of his party. 1936.11.07 — Workers of Japanese-owned cotton mills in Shanghai threaten to strike in sympathy with strikers in Chinese-owned mills. 1936.11.07 — Lieutenant-Colonel Imai warns the Hopei-Chahar Political Council against the threatened recrudescence of anti-Japanese agitation by students. 1936.11.09 — The War and Navy Vice-Ministers explain to the four-Minister conference the administrative reform desires of the services and indicate that improvements on their plans will not be rejected. Hope is voiced that an organ for synthesis of national policies will be realized within the year. 1936.11.09 — The population of Japan proper during the year ending October 1 increased by 1,004,014, making a total of 70,114,300, according to the Cabinet Statistics Bureau. 1936.11.09 — Mr. Roy Howard, starting back to the U.S. from Manila after a visit to China, states that Japanese aggression in China seems to have reached its peak, for China is ready to offer armed resistance. 1936.11.09 — Japanese cotton-mill owners in Shanghai agree to give striking workers a 3 per cent. increase in wages. Agents of the Chinese Communist Party are blamed for the trouble. 1936.11.09 — The League's Mandates Commission begins examination of Japan's annual report on its mandated islands. Attention is attracted by reference to an air service to be opened between Japan and the islands. 1936.11.09 — The German Ambassador, Dr. Herbert von Dirksen, returns from furlough in Berlin. 1936.11.09 — Manchoukuo decrees regulations for allotment of land, protection, hygiene and transportation for immigrants from Japan. 1936.11.12 — Ambassador Kawagoe and Foreign Minister Chang Chun hold their seventh meeting on adjustment of relations, after which the Japanese Embassy announces that appreciable progress was made on certain points. 1936.11.12 — The Soviet Ambassador in China, prior to leaving for Moscow, voices hope in Shanghai that the Sino-Japanese negotiations for adjustment of relations will prove successful. 1936.11.12 — Tientsin reports claim progress towards economic development of North China as a result of General Sung Che-yuan's talks with Japanese officials. 1936.11.12 — The Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolian conference at Manchuli is postponed indefinitely because of the failure of the Outer Mongolian delegation. 1936.11.12 — Riga reports that plans for closer military co-operation between the U.S.S.R. and Outer Mongolia are being worked out by leaders of both Governments at Moscow. 1936.11.12 — Consolidation of peace and order in Jehol and Chinchow Provinces, Manchoukuo, is claimed by the headquarters of the Sunki detachment following operations against bandits. 1936.11.12 — The 250-kilometre railway connecting Hsinmintun and Yihsien, Chinchow Province, Manchoukuo, is provisionally opened to traffic. 1936.11.12 — Sir Henry Gullett announces that the negotiations for settlement of the Japanese-Australian trade controversy will be resumed tomorrow. 1936.11.17 — The German Ambassador attracts notice by calling on Premier Hirota to "discuss various matters." 1936.11.17 — The examination committee of the Privy Council starts work on the Japanese-Soviet fishery convention. 1936.11.17 — The Finance Ministry raises tobacco prices, the average increase being about 20 per cent. The added revenue is estimated at 25,000,000 yen in the next fiscal year and 31,000,000 yen in subsequent years. 1936.11.17 — A Japanese seaman, Mr. Yasuji Takaai, is killed by an unidentified Chinese gunman on a Shanghai street. 1936.11.17 — The chairman of the Tsingtao Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry arrives in Kobe to file a petition with the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the protection of Japanese rights in Tsingtao. 1936.11.17 — Mr. Li Yu-hao, chairman of the economic committee of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council, says in Shanghai that General Chiang Kai-shek, whom he met in Loyang, is willing to allow a Sino-Japanese rapprochement in North China if it does not interfere with China's sovereignty. 1936.11.17 — General Feng Chi-an, Commander of the 37th Division and reportedly anti-Japanese, is appointed acting chairman of the Hopei Provincial Government. 1936.11.17 — Foreign Secretary Eden informs the House of Commons that goods being smuggled into North China have decreased markedly in volume. 1936.11.17 — The Japan Tourist Industry Federation is organized, consolidating 100 tourists bodies in all parts of the country. 1936.11.17 — Mr. Nicholas Roosevelt, former Vice-Governor of the Philippines, declares in a speech at Springfield, Massachusetts, that Japan covets the Philippines and that a Pacific war is likely unless the U.S. abandons them before 1944. 1936.11.12 — The German Ambassador confers with Foreign Ministers Arita and Vice-Minister Horinouchi on a matter that is not revealed but is regarded as important. 1936.11.12 — Informal announcement of naval personnel changes to be effected December 1 show that Vice-Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai, Yokosuka commandant, will command the Combined Fleet, Vice-Admiral Gengo Yoshida the 2nd Fleet and Vice-Admiral Kiyoshi Hasegawa, Navy Vice-Minister, the 3rd Fleet, stationed in China waters. Vice-Admiral Sankichi Takahashi is to become a member of the Supreme War Council, and Vice-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is to be Vice-Minister. 1936.11.12 — Three thousand makers of knitted goods meet in Tokyo to protest against the 10 per cent. tax increase to be levied on their products. 1936.11.12 — General Sung Che-yuan, returning to Peiping from talks in Tientsin, says relations between Chinese and Japanese officials in North China are steadily improving. 1936.11.12 — The International Labour Conference adopts a resolution calling for a permanent League of Nations commission to study Asiatic labour problems. 1936.11.13 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces that the rice crop as of October 10 is estimated at 66,884,961 koku, 21.3 per cent. higher than last year's actual crop and 12.2 per cent. higher than the average for the previous five years. 1936.11.13 — The ban is lifted on news of the indictment of a police chief and three detectives in Kanagawa Prefecture for torturing men suspected of violating the election law. 1936.11.13 — The Finance Ministry is said to have approved funds for raising the Legation in Warsaw to an Embassy. 1936.11.13 — The U.S. Navy Department consents to a recommendation by the Chief of Army Engineers that a seaplane base be constructed on Midway Island, which arouses interest in Japan. Though said to be primarily commercial, the defence value of the project is admitted. 1936.11.14 — Mr. Ichiro Hatoyama, Seiyukai leader, charges the Government with deviating from the truth in its claim that the tax burdens are being made more equitable and assails the rumoured views in the army that the powers of the Diet should be curtailed. 1936.11.14 — Three ordinances are promulgated pertaining to the law for protective surveillance of thought offenders. 1936.11.14 — Consul-General Suma protests at Nanking the killing of a Japanese seaman in Shanghai on November 11 and requests an early arrest of the assassin. 1936.11.14 — Proposals for ensuring the safety of Japanese residents are presented to the Shanghai Municipal Council by the Japanese consul-general. 1936.11.14 — Most of the striking workers in Japanese-owned cotton mills in Shanghai return to work. 1936.11.14 — The U.S. War Department announces that army engineers have recommended the construction of a $1,000,000 air base on Wake Island. 1936.11.14 — The Soviets are reported to have commuted to ten years' imprisonment the death sentence given Mr. Kaichiro Naka, a Japanese resident of Vladivostok, for alleged espionage. 1936.11.15 — The Diet System Inquiry Commission is not satisfied with Premier Hirota's explanation of the Diet reform proposals attributed to the army and requests that arrangements be made for the War Minister to appear before it for questioning. 1936.11.15 — The four-Minister conference agrees in principle to the proposal of the War and Navy Ministers that a board be established to formulate national policies. 1936.11.15 — Representatives of fifteen major guilds of traders and manufacturers adopt a resolution opposing the Government's plan to impose an export tax. 1936.11.15 — The Foreign Office is informed from Sydney that the Australian Government has accepted in principle the Japanese proposal for concluding a barter agreement linking Japanese cotton textiles and Australian wool. 1936.11.17 — The Finance Ministry is said to have approved in principle the army's six-year defence programme, costing 3,500,000,000 yen. 1936.11.17 — Finance Ministry officials decide to tax Japanese securities in foreign currencies to lower the yield on Government bonds to 4.2 per cent. and on other bonds to 4.7 per cent., tax property in excess of 50,000 yen at .15 per cent. for juristic persons and .10 per cent. for individuals, and to include in taxable inheritances all money from insurance in excess of 3,000 yen. 1936.11.17 — Opposition to the Hirota Cabinet's tax increases based on the Fascist idea is resolved at a Seiyukai mass meeting in Toyama. 1936.11.17 — The naval authorities, dissatisfied with the Finance Ministry's curtailment to 600,000,000 yen of their original estimate of 770,000,000 yen for the 1937-38 fiscal year, decide to press for an additional 65,000,000 yen. 1936.11.17 — The Minister of Commerce and Industry tells the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry that suspension of reckless competition among manufacturers and exporters is important for the development of foreign trade and declares that his Ministry is seeking to industrialise provincial districts. 1936.11.17 — Mr. Chokuro Kadono, president of the Japanese-American Trade Council of Tokyo, sends to the 23rd annual convention of the American Foreign Trade Council a message in which he advises that greater attention be given to minor items in Japanese-American trade to prevent them from becoming a source of friction. 1936.11.17 — The Soviet Ambassador and Foreign Minister Arita arrive at no conclusion in another conversation on the Soviet-Manchoukuo border commissions, but the Ambassador says he will ask Moscow for fresh instructions. 1936.11.17 — The Kyowakai, all-embracing Manchoukuo political party, announces the appointment of General Kenkichi Uyeda, commander of the Kwantung Army, as its supreme adviser, assisted by three Manchoukuo and four Japanese ordinary advisers and nine Japanese and two Manchoukuo councillors. 1936.11.17 — Mr. Li Ssu-hao, chairman of the economic committee of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council, says on returning to Peiping from Nanking that the Nanking authorities seem willing to agree to any proposals for economic development of North China that will benefit the local populace. 1936.11.17 — The Shanghai cotton-mill strike situation is aggravated by an attack on a Japanese mill by locked-out Chinese workers, following which the Japanese authorities file representations with the Chinese authorities. 1936.11.17 — The International Labour Office's permanent committee on migrations adopts two Japanese resolutions, one calling for simplification of passport formalities for migrating workers and the other for study of the problem of equality in international labour movements. 1936.11.18 — The Privy Council approves the fishery convention with the U.S.S.R. 1936.11.18 — Foreign Secretary Eden tells a questioner in the House of Commons that Britain continues to support the nine-Power treaty's guarantee of the integrity of China and is communicating with other signatories regarding the effects of Japanese policy on the treaty's provisions. 1936.11.18 — Navy Secretary Swanson declares the U.S. will not take the initiative in upsetting the status quo of Pacific fortifications but will not overlook any challenge from others. 1936.11.18 — The Finance Ministry is said to have decided on establishment of a double tariff system, levying additional duties on goods from countries with which Japan has no trade treaties. 1936.11.18 — The Cement Association decides to curtail cement production, now at 40.1 per cent. of capacity, to 17 per cent. of capacity for three months from December 1. 1936.11.19 — The Foreign Commissariat informs Charge d'Affaires Sako in Moscow that the Japanese-Soviet fishery convention cannot be signed tomorrow, the scheduled date, because the Government has been unable to complete the necessary procedure. Suspicion is aroused that the signing is being delayed because of the coming Japanese-German accord against the Comintern. 1936.11.19 — Dr. Charles T. Murchison, head of the cotton textile mission being sent to Japan, says at a meeting in Chicago of the American-Japanese Trade Council that Japanese textile imports into the U.S., if allowed to go on expanding at the present rate, will dominate the American market in the next decade and advocates a mutual rather than a unilateral solution. 1936.11.19 — Mr. W. Cameron Forbes, former Ambassador to Tokyo, tells the American-Japanese Trade Council that something must be done to limit imports from Japan. He charges that Japan is ignoring the open door policy in Manchuria. 1936.11.19 — Counsellor Seiyu Yoshizawa, speaking in Chicago, declares that Japan wishes to stimulate trade by trying to abolish or reduce tariff and other barriers wherever possible and advises direct contacts between Japanese and American private interests to solve differences. 1936.11.19 — The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry adopts resolutions opposing the Government's plans for a sales tax and State management of the electric power industry and favouring promotion of smaller business and industrial enterprises. 1936.11.19 — Mr. Andre Japy, French flier attempting a flight from Paris to Tokyo, crashes in a fog in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu. 1936.11.20 — Admiral Saburo Hyakutake, retired, takes office as Grand Chamberlain to the Emperor in succession to Admiral Kantaro Suzuki. 1936.11.20 — Collapse of a dam at Ozaruzawa, mining town in Akita Prefecture, takes about 230 lives and damages much property. 1936.11.20 — An agreement is reached that the War Minister will attend an informal gathering of the Diet System Inquiry Commission to explain the army's views on the Diet reforms. 1936.11.20 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reaches an agreement with foreign oil companies providing that they will meet the requirement that a six-month supply of oil be stored by letting the storage of half this amount, for which they lack facilities, be done by the Mitsui interests, which will construct the tanks and in return receive all of the Government's storage subsidy and certain distribution rights. 1936.11.20 — Ambassador Saito tells a group of American textile manufacturers in New York that many of Japan's recent activities in the Far East are to be explained by solicitude over the problem of communist inroads and that Japan is seeking a state of world equilibrium through industrial and trade expansion. 1936.11.20 — Settlement is announced in Washington of tax claims against two Japanese shipping lines, the Nippon Yusen Kaisha and the Osaka Shosen Kaisha. 1936.11.20 — Kwantung Army commanders meeting in Hsinking discuss the Suiyuan situation, which they decide to watch closely. 1936.11.20 — The Shanghai strike shows signs of spreading to Japanese-owned cotton mills in Tientsin. 1936.11.21 — The Foreign Office issues a statement denying the charge that Japan is supporting the Inner Mongolian army in its operations in Suiyuan. 1936.11.21 — The Kuomintang issues a statement implying that Japan is supporting the Mongols and asserting that "intruders" must be wiped out. 1936.11.21 — The Foreign Exchange Control Commission approves revision of the exchange regulations to provide for control of orders of payment between Japan and other countries on the same basis as foreign exchange bills, permission being required for remittances, buying of foreign currencies, et cetera, in excess of 1,000 yen yearly. 1936.11.21 — The Manchurian Affairs Bureau announces that the Industrial Bank of Manchoukuo is being established to promote the development of industries and strengthen the currency and banking systems of the new State. 1936.11.21 — Mr. Yutaro Tomita, financial commissioner for New York, London and Paris, is relieved of his position in order to become president of the Industrial Bank of Manchoukuo and is succeeded by Mr. Shinji Arakawa, director of the Finance Ministry's exchange control bureau. 1936.11.21 — The Finance Ministry announces the new income tax schedule, showing a 10 per cent. increase at the lowest level and a 75 per cent. increase at the top. Compared with the present average of a little less than 5 per cent. of incomes, the new rates give an average of a little more than 7 per cent. The gains are expected to add 40 per cent. to the revenue from this source. 1936.11.21 — The Government announces regulations for the new Autonomous Rice Control Commission, headed by the Premier. 1936.11.21 — The Italian Ambassador calls at the Foreign Office to report his Government's recognition of the rightist regime in Spain. 1936.11.21 — The Tainan District Court rejects the appeal of the procurators that the Soviet ship that entered the Bako fortified zone in August be punished by more than a fine of 1,500 yen, to which the Takao Local Court sentenced it. 1936.11.21 — Mr. George Bronson Rea, former counsellor to the Manchoukuo Foreign Office, dies in Baltimore. 1936.11.22 — The Finance Ministry fixes the 1937-38 budget at 3,040,000,000 yen after the War and Navy Ministries accept a combined reduction of about 200,000,000 yen in their original estimates. The deficit bond issue is estimated at 850,000,000 yen for the general accounts. The total is higher by 750,000,000 yen than the current working budget of 2,310,000,000 yen. The army is receiving 720,000,000 yen and the navy 686,000,000 yen, or together 46 per cent. of the total. 1936.11.22 — President Machida of the Minseito tells a party rally that Japan must frame a definite policy towards the U.S.S.R. before it can stabilise the situation in East Asia. 1936.11.23 — The International Settlement and French Concession police in Shanghai arrest scores of Chinese agitators working against Japan. 1936.11.24 — Finance Minister Baba tells the press in explaining the new budget that Japan will need a semi-wartime economic system during the next few years and that it should be controlled by an economic general staff. He denies that undue emphasis has been given to defence in the budget. 1936.11.24 — The Manchurian Affairs Bureau announces that the new Industrial Bank of Manchoukuo will take over 10 branches of the Bank of Chosen, the Manchuria Bank, Mukden, and its 9 branches and the Seiyu Bank, Dairen, and its 21 branches. The Bank of Chosen is to receive an indemnity of about 13,000,000 yen. 1936.11.24 — The Mitsubishi Mining Company states that it is giving 1,000,000 yen to the survivors of the Ozaruzawa flood, caused by a break in a dam owned by the company. 1936.11.24 — Japanese and Soviet troops clash north of Pogranichaya, and both sides are believed to have suffered casualties. 1936.11.24 — The fighting in Suiyuan goes against the Mongols with the capture of their capital, Pailingmiao, by the Chinese. 1936.11.24 — Finance Minister H. H. Kung signs an agreement for repayment of the defaulted 735,000-yuan loan of the Sino-Japanese Industrial Corporation to the Hankow Paper Manufacturing Company. 1936.11.24 — Sir Frederick Leith-Ross, addressing the Royal Empire Society, London, says Britain has no desire to intensify Japan's economic troubles but cannot allow its own industries to be upset. He hopes Anglo-Japanese co-operation can be achieved and considers a stable China the best solution for Japan's difficulties. 1936.11.24 — Mr. John Curtin, Labour leader, assails the Australian Government in the House of Representatives for its trade policies towards neighbouring Powers of the Pacific. 1936.11.25 — Japan and Germany sign in Berlin an agreement to co-operate in fighting the communist menace by setting up a joint committee and keeping each other closely informed of all Comintern activities. 1936.11.25 — The Foreign Office issues a statement on the anti-Comintern accord, outlining the aggravation of the communist menace and denying that the agreement with Germany goes beyond what has been printed and that it is aimed at the U.S.S.R. 1936.11.25 — Leaders of the political parties, excepting the chief secretary of the Social Mass Party, who thinks Japan should combat Communism in its own manner, praise the anti-Comintern accord. 1936.11.25 — Despite a declaration by the counsellor of the Japanese Embassy in Berlin that the Japanese-German accord contains no implications of activity outside the boundaries of the two countries, critics attach importance to the alleged lack of geographical limits to its application. 1936.11.25 — Rome welcomes the Japanese-German agreement, pointing to its own anti-Communist understanding with Berlin. 1936.11.25 — Britain indicates that it has no intention of joining the anti-Comintern movement. France shows concern at the Japanese-German pact. 1936.11.25 — Manchoukuo is notified by Germany that Dr. Karl Knoll is being appointed the first German trade commissioner to open an office in Hsinking. 1936.11.25 — Foreign Secretary Eden tells a questioner in the House of Commons that no information has been received showing that Japanese troops have occupied Chahar or Suiyuan. 1936.11.25 — The Australian Government is warned in the House of Representatives that the wool growers and traders will not remain patient much longer unless the trade dispute with Japan is ended. 1936.11.25 — Dr. Giuseppe Tucci, member of the Royal Academy in Rome, arrives in Tokyo to lecture as the second Italian exchange professor sent to Japan. 1936.11.26 — The Government decides to lower the interest rate on postal savings deposits from 3 per cent. to 2.64 per cent. from April 1. 1936.11.26 — A Soviet-Japanese clash south of Changkufeng, on the northeastern frontier of Pinkiang Province, results in casualties on both sides. 1936.11.26 — The War Office announces indictment of Lieutenant-General Harushiko Uyemura, former director of army ordnance, on charges of having accepted bribes. 1936.11.27 — The Cabinet approves the 3,041,000,000-yen budget without the traditional last-minute representations for additional sums. Finance Minister Baba reportedly asserts that there will be no new tax increases and that the deficit bond issues will not exceed 1,000,000,000 yen in the next five years. Formal approval is given to his plan for control by the Finance Ministry over insurance and trust companies, bourses and other institutions to facilitate the Government's bond policy and for establishment of a monetary council to assist him in an advisory capacity. 1936.11.27 — The Finance Ministry announces that tariff rates are being revised to increase revenue by 40,000,000 yen, that an ad valorem duty of 25 per cent. is to be imposed on imports and exports to provide funds for compiling better trade statistics and that an export control law will be adopted, accompanied by permission for an ad valorem duty of 1 per cent. on some exports to give funds for use in promoting trade. 1936.11.27 — Nanking announces that it is convinced that it can eradicate Communism from China entirely by its own efforts and that no need is seen for foreign assistance. 1936.11.27 — The strike in Japanese-owned cotton mills in Tsingtao seems settled when the workers accept a compromise arranged by Mayor Shen Hung-leh providing, inter alia, a 3 per cent. increase in wages, but the workers later reverse their acceptance. 1936.11.27 — The Kwantung Army issues a statement expressing sympathy with the Inner Mongolian cause and warning that strong measures will be taken if Manchoukuo's borders are threatened by the Red menace. 1936.11.27 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies that the Japanese-Italian negotiations have anything to do with Communism or the Japanese-German accord. 1936.11.27 — The French Foreign Minister tells the Chamber's foreign affairs commission that the Japanese-German accord has created an ideological problem for all nations and must not be considered similar to the Franco-Soviet mutual assistance pact. 1936.11.27 — Announcement is made in Moscow of completion of the second rail link between Moscow and Vladivostok, the Great Northern Railway. 1936.11.27 — Thirty-six Home Office officials and 11 judicial officials are awarded cups or medals for their part in the campaign against Communism. 1936.11.27 — The Cabinet approves the appointment of Mr. Sako, counsellor in Moscow, as Japan's first Minister to Finland. 1936.11.27 — Six unidentified men open fire with pistols on the Japanese Legation in Mexico City, presumably in protest against the Japanese-German treaty. 1936.11.27 — The 1,368-ton destroyer Umikaze is launched at Maizuru. 1936.11.27 — The Cabinet Statistics Bureau reveals that in Japan proper in 1935 the marriage rate was 8.04 per 1,000 of population, the divorce rate .70, the birth rate (registered births only) 31.63 and the death rate 16.78. 1936.11.27 — The new Peruvian Minister, Mr. Ricardo Rivera Schreiber, arrives in Tokyo to present his credentials. 1936.11.27 — Count Michimasa Soyeshima, member of the International Olympic Committee, returns from Europe and America with plans for the 1940 Olympic Games. 1936.11.28 — Foreign Commissar Litvinov tells the All-Union Congress of Soviets that the real aim of the Japanese-German accord is the formation of an "aggressive military bloc" against the Soviet Union. Admiral Ivan Orlov, chief of the naval forces, urges the building of a fleet second to none because of the increasing dangers, "especially from Germany and Japan." 1936.11.28 — The standing committee of the Social Mass Party goes on record as opposing the Japanese-German accord on the ground that it is not practical and muddies the international situation. 1936.11.28 — Mr. Juichi Tsushima, former Finance Vice-Minister, returning from North China, reports that it would be premature for Japan to establish there a new financial organ. 1936.11.29 — General Chiang Kai-shek tells the cadets of the Loyang branch of the National Military Academy he does not believe the rumours of a secret military alliance between Japan and Germany. 1936.11.29 — Chairman V. M. Molotov reiterates Mr. Litvinov's charge that the Tokyo-Berlin pact cloaks aggressive military designs against the U.S.S.R. in addressing the All-Union Congress of Soviets. 1936.11.29 — Air Minister Hermann Goering and Deputy Reichsleader Rudolf Hess praise the Japanese-German accord as bolstering Germany's prestige and furnishing a notable contribution to peace in addressing the German Peasants' Congress at Goslar. 1936.11.29 — The French Defence Minister says in a speech at Neuburg that the Japanese-German agreement will introduce Asia into European quarrels. 1936.11.29 — An anti-Japanese demonstration takes place in Canton in connection with the Suiyuan situation. 1936.11.29 — The 10,000-ton aircraft carrier Chitose is launched at Kure. 1936.11.30 — The Nichi-Nichi understands that press attaches will be attached to diplomatic and consular establishments, starting with New York, London, Paris and Berlin in the next fiscal year. 1936.12.01 — The 14th Flying Regiment is established at Kagi, Tainan Province, Taiwan (Formosa). 1936.12.01 — The Army Tank School at Chiba and the Chofu branch of the Shimoshizu Military Flying School are formally inaugurated. 1936.12.01 — The Central Bank for Commerce and Industry Guilds is established under the presidency of Mr. Toyotaro Yuki, president of the Industrial Bank of Japan. 1936.12.01 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry agree on plans for establishment of the Japan Rice Company, Ltd., which will reorganize the rice exchange system under intensified Government control. Futures transactions are to be limited to Tokyo and Osaka. 1936.12.01 — The Manchoukuan Foreign Office announces that Italy is being informed that permission has been granted for the creation of an Italian consulate-general in Mukden. 1936.12.01 — The Chancellor of the Exchequer denies in the House of Commons all knowledge of negotiations in London for the floating of a Japanese loan. He fails to answer Mr. A. T. Lennox-Boyd, Conservative, when he asks if the time has not come to put Anglo-Japanese relations on a better basis. 1936.12.02 — The Foreign Office issues a communique announcing that Italy has been notified of Japan's readiness to close its Legation in Addis Ababa and establish in its stead a consulate and that the Italian Government has agreed to respect Japan's commercial and other interests in Abyssinia and give specially favourable consideration to them. An accompanying statement says that negotiations are to be opened for adjustment of trade between Japan and Abyssinia and denies that Italo-Japanese negotiations of a political nature are taking place or that Italy's establishment of a consulate-general in Mukden has any connection with the Abyssinia agreement. 1936.12.02 — War Minister Terauchi assures the Diet System Inquiry Commission at an informal meeting that the army is not opposed to parliamentary government, means to stay out of politics and believes that expression of the popular will should be developed in conformity with the true spirit of the Constitution. 1936.12.02 — Foreign Secretary Eden denies in the House of Commons that the British Ambassador in Tokyo informed the Japanese authorities that the British Government strongly disapproved of the Times editorial of November 18 criticising the Japanese-German agreement, though he did say that the views of the Times are not necessarily those of the Government. 1936.12.03 — Foreign Minister Arita assures foreign correspondents that conclusion of the anti-Comintern accord with Germany does not mean that Japan has become a partner in a Fascist bloc. 1936.12.03 — The army members of the Supreme War Council formally adopt the army's replenishment programme. 1936.12.03 — Ambassador Kawagoe meets with Foreign Minister Chang Chun in their eighth conversation on adjustment of Sino-Japanese relations, following which the Japanese Embassy issues a statement reviewing the situation and announcing that efforts are to be made to obtain enforcement of measures on which agreement has already been reached. 1936.12.03 — A Japanese naval landing party disembarks at Tsingtao to protect Japanese interests because of aggravation of the strike in Japanese-owned cotton mills. The party rounds up a number of anti-Japanese agents, who are handed over to the municipal authorities. 1936.12.03 — The navy announces reorganization of the fleets to prepare for the situation after termination of the naval treaties. 1936.12.03 — Leading members of various rightist groups organize the Society for Study of the Administrative System. 1936.12.04 — Ambassador Kawagoe decides to suspend the negotiations for adjustment of Sino-Japanese relations when the Nanking Foreign Office returns his memorandum summarizing the points on which agreement had been reached in earlier conversations. The memorandum is later accepted, however, as an embodiment of the Japanese viewpoint. 1936.12.04 — Announcement is made that the Government will establish a company to promote the liquefaction of coal and furnish half of its capital of 100,000,000 yen. Its dividends and debentures are to be guaranteed. 1936.12.04 — The U.S. State Department reveals that in November Japan purchased in the U.S. $688,500 of aeroplanes and parts. 1936.12.04 — The U.S. Tariff Commission announces that an inquiry into increased imports of Japanese cotton hosiery will be started on January 12 in response to protests from American manufacturers. 1936.12.07 — Foreign Minister Arita rejects a protest against the landing of bluejackets at Tsingtao conveyed by the Chinese Ambassador, telling him it is a legitimate measure of self-defence. 1936.12.07 — Japanese consular, military and naval representatives draw up in Tsingtao four demands, including dissolution of the city branches of the Kuomintang and expulsion of Korean irregulars, to present to Mayor Shen Hung-leh in connection with the strike situation. 1936.12.07 — Ambassador Kawagoe, leaving Nanking for Shanghai, denies that the Sino-Japanese negotiations have broken down, terming their status one of suspension. He says in Shanghai that China's national reconstruction makes it necessary for foreign observers to revise their conception of the country and advises that Chinese problems be dealt with in a manner conforming to the latest developments. 1936.12.07 — The fall of the yen in New York from $28.61 to $28.49 is attributed to Japan's adverse trade balance, the huge budget for the next fiscal year and fears regarding Sino-Japanese developments. 1936.12.07 — Baron Seinosuki Goh announces his intention to resign from all of his more than 30 important posts, including the presidencies of the Japan Economic Federation and the Japan and Tokyo Chambers of Commerce and Industry. 1936.12.07 — Forty-five younger members of the Minseito agree that War Minister Terauchi's explanation of the army's views on Diet reform to the Diet System Inquiry Commission was unsatisfactory and plan to question him in the Diet. 1936.12.07 — An Asahi aeroplane starts on a goodwill flight to Bangkok, Siam. 1936.12.07 — A Nanking Foreign Office spokesman says that China is convinced that the key to solution of the Sino-Japanese situation is eradication of Chinese ill-feeling towards the Japanese. 1936.12.07 — The Asahi's good-will aeroplane is welcomed in Bangkok, Siam. 1936.12.08 — Vigorous anti-Japanese demonstrations are reported in all parts of China in connection with the Suiyuan situation. 1936.12.08 — Brazil offers the greatest opportunity for development of Japanese overseas settlement, according to a survey made by Mr. Toru Ogishima, expert of the International Labour Office. 1936.12.08 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against a series of flights over its territory by Soviet planes. 1936.12.09 — War Minister Terauchi voices fear that "grave consequences" may arise if the Sino-Japanese situation continues as at present. 1936.12.09 — A lantern parade is held in Tokyo in celebration of the Japanese-German anti-Comintern accord. 1936.12.09 — The Premier of Manchoukuo, in his capacity as president of the Kyowakai (Concordia Society), announces the readiness of the Manchoukuo people to extend assistance, financial and otherwise, to the Inner Mongolian forces in their fight against the spread of Communism. 1936.12.09 — The Japan-Manchoukuo Joint Economic Council approves plans for the control of staple industries in Manchoukuo. 1936.12.09 — General Sung Che-yuan assures Lieutenant-Colonel Imai, Japanese resident officer in Peiping, that the Hopei-Chahar Political Council will not alter its policy of combating Communism. 1936.12.09 — Hakodate officials examine a Soviet freighter found in a fortified zone, where shelter from a storm was allegedly being sought. 1936.12.09 — Belgium enforces a quota system for Japanese cotton cloth. 1936.12.09 — The U.S. Munitions Control Board decides to extend the restrictions on exports of tin scrap, reputedly aimed at preventing Japan, the largest buyer, from exhausting the supplies needed for domestic military needs. 1936.12.09 — The Privy Council approves ordinances creating a traffic department in the Saghalien Government and internal and overseas departments and a research section in the South Sea Islands Government. 1936.12.10 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement reviewing the Sino-Japanese negotiations, saying that Japan is awaiting Nanking's response to Ambassador Kawagoe's request of December 4 and that points on which agreement had been reached be translated into action. 1936.12.10 — The chief secretary of the Minseito gives to the press a statement in which he voices concern over the Sino-Japanese deadlock, regretting that the Government has made no effort to have its proposals to China fully understood by the people. 1936.12.10 — A complete agreement for settlement of the Tsingtao strike situation is reached by the Japanese and Chinese authorities concerned. 1936.12.10 — Korean and Manchoukuo representatives conclude a protocol regarding the building of bridges across rivers at the border. 1936.12.11 — The 3rd Fleet intimates readiness to withdraw its landing party from Tsingtao as soon as conditions have returned to normal on enforcement of the set terms for solution of the strike situation. 1936.12.11 — A Nanking Foreign Office spokesman disagrees with the statement of the Tokyo Foreign Office spokesman on the Sino-Japanese negotiations and warns that China will not allow Japan to take any illegal steps in protecting Japanese lives and property in China, which the Chinese Government is ready to protect. 1936.12.11 — The Finance Ministry completes the draft of a bill unifying past legislation on liquor taxation and providing a licence system for the sale of alcoholic beverages. 1936.12.12 — Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang holds General Chiang Kai-shek in Sian and issues a circular telegram demanding, inter alia, immediate war on Japan and cooperation with the Communists. 1936.12.12 — An anti-Japanese demonstration by several thousand Peiping students brings a Japanese warning. 1936.12.12 — The conclusion of the Japanese-German pact is celebrated in Tokyo with a mass meeting at which Foreign Minister Arita tells that Japan must strive to achieve its objective of defence against the Comintern regardless of all kinds of calumnies and malicious propaganda. 1936.12.12 — An agreement to exchange students is signed by the Lega, Polish student association, and the Japanese International Alumni Association. 1936.12.12 — Dr. George H. Edgell, director of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, arrives in Tokyo to thank the Imperial Household and the Government for making possible the loan exhibition of Japanese fine arts in Boston in connection with the Harvard Tercentenary. 1936.12.13 — Leaders of the Foreign, Navy and War Ministries confer on measures to protect Japanese lives and interests in China if the Sian rebellion spreads. 1936.12.13 — Major-General Kita, military attache to the Embassy in China, tells the press in Shanghai that the affiliation of the Sian rebels with the Communists is worthy of special attention. 1936.12.13 — Moscow denies foreign press charges that it is responsible for the Sian revolt. 1936.12.14 — Tass, Soviet news agency, says that Ambassador Shigemitsu has been told that the Soviet Government is reconsidering the terms of the Japanese-Soviet fishery convention. 1936.12.14 — The Moscow press alleges that Japan is back of the Sian rebellion. 1936.12.14 — The Foreign Office is informed of the fining of the captains of six Japanese fishing vessels and seizure of their catches at Puget Bay on charges of poaching in Soviet waters. 1936.12.14 — The War Office announces that the Tokyo Military Court-Martial has decided not to indict Mr. Fusanosuke Kubara, Seiyukai Diet member and millionaire, for complicity in the February 26 incident because of inadequate evidence, but to turn him over to the civil procurators on suspicion of having sheltered Mr. Tetsuya Kamekawa, who was connected with the incident. 1936.12.14 — Berlin denies reports that it is contemplating recognition of Manchoukuo. 1936.12.14 — Prince Iyesato Tokugawa is selected as chairman of the proposed Olympic Organization Committee. 1936.12.15 — Soviet publication of details of Ambassador Shigemitsu's conversation with Foreign Commissar Litvinov yesterday is said to have angered the Tokyo Foreign Office, for it had been agreed, at the suggestion of Mr. Litvinov, to refrain from unilateral announcement of what was said. 1936.12.15 — The Izvestia alleges that the real purpose of the Japanese-Polish agreement to exchange students is to plot against the U.S.S.R. 1936.12.15 — Nanking decides not to suspend the diplomatic negotiations with Japan or the military operations in Suiyuan because of the Sian trouble. 1936.12.15 — Dr. Claudius T. Murchison, head of the U.S. cotton textile mission to Japan, declares in New York that there are only two alternatives for solution of the Japanese-American cotton textile competition, unilateral application of discriminatory tariffs and mutual agreement on restriction of imports from Japan. 1936.12.15 — A new rightist combination, called the Current Affairs Association, is formed in Tokyo to act chiefly as a liaison agent among as many rightist organisations as possible. 1936.12.16 — The Official Gazette announces that the arrangements for Prince Chichibu to represent the Emperor at the London Coronation have been automatically cancelled by the retirement of King Edward VIII. 1936.12.16 — Lieutenant-Colonel Imai urges at Peiping that China accept Japan's offer to aid it in combating the communist menace. 1936.12.16 — The Chinese press voices appreciation of Japan's non-interference in the situation created by the Sian revolt. 1936.12.16 — Mr. W. H. Donald, Australian adviser to General Chiang Kai-shek, states that the Generalissimo is being held by Marshal Chang because of a difference regarding resistance against Japan. 1936.12.16 — Dr. Arakuma Motoji, judge of the Supreme Court, is selected to succeed Mr. Jiro Mitsuyuki, who resigns to make room for a younger man, as procurator-general. 1936.12.16 — The Privy Council approves revision of the Factory Law. 1936.12.16 — The Naval Association issues a statement calling on the people to unite in meeting the nation's difficulties following termination of the naval treaties. 1936.12.18 — The five-Minister conference reportedly agrees that Soviet persistence in refusal to sign the fishery convention will make it necessary for Japan to resort to unrestricted fishing, even though this may require naval protection. 1936.12.18 — London shipping circles predict that Parliament will receive a bill allowing only British ships to carry freight between ports in India, Ceylon, Penang, Singapore and Hong-kong, which would affect Japanese shipping. 1936.12.18 — Agriculture Secretary Henry A. Wallace says the value of the U.S. reciprocal trade policy cannot be fully tested until agreements have been reached with one or more of the nation's leading customers, Japan, Great Britain and Germany. 1936.12.17 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces the official rice prices for the coming year, a maximum of 33.90 yen per koku, higher by 10 sen than this year's, and a minimum of 24.90 yen, higher by 70 sen. 1936.12.17 — The Diet System Inquiry Commission creates committees to deliberate on the period for discussion of the budget, now 21 days, increased efficiency of the Diet and the length of the Diet session. 1936.12.17 — The judicial authorities decide to hold a special session of the Supreme Court in April or May for trial of the 14 defendants in the God-Sent Troops case of 1933. 1936.12.17 — Dr. Wilson Monta, speaking at a meeting of the Institute of World Affairs at Riverside, California, proposes that President Roosevelt call at Honolulu a conference of all nations in the Pacific area. He feels that Japan and the U.S.S.R. are certain to come to blows. 1936.12.17 — Britain announces that it means to retain five over-age cruisers scheduled for scrapping before the end of the year under the 1930 naval treaty. 1936.12.18 — The House of Peers Reform Committee receives the Government's draft reform plan, abolishing representation for payers of high taxes and altering the other categories of representation. 1936.12.18 — General Chin Teh-chun, Mayor of Peiping, assures Secretary Denjiro Kato of the Japanese Embassy that the Sian uprising has not altered the Hopei-Chahar Political Council's policies of co-operation with Japan and opposition to Communism. 1936.12.18 — Prince Teh announces that the Mongols will cease military operations in Suiyuan to relieve Nanking of concern during the campaign to suppress the Sian rebels. 1936.12.18 — The Kwantung Army announces that 13 Soviet soldiers entered Manchoukuo and fired on six Manchoukuo soldiers on December 6 south of Patsalka, on the eastern border. 1936.12.18 — Mr. Hamilton Kerr, Conservative, stresses the necessity of Anglo-Japanese co-operation and urges early recognition of Manchoukuo in the House of Commons. 1936.12.18 — The Japanese-Australian trade negotiations encounter difficulties over cotton cloth categories and the fixing of import seasons. 1936.12.18 — President Quezon says at Manila that unless the great Powers show more readiness to honour their international treaty obligations the Philippines may prefer maintenance of American naval bases to neutralisation accord. 1936.12.18 — Hyotaro Sato, Japanese professional tennis player, is asked to remain in San Francisco pending a decision by the Department of Labour on his entrance into the U.S. to play in tennis matches. 1936.12.19 — Foreign Minister Arita asks the Chinese Ambassador to convey to Nanking the concern of Japan over reports of negotiations for a compromise with Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang. 1936.12.19 — Foreign Commissar Litvinov tells Ambassador Shigemitsu that the Government has been too busy to consider the Japanese-Soviet fishery convention. 1936.12.19 — The Finance Ministry announces that 250,000,000 yen of deficit bonds will be issued on December 22. The issue price is 98 yen, the interest rate 3.5 per cent. and the maturity date March 1, 1954. The Bank of Japan will absorb 80,000,000 yen of them, and the deposits bureau of the Finance Ministry the rest. 1936.12.19 — The Japanese Government's international payment for the 1936-37 fiscal year are estimated at 2,820,682,000 yen, less than in the preceding year by 1,438,000 yen. 1936.12.20 — Ambassador Kawagoe goes to Nanking from Shanghai to express Japan's sympathy with China in its national crisis, to explain Japan's attitude and to observe developments. 1936.12.20 — The U.S. Foreign Policy Association, in its fortnightly report, considers the Philippine defence programme a move to strengthen the military power of the U.S. in the western Pacific in the event of war with Japan. 1936.12.21 — Foreign Minister Chang Chun voices gratitude to Ambassador Kawagoe for Japan's friendly attitude in connection with the Sian trouble and declares that Nanking has no intention of accepting the rebels' demands. 1936.12.21 — Moscow agrees in principle to a temporary extension of the arrangements for Japanese fishing off Kamchatka. 1936.12.21 — Representatives of the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya clearing houses voice opposition to the Government's tax programme. 1936.12.21 — The Current Affairs Association, rightist organization, issues a statement setting forth the aim of mobilizing the patriotic elements of the nation for the task of establishing a Government based on the Imperial Way. 1936.12.22 — The Tariff Inquiry Commission adopts changes in the rates on 564 of the 1,614 items listed in the tariff schedule. Rates on 694 items are increased, and 63 items hitherto free are to be taxed. A double tariff system is to be applied to 377 articles, with higher rates on imports from countries with which Japan has no commercial agreements. 1936.12.22 — Japan notifies Britain that it has no objections to the British proposal to retain five over-age cruisers but is understood to reserve the right to maintain over-age submarines. 1936.12.22 — The Cabinet agrees to submit to the Diet a bill lengthening to 27 days the present 21-day period for examination of the budget in each house of the Diet. 1936.12.22 — Hsinking issues regulations compelling travellers in frontier districts to carry passports. 1936.12.22 — An agreement by German steel firms to grant credit to China for railway materials worth 40,000,000 Chinese dollars is revealed. 1936.12.23 — Foreign Minister Arita informs the Privy Council that the old fishery convention with the U.S.S.R. will be extended pending conclusion of the new convention. 1936.12.23 — The Japanese naval landing party in Tsingtao withdraws with restoration of normal operations in Japanese-owned cotton mills. 1936.12.23 — Dr. H. H. Kung assures Ambassador Kawagoe that there will be no change in Nanking's policy of seeking harmony with Japan. 1936.12.23 — Washington comment on a Tokyo report that Japan would welcome negotiations with the U.S. on Pacific questions indicates opposition to any proposal for bilateral talks because the interests of other nations are involved. 1936.12.23 — Mr. Toshio Shiratori, Minister to Sweden, says on his return to Tokyo that the anti-Comintern accord with Germany is more significant than the Anglo-Japanese alliance because the former embodies in it the first fruit of Japan's new independent and positive diplomacy. 1936.12.23 — Liquidation of the 55-year-old Jiji Shimpo, in its time the outstanding liberal newspaper in Japan, is decided on by its shareholders. The Nichi-Nichi takes over its business. 1936.12.23 — The Olympic Organization Committee holds its first meeting. 1936.12.23 — Manchoukuo issues regulations for its new match and salt monopolies, effective January 1. 1936.12.23 — Diet members of the Seiyukai hear President Suzuki urge consolidation of parliamentary politics and Chief Secretary Ando assail the Government for secret diplomacy and bureaucracy. The Minseito and other political parties hold meetings at which the Government is criticized. 1936.12.23 — War Minister Terauchi denies to Diet members of army extraction that the army is responsible for the tax increases being made in the next fiscal year. 1936.12.24 — The two Houses of the Diet organize for the 70th session. 1936.12.24 — The special committee of the Minseito on diplomatic affairs recommends that the party assail the Government in the Diet for its diplomatic blunders. 1936.12.24 — The Japan Electrical Society presents to Government leaders a resolution opposing State management of the generation and distribution of electric power. 1936.12.24 — The U.S. notifies Japan of its intention to retain 19,200 tons of destroyers in excess of the London treaty limits because of Britain's retention of five cruisers. 1936.12.24 — Japan's purchases of American cotton during the current season are placed in New York at 340,000 bales, compared with 195,000 bales in the corresponding period of 1932. Brazilian cotton is said to be taking its place. 1936.12.27 — General Chiang Kai-shek is released by the Sian rebels. 1936.12.27 — Ambassador Kawagoe voices conviction that General Chiang's attitude toward Japan has not been altered by his detention in Sian and that the Chinese political situation will soon return to normal. 1936.12.28 — The Emperor opens the 70th Diet session. 1936.12.28 — War Minister Terauchi explains to Premier Hirota the army's intentions with regard to administrative reforms proposed by the Government. 1936.12.28 — Reports of General Chiang Kai-shek's release claim that a pledge was given that Nanking will adopt a stronger policy towards Japan. 1936.12.28 — Shanghai police are forced to turn back a Chinese crowd celebrating the release of General Chiang Kai-shek when it tries to enter the Japanese quarters. 1936.12.28 — The Kwantung Army announces an agreement between the Manchoukuo Aviation Company and the Huitung Aviation Corporation for air service between Manchoukuo and North China. 1936.12.28 — Shipowners and representatives of Japan's 110,000 seamen sign an agreement instituting a retirement bonus system with rates double those required by law. 1936.12.28 — Manchoukuo announces that its 1937-38 budget will be balanced at 248,098,000 yuan, more than in the current year by 28,690,000 yuan. 1936.12.27 — The Diet adjourns until January 21 for the New Year holiday. 1936.12.27 — Announcement is made of notes exchanged by Sir Henry S. Gullett and Consul-General Kuramatsu Murai, setting forth unilateral steps taken by Japan and Australia to end their trade war. A trade agreement is to be negotiated. The Foreign Office spokesman says in a statement that the settlement is certain to improve trade relations between Japan and the British Empire. 1936.12.27 — The Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolian conference at Manchuli is adjourned for the New Year holidays until January 15. 1936.12.28 — The Emperor sanctions the protocol for extension until the end of next year of the Japanese-Soviet fishery convention after approval is given by the Privy Council. It is signed in Moscow. 1936.12.28 — Mr. Fusanosuke Kubara, former Communications Minister, is formally charged with having sheltered one of the participants in the February 26 incident. 1936.12.28 — The Finance Ministry announces that Japan's invisible exports for 1935 totalled 1,261,678,000 yen and invisible imports 1,199,004,000 yen, giving a balance of 195,180,000 yen. The balance of international payments for the 1935 calendar year is estimated to have been adverse to Japan to the extent of 61,717,000 yen, for the excess of visible exports was 134,609,000 yen. 1936.12.28 — The Kanegafuchi Cotton Spinning Company reveals plans for a huge sheep farm in the Sungari Valley, Manchoukuo, in which 710,000 yen will be invested. 1936.12.28 — The Tokyo Local Court rules that foreign writers and composers whose copyrights are violated in Japan must personally bring suits for reparations, thus endangering about 30 suits brought on their behalf by a German attorney in Tokyo. 1936.12.29 — The yen drops to $28.45 in New York on unfounded rumours that the Yokohama Specie Bank intends to lower its yen-sterling acceptance rate. 1936.12.30 — Announcement is made of settlement of the Chengtu and Pakhoi incidents, with Nanking voicing apologies and paying indemnities. 1936.12.31 — The Washington and London naval treaties expire. 1936.12.31 — Representative Hamilton Fish, New York Republican, says in Washington he favours neutralization of the Philippines by a Japanese-British-American agreement. 1936.12.31 — Manchoukuo and the East Hopei regime agree to establish direct telegraphic connection between Hsinking and Tungchow from January 1. 1937.01.01 — Premier Hirota warns of new difficulties ahead for Japan in his New Year message to the nation but voices confidence that they can be overcome. 1937.01.02 — A Japanese-Manchoukuo patrol and Soviet guards clash near Signpost No. 17, on the eastern frontier. 1937.01.02 — The Industrial Bank of Manchoukuo opens business throughout Manchoukuo and the Kwantung Leased Territory. 1937.01.05 — Foreign Minister Arita explains the anti-Comintern pact with Germany in a radio address to the nation. 1937.01.05 — Finance Minister Baba indicates he will not object to minor tax changes in the Diet but cannot agree to alteration of the basis of his tax programme. 1937.01.05 — The Yokohama Specie Bank estimates Japan's 1936 invisible export at 619,600,000 yen and imports at 409,300,000, giving a favourable balance of 120,300,000 yen, covering all but about 10,000,000 yen of the estimated unfavourable visible trade balance of 130,000,000 yen. 1937.01.05 — Manchoukuo's 1936 trade balance is estimated at 91,020,000 yuan in excess imports, imports amounting to 690,693,000 yuan and exports 599,673,000 yuan. 1937.01.05 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against border violations. 1937.01.05 — Representative Samuel Dickstein, chairman of the House committee on immigration, says the question of granting quotas to Japan and China might be studied in connection with a general re-examination of the immigration laws. 1937.01.06 — The Foreign Office is informed of the detention of the manager of the Vladivostok branch of the Mercantile Marine Union on a charge of espionage. 1937.01.07 — Reflecting the growing shortage of steel, the round steel quotation rises to 200 yen, higher by 30 yen than at the year-end. 1937.01.07 — The Rayon Association announces that production of rayon yarn in Japan during 1936 totalled 273,000,000 pounds, compared with 201,234,000 in 1935. 1937.01.07 — The Foreign Office authorities are said to resent the increasingly anti-Japanese tone of the Soviet press. 1937.01.07 — Ambassador Yoshida opens an exhibition of Japanese colour prints in London. 1937.01.08 — The Government announces and puts into force a system of licences for settlement of accounts for imports to check speculation and maintain the yen exchange rate. 1937.01.08 — The American cotton textile mission arrives in Tokyo to open talks looking towards an agreement on Japanese cotton textile exports to the U.S. 1937.01.08 — Mr. Saburo Hayakawa, Governor of Hiroshima, is named superintendent of the Metropolitan Police Board in succession to Mr. Kaoru Ishida, who resigns because of poor health. 1937.01.08 — The chief secretary of the Cabinet calls on the chief secretaries of the Minseito and the Seiyukai to explain the Government's Diet policies and solicit the support of the parties. 1937.01.08 — Majority sentiment in favour of taking a strong stand towards the Government in the Diet is reported in a conference of Minseito leaders. Seiyukai leaders decide to judge all measures before the Diet on their merits. 1937.01.09 — The Finance Ministry announces that exports in 1936 totalled 2,973,810,000 yen, greater by 7.5 per cent. than in 1935, and imports 3,438,821,000 yen, greater by 12.8 per cent., giving an unfavourable balance of 330,175,000 yen. 1937.01.09 — The Japan Export Cotton Yarn and Cloth Traders' Guild announces that 1936 exports of cotton cloth totalled 2,699,933,512 yards, worth 481,643,713 yen, less than in 1935 by 4 per cent. in volume and 1.99 per cent. in value. 1937.01.09 — Osaka importers decide to petition the Finance Ministry to clarify the new foreign exchange regulations and simplify the procedure of obtaining permission to arrange foreign payments. 1937.01.09 — A Sian mass meeting shouts for resistance against Japan and co-operation with the Communists. 1937.01.09 — Completion of the Poli-Chiamussu section of the Tumeu-Chiamussu Railway, in Manchoukuo, is announced. 1937.01.10 — General Yang Hu-cheng, Sian pacification commissioner, demands in a telegram to Nanking that an anti-Japanese programme be announced at once and Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang allowed to return to his troops. 1937.01.10 — The Institute for Research in Combating Natural Disasters is opened in Osaka under the auspices of the Japan Society for the Advancement of Science. 1937.01.11 — The ban is lifted on news of the arrest of 350 persons in all parts of Japan last summer in an investigation of the Farming Youth Order (Nosoni Seinendan), which was planning an armed revolt in Nagano Prefecture preparatory to similar disorders in other parts of the country with a view to creation of anarchist communes. 1937.01.11 — The head of the U.S. textile mission explains at a dinner given by the Japan Economic Federation and the Japanese-American Trade Council that the U.S., as the world's highest-cost nation, is particularly vulnerable to competition from Japan but would like to settle differences by voluntary and mutual action. 1937.01.11 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei says at Manila on his way back to China that Nanking wishes co-operation with Japan based on normal diplomatic negotiations, full respect for China's sovereignty and restoration of China's lost territories. 1937.01.11 — The Chamber of Commerce of Canada announces postponement of the scheduled trip to the Orient of an inspection party because of the international disturbance arising out of the Spanish situation. 1937.01.11 — Senator David I. Walsh, chairman of the Senate naval affairs committee, reiterates an assertion by President Roosevelt that the U.S. is compelled to expand its navy because other Powers failed to co-operate in concluding a new limitation treaty. 1937.01.11 — The United Press reports from Washington that Japan's role as a sea Power is considered increasingly significant because it would hold the balance in a possible European clash between the Italo-German and Anglo-French groups. 1937.01.11 — Moscow reveals that more than 26,000,000,000 roubles of the Soviet 1937 budget of 77,782,400,000 roubles will go for defence, or 33.7 per cent., more than in 1936. 1937.01.11 — Rome announces the appointment of Count Cortese as consul-general in Mukden. 1937.01.12 — The Cabinet approves for recommendation to the Throne for nomination to the House of Peers Mr. Shigeru Yoshida, former director of the Cabinet Inquiry Bureau, Intendant Lieutenant-General Chojiro Onodera, former director of the accounts bureau of the War Office, Mr. Eigo Fukai, Governor of the Bank of Japan, and Dr. Hiroshi Shimomura, former vice-president of the Asahi. 1937.01.12 — The Finance Ministry endeavour to convince traders that the new exchange regulations will not operate to curtail imports of essential industrial materials, but commodity prices increase so rapidly that the Osaka Sampin and several other exchanges suspend transactions. 1937.01.12 — The Bank of Japan announces that the average index number of Tokyo wholesale commodity prices in December was 214.9, the highest since October, 1929, and 5.8 points higher than in November. 1937.01.12 — Minor parties in the Diet agree to co-operate in taking the Government to task for its diplomatic blunders. 1937.01.12 — Police censors seize from Tokyo news stands copies of the December 5 Literary Digest because of a cartoon disrespectful to the Throne and an article slandering the anti-Comintern accord. 1937.01.13 — Finance Minister Baba tells the Bankers' Club that the Government has no intention of controlling essential imports and is requiring import licences only to check speculative buying. He hints at measures to check prices if they rise too sharply. 1937.01.15 — Mr. Toyotaro Yuki, its new president, tells the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry that class conflict must be outlawed to permit the nation to overcome its difficulties. He admits that economic control may be unavoidable. 1937.01.15 — Senator Royal S. Copeland declares he is open-minded on granting immigration quotas to Japan and other Asiatic nations but that any attempt in this direction would meet with powerful opposition. 1937.01.15 — The third annual exhibition of contemporary Japanese paintings opens in London. 1937.01.17 — Increasing attention is given in the press to the demand for higher wages to meet rising commodity prices. 1937.01.17 — The Cabinet selects 17 bills, most of them related to finance, for presentation to the Diet as soon as its session is resumed. 1937.01.17 — Minseito hesitancy blocks adoption of a resolution demanding impeachment of the Government on its diplomacy at a meeting of representatives of all parties in the Lower House. 1937.01.17 — A budget of 35,000,000 yen for the 1940 Tokyo International Exposition is informally adopted. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VI No. 1 (June 1937) --- (covers 1937.01.16 to 1937.04.15) 1937.01.16 — Japan exported 2,707,799,000 square yards of cotton cloth in 1936, compared with Britain's 1,917,122,000, according to the Japan Cotton Textile Industry Guild Federation. Japan's declined by .6 per cent. compared with 1935; Britain's by 1.6 per cent. 1937.01.16 — Dr. Murchison, head of the American textile mission, suggests in Osaka the creation of a permanent body for co-operation between the textile industries of Japan and the U.S. 1937.01.16 — The Philippine Government announces approval of a Japanese-Philippine brewery enterprise capitalised at 1,000,000 pesos, one of the first major joint enterprises under the Commonwealth. 1937.01.16 — Peiping understands that Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang has agreed to entrust complete disposal of the anti-Japanese proposals of the Sian rebels to General Chiang Kai-shek in return for withdrawal of the Government's expedition into the Northwest. 1937.01.16 — Pope Pius is learned to have awarded high orders of merit to a number of Manchoukuo officials in appreciation of their services in promoting friendly relations between the Holy See and the new State. 1937.01.16 — The Bank of Japan's index number of Tokyo retail prices on January 15 is announced as 169.8, higher by 4.3 points than on December 15 and by 8.3 points than on the previous January 15. 1937.01.16 — Washington officials indicate concern regarding the exchange control measures announced by Japan on January 8 and say they are being delayed by American business men with complaints that they are unable to obtain foreign exchange. 1937.01.16 — The Major Fertiliser Industry Commission approves the Government's plan to restrict exports and imports of ammonium sulphate. 1937.01.16 — The German training cruiser Emden arrives in Yokohama for a six-day good-will visit. 1937.01.16 — President Quezon tells youths training to become reserve officers in Manila that the Japanese menace is a bugaboo with which the opponents of Philippine independence have tried to convince the U.S. to stay in the islands indefinitely. 1937.01.16 — Japan's consul-general in Canton demands cessation of undue pressure on Japanese residents and dissolution of organizations engaged in anti-Japanese activities. 1937.01.17 — Premier Hirota and the Minister of Commerce and Industry reportedly discuss what the Government should do about rising commodity prices. 1937.01.17 — The War Office announces the third group of sentences in connection with the February 26 incident, 15 officers and civilians receiving prison terms ranging from 18 months to five years, several of which are with stays of execution, for aiding the rebels in various ways. Two civilians are fined and 13 acquitted. 1937.01.17 — The Siberia Maru, on the regular passenger line between Tsuruga and Vladivostok, is detained by Soviet officials on suspicion of espionage. 1937.01.20 — The Hirota Cabinet is assailed for financial and diplomatic errors in general meetings of the Minseito and Seiyukai in preparation for resumption of the Diet session. 1937.01.20 — The Privy Council approves the draft bill for revision of the law governing the Diet, advancing the convocation date and giving 25 instead of the present 21 days for examination of the budget in each House. 1937.01.20 — The Vladivostok authorities release the Siberia Maru ten hours after its scheduled sailing time and give no explanation of its detention. 1937.01.20 — London officials state that Britain is keeping in touch with Japan regarding the Keelung incident, which is regarded as far from being settled. 1937.01.20 — The new foreign exchange control measures are extended to the Kwantung Leased Territory and the South Manchuria Railway Zone. 1937.01.20 — Mr. Ryoichi Kishi, chief of the general affairs bureau of the Manchoukuo Department of Industry, says on returning to Hsinking from negotiations in Tokyo that a Japanese-Manchoukuo preferential tariff system is highly desirable. 1937.01.20 — The press ban is lifted on news of the indictment of three Japanese communists engaged in anti-Manchoukuo activities and the release of nine others with reprimands. 1937.01.20 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Wool Import Control Association compromise on imports of 866,000 bales of wool during the current season. The association had asked 940,000 bales on the basis of past consumption. 1937.01.21 — The Diet is prorogued for two days because of the strong opposition to the Government manifested in the utterances of members in interpellating on the administrative speeches and reportedly also because of a demand by the War Minister for dissolution. 1937.01.21 — Premier Hirota admits in the Diet that the Government's legislative programme is not perfect but believes it represents the minimum necessary for what the nation requires most, stabilization of life and perfection of defence. 1937.01.21 — Foreign Minister Arita defends in his Diet speech the anti-Comintern accord, voices conviction that the Sino-Japanese talks of last year will serve as a stage in the progress of further negotiations, declares that Japan wants normal relations with the U.S.S.R., though regretting the huge Soviet armaments in the Far East and seeing need for a better attitude towards Japan on the part of Moscow, says that further efforts will be made to adjust interests with Britain, believes that relations with the U.S. are improving, denies that Japan wishes to initiate a naval race or has aggressive designs in the South Seas and advocates that the Powers "treat their colonial markets in the spirit that marks the provisions of the Congo Basin treaty." 1937.01.21 — Presenting the 3,058,100,000-yen budget to the Diet, Finance Minister Baba claims that due consideration is given in it to stabilisation of the livelihood of the people, encouragement of industry and expansion of foreign trade. 1937.01.21 — Mr. Kumataro Hamada, Seiyukai, rebukes the army for taking upon itself the role of the "propelling force of the nation" in a Diet speech that brings from the War Minister the retort that parts of it "seem like an insult to some military men," creating an uproar and eliciting from Mr. Hamada an assertion that he would apologize with his life if the stenographic record revealed words insulting to the army. 1937.01.21 — The London press reacts favourably to Foreign Minister Arita's reference to relations with Britain in his Diet speech. 1937.01.21 — Gold reaches a record high in Tokyo of 13.85 yen per momme. 1937.01.21 — The Japan Knitted Goods Export Association obtains Government sanction for control over export quantities as well as prices and for compelling non-member exporters to submit to control. 1937.01.21 — Secretary of Commerce Roper advocates extension of the reciprocal trade programme of the U.S. to Japan, telling the House ways and means committee that it is impossible to raise tariffs high enough to place Japanese goods on the same level as American. 1937.01.22 — Shares on the Tokyo Stock Market decline because of the political uncertainty. 1937.01.22 — The Japanese-American textile negotiations in Osaka result in an agreement limiting Japanese cotton cloth exports to the U.S. in 1937 and 1938 to 235,000,000 square yards, with a maximum of 180,000,000 in 1937, and establishing a joint standing committee in Osaka and New York. 1937.01.22 — The Foreign Office spokesman, after consultation with the Finance Ministry, issues a statement saying that care is being taken not to hamper foreign trade in application of the new exchange control regulations, which he denies are aimed at disturbing the world exchange situation or bringing foreign trade under Government control. 1937.01.22 — Sailing for Turkey to take up his duties, Minister Toshihiko Taketomi declares that his main task will be to induce Turkey to buy more Japanese goods, only half of the yearly sales of 16,000,000 yen allowed in the Japanese-Turkish reciprocal trade treaty being realized in practice. 1937.01.23 — The Hirota Cabinet tenders its resignation to the Emperor because of lack of unity on the issue of dissolving the Diet. 1937.01.23 — Navy Minister Osami Nagano makes a futile effort to induce the War Minister to agree to a compromise on dissolution of the Diet to smooth over the political crisis. 1937.01.23 — The War Minister announces that he took steps yesterday to resign because he considered "the conception of the situation held by the political parties is fundamentally different from ours" and beyond the possibility of a compromise. 1937.01.23 — Japan's actual rice crop for 1936 is estimated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at 67,144,723 koku, greater than the 1935 crop by 17.2 per cent. and than the average crop for the previous five years by 13.9 per cent. 1937.01.23 — The Asahi reports increasing resentment of Soviet pressure against Japanese residents in Vladivostok. 1937.01.23 — Washington regards the Japanese-American cotton textile agreement concluded in Osaka as "a sincere effort on the part of businessmen to find an amicable international solution for a difficult problem." 1937.01.23 — Mr. Leon Trotsky is accused of having plotted with the support of Japan and Germany to overthrow the Stalin regime in a public session of the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court in Moscow trying 17 counter-revolutionary suspects, including Mr. Karl Radek. 1937.01.23 — Policies for renovation of provincial administration are laid down at a conference of Manchoukuo governors in Hsinking. 1937.01.25 — The Genro recommends to the Throne that General Kazushige Ugaki be commanded to form a Cabinet. 1937.01.25 — Two French fliers, Michel Doret and Francois Micheletti, are forced to abandon their Paris-Tokyo flight when their plane is damaged in landing on an island off the coast of French Indo-China. 1937.01.25 — Foreign Under-Secretary Cranborne says in the House of Commons that Japan has not yet given its final reply on the Keelung incident and that the matter is still under discussion. 1937.01.25 — War Minister Terauchi formally replies to General Ugaki that the "Big Three" of the army had selected three candidates but that all had decided against serving as War Minister under him. The three are understood to be General Gen Sugiyama, Lieutenant-General Kiyoshi Katsuki and Lieutenant-General Kuniaki Koiso. 1937.01.25 — General Ugaki announces that he hopes to make the best of his difficult position. 1937.01.27 — With the exception of the right wing, all quarters welcome the choice of General Ugaki as Premier. 1937.01.27 — General Ugaki calls on the War and Navy Ministers and awaits their replies to his requests for the nomination of their successors before making further efforts to form his cabinet. 1937.01.27 — The Diet goes into recess pending the formation of the new cabinet. 1937.01.27 — Consul-General Suma, returning from Nanking to receive a new post, advocates maintenance of Tokyo's policy of Sino-Japanese interdependence without being moved by the current attitude of China. 1937.01.27 — Sixteen communist organizers arrested in Korea in October are turned over to the procurators with the recommendation that only five be indicted. 1937.01.27 — Manchoukuo decides to license all exchange settlements in co-operation with Japan's exchange control measures. 1937.01.27 — Revelation is made in the House of Commons that Japan has submitted proposals for abolition of perpetual leases held by British subjects in the former treaty ports and that Britain has replied with counter-proposals. 1937.01.27 — The chairmen of the Yokohama, Kobe and Nagasaki municipal assemblies decide at a meeting in Tokyo to press for abolition of perpetual leases held by foreigners because of their refusal to pay taxes. 1937.01.27 — The U.S. Tariff Commission hears a plea for protection of domestic hosiery from cheap imports from Japan. 1937.01.27 — A memorial is introduced into the Washington State Legislature requesting the Federal Government to build Pacific defence which is opposed by representatives who regard it as insulting to Japan. 1937.01.27 — General Ugaki's headquarters announce that it is still hoped to obtain a War Minister with the consent of the "Big Three" of the army. 1937.01.27 — The Minseito and Seiyukai decline to support a proposal by Mr. Yukio Ozaki, Diet veteran, that the Lower House adopt a resolution expressing the will of the people with regard to the political crisis. 1937.01.27 — The Education Ministry issues an ordinance making more thorough the annual physical examinations of students until they reach the age of army conscription. 1937.01.27 — References to Japan in the Moscow trial of Trotskyites arouse indignation in Tokyo, where they are said to be completely groundless. 1937.01.27 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against suspension of traffic since January 21 on the international railway between Grodekovo and Pogranichaya and claims that the alleged pressure against Soviet railway employees in Pogranichaya and Manchuli given as the reason for the move is without foundation. 1937.01.28 — An envoy sent by General Ugaki to the War Minister is told that sentiment in the army makes it absolutely impossible to obtain a War Minister in the normal manner. 1937.01.28 — Outer Mongolia informs Manchoukuo that resumption of their conference at Manchuli will have to be delayed but gives no reason. 1937.01.29 — General Ugaki abandons his effort to form a cabinet, and Prince Saionji recommends to the Throne for the premiership either Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, who declines, or General Senjuro Hayashi, former War Minister, who accepts. 1937.01.29 — General Ugaki announces his wish to be relieved of his rank as a general on the retired list because of inability to fulfil his duties if called for service. 1937.01.29 — Much attention is given to a statement issued by Lieutenant-General Yasukichi Hayashi, retired, regarding a message conveyed by him from General Ugaki to General Misao Kawai, Privy Councillor, in which regret at the situation in the army and belief that Japan stands at the crossroads of Fascism and its own parliamentary administration are voiced. 1937.01.29 — Congress receives a bill for fortification of the Aleutians and establishment of a naval base in Alaska. 1937.01.29 — Representative Karl Stefan, North Dakota Republican, thinking of introducing a bill in Congress for international negotiations on neutralisation of the Philippines, declares he does not believe Japan to be a source of military menace to the islands. 1937.01.30 — The War Office issues a statement denying that the army plans to apply Fascism to Japan, prevent expression of the will of the people or impose any conditions for co-operation with the new cabinet. It hopes that the "parliamentary politics peculiar to Japan" will be achieved and the political world purged in order that the army may devote all of its energy to its proper duty, defence of the nation. 1937.01.30 — Representatives of 19 influential agricultural and forestry organizations approve a resolution opposing amalgamation of the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry with that of Commerce and Industry. 1937.01.30 — Various complications compel cancellation of the proposed European tour of a Kabuki troupe. 1937.02.01 — General Hayashi encounters difficulties in selecting his War and Navy Ministers. The "Big Three" of the army oppose his choice of Lieutenant-General Seiichiro Itagaki, Kwantung Army chief-of-staff, and recommend Lieutenant-General Kotaro Nakamura when General Gen Sugiyama refuses the post because of his part in General Ugaki's failure to form a cabinet. The navy indicates opposition to General Hayashi's request for Admiral Nobumasa Suetsugu, Supreme War Councillor, as Navy Minister. 1937.02.01 — Breaking with the extremist elements, headed by Mr. Shinji Sogo, president of the China Development Company, aiding in the organization of his cabinet, General Hayashi accepts the nominees of the services for War and Navy Ministers, Lieutenant-General Kotaro Nakamura and Vice-Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai. 1937.02.01 — General Hayashi invites Mr. Chikuhei Nakajima, Seiyukai, and Mr. Ryutaro Nagai, Minseito, to join his Cabinet, but demands that they leave their parties. Both decline, the former after lengthy negotiations with Seiyukai leaders. 1937.02.01 — After accepting the finance portfolio, Mr. Toyotaro Yuki announces that he thinks the policies of his predecessor need some revision but that he will try to avoid any sharp changes in the financial world. 1937.02.01 — Mr. Manuel Quezon, Philippine President, visiting Tokyo on his way to Washington, is received in audience by the Emperor and given a banquet by Foreign Minister Arita, who urges development of Japanese-Philippine trade. 1937.02.02 — The Hayashi Cabinet takes office with General Hayashi concurrently Foreign Minister and Education Minister; Mr. Kakichi Kawarada as Home Minister; Mr. Toyotaro Yuki as Finance Minister and concurrently Overseas Minister; Mr. Soyeshige Shiono as Justice Minister; Lieutenant-General Nakamura as War Minister; Vice-Admiral Yonai as Navy Minister; Mr. Tatsunosuke Yamazaki as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and concurrently Communications Minister; Vice-Admiral Godo as Minister of Commerce and Industry and concurrently Railway Minister; Mr. Hachiro Ohashi as chief secretary of the Cabinet and concurrently director of the Inquiry Bureau, and Mr. Takeo Kawagoye as director of the Legislative Bureau. 1937.02.02 — The Minseito indicates readiness to aid the Hayashi Cabinet if convinced of its zeal for overcoming national difficulties. The Seiyukai postpones judgement until the Cabinet's programme is known. 1937.02.02 — Representatives of the proletarian groups in the Lower House visit the Minseito and Seiyukai headquarters with a proposal that all parties unite to combat Fascism. 1937.02.02 — Admiral Osami Nagano, the outgoing Navy Minister, replaces Vice-Admiral Yonai as commander of the Combined Fleet. 1937.02.02 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against an attack by 20 Soviet cavalrymen on Manchoukuo guards northwest of Manchuli on January 28. 1937.02.03 — The bargaining committee of the Lower House decides to agree to a request from the Cabinet for further voluntary adjournment of the Diet, arguing that to do so would be to assume responsibility for further loss of time. 1937.02.03 — The Cabinet decides to withdraw for re-examination the budget and other bills presented by the Hirota Cabinet to the Diet. 1937.02.03 — Finance Minister Yuki declares to the press that the Hirota Cabinet's 3,040,000,000-yen budget is so large that it is likely to harm national life and therefore must be revised. The tax increases are also to be altered. 1937.02.03 — Seventy-five Siamese naval officers arrive in Kobe for 13 months of training under Japanese officers. 1937.02.04 — The Diet is prorogued for seven days to give the Cabinet time for examination of bills. 1937.02.04 — Finance Minister Yuki tells the press that something must be done to control the rise of prices, but that anti-profiteering laws should be only a last resort. He thinks reduction of the budget will help. 1937.02.04 — Dr. H. H. Kung tells Japanese Embassy officials in Nanking he hopes the Hayashi Cabinet will show sympathy towards recent political and military developments in China. 1937.02.04 — Higher duties on rayon and silk imports into Britain are anticipated in London because of rejection by the Japanese Federation of Silk and Rayon Exporters of British proposals for voluntary control. 1937.02.05 — Two contingents of the Hasumura Division return to Japan from service in Manchuria. 1937.02.05 — Representative William P. Connery, Jr., Massachusetts Democrat, assails the Roosevelt policy of trade reciprocity on the ground that it enables importers of Japanese products to make excellent profits at the expense of American consumers. 1937.02.05 — Announcement is made by the Renault Motor Corporation, Paris, of an agreement with the Showa Industrial Corporation of Japan whereby the latter will be given the former's automobile, airplane and tank patents and manufacturing rights in return for a tenth of its stock. 1937.02.06 — Announcement is made of the betrothal of Lieutenant Prince Pu Chieh, younger brother of former Emperor Kangté of Manchoukuo, and Miss Hiroko Saga, grand-daughter of Marquis Kinkazau Saga. 1937.02.06 — Ambassador Youreneff, before leaving Tsuruga for Moscow, says he is submitting a report based on his experience in Japan as material for use in re-examination of the policy of the U.S.S.R. towards Japan. 1937.02.07 — Japanese cotton textile exporters ratify the Japanese-American agreement on limitation of exports to the U.S., which is to become effective February 11. 1937.02.09 — The Cabinet publishes a five-plank platform pledging manifestation of the national polity, sound development of the constitutional politics peculiar to Japan and consideration for public opinion, pursuance of a diplomatic policy designed to bring stability to East Asia and co-prosperity among nations, adequacy of armaments for enforcement of national policies, promotion of productive power and synthetic development of industry, accompanied by appropriate measures of protection and control. 1937.02.09 — The army indicates satisfaction with the Government's programme, but the political parties call it vague. 1937.02.09 — The management of the Yawata works of the Japan Iron Manufacturing Company agrees to the workers' demand for an increase in supplementary wages. 1937.02.09 — Foreigners in Yokohama and other cities with short-wave radio sets for which permits have not been granted receive a warning with the detention by the Yokohama gendarmerie of Mr. J. F. Jordan, a Danish subject employed by the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company, because of his possession of such a set, use of which is virtually prohibited by law because of possible reception of foreign propaganda. 1937.02.09 — The U.S. is again in a position to influence the Far Eastern political scales with the passing of the worst of the economic depression, comments the Foreign Policy Association in a statement. 1937.02.09 — General Gen Sugiyama, Inspector-General of Military Education, is named War Minister when General Nakamura is forced to resign because of illness. 1937.02.09 — Mr. Seihin Ikeda, former managing-director of the Mitsui Gomei Kaisha, is appointed governor of the Bank of Japan, succeeding Mr. Eigo Fukai, and Mr. Juichi Tsushima, former Finance Vice-Minister and financial commissioner abroad, is made vice-governor. 1937.02.10 — The Cabinet prorogues the Diet for another four days to allow time for the completion of measures. 1937.02.10 — Count Hideo Kodama, member of the House of Peers and one of the reputed leaders of the movement for a new political party, is appointed Minister of Communications. 1937.02.10 — Dissension within the Seiyukai comes to the surface with the holding of meetings by two factions opposed to the leadership of President Kisaburo Suzuki and Mr. Ichiro Hatoyama. 1937.02.10 — Mr. Sukenari Yokoyama is appointed superintendent of the Metropolitan Police Board. 1937.02.10 — To permit the appointment of a superior of Lieutenant-General Haruhiko Uyemura to take charge of the court-martial into his bribery, an Imperial ordinance is promulgated permitting generals on the first and second reserve lists to be called for special service to preside at army court-martial. 1937.02.11 — The Emperor and the Empress distribute 191,000 yen to 738 social service organizations throughout the country in observance of the 2,597th anniversary of the founding of the Empire. 1937.02.11 — Announcement is made of the establishment of a cultural decoration to be awarded to those making outstanding contributions to science, art or other fields of culture. 1937.02.11 — The Finance Ministry publishes the outline of the revised tax programme for the next fiscal year, showing many changes from that drafted under the Hirota Cabinet. 1937.02.11 — The Italo-Japanese Cultural Institute is inaugurated in Tokyo. 1937.02.11 — Admiral Isamu Takeshita, retired, takes office as president of the Boy Scouts of Japan. 1937.02.11 — Marshal Bluecher charges Japan with designs on Soviet territory in the Izvestia. 1937.02.12 — The Cabinet approves a revised 1937-38 budget of 2,769,400,000 yen, less by 269,000,000 yen than that prepared by the Hirota Cabinet. The largest saving is a deduction of 150,000,000 yen from the 220,000,000 yen allotted for adjustment of local finances. 1937.02.12 — Mr. Shoji Arakawa, new financial commissioner abroad, says in New York that Japan is ready to enter into currency agreements with the U.S. and Britain when and if circumstances allow. 1937.02.12 — Representative F. L. Crawford declares in Washington that it is foolish for the U.S. to stand idle while Japan lays the foundation for an economic empire in the Philippines. 1937.02.13 — The Finance Ministry revises anew the third-class income tax rates, reducing the percentage of the previously arranged increase for incomes between 3,000 and 100,000 yen. 1937.02.13 — The Tariff Commission approves the Government's proposal to exempt iron and steel imports from duties until June 30, 1939. 1937.02.13 — The Association of Cotton Yarn and Cloth Exporters to the U.S. accepts a plan formulated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for quotas on velveteen and corduroy exports to the U.S., 1,250,000 square yards this year, 1,100,000 in 1938 and 2,000,000 in subsequent years. 1937.02.13 — The wife of a Japanese resident in Hankow is stabbed and seriously wounded by an unidentified Chinese. 1937.02.14 — Seiyukai leaders agree that the retirement of President Suzuki is necessary for the stability of the party. 1937.02.14 — Social Mass Diet members adopt a resolution calling for uncompromising opposition to the Government. 1937.02.14 — General Chin Teh-chun, Mayor of Peiping, in Nanking to attend the Kuomintang plenum, asserts that General Sung Che-yuan, chairman of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council, is determined to follow Nanking's orders in regard to all domestic and diplomatic affairs. 1937.02.15 — The Diet session is resumed after a lapse of 21 days with an address by Premier Hayashi in which he asks the co-operation of the Diet in achieving the objectives of his Cabinet. 1937.02.15 — In his capacity as Foreign Minister, General Hayashi declares there is need to cultivate cordiality between Japan and China in order that relations may be improved, hopes that Moscow will take a broad view of the situation and co-operate with Japan, pledges that the Government will do its utmost to derive the best results from the anti-Comintern accord with Germany and voices conviction that the many Anglo-Japanese problems can be solved through mutual understanding. 1937.02.15 — Premier Hayashi states in the Upper House that Japan has no intention of invading North China or concluding a non-aggression pact with the U.S.S.R. 1937.02.15 — The Premier says in the Lower House that he considered appropriate his request to party men invited to join the Cabinet to leave their parties and did not do so because he disregarded the parties. 1937.02.15 — Finance Minister Yuki asserts in his administrative address in the Diet that radical economic changes must be avoided, but that replenishment of defence requires development of industry and foreign trade. He proposes to curtail the 3,058,000,000-yen budget of the Hirota Cabinet by 269,000,000 yen and to limit tax increases to 192,100,000 yen. Only necessities should be imported, he says, and exports increased. The yen must be maintained at its present level. 1937.02.15 — Answering interpellations, Mr. Yuki wins applause by declaring that all should co-operate with the military in overcoming current difficulties without opposing or following them blindly. He intimates that the regulations of the Bank of Japan will be revised to permit it to make loans for the development of industry. 1937.02.15 — The War Minister voices hope in the Lower House that its members will rectify their conception of the necessity for national defence. 1937.02.15 — Mr. Kunimatsu Hamada, whose remarks in the Lower House on January 21 precipitated the resignation of the Hirota Cabinet, is induced to clarify his position in a letter to the Speaker, which is conveyed to the War Office, instead of speaking in the House. 1937.02.15 — The national conference of prefectural agricultural associations adopts a resolution demanding larger grants for adjustment of local finances and reforms in taxes to equalise the urban and rural burdens. 1937.02.15 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei assures Ambassador Kawagoe that Sino-Japanese relations will be adjusted and improved in due course. He notes with pleasure that the attitude toward China of Japanese intellectuals, such as Prince Konoye and Mr. Yukio Ozaki, is undergoing a marked change. 1937.02.15 — A detachment of the Kawamura Division returns to Japan from service in Manchuria. 1937.02.15 — Moscow announces that only 400 miles between Habarovsk and Nikolsk-Ussurisk remain for completion of the double-tracking of the Trans-Siberian Railway. 1937.02.16 — Interference by the military in politics and diplomacy is assailed in the Lower House by Mr. Chokichi Miyawaki, Seiyukai, who also raises the question of discipline in the army and navy. 1937.02.16 — War Office leaders confer on the attitude of Diet members towards the army and decide to watch developments closely. 1937.02.16 — Home Minister Kawarada pledges in the Diet to eradicate violation of personal rights by the police. 1937.02.16 — Dr. Suzuki tenders his resignation from the presidency of the Seiyukai, and advisers and managers of the party agree to accept it. 1937.02.16 — Japan's ratification of the Dardanelles convention concluded at Montreux last year is completed. 1937.02.16 — Bucharest erroneously reports that the Japanese Minister, who is in Japan on furlough, joined with other foreign diplomats in attending the funeral of two Rumanian Iron Guardsmen killed while fighting with General Franco's forces in Spain, which the Rumanian Government considers a breach of diplomatic etiquette. 1937.02.17 — Mr. Yukio Ozaki, interpellating in the Lower House, asserts that it is difficult to see what need there is for increased defence expenditure, for if there is a national crisis it is domestic. 1937.02.17 — The Lower House budget committee questions the legality of the Government's request that it start examination of the budget before receipt of details of the revisions made in it. Finance Minister Yuki admits the irregularity but pleads that it cannot be avoided. 1937.02.17 — The War Minister, speaking in the Diet, blames the February 26 incident on "the corruption and dissipation of the political interest." 1937.02.17 — Japan will be glad to participate in a world conference for discussion of redistribution of resources, the Premier says in the Diet. 1937.02.17 — Premier Hayashi gives a dinner for Dennis Cardinal Dougherty, Papal legate to the 33rd International Eucharistic Congress in Manila. 1937.02.17 — Foreign Minister Chang Chun tells the Kuomintang plenum in Nanking that hope of a peaceful Sino-Japanese settlement has not been lost. 1937.02.17 — Representative F. L. Crawford urges in the House of Representatives that the U.S. acknowledge Japan's guardianship of the Philippines after their independence. 1937.02.17 — The American Cotton Textile Institute approves the Japanese-American gentlemen's agreement on cotton textile exports to the U.S. concluded in Osaka. Dr. Murchison, head of the body, denounces as unfortunate the current U.S. view that the Japanese textile worker's living standard is inferior to that of the American. 1937.02.18 — Finance Minister Yuki denies to the Lower House budget committee that any commitments have been made on future defence appropriations and declares that predictions regarding them are impossible until he has conferred with the War and Navy Ministers on the defence programmes. 1937.02.18 — Gold may be shipped abroad to maintain the exchange rate, the Finance Minister intimates in the Diet. 1937.02.18 — Domei reports that the British decision to expand armaments over the next five years is considered in Tokyo a matter of serious concern, especially as coupled with it is the reported intention of the U.S. to build a large fleet. 1937.02.18 — The Bank of Japan announces the average index number of Tokyo retail prices on February 15 at 170.7, on the basis of 100 in July, 1914, less by 5 per cent. than on January 15 but higher by 7.3 per cent. than in the previous year. 1937.02.18 — The Angriff, Berlin, claims that the Chinese Communist Party, on the order of the Comintern, has approached the Nanking Government with an offer of collaboration in a struggle against Japan. 1937.02.18 — General Senjuki Hayashi, retired, is named presiding judge of the court-martial trying Lieutenant-General Uyemura on a bribery charge. 1937.02.19 — The Lower House budget committee hears defence details in camera. 1937.02.19 — The Social Mass Party approaches other parties with a proposal that a resolution be introduced into the Lower House calling for the establishment of a committee charged with investigation of military expenditures. 1937.02.19 — Manchoukuo protests to Outer Mongolia against insincerity regarding the Manchuli peace conference and malicious propaganda circulated through the Tass News Agency and issues a statement detailing five Outer Mongolian invasions of Manchoukuo since the first of the year and denying Ulanbaatar reports of Manchoukuo invasions of Outer Mongolia. 1937.02.19 — The Kuomintang plenum in Nanking shelves a proposal for a strong anti-Japanese campaign. 1937.02.19 — London officials reflect press reports that Britain's rearmament programme constitutes abandonment of its traditional friendship towards Japan. 1937.02.20 — General Hayashi says in the Diet that his Cabinet upholds the three principles of the Hirota Cabinet regarding China, but has its own views on how they should be applied. Equal attention must be given by Japan, he says, to the continent and regions to the south. 1937.02.20 — The War Minister asserts in the Diet that Japan cannot tolerate seeing Inner Mongolia turned into an anti-Japanese or Bolshevised area. He presents a detailed report on the fighting in Suiyuan in November, which he says was greatly exaggerated by the Chinese, and denies that Japan incited the Mongols. 1937.02.20 — The bargaining committee of the Lower House decides to introduce a bill amending the Law of the Houses to permit convocation of the annual Diet session in November instead of December and extension of the period for study of the budget. 1937.02.20 — The Government's plan to tax certain exports to obtain funds for trade control is criticised strongly in the Lower House on the ground that the workers will probably be forced to shoulder it. 1937.02.20 — The Home Minister tells the Diet that there is no intention of adhering to the international treaty stipulating a 48-hour work week, but that working conditions will be steadily improved. 1937.02.20 — Governor Seihin Ikeda pledges the Bank of Japan to continued efforts to facilitate the flow of credits and contribute to the carrying out of national policies and promotion of national prosperity in addressing its stockholders. 1937.02.20 — The Indo-Japanese trade conference is resumed at New Delhi. 1937.02.20 — Tension in Shanghai between Japanese cotton mills and their Chinese employees is revived with an attack by workers on a police substation in an attempt to free several arrested leaders. 1937.02.21 — Japan's net investments in Manchoukuo during 1936 are estimated at 306,771,000 yen, according to the Central Bank of Manchoukuo. 1937.02.21 — The Kuomintang plenum in Nanking publishes a resolution calling for restoration of Chinese administrative rights in the East Hopei special area and Hopei and Chahar Provinces as soon as possible and promising not to abandon efforts for adjustment of diplomatic relations with Japan. 1937.02.22 — The Premier admits in the Diet that there may be something lacking in the army's efforts to win the understanding of the people, but suggests that perhaps the people do not realize how much the army wishes to be understood. 1937.02.22 — The War Minister denies in the Diet that the army is opposed to the existence of political parties, but says it is dissatisfied with the average party man's inadequate conception of the needs of defence in the broad sense. 1937.02.22 — Members of the Japan Production Party recommend to Mr. Yukio Ozaki that he resign because of anti-army remarks in the Diet. 1937.02.23 — The War Minister tells the Diet that drastic control of the munitions industry should be limited to time of war. 1937.02.23 — An appeal for greater compensation for disabled soldiers and sailors and families deprived of the support of sons when conscripted is made by Lower House members during debate on a bill for revision of the relief regulations. 1937.02.23 — General Isutaro Inouye, retired, succeeds General Soroku Suzuki as president of the Ex-Servicemen's Association. 1937.02.23 — Ambassador Sato, interviewed at Hongkong, indicates he would consider appointment as Foreign Minister only if his views on Japan's foreign policy proved acceptable to the Premier. 1937.02.23 — The New York Times urges editorially the necessity for re-examination of American policy towards the Far East, which has not been altered since 1932 despite numerous changes in the situation. 1937.02.23 — The Olympic Organization Committee selects the Meiji Shrine stadium as the site for the Olympic Games in 1940. 1937.02.24 — The Premier asserts in the Diet that he wishes to make it clear that he has never advocated a policy of restraint, pressure or oppression and wishes to follow in all things the golden mean. "There is no intention," he says, to control the entire economic system for the sake of national defence, and the spirit of individual enterprise will not be restrained even though some industries must be controlled. 1937.02.24 — Informal announcement is made of 1,800 changes in the army, effective March 1. Lieutenant-General Kiyoshi Imai becomes Vice-Chief of the General Staff, and Lieutenant-General Kenji Doihara is given command of the 14th (Utsunomiya) Division. Seven new lieutenant-generals are created. 1937.02.24 — Japan would like to conclude with Manchoukuo a reciprocal tariff agreement, the Finance Minister states in the Diet, but it seems impossible under current international conditions. 1937.02.24 — Havana denies Tokyo reports of an understanding on a Japanese-Cuban trade agreement, but says that the matter is being studied. 1937.02.24 — The Foreign Secretary tells the House of Commons that full satisfaction regarding the Keelung incident has not yet been obtained from Japan, but that negotiations are continuing. 1937.02.24 — The Nichi Nichi learns from Hongkong that British, French and Chinese interests are planning to develop Hainan Island. 1937.02.24 — The number of automobiles in the Japanese Empire at the end of October, 1936, is announced as 149,631 by the Resources Bureau of the Cabinet, more by 11 per cent. than a year earlier. Of the total, 89,008 are passenger cars. 1937.02.25 — The Communications Minister promises in the Diet to see that something is done to provide better treatment for the workers under his jurisdiction. 1937.02.25 — The China Council of the Sino-Japanese Trade Association formally invites the Japan Council to send representatives to a general meeting of the association in Shanghai on March 18. 1937.02.25 — Dr. Murchison, head of the U.S. textile mission to Japan, pays high tribute to Japanese textile manufacturers for their co-operation in reaching an export agreement in addressing the Textile Square Club, New York. Mr. Masutaro Inouye, acting consul-general, describes the agreement as "a victory for the give-and-take policy." 1937.02.25 — Tokyo and other cities receive from the Garden Club of America a gift of 4,610 plants as an expression of its appreciation for the reception given its party in Japan in 1935. 1937.02.28 — The War Minister tells the Lower House budget committee that his defence policy is based on others' expansion of armaments, especially on that of neighbouring countries, and admits that Japan is perfecting defence to balance the military strength of the U.S.S.R. in the Far East. The army cannot be indifferent, he says, towards what goes on in North China. 1937.02.28 — The Upper House is told by the War Minister that the army desires the creation of a separate Air Ministry. 1937.02.28 — Premier Hayashi agrees in the Diet, when the need for removal of American misunderstanding of Japan's policies is cited, that people's diplomacy must be instituted. 1937.02.28 — The Foreign Office spokesman tells foreign correspondents that Japan lines up with the "have not" nations and will work for application of the spirit of the Congo Basin pact, providing for equal freedom of commerce, to all colonial territories. 1937.02.28 — Mr. Y. Shudo, commercial attache in Berlin, will take part in the meetings of the League's raw materials commission, but not as a representative of the Japanese Government. 1937.02.28 — President Quezon says in Washington that he has never doubted Japan's good intentions or feared that it might conquer the Philippines. 1937.02.28 — Havana officials reveal that the trade negotiations with Japan are based on an understanding that it will increase its purchases of Cuban goods to half the amount Cuba buys from it under minimum tariff. Cuban industrial circles, notably textilists, are reported opposed. 1937.02.28 — The naval correspondent of The Daily Telegraph, London, reports that the U.S.S.R. has at least 40 submarines in the North Pacific and 90 in the Baltic and that at least one more is being built monthly. 1937.02.28 — Mr. Gilbert Denis and Mr. George Libert fail in another attempt to fly from Paris to Tokyo in less than 100 hours by wrecking their plane on the border of Siam and French Indo-China. 1937.02.28 — Deputy Fabio Aranha presides in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies for abolition of all restrictions on Japanese immigration. 1937.02.27 — The Lower House budget committee charges that inclusion in the budget of 450,000,000 yen which the army and navy have promised not to spend is illegal. The Government holds that it is impossible to indicate at this time how the saving will be made and that it is enough to know that the money will not be spent. 1937.02.27 — The War Minister reiterates in the Lower House that Japan has no desire to take North China. 1937.02.27 — Mr. Yukio Ozaki presents to the Government a 10-point questionnaire on the recent political crisis. 1937.02.27 — Addressing the Foreign Policy Association in New York, Mr. Philip C. Jessup, international law expert of Columbia University, urges that the U.S. build up friendly relations with the Powers, especially Japan, and that the immigration exclusion law be repealed. 1937.02.28 — Premier Hayashi reiterates in the Diet that Japan desires Britain's friendship. 1937.02.28 — Japan has no territorial ambition in the Dutch East Indies, but wishes to develop its economic and commercial interests there through peaceful means, the Premier tells the Diet. 1937.02.28 — Mr. Hyogoro Sakurai, Minseito, suggests that Japan conclude a non-aggression pact with Holland and seek perpetual leases in New Guinea for colonisation. 1937.02.28 — The Seiyukai names Mr. Ichiro Hatoyama, Mr. Yonezo Maeyda, Mr. Toshio Shimada and Mr. Chikuhei Nakajima as members of its executive board to replace President Suzuki. 1937.02.28 — The Foreign Office denies a press report alleging that the Japanese-German anti-Comintern committee in Berlin has decided to invite Italy to join the Japanese-German accord. 1937.02.28 — Japan obtains as new salmon and salmon-trout fishing grounds in Kamchatka waters and the Soviet Union 14 as a result of the annual auction in Vladivostok. 1937.02.28 — A bronze plaque in memory of Commodore Matthew C. Perry is unveiled at St. Mark's Church, New York, where he is buried. 1937.03.01 — The War Minister intimates in the Diet that expansion of the army's air force beyond what is provided for in the six-year programme for perfection of armaments may be necessary if the Soviets expand their air force greatly. On the whole, however, he believes that the six-year programme will enable Japan to maintain a balance with the U.S.S.R., which cannot continue increasing armaments forever. 1937.03.01 — The War Minister opposes amalgamation of the War and Navy Ministries, and the Navy Minister opposes establishment of a separate Air Ministry. 1937.03.01 — Members of the Lower House budget committee propose that the Government increase by 41,000,000 yen the 70,000,000-yen appropriation for grants for local fiscal adjustments. 1937.03.01 — The Finance Minister gives assurance in the Diet that a complete revision of the central and local tax systems will be presented to the Diet in its next ordinary session. 1937.03.01 — A Minseito-Seiyukai resolution is presented to the Government requesting the appointment of a commission to investigate the judicial system and formulate reforms. 1937.03.01 — Manchoukuo promulgates regulations governing the succession to the Throne "by the male descendants in the male line of Emperor Kangté for ages eternal." If there is no Imperial descendant, the successor shall be an Imperial brother or a descendant. 1937.03.01 — A trade agreement between Japan and Burma is initialled at New Delhi. 1937.03.01 — The intensification of the Exchange Control Law is considered ineffective as trade figures for the first two months of the year show imports totalling 661,547,000 yen, more by 108,669,000 yen, or 21.9 per cent., than last year. Exports totalled 483,000,000 yen, more by 17,682,000 yen, or 11.3 per cent. 1937.03.01 — The Wall Street Journal welcomes the Japanese-American cotton textile agreement as a contribution to the Government's policy of trade reciprocity. 1937.03.01 — The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry asserts in the Diet that the Government means to increase the number of land-owning farmers and improve the lot of tenant farmers by enabling them to earn more. 1937.03.01 — Representatives of the Social Mass Party, the Council of Labour Unions, the All Japan Farmers' Union and the Farmers' League adopt a resolution asking the Government to enact a labour union law, a people's bank law and a farm tenancy law and to withdraw the scheduled increases in rural taxes. 1937.03.01 — The policies and programmes of the Kwantung Army will not be altered because of the transfer to Japan of Lieutenant-General Seishiro Itagaki, his successor as chief-of-staff, Lieutenant-General Hideki Tojo declares in Hsinking. 1937.03.01 — Commenting on Premier Hayashi's expression in the Diet of a desire for Britain's friendship, Lord Newton voices conviction that re-establishment of Anglo-Japanese intimacy would help to stabilise the Far East and benefit China. Sir Frederick Whyte, former adviser to Nanking, sees in it an indication of realisation of the need for mitigating the bad effects of the Japanese-German accord. 1937.03.01 — Australia's Prime Minister, referring to a Diet statement by the Premier to the effect that it might be possible to negotiate with Australia on the immigration issue, says he knows of no prospect for such negotiations and asserts that the issue is purely economic. Australia restricting immigration solely to protect the living standards of its people. 1937.03.01 — Non-aggression pacts are not in accordance with Dutch political ideas, it is said at The Hague in reaction to the suggestion in the Diet that such a pact be negotiated between Japan and the Netherlands. Regarding proposed Japanese leases in New Guinea, it is emphasized that applications for concessions will be considered on their merits. 1937.03.02 — The director of the naval affairs bureau of the Navy Office says in the Diet that no need is seen to alter the new programme of naval construction because of British and American plans. 1937.03.02 — The Government presents to the Lower House bills for revision of the law on general relief and for protection of mothers and children, which are referred to a committee after debate in which their inadequacy is stressed. 1937.03.02 — Mr. Torikichi Obata, former Ambassador to Germany, is said to have definitely declined the post of Foreign Minister, which the Premier had been trying to have him accept for some weeks. Poor health is given as his reason. 1937.03.02 — The Premier informs Mr. Ozaki that he sees no need to reply at present to his recent 10-point questionnaire on the recent political crisis. 1937.03.02 — Mr. Stanley Hornbeck, chief of the Far Eastern Division of the State Department, writes in the first issue of a new magazine, Amerasia, published in New York, that the U.S. does not want to place obstacles in the way of satisfactory solution of Asia's problems or to dictate or intrude in its local controversies. 1937.03.03 — Mr. Naotake Sato takes office as Foreign Minister. 1937.03.03 — Mr. Sato's appointment is regarded abroad as assurance that Japan will follow a policy of international collaboration. 1937.03.03 — The Finance Minister voices confidence in the Diet that improvement of international relations will mean a turn for the better in finance. 1937.03.03 — A new revision of the 1937-38 budget is submitted to the Lower House showing a total of 2,813,037,000 yen, less by 7,449,000 yen than the first revision because of deletion of 893,000 yen for enforcement of State management of the electric power industry, 125,000 yen for extension of compulsory schooling and a few other items. 1937.03.03 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces that the average wholesale commodity price index in the 13 leading cities in January was 120.1, higher by 9.1 per cent. than in December and by 12 per cent. than in the previous January. 1937.03.03 — A memorandum issued by the League Secretariat states that no country suffers more than Japan from the lack of raw materials. 1937.03.03 — The Communications Minister says in the Diet that the Government is contemplating a seven-hour express air service between Tokyo and Peiping, for which 400,000 yen are needed. 1937.03.04 — London reports call attention to the improvement in the attitude of the British press towards Japan in recent weeks. 1937.03.04 — British political leaders decide to draw the attention of the Government to the rise of anti-British propaganda in the Far East. 1937.03.04 — Representative Hamilton Fish demands in Congress that President Roosevelt call a new naval conference among the U.S., Japan and Britain. 1937.03.04 — The Government informs the Lower House budget committee that 50,000,000 yen will be added to the appropriation for local fiscal adjustments, making the total 100,000,000 yen, which satisfies the Minseito and Seiyukai. 1937.03.04 — The Minister of Commerce and Industry states in the Diet that a special system of guarantees for exports to China is being considered. 1937.03.05 — The Premier admits in the Diet that rural conditions are not satisfactory and regrets that the priority of defence appropriations makes more adequate relief impossible. 1937.03.05 — The Communications Minister promises to present to the next session of the Diet a plan for control of the electric power industry. 1937.03.05 — The Nichi Nichi reports that the movement for a new political party to support a pro-military cabinet is at a stalemate because of the continued refusal of Prince Konoye to serve as president. 1937.03.05 — Dr. Wang Chung-hui, in Nanking to become Foreign Minister, states that he means to uphold the principle of complete diplomatic equality for China in relations with Japan. 1937.03.05 — Sympathy with Dr. Wang's reported intention to work for abolition of foreign consular jurisdiction in China is voiced in Tokyo, but attention is called to the difficulties involved. The Nanking Foreign Office spokesman denies, however, that Dr. Wang has any such plan. 1937.03.05 — The U.S. House of Representatives sends to the Senate a bill appropriating $346,535,448 for the navy after defeating a resolution calling for American initiative in convoking a naval disarmament conference. 1937.03.05 — The San Francisco unit of the Alaska Fishermen's Union petitions Washington to prevent depletion of salmon resources from alleged Japanese encroachment. Attention is called to the same problem in a resolution adopted by the General Wild Life Federation. 1937.03.05 — Turkey conciliates towards Japan by banning a musical comedy, Geisha, which presents a grotesque picture of Oriental life. 1937.03.04 — The Lower House budget committee adopts the 1937-38 budget with a resolution attached warning against making a precedent of the inclusion of funds such as the 450,000,000 yen which the army and navy will not spend and calling for presentation of a tax reform plan to the next Diet session, creation of a commission to distribute the grants for local fiscal adjustments and removal of the uneasiness caused by police violation of personal rights. 1937.03.04 — Funded debts of the Government at the end of February are announced by the Finance Ministry at 10,389,372,000 yen, of which 1,316,955,000 yen are owed abroad. 1937.03.04 — The Finance Minister says in the Diet that he doubts if much can be done at present to increase the salaries of Government employees. 1937.03.04 — A demand is made in the Lower House for old-age pensions, but the Government is non-committal. 1937.03.04 — The Bank of Japan's average index number of Tokyo wholesale prices in February is announced at 150.4, less by 1.4 per cent. than in January, but greater by 24.6 per cent. than in February of last year. 1937.03.04 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces that there were 81,171 factories in Japan in 1935 with an output valued at 10,846,517,000 yen, greater by 15.1 per cent. than in 1934. 1937.03.04 — A sub-committee of the Parliamentary Discipline Commission in the Lower House decides to sponsor the organization of a political affairs investigation bureau. 1937.03.04 — Ambassador Kawagoe calls on General Chiang Kai-shek to congratulate him on his escape from the Sian incident. 1937.03.04 — The Shih Shih Hsin Pao, Shanghai, says editorially that Sino-Japanese economic co-operation must be based on recognition of China's independence, not extend technical assistance, not seek exploitation and not call for reduction of protective tariffs. 1937.03.04 — Representative Harold Knutson introduces in the House of Representatives a new resolution requesting the President to call a world naval conference. 1937.03.07 — Announcement is made in Washington that an understanding has been reached for abolition of perpetual leases in Japan held by Americans. 1937.03.07 — The Foreign Office is reported highly resentful of Moscow's unexplained refusal to issue a visa for an interpreter ordered to the Japanese Embassy. 1937.03.07 — China's Central News Agency denies reports of a compromise between Nanking and the communists. 1937.03.07 — American textile manufacturers appeal to Washington for action against imports of Japanese cotton cloth under the provision of the Soil Conservation Act authorizing restriction of imports tending to reduce the volume of American products under the farm programme. 1937.03.08 — The House of Representatives passes the 1937-38 budget with the resolution attached by the budget committee. 1937.03.08 — Foreign Minister Sato, speaking in the Diet for the first time, declares that he wishes to negotiate with China on a friendly basis, that the U.S.S.R. could improve relations with Japan and other countries if divested from the Comintern and that Britain's impression that Japan has crossed the Great Wall, thereby menacing British interests in all China, should be corrected. 1937.03.08 — Foreign Minister Wang Chung-hui, in his first press interview, declares that political and economic cooperation between nations should always be based on the principle of mutual benefits and that this will be the keynote of his efforts to improve relations with other countries. 1937.03.08 — London and Washington receive very favourably Mr. Sato's Diet speech. 1937.03.08 — Mr. Yasundo Shudo, Japanese member of the League's committee on raw materials, urges at the committee's initial meeting that excessive trade barriers be suppressed and restrictions on exports of raw materials be abolished. 1937.03.08 — The Government submits to the Diet a 6,207,000-yen supplementary budget for the current fiscal year. 1937.03.08 — Directors of the Japan Economic Federation adopt a resolution favouring the pursuance of a policy of national concentration on perfection of defence. 1937.03.08 — The procurator asks three years' imprisonment and a fine of 45,770 yen for Lieutenant-General Haruhiko Uyemura, on trial for accepting bribes in connection with army materials. 1937.03.08 — Senator Lewis B. Schwellenbach warns the U.S. Senate that serious international difficulties may arise out of the threatened invasion of the North Pacific by Japanese and European fishing interests. 1937.03.09 — Gold to the value of 18,000,000 yen is shipped from Kobe to the U.S., the Government's first shipment to maintain the yen exchange rate. 1937.03.09 — The Cabinet announces that the interest rate on ordinary postal savings deposits will be reduced on April 1 from 3 per cent. to 2.76 per cent., compared with the 2.64 per cent. decided on by the Hirota Cabinet. 1937.03.09 — The Upper House approves a bill for strengthening the law on protection of military secrets. 1937.03.09 — Representative F. L. Crawford urges in Washington the calling of a world conference to discuss neutralisation of the Philippines. 1937.03.10 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei, interviewed in Nanking, says adjustment of Sino-Japanese relations depends largely on Japan. Foreign Minister Sato's Diet statement, he comments, has been received very well throughout China. 1937.03.10 — Agreement is reached at Tientsin on the exportation of 230,000 tons of Changlu salt to Japan. 1937.03.10 — General Sung Che-yuan gives assurance in Peiping that no substantial change will be made in the North China regime as a result of the recent Kuomintang plenum in Nanking. 1937.03.10 — Mr. Yukio Ozaki presents a new questionnaire to the Government on foreign relations, defence and domestic issues. 1937.03.10 — Mr. Yuki, in his concurrent capacity as Overseas Ministry, asserts in the Diet that abolition of the Overseas Ministry is not contemplated at present. 1937.03.10 — Secretary of Commerce Roper reveals that preliminary trade talks have been in progress with Japan, largely on specific items, including textiles, fish and seal products, but no agreement is yet in sight. 1937.03.12 — The issue of Manchoukuo will not be taken up by Japan in any negotiations with China, the Foreign Minister tells the Lower House. He denies that there is any question of entering the Fascist camp by virtue of the anti-Comintern accord with Germany. Defending his Upper House speech on March 8, he says he wished only to strike the keynote of Japan's future policy towards China. Regarding his statement that relations with the U.S.S.R. would be smoother if the Comintern did not exist, he says he meant that had the Comintern not existed there would have been no need to conclude the pact with Germany. He does not believe there is any fundamental difference between his views and those of the Premier and the War Minister. Whether a crisis is translated into war or not depends, he declares, on the manner in which the people think. If they are so minded, such a crisis can be averted. 1937.03.12 — Army leaders confer on dubious aspects of the Foreign Minister's speech, and the Kokumin Domei issues a statement of dissatisfaction with it. 1937.03.12 — Moscow leaders are said to view Foreign Minister Sato's Diet speech as disappointing, despite its conciliatory tone, because he scarcely mentioned the Japanese-German accord, which must be "frozen" before Japanese-Soviet relations can be improved. 1937.03.12 — The Navy Minister advocates in the Diet that facilities for aeronautical research be unified. 1937.03.12 — Mr. Kenji Kodama, head of the economic mission to China, issues a statement on leaving Tokyo for Shanghai saying that the national feelings of Japan and China must be reconciled before there can be economic co-operation and that relations should not be left unremedied even if agreement is impossible at the moment. 1937.03.12 — Radiophone communication between Japan and Siam is opened. 1937.03.17 — The Foreign Minister supplements in the Upper House budget committee his speech of March 14, which he recognises "invited some misunderstanding." He did not mean that Japan should tolerate any provocation or that defence should not be perfected. The Premier and the War Minister previously heard Mr. Sato explain what he had meant, and they found their views in accord. 1937.03.17 — The Times, London, warmly praises Japan's revised policy of conciliation with China as enunciated by Mr. Sato. 1937.03.17 — The Pravda, Moscow, asks concrete proof that Japan is showing a conciliatory attitude towards the U.S.S.R. 1937.03.17 — It is learned in London that Sir Robert L. Craigie, Assistant Foreign Under-Secretary, has been made Ambassador to Tokyo, succeeding Sir Robert Clive, who is transferred to Brussels. 1937.03.17 — At the request of the Japanese and Polish members, the League's committee on raw materials embodies in its report an observation that all measures for facilitating access to raw materials would be very helpful. 1937.03.17 — The arrival in Hongkong of the American commercial attache in China gives rise to reports that the U.S. may participate with Britain in economic exploitation of South China. 1937.03.17 — Viscount Okozaki warns in the Diet against allowing the Cabinet Inquiry Bureau to play a leading role in the Government, for every move it makes causes public uneasiness. 1937.03.17 — Mr. Eigo Fukai, former Governor of the Bank of Japan, warns at a dinner of financial and business leaders against currency inflation and loans that would be frozen in industry. His successor, Mr. Seihin Ikeda, upholds his policy of making funds available to first-rate industrial firms. 1937.03.13 — National defence in the narrow sense should be left to the military and defence in the broad sense to the rest of the Government, the Premier agrees in the Diet. He regrets domestic rivalries and hopes that all will take care to stay within their assigned spheres. 1937.03.13 — The Foreign Minister cancels a scheduled speech in the Lower House supplementing his earlier statements when Minseito and Seiyukai leaders agree that his Upper House speech was adequate, despite the opposition of the smaller parties. 1937.03.13 — The Finance Minister denies in the Diet that he intends to devalue the yen. He states that the Government will estimate how much materials are needed for industry and then strive to reduce imports as much as possible. 1937.03.13 — Mr. Giichi Matsumura declares in the Upper House budget committee that the accord with Germany was not necessary for protection against communism and urges that its after-effects be removed, though of course it must be enforced now that it has been concluded. 1937.03.13 — The Soviet Ambassador in London assails the Japanese-German anti-Comintern accord as amounting to a military alliance against the U.S.S.R. but claims that on its western and eastern frontiers the U.S.S.R. is impregnable. 1937.03.14 — The Lower House adopts a resolution calling for strict observance of the letter and spirit of the Charter Oath, enunciating the principle of referring State affairs to public opinion, in observing the 90th anniversary of its promulgation by the Emperor Meiji. 1937.03.14 — Sir Frederick Maze, Inspector-General of the Chinese Maritime Customs, publishes recommendations to Nanking for suppression of smuggling in North China alleged to be with Japanese connivance. The step perturbs Japanese quarters in Shanghai because it coincides with the arrival of the Japanese economic mission. 1937.03.14 — Soviet troops fire on a party of Japanese officials riding along a road near Chenchiatun, on the eastern Manchoukuo-Soviet frontier. 1937.03.17 — The second shipment of gold to the U.S. to stabilise the yen exchange rate, amounting to 16,700,000 yen, is made. 1937.03.17 — The navy concurs with Foreign Minister Sato's views, the Navy Minister tells a Lower House committee. 1937.03.17 — Improvement of Japanese-Soviet trade must await improvement of political relations, the Foreign Vice-Minister says in the Diet. 1937.03.17 — Lord Cranbourne, Parliamentary Foreign Under-Secretary, says in the House of Commons that a satisfactory agreement has been reached on abolition of perpetual leases held by British subjects in Japan on the basis of proposals presented by the British Ambassador. He gives assurance that the Government is watching the smuggling situation in North China. 1937.03.17 — Sir Robert L. Craigie, new British Ambassador to Tokyo, interviewed in London, says he is confident there is a sound basis for Anglo-Japanese co-operation in the China market and that closer relations between the two countries would benefit world peace. 1937.03.17 — A Washington report says the U.S. is studying the possibility of reciprocal trade pacts with Oriental nations, especially Japan. 1937.03.17 — General Chiang Kai-shek tells the military attache of the Japanese Embassy in China that Nanking is ready to seek improvement of relations with Japan. 1937.03.17 — Foreign tourists who visited Japan in 1936 totalled 24,568, the Board of Tourist Industry announces. They are believed to have spent 100,000,000 yen. 1937.03.17 — The Kwantung Army announces the sentencing to prison terms of four Japanese found guilty of stealing munitions from army warehouses and selling them to Manchurian bandits. 1937.03.17 — More than 1,100 representatives of farmers' co-operative societies meet in Tokyo and adopt a resolution calling on the Diet to pass the bill instituting a national health insurance system. 1937.03.17 — An International Labour Office report published in Washington in connection with the coming textile conference says that Japan's cotton textile labour costs per unit are about a fourth of those in other countries and that the percentage of labour cost to the total cost is about half. It notes that Japanese workers under 16 are 47.8 per cent. of the total, compared with 14.8 per cent. in the U.S. 1937.03.18 — The Minseito and Seiyukai introduce into the Lower House two bills for revision of the Election Law and refer them to committees despite the opposition of the minor parties. 1937.03.18 — Reformist and left-wing candidates do well in the election of Tokyo City Assembly members, though the established parties maintain their control. With a total of 21, the Social Mass Party's seats are 10 more than in the last assembly. 1937.03.18 — General Chiang Kai-shek welcomes the Japanese economic mission in Nanking. Foreign Minister Wang Chung-hui, speaking at a reception, says that Japan and China have many things in common and that trade between them should expand. 1937.03.18 — Japan's attention has been drawn repeatedly by the British Ambassador in Tokyo to the question of smuggling in North China, the House of Commons is told by the Parliamentary Foreign Under-Secretary. 1937.03.18 — Admiral William H. Leahy reveals that the U.S. navy hopes to maintain a fleet of 15 modern battleships. 1937.03.18 — The Government promulgates regulations instituting a licence system for imports and exports of ammonium sulphate in Japan proper and Korea in accordance with the law on control of the fertiliser industry. 1937.03.19 — An Australian good-will mission of 51 Rotarians and their families arrives in Yokohama. 1937.03.19 — A joint resolution of members of all parties in the Lower House is introduced asking the Government to draft a plan for public management of elections. 1937.03.19 — The Japan Economic Federation announces the personnel of the economic mission that will visit America and Europe, headed by Mr. Chokuro Kadono, president of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 1937.03.19 — An explosion in a gold mine at Machikuchi, Shimane Prefecture, kills 48 miners. 1937.03.22 — Prince and Princess Chichibu sail from Yokohama by the Heian Maru for Vancouver on the way to attend the coronation as proxies of the Emperor and the Empress. 1937.03.22 — The Lower House approves the Government's six major tax bills with amendments reducing revenue by about 12,100,000 yen and an attached resolution, urging the Government to appoint a commission to reform the national and local tax systems and recommending various changes in tax procedures. 1937.03.22 — The Cabinet presents to the Diet six bills embodying supplementary estimates for the 1937-38 fiscal year, comprising 18,197,000 yen in the ordinary accounts and 55,020,000 yen in the special accounts. 1937.03.22 — Prince Iyesato Tokugawa and 11 other members of the Upper House are honoured in a ceremony in the House for their services over more than 50 years. 1937.03.22 — The War Minister tells the Upper House budget committee that it is impossible to predict how much money the army will need to spend in Manchuria until after the six-year programme of defence perfection. 1937.03.22 — An appeal for co-operation in ending the smuggling in North China is addressed to the Japanese economic mission in Shanghai by the China Sugar Manufacturers and the Merchants Association. The Sino-Japanese Trade Association holds its first meeting. 1937.03.22 — A group of graduates of the Rio de Janeiro Technical College arrives in Japan to inspect factories. 1937.03.25 — The director of the commercial bureau of the Foreign Office tells the Lower House that Japan would give careful consideration to a U.S. proposal for a reciprocal trade agreement. The Minister of Commerce and Industry declares that free trade is Japan's basic desire, but that reciprocity is acceptable if insisted on by other countries. 1937.03.25 — The Chinese press comments pessimistically on the Sino-Japanese economic talks in Shanghai. 1937.03.26 — The Foreign Minister states in the Diet that Japan's defence programme cannot make other countries nervous because it is the minimum possible. He denies any need for correcting his earlier statements on foreign policy and says that what he stated on March 12 was merely supplementary. 1937.03.26 — The Lower House adopts the supplementary estimates for the current fiscal year. 1937.03.26 — The Government presents to the Lower House a bill instituting a licence system for the manufacture of iron and steel. 1937.03.26 — The Society for Promotion of Oceanic Fishing issues a pamphlet refuting the U.S. and Canadian arguments that Japanese salmon fishing along the eastern edge of the Pacific constitutes "invasion." 1937.03.26 — The Moscow authorities rule that the Japanese Shipping Association will not be allowed to do business this year in Vladivostok, but that Japanese shipping interests may send a representative to work with the Soviet maritime agency. 1937.03.26 — The Soviet consul-general in Harbin informs the Japanese authorities that the Soviet railway connection with the North Manchuria Railway at Manchuli may be severed. 1937.03.26 — The Kobe branch of the Soviet Trade Representation is closed, bringing inconvenience to traders because of the need of having foreign certificates certified through the Tokyo office. 1937.03.26 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against Soviet firing on a patrol at the eastern border on March 11. 1937.03.26 — Mr. Sun Fo, President of the Legislative Yuan, says in Shanghai that there can be no reasonable talk of Sino-Japanese economic co-operation pending removal of political difficulties. 1937.03.26 — Mr. T. V. Soong is reported to be accompanying Finance Minister H. H. Kung to London for the coronation to solicit further British aid in the economic development of China. 1937.03.21 — The eastern Manchoukuo border is again crossed by Soviet soldiers, who retreat when a patrol is encountered. 1937.03.22 — Foreign Minister Sato admits in the Diet that the negotiations with the U.S.S.R. for a new fishery convention may be difficult, but believes that efforts should be made to avoid Japanese-Soviet friction in the event of failure to achieve a new convention. 1937.03.22 — Finance Minister Yuki says in the Diet that the Government will have to take steps if prices increase beyond reasonable limits, but hopes administrative action will not be necessary. He states that the slowing down of the upward trend of prices made possible by revision of the budget has been adversely affected by the news of European and American expansion of armaments. 1937.03.22 — The War Office announces stricter supervision and censorship of articles and statements by soldiers and civilian members of the service. 1937.03.23 — The Premier and the War Minister declare in the Lower House budget committee that they are completely satisfied with the Foreign Minister's Diet speech on March 11. 1937.03.23 — The Foreign Minister declines to reveal what Japan's attitude would be towards an attempt to revive the Anglo-Japanese alliance, but believes that Britain would have difficulty in reviving it in view of its League membership. He says an attempt will be made to settle advantageously the American immigration issue and states that Japan cannot discuss the special trade in North China because it comes under the jurisdiction of the East Hopei regime. 1937.03.23 — The Finance Minister declares in the Diet that devaluation of the yen at present would be senseless, removing the impression created by the Vice-Minister that devaluation would be considered after currency stabilization by other Powers. 1937.03.23 — Mr. Kodama, head of the economic mission to China, denies press reports that the Sino-Japanese economic talks were a failure and declares that both sides are hopeful for the future. 1937.03.26 — A protest is filed in Peiping against mistreatment of Japanese officials and residents in North China by Chinese military police. 1937.03.26 — Replying to Mr. Yukio Ozaki's second questionnaire, the Foreign Minister writes that Japan has no intention of considering the return to Germany of the mandated islands. The War and Navy Ministers join with him in saying that the Government is as desirous as ever of a fair international disarmament agreement, but believes any move at this time would be futile. 1937.03.26 — Foreign Secretary Eden declares in the House of Commons that Britain fully shares Japan's desire for increased co-operation and will welcome any improvement in Sino-Japanese relations tending towards the prosperity and stability of China. 1937.03.26 — The Foreign Office announces that an agreement has been reached with Burma whereby Japan may export up to 42,000,000 square yards of cotton textiles to Burma if it purchases 6 per cent. of all Burmese raw cotton available for export. 1937.03.26 — The Japanese Embassy in Rome denies reports that negotiations are going on for an Italo-Japanese political accord. Only a commercial agreement is being discussed. 1937.03.26 — Shanghai reports again claim that China and the U.S.S.R. have reached a basic agreement to stabilise relations under which Nanking will soften its attitude towards the Chinese Communist Party. 1937.03.26 — Senator Homer T. Bone introduces in Congress a resolution requesting the State Department to take up with Japan the question of Japanese fishing in the Northeast Pacific. 1937.03.26 — The Lower House sends to the Upper House the bills for revision of the Election Law sponsored by the Minseito and Seiyukai. 1937.03.27 — Notes are exchanged by the Foreign Minister with the British and American Ambassadors providing for conversion of perpetual leases held by British and Americans into ordinary leases in 1941, ending, as far as their two countries are concerned, the last vestiges of the old extraterritorial privileges of foreigners in Japan. 1937.03.27 — Plans are disclosed at Hongkong for a $4,000,000 defence programme. 1937.03.27 — The Mayor of Peiping voices regret in an interview at the recent mistreatment of Japanese travellers in North China by Chinese officials and says that those responsible have been dismissed. He pleads for Japanese co-operation in preventing smuggling. 1937.03.27 — An American Textile Institute spokesman reveals that negotiations are to be undertaken with Japanese manufacturers to limit exports to the U.S. of cotton goods not included in the recent Osaka agreement. 1937.03.27 — The Diet session is prolonged six days to permit adoption of important bills. 1937.03.27 — The Lower House approves with amendments the Government's bill for establishment of a national system of health insurance, the session's major piece of social legislation. 1937.03.27 — Ten students and three professors arrive from Chile to inspect Japanese agricultural and industrial conditions. 1937.03.28 — Mr. Kodama, head of the economic mission to China, issues a statement on the eve of leaving Shanghai saying that the Sino-Japanese conversations have resulted in improved understanding and agreement that efforts be continued to bring the two countries closer financially and commercially. It is revealed that the Chinese desire to meet eventually at least half of Japan's cotton requirements. 1937.03.28 — A protest is lodged in Canton against the expulsion of a Japanese merchant from Wuchow, on the Kwangsi-Kwangtung border. 1937.03.28 — Mr. N. M. Hubbard, president of the U.S. Navy League, advocates permanent retention by the U.S. of its Philippine naval base "for the protection of Western civilization in the Far East." 1937.03.27 — Japan formally notifies Britain of its inability to adhere to the 14-inch limitation on battleship guns, considering qualitative limitation without quantitative of little value. 1937.03.27 — Washington regrets Japan's rejection of the 14-inch limit for battleship guns and fears a naval race may be precipitated. 1937.03.27 — London reports indicate that Britain will not mount battleships with guns of more than 14 inches, despite Japan's decision, but may revise its policy if Japan builds ships exceeding 35,000 tons. 1937.03.27 — Mr. Chow Tso-min, chairman of the Sino-Japanese Trade Association, issues a statement saying a full agreement for closer co-operation between Chinese and Japanese financial interests has been reached. 1937.03.27 — Mr. Kazuye Kuwashima, new Minister to the Netherlands, predicts in Singapore on his way back to Japan from a visit to the Netherlands Indies that the Japanese-Netherlands trade negotiations are about to reach a satisfactory conclusion. 1937.03.27 — Tokyo learns of the conclusion in Lima of a provisional Japanese-Peruvian trade convention increasing by 150,000 kilograms the Peruvian annual quota of 612,000 kilograms for Japanese textile imports. 1937.03.27 — The Lower House adopts the 1937-38 supplementary estimates with an attached resolution calling for a fundamental policy regarding afforestation and riparian works, care in the management of special companies established by the Government and regulation of the issuance of bonds, the raising of private funds and the making of investments in Manchoukuo. 1937.03.27 — The Upper House completes Diet action on the bills changing taxes for the next fiscal year. 1937.03.27 — The Lower House committee on settlement of accounts adopts a resolution censuring the Government for more than 10 illegal and improper uses of funds totalling 46,600,000 yen in the accounts for the last fiscal year. 1937.03.27 — The Government bills for adjustment of farm debts and air defence are passed by the Lower House. 1937.03.27 — A third shipment of gold to the U.S., worth 16,160,000 yen, to maintain the exchange rate leaves Kobe. 1937.03.28 — The Foreign Minister is said by Domei to be intending to take steps for adjustment of relations with the U.S.S.R. as soon as possible in the conviction that it is essential for improvement of Sino-Japanese relations. 1937.03.28 — The Upper House passes the bills establishing an alcohol monopoly and compelling mixture of alcohol with gasoline. 1937.03.29 — Prince and Princess Chichibu are welcomed at Vancouver on their way to the London coronation. 1937.03.29 — The Upper House completes Diet action on all of the 1937-38 budget measures and the bill revising the law governing the Diet. 1937.03.29 — Manchoukuo lifts the ban on news of the arrest of more than 200 Manchurians, including local officials, businessmen and educators, charged with plotting to overthrow the Government. Some have been sentenced to death and others to long prison terms. 1937.03.29 — Announcement is made at Tsitsihar of the annihilation of 31 men of an army unit by bandits in fighting in Lungkiang Province. 1937.03.29 — A full agreement is reported in the Indo-Japanese negotiations in New Delhi for a new trade treaty. 1937.03.29 — The U.S. Department of Commerce issues a report describing Japan's rise as an economic Power, in which it is stated that forces inherent in the nation's economic structure will continue to assist in the manufacture of goods at a lower cost than in Western countries. 1937.03.29 — The New York Times fears that Japan's rejection of 14-inch battleship guns will open the door to dangerous developments in the Pacific. 1937.03.30 — Because of a long recess of the Lower House resulting from disagreement between the Government and the major parties over the Election Law revision bills of the latter, the Cabinet considers dissolution of the Diet. 1937.03.30 — Announcement is made in Shanghai that local Japanese banks will hand over to the National Government all their silver holdings, valued at about 9,000,000 yuan. 1937.03.30 — The Osaka Shosen Kaisha announces wage increases ranging from 3 to 15 per cent. for 19,000 clerks and seamen as agitation for higher pay develops in many quarters throughout the nation because of the rise of commodity prices. 1937.03.30 — The Finance Ministry announces that Japan proper produced 21,514,234 grams of gold in 1936, more by 74 per cent. than before the reimposition of the gold embargo in 1932. 1937.03.30 — The Government approves the South Manchuria Railway Company's 1937-38 budget, totalling 548,931,000 yen, including 75,418,000 for mining enterprises and 14,401,000 for railways. 1937.03.30 — The East Hopei regime's envoy in Hsinking presents credentials to the Manchoukuo Foreign Office, formally establishing diplomatic relations. 1937.03.30 — Exploratory discussion of Far Eastern questions is alleged to be one of the purposes of the visit to London of Mr. Norman H. Davis, U.S. Ambassador-at-large. 1937.03.30 — The Times, London, regrets that Japan threw away the opportunity to preserve the use of battleship guns of more than 14 inches, and the New York Herald Tribune accuses Tokyo of destroying the last remnant of naval limitation. 1937.03.30 — India bans imports of fents of silk and artificial silk, affecting Japanese trade. 1937.03.30 — The 1st Fleet arrives at Tsingtao for a visit. 1937.03.31 — The Lower House is dissolved because of the dispute between the Government and the parties over revision of the Election Law. Explaining the move, the Premier issues a statement saying that there was a delay in the deliberation on important bills that caused the Government to conclude that the parties were lacking in sincerity and failed to appreciate properly the current situation and that dissolution was decided on as a step towards reform of the Diet. He sees nothing wrong in co-operation between the Government and a new political party, but says no consideration has been given to direct action in forming another party. It is decided to hold the general election on April 30. 1937.03.31 — The major parties are indignant at the dissolution, and the Seiyukai issues a statement charging that the Government had no justification for it and seems to have the "erroneous idea that the Diet is one of the administrative organs of the State." 1937.03.31 — The dissolution shelves 35 of the 83 bills submitted by the Government, including those for a national health insurance system, adjustment of farm debts and revision of tariffs. 1937.03.31 — The Government issues the last of its 1936-37 bonds, amounting to 185,000,000 yen, making the total for the year 685,000,000 yen, less by 102,437,000 yen than originally estimated. 1937.03.31 — India affects Japanese trade by announcing higher duties on non-British rayon textiles. 1937.03.31 — Mr. Julius Kataoka, head of the Japanese delegation to the Washington textile conference, says Japan is especially interested in proposals to increase the world consumption of textiles, believing that the best way to benefit the textile industry. 1937.04.01 — Minseito-Seiyukai co-operation in fighting the Government in the general election is anticipated. 1937.04.01 — Imports for the first quarter of the year are announced as 1,046,766,000 yen and exports as 733,684,000 yen, giving an unfavourable balance of 345,900,000 yen, 49 per cent. more than last year. 1937.04.01 — With the opening of the new fiscal year, the higher postal rates go into effect, four sen for domestic letters, higher by one sen, and 20 sen for foreign, higher by 10 sen. 1937.04.01 — The excise tax of five sen a gallon on petrol, making the retail price 36 sen, goes into effect, in reaction to which taxicab operators throughout the country threaten agitation. 1937.04.01 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry issues regulations implementing the law on stabilization of raw silk prices passed by the Diet. 1937.04.01 — The new law on encouragement of shipbuilding, differing from the old in that no provision is made for scrapping old ships as a prerequisite for obtaining subsidies for the building of new ones, goes into effect. It calls for 100,000 tons of ships in four years, for which the Government will grant 40 yen a ton. 1937.04.01 — Vice-Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai, Navy Minister, and Vice-Admiral Gengo Hyakutake, commander of the Yokosuka naval station, are promoted to the rank of full admiral. 1937.04.01 — The Japan Air Transport Company opens a regular service between Tokyo and Sapporo, covering 940 kilometres. 1937.04.01 — American cod-fishers accuse Japanese fishermen of ruining the Alaskan cod-fish banks by crab-fishing. 1937.04.02 — The Cabinet approves the issuance of an Imperial ordinance on regulation of the iron industry and exemption of pig-iron from import duties because of the failure on bills on these matters to pass the Diet. 1937.04.02 — The Cabinet approves the appointment of Mr. Seijiro Yoshizawa as director of the American bureau of the Foreign Office and that of Mr. Yakichiro Suma, former consul-general in Nanking, to succeed him in Washington as counsellor. Mr. Morito Morishima, acting director of the East Asiatic Bureau, is made full director. 1937.04.03 — Prince and Princess Chichibu are welcomed in Ottawa. 1937.04.03 — Lieutenant Prince Pu Chieh, younger brother of Emperor Kangté, and Miss Hiroko Saga, grand-daughter of Marquis Kintau Saga, are married in Tokyo. 1937.04.03 — President Quezon, speaking in New York, brands as groundless and mischievous the suspicion that the U.S. planned the Philippine defence programme to strengthen itself in the event of war with Japan. 1937.04.03 — Major-General William Rivers, retired, addressing the Foreign Policy Association, New York, urges withdrawal from the Orient by the U.S. and neutralisation of the Philippines. 1937.04.04 — The Japan Labour Union Conference decides against the annual May Day demonstrations because May 1 is the day on which the April 30 election ballots will be counted. Proletarians are urged to concentrate on electing as many representatives as possible to the Diet. 1937.04.05 — President Machida of the Minseito tells party leaders that the Minseito and the public must join in condemning the Cabinet for its attitude in dissolving the Lower House and voices confidence that a strong new party willing to support the Government cannot be formed. 1937.04.05 — Seiyukai, Minseito and Social Mass leaders issue statements condemning the Premier's statement of reasons for dissolving the Lower House given at the governors' conference. 1937.04.05 — Rice reaches 34.72 yen per koku, the highest price since 1924. 1937.04.05 — The headquarters of the Hito-no-Michi religious sect are raided by the police following indictment of its founder on charges of lese majeste. 1937.04.05 — Prince and Princess Chichibu arrive in New York. 1937.04.05 — The Asahi's aeroplane Kamikaze leaves for London and completes 2,789 kilometres in 17 hours, 57 minutes and 16 seconds before stopping for the night in Vien-tiane, southeast of Hanoi. 1937.04.05 — Tokyo wholesale prices attained in March the highest level since March of 1926, the Bank of Japan announces, with the average index number 239.8, higher by 4.1 per cent. than in February and by 2.8 per cent. than in January. 1937.04.05 — The Finance Minister, addressing the Trust Society, urges that financiers be liberal in providing funds for industry in order to develop national strength and prevent prices from rising. 1937.04.05 — The Japanese Government delegate at the Washington textile conference assails high tariff barriers and opposes the Japanese labour delegate's advocacy of a 40-hour week in the textile industry. 1937.04.07 — Prince and Princess Chichibu sail from New York for London. 1937.04.07 — The Education Ministry announces that young men of military age have made only slight intellectual advance in the past 10 years. Of 641,171 men examined for military service in 1936, only 14.5 per cent. were graduates of more than primary schools. 1937.04.07 — Great interest is aroused in Tokyo regarding the Belgian movement for lowering world trade barriers, and Japan is said ready to join in a conference on the matter. 1937.04.07 — The Japanese Ambassadors in Berlin, Moscow and Brussels and Ministers in Prague and Vienna meet in Berlin to discuss various European issues. 1937.04.07 — The Mayor of Peiping formally accepts the Japanese requests in connection with the situation arising from mistreatment of Japanese in the Nankou area. 1937.04.07 — The Foreign Secretary denies in the House of Commons that Japan's refusal to accept the 14-inch limitation on battleship guns has wrecked the 1936 three-Power naval agreement. 1937.04.08 — The Premier attracts attention by calling on Prince Konoye, allegedly to sound out his views on the creation of a new political party. As Prince Konoye is reluctant to head the projected party, Finance Minister Yuki and Mr. Koki Hirota, former Premier, are mentioned as possible candidates. 1937.04.08 — Tokyo learns of India's notification that Japanese ships will not be allowed to operate in the Indian coastal and India-Burma services and its proposal that a conference be held to agree on a division of business in the Indo-Japanese service. 1937.04.08 — Mr. Kenji Kodama, head of the economic mission to China, offers suggestions to Foreign Minister Sato for improvement of Sino-Japanese relations, especially in North China. 1937.04.08 — A good-will mission of 12 North China newspaper men arrives in Shimonoseki for a two-week tour of Japan. 1937.04.08 — China's delegate to the world textile conference in Washington declares that 25 per cent. of the 100,000 Chinese in modern cotton mills in China are employed by foreigners, mostly Japanese, who are subject to neither Chinese nor Japanese labour laws. 1937.04.09 — The Asahi's aeroplane Kamikaze completes its 9,500-mile flight from Tokyo to London in record-breaking time of three days, 22 hours and 14 minutes. 1937.04.09 — A provisional accord on trade between Japan and the Netherlands Indies is signed in Batavia. Japanese traders in the islands are allowed to handle 25 per cent. of the imports from Japan, and Japan will give preferential treatment to sugar from Java. 1937.04.09 — Mr. Kazuye Kuwashima, Minister to the Netherlands, says on returning to Japan from a tour of the South Seas that the Netherlands Indies authorities fear Japan's southward policy. 1937.04.09 — The Japan Cotton Textile Traders' Guild Federation reports that exports of cotton textiles in the first quarter of the year totalled 644,401,792 square yards, more by 2.2 per cent. than in 1936, with a value of 131,893,316 yen, more by 21.9 per cent. 1937.04.09 — The Japanese Government delegate at the Washington textile parley maintains that 15 per cent. of the employees in Japanese rayon mills work less than eight hours daily. 1937.04.09 — Premier Hayashi decides to delay a scheduled visit to Prince Saionji, the Genro, in order to avoid misinterpretation of the step before the election. 1937.04.09 — The Minseito adopts election slogans revealing its determination to seek the fall of the Cabinet. 1937.04.09 — Finance Minister Yuki advises bankers to avoid unnecessary expenditure, keep dividends down and maintain undivided profits at as high a level as possible to meet the national situation. 1937.04.09 — The North China garrison authorities protest to the Chinese in Tientsin against the cutting several times of telephone lines strung by the garrison. 1937.04.09 — Mr. Masaaki Yokoyama, consul-general in Geneva, is appointed Japanese delegate on the Advisory Committee on Opium and Other Dangerous Drugs of the League of Nations. 1937.04.09 — Japan and the Argentine are linked by radio telephone. 1937.04.12 — The Cabinet publishes a new platform, divided into eight categories of policies. A central agency for administration of aviation and efforts to prevent prices from rising are promised. 1937.04.12 — Finance Minister Yuki tells the press that either administrative measures or ministerial ordinances must be provided soon to control prices. 1937.04.12 — Premier Hayashi states that he has no intention of taking positive action for the formation of a new political party and will be satisfied if the new Diet proves an assembly of members of reformed parties. 1937.04.12 — Tokyo celebrates the success of the Japan-made Kamikaze's flight to London with a mass meeting. 1937.04.12 — The new Indo-Japanese trade agreement is provisionally signed in New Delhi. Japan is to import 1,500,000 bales of Indian cotton annually, and India is to import 31,800,000 square yards of Japanese cotton textiles. 1937.04.12 — Fifteen members of the anarchist Farming Youth Order, who planned a revolution in Nagano Prefecture, receive sentences ranging from four years with hard labour to one and a half years with suspension of execution. 1937.04.12 — The Canton branch of the Bank of Taiwan joins other Japanese banks in turning over silver holdings to the Chinese authorities. 1937.04.13 — Prince and Princess Chichibu reach London for the coronation. 1937.04.13 — Foreign Secretary Eden announces in the House of Commons that the Keelung incident has been settled to the mutual satisfaction of Japan and Great Britain. 1937.04.13 — The Soviet Ambassador returns to Tokyo from Moscow and reiterates that Japanese-Soviet amity depends on the attitude of Japan. 1937.04.13 — The Seiyukai issues a statement assailing the Government for its dissolution of the Lower House and its dogmatism and advising it to resign. 1937.04.13 — The Mitsubishi Economic Research Institute announces that the average index number of production in 26 major industrial and mining fields rose from 100 in 1930 to 161.3 in 1936. 1937.04.14 — The Privy Council approves the draft ordinance freeing iron and steel from import duties, because domestic production cannot meet the demand, and notes to be exchanged with France and Switzerland regarding the system of perpetual leases. 1937.04.14 — The Foreign Office issues a statement setting forth the terms of the new Indo-Japanese trade agreement. 1937.04.14 — Arrangements are made in Tokyo for establishment of a Japan-New Zealand Society, headed by Mr. Katsuji Debuchi, who headed a good-will mission to New Zealand and Australia. 1937.04.14 — The Social Mass Party issues a statement voicing conviction that it alone is qualified to fulfill the needs of national renovation and alteration of capitalism. 1937.04.14 — The police bureau of the Home Office formally orders the prefectural governors to forbid labour rallies or parades on May Day or on substitute days. Indoor meetings may be permitted at the discretion of the governors. 1937.04.15 — The Soviet Ambassador and the Foreign Minister open a series of conversations on adjustment of Japanese-Soviet relations. 1937.04.15 — The Foreign Minister exchanges notes with the French Ambassador and the Swiss Minister terminating in 1942 the perpetual leases held by French and Swiss nationals in the former treaty ports in Japan. 1937.04.15 — Premier Hayashi declares that elimination of confusion in national thought is the ultimate aim of the recent dissolution of the Lower House in an article in a special election issue of the weekly supplement of the Official Gazette. 1937.04.15 — The Minseito issues an appeal to the public to support its candidates in the election to signify support of its contention that the Cabinet must resign. 1937.04.15 — Miss Helen Keller, noted blind and deaf American writer, an economic mission from Chile, Mr. William Garland, American member of the International Olympic Committee, and Dr. Niels Bohr, noted Danish physicist, arrive in Japan for visits. 1937.04.15 — Lieutenant-General Haruhiko Uyemura, former director of the army arsenal, is fined 43,070 yen and sentenced to two and a half years in prison for bribery by the Supreme Court-Martial. 1937.04.15 — The Japanese Embassy in Peiping files representations with the French Embassy against mistreatment of a Japanese resident by French soldiers. 1937.04.15 — Mr. Frederick V. Field, secretary of the American Council of the Institute of Pacific Relations, predicts at Princeton a world war in the Far East in the next few years. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VI No. 2 (September 1937) --- (covers 1937.04.15 to 1937.07.31) 1937.04.15 — A proposal by the Japanese Government delegate that all the governments concerned be urged to reduce tariff barriers is adopted among the recommendations of the Washington textile conference. 1937.04.15 — Because of the rising cost of iron and steel, the Repairs and State Properties Bureau of the Finance Ministry decides to use wood in the construction of as many State buildings as possible. 1937.04.16 — President Machida voices confidence at the Minseito's first major rally in the election campaign that the people will vote against the Government on April 30. 1937.04.16 — A committee of the Central Council of Co-operative Societies endorses complaints of co-operatives in the Tohoku about the slowness of the Government's measures for rehabilitation of the area. 1937.04.16 — Mr. Kodama reports at a Cabinet meeting on the results of the economic mission to China which he headed. 1937.04.16 — A Shanghai cable to the Yomiuri claims that the Chinese are attempting to win the support of Manchurians, Koreans and Formosans in a possible war with Japan. 1937.04.16 — The Manchoukuo State Council approves regulations for the establishment of the new State's first Government university, to be called the Chien Kuo (State Founding) University. 1937.04.16 — Japan's consul-general in Geneva, Mr. Masayuki Yokoyama, is elected vice-president of the League of Nations Advisory Committee on Social Welfare. 1937.04.16 — The Asahi's aeroplane Kamikaze leaves London for Brussels, Berlin, Paris and Rome. 1937.04.16 — Sir Samuel Hoare, First Lord of the Admiralty, says at a London banquet that there is no reason why Britain and Japan should not resume their satisfactory relations of former years. 1937.04.16 — The U.S. Fleet starts its annual manœuvres in the Pacific. 1937.04.16 — The first meeting of the Japanese-American textile committee in New York finds the working of the Osaka agreement on Japanese cotton textile exports to the U.S. "smooth and satisfactory." 1937.04.16 — Mr. Frederick V. Field, secretary-general of the American Council of the Institute of Pacific Relations, declares in Philadelphia that a Sino-Japanese war is a strong possibility. 1937.04.17 — The dispute between Tokyo City and French holders of its bonds nears settlement with the agreement of the majority of them to the four-point plan negotiated last year. 1937.04.17 — Mr. Yin Ju-keng, head of the East Hopei regime, declares to Japanese newspaper men that he is determined to resist any attempts to dissolve his regime and that Japan would be making a major mistake in listening to the Chinese demands regarding it. 1937.04.17 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei assures Ambassador Kawagoe that China has no intention of taking advantage of the more moderate views towards it developing in Japan. 1937.04.17 — Members of the crew of a British freighter, the Wales City, are arrested at Hakodate on the charge of having taken photographs in the fortified area. 1937.04.17 — Twelve proposals for improvement of Japanese-Chilean trade relations are presented to the Chilean economic mission by Japanese business leaders in their first meeting in Tokyo. 1937.04.18 — Attention is called by the Asahi to the collapse of the negotiations between the Mitsui Bussan Kaisha and foreign oil firms for the storage of the oil which the latter must arrange to meet the Government's requirements. 1937.04.19 — The Cabinet formally approves the outlines of two new Cabinet offices, the Planning Board, to co-ordinate national politics, and the Central Economic Council, to co-ordinate economic policies. 1937.04.19 — The Cabinet agrees to postpone Government building projects to release steel and iron for other needs and to ask the public that no enterprises requiring iron and steel be started unless absolutely necessary in order to cope with the steel famine. 1937.04.19 — Spot rice reaches a new high since 1928 of 33.20 yen per koku. 1937.04.19 — Foreign Minister Wang Ching-hui tells Ambassador Kawagoe that Nanking is anxious for early adjustment of relations with Japan. 1937.04.19 — Dr. Karl Knoll arrives in Hsinking to open a German trade office. 1937.04.20 — The Soviet Ambassador continues the talk with the Foreign Minister started on April 15. 1937.04.20 — The Finance Ministry announces that 50,000,000 yen more of gold will be shipped to the U.S. and claims that the shipment is justified by the need to finance the purchase of materials required for expansion of production. 1937.04.20 — The Finance Minister tells the All-Japan Association of Clearing Houses that foreign exchange permits will be withheld to check imports of luxuries and other goods not urgently needed. He stresses the need for increased industrial capacity to counteract higher commodity prices. 1937.04.20 — The Central Statistics Committee approves arrangements for the compilation of monthly indices of living costs to assist the Government in its formulation of measures to stabilize the living of the people. 1937.04.20 — The Mitsui Gomei Kaisha announces that the profits of 1,250 joint stock companies in Japan averaged 11.8 per cent. in the second half of 1936, compared with 11.4 per cent. in the first half of the year and the last half of 1935. 1937.04.20 — The Chilean economic mission in Tokyo replies to Japan's trade proposals with 11 counter-proposals. 1937.04.20 — Mr. Yokoyama, outlining Japan's child welfare efforts at a meeting of the League of Nations' social committee, says the Government is trying to raise physical and moral standards rather than increase the population. 1937.04.20 — Washington denies rumours of preliminary conversations with Japan on neutralization of the Philippines. 1937.04.21 — Foreign Minister Sato, speaking at a farewell dinner for the economic mission being sent to the U.S. and Europe, urges that efforts be made to replace protectionism with internationalism in trade. 1937.04.21 — At the suggestion of the War Minister, the Cabinet agrees to make fresh efforts to provide employment for young men in their native villages to make it unnecessary for them to go to the cities, where their health is affected. 1937.04.21 — The navy prepares a pamphlet titled The Japanese Navy and the Non-Treaty Era in connection with Navy Day on May 27 to awaken the people to the nation's naval needs. Attention is called to the British, American and Soviet naval programmes. 1937.04.21 — Hsinking reports say that formal Soviet-Manchoukuo negotiations for adjustment of communications will be opened shortly. 1937.04.21 — The London correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor claims that Britain and the U.S. deliberately allowed news of the Soviet overture to the U.S. for naval assistance to leak in order to exert pressure on Japan to accept the 1936 naval treaty. 1937.04.21 — Ambassador Kawagoe says in Nanking he does not believe that Sino-Japanese difficulties have decreased noticeably since last year. 1937.04.21 — The Premier of Manchoukuo arrives in Seoul on an important trip. 1937.04.21 — Count Tadeuse Romer, the new Polish Minister, arrives in Tokyo. 1937.04.21 — Mr. J. E. Guerra comes to Tokyo to open a Legation for Bolivia as chargé d'affaires. 1937.04.22 — With the naming of Mr. Ginjiro Fujiwara as president of its executive committee, the All-Japan Industrial Body Federation announces two basic policies, industrial peace and industrial welfare under totalitarianism. 1937.04.22 — The 1931 agreement on suppression of opium smoking is promulgated in the Official Gazette. 1937.04.22 — More than 100 fishermen drown in a storm off the west coast of Saghalien. 1937.04.22 — Announcement is made of the appointment of Dr. Totaro Suginoura, Ambassador in Rome, as Ambassador to Paris. 1937.04.22 — Sir Andrew Caldecott, just transferred from the governorship of Hongkong to that of Ceylon, visits informally in Tokyo on his way to England. 1937.04.22 — General Sung Cheh-yuan tells reporters in Peiping that he intends to press Sino-Japanese economic co-operation without regard for political issues. 1937.04.23 — The regulations for the Cabinet Planning Board and the Central Economic Council are approved by the Cabinet and referred to the Privy Council. 1937.04.23 — The Cabinet decides to create an authoritative commission to study the effects of rising prices and formulate measures to check them. 1937.04.23 — The Cabinet approves and sends to the Privy Council notes to be exchanged with Italy, Holland, Denmark and Portugal on abolition of perpetual lease rights in Japan. 1937.04.23 — Registration of candidates for the general election closes with 826 men entered, divided into Minseito, 266; Seiyukai, 268; Showakai, 51; Social Mass, 61; Kokumin Domei, 20; Tohokai, 20; other groups, 45, and independents, 109. 1937.04.23 — Announcement is made in Hsinking that the Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolian conference at Manchouli for adjustment of relations will be resumed on May 15 at the suggestion of Outer Mongolia. 1937.04.23 — Ambassador Kawagoe says in Shanghai that Japan must realize that China is growing up and its unity increasingly strong if any basis is to be found for adjustment of relations. 1937.04.23 — Speculation is aroused by the arrival in Peiping of Mr. William Kirkpatrick, representative in China of the British Export Credits Department. 1937.04.23 — Brazil fixes 3,546 as the quota for Japanese immigrants during 1937. 1937.04.24 — The Finance Minister tells directors of customs houses that an increase in some import duties is considered inevitable to obtain more revenue and protect domestic industries but that Japan is prepared to undertake a mutual lowering of tariffs. He adds that unnecessary imports must be restricted to improve the balance of international payments. 1937.04.25 — Hsinking reports say that arrangements are nearing completion for Japanese-Manchoukuo co-operation in control of the iron industry of Manchoukuo. 1937.04.26 — Prince Chichibu, speaking at a luncheon given by the Anglo-Japanese Trade Council in London, states that any attempt to settle the world's trade questions should be based on the principle of good will and understanding among nations. 1937.04.26 — Announcement is made of the conferring of the new Cultural Award on three scientists, two writers and four painters. 1937.04.26 — The Cabinet agrees to have consumers represented in the commission to study control of prices. 1937.04.26 — Gold worth 21,449,900 yen is shipped from Kobe to the United States for use in meeting international payments. 1937.04.26 — The navy decides to open personnel offices in districts where there are naval bases to improve the standards of enlisted sailors and facilitate other matters. 1937.04.26 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against an invasion yesterday by 20 Soviet cavalrymen on the border of Pinkiang Province, who were fired on and driven back when found cutting military telephone lines. 1937.04.26 — The Italian Air Undersecretary reveals plans to organize a mass flight to Japan and consideration of establishing an air line between Rome and Tokyo. 1937.04.27 — The Emperor and the Empress visit the Yasukuni Shrine to honour Japan's war dead for the first time since 1933. 1937.04.27 — Home Minister Kawarada tells the press that the Cabinet intends to continue its battle for national unity after the general election and to revise the Election Law. 1937.04.27 — Renunciation of the Japanese-Soviet fishery convention is urged in an open letter to Foreign Commissar Litvinov published in the Izvestia. 1937.04.28 — The Tokyo press reports that the Cabinet is planning to dissolve the Diet again and conduct another election under regulations revised by an Imperial ordinance if the parties continue to refuse to work with the Government. 1937.04.28 — Announcement is made of the appointment of Mr. Eiji Amau, director of the Information Bureau of the Foreign Office, as Minister to Switzerland; of Mr. Tatsuo Kawai, consul-general in Shanghai, as his successor, and of Mr. Kuramatsu Murai, consul-general in Sydney, as Minister to Siam. Mr. Toshio Shiratori, Minister to Sweden, is relieved of his duties. 1937.04.28 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces that 14,535 reporting co-operative societies out of the total 11,460 societies had 6,147,921 members at the end of 1936 and 2,187,175,980 yen of working funds. Loans to members totalled 1,064,650,355 yen, and sales to members amounted in 1936 to 499,000,000 yen. 1937.04.28 — The Japanese economic mission to the United States and Europe sails from Yokohama. 1937.04.28 — The Home Ministry orders dissolution of the Hito-no-Michi, quasi-religious sect whose leaders are being held for lèse-majesté. 1937.04.28 — Manchoukuo is said to be planning control of exchange commitments for imports to parallel the Japanese control system. Free movement of gold between Japan and Manchoukuo is also intended. 1937.04.28 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against the detention of an official of the Manchoukuo consulate in Blagoveschensk. 1937.04.28 — General Chin Teh-chun, Mayor of Peiping, tells Japanese newspapermen that the Hopei-Chahar Political Council has no intention of seeking British capital instead of Japanese for economic development. Though a political settlement is not the prerequisite for Sino-Japanese economic co-operation, he adds, lack of progress towards such a settlement might discourage economic co-operation. 1937.04.28 — Navy Secretary Swanson says that the world armament race may force the U.S. to build a navy beyond the old treaty limits but that nothing will be done until the next fiscal year. 1937.04.28 — Foreign Commissar Litvinov, answering an open letter in the Izvestia demanding denunciation of the fishery convention with Japan, writes that Japan's fishing rights in Soviet waters rest on the Portsmouth treaty, to which the U.S.S.R. remains loyal. 1937.04.29 — Ambassador Yoshida and Foreign Undersecretary Alexander Cadogan are said to be talking informally in London with a view to effecting a "New Deal" in the Far East. 1937.04.30 — The nation votes for members of the House of Representatives. Abstentions are estimated at 26.5 per cent., compared with 21.5 in the last election. 1937.04.30 — The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry announces that the average index number of Tokyo wholesale prices during April, on the basis of 100 for 1930, was 153, higher by 3.7 per cent. than in March and the highest since January, 1926. 1937.04.30 — The police lift the ban on news of the arrest last December of more than 100 Koreans suspected of working for revival of the Korean Communist Party, of whom 21 have been indicted. 1937.04.30 — The Social Affairs Bureau of the Home Ministry announces that registered unemployed workers on December 1, 1936, numbered 340,855, or 4.55 per cent. of all workers, compared with 336,517 the previous year. 1937.04.30 — The last of the notes on abolition of the system of perpetual leases in the former treaty ports are exchanged with Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark. 1937.04.30 — Reuters describes as premature the reports of Anglo-Japanese talks regarding the Far East, though it admits that there seems to be a general desire on both sides to improve relations. 1937.04.30 — Mr. Tatsuo Kawai takes over the post of spokesman of the Foreign Office, succeeding Mr. Eiji Amau as director of its Information Bureau. 1937.04.30 — Nanking is learned to have notified the Hopei-Chahar Political Council of its decision not to sanction construction of the projected Tientsin-Shihchiachwang railway, for which Japan was planning to furnish capital and technical assistance. 1937.05.01 — Mr. Shinrokuro Hidaka, newly appointed Japanese chargé d'affaires, takes charge of the Japanese Embassy during the absence of Ambassador Kawagoe in Tokyo. 1937.05.01 — Despite the Chinese Government's refusal to extend its approval, the Hopei-Chahar Political Council decides to proceed with its original plans for the construction of a new railway line between Tientsin-Shihchiachwang in Hopei Province. 1937.05.01 — Mr. James A. Moffett, chairman of the California Texas Oil Company, arrives in Tokyo for a week's visit in connection with a plan concerning rapid development of South Sea and other Asiatic oil fields. 1937.05.01 — It is reported that the shortage of aluminium caused by the increasing demand of the munitions industry has prompted the Japan Electric Industry Company to double its 7,500 ton productive capacity. 1937.05.02 — The total tabulation of party seats gained in the election is published as follows: Minseito 179, Seiyukai 175, Social Mass 37, Kokumin Domei 11, Showakai 19, Tohokai 11, Minor Groups 9, and Independents 25. 1937.05.02 — It is announced that more than a fourth of the men eligible to vote did not go to the polls on April 30, the number of abstainers increasing 3.4 per cent over those in the general election of 1936. 1937.05.02 — The Government of Manchoukuo issues a set of new regulations re-organizing the national educational system effective on January 1, 1938. 1937.05.03 — Plans are announced by the industrial department of the East Hopei Autonomous Government for Sino-Japanese exploitation of rich iron deposits found near Luanchow. The total deposits being estimated at 10,000,000 tons. 1937.05.03 — China's present attitude toward Japan can be summed up in a word —resistance—but this does not mean an aggressive drive against Japan, Mr. Wang Ching-wei, chairman of the Central Political Council of the Kuomintang, declares at the party's memorial meeting. 1937.05.04 — The Seiyukai decides to work for the overthrow of the Hayashi Cabinet at a meeting of its executives and members of its election committee. All other parties are unanimous in condemning the Government's attitude to remain in office. 1937.05.04 — The Furukawa Mining Company concludes negotiations with a British mining company in the Union of South Africa for purchase of copper totalling ¥1,000,000. 1937.05.04 — Thirty million yen worth of gold in the reserve of the Bank of Manchou is to be finally transferred to the Bank of Japan, it is agreed between the Japanese and Manchoukuo Governments. 1937.05.04 — An international complication arises in Shanghai from the protest of the legations on the Extension Road to the Chinese authorities. It is revealed that a strong Japanese protest on the case is filed with the Shanghai Municipal Council. 1937.05.07 — An official report reveals the total number of the nation's unemployed on December 1, 1936, at 340,855. Last year's decline from the peak of 489,168 registered in 1932 is attributed to the munitions boom. 1937.05.07 — Dissolution of the Hito-no-Michi, quasi-religious sect is ordered by Home Minister Kawarada. 1937.05.07 — In an interview with foreign correspondents in Tokyo, Foreign Minister Sato stresses his particular desire to improve Anglo-Japanese relations, which he admits are the subject of negotiations in London between Ambassador Yoshida and British officials. 1937.05.07 — A closer understanding between Japan and Great Britain will surely come, the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Clive, asserts in addressing the Japan-British Society at a dinner in the Imperial Hotel. 1937.05.07 — The Hopei-Chahar Political Council decides to open its branch office in Nanking as a means to maintain closer connections. 1937.05.07 — Dr. C. T. Wang, new Chinese Ambassador to the United States, arrives in Yokohama on route to America. He calls on Foreign Minister Sato and War Minister Sugiyama. 1937.05.08 — Adoption of a truly democratic Constitution in China and racial unification to prepare the country for war against Japan are demanded in a circular issued by Mr. Chou En-lai, veteran member of the Chinese Communist Party, according to a Shanghai dispatch. 1937.05.09 — The South Sea Development Company, founded in 1936 to develop Japan's mandated South Sea islands, outlines its programme of enterprises including mining of rock phosphates on Angaur and Fuais islands, development of marine industry, emigration from Japan to the islands, etc. 1937.05.10 — The Government of Manchoukuo promulgates regulations designed to control staple industries. 1937.05.10 — Representatives of the Foreign, War and Navy Ministries discuss the China question and agree to resume negotiations for adjustment of relations with China on a new basis. 1937.05.10 — The Cabinet approves the appointment of 15 ordinary and 14 special members of the Price Control Commission. 1937.05.10 — The Government adopts a plan for saving 148,000 tons of iron on State construction projects due to an extreme shortage of iron supply. 1937.05.11 — The official gold purchase price of the Bank of Japan is raised ¥3.77 per gram to ¥14.1577 per momme. The Bank of Chosen raises its price to ¥14.0623 per momme, or ¥3.73 per gram. The Bank of Manchou raises its price to the same level as that of the Bank of Japan. 1937.05.12 — The Chilean economic mission to Japan, which has been here for the past month, concludes its labours with the approval by both the Chilean and Japanese negotiators of a number of recommendations which will be submitted to their respective governments as a basis for improvement of trade between the two countries. 1937.05.12 — Two major local events in connection with the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth,—the coronation service in St. Andrew's Church in the morning and the garden party at the British Embassy in the afternoon—are held. Prince and Princess Takamatsu and Princess Dowager Higashi-Fushimi, Premier Hayashi and many others attend. 1937.05.13 — The authorities lift the ban on news of an attempt made on February 12 of last year on the life of Dr. Tatsukichi Minobe, famed authority on constitutional law, who was compelled in the autumn of 1935 to resign from the House of Peers because of the controversy over his theory of the position of the Emperor in relation to the Constitution. 1937.05.14 — The Government's long heralded Board of Planning is formally inaugurated as an adjunct to the Cabinet. This will be followed in a few days by the Central Economic Council as a parallel body. 1937.05.14 — Final agreement between Nanking and the leaders of the old Northeastern Army, commanded by Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang, is reached at Nanking. The pact provides for transfer of the army to Honan, Anhwei and Kiangsu. 1937.05.14 — The Soviet Government's intentions to abrogate the waterway agreement with Manchoukuo are communicated to the Hsinking Government through the Manchoukuo consul at Blagoveschensk. 1937.05.15 — Quarters close to the British authorities in Shanghai declare that the Government in London is unwilling to enter into any bilateral agreement with Japan regarding China. 1937.05.15 — An emphatic denial of the press reports that he had discussed any questions of financial, economic or commercial assistance with General Sung Cheh-Yuan, General Han Fuchu and other provincial leaders of North China is made at Shanghai by Mr. William M. Kirkpatrick, representative in China of the British Export Credit Guarantee Department. 1937.05.16 — Increasing signs are reported in various parts of North China indicative of a serious recrudescence of anti-Japanese activities. 1937.05.17 — General Kazushige Ugaki declines the offer of the Tokyo Municipal Assembly to become Mayor of Tokyo. 1937.05.17 — Formal conclusion of a military agreement between the Nanking Government and the Soviet regime in Northwest China is reported to the Foreign Office, according to a Japanese paper. 1937.05.17 — The Japan Iron Manufacturing Company applies to the Government for enlarging its productive capacity, building a foundery equipped with three 700-ton blast furnaces to produce 700,000 tons of pig iron a year and with machinery capable of manufacturing 500,000 tons of steel bars and 400,000 tons of finished steel products. 1937.05.18 — Strong representations are filed with the Tientsin municipal government by the Japanese consulate-general regarding the anti-Japanese campaign by the local Chinese press. 1937.05.19 — Fears that China, which is over-estimating its national strength, may ultimately resort to various steps to obstruct Japan's peaceful advance are voiced by War Minister Sugiyama at the prefectural governors' conference. 1937.05.20 — A squad of Manchoukuo frontier guards, on patrol duty near No. 12 boundary mark on the eastern Soviet-Manchoukuo border is fired on by a party of 10 mounted Soviet soldiers who unlawfully enter Manchoukuo territory. The guards repulse the Soviets. 1937.05.20 — General Chin Teh-chun, mayor of Peiping, gives assurances to Mr. Denjiro Kato, the first secretary of the Japanese Embassy, that the Chinese authorities will take effective measures to control anti-Japanese agitation in North China. 1937.05.21 — Hopes of Sino-Japanese economic co-operation in North China receive a rebuff when General Sung Cheh-Yuan, chairman of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council, issues a decree prohibiting the sale of land to foreigners in the area under his control. The penalty for violation is death. 1937.05.21 — The Showakai, which won 19 seats in the general election, is formally dissolved at a meeting of the party leaders. 1937.05.21 — The Asahi's Tokyo-to-London airplane Kamikaze lands at Haneda airport at 3:45 o'clock this afternoon, successfully completing the London-to-Tokyo return flight. The plane took a week for the trip. Mr. Masaharu Iinuma, pilot, and Mr. Kenji Tsukagoshi, mechanic, are given a rousing welcome in Tokyo. 1937.05.21 — Gallant seamanship on the part of Captain Katsu Mori, skipper of the O. S. K. freighter Chicago Maru, in rescuing 34 persons from an English ship, the Silverheart, near Manila two years ago, is rewarded at a ceremony in the British consulate-general, Yokohama. 1937.05.22 — Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Takekawa and Vice-Admiral Shozaburo Kobayashi, both retired, create a stir in political circles by calling on Premier Hayashi, persuading him to form a political party founded on nationalistic principles. 1937.05.24 — The organization and personnel of the Education and Culture Commission, which is to inquire into and study all important matters relating to thorough permeation of the concept of the national polity and promotion of national spirit are formally approved by the Cabinet. 1937.05.24 — Political conditions in North China with particular reference to growing anti-Japanese feeling are thoroughly discussed at a meeting of the Japanese consular officers at Tientsin. 1937.05.24 — Dr. Danjo Ebina, honorary president of Doshisha University, Kyoto, dies of cerebral abscess at his home in Tokyo at the age of 82. 1937.05.24 — Because of the concern over the gravity of the incident involving the maltreatment of a consular policeman by Chinese constables, Japanese destroyers arrive at Swatow. 1937.05.25 — Two Japanese fishing boats are illegally fired upon on May 20 off Dairen by Chinese customs vessels, it is revealed at Dairen. Captain Takasaki of one of the boats is seriously wounded. 1937.05.26 — Serious Sino-Japanese complications are envisaged in Nanking after the Nanking Foreign Office issues an official statement giving versions of the Swatow and Tsingtao situations differing widely from Japanese reports. To accelerate settlement of the Swatow incident, the Kwangtung Provincial Government, proposes to Consul-General Nakamura at Canton that a Sino-Japanese commission be appointed to make inquiries. 1937.05.27 — The maltreatment of the Japanese consular policeman by Chinese constables at Swatow is brought to the attention of the Nanking Government by Chargé d'Affaires Shinrokuro Hidaka. 1937.05.28 — Tension increases in the Sino-Japanese situation in North China as the Chefoo customs authorities reject the Japanese protest regarding the illegal firing on the Japanese fishing boats by Chinese revenue cutters off Dairen. 1937.05.29 — An official protest is likely to be made to the Chinese authorities in Tientsin by the Japanese consulate-general regarding the imprisonment by the Tsintsin District Government of the Chinese owner of a Japanese-managed farm. 1937.05.30 — The Hsinking Foreign Office sends vigorous protest to the Soviet Government against another frontier incident in which it is alleged that four Soviet soldiers, wearing uniform, crossed the border at Tatingtzu, Mishan, Pingchiang Province yesterday and abducted a number of Manchurian villagers. 1937.05.31 — Premier Hayashi tenders to the Throne the collective resignation of his Cabinet following consultations with the Cabinet members and the President of the Privy Council, Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma. A statement issued by the Cabinet explains that resignation is thought best largely because of the desire to avert further political strife. 1937.05.31 — The Cabinet resignation is received calmly by the political parties, which see the Government's withdrawal as a logical retreat before the pressure of public opinion. 1937.06.01 — Reactions in China are unusually favourable to the appointment of Prince Fumimaro Konoe, President of the House of Peers, to form a Cabinet in succession to General Senjuro Hayashi. A spokesman of the Nanking Foreign Office tells the press that it will be a matter for congratulation, not only for Japan, but also for China if Prince Konoe succeeds in forming a Cabinet. 1937.06.01 — Tension in Tientsin created by anti-Japanese agitation comes to a head, when a Chinese mob attacks the Japanese-managed Shengtung Yuan farm, sets fire to the buildings and wounds a Japanese employee. 1937.06.01 — The first flight of the express airplane service between Hsinking and Tokyo is successfully completed by a seven-place Japan-made Douglas air transport. The trip takes nine hours and 10 minutes, a record for the journey. 1937.06.02 — General Sung Cheh-Yuan, chairman of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council, personally promulgates a law, without knowledge of the Council, banning all land concessions to foreigners, mainly Japanese. 1937.06.02 — The memory of Marshal Chang Tso-lin, one-time warlord of Manchuria, who was killed eight years ago, is honoured with elaborate ceremony in the Shoulintsu Temple, Mukden, held under the auspices of the Concordia Society of Manchoukuo. After the ceremony, his remains are taken to Chinchow, where they are interred in the family cemetery. 1937.06.03 — Soviet soldiers, crossing the eastern frontier of Manchoukuo near Marker No. 17, fire on a group of Manchoukuo frontier guards and retreat to their own territory after a short engagement. The Hsinking Foreign Minister lodges a protest with the Soviet officials over the action of the frontier forces. 1937.06.04 — Serious disturbances are reported in Sinkiang Province following a week-end clash between Mohammedan forces and the Chinese troops. 1937.06.04 — Japanese army officers at Tientsin are concerned over reports that the local commissioner of customs, Mr. H. D. Hilliard, has requested the Nanking Government to send customs guards to North China. Fear is expressed that the presence of armed guards will result in fresh trouble with the Japanese. 1937.06.04 — The Konoe Cabinet takes office this afternoon. Following the installation ceremony at the Imperial Palace, Premier Konoe issues a statement, in which he undertakes to "smooth out internal friction and conflict." 1937.06.05 — The need of building up China's national strength to protest the rising Republic is urged by General Chiang Kai-shek in a statement he has given to the Ta Kung Pao, a leading newspaper in Shanghai. 1937.06.05 — The Emperor of Manchoukuo sanctions his Government's programme for reorganization of the administrative machinery, which will go into force on July 1. Under the reform programme, the existing nine departments of the Central Government will be reduced to three bureaus and six departments. The three bureaus will deal respectively with foreign, Hsingan and home affairs and the six departments will handle peace preservation, civil life, industry, national economy, communications and justice. 1937.06.06 — The Japanese solar eclipse expedition to study and photograph the total eclipse of the sun establishes its headquarters at Huanchaco, a small port town 15 miles north of Trujillo, Peru. Dr. Issei Yamamoto of Kyoto Imperial University heads the Japanese observation group. 1937.06.07 — Members of the Chilean economic mission, headed by Mr. Maximiliano Paredes, arrive at Hsinking, the capital of Manchoukuo, from Japan. Mr. Paredes points out Chile imports every year a considerable quantity of Manchurian soya beans through the United States. 1937.06.07 — The Konoe Cabinet decides to retain the Board of Planning, and the Price Policy Commission. 1937.06.08 — Finance Ministry authorities forecast that the budget for next fiscal year will be the largest ever compiled for Japan. The advance estimates total ¥3,300,000,000, which is ¥430,000,000 higher than the budget of the current year. Military expenditures are expected to increase by ¥200,000,000 and civil expenditures by ¥100,000,000. 1937.06.08 — The fighting between Japanese and Soviet troops on the eastern border of Manchoukuo for long a results in mutual protests by the two nations. Mr. Isaac Deitchman, chargé d'affaires of the Soviet Embassy, protests to the Foreign Office over the alleged crossing of the Japanese troops into Soviet territory. 1937.06.08 — The Government decides to buy gold on the market offering ¥14.1575 per momme, the official gold purchase price. 1937.06.08 — Finance Minister Kaya announces his three financial programmes, namely, improvement of Japan's international payments, readjustment of supply and demand of goods, and increase in production. 1937.06.09 — A scientific expedition is organized at Hsinking, the capital of Manchoukuo, to make a thorough investigation of industrial potentialities in North Manchuria. The expedition will start on June 16. 1937.06.09 — Commerce and Industry Minister Shinji Yoshino hints to a conference of government officials that managed economy will be practised by the future commercial and industrial administration. 1937.06.10 — The army will request about ¥939,000,000 for the 1938-39 fiscal year, more by ¥239,000,000 than its current appropriation of ¥720,000,000, Domei predicts. 1937.06.11 — Sweeping changes in the Manchoukuo Government are announced. General Chang Ching-Hui remains as Premier. Mr. Naoki Hoshino, chief of the General Affairs Board of the State Council, becomes Director of General Affairs, the highest official post open to Japanese officials in the service of the Manchoukuo Government. 1937.06.11 — A split in the ranks of the Salvation Army in Japan takes on definite shape with formal announcement by Commissioner Gumpei Yamamuro, national commander, of the seceding of 15 officers of the reformist group, who decide to form the Japan Gospel Autonomous Church. 1937.06.12 — Thirty-five Japanese are arrested for alleged traffic in narcotics in a roundup carried out by the Japanese consular police at Tientsin. Three Japanese policemen are seriously wounded in a battle with the drug gang. 1937.06.12 — An emphatic denial of the charges against Japanese members of the Opium Advisory Committee of the League of Nations in connection with the traffic of narcotics in China is issued by the Japanese Embassy, Peiping. 1937.06.12 — Premier Konoe declares to newspapermen he has no intention of sponsoring the organization of a new political party and doubts the possibility of fusing the various factions interested in such a move. 1937.06.12 — Dr. Alfred Sao-Ke Sze, who has been replaced by Dr. C. T. Wang as Chinese Ambassador to the United States, arrives at Yokohama on his way home. He is guest at a luncheon given by Foreign Minister Hirota. 1937.06.13 — A brief announcement in the Soviet Government's official organ, Izvestia, reveals that the death sentence imposed by the special military tribunal on seven generals and one field-marshal of the Red army has been carried out. 1937.06.13 — The Board of Planning begins drafting the organization plan for the proposed Health and Social Ministry. 1937.06.14 — Overseas Minister Otani announces four policies: full co-operation with Finance Minister Kaya's planned economy embracing Japan and Manchoukuo; co-operation with other governmental institutions for pushing on the policy of economic expansion southward; elimination of friction in the relations of home and colonial officials; and encouragement of emigration to Manchoukuo and South America. 1937.06.15 — Sergeant Yamaguchi is killed when the Tajiri squad of the Iiruka detachment engages about 150 bandits four kilometres north of Tutaobotzu, in Pinkiang Province, Manchoukuo. More than 50 bandits are taken prisoner. 1937.06.15 — Some ¥4,355,000,000 is thought necessary to carry out Manchoukuo's five-year industrial plan, which has been shown to the Japanese Government by Manchoukuo. The S. M. R. is charged with raising ¥900,000,000, the Manchoukuo Government ¥700,000,000, and other companies and banks in Manchoukuo the remainder. 1937.06.16 — General Chin Teh-chun, Mayor of Peiping, tells Japanese newspapermen that the Hopei-Chahar Political Council has decided to appoint 134 delegates to the National People's Congress in Nanking during November. The decision is interpreted as definite evidence that the Central Government of Nanking is succeeding in its efforts to gain control over the northern regime. 1937.06.16 — The Home Ministry reports there were 499 labour disputes during the first four months of this year, showing about 74 per cent above the 139 reported for the same period of 1936, as a result of growing economic pressure on labourers following increase in commodity prices. 1937.06.16 — Unconfirmed reports from Berlin state that rioting has broken out in Vladivostok. 1937.06.17 — Count Yorinaga Matsudaira, Vice-President of the House of Peers, is slated for Presidency of the same House, in succession to Prince Konoe. Marquis Yukitada Sasaki will be its Vice-President. 1937.06.17 — Mr. Yoshiaki Hatta, former Vice-President of the South Manchuria Railway Company, accepts the Cabinet's offer to be president both of the Tohoku Development Company and Tohoku Electric Power Development Company. 1937.06.18 — Foreign Minister Wang Chung-hui at Nanking issues a statement to Japanese newspaper correspondents to the effect that whatever is agreed upon about China between Japan and Great Britain in their current conversations in London, China's territory, sovereignty and administrative integrity must be fully respected. 1937.06.18 — The Foreign Office confers with the navy on the reply to an invitation from the United States Government to take part in "friendly" negotiations with the other principal naval powers regarding an agreement to limit the size of guns on capital ships to 14 inches. 1937.06.19 — The Moscow-to-Oakland Soviet fliers pass the North Pole. 1937.06.19 — An abrupt change for the worse in the North China political situation prompts the Finance Ministry to stop the remittance of capital, which is expected to halt Japan's economic expansion there for the time being. 1937.06.20 — Mayor Chin Teh-chun of Peiping tells the Japanese diplomatic authorities there that he entertains little hope for construction of the Tientsin-Shihchiachwan Railway under joint Sino-Japanese management. 1937.06.21 — Soviet-Manchoukuo tension spreads to the northern section of the frontier today, when it is reported that a Soviet gunboat attacked a Manchoukuo border patrol on the lower reaches of the Amur River. The Manchoukuo troops return fire and the two parties confront each other without taking further action across the frontier. No casualties have been reported. 1937.06.22 — Restoration of the system of parliamentary officials for the Ministries, providing closer relations between the Government and the Diet, is formally approved by the Cabinet. A parliamentary vice-minister and councillor will be appointed for each of the 12 Ministries, making a total of 24 men, and all of them are to be selected from the political groups, except the Social Mass Party, in the House of Representatives. 1937.06.22 — Appointments of seven outstanding financiers and industrialists as consulting directors of the Bank of Japan are decided by the Government. 1937.06.23 — Informal army estimates call for its five-year plan for increased industrial capacity are put at ¥13,000,000,000, of which the Government will provide ¥4,600,000,000 and private interests the rest, according to Japanese newspapers. 1937.06.23 — Two passengers are killed instantly and seven others are seriously injured at 11:40 o'clock this morning, when a Mukden-bound liner operated by the Manchoukuo Air Transport Company crashes in the mountains about 130 kilometres north of Antung. 1937.06.23 — That immediate expansion of the equipment and personnel of the naval munitions industries is urgently necessary is stressed by Navy Minister Yonai in an interview with newspapermen on his way back to Tokyo from his inspection of the Maizuru naval depot and other naval establishments in western Japan. 1937.06.24 — The Foreign Ministry, Hsinking, protests to the Soviet Government through Mr. Michael Slavinsky, Soviet consul-general in Harbin, against the recent repeated acts of violence by Soviet troops on the frontier river since June 19. The protest states that, (1) on the morning of June 21, about 40 Soviet troops went to Kanchatzu Island for the second time and built an encampment; (2) two Soviet patrol boats illegally crossed into Manchoukuo territory at Tungchiatyingtzu, opposite Constantinosky, on the Amur River on the same morning; and (3) since June 22 both Kanchatzu and Chinamuho Islands, of the Manchoukuo territory in the river, have been occupied by Soviets. 1937.06.24 — Finance Minister Kaya tells representatives of leading banks and trust companies that the Government will use all possible means to maintain the yen's external value at 1s 2d. 1937.06.25 — Ambassador Yoshida formally takes up with Foreign Secretary Eden the hitherto informal negotiations on the basis of instructions from Tokyo. 1937.06.25 — Dr. Yuan Chen-tse is appointed Manchoukuo's Ambassador to Tokyo, succeeding Mr. Hsieh Chiehshih, it is announced at Hsinking. 1937.06.25 — With the inducement and support of the military, the Commerce and Industry Ministry and Board of Planning, the Education Ministry will speed its six-year plan for an increase of 8,000 in the number of graduates from technical schools. The scheme for providing additional skilled labour to help handicap the industrial expansion programme, is to be put into operation as soon as the Diet approves a ¥4,000,000 appropriation at the special session. 1937.06.27 — Hsu Shih-ying, Chinese Ambassador to Tokyo, receives from General Chiang Kai-shek at Kuling important instructions concerning the diplomatic situation between China and Japan on the eve of his departure to his post. 1937.06.27 — Efforts to clear the Hopei-Chahar Political Council of anti-Nanking elements have been revealed by the dismissal of Mr. Chen Chueh-Sheng as Director of the Peiping-Mukden Railway Bureau. 1937.06.27 — Ambassador Kawagoe, who has remained in Tokyo since May 5, sails from Yokohama by the Asama Maru for Shanghai. Sino-Japanese relations cannot be adjusted hastily. Unceasing patience on the part of both nations, coupled with clear understanding of each other, is needed to improve diplomatic relations, he declares. 1937.06.26 — Appointment of 18 regular and 16 special members of the Central Economic Council is formally announced by the Government. The Council, which is to form a unified economic policy embracing both Japan and Manchoukuo, will hold its first meeting on July 20. 1937.06.27 — Complete disintegration of the strongest anti-Chiang Kai-shek camp in China after 10 years of persistent opposition is foreseen following revelation that General Li Tsung-jin, powerful Kwangsi warlord, arrives in Nanking to see Mr. T. V. Soong, chairman of the Bank of China. 1937.06.28 — The size of the 1938–39 budget will be determined by the number of projects that can be carried out within the nation's ability to produce at home the required materials or to import them without upsetting the balance of international payments, the Cabinet announces. 1937.06.29 — It is learned at Hsinking that Mr. Akio Terasawa, 24, attached to Jaoho district government in eastern Sankiang, was shot by Soviet men who invaded a Manchoukuo sand-bar on the lower reaches of the Ussuri on June 27. 1937.06.29 — It is announced that the Manchoukuo Foreign Office is preparing a strong protest against a fresh violation of the border by a Soviet plane flying over Mishan, north of Lake Khanka in Pinkiang Province. 1937.06.29 — Ambassador Shigemitsu on instructions from Tokyo calls on Foreign Vice-Commissar B. S. Stomoniakov at midnight, Moscow time, and presents the demand for withdrawal of the Soviet troops from the two Amur River islands. 1937.06.30 — The strained situation on the Amur River arising from the occupation by Soviet forces of two islands claimed by Manchoukuo finally bursts into a serious clash. Japanese and Manchoukuo troops, states a communique issued by the headquarters of the Kwantung Army, sink one of the three Soviet gunboats that at about 3 o'clock this afternoon invaded the waterway south of Kanchatzu Island, northeast of Heiho and Blagoveschensk. On receipt of news of the attack, the Manchoukuo Government immediately lodges a protest with the Soviet authorities. 1937.06.30 — In the urgency of the frontier river trouble, the Soviet authorities start concentration of the Amur River fleet on the scene of the incident. 1937.06.30 — Foreign Commissar Maxim Litvinov agrees in negotiations with Ambassador Shigemitsu to comply with Japan's request that the Soviet troops occupying two islands and the gunboats lying off them be withdrawn, but apparently on condition that Manchoukuo also withdraw its military forces from that area. 1937.06.30 — On his first visit to Japan since taking command of the French Far Eastern Fleet, Vice-Admiral Jules Le Bigot reaches Yokohama aboard his flagship, the cruiser Lamotte Piquet, accompanied by the dispatch vessel Dumont d'Urville. 1937.07.01 — Forces of the U.S.S.R. are concentrated on the Amur border, following the clash near Kanchatzu Island in the river between Japanese-Manchoukuo combined troops and Soviet troops on June 30. Evacuation of Soviet troops from occupied islands, Kanchatzu (Sennuha) and Chinamuho (Bolshoi), is considered essential for settling the incident. 1937.07.02 — Dr. Paul Monroe, chairman of the World Federation of Education Associations and American delegate to the World Education Conference, arrives in Tokyo. 1937.07.02 — Dr. Uel W. Lamkin, president of the State Teachers' College in Maryville, Missouri, and secretary-general of the World Federation, arrives in Tokyo with 50 other American delegates to take part in the Tokyo Meeting of the World Federation of Education Associations. 1937.07.02 — The Soviet Union expresses willingness to withdraw its troops and gunboats from the Amur on condition that Japan withdraws its troops from the Manchoukuo side of the river, in a conversation between Ambassador Mamoru Shigemitsu and Foreign Commissar Maxim Litvinov. 1937.07.03 — The Soviet forces hitherto, including more than 20 patrol boats, starts to evacuate the neighbourhood of Kanchatzu and Chinamuho Islands in accordance with the Shigenitsu-Litvinov agreement. Premier Konoe declares the demarcation of frontier is the first step to avoid future Japan-Soviet troubles. 1937.07.03 — Prince Chichibu arrives at Birmingham to inspect the Imperial Chemical Industries' Kynock Works and the Standard Motor Company Works. 1937.07.03 — The Tokyo Government decides not to take the initiative in proposing negotiations to determine whether the two Amur River islands recently occupied by Soviet troops belong to Manchoukuo or the Soviet Union. This policy is decided because so much evidence has been found in support of Manchoukuo's claims to the islands. 1937.07.03 — Official Japanese aid in the search for Mrs. Amelia Earhart Putnam is offered to the United States' Government by Ambassador Hiroshi Saito on instructions from Foreign Minister Koki Hirota. The Overseas Ministry radiographs an order to the administration of the Mandated Islands to tell fishing boats around the Marshall Islands to co-operate in the search. 1937.07.04 — A series of skirmishes occurs on the eastern Soviet-Manchoukuo border west of Lake Hanka between guards of Japan and Manchoukuo and the Soviet Union. 1937.07.05 — It is announced that exports of Japanese cotton cloth for the first half-year declined sharply in quantity from the year before. The amount was 1,253,586,957 square yards, decreasing 74,331,116 square yards. The value totalled ¥267,987,819, advancing ¥39,487,165 over the year before. 1937.07.05 — The last consignment of the fifth series of gold shipments to the United States is carried by the O.S.K. liner Kuwato Maru from Kobe. Since the first series started on March 9, altogether ¥270,000,000 worth of gold has been shipped to the United States. 1937.07.07 — Tightening of import exchange license regulations of the Finance Ministry goes into force. Exchange remittances of less than ¥30,000 a month and transactions by letter of credit to the same amount have been free, but, hereafter, for amounts more than ¥1,000 Government permission is necessary. When travellers abroad carry travel expenses totalling more than ¥1,000, both exchange remittance and letter of credit combined, they will have to secure permission after July 15. 1937.07.07 — Japanese troops in Peiping are fired on by Chinese soldiers of the 37th Division, led by General Feng Chih-an, of the 29th Army in North China. The trouble arises when units of the Japanese forces stationed at Fengtai engaged in night manœuvres are without warning fired on by Chinese troops near Lingwangmiao, 1,000 metres north of Lukowkiao, about 11:40 o'clock at night. The Japanese immediately suspend the manœuvres and await developments. A demand is made to the commander of the Chinese forces to apologize for the wanton attack. The Chinese resume firing, however, and the Japanese are forced to return it. More Japanese troops rush to the scene from the barracks at Fengtai, while the Chinese are being reinforced by soldiers from Changsintien. 1937.07.08 — Fighting takes place between Japanese and Chinese troops following the Chinese rejection of settlement proposals presented by the Japanese during a period of truce in the morning. The early engagement, which lasted four hours, results in casualties on both sides. More than 10 Japanese are killed or wounded and about 40 Chinese killed. The fighting begins at Lungwangmiao, from where the Chinese are driven toward Lukowkiao, which is known to foreigners as Marco Polo Bridge, the scene of abortive negotiations. Negotiations are broken off, when General Feng notifies the Japanese military authorities that the executive officers of General Sung Cheh-yuan's 29th Army have decided that the Chinese cannot agree to disarm the troops involved in the incident or withdraw them from the area. 1937.07.08 — General Chiang Kai-shek, following an urgent conference at Kuling, telegraphs to General Sung Cheh-yuan to return to Peiping from Loling, Shantung, where he had been staying for several months, to negotiate with the Japanese. Ambassador Shigeru Kawagoe sails from Shanghai for Tsingtao en route to Peiping. 1937.07.08 — Japan's Economic Mission, headed by Mr. Chokuro Kadono, which arrived in London from Berlin on July 5, pays a series of official calls on British notables, including Foreign Secretary R. Anthony Eden, Lord Barnby and Lord Sempill. 1937.07.08 — The Finance Ministry plans to establish an exchange equalisation fund system to remedy defects in the exchange control system especially to avoid hindering profitable transactions of Japanese traders. 1937.07.08 — It is announced by the Bank of Japan that the average price index number in Japan at the end of June advanced 10.9 per cent from the end of 1936 and 23.2 per cent from the year before. 1937.07.09 — The warlike atmosphere of the last three days in Peiping is relieved substantially late in the afternoon, when the last of the Chinese forces involved in the fighting at Lukowkiao leave the walled city of Yuanping and take up their truce position on the right bank of the Yungting River. The other Chinese troops complete their withdrawal at noon. Earlier, however, they held their positions and fired on the Japanese after an agreement had been reached to suspend hostilities and withdraw from the scene. Lieutenant-Colonel Takeo Imai, resident officer in Peiping, issues a statement confirming the evacuation and revealing that negotiations are being organized for settlement of the aftermath of the incident. 1937.07.09 — Foreign Minister Wang Chung-hui returns to Nanking from Kuling by airplane and summons a conference of the high officials of the Nanking Foreign Office to discuss the strained Sino-Japanese situation in the North. Foreign Vice-Minister Chen Chieh sees Mr. Shinrokuro Hidaka, counsellor of the Japanese Embassy. 1937.07.09 — In Tokyo the Cabinet agrees to seek an amicable settlement of the Sino-Japanese clash near Peiping but to take appropriate measures, if a serious situation arises because of failure of the Chinese to reconsider their attitude. Premier Konoe motors to Hayama to report to the Emperor, the decision and developments in the situation. Field-Marshal Prince Kan-in, Chief of the Army General Staff, also reports on military affairs to the Throne. 1937.07.09 — The spokesman of the Foreign Office claims in a statement that Japanese troops of the North China Garrison taking part in the manœuvres that led to the Lukowkiao incident were not in possession of ball ammunition save for a handful of live cartridges, which the commanding officer had in charge for possible emergency use. 1937.07.10 — A crisis precipitated in the afternoon by a surprise attack upon the Japanese position by about 100 Chinese soldiers at Weimenkow, four kilometres northeast of Lukowkiso on the right side of the Yungting River, subsides when the Chinese abandon their attack and return to their positions in compliance with the Japanese requests. 1937.07.10 — General Chiang Kai-shek orders General Han Fu-chu, chairman of the Shantung Provincial Government, to co-operate with the North China authorities to consolidate defences against Japan. 1937.07.10 — Counsellor Hidaka of the Japanese Embassy in conference with Foreign Minister Chang Chung-hui avers that the Lukowkiao incident was caused by anti-Japanese agitation among a section of the North China people and draws his attention to the fact that the 37th Division is responsible for it, in view of its pronounced hostile attitude toward the Japanese. The Foreign Minister, in response, cites accounts of the incident as reported by foreign correspondents and contends that there appear to have been circumstances not fully warranting the Japanese military manœuvres at the time of the Lukowkiao incident. 1937.07.10 — Commerce and Industry Minister Shinji Yoshino announces his plan of doubling Japan's gold production within five years without raising the purchase price to the point of inviting an inflow of foreign gold and without permitting a subsidy to accrue to the producers as excessive profits. 1937.07.11 — War between Japan and China becomes imminent after troops again violently clash on the Peiping front. Several divisions of Chinese troops are moving to the borders of Honan Province under orders of General Chiang Kai-shek to cross into Hopei and reinforce the 80,000 troops already in the disturbed area. War Minister Ho Ying-chin proceeds to Nanking from Kuling to supervise war preparations. 1937.07.11 — After the Chinese attack the Japanese troops quartered near Lungwangmiao awaiting the outcome of negotiations, the Japanese counterattack and occupy the Chinese position. The Chinese repeatedly assault the Japanese troops during the night. Japanese authorities in Peiping still have hopes that the incident can be localized and the whole affair settled amicably regardless of the night's clash. It is announced that fifteen Japanese soldiers have been killed and 40 others, including seven officers, wounded during the engagements of the last few days. 1937.07.11 — Vice-Admiral Kiyoshi Hasegawa, commander of the 3rd Fleet of the Japanese Navy, hurriedly returns to Shanghai from a cruise of South China waters aboard his flagship. He immediately summons Rear-Admiral Okochi, commander of the Special Landing Party, and Rear-Admiral Honda, resident navy officer in Shanghai, to an emergency conference to discuss measures for protection of Japanese residents in the South in view of the tense situation in the North. 1937.07.11 — The Cabinet meets in urgent session and unanimously adopts a resolution expressing determination that the country will go to any lengths to protect its interests and acquired rights in the area of hostilities. Premier Konoe proceeds to the Imperial villa at Hayama and reports the results of the Cabinet meeting to the Throne. In an official statement, it is emphasized that the Government hold China solely responsible for the hostilities in North China and that the Cabinet has decided to take all necessary steps for dispatching military forces to China. Premier Konoe summons to his official residence representatives of all newspapers, the House of Peers, House of Representatives and financial and business circles and asks for their unanimous support of the Government's policy regarding the North China incident. They all promise to co-operate with the Government. 1937.07.11 — Students of Chinese universities in Tientsin start active manœuvres to stir up public sentiment in connection with the Sino-Japanese crisis. 1937.07.11 — The Foreign Office of the Nanking Government presents a written protest to the Japanese Embassy regarding the North China incident. Couched in strong terms, the Chinese protest casts the entire responsibility for the incident upon Japan's shoulders. Simultaneously, the Foreign Office sends strict instructions to General Chin Teh-chun, Mayor of Peiping, and others to negotiate with the local Japanese authorities along the lines of the Nanking protest. 1937.07.11 — Lieutenant-General Kiyoshi Kazuki, assistant Inspector-General of Military Education, is transferred to the post of commander of the Japanese Garrison in North China to relieve Lieutenant-General Kanichiro Tashiro who is seriously ill. The new commander leaves Tachikawa by airplane for North China by way of Seoul and Hsinking. 1937.07.11 — Field-Marshal Prince Kan-in, Chief of the Military General Staff, and Fleet-Admiral Prince Fushimi, Chief of the Naval General Staff, are received in audience by the Emperor at Hayama and report on important strategic matters. Navy Minister Mitsumasa Yonai calls an urgent meeting of the Supreme Military Councillors. 1937.07.11 — Mr. Morito Morishima, counsellor of the Japanese Embassy in China, hastily leaves for Peiping under instructions of the Foreign Office. 1937.07.12 — Hopes for an amicable settlement on the spot appear to dwindle rapidly when the Chinese troops advance and open fire on the Japanese in the morning. 1937.07.12 — The War Office hears that the Japanese troops withdrew on the night of July 11 to the location agreed on with the Chinese but that the Chinese show signs of attacking the Japanese. Those on the first line began firing. As the Chinese are steadily advancing, the situation threatens to take a serious turn. 1937.07.12 — War Minister Ho Ying-chin leaves for Kuling to confer with General Chiang Kai-shek on the Sino-Japanese situation, seeking his approval for the firm policy decided on by leaders at the capital. 1937.07.12 — The Asahi is informed from Nanking that a statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Office on July 11 clearly indicates that Nanking sees no value in a local settlement of the situation and is steadily preparing for war. Foreign Minister Wang Chung-hui is said to have cabled to China's envoys abroad the official Chinese version of what has happened and instructions to get in touch with the governments to which they are accredited. 1937.07.12 — Traffic on the Peiping-Mukden line, suspended since the Lukowkiao incident, is resumed by the South Manchuria Railway Company over the section between Peiping and Tientsin. The company states that its action has been taken due to the refusal of Chinese railway officials to reopen it, which is causing public unrest, and that the company is ready to return the line to its Chinese management as soon as conditions become favourable. 1937.07.12 — Mr. Hidaka calls on Foreign Minister Wang and, after communicating to him the Japanese Government's determination to act resolutely in dealing with the situation in North China, warns him that a repetition of illegal acts by Chinese will inevitably lead to grave consequences. 1937.07.12 — Approximately 83,000 Chinese troops have been definitely moving toward the potential scene of operations around Peiping and 175,000 more are stationed in the rear, preparing to advance northward at any time, the War Office announces. These figures do not include the strength of the provincial armies in Shantung, Shansi and Suiyuan. The Chinese troops in the area along the Peiping-Hankow Railway begin moving north. 1937.07.12 — All political parties, including even the Social Mass Party, pledge their aid to the Government in connection with the steps taken with regard to the North China incident in resolutions adopted following their leaders' meetings. The Cabinet's decision to send additional troops to North China is explained by War Minister Sugiyama and Foreign Minister Hirota to a group of leading businessmen and financiers from Osaka and Nagoya. 1937.07.12 — The Tokyo stock market is thrown into a great confusion following tension caused by a report that the North China situation has become worse. 1937.07.12 — All principal economic and financial bodies in Japan announce that they will support the Government's policy on the North China situation. The Bank of Japan co-operates with the Yokohama Specie Bank for maintenance of the yen's external value at 1s 2d in accordance with the Finance Ministry's policy. 1937.07.12 — Secretary of State Cordell Hull informally counsels Japan to arrange a quick and permanent settlement of the North China crisis in order to avert a major war. While he is urging a conciliatory course to Ambassador Hiroshi Saito, the counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Ing Zaung-zeh, forcefully warns Mr. Stanley Hornbeck, chief of the Far Eastern Division of the State Department, that Japan is mobilizing armed divisions for a mortal thrust at the Nanking Government. An official of the Washington Government says it has not received any British proposal that the United States join European Powers in a diplomatic endeavour to liquidate the Sino-Japanese conflict. If such a proposition is broached, he says, it will be rejected. 1937.07.12 — British Foreign Secretary R. Anthony Eden gives the House of Commons a résumé of the North China situation and points out that Japan is entitled to keep troops near Peiping under the terms of the 1901 Boxer protocol. He expresses his hopes for a settlement not only of the present dispute but of Sino-Japanese difficulties. 1937.07.13 — Hostilities are resumed near Peiping. Earlier, three Japanese and an unspecified number of Chinese are killed at Matsun, about a kilometre south of Peiping, when a small Japanese unit in motor-trucks is fired on by Chinese, who are eventually repulsed. Lukowkiao, which Chinese troops evacuated in accordance with the understanding reached on July 11, is again occupied. General Sung Cheh-yuan is said to have ordered his soldiers to be ready for action. The War Office in Tokyo issues a communique that on July 11 a note embodying a proposal for settlement of the Lukowkiao incident on the spot, which was duly signed, was handed to Colonel Takuro Matsui, head of the special service mission in Peiping, by Chang Tzu-chung and Chang Yin-yung on behalf of the 29th Army. 1937.07.13 — The preparations being speeded by the Chinese military authorities for possible warfare in North China become more intense with reports from Nanking, Shanghai, Tientsin, Hankow, Tsinan, and other cities agreeing that large numbers of troops are being moved northward. Defences are being pushed along the Peiping-Hankow, Tientsin-Pukow and Lunghai railways. Warplanes of the Central Army are said to be concentrating at Loyang and Soochow with some even in Hopei Province at Nanyuan and Paoting, though their presence there is prohibited under the 1935 Umezu-Ho agreement. 1937.07.13 — Foreign Secretary R. Anthony Eden informs Ambassador Quo Tai-chi that the British Government is anxious to see an early settlement of the Sino-Japanese incident, as possible extension of it might seriously affect British interests in China. On the previous day Foreign Secretary Eden expressed similar views to both Ambassador Yoshida and the United States Chargé d'Affaires, Mr. Ray Atherton. 1937.07.13 — Though admitting that the United States has received a communique from the British Government regarding the crisis in North China, Secretary of State Cordell Hull, in a press interview declines to disclose its nature. 1937.07.14 — General Sung Cheh-yuan arranges to open formal settlement negotiations with Lieutenant-General Kazuki, new commander of the Japanese Garrison. 1937.07.14 — The forces of the Central Army mobilized in the North are reported to be hastening to the front from various directions. Forty train-loads of the vanguard of General Pang Ping-shun's 40th Army and General Liu Chih's 2nd Route Army are said to have passed Shihchiachwang, in western Hopei, on their way to Paoting. Near Peiping, construction of trenches and encampments at the front is being pushed on in preparation for the arrival of heavy reinforcements from the Central Army. 1937.07.14 — The Foreign Office spokesman, Mr. Tatsuo Kawai, seeing foreign newspaper correspondents for the first time since the Government's decision on July 11 to send troops to the scene of trouble in North China, says Japan does not want any country to interfere in the North China incident. He also emphasizes that Japanese policy will not be influenced by any attempts at intervention. 1937.07.14 — The Bank of Japan lowers its minimum interest rate on loans extended on the security of Government bonds by one rin per ¥100 per day to 9 rin to be effective the following day. The rates on overdrafts and correspondence also are lowered by one rin each to 1.2 sen per ¥100 per day. 1937.07.15 — General Itsutaro Inoue, president of the Ex-servicemen's Association urges the 3,000,000 members of the Association be prepared as the nations' second line of defence. 1937.07.15 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells the prefectural governors, assembling in Tokyo, that the nation must face the realities of the North China situation, non-aggravation of which cannot be predicted in the light of present conditions. War Minister Hajime Sugiyama adds it is feared that the situation may take a sudden turn for the worse and spread to other districts. Premier Konoe, Home Minister Eiichi Baba and Finance Minister Okinori Kaya also make their speeches before the governors. 1937.07.15 — The War Office announces it has been decided to send a contingent of troops to North China from Japan. Field-Marshal Prince Kan-in, Chief of the Army General Staff, is received in audience by the Emperor. 1937.07.15 — At Tientsin, General Sung Cheh-yuan, chairman of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council, instead of openly talks with Lieutenant-General Kazuki, commander of the Japanese Garrison, for a peaceful settlement, is said to be showing a non-committal attitude. 1937.07.15 — Tokyo's announcement of sending troops from the Japanese mainland to North China has caused serious consternation among officials in Nanking. Mobilization orders are issued by the Nanking military authorities to special service corps in Anhwei and Honan provinces. 1937.07.15 — Britain's deep concern over the developments in North China is brought to the attention of the Nanking Government by Sir Hughe Knatchbull-Hugessen, British Ambassador, who, on instructions from London, visits the Nanking Foreign Office on his arrival there from the North and states that the conflict deeply concerns London because of its potential serious effect on British interests. Sir Hughe is said to have stated that the British Government is anxious that efforts be made for a peaceful settlement through mutual concessions, rather than armed force. 1937.07.16 — An attack is launched by 100 Chinese soldiers on a Japanese unit about to enter Anping, southeast of Tungchow, the capital of the East Hopei regime. After fighting in which no Japanese have been killed or wounded, the Chinese are disarmed. 1937.07.16 — Lieutenant-General Kan-ichiro Tashiro, former commander of the Japanese Garrison in North China, dies of heart failure at the official residence in Tientsin. 1937.07.16 — Secretary of State Cordell Hull, shortly after Chinese Ambassador C. T. Wang had presented to him Nanking's memorandum on the situation, issues a carefully worded statement seeking to prevent further hostilities between Japan and China by moral suasion. He also hints that the United States will consider its interests and obligations as involved by any serious hostilities that may develop. 1937.07.17 — A stern protest is lodged with the National Government by Colonel Okido, Japanese resident officer in Nanking, acting on instructions from Tokyo, pointing out that the steps taken by the Central Army in rushing men northward constitute a flagrant violation of the Umezu-Ho agreement. If China fails to give adequate consideration to the Japanese representations, he warns, the Japanese military authorities will have to take measures to cope with the threatening situation. 1937.07.17 — The Nanking Foreign Office presents a written memorandum to the Japanese Embassy declaring that no negotiations concluded in North China without the approval of the National Government will be recognized. 1937.07.18 — An Anti-Enemy National Salvation Meeting in Canton adopts a seven-point anti-Japanese resolution, including among others that (1) all Japanese must be driven from Chinese territory, and that (2) the entire nation must be mobilized on the anti-Japanese front. 1937.07.18 — General Chiang Kai-shek at a meeting in Kuling of representatives of political, economic, educational and other organizations declares the Nanking Government is fully prepared to fight to the last in the event of foreign aggression against Chinese territority. 1937.07.18 — General Sung Cheh-yuan, chairman of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council formally tenders to Lieutenant-General Kazuki, commander of the Japanese Garrison, and Major-General Hashimoto, chief-of-staff, an apology for the Lukowkiao incident at the Japanese Army Club, Tientsin. General Sung is accompanied by General Chang Tzu-chung, mayor of Tientsin and commander of the 38th Division. 1937.07.18 — The full Cabinet endorses the decisions of the Foreign, War, Navy, Finance and Home Ministers to accelerate fulfilment by the Hopei-Chahar authorities of the terms of the understanding reached at Peiping a week ago for settlement of the North China incident and to make preparations to meet possible developments. 1937.07.18 — Counsellor Hidaka of the Japanese Embassy presents to Foreign Minister Wang Chung-hui a formal memorandum, requesting of a final character, with regard to the North China situation. He first explains orally the substance of his instructions and then hands the written note to the Foreign Minister. The note reminds the Chinese of Japan's desire to localise the North China incident, adding that the Japanese authorities are continuing their efforts for a peaceful settlement with patience and caution, but that the Chinese Government has yet to revise its provocative attitude. Unless something is done, warns the communication, it is increasingly feared that grave and unexpected contingencies may occur. 1937.07.18 — Selection of the Meiji Shrine grounds as the site for the Olympic Games stadium is formally approved by the Home Ministry. 1937.07.19 — Hsu Shih-ying, the Chinese Ambassador to Japan, returns to Tokyo. He tells Newspapermen that he will not give up hope for finding a satisfactory solution of the affair until the last minute. 1937.07.19 — Japanese forces occupying Lukowkiao are suddenly fired upon this afternoon by Chinese troops who are constructing new positions in the neighbourhood. Captain Masayoshi Miyazaki, in charge of the Japanese unit, is wounded. Chinese troops are alleged to have tampered with the Japanese telephone line between Tientsin and Peiping. 1937.07.19 — General Chiang Kai-shek this afternoon orders the troops of the Central Army on the North China front to hold themselves in readiness to start fighting at a moment's notice. 1937.07.19 — The Nanking Government replies to the Japanese memorandum presented on July 18 with a note in which it makes the four points as follows: 1937.07.19 — 1. The two countries shall agree on a date when movements of military forces shall cease and when these forces shall be recalled to their respective original positions. 1937.07.19 — 2. Diplomatic negotiations should be opened for settlement of the dispute. 1937.07.19 — 3. The authorization of the Nanking Government is essential for any agreement concluded on the spot. 1937.07.19 — 4. China is willing to accept any means of settlement recognized by international law and treaties. 1937.07.19 — Foreign Office leaders in Tokyo gather to consider the reply given by the Nanking Government to the Japanese memorandum and decide to reject it. 1937.07.19 — The Government decides to abolish a uniform 35 per cent additional tariff on imports of sugar, woolen yarn, caustic soda, copper, nickel, tin and lead, most of which are closely connected with munitions. 1937.07.20 — Mayor Ichita Kobashi issues an official notice warning Tokyo people to show the hospitality of a great nation toward the Chinese residents in Tokyo. 1937.07.20 — The Cabinet holds an emergency session at night, following receipt of the news of the first punitive operations against the Chinese forces in North China, and issues the following statement: "An agreement to settle the North China incident locally was concluded at 11 o'clock on the night of July 19, but among the Chinese regiments were some who impeded enforcement of the agreement and lawlessly fired on the Japanese, disturbing peace and order. Moreover, as there could be seen no sincerity at all on the part of the Chinese to live up to the terms of the agreement, the Japanese Government has decided, in accordance with its already fixed policy, to take self-defence steps adequate for surveillance of the Chinese in enforcement of the agreement." 1937.07.20 — Colonel Takuro Matsui, chief of the Kwantung Army's special service mission at Peiping, Lieutenant-Colonel Takeo Imai, Japanese resident special service mission at Peiping, Lieutenant-Colonel Sadaji Wachi, staff officer of the Japanese Garrison, call on General Sung Cheh-yuan. Restoration of conditions in Peiping to normal by lifting martial law is promised by General Sung. He also says everything possible will be done to protect Japanese residents. The Japanese officers pressed for immediate suspension of the northward movement of the central forces and effective control of General Feng Chih-an's 37th Division. 1937.07.20 — The Japanese forces on the front west of Peiping bombard the walled town of Yuanping, north of Lukowkiao, and silence the Chinese in and around it with artillery and machine-gun fire in less than an hour. A subsequent engagement in the evening results in the destruction of the gate and two observation towers of Lukowkiao. There is also an engagement between Chinese on the bank of the Yungting River and Japanese on Mt. Iwentzu. Still another clash is reported at Tahomi, about a mile north of Mt. Iwentzu, where soldiers of the peace preservation corps and students are finally rounded up with machine-gun fire. The Chinese are said to have suffered heavy casualties. One Japanese sergeant is killed and another soldier is wounded. 1937.07.20 — Premier Chang Ching-hui, of Manchoukuo, issues an official statement promising the fullest support for Japan in its punitive expedition against the Chinese army in North China. 1937.07.20 — It is reported that the excess of imports from the beginning of the year up to July 20 amounts to ¥702,727,000. The amount advances ¥384,101,000 over the same period of last year. 1937.07.21 — General Sung informs Lieutenant-Colonel Imai, Japanese resident officer at Peiping, that the Chinese troops have at last started to withdraw from the vicinity of Lukowkiao. The Chinese troops, however, remain in their positions long past noon, the hour stipulated for the withdrawal to start, and the Japanese authorities call on General Sung for last-minute negotiations. He pledges that the remainder of the 29th Army will be withdrawn from Papaoshan and the bank of the Yungting River by 8 o'clock. 1937.07.21 — The Nanking authorities are perturbed by reports of General Sung Cheh-yuan's pledges. Mobilization of the entire nation for defence against the alleged Japanese aggression in North China is decided at a conference of the Central Political Council of the Kuomintang, presided over by General Chiang Kai-shek. 1937.07.21 — Because of uncertainty surrounding the developments in North China, the British Government decides to postpone formal parleys for a rapprochement with Japan, Foreign Secretary R. Anthony Eden announces in the House of Commons. He replies to a Conservative questioner that the Government, despite its desire to consolidate friendly relations with Japan, considers it unwise to start negotiations under the present circumstances. 1937.07.22 — Troops of the Central Army are still moving northward and large quantities of munitions and provisions are reported to have arrived at Paoting and Shihchiachwang, both in Hopei Province. 1937.07.22 — Lieutenant-Colonel Sadaji Wachi, a staff officer of the Japanese Garrison in North China, arrives in Tokyo from Tientsin by airplane in response to a summons from military headquarters to report in detail on military and political situations in North China. An Asahi report from Tientsin says he will "strongly advise appropriate and effective measures to be adopted by Japan against General Chiang Kai-shek's regime and the Central Army for attainment of real peace in North China." 1937.07.22 — The Federated Association to aid the Anti-Japanese Campaign is inaugurated at the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce. More than 1,000 representatives from all parts of the country attend the meeting. 1937.07.23 — The two Houses of the Diet begin to organize for the two-week special session. The House of Representatives nominates Mr. Shojiu Koyama, Minseito, and Mr. Tsuneo Kaneraitsu, Seiyukai, Speaker and Vice-Speaker respectively. Count Yorinaga Matsudaira, new President of the House of Peers, addresses the Upper House. 1937.07.23 — According to a War Office statement, based on a report from the North China Garrison, the Hopei-Chahar authorities agree to tender the apology of those responsible for the North China incident, punish the culprits and control anti-Japanese agitation. 1937.07.23 — Hope for peaceful settlement of the Sino-Japanese crisis rises with the gradual return of the local situation in Peiping to normal as a result of the steady evacuation southward of General Feng Chih-an's 37th Division. The Peiping-Hankow Railway is reopened to traffic after a two-week suspension. 1937.07.24 — It is discovered that the Chinese troops of the 37th Division have failed to leave their front-line positions near Peiping and that General Hsiung Pin, Vice-Chief of the Nanking Army General Staff, who arrived in Peiping from Nanking prevails upon General Sung Cheh-yuan and other northern Chinese leaders to revive a vigorous anti-Japanese policy. Backed by a number of influential pro-Nanking and anti-Japanese officials, General Hsiung succeeds in preventing the evacuation of the 37th Division under General Feng Chih-an. 1937.07.25 — The 71st session of the Diet is formally opened by the Emperor. The Government introduces six bills to the House of Representatives and five to the House of Peers. 1937.07.25 — The northward march of the Central Army troops having started it will be most difficult for them to withdraw to their original positions, Mr. Shao Li-tzu, director of the Kuomintang's publicity department, asserts in a press interview at Nanking. 1937.07.25 — Dr. T.V. Soong, chairman of both the Bank of China and of the National Economic Council, leaves by plane for Nanking from Shanghai to talk with General Chiang Kai-shek on the Sino-Japanese crisis and returns to Shanghai later. 1937.07.25 — War Minister Sugiyama reports to a brief Cabinet meeting that the North China situation is far from reassuring, as the Chinese troops have as yet shown no signs of withdrawing from the first line. 1937.07.25 — A strong protest is lodged by Consul-General Toyokichi Nakamura at Canton with the Kwangtung Provincial Government against the mounting anti-Japanese tendencies in the southern districts in connection with the North China crisis. 1937.07.25 — Emergency conferences are called by the Navy Minister in Tokyo to study reports on an unsuccessful search for a Japanese bluejacket who is alleged to have been kidnapped in Shanghai on the night of July 24 by a Chinese gang. Naval authorities here leave the decision on measures to be taken to Vice-Admiral Hasegawa, commander of the 3rd Fleet. First Class Sailor Sadao Miyazaki left the barracks of the Japanese Naval Landing Party, Shanghai, at 5 o'clock on that day and is reported to have been kidnapped at about 9:30 o'clock at night near the junction of North Szechuen and Dixwell roads. 1937.07.26 — A virtual ultimatum, demanding complete withdrawal of the whole 37th Division from the Peiping area in accordance with the settlement accord concluded on July 11 and a warning that, failing the demanded evacuation, the Japanese Army will be compelled to take action, are sent this afternoon by Lieutenant-General Kazuki, to General Sung Cheh-yuan, commander of the 29th Army, of which the 37th Division is a part. General Kazuki points out in his note to General Sung that a fresh outbreak at Langfang had been started by lawless Chinese firing on the Japanese unit sent there to protect communications. Voicing regret at the occurrence of another armed clash, he blames it entirely on the failure of the 29th Army to carry out the terms of agreement concluded with the Japanese authorities and its maintenance of a provocative attitude. The note specifies that the troops of the 37th Division near Lukowkiao and Papaoshan be withdrawn by noon to-morrow to Changsintien, south of Lukowkiao; that all troops of the same division immediately leave the walled city of Peiping; and that these troops, together with those of the 37th Division stationed at Hsiyuan, a short distance northward of Peiping, be moved from the area north of the Peiping-Hankow Railway to the west bank of the Yungting River by noon of July 28. Specifying further that all these troops must be withdrawn promptly to the Paoting area, 90 miles south of Peiping. 1937.07.26 — The Government submits to the Diet the expenditures for the North China incident. The amount is ¥96,800,000, most of which is to be met by bond issues. 1937.07.26 — With the Chinese troops completely routed, the Koito unit of the Japanese army which took part in the fighting at Langfang last night, ceases pursuing the Chinese and returns to its Tientsin barracks. 1937.07.26 — Japanese and Chinese again seriously clash at Kwangammen, Peiping, this afternoon after the Chinese had suddenly opened rifle and machine-gun fire on a Japanese unit. When reports of the new incident are rushed to the authorities, both the Japanese army authorities and the Chinese command send additional troops to the spot in an attempt to quell the hostilities. Mr. Toshio Kawamura, interpreter and adviser to the 29th Army is killed when he attempts to stop the Chinese on the outer wall from firing on the Japanese troops. Major Sakurai is severely wounded. 1937.07.27 — It will be very difficult to settle the Sino-Japanese problem all at once, but the first step must be to have the Chinese understand Japan's stand, Premier Konoe declares in response to an interpellation in the House of Representatives. He emphasizes that Japan wants of China not territory but co-operation. The Premier, Foreign Minister Hirota, War Minister Sugiyama and Navy Minister Yonai also address the Diet. Foreign Minister Hirota voices hope that the Nanking Government will adopt such effective measures as will accord with our wishes and bring about an early and amicable settlement. 1937.07.27 — Another severe clash takes place at Nanyuan, six miles south of Peiping, at 5 o'clock this afternoon when troops of General Chang Tzu-chung's 38th Division, part of which was involved in the Langfang incident, fire from their barracks on the Japanese forces in the area. The Japanese return the fire and, aided by warplanes, make a violent counter-attack, using heavy artillery fire. The Chinese are soon silenced. 1937.07.27 — General Sung Cheh-yuan communicates to the Nanking Government his intention to resign from his official posts as chairman of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council and commander of the 29th Army. General Chiang Kai-shek orders General Sung to resist firmly with armed force all the alleged attacks by the Japanese in North China. 1937.07.27 — Japan is now compelled to take immediate steps in order to keep communications open between Peiping and Tientsin, protect the lives and property of Japanese nationals and ensure enforcement of the terms for settlement of the Lukowkiao incident agreed by the Chinese, the Government announces in a statement published after a special Cabinet meeting. The Government's aim is to eradicate the fundamental causes of the occurrence of untoward incidents like the present one. The statement denies hostility toward the Chinese people and territorial designs. It promises that no efforts will be stinted to protect the rights and interests of other Powers in China. In conclusion, it declares that hope is still held that Chinese reconsideration will allow the situation to be localized and settled speedily. 1937.07.27 — Former Finance Minister Toyotaro Yuki is named to succeed Mr. Seihin Ikeda as Governor of the Bank of Japan, the latter retiring because of illness. 1937.07.28 — Japanese military operations against the Chinese troops in the Peiping area begin in earnest this morning with serial and land attacks. The two forces operating in these sectors meet in the western suburbs at 1 o'clock and are pursuing the Chinese in the direction of Papaoshan, after firing intermittently at the Japanese, and those at Lukowkiao are said to have crossed the Yungting River and started to retreat southward along the Peiping-Hankow Railway, but a later report indicates that some remain at Lukowkiao, for the Japanese are bombarding their positions there with artillery. North of Peiping, the Japanese claim possession of Chinhochen, Shahochen and Hsiyuan. To the south, they are occupying Nanyuan and Hsingkung. A Chinese counter-attack at Langfang fails. Heavy Chinese losses are reported. 1937.07.28 — The Kawabe detachment opens heavy artillery fire on the Chinese positions at Lukowkiao at 7:20 o'clock at night. 1937.07.28 — The Japanese detachment joins in the attack following the decisive action against the remainder of the defeated troops of General Chang Tzu-chung's 38th Division near Matsun late in the afternoon. 1937.07.28 — The Japanese military authorities firmly reject this afternoon, as too late, proposals made by the Chinese for a truce conditional on immediate withdrawal of the 37th Division from Peiping. 1937.07.28 — Japanese casualties from the time of the Lukowkiao outbreak up to noon on July 27 total 155, with 42 dead and 113 wounded, the War Office announces. 1937.07.28 — General Chiang Kai-shek, deciding on war when he receives General Sung Cheh-yuan's notification that the negotiations with the Japanese had collapsed, orders 200,000 soldiers stationed near Chengchow in Honan Province to advance northward at once. Nanking takes the view that it had no desire to fight Japan but that the situation has become impossible of peaceful solution, now that the 29th Army has offered concerted resistance to the Japanese. 1937.07.28 — The United States Ambassador, Mr. Joseph C. Grew, and the British Chargé d'Affaires, Mr. J. L. Dodds, call on Foreign Minister Hirota in connection with the North China situation. 1937.07.28 — It is premature to talk of overthrowing the Nanking Government, because many persons in it understand Japan, and what Japan must seek is a return by China to its original status as an Oriental nation joining forces with Japan, Premier Konoe declares in the plenary session of the House of Representatives. The House adopts unanimously the ¥96,800,000 budget for financing the North China operations and sends it to the House of Peers. Premier Konoe in reply to an interpellation by Mr. Takao Sugiura, Tohokai, says, "I think that not only must problems with China be settled locally but also we must go a step further and obtain a fundamental solution of Sino-Japanese relations." 1937.07.28 — Commerce and Industry Minister Yoshino announces a plan for encouraging an increase in the output of gold in Japan proper and its overseas territories, with the object of producing ¥508,000,000 worth a year at the end of the next five years, namely 1942, and after of about 135 metric tons. About 60 tons will come from Japan proper and 73 tons from the overseas possessions. 1937.07.28 — Five American swimmers, headed by Coach Stanley Brauninger of the Chicago Lake Shore Athletic Club, arrive to take part in the Japan-American Swimming Meet at the Meiji Shrine. 1937.07.29 — A Japanese air unit becomes active over Tientsin, starting bombardment of strategic buildings at 2 o'clock this afternoon and ending at about 6 o'clock. Continuing desperate resistance, the Chinese this afternoon take possession of the telephone exchange and open fire on the Japanese, whose air forces bomb the position in reply. In an hour's heavy bombardment, the remaining enemy positions are completely destroyed. The Chinese position at Palitai is also cleared, and Nankai University, about two and a half miles south of Tientsin, is burned down. At night, the Chinese positions at the Public Safety Bureau and the International Bridge come under fire. 1937.07.29 — The fighting starts with an attack by the Chinese peace preservation forces, estimated at some 2,000 regular troops of General Chang Tzu-chang's 38th Division who had changed their uniforms, on the Japanese guarding the special district. Heavy fighting takes place between the Central Station and the East Station. The building of the Nakahara Corporation, where the Japanese consulate-general is housed, is fired on with trench-mortars, and the branch of the Japanese gendarmerie at the East Station is in danger of isolation. Chinese irregulars with guns and other weapons attack the seventh mill of the Kanegafuchi Spinning Company at Tientsin, east of the Central Station. Some 500 armed employees of the firm repulse them after an hour's fighting. 1937.07.29 — Another engagement takes place this morning at Taku, across the river from Tangku. In co-operation with the naval forces, a Japanese land unit launches a vigorous attack. 1937.07.29 — Definite assurance that the Japanese troops by no means intend to prejudice the lives or property of foreign nationals or to molest Chinese civilians is given by Lieutenant-General Kazuki, commander of the Japanese Garrison, in answer to a joint representation made by foreign consuls in Tientsin regarding the bombing by the Japanese air force. The Japanese commander points out that the illegal attacks made by Chinese forces upon the Japanese Concession flagrantly violate the spirit as well as the letter of the Boxer Protocol. 1937.07.29 — Vice-Admiral Hasegawa, commander of the 3rd Fleet, conveys a warning to the Chinese War and Navy Ministers regarding the increasing anti-Japanese demonstrations in Central and South China. 1937.07.29 — By this evening, the Japanese troops have driven the Chinese forces stationed north of Peiping to the west bank of the Yungting River. Hsingtsun, about 13 miles south of Peiping, is reached by the Sakai squad this afternoon and the Kawabe detachment occupies Yuangping at 6 o'clock at night. The Sakai squad also occupies Wan-shoushan and Yuehchuanshan. 1937.07.29 — It is reported that General Sung Cheh-yuan, Chairman of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council and commander of the 29th Army, and General Chin Teh-chun, Mayor of Peiping, secretly left Peiping in a motorcar late last night for Paoting. With their flight, General Chiang Chao-tsung, former acting Premier of the defunct Peking Government, calls on Colonel Takuo Matsui, chief of the Peiping Special Mission. 1937.07.29 — Foreign Minister Hirota indicates that no third Power will try to intervene in the North China situation when questioned at the plenary session of the budget committee of the House of Representatives. 1937.07.29 — The ¥96,800,000 supplementary budget to finance the North China operations is approved unanimously and without debate by the House of Peers. 1937.07.29 — The mined gold bill, providing for compulsory sale to the Government and giving the Government complete control of the industry, is introduced into the Diet by the Government. 1937.07.30 — Premier Konoe goes to the Imperial Palace and makes a report on the prevailing North China situation to the Emperor, after seeing the War, Navy, Foreign, Finance and Home Ministers. 1937.07.30 — The Kawabe squad captures Changsintien, just south of Lukowkiao on the Peiping-Hankow Railway. 1937.07.30 — Three thousand troops of the 27th Brigade of the 29th Army are disarmed in the Tingtanan barracks, Peiping. The Suzuki and Sakai contingents inflict a smashing defeat on the remnants of General Feng Chih-an's 37th Division in the Western Hills, where they had taken up positions on fleeing from the scene of recent engagements. The remnants are driven in the direction of Changsintien. 1937.07.30 — The Peiping District Autonomous Committee, consisting of representatives of several local organizations, is formally inaugurated at the residence of General Chiang Chao-tsung, the chairman-designate. "Maintenance of peace and order in Peiping by Peiping citizens," is the motto of the organization. 1937.07.30 — Japanese warplanes continue to bomb the main quarters of the Chinese troops lingering in various parts of Tientsin. Effectively covered by the air forces, land forces simultaneously open vigorous attacks on the Chinese positions, of which the chief ones include the Chinese quarter of the city, the vicinity of Tungtan, the Third Special District, and the area south of Haikang Temple. 1937.07.30 — Frankly admitting that the hostilities in the Peiping-Tientsin area have resulted in complete defeat of the 29th Army, General Chiang Kai-shek in a lengthy statement issued to the press today declares that he is fully ready to hold himself responsible for the deplorable situation as chairman of the National Military Council and President of the Executive Yuan. He, however, attributes the defeat to General Sung Cheh-yuan, who, he says, ignored his orders. He also urges the nation not to be discouraged by the fall of Peiping and voices confidence in his ability to meet the expectations of the people. 1937.07.30 — The United States has so far shown no signs of applying its Neutrality Act to commerce with Japan because of the North China situation, Foreign Minister Hirota tells the budget committee of the House of Representatives. Great Britain is likewise taken no definite stand so far, he adds. 1937.07.31 — Sighting a Chinese troop train proceeding to the northern front, a unit of the Japanese air force bombs the enemy at Paoting station, 90 miles southwest of Peiping. 1937.07.31 — The danger of a major clash between the Japanese forces and the Central Army increases with the arrival early this morning of the vanguard of the latter at Liuluho, 18 miles south of Changsintien. 1937.07.31 — General Sung Cheh-yuan is today appointed by the National Military Council as commander of the Chinese forces on the North China front. 1937.07.31 — Seventy-eight Japanese soldiers were killed and 197 wounded in battles with the Chinese troops on July 28 and 29, according to the War Office. Chinese casualties are estimated at 10 times the number sustained by the Japanese troops. 1937.07.31 — Conditions at Tungchow, the capital of the East Hopei régime, where it was feared on July 30 that 300 Japanese had been massacred, continue uncertain. It is confirmed, however, that Lieutenant-Colonel Hosoki, chief of the special service mission, and several other Japanese officers met their death there at the hands of the peace preservation corps. War Minister Sugiyama reports in the House of Representatives that a large number of Japanese residents at Tungchow were denied quarter and killed in a truly horrid carnage by the Chinese armed police. 1937.07.31 — The Japanese resident officer in Peiping announces that Mr. Yin Ju-keng, chief executive of the East Hopei regime, is safe. Mr. Chi Tsung-mo, chief secretary of the regime, is to be appointed acting chief executive. 1937.07.31 — Chinese police at Tientsin illegally detain Mr. Takeo Misumi, chief of the Tientsin branch of the Dairen Steamship Company and other Japanese employees of the firm. The police confiscate 2,000 bales of goods unloaded from the Chohei Maru and carry them away in trucks. 1937.07.31 — The management of the Ta Kung Pao, influential Chinese newspaper that has been regarded for the past decade as one of the foremost organs of anti-Japanese demonstrations, decides to remove its office to Shanghai. 1937.07.31 — Appropriation of ¥300,000,000 only for the War Office to be expended in connection with the North China incident is approved by the Cabinet to be presented to the Diet. 1937.07.31 — War Minister Sugiyama explains in the House of Peers and House of Representatives that it is impossible to predict developments in the war situation, but whether it is aggravated or not will depend entirely upon the attitude of the Chinese. Present conditions arouse fears that the situation may be aggravated, he says. 1937.07.31 — It is reported that Japan's excess of imports from the beginning of the year up to the end of July amounts to ¥720,321,000. The amount gains ¥421,176,000 over the year before. 1937.07.31 — The gold reserve to be held by the Bank of Japan after its reappraisal by the Government is fixed at ¥800,000,000. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VII No. 3 (December 1938) --- (covers 1938.07.01 to 1938.09.15) 1938.07.01 — The War Minister says the Powers are mistaken if they think there is a possibility of mediation between Japan and the Chiang Kai-shek régime, for peace is out of the question while General Chiang remains in power. 1938.07.01 — Air mail service is opened between Tokyo and Shanghai. 1938.07.01 — The Sino-Japanese Economic Council, meeting in Peking, decides to give first attention to agricultural improvement as a means of stabilizing the life of the people in North China, with the products shipped to Japan in exchange for industrial goods. Foreign capital will be welcomed in developing North China. 1938.07.01 — Prince Teh is elected chairman of the Autonomous Government of Inner Mongolia at Kweihwa. 1938.07.01 — The Pope appeals to Japan to spare civilian lives in air raids in China. 1938.07.01 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, on the recommendation of the Central Price Policy Commission, fixes maximum prices on a number of rubber and cotton goods and chemicals at about 20 per cent less than current levels. 1938.07.01 — The compulsory mixing of 5 per cent of alcohol with gasoline begins. 1938.07.01 — Vice-Governor Tsushima of the Bank of Japan reports that 1,968,000,000 yen of Government bonds were absorbed in the first half of the year, with June sales heaviest at 304,000,000 yen. 1938.07.01 — Announcement is made of the escape to Manchoukuo on June 13 for protection of General Genrich Samoinovitch Lushkov, Far Eastern head of the O.G.P.U., who is said to have feared for his life in the Stalin purge. 1938.07.01 — Moscow tries to deny the escape of General Lushkov to Manchoukuo. 1938.07.01 — Paris announces a ban on imports of Japanese canned fish and porcelain in retaliation for an alleged failure by Japan to keep its promise to import from France this year as much as it did in 1936. 1938.07.01 — The Action Française, Paris Loyalist newspaper, urges French neutrality in the Sino-Japanese conflict. 1938.07.01 — Thirty Japanese youths arrive at Cologne for a visit in Germany as guests of the Hitler Jugend. 1938.07.01 — The South Manchuria Railway Company completes arrangements for new freight rates on all railways in Manchoukuo, effective October 1, that will mean a revenue loss of 10,000,000 yen yearly. 1938.07.02 — The Finance Minister agrees with the War Minister that there can be no talk of peace until the Chiang Kai-shek régime is gone. He emphasizes to the press the urgency of economy in raw materials and promises that everything possible will be done to aid those who lose work because of the economy campaign. Price limits will be fixed increasingly. He denies any intention of compelling companies to decrease dividends. 1938.07.02 — Regulations governing the National General Mobilization Compensation Commission, necessary for operation of the National General Mobilization Law, are promulgated. 1938.07.02 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry gives orders for retailers to sell only one article of cotton or leather at a time to a customer in order to check hoarding. 1938.07.02 — Japan and Australia conclude a new agreement on maximum importations of Japanese cotton and rayon textiles and Australian wool during the year ending June 30, 1939. 1938.07.02 — Announcement is made of an agreement between Japanese and Australian shipping lines, giving the former 77.5 per cent of the freight between Australian and Japanese ports. 1938.07.02 — The Japanese fishing fleet that had been operating near Bristol Bay for six months is reported to have departed, possibly to remove suspicion that it was operating against the salmon run. 1938.07.02 — The French Ambassador tells the Foreign Minister that investigations made by his Government have shown the reports of French aid to China to be without foundation. 1938.07.02 — The Society for Study of International Aspects of the China Incident, composed of prominent Osaka business men, urges the Government to take a strong stand against France for aiding China. 1938.07.02 — Openings are announced for 200 more pacification officers to work with the army in North China. 1938.07.02 — Education Minister Araki, addressing a national conference of history teachers, says the old view of world history with the Occident as its centre must be revised. Japan must "refine," not reject, what is useful in Western ideas. 1938.07.03 — Lieutenant-General Doihara, returning to Japan from duty in North China, says the Chiang Kai-shek régime will collapse from internal dissension. 1938.07.03 — A Hankow report claims that 150,000 Soviet troops, including mechanized units, are concentrated along the borders of Outer Mongolia and Manchoukuo. 1938.07.03 — Prince Iyesato Tokugawa returns to Japan from Canada, where illness forced abandonment of his trip to London for the International Red Cross Conference. 1938.07.03 — The first of a group of 29 American and Canadian high-school teachers arrive at Yokohama to see Japan as guests of the Railway Ministry. 1938.07.04 — The Japanese naval air force reports the shooting down of 45 Chinese planes over Nanchang and the destruction of six others on the ground. 1938.07.04 — The naval authorities announce that two Chinese planes shot down near Anking were of Soviet make and flown by Soviets. 1938.07.04 — The French Foreign Office confirms French occupation of the Paracel Islands, in the South China Sea. 1938.07.04 — Indication is given that Tokyo will make representations to France regarding its occupation of the Paracel Islands, which are regarded as Chinese territory. 1938.07.04 — The intention of the French Government in prohibiting further importation of Japanese canned fish and porcelain is said to be to induce Japan to negotiate on pending trade questions. 1938.07.04 — The Parliamentary Foreign Undersecretary says in Parliament that the British Government is ready to discuss naval limitation with Japan at any time but doubts the value of initiating such discussions at present. 1938.07.04 — The Cabinet is understood to have postponed until autumn action on the plan for reform of the civil service system in order to permit re-examination of details that are opposed in official circles and the Privy Council. 1938.07.05 — Two days of heavy rain bring disastrous floods in the Kwansai, especially in Kobe, where many lives are lost and thousands of homes are destroyed or inundated. 1938.07.05 — Announcement is made of the capture by naval units of Hukow, on the south bank of the Yangtze between Nanking and Hankow. 1938.07.05 — All the German military advisers to General Chiang Kai-shek leave Hankow for Europe. 1938.07.05 — Lord Lytton, in a letter in The Times, urges the British Government to help China maintain currency stability. 1938.07.05 — Possibility of a bombing plot is seen in news of an explosion in the hold of the Kashii Maru in the English Channel on June 20, details of which are lacking. 1938.07.05 — Japan, Manchoukuo and Italy sign in Tokyo a trade agreement, and Manchoukuo and Italy conclude a treaty of amity and commerce. 1938.07.05 — The Welfare Ministry estimate that the program of economy in consumption eventually will leave 130,000 unemployed, most of the 1,200,000 workers affected being absorbed in other industries. 1938.07.05 — The Cotton Industry Guild Federation estimates that cotton textile exports during the first half of the year totalled 1,059,361,000 square yards, less by 26.9 per cent than in the same half of last year, valued at 214,283,000 yen, less by 21.7 per cent. 1938.07.06 — The Premier reiterates to the press that there is no possibility whatever of peace negotiations with General Chiang Kai-shek through the mediation of third Powers. He hopes the Chiang régime will collapse with the occupation of Hankow, but warns that, if it does not, the Japanese people "must be prepared for a long seige." Termination tomorrow of the military operations would not lighten the burden on the nation, for there are heavy economic losses to be made good. He voices conviction that the Powers gradually will alter their attitudes towards the hostilities and says their rights and interests in China will be respected fully. 1938.07.06 — The Premier and the Home, Finance and Education Ministers hold the first of scheduled weekly conferences on domestic affairs, with special reference to mobilization of the nation to cope with the China incident. 1938.07.06 — The army and naval sections of the Imperial Headquarters announce that 36,629 army men and more than 1,100 naval men have been killed from the beginning of the China incident to June 30. 1938.07.06 — In the year of military operations, the Japanese forces have occupied about 482,000 square miles of China, with a population estimated at 130,000,000, it is announced. 1938.07.06 — The Japanese front in China at the end of last month, extending from Hangchow to Anpei, Suiyuan Province, is estimated at 1,400 miles, three times the length of the western front in the World War. 1938.07.06 — More than 1,700 Chinese warplanes were shot down or destroyed on the ground during the first year of the China incident by the Japanese naval air forces, which lost only 89 planes. 1938.07.06 — Public donations for national defence and other emergency projects since the China incident began are announced as 36,361,057 yen, divided into 24,436,233 yen for defences, 9,816,347 yen for military relief and 2,114,460 yen for encouragement of science. 1938.07.06 — Pertinax, French political commentator, commenting on the first anniversary of the China incident, says a case may still be made for friendship between Japan and the Western Democracies, despite all the factors working against it. 1938.07.06 — Secretary of State Hull says that a talk yesterday between the U.S. Ambassador in Tokyo and Foreign Minister Ugaki had to do with general matters, on which no conclusions were reached, and indemnification for damages suffered by American interests in China. 1938.07.06 — Alleged Japanese interference with British shipping in China waters and ports is discussed in the House of Commons. 1938.07.06 — China's Ambassador in Paris tells the French Government that China claims sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, which France has occupied. 1938.07.06 — A San Francisco mass meeting under the auspices of the American Friends of the Chinese People adopts a resolution calling for an arms embargo against Japan and a boycott of Japanese goods. 1938.07.06 — The last three former naval men who were sentenced for participation in the May 15 (1932) incident leave prison on parole because of good behaviour. Two of them had been sentenced to 15 years and the third to 15 years, but two sentences had shortened the terms. 1938.07.06 — The Finance Ministry approves an appropriation of 3,080,000 yen for special policing under the Home Office to enforce economic control regulations. 1938.07.07 — The Emperor grants rescripts to the nation and to the army and the navy on the China incident. 1938.07.07 — The Emperor shows concern over the recent floods and questions the Ministers concerned on the extent of damage and relief measures. 1938.07.07 — Property and business damages in the flood around Kobe are estimated at 99,500,000 yen. The death toll in Kobe and the rest of Hyogo Prefecture is listed as 333, with as many more missing. 1938.07.07 — The nation observes the first anniversary of the China incident with a moment of silent prayer at noon for the war dead, frugal meals and a number of rites and meetings. 1938.07.07 — American newspapers give prominence to statements on the first year of the China incident by Premier Konoe and General Chiang Kai-shek. 1938.07.07 — The Finance Ministry announces that the Government has issued since the start of the China incident 3,129,398,000 yen of bonds, of which 2,400,000,000 yen were for financing the hostilities. 1938.07.07 — All Tokyo dealers agree to lower the retail price of rice by 34 sen per 10 kilograms (22 pounds), making it range from 2.62 to 2.93 yen. 1938.07.07 — The Metropolitan Police Board, Tokyo, institutes a bureau for enforcement of economic control measures. 1938.07.07 — Vice-Ministers decide to abolish the usual summer half-day schedules in Government offices. 1938.07.07 — The section of the Diet System Inquiry Commission concerned with reform of the election system begins deliberations. 1938.07.07 — A note verbale is communicated to France on its occupation of the Paracel Islands. Hope is expressed that the Annamese policemen sent to them will be withdrawn. 1938.07.07 — Anti-Japanese terrorism in Shanghai brings an announcement from the Japanese military authorities that they are ready to take any steps required to protect the lives and property of their nationals if the authorities of the International Settlement and the French Concession do not do so. 1938.07.08 — The War Office announces that Captain Prince Tsuneyoshi Takeda has assumed a certain post with the Japanese forces in Manchuria, the first Imperial Prince in the army to assigned overseas. 1938.07.08 — The Cabinet agrees that the Government itself must economize, in keeping with its appeal to the nation to save 8,000,000,000 yen yearly, and therefore will retrench as much as possible in the 1939-40 budget. 1938.07.08 — The Bank of Japan announces the average index number of Tokyo wholesale prices for June as 214.3, higher by 2.4 per cent than in May. 1938.07.08 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry strengthens the regulations for compulsory mixing of staple fibre with wool. More than 10 per cent of the substitute must be mixed with most wool for domestic consumption, excepting spun textiles, and no exception is to be made for goods sent to Manchoukuo and China. 1938.07.08 — The Department Store Association assures the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that it will discourage the sale of restricted goods for mid-year presents. 1938.07.08 — The State Department announces that U.S. exports of war materials to China totalled $12,359,000 in the first year of the China incident and that those to Japan totalled $7,664,000. 1938.07.08 — Japanese and Chinese leaders in Peking, according to a dispatch in the Asahi, feel that a new peace structure for East Asia is needed to replace the nine-Power treaty and the League Covenant. 1938.07.08 — The Tass news agency publishes in Moscow an interview with General Chiang Kai-shek in which he voices appreciation of Soviet aid for China. 1938.07.09 — The Imperial Household Department announces that the Emperor and the Empress have granted a sum of moneys for relief of flood sufferers and rehabilitation in the Kobe area, where the latest figures give 416 dead and as many more missing. 1938.07.09 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry promulgates six more control ordinances, relating to retail prices, State management of the rubber supply and limitation of its use, control of the sale of rubber boots, control of rubber distribution, control of the distribution and sale of Oregon pine and control of the use of lead, zinc, tin, antimony and nickel. 1938.07.09 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry orders a further reduction of from 15 to 20 per cent in gasoline consumption for August. 1938.07.09 — The commander of the Japanese fleet in China waters advises foreign warships and merchant vessels to evacuate the Yangtze River between Hukow and Hwangshihkang in anticipation of fighting. 1938.07.09 — The army announces in the Official Gazette that it wants 3,500 boys to enter the new Tokyo Army Flying School. 1938.07.09 — President Quezon sails from Yokohama for Manila, ending a brief private visit in Japan. 1938.07.09 — The Home Office's police affairs bureau selects Mr. Keijiro Inomata and Mr. Tadashi Shigenari as its first anti-Comintern policemen to be exchanged with Rome and Berlin respectively under the anti-Comintern accord. 1938.07.09 — Manchoukuo's imports for the first half of 1938 are announced as 343,347,000 yuan and its exports as 192,451,000 yuan, leaving an unfavourable balance of 151,036,000 yuan. 1938.07.09 — Le Temps, Paris, gives prominence to a cable from its Tokyo correspondent suggesting a Franco-Japanese commercial agreement on a basis of "exactly balanced trade," which eventually could be extended to Manchoukuo. 1938.07.11 — The Home Minister outlines tentative measures for relief of the flood-stricken area around Kobe in a conference on the spot with local officials. 1938.07.11 — Regulations tightening the police control over dance halls in Tokyo go into effect. 1938.07.11 — A Hongkong report says 200 Soviet warplanes are being assembled in Eastern Turkestan for delivery to the Chinese army. 1938.07.11 — The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry urges the Premier to revise the national spiritual mobilization campaign in order to win perfect compliance with the Government's economic control measures. 1938.07.11 — Directors of prefectural economic departments assemble in Tokyo to receive instructions regarding new control measures. 1938.07.11 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is informed that cotton textiles in warehouses are adequate to meet the domestic demand for three years. 1938.07.11 — The Communications Ministry announces that telephone installations will be reduced by 50 per cent during the rest of the year and invalidates all applications now on file. Between 15,000 and 20,000 telephones will be installed, with priority given to users connected with the military operations. The market price of telephones already in use rises in Tokyo to 1,800 yen, a record figure. 1938.07.11 — The Tohokai, Mr. Seigo Nakano's political party, adopts a resolution against foreign interference in the China incident and urges the Government to liquidate the Chiang Kai-shek régime. 1938.07.11 — The Japanese army advises foreign residents in the Middle Yangtze Valley to evacuate to avoid danger and incidents. 1938.07.11 — Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr., assails Secretary of State Hull's policy of keeping American gunboats on the Yangtze River despite Japanese warnings of the danger involved. 1938.07.12 — An ordinance is promulgated extending the headquarters of the Inspectorate-General of Military Education to meet the needs of military training under current conditions. 1938.07.12 — Dr. Elizabeth Schumpeter, of the Harvard Bureau of International Research, tells the Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia that Japan is fully capable of meeting war-time requirements for several years. 1938.07.12 — Mr. Hachisaburo Hirao, economic adviser to the Japanese army in North China, says in Moji on returning to Japan from Peking that immediate expansion of agricultural production to provide food for the people must be the first step of the projected North China Development Company. 1938.07.12 — The Cabinet approves a program for sending 100,000 horses from Japan to Manchoukuo over five years to improve horse-breeding there. 1938.07.12 — The Finance Ministry announces that trade with China during the first half of 1938 consisted of 537,934,000 yen of exports and 323,512,000 yen of imports, giving a favourable balance of 204,422,000 yen. 1938.07.12 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry estimates the 1938 wheat crop at 10,342,990 koku, more by 46,342 koku than the actual crop last year. 1938.07.12 — The French Ambassador assures Foreign Minister Ugaki that the interests of Japanese residents on the Paracel Islands will be respected. 1938.07.12 — Secretary of State Hull announces receipt of a comprehensive reply from Japan to the U.S. note of May 31 regarding U.S. interests in the Yangtze Valley. Some points require clarification. 1938.07.12 — The Ere Nouvelle, Paris, attracts attention with a report that President Quezon's visit to Japan last week was for the purpose of obtaining assurances that Tokyo has no designs on the Philippines. 1938.07.12 — Dr. Hans Eckhardt, former chief of the Far Eastern section of the Nazi Party's foreign and political office, is appointed director of the German Research Institute in Kyoto. 1938.07.13 — The Cabinet's Bureau of Statistics announces that Japan proper had 2,180,734 births and 1,207,899 deaths in 1937, giving a natural increase in population of 972,835, or 13.63 per 1,000, higher by 1.24 than in 1936. There were 674,500 marriages, or 9.47 per 1,000, and 46,500 divorces, or .65 per 1,000. Still-births totalled 21,485, or 1.36 per 1,000. 1938.07.13 — The Premier tells the Upper House sub-committee of the Diet System Inquiry Commission that a definite plan for reform of the Upper House should be ready for the next Diet session. 1938.07.13 — The House of Commons is told that Japan has given assurances that it has no intention of disturbing the extra-territorial rights of foreign Powers in China. 1938.07.13 — More than 100 British marines are said to have arrived at Hankow to protect British interests. 1938.07.13 — Negotiations at Washington result in extension for a year of the Japanese-American gentlemen's agreement on exports of Japanese cotton textiles to the Philippines. 1938.07.13 — Japan's consul-general in New York signs a contract for 50,000 square feet of space for the Japanese exhibit in the 1939 New York World's Fair. 1938.07.13 — The Oregon State Fish and Game Commission adopts a resolution asking the Federal Government to control fishing from 80 to 200 miles off the U.S. coast, which is believed to be directed against Japanese fishing. 1938.07.13 — A high official of the Cabinet's Manchurian Affairs Bureau denies reports that thought is being given to transferring to Manchoukuo the Kwantung Leased Territory. 1938.07.13 — Hsinking announces that exports of 20 additional articles, including flour and wool, will be placed under control from tomorrow. 1938.07.13 — General G. S. Lushkov, fled from the U.S.S.R., is interviewed by foreign and Japanese newspapermen in Tokyo, describing to them Soviet conditions. 1938.07.14 — The Ministries concerned decide to cancel the holding of the 1940 Olympic Games in Tokyo and to postpone until after the China incident the international exposition in commemoration of the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of the Empire. 1938.07.14 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry promulgates a strengthening of the Anti-Profiteering Law and regulations requiring that retail goods in 29 important categories have their prices marked plainly. 1938.07.14 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry agrees to ease partially the restrictions on various materials required for rehabilitation in areas that have suffered from floods. 1938.07.14 — Vice-Governor Juichi Tsushima of the Bank of Japan tells financiers there is no need for fears concerning Japan's ability to meet war-time financial and economic requirements. 1938.07.14 — Some 50 Soviet soldiers are learned to have occupied on July 12 Changkufeng, a height nearly two miles within Manchoukuo territory on the eastern frontier not far from Korea. A demand is made for their withdrawal. 1938.07.14 — The House of Commons is told that the British Government sees no way to introduce legislation that would permit a loan to China. 1938.07.14 — Secretary of the Treasury Morgenthau announces extension of the agreement for purchase by the U.S. of Chinese silver. 1938.07.14 — Indication that Germany does not intend to send a new Ambassador to China is seen in its appointment of Counsellor M. Fischer as chargé d'affaires. 1938.07.14 — Forty-one American college and university students arrive in Tokyo to attend the Fifth Japan-American Student Conference. 1938.07.15 — Japan joins Manchoukuo in protesting to Moscow against the Soviet occupation of Changkufeng, on the Soviet-Manchoukuo frontier. 1938.07.15 — The Cabinet formally approves the Ministerial decisions to abandon plans for the 1940 Olympic Games in Tokyo and to postpone the International Exposition of Japan until after the China incident. 1938.07.15 — The army announces 1,600 promotions and shifts. Eighteen lieutenant-generals and 126 major-generals are created. General Kotaro Nakamura succeeds General Kuniaki Koiso as commander of the Korean Army, and Lieutenant-General Makoto Matsui is made commander of the Western Defence Headquarters. 1938.07.15 — The Home Minister informs the Cabinet that the recent Kwansai and Kyushu floods did 420,900,000 yen of damage, killed 933 persons, injured 3,394 and damaged or destroyed more than 9,000 houses. 1938.07.15 — The Central Price Policy Commission recommends use of specie reserves of the Bank of Japan to facilitate the importation of raw materials for the manufacture of export goods. 1938.07.15 — The United Press claims to have learned in Shanghai that Britain, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland are trying to arrange mediation between Japan and China. 1938.07.15 — Sweden denies reports that it is connected with any efforts to arrange Sino-Japanese mediation. 1938.07.15 — The Manchoukuo Planning Commission is established in Hsinking to make inquiries regarding fundamental national policies. 1938.07.15 — Manchoukuo transfers to Tientsin the office formerly at Shashaikwan for handling entrance visas. 1938.07.15 — Moscow rejects Japan's protest against occupation of Changkufeng, on the Soviet-Manchoukuo border, claiming that it belongs to the U.S.S.R. under the Hunchun treaty. 1938.07.15 — Mr. Naoki Hoshino, director of the general affairs board of the Manchoukuo State Council, announces after consultations in Tokyo that Hsinking's five-year industrial program will be carried out in its original form. 1938.07.15 — The British Ambassador to China denies Hankow rumours that he and the U.S. Ambassador are seeking to mediate in the Sino-Japanese conflict. 1938.07.15 — A possibility is seen that the labour bureau of the Welfare Ministry, acting under the National General Mobilization Law, will institute a system of minimum and maximum wages. 1938.07.15 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry designates aluminium and alumite manufacturers, castor oil and casein as subject to official sales prices. 1938.07.15 — Announcement is made that minor air lines in Japan proper that were suspended early in July will be resumed shortly. 1938.07.15 — Haruhiko Uemura, former lieutenant-general sentenced to two and a half years in prison for receiving bribes in connection with munitions purchases, is released on parole because of poor health. 1938.07.15 — The Fifth America-Japan Student Conference opens in Tokyo. 1938.07.17 — The Foreign Office publishes the text of the reply—sent on July 6—to the U.S. note of May 31 requesting the return of American properties in the occupied areas in Central China. 1938.07.17 — Despite Japan's protest, the Soviets are said to be fortifying their positions on Changkufeng. 1938.07.17 — The Education Ministry announces the personnel of a commission of 43 members to encourage scientific research. 1938.07.18 — The Japanese-Manchoukuo border patrol near Hunchun sends two messengers to the Soviet commander at Novokievsk with a note demanding evacuation of Changkufeng. 1938.07.18 — A Japanese corporal attached to the gendarmerie in Hulin, Kirin Province, Manchoukuo, is wounded by Soviet soldiers firing across the Ussuri River. 1938.07.18 — The Nichiro Fishery Company decides to protest to the U.S.S.R. against imposition on it of a 50,000-rouble fine for having manufactured fertilizer last year from fish scraps, for Moscow had agreed to recognize the legitimacy of the fertilizer enterprise in the past and to decide its future through negotiations. 1938.07.18 — The Government denies that there is any foundation for the rumour that it will establish in China an administrative agency comparable to a government-general or residency-general, implying that China is considered a dependency. 1938.07.18 — Japanese naval fliers land on the aerodrome at Nanchang and set fire to Chinese planes after having shot down 15 in the air. 1938.07.18 — The Shanghai Municipal Council, in response to Japanese representations, is said to have decided to control terrorists more strictly. 1938.07.18 — Secretary of State Hull indicates that the U.S. is not fully satisfied with Japan's latest note regarding American rights in China. 1938.07.18 — New York reports say that Chinese negotiations for an American loan have collapsed. 1938.07.18 — Advisers of the Finance Ministry approve the proposal that gold reserves be shipped abroad to pay for raw materials required for the manufacture of exports. 1938.07.18 — Regulations go into force compelling stores to affix price tags to all merchandise. 1938.07.18 — Development is reported in New York of a new synthetic yarn suitable as a substitute for silk in women's hosiery, to which large quantities of Japanese silk are used at present. 1938.07.19 — The Government announces that 300,000,000 yen of the Bank of Japan's gold reserves will be used to pay for imports of raw materials needed for the manufacture of export goods. Though the bank will be left with only 501,286,000 yen of gold, the Government is confident that the yen will not be affected at home or abroad. 1938.07.19 — Deposits in savings banks in Japan at the end of June are announced as 2,357,342,000 yen, more by 47,099,000 yen than at the end of May and by 329,808,000 yen than at the end of June, 1937. 1938.07.19 — Members of the Kenkokukai, reactionary organization, throw handbills into the Soviet Embassy in Tokyo demanding chastisement of the U.S.S.R. over the Changkufeng situation. 1938.07.19 — Japanese naval planes destroy with bombs more than 20 Chinese planes on the Hankow aerodrome. 1938.07.19 — President Manuel Quezon says in a radio broadcast from Manila to the U.S. that he has no misgivings about Japan's attitude towards the Philippines after their independence. 1938.07.19 — The Education Minister decides against cancellation of the annual art exhibit sponsored by his Ministry, which some quarters have opposed as unnecessary under current circumstances. 1938.07.20 — Ambassador Shigemitsu is unsuccessful in trying to induce the Soviet authorities to withdraw troops from Changkufeng. Reinforcements are said to be nearing the Manchoukuo border. 1938.07.20 — The German Ambassador, Major-General Eugen Ott, returns to Tokyo from consultations in Berlin. 1938.07.20 — London circles deny that the Ugaki-Craigie talks on Anglo-Japanese disputes relating to China have any political character. 1938.07.20 — The season's first export excess appears in the trade figures for the middle 10 days of July, exports being 72,453,000 yen and imports 71,842,000 yen. 1938.07.21 — The army's decision on how to handle the Changkufeng incident is reported by the War Minister to the Premier. 1938.07.21 — General Iwane Matsui, former commander of the expeditionary forces in the Shanghai-Nanking area, and Mr. Sonyu Otani, who is to head the North China Development Company, are appointed to the Cabinet's Advisory Council. 1938.07.21 — The Imperial Agricultural Society estimates that the recent Kwansai and Kwanto floods did 107,614,000 yen of damage to farms. 1938.07.21 — The Welfare Minister intimates that the Government will curb increases in land and house rents. 1938.07.21 — One hundred and seventy-two new dysentery cases are reported in Tokyo, bringing the total so far this year to 21,293, a new record, which is blamed on disagreeable weather. 1938.07.21 — The electoral system sub-committee of the Diet System Inquiry Commission holds its initial meeting. 1938.07.21 — The committee set up to organize a central aviation research institute meets for the first time. 1938.07.21 — The South Manchuria Railway Company decides to enlarge its North China affairs bureau, which eventually is to be transformed into a subsidiary of the North China Development Company. 1938.07.22 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement summarizing Ambassador Shigemitsu's talk on July 20 with Foreign Commissar Litvinov regarding the Changkufeng affair. 1938.07.22 — Soviet warplanes manoeuvre over the Tumen River, dividing Korea and the Soviet Union. 1938.07.22 — The Japanese authorities in China request foreign diplomats to protest to the National Government against the attaching of munitions cars to trains carrying transit passengers on the Canton-Hankow Railway. 1938.07.22 — Announcement is made in Peking that all passengers leaving for the interior by the Tientsin-Pukow and Peking-Hankow railways must be vaccinated as a measure to prevent the spread of cholera. 1938.07.22 — Officials of the Home, Commerce and Industry, Welfare, War and Navy Ministries confer on relief of unemployment resulting from enforcement of national economic policies. 1938.07.22 — The committee on rationing of fuel oil recommends that no further petrol be allowed for private automobiles. 1938.07.22 — Representatives of the three major brewing companies agree not to increase the price of beer by one sen on August 1 to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry previously had agreed to. 1938.07.22 — An agreement is signed in Tokyo whereby the Japan Red Cross Society turns over its hospitals in Harbin, Hsinking and Mukden to the Manchoukuo Red Cross Society. 1938.07.23 — The Soviet chargé d'affaires in Tokyo, without referring to the Changkufeng affair, confers with the director of the Foreign Office's European and West Asiatic bureau on the proposals and counter-proposals of April 4 and 6 for adjustment of issues pending between Japan and the U.S.S.R. 1938.07.23 — O.G.P.U. gendarmes are said to have fired on a Manchoukuo police corps at the border in Mutankiang Province last evening, and 10 Manchurians are reported missing since they were attacked by Soviet patrol ships on the Ussuri River in Sankiang Province on July 22. 1938.07.23 — Soviet officers are said to be commanding many Chinese mechanized units along the Yellow River between Chengchow and Tungkwan. 1938.07.23 — A general offensive opens against Kiukiang, on the Yangtze River. 1938.07.23 — Japanese officials in Nanking fear that the Chinese may take advantage of the presence of American and British gunboats at Kiukiang to place Japan in a difficult position. 1938.07.23 — President Shingo Tsuda tells stockholders of the Kanegafuchi Spinning Company that Japan eventually can obtain more than half of its raw cotton from North and Central China, reducing overseas payments by 400,000,000 yen yearly. 1938.07.23 — Japanese and Manchoukuo officials confer in Hsinking on increasing the joint economic strength of their countries. 1938.07.23 — The Central Price Policy Commission fixes maximum wholesale and retail prices for coal, ice and several kinds of cotton cloth. 1938.07.23 — The Philippine Government is reported to have turned down a Japanese bid for exploitation of part of the Surigao iron mines, which it intends to develop itself. 1938.07.23 — The Co-operative Wholesale Society of England hears that only 40 of the 1,300 groups affiliated with it have declared themselves fully in favour of a boycott of Japanese goods. 1938.07.24 — Japanese officials in Nanking deny a United Press report from Hankow that a Standard Oil Company tanker at Kiukiang had been blown up by Japanese planes. 1938.07.24 — With delegates of more than 25 nations participating, the International Conference Against the Bombing of Open Cities adopts at Paris several resolutions urging aid for China. 1938.07.24 — Mr. William Green, president of the American Federation of Labour, suggests a reciprocal trade treaty with Japan that would halt the decline in sales of American lumber to Japan. 1938.07.24 — The 48 American college and university students attending the Fifth America-Japan Student Conference leave Tokyo on a three-week trip through the Kwansai, Korea (Chosen) and Manchoukuo. 1938.07.27 — A Soviet-Manchoukuo clash is reported not far from Hunchun, Chientao Province. 1938.07.27 — A Hankow cable in The New York Times says nearly 300 Soviet military technicians are with the Chinese army. 1938.07.27 — Chinese throw hand-grenades into the compound of the Nanking Municipal Government, injuring a policeman and four coolies. 1938.07.27 — The Peking Government decides to appoint Japanese as assistants to all "hsien" magistrates in North China. 1938.07.27 — The Parliamentary Foreign Undersecretary says in Parliament that the British Government has studied the possibility of warning Japan that it will abrogate the 1911 commercial treaty unless greater care is taken of British trade interests in the Far East. 1938.07.27 — The ban is lifted on news of the arrest of nearly 300 persons in Okayama, Hyogo and Osaka prefectures for having evaded the regulations controlling the use of cotton yarn. 1938.07.27 — The August petrol quota for private passenger automobiles is announced as one gallon a day. 1938.07.27 — A striking increase is noted in women factory workers. In Tokyo alone, the number has increased from 93,000 a year ago to 160,000. 1938.07.27 — Mr. Shingo Tsuda, president of the Kanegafuchi Spinning Company, contributes 100,000 yen each to the army and the navy. 1938.07.28 — The messengers sent by the Japanese-Manchoukuo border patrol on July 18 to the Soviet commander at Novokievsk with a request for evacuation of Changkufeng return but carry no reply. 1938.07.28 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement revealing that nearly 150 Japanese subjects and nine fishing vessels are being held by the Soviet authorities. It also charges that the Soviets are doing everything possible to hamper normal operation of the Japanese oil and coal concessions in North Saghalien. 1938.07.28 — The British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, and Foreign Minister Ugaki hold the first of the talks they arranged recently on adjustment of Anglo-Japanese issues relating to China. 1938.07.28 — Prime Minister Chamberlain says in Parliament that there can be no question of a Chinese loan from China, but "that does not exclude other forms of assistance, financial or otherwise." 1938.07.28 — Japanese forces take Kiukiang, important port on the Yangtze River. 1938.07.28 — The Business Education Promotion Commission, organized three years ago, completes its work with the presentation to the Education Ministry of a list of recommendations for commercial and industrial training. 1938.07.28 — A committee appointed two years ago recommends to the Home Ministry extensions of the Le Grand Shrines at an estimated cost of 26,000,000 yen. 1938.07.27 — The Foreign Office indicates that the Government feels keenly the desirability of redemarcation of the Soviet-Manchoukuo frontier, especially the southern end of the eastern section, in order to prevent incidents. A statement reviews the negotiations for creating a border commission, deadlocked since Japan and Manchoukuo agreed in the spring of 1937 to the Soviet demand for representation on the commission of Japan and Manchoukuo as a single unit. 1938.07.27 — Lord Halifax, Foreign Secretary, declares in the House of Lords that the British Government is determined to safeguard at all costs its threatened interests in China and intimates that it is considering possible action if the Ugaki-Craigie negotiations fail to result in satisfactory guarantees. The Government is ready, he says, to consider proposals for aid to China, other than a loan, and would be willing to mediate at any time between Japan and China. 1938.07.27 — The Privy Council approves the Japanese-Manchoukuo-Italian commercial treaty. 1938.07.27 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry decides that newspapers are to use 12 per cent less paper and magazines 20 per cent less. 1938.07.27 — Pharmaceutical leaders and Welfare Ministry officials agree that the prices of 35 medicines will be reduced by 50 per cent from August 1. 1938.07.27 — It is understood that arrangements have been made to let the public subscribe to 350,000 of the 3,500,000 shares of the North China Development Company and to 100,000 of the 1,000,000 of the Central China Promotion Company. 1938.07.27 — Vice-Governor Tsushima of the Bank of Japan tells the bank's directors that there is no need so far to issue short-term notes. 1938.07.28 — The Empress again grants bandages for naval officers and men wounded in China. 1938.07.28 — The second announcement of posthumous awards for men killed in the China incident includes the names of 2,326 officers and men killed from August 15 to March 19. 1938.07.28 — The new Portuguese Minister to Japan, Mr. Joaquim Pedroso, arrives in Tokyo. He voices sympathy with Japan's campaign against Communism. 1938.07.28 — The Soviet chargé d'affaires and the Foreign Vice-Minister discuss North Saghalien and other issues. 1938.07.28 — Foreign Office leaders reportedly interpret the British Government's statements on Far Eastern policy in Parliament as intended to influence the Ugaki-Craigie talks and decide to adopt a firm attitude towards them. 1938.07.28 — A ship arrives at Fukuoka from Shanghai with 41 cases of cholera. Strict precautions are taken to prevent spread of the disease. 1938.07.28 — The Education Minister instructs to Imperial University presidents that the practice of autonomous appointment of university officials and faculty members, for which there is no legal basis, will be abolished in principle. 1938.07.28 — The Communications Ministry orders complete suspension of all sales, purchases, transfers and other transactions involving telephones pending establishment of an official company to handle them. 1938.07.28 — Japan's Davis Cup team wins the opening singles of its matches with the Canadian team at Montreal. 1938.07.29 — Soviet and Japanese-Manchoukuo units clash twice on the eastern Soviet-Manchoukuo frontier north of Changkufeng. 1938.07.29 — The Welfare Ministry devotes to flood sufferers dependent on men fighting in China 100,000 yen from the funds donated by the public for military relief. 1938.07.29 — The peace preservation section of the Home Office announces establishment of an economic policing division to enforce regulations for economic control. 1938.07.29 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces that it will indemnify banks up to 80 per cent for losses arising from loans to exporters, using for the purpose 4,704,000 yen from the second reserve fund. 1938.07.29 — The Finance Ministry explains to exchange banks its plans for concentration of foreign currency in the Bank of Japan. 1938.07.29 — A number of detachments return to Japan from service in China. 1938.07.29 — Chinese planes bomb the Japanese hospital ship Tachibana Maru on the Yangtze near Kiukiang. 1938.07.29 — British officials in Hongkong deny reports that the Chinese Government is negotiating with the Hongkong Government for sale of the Chinese section of the Canton-Kowloon Railway. 1938.07.29 — Emperor Kangte decorates the President and two other high officials of El Salvador in appreciation of their country's recognition of Manchoukuo. 1938.07.29 — Poland's desire to conclude a treaty of amity and commerce with Manchoukuo, expressed in May, is believed to have been discussed by the Polish Ambassador in Tokyo in calls on Foreign Minister Ugaki and the Manchoukuo Ambassador. 1938.07.29 — A delegation of students leaves Tokyo for Manila to attend the Second Philippino-Japan Student Conference. 1938.07.29 — Japan's Davis Cup team eliminates Canada by winning the doubles in their series at Montreal. 1938.07.30 — Foreign Vice-Minister Horinouchi rejects a Soviet protest against alleged invasion by Japanese and Manchoukuo troops of Soviet territory on July 29 and charges that Soviet troops violated Manchoukuo territory on the occasion cited, against which he lodges a protest. 1938.07.30 — The American Ambassador confers with the Foreign Minister on the restoration by the Japanese army of the University of Shanghai to its American owners. 1938.07.30 — Japan's consul-general in Tientsin protests to the authorities of the French Concession because of their refusal to turn over to the Japanese gendarmerie a number of alleged counterfeiters, which is regarded as a violation of a promise to suppress anti-Japanese and Communist agitation. 1938.07.30 — The Peking Provisional Government announces establishment of the North China Telegraph and Telephone Company, entrusted with management of electric communications in the area north of the Yellow River. 1938.07.30 — The Federated Mongolian Commission establishes an office in Hsinking to maintain close relations with the Manchoukuo Government. 1938.07.30 — The Mongolian régime prohibits the exportation of copper and copper products. 1938.07.30 — A good-will and economic mission leaves Hsinking for Europe. 1938.07.30 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces the third group of restriction on the use of copper, prohibiting the manufacture from it of 237 articles classed as daily necessities and 17 articles used in construction. Scrap copper and copper alloys are placed under the same restrictions. The ban imposed on 12 articles in November and May are lifted. 1938.07.30 — The Official Gazette announces that General Kuniaki Koiso and Lieutenant-General Kiyoshi Katsuki, both of the General Staff, have been placed on the retired list at their own request. 1938.07.31 — The status quo ante is restored in the Changkufeng sector when Japanese troops drive out the Soviets in operations that cause casualties on both sides. 1938.07.31 — Mr. Masayuki Tani, Minister-at-large in China, reiterates that Japan does not want foreign Powers to mediate in the hostilities. 1938.08.01 — The press section of the garrison in Korea announces that five Soviet warplanes were shot down after bombing railways in North Korea without doing serious damage. The attack is considered little more than a demonstration in retaliation for the Japanese recovery of Changkufeng. 1938.08.01 — The Foreign Office spokesman intimates that Ambassador Shigemitsu has been instructed to try to resume the negotiations for settlement of the Changkufeng incident that became deadlocked when the Soviets declined to restore the status quo ante, which has been restored by the Japanese occupation of Changkufeng. 1938.08.01 — Moscow announces that the Soviet chargé d'affaires in Tokyo has been instructed to protest against military operations at Changkufeng but claims that the Japanese have been driven from Soviet territory. 1938.08.01 — Lieutenant-General Kyosuke Kawamura, back in Tokyo after two years and four months in Manchoukuo, declares the Soviet forces are not so formidable as they appear. 1938.08.01 — Chinese terrorists in foreign-controlled parts of Shanghai are said to have carried out 68 attacks since May 1. 1938.08.01 — The Federation of the Autonomous Governments of the Mongolian Provinces adopts a system of six committees, replacing the old one of four. They are concerned with general affairs, industry, finances, communications, civil affairs and peace preservation. 1938.08.01 — The North China Telegraph and Telephone Company, first subsidiary of the North China Development Company, is inaugurated in Peking. 1938.08.01 — An office of the new Peking régime opens in Kobe to supervise the activities of 3,500 Chinese merchants there. 1938.08.01 — The British Government's Export Credits Department is said to be studying plans for extension to China of about £10,000,000 of credits. 1938.08.01 — British recognition of the changes in China as a fait accompli is said to be a prerequisite for Japanese respect for British rights and interests there. 1938.08.01 — The foreign exchange fund created in the Bank of Japan with 300,000,000 yen of specie reserve begins to operate to facilitate the importation of nine materials required for exports. 1938.08.01 — The People's Bank, set up under a law approved by the Diet in the last session to loan not more than 3,000 yen to a family at 8 per cent interest, opens in Tokyo. 1938.08.01 — The Bank of Japan enlarges its foreign exchange bureau to handle its increased duties in controlling foreign currency. 1938.08.01 — A committee of about 20 leading financiers decides to erect hospitals for the families of naval officers and men at an aggregate cost of 3,000,000 yen. 1938.08.01 — The Autonomous Shipping Control Commission, organized by the seven leading shipping firms, announces reduction of freight rates. 1938.08.01 — Leaders of Tokyo Imperial University decide to oppose the Education Ministry's proposal to deprive the Imperial universities of their autonomy in selecting presidents and deans but to eliminate any defects in the autonomous system. 1938.08.01 — It is reported in Hsinking that complete agreement has been reached on revision of the Manchoukuo-German trade agreement. 1938.08.01 — The annual convention of the Christian Churches of Northern California recommends repeal of the Oriental Exclusion Act. 1938.08.02 — Soviet planes again bomb Changkufeng and points in Korea. 1938.08.02 — The Korean garrison issues a communique on further fighting at Changkufeng and says the Japanese are maintaining patience, though movement is mounting. 1938.08.02 — The Cabinet reportedly reaffirms its policy of seeking settlement of the Changkufeng trouble through diplomatic negotiations in Moscow. 1938.08.02 — Hsinking protests to the U.S.S.R. against the latest Changkufeng clashes. 1938.08.02 — Moscow official quarters discourage sensational predictions of war with Japan. 1938.08.02 — The Central Air Defence Headquarters, Osaka, enforces partial light control. 1938.08.02 — Heavy rains in the Kobe-Osaka-Kyoto region cause considerable damage to property. 1938.08.02 — Heavy rain in northern Taiwan floods thousands of homes and disrupts communications. 1938.08.02 — The Central Price Policy Commission decides to lower commodity prices in general to the levels prevailing before the China incident. 1938.08.02 — The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes the Government's control of prices is proving effective. Its index of average wholesale prices in July, based on 100 for 1930, is 163.2, lower by 3.4 per cent than in June. 1938.08.02 — The Cabinet decides to increase the limit for postal life insurance obtainable by one individual to 500 yen from the present 450 yen, to reduce premiums by 10 per cent and to lower to one year from the present three years the age limit for children's insurance. 1938.08.02 — Japanese troops occupy Hwangmei, important point in southeastern Hopeh north of the Yangtze River. 1938.08.02 — Announcement is made in Shanghai that the Chinese have broken the Yangtze embankments near Kankiu and Hsinia, above Kiukiang, causing floods. 1938.08.03 — The Imperial Household Department announces that the Emperor has deposited with the Bank of Japan some 70 gold articles to strengthen its reserves. 1938.08.03 — A large Soviet force retires after attempting to regain control of Changkufeng and Shatsaoping. 1938.08.03 — Tokyo instructs Ambassador Shigemitsu to protest against the Soviet bombing of points in Korea and Manchoukuo. 1938.08.03 — Despite a communique stating that "serious consequences" are unavoidable if "Japanese provocations continue," Moscow is believed desirous of a peaceful settlement of the Changkufeng trouble. 1938.08.03 — Mr. Saburo Ota, third secretary of the Embassy in Moscow, says at Tsuruga on his way to Tokyo that the U.S.S.R. is anxious to avoid trouble over the Changkufeng incident but that Japan must not underestimate the real strength of the Soviets. 1938.08.03 — The Eastern Air Defence Headquarters, Tokyo, orders control of general outdoor lights for an indefinite period. 1938.08.03 — The Central Unemployment Policy Commission, holding its first session, hears that about 400,000 persons are likely to lose employment as a result of the Government's restrictions on economy. 1938.08.03 — The Railway Ministry's supervision bureau inaugurates a section to adjust some 50 transportation services in the Tokyo area. Under the Land Traffic Adjustment Law, a Land Traffic Enterprise Adjustment Commission also is created. 1938.08.03 — The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry is said to be contemplating measures to counteract a threatened increase in rice prices. 1938.08.03 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry decides to subsidize 412 more agrarian towns and villages during the current fiscal year to aid their economic rehabilitation. 1938.08.03 — Japanese fliers shoot down more than 30 Chinese planes over Hankow and bomb 20 on the ground. 1938.08.03 — The Inner Mongolian régime promulgates a law governing mining in order to speed development of coal, iron and other mineral resources. 1938.08.04 — A proposal for cessation of hostilities is presented by Japan to the U.S.S.R. 1938.08.04 — Except for light shelling of a Korean village by Soviet trench mortars, the border situation is reported quiet. 1938.08.04 — The Japanese naval forces in China are said to have ascertained the locations of all foreign vessels on the Yangtze in preparation for attacking Chinese vessels flying foreign flags. 1938.08.04 — Premier Konoe meets with members of the Cabinet and its Advisory Council who belong to political parties in the first of a series of conferences intended to win more positive support of the parties for the Government's policies. 1938.08.04 — Finance Minister Ikeda is reported to be planning revision of the program for expansion of national productivity, with only industries connected with munitions being expanded for the time being. 1938.08.04 — The Cotton Textile Industry Guild Federation reports that cotton textile exports during July totalled 119,018,000 square yards, less by 52.8 per cent than in June and by 10 per cent than in July of last year. Their value, 20,168,000 yen, was less by 37.7 per cent than in June and by 60.2 per cent than in July of last year. 1938.08.04 — The Central Price Policy Commission decides to control house and land rents and to reduce transportation rates and prices of rubber and cotton articles. 1938.08.04 — Manchoukuo is said to be requesting Japan to ease its restrictions on exports to Manchoukuo of textiles and steel. 1938.08.05 — Soviet warplanes are driven by Japanese firing from the Changkufeng area. 1938.08.05 — The Communist Party is reported to be organizing mass meetings in the U.S.S.R. to demand a firm stand against Japan regarding Changkufeng. 1938.08.05 — The Izwhecki International, organ of the Comintern, reports that the Comintern's executive committee has decided to assist China through an international workers' movement. 1938.08.05 — France is said to be speeding the construction of military establishments at Camranh, Indo-China, because of developments in China. 1938.08.05 — The Nichi Nichi learns in London that Britain is ready either to make a determined stand to protect its rights and interests in China or to wait in expectation that Japan will be exhausted by the fighting. 1938.08.05 — Chinese reports that Japanese troops forcibly entered the British-operated Kwangtsi Hospital in Hangchow on July 30 and arrested wounded soldiers is denied by the Japanese in Shanghai. The taking over of the soldiers, charged with maintaining contact with irregulars, was carried out peacefully. 1938.08.05 — The Peking régime's Federal Reserve Bank of China is said to have decided to use gold holdings in London as a "revolving exchange fund" to promote foreign trade. 1938.08.05 — The Home Vice-Minister instructs prefectural governors on the new system of economic policing, asking that they educate the public to realise the significance of the Government's control measures, that emphasis be placed on prevention rather than punishment of violations and that aid be given to those forced by the control measures to turn to other occupations. 1938.08.05 — The Education Minister explains to the Cabinet his plan for reform of the Imperial universities and tells the press that his aim is to do away with the evils of the present autonomous system of selecting their officers and to make clear the Imperial prerogative of appointing and dismissing Government officials. 1938.08.06 — The Foreign Office issues a summary of the Shigemitsu-Litvinov conversation of August 3, revealing that there was accord on the desirability of ceasing hostilities but disagreement on the conditions. 1938.08.06 — Soviet planes make five attacks on points in Korea and Manchoukuo. One is shot down. 1938.08.06 — The German and Italian Ambassadors in Tokyo attract attention by conferring separately with the Foreign Vice-Minister, reportedly on the Changkufeng situation. 1938.08.06 — The Finance Ministry announces that Japan's funded borrowings increased by 306,292,000 yen in July, bringing the total to 13,720,382,000 yen. 1938.08.06 — Shares of the North China Development Company and Central China Promotion Company offered to the public are over-subscribed more than 200 per cent. 1938.08.06 — Pope Pius receives the Japanese Boy Scout and Japanese Youth missions to Europe. Eulogizing its civilization, he hopes Japan will promote peace. 1938.08.07 — Ambassador Shigemitsu confers again with Foreign Commissar Litvinov on the Changkufeng situation. The prospects of a peaceful settlement remain uncertain. 1938.08.07 — Soviet planes continue to raid points in Korea and Manchoukuo. 1938.08.07 — Japanese ships near Douglas Reef comply with an American request that a search be made for the Hawaiian Clipper, missing between Guam and Manila. 1938.08.07 — The procurators drop all charges of irregularities against eight officials of the Japan Electric Power Company in connection with the bill for State control of electric power, evidence being insufficient. 1938.08.08 — The Foreign Office reveals that Ambassador Shigemitsu proposed to Foreign Commissar Litvinov that representatives of both armies at Changkufeng negotiate suspension of hostilities, but without winning Mr. Litvinov's assent. The Foreign Commissar claimed that all Japanese have withdrawn from Soviet territory and yet made a truce conditional on further withdrawal. 1938.08.08 — Tokyo denies Moscow's claim that Soviet troops have reoccupied Changkufeng and Shatsaofeng. 1938.08.08 — The War Office announces that 70 Japanese were killed and 180 wounded at Changkufeng up to August 6, with about 200 casualties since then. 1938.08.08 — Two Soviet soldiers taken prisoners at Changkufeng reveal that morale is low in the Far Eastern Red Army and efficiency lacking. 1938.08.08 — Japan's Ambassador to Germany reportedly is assured by Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop that Germany will show a sympathetic attitude, by which is meant something more than moral support, toward Japan in the Changkufeng trouble. 1938.08.08 — The Berliner Tageblatt gives prominence to an interview with General Baron Sadao Araki, who declares Japan is not afraid to fight on two fronts if the Soviets continue provocative. 1938.08.08 — The Manchester Guardian, usually anti-Japanese, assails the U.S.S.R. for turning down Japan's conciliatory proposals for settling the Changkufeng affair. 1938.08.08 — Martial law is enforced in the foreign areas at Shanghai as a precaution against possible violence on August 13, anniversary of the start of the Shanghai fighting last year. 1938.08.08 — The Peking régime discounts National Government currency circulating in North China by 10 per cent. 1938.08.08 — The Capital Control Commission decides to extend the control over business capitalization, now applied only when the amount involved exceeds 300,000 yen, to all amounts of more than 200,000 yen. 1938.08.08 — Osaka school inspectors devise rules for economy in consumption in schools and decide that students will go without shoes except under special circumstances and that no new uniforms are to be bought. 1938.08.08 — American cotton manufacturers continue to blame the slump in their industry on competition from cheap Japanese textiles, though imports from Japan have been considerably less than in the past. 1938.08.09 — Soviet shells hit a passenger train in Korea, causing casualties among non-combatants. In new attacks at Changkufeng, the Soviets are believed to have suffered heavy losses. 1938.08.09 — The Cabinet hears the first part of a report by the Foreign Minister on the decisions of the five-Minister conferences on the principles to govern measures relating to the interests of other nations in China. 1938.08.09 — The Cabinet approves the deletion, postponement or carrying over of 212,228,000 yen of authorized expenditures in the current general and special accounts. The general accounts are reduced to 3,580,680,000 yen. 1938.08.09 — The Welfare Ministry is said to have revised downward to about 190,000 the estimate of the number of people thrown out of employment by the Government's economic control measures. 1938.08.09 — The Industrial Bank of Japan adopts a plan for relief of unemployment caused by measures of economic control, especially through loans on liberal terms for smaller firms entering new fields. 1938.08.09 — The People's Bank, opened on August 1 to provide small loans for persons who otherwise would be compelled to go to money-lenders charging high interest, is reported unable to handle applications with sufficient speed. 1938.08.09 — The Bank of Japan announces that the July index of average wholesale prices in Tokyo was 214.3, unchanged from June. 1938.08.09 — Japan's financial commissioner in London denies rumours that Japan may be forced to default on its foreign debt service. 1938.08.09 — The press reflects belief that the Government will act shortly to make more effective the campaign for spiritual mobilization of the nation, which so far is regarded as having shown little result. 1938.08.09 — The Education Ministry is said to be drafting a plan for a permanent free labour service embracing students of all Government universities, colleges and higher schools to give them practical experience and physical exercise. 1938.08.09 — The Canverra Maru abandons her search for the missing Hawaiian Clipper in the vicinity of Douglas Reef. 1938.08.09 — More than 200 Chinese are said to have been arrested in the foreign areas of Shanghai in a drive to prevent incidents on the first anniversary of the Shanghai fighting. 1938.08.10 — Foreign Commissar Litvinov accepts new proposals submitted by Ambassador Shigemitsu for cessation of hostilities at Changkufeng. A mixed commission is to be formed to fix the disputed border. 1938.08.10 — The National General Mobilization Inquiry Commission, meeting for the first time, approves application of the provisions of the mobilization law relating to registration of physicians, dentists, pharmacists and nurses and limitation of the employment of graduates of technical schools. 1938.08.10 — The Government promulgates regulations implementing seven laws concerning State control of the electric power industry. 1938.08.10 — The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry is said to intend sweeping State control of the distribution of rice. 1938.08.11 — Fighting ceases at Changkufeng in accordance with the Moscow truce, and representatives of both armies open negotiations on detailed arrangements for liquidating the hostilities. 1938.08.11 — Manchoukuo border patrol authorities are said to be of the opinion that continued vigilance is necessary despite the cessation of hostilities. 1938.08.11 — Chinese leaders are reported to be disappointed at the termination of the Changkufeng trouble. 1938.08.11 — The Official Gazette announces the investments in kind which 31 private companies must make in the projected Japan Power Generation and Transmission Company, including 5,100 kilometres of transmission lines, 94 sub-stations and 54 steam-power stations, with an aggregate generating power of 1,826,800 kilowatts. 1938.08.11 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry instructs local officials to allow 70 per cent of leather and hides in stock to be devoted to civilian use, investigation having shown stocks to be three times greater than had been estimated. 1938.08.11 — Arrangements are reported for the educating of 200 Manchoukuo students in Japan from next year. 1938.08.11 — Ships search futilely south of the Bonin Islands for a large flying boat that left Tokyo on August 20 to blaze an air route to the South Sea Mandated Islands. 1938.08.12 — Soviets fire on Mr. Ryuichi Teshirogi, member of the Diet and several other Japanese in a party inspecting the Soviet-Japanese border in Saghalien. 1938.08.12 — The Communications Minister submits to the Cabinet a report on plans for establishing a single large company to manage all shipping across the Japan Sea between Japan and Korea and Manchoukuo. 1938.08.12 — Between 5,000 and 6,000 Chinese guerrillas attack Tsinan, capital of Shantung Province, but are repulsed with heavy losses by the Japanese garrison. 1938.08.12 — The U.S. Department of Commerce announces that U.S. exports to Japan during the first six months of 1938 totalled $124,838,000, compared with $161,611,000 last year, and imports from Japan totalled $18,342,000, about half of the 1937 figure. 1938.08.12 — Japan's Davis Cup team ties the Australian team in their opening singles matches at Montreal. 1938.08.13 — It is announced that the Japanese and Soviets have agreed to withdraw their main forces 80 yards or more from the Changkufeng section of the battle front. 1938.08.13 — The Foreign Office instructs Ambassador Shigemitsu to resume negotiations on the formation of a commission to fix the Soviet-Manchoukuo frontiers at Changkufeng. 1938.08.13 — Representatives of third nations in China again are urged to make known to the Japanese navy the positions of their vessels on the Yangtze and to stay clear of Chinese military operations. 1938.08.13 — The first anniversary of the fighting at Shanghai passes with relatively little trouble because of precautions taken by the Shanghai police. 1938.08.13 — Friction is caused in Shanghai when American marines arrest three Japanese employed by the army's special service office. 1938.08.13 — General Chiang Kai-shek issues a statement urging the masses in the Japanese-occupied areas to continue resistance. 1938.08.13 — Vice-Admiral Kiyoshi Hasegawa, who commanded the naval forces at Shanghai when fighting started last year, and General Count Hisaichi Terauchi, commander in North China, are decorated with the Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun. 1938.08.13 — The navy is said to have received 21,033,623 yen in donations since the start of the China incident. 1938.08.13 — The Finance Minister predicts that the next budget, which will be determined by what is necessary to achieve the objectives in China, will be large. Though it is too early to make specific plans for reconstruction in China, he believes the co-operation of third countries will have to be sought. 1938.08.13 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces that it will subsidize rice-growers with 3,000,000 yen in the next fiscal year to increase production. 1938.08.13 — The press reflects concern over the failure of the Government's measures to encourage exports of cotton textiles. 1938.08.13 — The Finance Ministry reports that Japan's trade with Manchoukuo and China for the first seven months of 1938 saw 627,338,000 yen of exports and 360,850,000 yen of imports, giving a favourable balance of 266,488,000 yen, compared with 159,247,000 yen last year. 1938.08.14 — Despite a pledge given last year, the Chinese take over the Japanese Concession at Hankow. 1938.08.14 — Osaka police arrest executives of leading cotton textile trading firms for questioning on suspicion of having evaded the regulations concerning sales. 1938.08.14 — Australia defeats Japan in the American Zone Davis Cup finals at Montreal. 1938.08.15 — The War Office announces that 258 Japanese were killed and 740 wounded in the Changkufeng fighting. It reveals that the Japanese have withdrawn from the front to the southern bank of the Tumen River, in Korea. 1938.08.15 — The Korean garrison headquarters charges that the Soviets advanced after the truce and occupied the summit of Changkufeng. 1938.08.15 — A conference opens in Tokyo to regulate agricultural relations among Japan, its colonies, Manchoukuo and China. 1938.08.15 — A foreigner back from French Indo-China says in Hongkong that the French are becoming more cautious in permitting shipments of munitions to China through their colony. 1938.08.15 — Secretary of State Hull endorses the Japan Institute, being established in New York City for cultural work, which Count Aisuke Kabayama explains to him. 1938.08.16 — The Cabinet and its Advisory Council approve the decisions relating to the China incident reached in the five-Minister conferences. The chief secretary of the Cabinet issues a statement saying they all are within the framework of basic policies previously announced and comprise measures concerning the course of the incident, politics and economy in concert with the military operations, reconstruction in China and diplomacy in connection with the incident. 1938.08.16 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement revealing that Foreign Commissar Litvinov charged on August 13 that Japanese had advanced at Changkufeng and that Ambassador Shigemitsu later rejected the protest und counter-charged that Soviet troops had advanced in violation of the truce. 1938.08.16 — The Cabinet decides to designate the Changkufeng fighting an "incident" and to accord to soldiers killed and wounded in it the same honours as those in the China hostilities. 1938.08.16 — The Soviet Ambassador to China, back from a trip to Moscow, confers with General Chiang Kai-shek and other Chinese leaders in Hankow. 1938.08.16 — The Osaka police report to the Home Office that during the first half of August they handled 780 violations of economic control measures, involving 1,269 persons. 1938.08.17 — Floods caused by heavy rains in North Korea take more than 1,100 lives, destroy more than 4,000 houses and inundate 20,000 others. 1938.08.17 — The Finance Ministry announces an issue of 400,000,000 yen of China incident bonds, maturing in 17 years and three months, bearing 3.5 per cent interest and selling at 98. 1938.08.17 — Government offices, excepting the War and Navy Ministries, file with the Finance Ministry pledges to reduce by about a fifth, or 9,362,000 yen, their scheduled expenditures abroad, excluding Manchoukuo and China, during the balance of the current fiscal year. 1938.08.17 — The Eastern Defence Headquarters, Tokyo, announces that the control of outdoor lights enforced on August 4 will end tomorrow. 1938.08.17 — Manchoukuo's Premier sends letters to all participants in the Changkufeng incident, thanking them for the restraint that made a settlement possible. 1938.08.17 — A drunken British sailor in Tsingtao insults the Japanese flag. 1938.08.17 — The Hitler Youth delegation receives an ovation on arrival in Tokyo from Berlin. 1938.08.18 — President Roosevelt declares at Kingston, Ontario, that the U.S. cannot isolate itself from overseas controversies. 1938.08.18 — London hopes that Tokyo's decisions on fundamental policies regarding China will facilitate the settlement of Anglo-Japanese issues. 1938.08.18 — The Central Unemployment Policy Commission submits to the Welfare Ministry recommendations for relief of unemployment caused by the Government's emergency economic measures. 1938.08.18 — The Central Price Policy Commission fixes prices for eggs, charcoal and jute. 1938.08.18 — Public works officials approve a program of flood prevention that will cost 220,421,300 yen, two-thirds of which will be provided by the Government. 1938.08.18 — The Justice Ministry decides to legalize, systematize and expand work with ex-convicts in order to reduce crime. It is estimated that about 128,000 persons yearly come under judicial supervision. 1938.08.18 — The Central Air Defence Headquarters, Osaka, lifts the partial light control ordered on August 2. 1938.08.18 — Customs revenue in the Japanese-occupied area of China in July represented 63 per cent of the total for all China, compared with only 43 per cent in January, the Inspector-General of Maritime Customs announces in Shanghai. 1938.08.19 — Chiefs of prefectural public department public safety sections, in conference in Tokyo, are told by Home Office officials that economic control has come to stay and will not be relaxed when the China hostilities end. 1938.08.19 — The Government is said to plan alleviation of the restrictions on importation of raw materials for the manufacture of miscellaneous export goods, sales of which have been decreasing. 1938.08.19 — The British Foreign Office assures the Chinese Ambassador that there is no truth to reports that Britain is ready to reach an agreement giving Japan a free hand in North China in return for recognition of British predominance in the Yangtze Valley. 1938.08.19 — President Quezon of the Philippine Commonwealth tells students of Manila University that there is need for revival of the Philippine national spirit along the lines of Japanese bushido. 1938.08.19 — A Tientsin report says North China's cotton crop this year will be only 1,200,000 piculs (265,000 bales), compared with 5,300,000 piculs in 1936, because of the hostilities and excessive rain. 1938.08.20 — Soviet bombing and bombardment during the Changkufeng incident are estimated to have killed 162 non-combatants, wounded 25 and demolished 170 houses, mostly in Korea. 1938.08.20 — The U.S. State Department announces that licences were issued in July for the exporting of $1,023,000 of war supplies to Japan and of $164,000 to China. 1938.08.22 — The negotiations for formation of a commission to fix the Soviet-Manchoukuo border at Changkufeng are resumed in Moscow but fail to bring an agreement. Ambassador Shigemitsu protests against the flight of Soviet warplanes over Korea on August 20, learned later to have been for the purpose of dropping food to Soviet troops marooned near the border by floods. 1938.08.22 — The Tokyo press gives prominence to predictions that Foreign Minister Ugaki will revise foreign policy towards the Powers interested in China, seeking termination of their assistance to General Chiang Kai-shek and paving the way for their co-operation with Japan in reconstruction work. 1938.08.22 — The Japanese-Manchoukuo-Chinese agricultural conference in Tokyo ends with agreement on basic principles for a program designed to assure adequate foodstuffs and raw materials for export commodities. 1938.08.22 — The Finance Minister tells the press that the Government will not hesitate to enforce all restrictions necessary for the success of the China campaign but will avoid control for its own sake. He does not favour prohibitory measures to achieve moral efforts. 1938.08.22 — The Metropolitan Police Board prohibits employment brokers from soliciting skilled workers to leave one factory for another at higher wages. 1938.08.22 — The information bureau of the Foreign Office announces that consular officials have been withdrawn from Blagoveschensk and Habarovsk because of Soviet pressure but that Tokyo has not accepted the Soviet demand that the two offices be closed permanently. 1938.08.22 — Several Soviet border guards enter Japanese territory near Anheyu, Saghalien, but withdraw when Japanese police are encountered. 1938.08.22 — The Vice-President of the Council of People's Commissars reportedly tells the Supreme Soviet that 1,500 Red Army instructors have been sent to China since June to train Chinese troops and that 7,000 Chinese officers and 467 Chinese pilots are being trained in the U.S.S.R. 1938.08.22 — Japanese homes in Hongkong are stoned by mobs as anti-Japanese feeling mounts in the Chinese quarters. 1938.08.23 — The Yokohama police are learned to have arrested and examined 25 persons on suspicion of having purchased foreign currencies in Japan to take to Shanghai for conversion into yen at rates much lower than those of Japanese banks. 1938.08.23 — Part of the Maruyama unit, which led the attack on Nanking, returns to Japan. 1938.08.23 — The South Manchuria Railway Company decides to restore its original emphasis on industrial development of Manchoukuo. 1938.08.23 — The Government promulgates the ordinances applying Articles 6 and 21 of the National General Mobilization Law, relating to registration of doctors and employment of graduates of technical schools. 1938.08.23 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry promulgates regulations for the sale of woolen yarn, aimed to prevent higher prices. 1938.08.23 — Japanese naval planes pursue and force down near Macao a passenger plane of the China National Aviation Corporation flying from Hongkong to Wochow, believing it to be a Chinese army plane. Fourteen passengers and two crew members drown. 1938.08.23 — Japanese troops report increasing success in dispersing guerrilla fighters in Hopei Province. 1938.08.23 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies that Japan has ever proposed abandonment of pro-Chinese policies by certain Powers in return for respect of their interests in China. Respect for these interests, he says, is unconditional. 1938.08.23 — Paris denies reports of a French lease on Hainan Island and a French loan to China for railways in Kweichow and Kwangsi. 1938.08.23 — The deposit protocol governing transactions under the new Italo-Japanese-Manchoukuo trade agreement is completed, enabling the agreement to go into force on September 1. 1938.08.23 — The Aviation Medical Research Institute opens on the summit of Mt. Fuji. 1938.08.25 — The Bureau of Decorations announces the third grant of awards for army and naval men for distinguished service in Manchoukuo and China between July 10, 1936, and July 6, 1937, involving 9,081 army men and 2,696 naval men. 1938.08.25 — Japanese naval authorities at Shanghai announce that ambiguous markings and cloudy weather were responsible for yesterday's attack on a plane of the China National Aviation Corporation over the Pearl River. 1938.08.25 — The incident at Tsingtao in which a British sailor insulted the Japanese flag is settled with apologies, punishment of the offender and a guarantee for the future. 1938.08.25 — A request is made at Moscow for acceleration of the handing over of the bodies of Japanese soldiers killed at Changkufeng. 1938.08.25 — Mr. E. W. James, British president of the Kobe and Osaka Foreign Chamber of Commerce, says on sailing for Canada that Japan's trade outlook is promising and that the foreign country that is first to extend credits to Japan after the China incident will benefit greatly. 1938.08.25 — Kwanto prefectural police chiefs, in conference in Tokyo, are instructed to curb talks of relaxation of national tension after the fall of Hankow and questionable allegations likely to stir discontent with economic control measures. 1938.08.26 — The Foreign Office spokesman says no aircraft entering a zone of military operations in China can claim immunity. He points out that the plane forced down near Macao acted in a suspicious manner and that no notification of its trip had been given to the Japanese. 1938.08.26 — The U.S. Ambassador conveys to the Foreign Office the objections of the U.S. to the pursuit by Japanese planes of a passenger plane near Macao. 1938.08.26 — The Home Office instructs prefectural, municipal and village governments to economize as much as possible in the new fiscal year. 1938.08.26 — The public demand for ten-yen China incident bonds induces the authorities to increase the issue from 50,000,000 yen to 74,000,000 yen. 1938.08.27 — A major offensive to break the outer line for the defence of Hankow is launched in northern Kiangsi Province, south of Kiukiang. 1938.08.27 — The U.S. gunboat Monocacy, anchored on the Yangtze off Kiukiang, is shaken when two Chinese mines loosened by Japanese mine-sweepers explode nearby. 1938.08.27 — Secretary-General Y. Chief of Tonking Province tells Domei that French Indo-China is neither anti-Japanese nor pro-Chinese and that the only war supplies sent to China through the colony have been those contracted for prior to the hostilities. 1938.08.27 — The Nichi Nichi's Warsaw correspondent reports that Heavy Industry and Railway Commissar Lazar Kaganovitch has been given charge of Soviet aid to China. 1938.08.27 — It is revealed that the crew of a Soviet ship found stranded off Horomushiro Island, in the Kuriles, on July 26 is being held for trial on the charge of having violated Japanese territorial waters. 1938.08.27 — Hsinking publishes the text of the Italo-Japanese-Manchoukuo trade pact, revealing that Italy is to buy as much from Japan and Manchoukuo combined as it sells to them. 1938.08.28 — A Peking report tells of increasing concern on the part of Japanese authorities in North China over the British and French concessions at Tientsin, which seem to be bases for anti-Japanese and Communist elements. 1938.08.29 — The War Minister reiterates to the press that the fighting in China will continue until the Chiang Kai-shek régime has been crushed and says Japan alone will be the judge of when that has been accomplished. Large forces will have to be kept in China for a long period, he states, and defence against the U.S.S.R. must be strengthened. 1938.08.29 — Domei believes that the army and the navy will receive considerable increases in the 1939-40 general accounts for expansion of armaments. 1938.08.29 — Washington views as accidental the explosion of two mines near the gunboat Monocacy on the Yangtze River at Kiukiang. 1938.08.29 — The Finance Minister tells the press that there will be no easing of control over materials and production after Hankow falls or even after all hostilities cease, for a long period of construction lies ahead. He points out that troops must be maintained in China and that Japan must be prepared for defence against the U.S.S.R. 1938.08.29 — The Communications Ministry announces expansion of the Aviation Bureau and establishment of committees on aircraft manufacturing in order to apply the Aircraft Manufacturing Enterprise Law. 1938.08.29 — Japanese naval planes shoot down 17 Chinese planes in a battle over Namyung, northern Kwangtung Province. 1938.08.29 — The Japanese army press section at Shanghai announces that civilian planes flying over war zones in China should notify the Japanese authorities beforehand. 1938.08.29 — The East Asia Cultural Council, to promote Sino-Japanese cultural relations, is inaugurated in Peking. Dr. Tang Eh-ho is elected chairman. 1938.08.29 — Hsinking announces that more than 7,600 Soviet nationals have become naturalized Manchoukuo subjects since 1932. 1938.08.31 — Replying to the U.S. protest against the forcing down of a China National Aviation Corporation plane near Macao, Japan regrets that non-combatant lives were lost but asserts that as the plane belonged to a company organized under Chinese law it does not consider itself involved directly with any third Power because of the incident. The note points out that the plane invited attack by acting suspiciously. 1938.08.31 — The Japanese military authorities order Japanese residents and business concerns to move out of the British and French concessions at Tientsin because of the failure of their administrations to co-operate in curbing anti-Japanese activities. 1938.08.31 — Foreigners and Chinese non-combatants are advised by the Japanese army to evacuate areas along the Lung-Hai Railway and southern sections of the Peking-Hankow Railway and all of Shansi. 1938.08.31 — Imperial ordinances are issued for enforcement of the Shop and Store Law, compelling business to end at 10 o'clock at night in order to protect the health of employees. 1938.08.31 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry decides to allow the importation of 140 pounds of rayon pulp for each 100 pounds of rayon yarn exported and 135 pounds of pulp for each unit of rayon articles containing 100 pounds of rayon yarn. 1938.08.31 — The Central Price Policy Commission orders reductions in the prices of woollens, paper, ice, rubber goods and enameled ironware in its program of restoring all commodity prices to pre-incident levels. 1938.09.01 — A typhoon strikes Tokyo and neighbouring prefectures, taking more than 100 lives and destroying much property. It is the area's worst storm in 30 years. 1938.09.01 — The Foreign Office receives a report from Ambassador Shigemitsu saying that a general agreement has been reached on the proposed establishment of a commission to fix the Soviet-Manchoukuo border at Changkufeng. 1938.09.01 — The police at Nemuro, the Hokkaido, release the crew of the Swedish freighter Formia, the stranding of which in a prohibited zone was at first suspected of violating the Military Secrets Protection Law. 1938.09.01 — The Government appoints a committee to arrange for establishment of the Japan Electric Power Generation and Transmission Company. 1938.09.01 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry establishes in its mining bureau a special section on gold production. 1938.09.01 — The Justice Minister tells procurators and judges charged with enforcing economic control measures, in conference in Tokyo, that State control must be strengthened to insure maintenance of economic power. 1938.09.01 — Alcohol in petrol for civilian automobiles is increased to 10 per cent from the 5 per cent ordered on July 1. 1938.09.01 — A Hongkong report claims China has obtained a £1,000,000 loan in England for railway construction in the Southwest. 1938.09.02 — The Foreign Office spokesman says the Japanese forces in China have no intention of attacking foreign or Chinese non-military aeroplanes but are hardly in a position to guarantee their safety, especially when they fly over zones of military operations. 1938.09.02 — The navy reveals the crash of a big flying boat on July 31 when it developed engine trouble over the Anking front. 1938.09.02 — A large Japanese military warehouse burns at Tientsin. Chinese bandits are believed responsible. 1938.09.02 — The State Department in Washington receives a telegram from the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai voicing fear that Japan will oust American and other foreign trade from China through monopolies, restrictions, currency manipulations and commodity control. 1938.09.02 — Dr. Gonichi Kodaira succeeds Mr. Sekiya Ino as Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. 1938.09.03 — King Victor Emmanuel of Italy decorates Prince Chichibu with the Collar of the Annunziata. 1938.09.03 — Mr. Athanse Politis, counsellor of the Greek Legation in London, is appointed Minister to Tokyo, where he will open a Legation. 1938.09.03 — The naval section of the Imperial Headquarters issues a statement attributing to Chinese propaganda the report that the Japanese blew up a Chinese mine field near Kiukiang on August 27 with deliberate intent to damage two nearby foreign gunboats, American and British. 1938.09.03 — Korean police complete investigation of a plot to liberate Korea but decide not to indict those involved because of their repentance. 1938.09.03 — A typhoon strikes Shikoku and the Kwansai district, disrupting communications and doing damage in a number of places. 1938.09.03 — A plane of the Eurasia Aviation Corporation flying from Hongkong to Yunnan-fu is taken for a Chinese bomber and attacked over Kwangtung Province by Japanese naval planes, which cease as soon as its identity is established. It makes a forced landing three hours later for minor repairs but is able to continue its flight. 1938.09.03 — Japan advises the Powers on measures to safeguard the lives and interests of their nationals during the offensive on Hankow. 1938.09.03 — The Ito detachment returns to Japan from service in China. 1938.09.06 — The Foreign Office and the naval section of the Imperial Headquarters issue statements on the incident involving a plane of the Eurasia Aviation Corporation over Kwangtung Province. They point out the practical impossibility of guaranteeing protection for such planes and the failure of the German consulate-general in Hongkong, which had been asked to do so, to notify the Japanese of the plane's flight. 1938.09.06 — Japanese army planes shoot down near Hankow a mail plane of the Eurasia Aviation Corporation. 1938.09.06 — Japanese troops occupy Kwangtsi, in southeastern Hupeh Province, and Kushih, in southeastern Honan Province, in the offensive against Hankow. 1938.09.06 — The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry petitions the Government for alleviation or abolition of the restrictions on exports to Manchoukuo and China. 1938.09.06 — A pro-Japanese gesture is seen in Siam's dismissal of all Chinese teachers from State schools. 1938.09.06 — Japan protests to the U.S.S.R. against the continued imprisonment of three Japanese who have completed their sentences of a year at Vladivostok. 1938.09.06 — Foreign Minister Ugaki is said to be planning the appointment of a group of advisors versed in European and American affairs, possibly including two former Foreign Ministers, Mr. Naotake Sato and Mr. Hachiro Arita. 1938.09.06 — Mr. Masamoto Kitada presents his credentials as Minister to the President of Peru. 1938.09.06 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry estimates the 1938 spring silk cocoon crop as 40,863,284 kwan, less by 10.2 per cent than last year, valued at 177,473,219 yen, less by 29.7 per cent. 1938.09.06 — The Korean Emergency Investigation Society opens a conference in Keijo to discuss social and economic issues. 1938.09.07 — Fresh troops from Japan reach North China to campaign against guerrilla fighters. Importance is attached to their arrival because of prominence given abroad to Chinese claims that the Hankow campaign was absorbing all of Japan's strength. 1938.09.07 — The Japanese Bureau in Geneva denies Chinese allegations that poison gas has been used by the Japanese army. 1938.09.07 — The new Nanking régime issues regulations for rehabilitation of the Shanghai area. 1938.09.07 — Tokyo City authorities take steps to check dysentery, which has threatened to spread since the recent floods and typhoons. 1938.09.08 — The Government issues 100,000,000 yen of Manchurian incident bonds and 300,000,000 yen of ordinary deficit bonds, all maturing in 17 years and three months, bearing 3.5 per cent interest and selling at 98. 1938.09.08 — The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry reports to the Throne that the September 1 typhoon affected more than 1,000,000 acres of farmland in the Kwanto district and the recent storms in Shikoku and the Kwansai affected 350,000 acres. 1938.09.08 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry instructs local officials not to let administration of the Farmland Adjustment Law handicap families of soldiers. 1938.09.08 — Brewers of rice wine agree to curtail production by 13 per cent. 1938.09.08 — Tokyo observers say after another Ugaki-Craigie talk that adjustment of Anglo-Japanese relations in China will be very difficult unless England recognizes the changes in the China situation. 1938.09.08 — The British Trade Unions Conference rejects a resolution calling for action to prevent members from handling goods to or from Japan. 1938.09.09 — The Cabinet approves an Imperial ordinance providing for the appointment of not more than three advisors "to assist the Foreign Minister and attend to important foreign affairs." 1938.09.09 — The Powers are reported ready to abide in full by the Japanese conditions for establishment of a safety zone at Hankow. 1938.09.09 — Governor Yuki of the Bank of Japan tells the press that Japan has sufficient economic strength to face without fear the rest of the hostilities and the reconstruction of China. 1938.09.09 — The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry opposes the movement for prohibition of polished rice, arguing that it would render unfit for consumption 63 per cent of the nation's rice and jeopardize investments in mills. 1938.09.09 — Dr. Shichiro Goto, of Kyushu Imperial University, attracts attention by restoring a wounded soldier's arm to use by joining severed nerves with a segment from a dog's spinal cord. 1938.09.09 — The Japanese delegation of journalists visiting Europe presents a scroll to Reichsführer Hitler at Nuremberg. 1938.09.10 — The Throne grants funds to alleviate suffering in flood-devastated areas of Tokushima and Hyogo prefectures. 1938.09.10 — Mr. Naotake Sato and Mr. Hachiro Arita are appointed advisors to the Foreign Minister. 1938.09.10 — To facilitate trade control, three sections of the Finance Ministry are reorganized as two sections and transferred to the materials adjustment bureau of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 1938.09.10 — The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry announces plans for establishment of the League for Service to the State Through Agriculture to help in unifying the nation's resources. 1938.09.10 — The Government announces that it will increase the subsidy for compulsory storage of oil in order to meet rising costs. 1938.09.10 — President Toshikata Okubo tells shareholders of the Yokohama Specie Bank that Japan's financial foundation is sound because based on national unanimity in fulfilling the Government's policies. 1938.09.10 — The Education Ministry decides to demand an increase of 10,000,000 yen in the 1939-40 budget for new projects, including 14,000,000 yen to extend compulsory education to eight years and 13,000,000 yen for new engineering schools and courses. 1938.09.10 — The Nanking radio station resumes broadcasting under Japanese auspices. 1938.09.10 — Ceremonies in Hsinking inaugurate the construction of a new Palace, to be completed in eight years at a cost of 14,000,000 yuan. 1938.09.10 — The Manchoukuo good-will mission in Rome presents to Pope Pius a jade piece from Emperor Kangte. 1938.09.11 — China formally requests the League Council to apply Article 17 of the Covenant to the Sino-Japanese conflict. 1938.09.11 — The Chinese Communists are said to be urging General Chiang Kai-shek to defend Hankow to the last or destroy it completely. 1938.09.12 — Air-defence drills, to last five days, open in 19 prefectures in the Kwanto area, including Tokyo. 1938.09.12 — The Central Price Policy Commission fixes maximum standard prices for many articles of apparel and some heating fuel. 1938.09.12 — Wall Street sources are said to understand that China's cash balance in foreign banks has fallen below $30,000,000, compelling a reduction in the purchase of war materials. 1938.09.13 — The Cabinet decides to give more attention to such factors as labour, transportation and electric power in formulating the 1939-40 program for national mobilisation of materials. 1938.09.13 — The Justice Ministry begins the appointment of civic leaders and social workers, eventually to number 50,000, to serve as counsellors for former prison inmates. 1938.09.13 — The Official Gazette announces that gasoline with which alcohol must be mixed will be increased on January 1 to 25 per cent of the total output, on April 1 to 50 per cent and on July 1 to 70 per cent. 1938.09.13 — The Bank of Japan reports that the average index number of Tokyo wholesale prices in August was 215.8, lower by 1 per cent than July's. 1938.09.13 — A fresh drive opens in southern Shansi Province to prepare for crossing the Yellow River to cut the Lung-Hai Railway west of Chengchow. 1938.09.14 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement on the European situation, blaming the Comintern for trying to prevent a peaceful settlement of the Czechoslovak issue and saying Japan is prepared to "join forces with Germany and Italy for fighting against the Red operations in accordance with the spirit of the anti-Comintern agreement." 1938.09.14 — Despite the decline of the pound sterling in New York, the Finance Ministry sees no reason to change its policy of keeping the yen exchange rate at one shilling, two pence. 1938.09.14 — An ordinance is promulgated providing for establishment of the Japan Gold Production Encouragement Company. 1938.09.14 — The committee to organize the Japan Electric Generation and Transmission Company holds its first meeting. 1938.09.14 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces that rice consumption for the first 10 months of the current rice year, which began last November, set an all-time high record, 70,040,000 koku, more by 3,054,000 koku than in the same period of last year. 1938.09.14 — An economic and cultural mission from Peru, headed by Brigadier-General Cesar A. de la Puente, arrives in Japan for a seven-week visit, during which there will be trade negotiations with Japanese leaders. 1938.09.14 — Mr. Santiago Mendez de Vigo, who resigned as Spanish Minister to Japan when the civil war started in Spain, returns to Tokyo as Minister for the Spanish Nationalist Government. 1938.09.14 — Four Chinese bankers arrive in the U.S. to seek credits. 1938.09.15 — Premier Konoe, after visiting Prince Saionji at Gotemba, reaffirms to reporters the Government's policies for dealing with the China incident and declares there has been no change of attitude regarding the Chiang Kai-shek régime or foreign interests in China. He says he hopes the projected new political party will be a good one. The Government will support it, but he himself will take no part. He has no objection to strengthening the anti-Comintern axis but believes there is room for deliberation on particulars. 1938.09.15 — Reflecting relaxation of the money market, the Tokyo over-night call rate drops below six rin, a new low since July, 1933. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VI No. 4 (March 1938) --- (covers 1937.11.01 to 1938.01.10) 1937.11.01 — The rank of full general is given to Lieutenant-General Shunroku Hata, Inspector-General of Military Education, and Lieutenant-General Kuniaki Koiso, commander of the Korean Garrison. 1937.11.01 — The Privy Council approves the draft appointments for abolition of Japanese extra-territoriality in Manchoukuo and transfer to Hsinking of administration of the South Manchuria Railway Zone. 1937.11.01 — The Navy Office announces that all transportation by sea of arms and munitions to China, except for that by some foreign vessels, has been stopped by the Japanese blockade. It is indicated that the British Government regards as closed the incident in which a Japanese warplane fired on the British air attaché's motor-car near Shanghai on October 12, being satisfied with a note on the matter sent by Japan on October 18. 1937.11.01 — In compliance with a Japanese request, the British garrison at Shanghai removes pill-box positions on the border of the International Settlement near the area of hostilities, construction of which had caused unpleasantness. 1937.11.01 — The Australian Council of Trade Unions issues a manifesto urging Australians to boycott Japanese goods and cease exporting war materials to Japan. 1937.11.01 — Mr. Shingoro Takaishi, managing editor of the Osaka Mainichi and Tokyo Nichi Nichi, tells interviewers on arriving in New York as a "popular envoy" that Japan will welcome peace overtures from China as soon as the latter promises to end its anti-Japanese "campaign of hate." 1937.11.01 — A Korean, Mr. Han-eki Li, is appointed Governor of Chientao Province, Manchoukuo. 1937.11.02 — A British anti-aircraft unit at Shanghai fires on a Japanese army warplane over the western district of the International Settlement. 1937.11.02 — War Secretary Hore-Belisha, asked in the Commons about a report that British forces at Shanghai had been ordered to fire on Japanese warplanes endangering their safety, asserts there is no discrimination between Japanese and Chinese in orders. 1937.11.02 — The Black Dragon Society and the Meirinkai issue statements rebuking Britain for giving assistance to China. 1937.11.02 — The Japanese military authorities at Shanghai assent to establishment of a special zone for refugees in Nantao, administered by an international committee. 1937.11.02 — Chinese artillery units shell the Japanese hospital ship America Maru at Shanghai, killing a member of the crew. 1937.11.02 — Mr. Shingoro Takaishi, "popular envoy," says in a New York radio talk that anti-Japanese sentiment in China is not spontaneous but a product of instigation by a small group of militarists and politicians. 1937.11.02 — Acting Secretary of State Welles declares that the initiative for convoking the Brussels conference was taken by signatories of the nine-Power treaty belonging to the League and that the U.S. is sharing in the common task of finding a solution for the Sino-Japanese situation within the provisions of the treaty and in accordance with American principles. 1937.11.02 — President Matsuoka of the S.M.R. is reported to have given to the directors of his company a plan for economic development of North China, calling for use at first of funds to be obtained from sale of shares in Manchurian industries to the new Manchoukuo Heavy Industrial Development Company. 1937.11.02 — Nineteen former Government officials, including ex-Railway Minister Uchida, and building contractors are found guilty of receiving or giving bribes with the conclusion of the preliminary examination of the 1935 railway scandal. 1937.11.02 — A 90-mile railway between Kisaba and Keizanchin, Korea, built over nine years at a cost of 20,500,000 yen, is formally opened. 1937.11.02 — Construction of a 22,800,000 yen canal between Tokyo and Yokohama is started. 1937.11.02 — A provisional Japanese-Siamese trade treaty is initialled in Bangkok. 1937.11.03 — The Brussels conference opens, with Mr. Norman P. Davis asserting that cessation of the Sino-Japanese hostilities is essential for world peace and Count Luigi Aldrovandi-Marescotti, of Italy, insisting that the only practical course is to let Japan and China settle the conflict themselves. 1937.11.03 — The Japanese forces in North Shansi break the prolonged Chinese resistance at Sinkowchen and resume the march towards Taiyuan. 1937.11.03 — The Central Federation of Trade Associations announces that 32 per cent. of the 345 trade associations under its control have reported difficulties because of suspension of trade with China and 63.2 per cent. price increases since the China outbreak. 1937.11.03 — The German-Japanese Association for Strengthening the Anti-Comintern Accord holds a mass meeting in Tokyo at which Bolshevism is assailed and a decision reached to have Mr. Seigo Nakano, Diet member, visit Germany and Italy on the association's behalf. 1937.11.03 — The Kokusai Eiga-Kyokai, of Japan, and the German Film Industry Board sign at Berlin an agreement providing for an exchange of cultural motion pictures. 1937.11.03 — The executive committee of the International P. E. N. Club, despite the Japanese delegate's opposition, adopts a resolution appealing to Japan to strive to preserve cultural establishments in China. 1937.11.04 — A rumour is spread that Reichsführer Hitler plans to mediate in the Sino-Japanese conflict. 1937.11.04 — Because of a growing demand, the Peiping Peace Maintenance Commission decides to open classes for the study of Japanese. 1937.11.04 — Agreements are signed in Hsinking whereby Japan agrees to abolition of extra-territorial privileges in Manchoukuo, with a few safeguards, and transfer of administration of the S.M.R. Zone. Foreign Minister Hirota takes advantage of the occasion to point out that China in no nearer abolition of extraterritoriality than 20 years ago, having succumbed to Bolshevism and followed an anti-Japanese policy. 1937.11.04 — The Finance Ministry's Tax Commission agrees that general tax reforms should be postponed because of the China incident. 1937.11.04 — A national conference on problems of population and industrialization, held under the auspices of the Institute for Research in Population Problems, warns the Government that economic and social conditions among the people will be menaced if the present intensified industrial pace is continued unless some way is found to relieve the strain on labour. 1937.11.04 — The Foreign Office spokesman asserts further delay in conclusion of a new Japanese-Soviet fishery convention would not be justified by political developments in either Japan or the U.S.S.R., answering an Izvestia editorial on November 2 saying Italy's adherence to the anti-Comintern accord is likely to revive the situation that prevented conclusion of a convention last year. He points out that Moscow is bound by the Portsmouth treaty to acknowledge Japan's fishery rights in Soviet waters. 1937.11.06 — Italy adheres to the Japanese-German anti-Comintern accord. Welcoming the strengthening of the anti-Comintern front, Premier Konoe declares that Japan, in view of its national principles, has a moral mission to check and exterminate the evils of Communism and the Comintern, which he largely blames for the China hostilities. The Foreign Office spokesman reiterates Japan's desire for the participation of all other Powers in the agreement as long as they oppose Communism. 1937.11.06 — The Foreign Office spokesman says the reports that Reichsführer Hitler will mediate in the Sino-Japanese conflict must have been spread with ulterior motives, for mediation is "absolutely impossible in the present circumstances." 1937.11.06 — The Brussels conference addresses a note to Japan asking it to take part. 1937.11.06 — Announcement is made at Shanghai of the landing yesterday of strong Japanese forces on the north shore of Hangchow Bay to move northward against the Chinese around Shanghai. 1937.11.06 — The U.S. Navy Secretary, in his annual report to Congress, asks two additional $60,000,000 battleships, two $16,000,000 cruisers, four auxiliary vessels, improvements in existing vessels and personnel increases. 1937.11.06 — New export restrictions are announced, covering textiles, antimony and tungsten ores, antimony articles and automobiles and parts. 1937.11.06 — Regulations are promulgated restricting use of copper in buildings. It is hoped to save 3,000 of the 13,000 metric tons used yearly. 1937.11.07 — General Chiang Kai-shek tells foreign correspondents he opposes direct negotiations with Japan, saying it would only give Japan a chance to present demands acceptable to neither China nor the signatories of the nine-Power treaty. 1937.11.07 — The Japanese military authorities urge foreign residents and other non-combatants to evacuate Taiyuan, capital of Shansi, and call on the Chinese forces to surrender peacefully. 1937.11.07 — The Ledger Syndicate, Philadelphia, distributes to U. S. newspapers a statement by Count Kentaro Kaneko, saying Japan has a high mission of preventing "foreign intrigues or incursion of subversive forces into the countries which are her next-door neighbours," which President Theodore Roosevelt recommended in 1903. 1937.11.07 — The Paris newspaper Figaro predicts Japan will soon recognize the Franco régime in Spain and come out in strong support of Germany's colonial claims. 1937.11.07 — The Alaskan Fishermen's Union announces it will picket all Japanese ships arriving in Pacific ports for a month, beginning November 15, unless the State Department moves to halt Japanese activities in Alaskan fishing waters. 1937.11.07 — If attacked, the Soviet Army will become the attacker and carry the war into the enemy's territory, Marshal Voroshilov declares in Moscow in a speech taken as a warning to the signatories of the anti-Comintern accord. 1937.11.08 — Prominence is given in Tokyo to a report from Domei's New York correspondent crediting President Roosevelt with a plan for ending the China conflict based on American recognition of Japan's economic advance in North China, tacit agreement to the existence of Manchoukuo, evacuation of China by Japanese troops, excepting Embassy guards, and creation of a standing international committee to prevent fresh hostilities. 1937.11.08 — Representatives of 33 unions in a San Francisco rally vote to begin a boycott of Japanese Christmas goods on the initiative of the Maritime Federation of the Pacific Coast. 1937.11.08 — The American Association for Recognition of the Irish Republic adopts a resolution in New York warning against American involvement in the Far East as a cat's paw for Britain. 1937.11.08 — State Department officials say a protest to Japan against Japanese fishing near Bristol Bay, Alaska, is being considered. 1937.11.08 — Further reports of German readiness to mediate in the China conflict say Reichsführer Hitler in insisting that China must agree to renounce friendship with the U.S.S.R. 1937.11.08 — The Evening Star, London, claims that Britain will strengthen defences at Hongkong and that Australia and New Zealand will also take defence steps because of the reinforced anti-Comintern accord. 1937.11.08 — Though little change is seen of adoption, a bill is introduced in the Philippine National Assembly for Government purchase of large Japanese land holdings in the Davao area. 1937.11.08 — Mr. Kumaki Naito, vice-president of the Nippon Electric Power Company, back from a trip to North China, urges that the Government establish a policy for economic development of North China that will give Japanese industrialists a free hand. 1937.11.08 — Thirty-seven leading business, political and defence figures found the Jiji Konkonkai in Tokyo to unify public opinion on all questions, international and domestic. 1937.11.09 — Shanghai is completely encircled by Japanese forces as the Chinese are compelled to make a general retreat. 1937.11.09 — Victory at Shanghai does not mean the hostilities are ending, the War Office warns in a statement. 1937.11.09 — The public welfare bureau of the Shanghai Municipal Government estimates that more than 2,000 factories in the Shanghai area suffered 100,000,000 yuan of damage in the hostilities. 1937.11.09 — Complete occupation of Taiyuan by Japanese troops is announced. 1937.11.09 — Dr. Wellington Koo, head of China's delegation at Brussels, tells the press China will not relinquish its friendship with the U.S.S.R. 1937.11.09 — Prime Minister Chamberlain tells the Lord Mayor's banquet, London, that Britain will continue to make every effort for early settlement of the China conflict. The co-operation of the U.S., he declares, is essential. 1937.11.09 — The public trial of the God-Sent Troops (Shimpeitai), charged with having plotted in 1933 to overthrow the Government, opens before the Supreme Court with a demand from the defence for exoneration of three of the 54 defendants to permit military service. Another preliminary examination is also asked, the first being held unfair. 1937.11.09 — The Cabinet decides to discourage, at least among officials, the sending of New Year greetings, which is regarded as wasting time, money, labour and paper. 1937.11.09 — Hsinking announces that national revenue totalled 18,363,971 yuan in October, bringing the aggregate for the year to 247,850,992 yuan, more by 14 per cent. than last year. 1937.11.09 — Manchoukuo decides to increase from 21,000,000 to 300,000,000 yuan its annual loans for various enterprises, including industrial. 1937.11.10 — Operations start to drive out Chinese remnants from Nantao, adjoining the French Concession at Shanghai. 1937.11.10 — Japanese naval planes bomb the Nanking aerodrome for the first time in two weeks. 1937.11.10 — Admiral Little, commander of the British naval forces in China, and Brigadier Telfer-Smollett, commander of the British garrison at Shanghai, call on General Matsui. They inquire about operations along Soochow Creek and the Whangpoo River and are told that resolute action will be taken against anyone, regardless of nationality, impeding movements of troops and supplies along them. 1937.11.10 — The Chinese delegation at Brussels announces that China will not mediate outside the Brussels conference. 1937.11.10 — The Tokyo Nichi Nichi reports increasing consideration is being given to Japan's withdrawal from the nine-Power treaty, which is thought likely to become unavoidable. 1937.11.10 — Finance Minister Kaya declares all is going satisfactorily in the financial world despite wartime conditions and sees no cause for concern over international payments or domestic finances. 1937.11.10 — The boycott of Japanese goods is said to be seriously affecting New York wholesalers of men's hosiery from Japan. Mrs. Ethel Herell, of the International Silk Guild, broadcasts a plea against the boycott, pointing out it will deprive thousands of Americans of work. 1937.11.10 — Premier Chang Ching-hui of Manchoukuo arrives in Tokyo to thank the Japanese Government for abrogation of extra-territoriality. 1937.11.10 — The population of Japan proper on October 1 is estimated at 71,232,000 by the Cabinet's Bureau of Statistics, more by 994,600 than on the same date last year. 1937.11.10 — Mr. Shuichi Sako presents his credentials to President Moscicki as Japan's first Ambassador to Poland. 1937.11.11 — General Matsui, Shanghai commander, tells foreign correspondents he is disappointed at the attitude of Shanghai foreigners and says the possibility of extension of Japanese guarding measures to the whole of the International Settlement and the French Concession depends on developments. 1937.11.11 — British soldiers halt a Japanese vessel transporting war supplies up Soochow Creek. A protest is made through the Japanese consulate-general. 1937.11.11 — Mr. Stevens, war correspondent of the Daily Telegraph and Morning Post, London, is killed by a stray bullet while observing the Nantao fighting at Shanghai. 1937.11.11 — The Mukden police reveal the rounding up of Chinese spies sent to Manchoukuo by the 29th Army to engage in sabotage and report troop movements. 1937.11.11 — Dr. V. K. Wellington Koo urges in a radio talk from Brussels that international pressure be exerted to end the Far Eastern hostilities. 1937.11.11 — The Czechoslovak Foreign Minister voices agreement with the principles of the U. S. regarding the Sino-Japanese situation. 1937.11.11 — The National Confederation of Mexican Workers orders its members, exceeding 1,000,000 to boycott Japanese goods. 1937.11.11 — Mr. Seigo Nakano, Diet member, broadcasts to Europe on the eve of his departure for Italy and Germany on a good-will trip that construction of a happier China will be the first step towards a new world order in which Japan, Germany and Italy are going to co-operate closely. 1937.11.11 — The Ship Owners' Association, Kobe, decides to communicate with similar groups in other countries in an effort to improve opinion regarding the Sino-Japanese trouble. 1937.11.11 — Finance Minister Kaya and Governor Yuki of the Bank of Japan, though admitting the future cannot be predicted with certainty, tell the all-Kwansai bankers' convention, that there is no need to be pessimistic about the financial outlook. Governor Yuki says more than 1,000,000,000 yen has been invested since the latter half of 1936 to enlarge productive capacity. 1937.11.11 — A landslide at the Ogushi sulphur mine, Gumma Prefecture, kills about 360 persons and injures others. 1937.11.11 — The Cabinet Advisory Council prepares for a series of talks with individual Ministers designed to eliminate discrepancies in views. 1937.11.11 — Formal announcement is made of plans for setting up the North China Raw Cotton Company, a so-called national policy concern, invested in jointly by the Kochu Koshi, Japan Cotton Spinners' Association and Japan Cotton Mill Owners' Association in China, to purchase Chinese raw cotton and direct improvement of cotton cultivation. 1937.11.11 — Admiral Baron Sotokichi Uryu, 80, widely known among Americans because he attended the U.S. Naval Academy, dies in Odawara. 1937.11.12 — An Imperial Rescript is issued to the officers and men in North China and Inner Mongolia, voicing appreciation of accomplishments and expectation of further endeavours. 1937.11.12 — Liquidation of Chinese troops remaining in South Hopei between the Peking-Hankow and Tientsin-Pukow railways is announced. 1937.11.12 — The Japanese forces in the Shanghai sector complete occupation of Nantao and take Nansiang. 1937.11.12 — The Shanghai International Settlement police order all anti-Japanese organizations in the Settlement to disband. 1937.11.12 — Japan declines the second invitation to the Brussels conference, saying that its actions in China are in self-defence and therefore outside the scope of the nine-Power treaty and that it is firmly convinced any attempts to negotiate within the framework of a collective organ such as the conference would only arouse popular feelings in Japan and China and hinder a satisfactory solution. 1937.11.12 — The Associate Press claims to have been told by "a high Japanese source" in Brussels that Japan would be willing to talk over issues arising out of the China conflict with the U.S. 1937.11.12 — Senator Key Pittman, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recommends that Britain take the lead in working out a Far Eastern solution because of its proportionately large interests. 1937.11.12 — The Emergency Price Policy Commission, in its first report to the Cabinet, recommends that concrete steps be taken to control the consumption and prices of daily necessities, attain self-sufficiency in iron, increase coal production and lower coal prices and electricity rates and that railway freight rates not be increased. 1937.11.12 — The Cabinet approves regulations for air defence in Korea (Chosen). 1937.11.12 — Announcement is made in Harbin of a campaign of several weeks against more than 300 bandits in North Manchuria. 1937.11.12 — The Brazilian Ambassador hands to Foreign Minister Hirota a statement explaining the new Brazilian Constitution. 1937.11.12 — The Mexican Minister in Tokyo hints that "very important plans" relating to Japan and Mexico are being discussed with business men. 1937.11.13 — A strong Japanese force is landed along the Yangtze above Shanghai to join in the encirclement of the Chinese around Kunshan, threatening the line between Kunshan and Changshu. 1937.11.13 — Italian opposition prevents the Brussels conference from agreeing on an Anglo-French-American draft resolution censuring Japan's refusal to join the conference. The Italian delegate suggests that Japan be asked to elucidate its position, but the other delegates refuse. 1937.11.13 — The U. S. delegate emphasizes in addressing the Brussels conference that the U. S. is adamant against forcible revision of the nine-Power treaty but is ready to discuss it on orderly and peaceful terms. Washington regards this as a conciliatory gesture to Japan. 1937.11.13 — Premier Mussolini is rumoured to be thinking of mediation in the Sino-Japanese conflict in conjunction with Reichsführer Hitler. 1937.11.13 — An allegedly official document revealed in Washington by the International News Service claims that Lord Balfour early in 1917 told the Imperial War Council that some measure of recognition must be given to Japanese expansion in China. 1937.11.13 — A large portion of the 200,000 Koreans in the southern Ussuri district is said to have been forced by the Soviet authorities to move to remote waste lands to work in labour camps. 1937.11.13 — The Finance Ministry estimates Japan's invisible foreign trade balance for the 1936 calendar year resulted in an excess of 36,397,000 yen in payments, less by 136,929,000 yen than in 1935. With those in visible foreign trade, international payments in 1936 exceeded receipts by 138,109,000 yen. 1937.11.14 — General Matsui donates 10,000 yen to the International Red Cross fund for relief of Chinese refugees in Nantao, Shanghai. 1937.11.14 — The Alaskan Fishermen's Union decides to postpone picketing of Japanese vessels because informed that the State Department has made representations to Tokyo regarding Japanese fishing in Alaskan waters. 1937.11.14 — London is said to have instructed the British Ambassador in Tokyo to seek elucidation of General Matsui's statements in Shanghai about possible Japanese steps to take over defence of the entire International Settlement. The Ambassador sees Foreign Minister Hirota. 1937.11.14 — Washington is believed to be showing increasing caution regarding the Sino-Japanese situation. 1937.11.14 — President Roosevelt fails to mention the matter in his message opening the special session of Congress. 1937.11.14 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies a Havas report claiming to give Japan's terms for peace with China. 1937.11.14 — The Japanese forces northwest of Shanghai take Quinsan and Changshu. 1937.11.14 — Vice-Admiral Hasegawa donates 10,000 yen to the International Relief Association in Shanghai. 1937.11.14 — Amsterdam denies reports of a British-Netherlands arrangement for joint defence of Far Eastern possessions in the event of Japanese attack. 1937.11.14 — The Social Mass Party adopts as a general meeting a "war-time" programme calling for efforts to develop Japan "in accordance with the fundamental principles of national policy" and "to reform capitalism and establish a system of industrial management in order to stabilize the people's livelihood." Many regard the programme as evidence that the party has abandoned its original proletarian principles. 1937.11.14 — The second estimate of the rice crop announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, based on October 30, considers it 65,778,210 koku, lower than the first estimate by 1.8 per cent, but greater by 6.8 per cent. than the average crop for the previous five years. 1937.11.14 — Manchoukuo announces an exchange of documents facilitating operation of the German-Manchoukuo trade agreement. The Otto Wolf financial group agrees to provide 35,000,000 yen of credits for the Central Bank of Manchou, to be followed by further credits if the arrangement proves successful. 1937.11.14 — Vice-Admiral Godo says on arrival in Berlin as a "popular envoy" that he will discuss expansion of German trade with Japan and Manchoukuo and explain the Far Eastern situation from the standpoint of the anti-Comintern accord. 1937.11.14 — The newspapers claim that Mr. Yoshisuke Aikawa, president of the Japan Industrial Company (Nissan), and Mr. Shinsuke Kishi, vice-director of the Manchoukuo Industry Department, have agreed in principle that 3,200,000,000 yuan of capital, including about $300,000,000 from abroad, shall be raised for the enterprises to be undertaken by the Manchuria Industrial Development Corporation, divided into 1,000,000,000 yuan for iron and mining, 1,000,000,000 yuan for aviation and automobile industries, 500,000,000 yuan for coal mining and 100,000,000 yuan for light metal and other industries. 1937.11.14 — Mr. Antonio Diamond, Alaskan delegate, presents to Congress a bill to force Japanese fishermen to withdraw from Alaskan waters. 1937.11.14 — The Cabinet recommends to the Throne abolition of the 1903 Wartime Imperial Headquarters Ordinance, paving the way for establishment of an Imperial Headquarters under a military ordinance during a situation like the China incident. 1937.11.14 — The Government issues 200,000,000 yen of China incident bonds, bearing 3.5 per cent. interest, maturing in 17 years and three months and selling at 98 yen. Bonds of this issue to the value of 50,000,000 yen are in small denominations for sale through post offices. 1937.11.14 — Manchoukuo and the U.S.S.R. agree on permission by the former for refloating the Soviet gunboats sunk in the Amur River during the June trouble and on release by the latter of the steamer Shinhan, detained for some months. 1937.11.14 — Members of the House of Representatives interested in the China issue adopt a manifesto urging the Government to renounce the nine-Power treaty to block its use by the other signatories in interfering in China. 1937.11.14 — A Nanking spokesman tells foreign correspondents that foreign assurances would "immeasurably bolster China's spirit." 1937.11.14 — Authoritative quarters in Rome deny that Italy has any intention of mediating in the Far Eastern dispute. 1937.11.14 — The Salamanca radio station announces that General Francisco Franco is expecting Japanese recognition within a fortnight. 1937.11.14 — The 35,000-ton aircraft carrier Hiryu is launched at Yokosuka. 1937.11.14 — An eight-day drill in control of lights for defence against aerial attacks starts in 16 prefectures of the Kwanto and Tohoku districts. 1937.11.17 — Imperial sanction is given to the military ordinance providing for an Imperial Headquarters to unify the Supreme Command in time of war or an incident. 1937.11.17 — The Empress visits the wounded convalescing in the Yokosuka Naval Hospital. 1937.11.17 — The War Ministry announces that soldiers conscripted in 1935 who are in active service in heavy artillery regiments of the 1st, 4th, 12th and 16th Divisions and the Formosan and Kwantung Armies will remain in service after November 31, the normal disbandment date. 1937.11.17 — The Quai d'Orsay and the Japanese Embassy in Paris issue denials of an allegation by Senator Henri Berenger that Japan had threatened to occupy the island of Hainan if the French allowed arms supplies for China to pass through French Indo-China. 1937.11.17 — Chairman Sam D. Reynolds, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, blocks temporarily consideration of Representative Harry Sauthoff's resolution demanding application of the Neutrality Act to the Far Eastern hostilities. 1937.11.17 — Lord Cranborne, Parliamentary Foreign Under-Secretary, tells the Commons that obstacles to trade in the British Concession at Tientsin have not been reported. 1937.11.17 — Attention is attracted by a meeting of Foreign Secretary Eden and Ambassador Shigeru Yoshida, but nothing tangible results. 1937.11.17 — Dr. de Watteville, special delegate of the International Red Cross, is said to have estimated at Changshu that the Chinese have had about 800,000 casualties. 1937.11.17 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei appeals to the people of China in a radio address to unite in waging a protracted struggle against Japan. 1937.11.17 — The Extraordinary Electric Power Investigation Commission in plenary session approves the plan for State control of the electric power industry drafted by the Communications Ministry. 1937.11.17 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces regulations for the appointment as officials of experts on raw cotton, wool, pulp, iron and foreign trade. 1937.11.17 — South Manchuria Railway Company employees are reported dissatisfied with the decision of the Japanese and Manchoukuo Governments to give the Nissan interests control of heavy industries in Manchoukuo and therefore insistent on having the company given complete control of North China economic development. 1937.11.18 — Observers claim to see an indirect reply to the anti-Comintern alignment in the announcement that a basis has been found for Anglo-American negotiations for a reciprocal trade agreement. 1937.11.18 — Members of the Meirinkai, right-wing organization, adopt a resolution urging renunciation of the nine-Power treaty. 1937.11.18 — The financial section of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry agrees that an increase in taxes would be premature. 1937.11.18 — Public contributions to the Asahi's fund for warplanes to be presented to the Army and the Navy pass 6,000,000 yen. 1937.11.18 — Plans are announced for a 100,000,000-yen airplane manufacturing company in Manchoukuo invested in jointly by Japanese, Manchoukuo and German interests. 1937.11.19 — Soochow is occupied by Japanese forces on the way to Nanking. 1937.11.19 — The first issue of small-denomination bonds to help finance the China incident, totalling 50,000,000 yen, being near exhaustion, the Finance Ministry decides to issue 18,000,000 yen more. 1937.11.19 — The 9,000-ton aircraft carrier Chiyoda is launched at Kure. 1937.11.19 — Italy's Ambassador to China, Mr. Guinalio Cora, calls on General Matsui at Shanghai, assuring him of the wish of the Italian people to promote friendship with the Japanese and stressing the necessity of collaboration in the international front against Communism. 1937.11.19 — Baron Kishichiro Okura arrives in Rome as a "popular envoy" and tells the press his mission is to "strengthen the unity of feelings which binds the two countries and endeavour to bring about closer co-operation for their mutual well-being and consequently for promotion of world peace." 1937.11.19 — The House of Representatives is again asked to exert pressure for invocation of the Neutrality Act with regard to the Sino-Japanese conflict, but no action is taken. Representative David J. Lewis asks an embargo on all exports to Japan except foodstuffs that might have military use. 1937.11.20 — The Imperial Headquarters is established. The press sections of its army and naval staffs join in a statement declaring that its duties are "to advise the Emperor in the execution of the Supreme Command prerogatives, to plan the highest strategical arrangements and to assure perfect co-ordination of the army and the navy." 1937.11.20 — The Emperor issues rescripts to the commander of the Japanese army around Shanghai and the commanders of two fleets voicing satisfaction with the progress of operations and reminding them that the goal is still distant. 1937.11.20 — The War Office announces that 16,048 Japanese are estimated to have been killed in China, 10,324 of them around Shanghai, 421 in Chahar and 5,452 in the rest of North China. Chinese dead left on battlefields are given as 145,470, with the total of Chinese dead and wounded estimated at 534,290. Nine thousand and three hundred Chinese have been taken prisoners. 1937.11.20 — The Chinese Government formally announces the transfer of its capital from Nanking to Chungking. 1937.11.20 — The British Embassy in Tokyo denies press reports that the British Ambassador yesterday intimated to Foreign Vice-Minister Horinouchi that Britain desires to offer its good offices in arranging direct negotiations between Japan and China. 1937.11.20 — All Chinese censors attached to telegraph offices in the Shanghai area are made to withdraw. 1937.11.20 — The Tientsin Peace Maintenance Commission abolishes the National Government's tariffs in its area and places minimum consolidated taxes on rice, wheat flour, sugar, tobacco, cement, cereals, galvanized sheets and aquatic and petroleum products. 1937.11.20 — Ambassador Shigemitsu obtains from Foreign Vice-Commissar Stomoniakov an agreement in principle to resume negotiations for conclusion of a new fishery convention before the expiration at the end of the year of the present arrangement. 1937.11.20 — The Official Gazette announces that there were 2,102,969 registered births in 1936, giving a birth rate of 29.92 per 1,000 of population, the lowest since 1926, and 1,230,278 deaths, more by 68,542 than in 1935, giving a natural increase of 872,691, with inclusion of unregistered births and deaths giving an estimated actual increase of 935,000, of a rate of 12.41 per 1,000 of population, the lowest since 1912 with the exception of 1934's 12.86. There were 549,316 marriages, fewer by 7,064 than in 1935; 46,167 divorces, fewer by 2,361, and 11,056 stillbirths, fewer by 2,337. 1937.11.22 — Consul-General Okamoto and Major-General Kumakichi Harada, military attaché, request the authorities of the Shanghai International Settlement and the French Concession to suppress all anti-Japanese and communist activities and banish agents of the Nanking Government and local Chinese administrations. 1937.11.22 — An Associated Press report from Shanghai claims that more than 19 Soviet-made warplanes have been delivered to China. 1937.11.22 — Mr. Chang Kung-po, emissary of General Chiang Kai-shek, says in Rome he has been assured that the anti-Comintern accord is not directed against China and will not affect Italo-Chinese friendship. 1937.11.22 — The China Development Company, a Japanese firm, takes over management of a flour mill and electric light company in Shihkiachwang, Hopei Province, from the local peace maintenance commission. 1937.11.22 — The Cabinet gives its understanding to the plan for State control of the electric power industry, which the Communications Minister tells has received the support of 21 of the 33 members of the Provisional Electric Power Inquiry Commission. 1937.11.22 — The Official Gazette announces that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has decided to require importers, manufacturers and sellers of raw cotton, wool, linen yarn and ramie, Manila hemp, jute, Oregon pulp for paper, leather and hide, pulp for rayon and cellophane and gutta percha to report their stocks every three months to help in adjusting supply and demand. 1937.11.22 — The Federated Banners of Mongolia, the Autonomous Government of South Chahar and the Autonomous Government of North Suiyuan formally establish at Kalgan the Federated Committee of Mongolian Border Provinces, which is to take over from them part of their administrative rights. It is to consist of a general affairs committee and technical committees on industry, finance, communications and other matters. Decisions are to take effect only after members of the general affairs committee, its highest adviser and other advisers have agreed to them. 1937.11.22 — Admiral Suetsugu tells the Premier that Japan must push the punitive campaign as far inland in China as the Chinese care to go, for any compromise at this juncture would mean throwing away all sacrifices made so far. 1937.11.22 — Japanese planes bomb Nanking. Three Chinese machines are shot down. 1937.11.22 — Dr. H. H. Kung issues a statement at Hankow telling the nation that the removal of the capital from Nanking is only a stage in the long-term war against Japan and urging continued support of the Government. 1937.11.22 — The Brussels conference receives a proposal to adjourn, with reconvocation possible on the request of one or two participants. The Chinese delegation tries a delay of two days to permit amendment of the parley's final resolution. 1937.11.22 — The newly organized Allied Comrades on Policy Towards England holds a national anti-British rally in Tokyo at which a manifesto is adopted urging a strong stand against London's policy towards the Sino-Japanese conflict. 1937.11.23 — The Tientsin Peace Maintenance Commission is reported to have reduced the tariff on sugar imports to 8 yen per 100 kilograms, compared with 24.40 yen imposed by the East Hopei régime and 97.66 yen imposed by the National Government. 1937.11.23 — The Bank of the Mongolian Provinces (Mengkiang Yinhang) is established in Kalgan, incorporating all important banking and monetary organs in the new autonomous region and having the right to issue currency. 1937.11.23 — An international committee in China proposes to the Japanese authorities the creation of a special zone at Nanking for non-combatants. 1937.11.23 — The Mexican National Workers' Federation announces enforcement of an unofficial boycott of Japanese goods, coupled with an appeal to the Government for a formal embargo. 1937.11.23 — Formosa's first cotton crop under governmental encouragement is estimated at 4,478,926 kin. 1937.11.24 — Forty German military and civil leaders receive Japanese decorations and 49 Japanese receive German decorations in commemoration of the first anniversary of the signing of the anti-Comintern accord. Japan's Ambassador in Rome and Italy's Ambassador in Tokyo are also decorated. 1937.11.24 — Reichsführer Hitler attends a banquet in the Japanese Embassy at Berlin in celebration of the anti-Comintern pact anniversary. It is his first visit to a foreign Embassy since 1933. 1937.11.24 — The nine-Power conference adjourns with a final appeal to both Japan and China to suspend hostilities. Its resolution maintains that direct Sino-Japanese negotiations will not contribute to peace. 1937.11.24 — Foreign Secretary Eden is sharply questioned in the Commons on Far Eastern questions, including access by British nationals to property in Japanese-occupied districts at Shanghai and the North China customs administration. 1937.11.24 — The Costa Rican Government recommends to Congress higher duties on Japanese goods because of Japan's failure to purchase Costa Rican coffee. 1937.11.24 — Three warplanes believed of Soviet make are shot down at Nanking and eight others bombed. 1937.11.25 — The first anniversary of the anti-Comintern pact is celebrated in Tokyo on an elaborate scale. Prince Chichibu attends a luncheon at the German Embassy, and Field-Marshal Prince Kan-in a rally of more than 80,000 people. 1937.11.25 — Foreign Minister Hirota and the German and Italian Ambassadors issue statements on the anniversary of the anti-Comintern pact. Mr. Hirota says Communism must be combatted by every means, speaks of the pact as creating "a spiritual union founded on ideological unanimity" and "a common cultural front," denies that it is aimed at any particular nations and regrets that China is suffering from the consequences of failure to defend itself from Communism. 1937.11.25 — Koreans in the U.S.S.R. too young or old to work are reportedly being driven across the frontier into Manchoukuo. 1937.11.25 — Mr. Shingo Tsuda, president of the Kanegafuchi Spinning Company, tells the press after a talk with Premier Konoe that Government control of economic development is inadvisable, not only in Japan proper but also in Manchoukuo and North China. He believes the current situation cannot be solved until something is done about China. 1937.11.25 — The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry decides to create a China Problem Commission. 1937.11.25 — General Matsui says at Shanghai that the army will push on until General Chiang Kai-shek surrenders, going as far as Hankow, Chungking or beyond. The Japanese are waiting to see what the Municipal Council will do about clearing the International Settlement of anti-Japanese elements and will be compelled to resort to forcible measures if nothing is done, though use of arms is not intended. 1937.11.25 — General Chiang Kai-shek tells foreign correspondents at Nanking that China is still determined to resist to the last inch and the last man, convinced of ultimate victory. 1937.11.25 — The East Hopei Anti-Communist Autonomous Government observes at Tungshan the second anniversary of its establishment. 1937.11.25 — Manchoukuo announces that its 1938-39 budget will probably exceed 300,000,000 yuan, with increases for defence and special accounts for investment in industrial enterprises approximately 700,000,000 yuan. 1937.11.25 — A movement to promote patriotism, economy in public expenditure and higher health standards is launched at Hsinking by a group of organizations and newspapers. 1937.11.25 — Mr. Kanichiro Kamei, Social Mass member of the Diet, leaves for Germany on an inspection tour, during which he will endeavour to promote interest in the Tokyo Olympic Games. 1937.11.25 — Premier Konoe tells newspaper men that the Government has not yet decided concretely "what is to be done with China." Its original policy has not changed, and it is ready to negotiate with General Chiang Kai-shek if its objectives are assured. It will fight as long as any resistance is offered. War may have to be declared, but it is not intended at present. Japan opposes the making of conditions by third Powers for negotiations with China but does not object to efforts to make direct negotiations possible. Necessity may arise for negotiating with new régimes in China. Depending on the attitude of "the other party," use of force with regard to the Shanghai International Settlement may become necessary. The Premier intimates that Japan will abrogate the nine-Power treaty at a suitable time. 1937.11.25 — Reichsführer Hitler is said to have suspended efforts to mediate in the Sino-Japanese conflict but to be still interested in the matter. 1937.11.25 — Mr. Shigenori Togo, new Ambassador to Berlin, leaves Tokyo for his post. 1937.11.25 — A step toward recognition of the Franco régime is seen in the Cabinet's decision to relieve of his duties the Japanese honorary consul in Barcelona. 1937.11.25 — Warships of the Combined Fleet have gradually returned to their bases to undergo repairs, reloading of supplies and reorganisation of personnel, and the 3rd Fleet, which has undergone reorganisation, is continuing its operations in China waters, the naval information bureau of the Imperial Headquarters announces. 1937.11.25 — The Cabinet approves ordinances reforming Japanese administration in Manchoukuo in accord with the abolition of extra-territoriality. 1937.11.25 — The Planning Board reports to the Cabinet that it favours the importation of 250,000 piculs of North China cotton in the current season. 1937.11.25 — The fuel bureau of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry orders a 20 per cent. saving in gasoline and oil by factories, buses and taxis, and the Railway Ministry decides to suspend a number of trains for the time being to save coal. Use of charcoal-burning motor cars is to be extended. 1937.11.25 — The Monopoly Bureau adopts a policy of restricting imports of leaf tobacco and to meet the demand by increasing domestic production. 1937.11.27 — Secretary of State Hull announces he has instructed the U.S. Ambassador in Tokyo to convey to Japan a message that the U.S. would be deeply concerned over any attempt by Japan to interfere with the integrity of the Chinese Maritime Customs. 1937.11.27 — London is said to have instructed its Ambassador in Tokyo to make it clear that it wants to be consulted before Japan completes any arrangements regarding control of the Chinese customs, postal, telegraph and wireless services at Shanghai. 1937.11.27 — Representations are made to the Soviet Embassy in Tokyo regarding the inability of Japanese consular officials in Vladivostok to obtain adequate medical treatment and a water supply and regarding the refusal to extend the visa of an official who must return at once to Vladivostok because of the illness of the consul-general. 1937.11.27 — Moscow rejects Japan's protest against the transfer to interior points of Koreans residing in the Soviet Far East, claiming that they are Soviet citizens. 1937.11.27 — An autonomous government for Honan Province is set up at Chengsia. It announces opposition to Nanking and eradication of Communism as its principles. 1937.11.28 — The U.S. and British Ambassadors hand notes to the Foreign Minister expressing concern over the Chinese Maritime Customs at Shanghai. 1937.11.28 — The Japanese authorities in Shanghai demand that the British withdraw steamers from the neighbourhood of Chinese junks concentrated on the Yangtze near Chinkiang, which are to be fired on shortly. 1937.11.28 — The former Chinese press censorship office in the Shanghai International Settlement is placed under Japanese control. 1937.11.28 — The Chinese defence forces advise foreigners to leave Nanking. 1937.11.28 — Hsinking hears the Soviets are shifting Poles and Afghans to the Maritime Provinces to replace the Koreans moved from there to Central Asia. More than 100,000 Finns are also said to have been settled in Siberia. 1937.11.28 — The army announces regulations changing the three air-defence headquarters in Japan proper from planning to executive organs with enlarged authority. Each is to be commanded by a general or lieutenant-general appointed personally by the Emperor. 1937.11.29 — Italy extends de jure recognition to Manchoukuo, which is hailed in Tokyo and Hsinking as enhancing friendly relations between Italy and Manchoukuo and Japan. 1937.11.29 — The French Ambassador conveys to Foreign Minister Hirota the views of his Government on the Chinese Maritime Customs administration at Shanghai. 1937.11.29 — Anglo-French talks open in London which reportedly include consideration of the Sino-Japanese situation. 1937.11.29 — Secretary of State Hull announces that Japan has been told that the U.S. is urgently concerned over possible seizure of the Chinese Maritime Customs at Shanghai and wants to be consulted before any changes are made. 1937.11.29 — Washington and London deny the Tokyo Nichi Nichi report that secret consultations are in progress on financial aid for China. 1937.11.29 — The Japanese forces advancing on Nanking take Kiangyin, Changchow and Ihsing. 1937.11.29 — A Greek freighter formerly under Soviet charter is seized for entering the closed port of Puruhira, near Otaru, the Hokkaido. 1937.11.29 — An American shipment of aeroplanes and tank parts and ammunition for China is found aboard a Danish steamer at Kobe but cannot be stopped because war has not been declared. 1937.11.29 — The Finance Ministry is said to see need for reducing to 500 yen from 3,000 yen the per capita amount of money allowed to be remitted abroad. 1937.11.29 — Tokyo labour wages in October are estimated at a 1937 peak of 108.6, on the basis of 100 for 1933, according to the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They are 2.6 points higher than in September and 6.1 higher than in October of 1936. 1937.11.30 — The Cabinet adopts a draft budget for the 1938-39 fiscal year of 2,868,299,000 yen, greater than the basic 1937-38 budget by 54,562,000 yen. The Finance Ministry's portion, 690,896,000 yen, constitutes 24 per cent. of the whole, compared with 19.3 per cent. in the current budget, made necessary by interest payments on increased national bonds. The Navy Ministry is given 677,338,000 yen, or 23.6 per cent. of the whole, and the War Ministry, 564,612,000 yen, or 19.6 per cent. Many items for the defence services have been transferred to the provisional account for the China incident, yet to be compiled. Bond issues are estimated at 694,068,000 yen, compared with 725,400,000 yen in the 1937-38 budget. 1937.11.30 — Critics in political circles consider the new budget weakest in its appropriations for expansion of industrial productivity. 1937.11.30 — The Government approves a subsidy of 4,500,000 yen for the 1940 Olympic Games, of which 750,000 yen will be appropriated in the next fiscal year. 1937.11.30 — Results of the trade control regulations are seen in the 28,228,000-yen export excess for the last 10 days of November, with exports at 89,358,000 yen and imports at 71,130,000 yen. 1937.11.30 — Further withdrawal of foreign capital from Japan is seen in the sale of 75,000 shares of the Japan Steel Works, at Muroran, Hokkaido, by Vickers, Armstrong and its representative in Japan, Mr. C.R. Young. 1937.11.30 — The Cabinet approves recognition of the Franco régime as the legitimate Government of Spain, and Imperial sanction for it is sought. 1937.11.30 — Announcement is made in Hsinking of a Japanese-Manchoukuo agreement on the stationing of Japanese troops in Manchoukuo, giving to Japanese military police the right to apply Manchoukuo laws and guaranteeing "freedom and benefits which are necessary for military actions" on the basis of joint defence. 1937.11.30 — The results of Tokyo's election of ward assemblymen on November 28 show that the Social Mass Party returned only 10 of its 22 candidates. 1937.11.30 — Washington instructs its consular representatives at Shanghai to investigate reports of Japanese seizure of launches flying the American flag. 1937.11.30 — Washington officials indicate that the concern of the U.S. over the Chinese Maritime Customs at Shanghai has to do with the integrity of the service rather than the disposal of its revenue. Tariff reductions on Japanese goods similar to those enforced at Tientsin are feared. 1937.11.30 — Prime Minister Chamberlain states in the Commons that Britain and France, recognizing the gravity of the Sino-Japanese situation, are agreed on a policy of co-operation with "other Powers similarly placed" for the purpose of protecting their rights and interests and fulfilling their treaty obligations. 1937.12.01 — Vice-Admiral Zengo Yoshida is named commander of the Combined Fleet and 1st Fleet in succession to Admiral Osami Nagano, who is made a Supreme War Councillor in the annual naval shifts. Vice-Admiral Shigetaro Shimada becomes commander of the 2nd Fleet, Vice-Admiral Sadajiro Toyoda, commandant of the Sasebo naval station and Vice-Admiral Mineichi Koga, Vice-Chief of the Naval General Staff. 1937.12.01 — The Navy Ministry announces that its 1938-39 budget estimates are based on the principle of retrenching as much as possible without weakening the navy. 1937.12.01 — The naval press section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that 855 naval men, including 120 above the rank of warrant officers, have been killed in the China hostilities. Forty-three Chinese planes were destroyed in November, with nine Japanese lost. Since the fighting started, 192 Chinese planes are definitely known to have been shot down and 211 more destroyed by bombing. The Japanese losses have totalled 60. 1937.12.01 — The army press section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that 650 Japanese soldiers were killed between the middle of October and early November in the operations along the Shihkiachwang-Taiyuan Railway, Hopei and Shansi Provinces. These casualties were included in the figures announced on November 20. The Chinese had in the same operations 12,000 dead and wounded, including 11,500 dead left on the field. Three hundred prisoners were taken. 1937.12.01 — Public donations to the army for relief of soldiers and their families and replenishment of defences reach 21,821,369.90 yen. 1937.12.01 — Japan gives de jure recognition to the Franco régime as the legitimate Government of Spain. 1937.12.01 — Japan surrenders its extra-territorial rights and transfers administration of the South Manchuria Railway Zone to Manchoukuo. 1937.12.01 — Italy appoints Mr. Luigi Cortese, consul-general in Mukden, as chargé d'affaires of its new Legation in Hsinking. 1937.12.01 — An article in the Popolo d'Italia attributed to Premier Mussolini declares Japan is invulnerable in its China policy. 1937.12.01 — Manchoukuo issues 80,000,000 yuan of 4 per cent. bonds, the first of a series to finance its five-year industrial programme. 1937.12.01 — The Manchurian Coal Mining Company ascertains that more than 38,000,000 tons of coal can be obtained from the Yentaikeng mine, East Manchuria, near the projected East Manchurian Iron Works. 1937.12.01 — Secretary of State Hull announces that the Shanghai incident involving an American launch has been closed with regrets and apologies by the commander of the Japanese 3rd Fleet. 1937.12.01 — Foreign Secretary Eden declares in the Commons that Britain cannot recognize the right of any single Power to settle questions affecting administration of the Shanghai International Settlement by unilateral action. 1937.12.01 — Much attention is attracted by a false report saying Japan's consul-general has warned the Hongkong Government that further toleration of anti-Japanese political activities by Chinese leaders there may involve Hongkong in the Sino-Japanese conflict. 1937.12.01 — The North-China Daily News, British-owned newspaper in Shanghai, urges Nanking to surrender even if the terms are harsh, further resistance being futile. 1937.12.01 — Word is received in Japan of a resolution adopted by the national conference of Indian Hindus in Calcutta, said to represent 216,000,000 people, denouncing the anti-Japanese attitude of the Indian National Assembly and supporting Japan's actions in China. 1937.12.01 — General Hsiao Jui-chen, chairman of the new Honan Autonomous Government, tells interviewers he will co-operate closely with Japan and Manchoukuo. 1937.12.01 — The Foreign Office is said likely to protest strongly to Moscow against the detention of 12 Japanese in Saghalien, North Saghalien, on charges of responsibility for a serious fire. 1937.12.01 — The Soviet Waters Marine Products Guild adopts a resolution denouncing Moscow for its disregard of international faith in holding up the conclusion of a new fishery convention with Japan. 1937.12.01 — Professor Tadao Yamabara, authority on colonial policy, resigns from Tokyo Imperial University because of the banning of a magazine article and a book written by him regarded by the authorities as containing "anti-war doctrines detrimental to public peace and order." 1937.12.01 — A check on the rapid rise of prices is seen in the index of 149.6 for Tokyo wholesale prices in November, higher by only .1 per cent. than in October, based on 100 for 1930. The index for wholesale prices in 13 principal cities in October, compiled by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is 124.3, higher by .6 per cent. than in September, based on 100 for December, 1929. 1937.12.01 — The Communications Ministry announces an average reduction of 8 per cent. in electricity rates, meaning an annual loss to the power companies of about 20,000,000 yen. Action is taken under the Electric Business Law. 1937.12.02 — Recognition notes are exchanged between Manchoukuo and the Franco régime in Spain. 1937.12.02 — Hsinking rejects protests from the British consul-general at Mukden against Manchoukuo's foreign exchange control and from the acting U.S. consul-general against application of the Foreign Juridical Person Law to the Harbin branch of the National City Bank of New York. The former is told that Britain, if desiring the special treatment accorded to Japan, should recognize Manchoukuo and negotiate a treaty; the latter, that Manchoukuo accords no extra-territorial rights to foreigners. 1937.12.02 — Industrial leaders meeting at the Bank of Japan agree that the policy of extreme control followed in Manchoukuo must be avoided in Japan's economic development of North China. 1937.12.02 — Berlin denies reports of mediation efforts in the Sino-Japanese hostilities through the German Ambassador in China. 1937.12.02 — The Asahi says Japan is opposed to formation of an international commission to settle the Chinese Maritime Customs issue at Shanghai. 1937.12.02 — Japanese planes bring down 10 Chinese combat planes and three heavy bombers in a spectacular fight over Nanking. 1937.12.02 — Seven thousand Chinese troops near Lungping and Chulu, Hopei Province, surrender to the Japanese and promise to co-operate in bringing about better conditions in North China. 1937.12.02 — The United Press claims to have obtained a definite admission from Soviet officials in Hankow that the U.S.S.R. is aiding China. 1937.12.02 — London quarters deny reports that Britain is seeking to establish an air and naval base at Macao. 1937.12.02 — Department of Commerce figures show Japan was again the leading purchaser of American iron and steel in October, taking 61,663 tons of scrap, 37,388 tons of pig iron, 21,333 tons of steel plate and 17,456 tons of steel ingots. 1937.12.03 — The Cabinet reportedly decides to establish, at the request of the War and Navy Ministers, an agency to prevent the exchange control regulations from hampering importation of munitions and related goods and to replace the Price Policy Commission with an office under the Planning Board to administer stronger control over production, distribution and prices. 1937.12.03 — An unidentified Chinese throws two hand-grenades at Japanese troops on a demonstration march through the Shanghai International Settlement, wounding three of them and a Japanese consular policeman. Municipal Council police shoot him dead on the spot. The incident is settled by an exchange of memoranda permitting Japanese troops to pass freely through the Settlement whenever necessary without previous notification and to take independent measures to deal with subsequent incidents, which the Municipal Council promises to prevent. 1937.12.03 — Japanese indignation is aroused in Shanghai by a British lawyer, Mr. A. Norland, who is said to have torn two Japanese flags, thrown them on the ground and spat on them. 1937.12.03 — Representatives of districts along the Peking-Hankow Railway meet in Shunteh and adopt a resolution advocating establishment of a North China government independent of Nanking. 1937.12.03 — Consul-General Yujiro Sogishita, returning from Vladivostok to Tokyo, says the Soviet authorities are checking every move made by Japanese residents. 1937.12.03 — Officials in charge of helping returned soldiers discuss provision of work instead of a dole and an increase in the daily relief allowances from 12 to 35 sen (50 sen in Tokyo). 1937.12.03 — The Rev. Peter Tatsuo Doi, secretary of the Apostolic Delegation in Tokyo, is named Archbishop of Tokyo, the first Japanese to be given this rank. 1937.12.03 — The Chinese Foreign Office announces that the German Ambassador, Dr. Oskar P. Trautmann, on instructions from Berlin, had informed General Chiang Kai-shek that Germany is ready to start mediation efforts if China will agree. Chinese leaders are said to be divided on the proposal, with Mr. Wang Ching-wei in favour of it. 1937.12.03 — Mr. Wu Ting-chang, new Kweichow chairman, tells foreign correspondents at Hankow that China will listen to peace terms from Japan if they are acceptable but otherwise will fight on. 1937.12.03 — The fall of Nanking is likely to revive the question of declaring war on China, according to the Tokyo press. 1937.12.03 — French police and troops delay Japanese troops from passing through the Shanghai French Concession to Nantao with supplies until representations induce the French authorities to yield. 1937.12.03 — Japanese naval aeroplanes bomb the aerodrome at Lanchow, capital of Kansu Province, on a flight proving ability to attack any place in China. 1937.12.03 — China formally protests to the League of Nations against Italy's recognition of Manchoukuo. 1937.12.03 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement expressing hope that the U.S.S.R. will understand Japan's attitude and immediately conclude the long-pending fishery convention. 1937.12.03 — The Metropolitan Police Board confers with Tokyo theatre managers on measures to enhance the national spirit and check radical and antiwar ideas. 1937.12.03 — The State Department is informed by the U.S. consul in Tientsin that no change has been made there in the administration of foreign commodities or collection of customs. 1937.12.05 — The Chinese Foreign Office announces General Chiang Kai-shek has rejected a German proposal to intercede in the Sino-Japanese conflict and is determined to continue resistance. 1937.12.05 — Japanese residents in Shanghai adopt a resolution demanding that something be done about the insult to the Japanese flag by a British subject on December 3. 1937.12.06 — Japanese troops reach within five kilometres of Nanking. 1937.12.06 — London reports say the British Ambassador in Tokyo has sounded out Foreign Minister Hirota on the possibilities of Sino-Japanese peace negotiations and has learned that Japan prefers to have Britain and the U.S. induce China to negotiate directly without a prior understanding on terms. 1937.12.06 — Foreign Secretary Eden tells the Commons that Britain will continue international consultations with a view to protecting interests in the Far East but that eventual action must remain dependent on how far other Powers are willing to go in a common protective policy. 1937.12.06 — The U.S. State Department reveals that in November China bought $1,702,000 of war materials in the U.S., mostly aeroplanes, and Japan $128,000 of aircraft equipment. 1937.12.06 — President Aikawa of the Manchuria Industrial Development Corporation says in Hsinking that American engineers will be invited to help in the industrial development of Manchoukuo. 1937.12.06 — Santo Domingo's chargé d'affaires in London denies reports that his country has recognized Manchoukuo. 1937.12.06 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement saying that "some appropriate measures" will be taken with regard to the transfer to Central Asia of Koreans in East Siberia. Moscow's contention that they are Soviet nationals is held invalid, Koreans having no way of cancelling their original nationality. 1937.12.07 — Japanese troops complete the encirclement of Nanking. 1937.12.07 — Cabinet leaders discuss steps to be taken after the fall of Nanking. 1937.12.07 — The Federated South Hopei Peace Maintenance Commission is set up by representatives of 23 hsiens at Shihkiachwang. A resolution is adopted blaming General Chiang Kai-shek for the Sino-Japanese conflict and declaring independence from the Nanking Government. 1937.12.07 — A three-day conference of Japanese cultural leaders and six Chinese from North China opens in Tokyo for discussion of cultural co-operation. 1937.12.07 — Ambassador Yoshida talks with Foreign Under-Secretary Cadogan on developments in China. 1937.12.07 — Rear-Admiral Shinjiro Yamamoto, "popular envoy" on the way to Europe, is quoted as saying at Singapore that the time will probably come when the Anglo-Japanese alliance will be revived. 1937.12.08 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies that any approach has been made to Japan regarding peace negotiations with China but intimates that the outcome of efforts of third Powers to induce the Chinese to negotiate directly is being awaited. 1937.12.08 — General Chiang Kai-shek denies press reports that he is seeking mediation by a third Power and declares China will not listen to Japanese overtures for direct negotiations. Chinese officials assert he has no intention of resigning. 1937.12.08 — Sentiment is reported in Government quarters in favour of watching General Chiang Kai-shek awhile after the fall of Nanking before deciding a final policy towards him. 1937.12.08 — Japan advises, through the Shanghai consular corps, that all foreigners should leave Nanking and warns that it cannot be responsible for damage to foreign vessels and vehicles left in areas where Chinese soldiers are located. An Embassy spokesman in Shanghai states that Japan cannot guarantee the safety of the Nanking neutral zone, the whole city being a fortress, though there is no intention of purposely endangering life and property. 1937.12.08 — Three Chinese spies are arrested at Shingishu, Korea (Chosen). 1937.12.08 — The Federated Autonomous Government of Mongolia is formally inaugurated in Kweihwa, with Prince Yun as chairman and Prince Teh as vice-chairman. 1937.12.08 — The Government's special committee on aid for men wounded in China decides at its first meeting to press for early relief action. 1937.12.08 — Admiralty officials deny reports that Britain plans to concentrate naval strength in China waters. 1937.12.08 — Consul-General Wakasugi urges American calmness towards the Far Eastern situation in addressing the New York Economic Club. 1937.12.08 — Members of the Diet interested in Soviet-Japanese issues urge the Foreign Minister to protest vigorously against Soviet pressure on Japanese rights and interests. 1937.12.08 — Japan and Siam sign in Bangkok a revised treaty of commerce and navigation. 1937.12.09 — The Premier and the Foreign, War, Navy and Finance Ministers reportedly decide that China's rumoured peace moves cannot be trusted and that military operations must continue after the fall of Nanking until all anti-Japanese elements have been crushed. The Foreign and Finance Ministers give assurance that there are no serious diplomatic or financial obstacles to such a policy. 1937.12.09 — General Matsui sends a note to the defence commander of Nanking, advising surrender and giving until noon tomorrow for a reply. 1937.12.09 — The British Ambassador confers for the second day in succession with Foreign Minister Hirota, presumably on China questions. 1937.12.09 — Lord Cranborne, Foreign Under-Secretary, says in the Commons that a protest has been made in Hsinking and attention called in Tokyo regarding Manchoukuo's exchange control law, which he calls discriminatory and contradictory to the Open Door. 1937.12.09 — Predictions that Italy will announce withdrawal from the League of Nations are accompanied by reports that it means to strengthen its cooperation with Japan and Germany. 1937.12.10 — The main gates of Nanking are taken by Japanese troops. 1937.12.10 — Sentiment in North China is represented as favouring a new régime there that eventually will take over administration of the whole of China. 1937.12.10 — The Peking Peace Maintenance Commission issues regulations for the management of universities and colleges, forbidding all political movements among students and making Japanese the first foreign language in curriculums. 1937.12.10 — The requirement that all travellers from Japanese ports to Shanghai and North China be inoculated against cholera is cancelled. 1937.12.10 — Regulations for establishment of an Education Inquiry Commission are promulgated. An Imperial Rescript is issued explaining the commission's task as deliberation on the education system with a view to its reform. 1937.12.10 — The Finance Ministry announces revisions in the exchange control regulations, reducing from 1,000 yen to 100 yen monthly remittances abroad not requiring permission. The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement saying there has been no change in policy, the revisions being only for the purpose of making the old policy more effective. 1937.12.10 — Japan's export excess dwindles to 1,249,000 yen in the first 10 days of December as the export season nears its end, with exports totalling 77,890,000 yen, less by 13 per cent. than in the previous 10 days, and imports 76,641,000 yen, more by 7 per cent. 1937.12.11 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement blaming the Soviets for the delay in signing a new fishery convention and saying that opinion is gaining in Japan in favour of resolute action by the authorities to safeguard Japan's interests. 1937.12.11 — Italy "specially notifies" Japan of its decision to withdraw from the League of Nations. 1937.12.11 — Mr. Norman H. Davis, head of the U.S. delegation, says on returning to New York that the recess of the Brussels conference does not mean the end of efforts to restore peace in the Far East. 1937.12.11 — The North-China Daily News, British newspaper at Shanghai, again urges China to make peace, arguing that continued resistance will do considerable harm to its interests. 1937.12.11 — Japanese naval vessels assist the American liner President Hoover, grounded on a reef near Kasho Island, off the southeast coast of Formosa (Taiwan). 1937.12.11 — Large-scale celebrations of the Japanese victories at Nanking start in Tokyo and other centres. 1937.12.11 — The naval press section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that naval planes shot down 24 Chinese warplanes and destroyed 27 others by bombing during the first nine days of December. Only one Japanese plane was lost. 1937.12.11 — General Matsui, through Manchoukuo newspaper correspondents, tells the populace of Manchoukuo there is need for further co-operation, the prospects of peace being still distant at the present time. 1937.12.11 — The Tientsin Peace Maintenance Commission issues a circular telegram repudiating the National Government and asserting it will assist the formation of a new régime. 1937.12.11 — The Sino-Japanese cultural conference in Tokyo, participated in by Chinese from North China, decides on establishment of permanent cultural machinery, increased study of Chinese in Japanese schools and of Japanese in Chinese schools and creation of a Sino-Japanese university in Peiping. 1937.12.11 — Finance Ministry figures show that during the first 10 months of 1937 Japanese imports from the U.S. increased by 427,005,000 yen, or 63.3 per cent., compared with last year, and exports to the U.S. by 94,895,000 yen, or 20.6 per cent. Exports to countries under British influence declined, but those to the Netherlands Indies gained 72.5 per cent. because of the Japanese-Netherlands commercial agreement. 1937.12.11 — Japan's trade with Manchoukuo, the Kwantung Leased Territory, China and Hongkong for the first 11 months of 1937 show an export excess of 336,074,000 yen, more by 63,610,000 yen than last year, with exports at 717,304,000 yen and imports 356,074,000 yen. 1937.12.11 — At the request of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Japan Industry Society forms a central commission for training skilled workers. 1937.12.12 — The U.S. gunboat Panay and three ships of the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company, mistaken for Chinese vessels carrying troops up the Yangtze, are bombed and sunk by Japanese naval planes above Nanking. The British gunboat and other British vessels are shelled by Japanese field guns. 1937.12.12 — The Sunday Times, London, prints a long interview with Viscount Ishii, "popular envoy," who asserts Japan will respect the Powers' rights and interests in China if they strictly refrain from interference, denies Japan has any territorial aims, expresses conviction that the Japanese forces will not pursue the Chinese beyond Nanking and admits that Japan's chief military preoccupation is the Soviet Union, though internal dissension makes it unlikely that the latter will adopt a strong policy in the Far East. There will be no disturbance, he says, of the regulations governing the Shanghai customs and municipal administration. 1937.12.12 — London shoppers are said to be refusing Christmas goods made in Japan, though the general boycott movement in Britain has subsided. 1937.12.12 — Lancashire cotton industrialists urge the Board of Trade to impose higher duties on textiles from Japan to offset depreciation of the yen. 1937.12.12 — President Yosuke Matsuoka of the South Manchuria Railway Company, arriving in Tokyo, says he will seek Government approval of the North China development program worked out by his company. He denies reports saying he is likely to resign. 1937.12.12 — Japanese troops enter the Nantao "refuge zone" at Shanghai, the situation no longer requiring such a zone and disgruntled elements there being a source of trouble. 1937.12.12 — Shanghai reports say Soviet aid to China is increasing and that negotiations are in progress for use of Outer Mongolian troops against the Japanese. 1937.12.13 — The Japanese occupation of the walled city of Nanking is completed. 1937.12.13 — Apologies and regrets for the sinking of the U.S. gunboat Panay above Nanking are conveyed to the U.S. by Foreign Minister Hirota, Ambassador Saito and the Japanese naval, diplomatic and consular authorities at Shanghai. The Navy Vice-Minister issues a statement saying the navy is "prepared to do all in its power to settle the incident in all sincerity." 1937.12.13 — Ambassador Saito is given demands for full satisfaction regarding the Panay incident formulated by President Roosevelt. Congressional opinion shows a desire to avoid a crisis. 1937.12.13 — An apology is conveyed to the British Ambassador by Foreign Minister Hirota regarding the shelling of the gunboat Ladybird near Wuhu. 1937.12.13 — The Foreign Secretary reports to the Commons on the Ladybird incident and says Britain and the U.S. are in consultation on the situation. 1937.12.13 — The Commons is told that the consular body at Shanghai is negotiating with the Japanese authorities on their December 3 reservation of the right to take independent action when necessary in the International Settlement. 1937.12.13 — General Chiang Kai-shek declares resistance against Japan will continue despite the fall of Nanking, from where the Chinese troops have been withdrawn for strategic reasons. 1937.12.13 — Dr. H. H. Kung tells the United Press at Hankow that the National Government is not considering peace negotiations but is ready to respond to a Japanese overture if China's territorial integrity and administrative sovereignty are respected. 1937.12.13 — Italy is reported to have recalled from China 30 Italian advisers to the National Government. 1937.12.13 — Dr. Eiichi Baba resigns as Home Minister because of illness and is succeeded by Admiral Nobumasa Suetsugu, on the reserve list. 1937.12.13 — The Foreign Office promulgates an ordinance providing for a press ban on news concerning diplomatic relations indicated by the Foreign Minister. 1937.12.13 — The Manchoukuo State Council approves for promulgation on December 27 the law creating and regulating the Manchuria Industrial Development Corporation. 1937.12.14 — Premier Konoe issues a statement setting forth the Government's views on the situation created by the fall of Nanking. There is no longer any substance in the Nanking Government's claim to be the central régime of China, he declares, for it is being reduced to a local war machine. China cannot be without a Government, however, and Japan would have to consider working with any new régime it headed in the right direction. No state system in China can succeed that is not on a pro-Japanese foundation, and such a foundation alone can guarantee the interests of Western Powers in the Far East. The fall of Nanking, says the Premier, is only the prelude to the real test of strength, and the nation must fight as ever before. 1937.12.14 — Hundreds of thousands of Tokyo residents join in celebrations of the fall of Nanking, which are duplicated throughout the nation. 1937.12.14 — The Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic, to replace the Kuomintang-controlled National Government, is formally established in Peking with control in the hands of three committees, political, administrative and judicial. The chairmanship is to be left vacant for the time being. Its programme includes abolition of Kuomintang policies, promotion of friendly relations with neighbouring countries for furtherance of East Asiatic ideals, development of industries and promotion of general living standards. 1937.12.14 — The Japanese garrison at Tientsin issues a statement endorsing the ideals behind the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic and hoping it will develop soundly and steadily. 1937.12.14 — Rome is reported sympathetic towards the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic, but sentiment in Berlin and Washington is represented as opposed to recognition. 1937.12.14 — Japan sends notes to the U.S. and Britain regarding the Yangtze incidents, reiterating apologies, promising indemnification and assuring that orders have been given to prevent their repetition. Hope is expressed that the incidents will not affect friendly relations. 1937.12.14 — Italy is said to regard the death of an Italian correspondent in the Panay incident as accidental and to be planning no protest. 1937.12.14 — Germany lodges a complaint with Japan regarding the firing on a British steamer near Nanking aboard which were members of the German Embassy staff. 1937.12.14 — The U.S. Navy League advocates close Anglo-American co-operation in curbing Japan in China. 1937.12.14 — Posters in East Liverpool, Ohio, holding a torchlight parade, advocate a boycott against Japanese goods, which Mr. William Green, president of the American Federation of Labour, promises to push. 1937.12.14 — Japanese, Manchoukuo and Mongolian business men arrange at Kalgan establishment of a woollen trade guild capitalized at 5,000,000 yuan to assume complete charge of exportation of all kinds of wool. 1937.12.15 — The State Department publishes the text of its protest to Tokyo regarding the Panay incident, asking "assurance that definite and specific steps will be taken which will ensure that hereafter American nationals, interests and property in China will not be subjected to attack by any Japanese armed forces." 1937.12.15 — The British Government publishes the text of its protest to Japan on the Ladybird incident, asking to be informed that measures be taken to prevent further incidents. 1937.12.15 — Popular regret over the sinking of the U.S. gunboat Panay is manifested in a call on the American Ambassador by seven girl students and in donations for the victims handed to the Navy and Foreign Ministries. 1937.12.15 — The director of the European and East Asiatic bureau of the Foreign Office calls on the Italian Ambassador to convey condolences over the death of an Italian correspondent in the Panay incident. 1937.12.15 — Foreign Secretary Eden tells the Commons negotiations are in progress for the payment of British claims for damages arising out of the hostilities in China. 1937.12.15 — Senator Gerald P. Nye declares in Chicago that the tremendous arms expenditures of the U.S. are partly responsible for driving Japan to "war-mad patriotism." 1937.12.15 — Mr. Shingo Tsuda, president of the Kanegafuchi Spinning Company, says in a statement in the Asahi that Japanese financiers do not believe the fall of Nanking means victory over China and are of the opinion that economic fruits cannot be reaped until Tsinan or Hankow is taken and Canton is isolated from Hongkong. 1937.12.15 — Mr. Shao Li-tzu, Kuomintang leader, tells foreign correspondents in Hankow that China is ready to accept foreign assistance in any form. 1937.12.15 — The East Hopei Anti-Communist Autonomous Government and a number of peace maintenance commissions indicate allegiance to the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic at Peking. 1937.12.15 — A manifesto to the nation urging creation of a single political party is issued by Mr. Mitsuru Toyama, Admiral Eisuke Yamamoto, retired, and Prince Sanetaka Ichijo. 1937.12.15 — All 16 defendants, including two former Ministers and a Vice-Minister, are acquitted by the Tokyo District Criminal Court in the famed Teikoku Rayon scandal case, which brought about the fall of the Saito Cabinet. The charges of the procurators are dismissed in their entirety. 1937.12.15 — The Finance Ministry decides to create a temporary council of financial leaders to give advice on financial problems. 1937.12.15 — The Navy Ministry publishes details of increases in expenditure in its 1938-39 budget appropriations. 1937.12.15 — Foreign Minister Hirota hands a note to the Italian Ambassador formally expressing regrets and condolences over the death of an Italian correspondent in the Panay incident and saying Japan is prepared to make necessary indemnifications. 1937.12.15 — Formal condolences are conveyed by Japanese representatives to the Italian Government, the Turin Stampa and the family of the Italian correspondent killed in the Panay incident. 1937.12.15 — The First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr. Alfred Duff-Cooper, says in a London speech that caution in words and deeds should be Britain's guiding principle in handling the Yangtze River incidents. 1937.12.15 — Viscount Ishii, speaking in London, blames bad feeling between Japan and Britain on misapprehensions and urges Anglo-Japanese co-operation against Communism in the Far East. 1937.12.15 — The U.S. naval attaché in Tokyo thanks the Navy Office for the help given by the Japanese navy to the liner President Hoover, on a reef off the Formosan coast. 1937.12.15 — More funds are handed to the Foreign and Navy Ministries by individuals and groups for the victims of the Panay incident. 1937.12.16 — The Daily Express, London, learns in Warsaw that the Soviets are sending naval reinforcements to Vladivostok and increasing air forces in the Far East. 1937.12.16 — The North China Policy Commission decides on fundamental principles for industrial development of North China, reportedly calling for Sino-Japanese special companies excluding the South Manchuria Railway Company and the Kochu Koshi. 1937.12.16 — The Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic announces that it has taken over administration of the Maritime Customs in North China. 1937.12.16 — The Federation of Autonomous Governments in South Chahar, North Shansi and Inner Mongolia pledges close co-operation with the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic. 1937.12.16 — General Chiang Kai-shek broadcasts from Hankow a declaration of determination to continue to resist Japan. 1937.12.17 — The Cabinet meets in special session to discuss the China situation, and representatives of the Imperial Headquarters and the Government confer on it for the third day in succession. 1937.12.17 — The Japanese forces make their formal entry into Nanking. The commander of the 3rd Fleet issues a statement in which he declares the military operations must go on. 1937.12.17 — General Terauchi issues at Tientsin an appeal to the people of North China to support the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic and rely on the Japanese army. 1937.12.17 — The Chinese consul-general in Seoul (Keijo), Korea, indicates he will co-operate with the new Chinese régime at Peking. 1937.12.17 — The American Cabinet discusses every aspect of the Panay incident on the basis of official reports, which are said to have made the situation more delicate. Admiral William D. Leahy, chief of naval operations, tells the press, however, that the U.S. will probably not send fleet reinforcements to the Far East. 1937.12.17 — The Foreign Office spokesman in Tokyo and the Japanese naval authorities in Shanghai deny reports current in the U.S. alleging that the survivors of the Panay incident were machine-gunned by Japanese. 1937.12.17 — The Tokyo Nichi Nichi and the Osaka Mainichi open a fund for victims of the Panay incident with an initial contribution of 1,000 yen. 1937.12.17 — Talk is revived in London of plans to send more British warships to the Far East. 1937.12.17 — The Cabinet adopts the Communication Ministry's plan for State control of the electric power industry despite opposition in power and financial circles. 1937.12.17 — A fresh protest is sent to Moscow against the detention on unproved charges of seven Japanese nationals during 1937. A "responsible answer" is demanded at the earliest possible date. 1937.12.18 — The Cabinet, meeting in special session for the second successive day, reportedly reaches complete accord on the decisions of representatives of the Imperial Headquarters and the Government regarding the next steps to be taken with regard to the China incident, the nature of which is kept secret. 1937.12.18 — General Matsui appeals to the Chinese masses to abandon their anti-Japanese feelings and announces that the bulk of the Japanese forces in Central China will rest for a period to give the Chinese time in which to reconsider their attitude. 1937.12.18 — Chinese military and political leaders agree at Hankow on a programme of "national salvation" calling for general mobilisation of the masses. 1937.12.18 — A large-scale anti-Japanese league is organized in Hankow, with branches all over China. 1937.12.18 — More than 30 Soviet pilots and other foreign aviators are reported at Hankow in the Chinese army. 1937.12.18 — Tass denies British press reports of the arrival in Hankow of a military mission from Outer Mongolia to offer aid to General Chiang Kai-shek. 1937.12.18 — The French Ambassador sees Foreign Vice-Minister Horinouchi with regard to the safety of French vessels at Hankow. 1937.12.18 — President Roosevelt indicates gratification over the calm attitude of the American public and press towards the Panay incident and announces that the U.S. is not contemplating a naval demonstration in the Pacific or reinforcement of its naval forces in the Far East. 1937.12.18 — Dr. Raymond Leslie Buell, chairman of the Foreign Policy Association, advocates a new Washington conference to adjust "Japan's legitimate grievances against China and the outside world." The conference of representatives of 30 U.S. civic and peace organizations at which he speaks in New York decides to organize a nation-wide anti-Japanese boycott. 1937.12.18 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces the year's official rice prices. The maximum is 33.40 yen per koku, higher by 1.50 yen, and the minimum 27.50 yen, higher by 2.40 yen than last year. 1937.12.18 — The Supreme Court sets a precedent by announcing that a defendant in the God-Sent Troops case who is at the front in China will not be bound by the verdict in the current trial of the case. 1937.12.18 — Mr. Funanosuke Kohara, millionaire industrialist and Seiyukai leader who was freed by the Tokyo Court-Martial last year on charges of participation in the February 26 incident, is indicted by the procurators of the Tokyo District Criminal Court on the charge of having sheltered a participant in the incident. 1937.12.18 — Chief Secretary Hisashi Aso of the Social Mass Party denies that dissolution of the party in compliance for joining in a single national party is an issue and announces that the one advocate of this, Mr. Suejiro Yoshikawa, who has attracted attention by a declaration on the subject, will be expelled. 1937.12.19 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement calling attention to petitions from various organizations for protection of Japan's fishery rights in Soviet waters and declaring that Tokyo cannot but ask Moscow to reconsider its attitude toward conclusion of a new fishery convention. 1937.12.19 — Chinese troops at Tsingtao are said to have dynamited all Japanese-owned cotton mills around the city on orders from General Chiang Kai-shek. Similar destruction of Japanese property at Hankow and other points in the interior is said to have been decided. 1937.12.19 — The Japanese resident officer in Hongkong is seriously injured by Chinese who break into British territory at Shatowkok, near Bias Bay, where he had gone with British officers for inspection. 1937.12.19 — Admiral Osami Nagano convinces American correspondents there is no truth to a Hongkong report that he was killed when the battleship Nagato was allegedly sunk on the Yangtze. He takes the opportunity to express regret over the Panay incident. 1937.12.19 — Senator Arthur Capper warns the American public in a radio talk to withdraw all forces from the China zone of hostilities if trouble is not wanted. 1937.12.20 — The Foreign Secretary tells the Commons that Japan has accepted the principle of paying compensation for casualties caused by its armed forces among British soldiers and sailors in China. He denies having received reports that Hongkong is threatened with invasion. 1937.12.20 — Britain replaces Sir Hughe Montgomery Knatchbull-Hugessen with Sir Archibald John Kerr Clark Kerr as Ambassador to China. 1937.12.20 — Secretary of State Hull, in answer to demands that American armed forces be withdrawn from China, states in a letter to Senator William H. Smathers that the U.S. has long been hoping to withdraw its forces from China but that the present moment is not considered opportune. 1937.12.20 — Representative Raymond J. Cannon wants the State Department in a radio talk not to join England in sending notes to Japan, American interests in China being too slight to warrant a crisis. 1937.12.20 — Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr., objects to an assertion in the Pravda by Interior Vice-Commissar M. P. Frinovsky that the U.S. is overrun with Japanese spies and declares that "Communists, Russians, Chinese and possibly some English are spreading propaganda in the U.S. to incite America against Japan." 1937.12.20 — The Australian delegations' insistence on the presence of the Australian Commissioner delays the opening of the Japanese-Australian private shipping conference in Tokyo, which the Japanese insist must be entirely unofficial. 1937.12.20 — The Finance Ministry reports that Japan's foreign trade in 1937 has already broken previous records in the total volume, exports, imports and import excess. The import excess on December 20 is estimated at 642,677,000 yen, more by 463,995,000 yen, or 340 per cent. than in the corresponding period of 1936. 1937.12.20 — The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry announces that Tokyo retail prices reached a new peak for the year on December 15, the index, based on 100 for 1930, being 120.6, more by 2.3 per cent. than in November. 1937.12.20 — The Electric Power Federation, comprising the five largest power companies, decides to press its opposition to State control of the power industry. 1937.12.20 — Manchoukuo announces its fourth tariff revision, effective January 1, reducing rates on daily necessities and simplifying procedure. 1937.12.20 — The Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic begins study of tariff revisions. 1937.12.20 — The National Government issues a statement repudiating the provisional régime at Peking and gives instructions that all connected with it are to be regarded as traitors. 1937.12.20 — General Chu Teh, Communist leader, is said likely to be appointed commander of the Chinese forces along the Yellow River, and Mr. Mao Tse-tung and Mr. Chou En-lai, other Communists, are expected to be given important positions in the National Government. 1937.12.20 — Ceremonies mark the first shipment of iron ore to Japan from the Lungyen mine, near Kalgan. 1937.12.21 — The Emperor sanctions the decisions regarding the China situation reached on December 18 after they are countersigned by the Cabinet Ministers. 1937.12.21 — Japanese forces north of the Yangtze River cut the Tientsin-Pukow Railway by occupying Chuchien. 1937.12.21 — Chinese leaders are reported unable to decide whether to accept direct assistance from the U.S.S.R. Further discussion of the Soviet proposal, said to have been presented by the new Soviet Ambassador, is planned. 1937.12.21 — The Cabinet approves an ordinance creating in the Finance Ministry a board of advisers. 1937.12.21 — Seiyukai members of the Diet agree to urge the Government to refrain from radical economic and financial control. 1937.12.21 — Dr. Eiichi Baba, former Home Minister and Finance Minister, dies of pneumonia. 1937.12.21 — Evidence of the grave attitude taken in the U.S. with regard to the Far Eastern situation is seen in an exchange of messages between President Roosevelt and Mr. Alfred M. Landon, Republican presidential candidate in 1936, in which the latter pledges support of the Administration in the international crisis. 1937.12.21 — Premier Mussolini gives full approval to Japan's actions in China during a talk with Mr. Seigo Nakano, "popular envoy" to Italy and Germany. 1937.12.21 — The ban is lifted on news of the arrest on December 15 of 371 leftists, mostly members of the Japan Proletarian Party and the Japan National Council of Labour Unions, which are ordered dissolved. They are suspected of working in accordance with Comintern instructions for a revolution under the guise of a People's Front. Two Diet members are included, Mr. Kanju Kato, head of the Japan Proletarian Party, and Mr. Hisao Kuroda, of the Social Mass Party. Baroness Shizue Ishimoto is held for questioning. Home Minister Suetsugu asserts in a statement that communist activities cannot be tolerated at a time when national unanimity is essential. 1937.12.21 — The Social Mass Party expels Mr. Suejiro Yoshikawa for advocating dissolution of the party and Mr. Hisao Kuroda and Mr. Toshio Onishi for activities that led to their arrest in the leftwing roundup and issues a statement declaring suppression of the Japan Proletarian Party and the Japan National Council of Labour Unions inevitable, though regrettable. 1937.12.21 — Because of Privy Council opposition to the plan for the new Welfare Ministry, the Cabinet agrees to a compromise whereby the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will not turn over to the new Ministry its supervision of general insurance. 1937.12.21 — The War Ministry summarizes its new demands for the 1938-39 fiscal year as 80,318,044 yen for replenishment of land forces in Manchuria, 49,189,536 yen for replenishment of air forces in Manchuria, 2,535,983 yen for replenishment of air defence forces in Japan proper, 5,619,375 yen for supplementary improvement of armaments and 2,376,396 yen for miscellaneous purposes. 1937.12.21 — An interim report of the military authorities on the Panay incident says no evidence has been found that the U.S. gunboat was shot at knowingly by Japanese soldiers and reveals that two Japanese soldiers were killed and three wounded by Japanese bombs dropped while they were aiding the wounded foreigners. 1937.12.21 — London reports say the British Ambassador in Tokyo has been instructed to protest against an attack by a Japanese destroyer on a Chinese customs vessel said to have been inside Hongkong waters. 1937.12.21 — State Department officials say the Japanese-American fishing problem is still under study. 1937.12.23 — Lieutenant-Colonel Yoshiaki Nishi, whom the Imperial Headquarters sent to Pukow to investigate the allegation that Japanese troops fired on the Panay, tells foreign correspondents that the evidence he collected indicates that the Panay did not fire at the Japanese and that the Japanese did not fire at the gunboat. 1937.12.23 — U.S. naval units operating off the coast of California are said to be examining all fishing boats, including Japanese, to ascertain their registry. The Nancy Hawks, registered as owned by an American-born Japanese, is seized on suspicion that the real owner is a Japanese subject. 1937.12.23 — The Education Inquiry Commission, charged with working out educational reforms, holds its first plenary meeting. 1937.12.23 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces changes in the regulations controlling imports and exports, effective tomorrow. Hides, crude rubber and cellulose pulp are added to the list of restricted imports, and sheep and goat skins are removed. Cotton rags are taken from the list of restricted exports. 1937.12.23 — The judicial authorities decide not to appeal the decision of the Tokyo District Criminal Court in the Teikoku Rayon scandal trial. 1937.12.23 — Rapid advances are made by the Japanese forces in the direction of Hangchow. 1937.12.23 — The headquarters of the Japanese garrison in Tientsin announce that Shantung leaders will be "impeached" because of the destruction of Japanese property in their province. 1937.12.23 — A peace maintenance commission comes into existence at Nanking, pledged to oppose the National Government and Communism and to co-operate with Japan. 1937.12.23 — News is received of the death of five Japanese settlers in North Manchoukuo on December 20 by a band of Manchurians and Koreans. 1937.12.24 — Japan replies to the U.S. protest on the Panay incident, reiterating profound regret and readiness to pay indemnification and declaring that suitable measures have been taken to deal with those responsible and that the Japanese military authorities are under strict instructions not to infringe on the safety and rights of foreign nationals in China. 1937.12.24 — The naval press section of the Imperial Headquarters issues a report on the Panay incident stating that the commander of the naval air forces operating in the Nanking area had no notification of the Panay's position. 1937.12.24 — The U.S. Navy Department publishes the findings of its Shanghai naval court of inquiry into the Panay incident. 1937.12.24 — The Cabinet formally adopts the Planning Board's plan for economic development of North China through establishment of a special company to control major enterprises. It is said to include provisions for development of the Shanghai area. Creation of a North China Affairs Bureau in the Cabinet is anticipated. 1937.12.24 — The Tungchow massacre, in which 133 Japanese and 111 Koreans lost their lives, is settled with an exchange of notes between the head of the East Hopei Anti-Communist Autonomous Government and the counsellor of the Japanese Embassy in Peking. Payment is made of 400,000 yen of a 1,200,000-yen indemnity. 1937.12.24 — The New People's Society, to co-operate with the provisional régime, is inaugurated in Peking. 1937.12.24 — Hangchow is occupied by Japanese troops. 1937.12.24 — The Japanese military authorities at Shanghai issue a statement declaring "utterly inconceivable" reported looting by Japanese soldiers and mistreatment of the flag of a neutral Power. 1937.12.25 — Secretary of State Hull announces acceptance of the Japanese reply on the Panay incident, says it is earnestly hoped the Japanese steps will prove effective and states that for details of the incident the U.S. will rely on the findings of its naval inquiry board. 1937.12.25 — The Italian Government announces that a special mission will be sent shortly to Tokyo to cement relations. 1937.12.25 — The Manchoukuo State Council approves estimates of 304,353,000 yuan, more by 56,200,000 yuan than in the current year, for the 1938-39 budget. Special accounts call for 1,088,732,138 yuan more. 1937.12.25 — Fifteen leaders from Inner Mongolia, headed by Prince Teh, arrive in Hsinking on a good-will mission. 1937.12.25 — Reports are received of the killing of between 600 and 700 Chinese Communist troops in East Shansi by Japanese forces on December 21. 1937.12.27 — The Emperor opens the 73rd Diet session with a Rescript voicing confidence in "attaining Our ultimate objective by depending on the unswerving loyalty and devotion of Our whole nation." 1937.12.27 — The American Ambassador informs Foreign Minister Hirota of Washington's satisfaction with the reply on the Panay incident and conveys its hope that the Japanese steps will prove effective in preventing further attacks on or interference with American nationals, interests and property in China. 1937.12.27 — Navy Vice-Minister Isoroku Yamamoto issues a statement expressing the navy's satisfaction with settlement of the Panay incident and appreciation of the American attitude. 1937.12.27 — The Japanese naval authorities announce inclusion of Tsingtao in the zone where Chinese maritime traffic will be interrupted. 1937.12.27 — Tsinan, capital of Shantung Province, is occupied by Japanese forces after a three-day campaign across the Yellow River. 1937.12.27 — Vice-Admiral Kiyoshi Hasegawa issues a proclamation at Shanghai warning residents in areas occupied by Japanese forces of drastic punishment for anti-Japanese acts. 1937.12.27 — Chinese business men of Formosa (Taiwan) adopt a resolution supporting the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic. 1937.12.27 — Representatives of Jewish residents in the Far East meet in Harbin and adopt a resolution voicing gratitude to Japan and Manchoukuo for respecting their race and religion and pledging to support the two States. 1937.12.27 — The Planning Board is said to have adopted a five-year program aiming at production of 1,530,000 tons of pulp yearly for making rayon, staple fibre and paper. The ultimate saving in international payments is estimated at 200,000,000 yen yearly. 1937.12.27 — The two Houses of the Diet submit to the Throne replies to the Imperial Rescript opening the session, adopt resolutions of thanks to the forces in China and adjourn until January 20. 1937.12.27 — Diet members are given outlines of the 1938-39 draft budget, balanced at 2,867,796,000 yen. 1937.12.27 — The six members of the Finance Ministry's new advisory body take office: Baron Seinosuke Goh, Mr. Seihin Ikeda, Mr. Eigo Fukai, Mr. Toyotaro Yuki, Mr. Kenkichi Kagami and Mr. Kenji Kodama. 1937.12.27 — An unidentified Chinese throws three hand-grenades at a Japanese military vessel on Soochow Creek in the International Settlement, Shanghai. One soldier is wounded. 1937.12.27 — American opinion is reportedly stirred by news from Shanghai that extra-territoriality will not be recognized if foreigners in China violate Japanese military law. 1937.12.27 — Senator J. Hamilton Lewis suggests that Japan "return" to the U.S. its mandated islands in the North Pacific as a gesture of friendship in connection with the Panay incident, claiming they were "privileged to the U.S." before being mandated. 1937.12.27 — The American Federation of Labour is said likely to exempt raw silk from its boycott of Japanese goods in order to protect the livelihood of American silk workers. 1937.12.27 — The Ford Motor Company of Japan, Limited, creates good will by subscribing to 1,000,000 yen of China incident bonds. 1937.12.27 — The Emperor grants honours to 15,984 soldiers and 124 sailors in the third series of awards in connection with the Manchurian and Shanghai incidents of 1931 and 1932. 1937.12.27 — Foreign Minister Hirota hands to the British Ambassador the reply to the protest on the Ladybird incident. The military authorities issued a statement on the circumstances and voice regret. 1937.12.27 — Prince Tokugawa, as president of the America-Japan Society, cables to Secretary of State Hull a message of gratification over the settlement of the Panay incident. 1937.12.27 — Representatives of 46 organizations present to the American Ambassador a statement of sympathy with regard to the Panay incident. 1937.12.28 — The Finance Ministry issues 300,000,000 yen of China incident bonds, bearing 3½ per cent. interest, maturing on March 1, 1949, and selling at 98.50 yen. All are taken by the Bank of Japan. 1937.12.28 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry promulgates an ordinance restricting the use of platinum from January 1. 1937.12.28 — The Cabinet's Bureau of Statistics announces that living costs in the cities of Japan rose during December, the average index, based on 100 for July, being 103, higher by 1.2 than in November. 1937.12.28 — The Justice Minister is asked to authorize indictment of Mr. Kanju Kato and Mr. Hisao Kuroda, proletarian Diet members arrested in the recent round-up of Communist suspects, on a charge of criminal syndicalism. 1937.12.28 — Lieutenant-General Hisao Tani, commander of the 6th (Kumamoto) Division, is named commander of the Central Air-Defence Headquarters in succession to Lieutenant-General Shigeru Harunuma, who has been given an undisclosed important post. 1937.12.28 — General Matsui tells correspondents that the Chinese must be given time to reconsider but that the military campaign will continue unless they change their attitude. 1937.12.28 — Three Chinese, one of whom is arrested, throw hand-grenades at a Japanese military transport on Soochow Creek, Shanghai, the second such incident in two days. 1937.12.28 — Officials of Woolworth's 5-and-10-cent stores in the U.S. reveal that Japanese goods no longer are being purchased. 1937.12.29 — The Privy Council approves the protocol extending for a year the terms of the old Japanese-Soviet fishery convention, the structure of the new Welfare Ministry and the international treaty on employment of special labourers drafted in 1936. 1937.12.29 — Mr. Yuki, governor of the Bank of Japan, issues a year-end statement predicting general economic prosperity for 1938 and decrying fears of a harmful inflationary boom. International payments are expected to improve. 1937.12.29 — The central standing committee of the National Federation of Farmers' Union decides to abandon the tenant-farmer type of union and join forces with labour. Politically, it will support the Social Mass Party. 1937.12.29 — A private conference is opened in Tokyo by representatives of Japanese and Australian shipping interests with a view to agreement on cargo quotas. 1937.12.29 — Baroness Ishimoto, held as a witness in connection with the Communist round-up of December 15, is released. 1937.12.29 — The Japanese military authorities in Shanghai announce that the Japanese forces had 4,800 casualties, including 800 dead, in the fighting around Nanking from the beginning of the attacks on the main Chinese lines until the occupation of the city. The Chinese left 84,000 dead in the same fighting, and 10,500 prisoners were taken. 1937.12.29 — The British counsellor informs the Foreign Office that the British Embassy cannot accept the version of the attacks on the gunboats Ladybird and Bee published by the army staff of the Imperial Headquarters. 1937.12.29 — Representative Sam D. McReynolds, chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs, says in a radio talk that the Japanese apology on the Panay incident has not ended U.S. concern over the situation in the Far East, where the U.S. has interests in addition to the protection of American lives and property. 1937.12.29 — Secretary of Commerce Roper gives no encouragement to an anti-Japanese boycott, telling the press his duty is to stimulate, not depress, trade with every country. 1937.12.29 — Washington reports say President Roosevelt means to ask Congress for a record peace-time defence appropriation and that the U.S. navy had drafted a tentative plan for starting construction of from 10 to 15 10,000-ton cruisers next year. 1937.12.29 — An official of the Mexican Hunting and Fishing Department states that all activities of Japanese fishing vessels in Mexican waters are perfectly legal. 1937.12.29 — Representatives of 4,000 Chinese residents in Seoul and Chemulpo inform the Korean authorities of their allegiance to the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic. 1937.12.30 — The Foreign Office publishes the text of the British protest of December 16 against the December 12 incidents near Wuhu and that of the Japanese reply, saying that the Japanese authorities in China have renewed their rigid instructions to safeguard foreign lives and property. 1937.12.30 — The Foreign Office publishes the text of the provisional Japanese-Soviet fishery arrangement. Its spokesman issues a statement in which the dilatory attitude of the U.S.S.R. is blamed for the failure to conclude a new convention, for which Japan will continue to press. 1937.12.30 — A supplementary agreement to the Italo-Japanese commercial treaty, extending it to Abyssinia and all other Italian colonies, is signed in Rome. Italy agrees in it to recognize as an exception to the most-favoured-nation treatment clause whatever customs preferences Japan may accord to Manchoukuo. 1937.12.30 — State Department officials intimate that there are good prospects of a Japanese-American fishing accord in the near future, though all the details have not yet been worked out. 1937.12.30 — More Japanese property in Tsingtao is destroyed by Chinese troops. 1937.12.31 — British accepts Japan's assurances with regard to the safety of British lives and property in China, closing the Ladybird incident. 1937.12.31 — Leaders of the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic appeal to the Japanese Government and people for support and sympathy in a statement issued to the press. 1938.01.01 — Premier Konoe and Foreign Minister Hirota stress foreign relations in their New Year messages to the nation. The latter urges Britain to have faith in Japan, notes that disagreeable feelings have been created by the impression that the U.S.S.R. is supplying arms to China, believes Japanese-American relations have improved and asserts that Germany and Italy have won Japan's gratitude by their attitudes towards the trouble in China. 1938.01.01 — An autonomous régime is established in Nanking, and peace maintenance commissions in Hangchow and Tsinan. 1938.01.01 — The Chinese Government announces drastic reorganization designed to strengthen its army for prolongation of the hostilities. 1938.01.01 — General Chen Cheng, known as the "bitterest enemy of Japan," is given charge of political training of the troops. 1938.01.03 — London reports say Britain is likely to start building five more battleships in 1938, making a total of 10 new ones. 1938.01.03 — President Roosevelt attracts world attention by declaring in his annual message to Congress that world peace is safest in the hands of democratic, representative governments. 1938.01.04 — Consul-General Okamoto urges the Shanghai Municipal Council to take more effective steps to prevent anti-Japanese incidents and to employ more Japanese in its police and other services. 1938.01.04 — Wartime emergency measures are enforced in Hongkong, reportedly because of fears that the Sino-Japanese hostilities will spread to South China. 1938.01.04 — Eighteen-inch guns, equalled in few other fortifications, are disclosed to be part of Singapore's defence armaments. 1938.01.04 — Four Chinese warplanes are shot down in the first Japanese attack on Hankow in 1938. 1938.01.04 — Chinese residents in Yokohama formally dissolve their branch of the Kuomintang. 1938.01.04 — Much attention is attracted abroad by cables reporting a retort in the January Kaizo magazine of a conversation between its editor and Admiral Nobumasa Suetsugu just before he became Home Minister. The latter is said to have declared the world peace requires liberation of the coloured races from the white and that an Anglo-Japanese clash cannot be helped if made necessary to halt China's resistance. 1938.01.05 — Consideration is reportedly being given to expansion of the program for sending youths to Manchoukuo as immigrants. A million would be sent to not only Manchoukuo but Mongolia and North China over five years. 1938.01.05 — Opposition is reported in the House of Peers to replacement of the South Manchuria Railway Company by the Nissan interests in developing heavy industries in Manchoukuo and to the plan for State control of electric power. 1938.01.05 — Japan will not make peace with China until the latter has given convincing proof of a change of attitude, the chief secretary of the Cabinet announces after a conference of the Premier and the War, Navy and Foreign Ministers. 1938.01.05 — Marquis Koichi Kido, Education Minister, is selected to serve concurrently as Welfare Minister for the time being. 1938.01.05 — Mr. Shingo Tsuda, president of the Kanegafuchi Spinning Company, contributes an article to the Nichi Nichi in which he advises Britain "to keep its hands off Oriental affairs." 1938.01.05 — Viscount Mushakoji, on his way home from Berlin, reportedly says at Hongkong that Germany is relying on Japan to stabilize the political situation in the Far East. 1938.01.05 — Foreign volunteers in the Chinese forces are said to have numbered 448 at the end of 1937, including 152 Americans, 124 French, 115 Russians and 55 Britons. 1938.01.07 — The Premier instructs the Planning Board to prepare "a general program, or broad basis of policy" on which the Government can base measures to meet circumstances as they arise in connection with the China incident. 1938.01.07 — The Asahi predicts that more than 4,000,000,000 yen will be asked for the military operations in China during the 1938-39 fiscal year. 1938.01.07 — Tax increases to yield 200,000,000 yen in revenue are believed likely, together with continuation of the emergency 100,000,000-yen increase enacted for the current fiscal year. 1938.01.07 — Executives of the Social Mass Party agree to work for strengthening of national unity under the Konoe Cabinet and for perfection of wartime social policies. 1938.01.07 — The Foreign Office spokesman declares Admiral Suetsugu's remarks in the Kaizo in no sense represent the opinion of the Government and charges that they have been misinterpreted, indicating in no way a policy of driving the whites from Asia. 1938.01.07 — The Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic announces it will establish a "Federated Reserve Bank of China" to unify all banking and issue currency. 1938.01.07 — Premier Mussolini announces that Italy will at once build two more 35,000-ton battleships, 12 cruisers of the Explorator type and a "noteworthy increase of submarines." 1938.01.07 — A New York press report claims there is an Anglo-American understanding aimed at preventing Japan from obtaining easily materials for naval construction. 1938.01.07 — State Department officials say a Japanese-American agreement on the Alaskan fishing issue has not yet been reached but that progress is being made. 1938.01.07 — Panama is said to be suspending or cancelling all fishing privileges to foreigners in its territorial waters, which will affect Japanese interests. 1938.01.08 — The Finance Ministry announces that the Empire's imports in 1937 totalled 3,954,682,000 yen, more by 31.1 per cent. than in 1936, and exports 3,318,826,000 yen, more by 18.6 per cent. The adverse balance was 635,818,000 yen, more by 587.7 per cent. than in the previous year. 1938.01.08 — The British consul-general in Shanghai presents to the Japanese consul-general a request for an early report on the Japanese investigation of an incident involving a Japanese soldier on patrol duty and a British policeman of the Shanghai Municipal Council on January 6. The Japanese inquiry is said to show that the British policeman was to blame. 1938.01.08 — The British freighter Marion Moller, off Kikumi, Tokyo Bay, arouses the suspicion of the Yokosuka gendarmerie. 1938.01.09 — A liaison meeting of representatives of the Imperial Headquarters and the Government adopts the decision reached at the four-Minister conference on January 6 to direct the operations in China towards extermination of the Chiang Kai-shek régime. The decision is approved by the full Cabinet and the Cabinet Advisory Council. 1938.01.09 — A National Government spokesman denies Japanese intimations that the Chinese recently showed signs of wanting peace. 1938.01.09 — Three Japanese are assaulted by a Chinese mob in Hongkong. 1938.01.09 — Sir Edward Grigg, Conservative M.P., writes in The Sunday Observer that the British should take a fair attitude towards Japan, whose expansion is based on the same compelling needs that forced Britain to expand in the last century. 1938.01.09 — The British freighter Marion Moller is cleared of suspicion of having deliberately entered the Tokyo Bay fortified zone for espionage but is held for violation of the navigation laws. 1938.01.10 — The Foreign Office spokesman says in a statement that as long as it "persists in its hostile attitude towards Japan, the Japanese Government will continue to pursue its predetermined policy of overthrowing the anti-Japanese régime (in China), which it regards as inimical to the peace and welfare of East Asia." 1938.01.10 — Importance is attached to a meeting of the German Ambassador and Foreign Minister Hirota, the purpose of which is not revealed. 1938.01.10 — Japanese bluejackets occupy Tsingtao. 1938.01.10 — The British Government is said to have instructed its consul-general in Shanghai to advise the Municipal Council to accept some of Japan's demands for increased participation in the administration of the International Settlement but to resist any permanent change in the status of the administration. 1938.01.10 — The South Manchuria Railway Company donates 100,000 yen for relief of Chinese in North China suffering from the recent floods. 1938.01.10 — Four thousand naval recruits for 1938 are enrolled at Yokosuka. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VII No. 1 (June 1938) --- (covers 1938.01.11 to 1938.03.31) 1938.01.11 — An Imperial Conference formally approves Japan's immutable policy towards China. 1938.01.11 — The Cabinet, after hearing Finance Minister Kaya analyse financial and economic conditions, agrees there is no need for worry in connection with protracted warfare against the anti-Japanese régime in China if the Government and the people co-operate fully. 1938.01.11 — War Minister Sugiyama explains to the Cabinet the War Office's legislation for the current Diet session, cancelling the deduction of six months from the normal two-year conscription term hitherto allowed graduates of youth institutes in the infantry and providing longer training for military cadets. 1938.01.11 — The Public Welfare Ministry comes into being. 1938.01.11 — Ambassador Shigenori Togo presents his credentials to the Reichsführer. 1938.01.11 — Egypt's first Minister to Japan, Abd El Wahab Dawood Bey, arrives in Tokyo. 1938.01.11 — Colonel Mazuzo Uemura succeeds Lieutenant-General Gumpei Yamamuro as commander of the Japanese Salvation Army. 1938.01.12 — Governor Yuki of the Bank of Japan, following a meeting of the Finance Ministry's new advisers, states that care must be taken not to prevent a shortage of goods in application of the Finance Ministry's policy of granting permits for exchange remittances on the basis of the prospects of the export trade and international payments. 1938.01.12 — Japan's funded indebtedness at the end of 1937 is announced as 11,982,282,000 yen, more by 1,497,742,000 yen than at the end of 1936. 1938.01.12 — France protests to Tokyo concerning alleged bombing by Japanese planes of a French Catholic mission at Yungning, Kwangsi Province. 1938.01.13 — Secretary-General Matsuzo Nagai of the Olympic Organizing Committee broadcasts to foreign countries an assurance that Japan will be ready for the Olympic Games in 1940. 1938.01.13 — Secretary of State Hull sees no violation of international navigation rights in Japan's request that foreign vessels notify the Japanese authorities of their routes and destinations in China to permit facilitation of navigation through blown-up dams. 1938.01.13 — Announcement is made in Washington that five of the U.S. cruisers being sent to the Sydney sesquicentennial will continue to Singapore for the opening of the new naval base. 1938.01.13 — Senator Lew B. Schwellenbach appeals in a radio speech from Washington for a peaceful settlement of the Japanese-American fishery dispute before overt acts arouse sentiment. 1938.01.14 — The Finance Ministry announces that postal savings deposits have reached 3,704,620,209 yen, the highest since 1928, with the number of depositors 52,992,625. 1938.01.14 — The Finance Ministry announces that Japan's trade last year with Manchoukuo, the Kwantung Leased Territory, China and Hongkong resulted in an export excess of 397,172,000 yen, exports being 840,408,000 yen, compared with 716,160,000 yen in 1936, and imports 443,237,000 yen, compared with 397,535,000 yen in 1936. 1938.01.14 — Mr. Elbert Thomas, chairman of a Senate military sub-committee, declares that investigation has failed to support charges that 25 per cent. of steel and scrap iron are feeding the munitions industries of Japan and other countries. 1938.01.14 — Finance Minister H.H. Kung claims to foreign correspondents there is no truth in reports that China will default on its debt payments. 1938.01.14 — The Brazilian Government announces creation of a commission to draft a new immigration law providing, among other things, stricter restrictions on Japanese immigrants. 1938.01.14 — A group of anti-Japanese terrorists is arrested in Shanghai in a raid in which a foreign police officer is wounded. 1938.01.14 — A formal agreement on through railway service between Japan, Manchoukuo and North China is reached at Peking. 1938.01.15 — Governor-General Jiro Minami of Korea reports to the Throne on plans for voluntary military service for Koreans and reform of Korean education in view of the patriotism shown in the colony since the China outbreak. 1938.01.15 — The War Office announces that it and the Overseas Ministry are arranging a system whereby Koreans, who are not subject to the Conscription Law, may volunteer for service in the infantry on the same basis as Japanese conscripts. 1938.01.15 — Silk cocoon production in 1937 totalled 85,970,945 kwan, worth 419,600,875 yen, less by 2.9 per cent. in quantity but more by 20.7 per cent. in value than the average for the previous five years, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces. 1938.01.15 — Representatives of Japan's 52 dance halls adopt at a Tokyo meeting a plan for self-reform which is presented to the Metropolitan Police Board and the Home Ministry in hope of forestalling the threatened closing of the halls. 1938.01.15 — The new Inner Mongolian régime opens an office in Hsinking to effect closer co-operation with Manchoukuo. 1938.01.15 — The International Federation of Trade Unions and the Socialist International, meeting in Brussels, agree in principle to boycott Japanese goods. 1938.01.15 — Chairman Molotov tells the Supreme Soviet that Japan's non-participation in naval limitation is being considered in the building of a strong Soviet fleet. 1938.01.15 — The Netherlands Indies authorities hold three Japanese fishing boats allegedly operating illegally within territorial waters of the Roese archipelago. 1938.01.16 — The Government issues a statement announcing that Japan will no longer deal with the National Government of China and is looking forward to the establishment of a new Chinese régime with which to co-operate in adjusting relations and building up a new China. Respect for the territorial integrity and administrative sovereignty of China and the rights and interests of other Powers in China remains unchanged. 1938.01.16 — Home Minister Suetsugu warns the nation against undue optimism regarding the hostilities in China and declares that the goal is still distant. 1938.01.16 — Ambassador Kawagoe says at Shanghai he is prepared to withdraw to Japan as soon as so ordered by Tokyo. 1938.01.16 — The Manchoukuo Government issues a statement endorsing Japan's policy towards the Chiang Kai-shek régime. 1938.01.16 — Chinese residents in Kobe and Osaka announce support of the new régime at Peking. 1938.01.16 — The Foreign Office issues a statement listing instances of mistreatment of Japanese consular officials in Siberia and asserting that complaints to the Soviet Government have brought no improvement. 1938.01.16 — A movement develops in favour of Japan's withdrawal from the International Labour Office. 1938.01.17 — The Premier explains the Government's measures for executing the new China policy to 40 leading members of both Diet Houses and appeals for support in carrying them out. 1938.01.17 — Partial control of munitions factories by the army and the navy is effected under the Wartime Munitions Industry Mobilization Law. A joint statement of the two services says that efforts are being made to avoid any undesirable effects. 1938.01.17 — Vice-Governor Juichi Tsushima of the Bank of Japan tells Tokyo bankers that the bank sold 80,000,000 yen of bonds between the first of 1937 and January 14 of this year and that the Government purchased in 1937 gold to the value of 181,000,000 yen. 1938.01.17 — An agreement whereby Tokyo's right to make interest payments in devaluated paper francs is signed in Paris, ending the 10-year dispute between the city and French holders of bonds issued by Tokyo in 1912. 1938.01.17 — A determined front against Japan is urged by Deputy Andrey Zhdanov, chairman of the foreign affairs committee, in addressing the Supreme Soviet. 1938.01.17 — Japanese forces gain control of the entire length of the railway from Tsinan to Tsingtao. 1938.01.17 — The Japanese Cotton Mill Owners' Association in China estimates the damage to Japanese mills at Tsingtao at 127,530,000 yen. 1938.01.18 — Ambassador Kawagoe, interviewed at Shanghai, predicts that Shanghai may be eclipsed by Tientsin and Tsingtao in trade. 1938.01.18 — Chief Secretary Kazami of the Cabinet announces that the assertion in the Government's statement on China policy that Japan "will henceforth cease to deal with" the National Government means more than repudiation of that Government or even a declaration of war, for Japan is irrevocably committed to the view that the National Government does not represent the Chinese State, nation or people and means to continue the operations against it. 1938.01.18 — Premier Konoe, answering questions in a press interview, says all relations with the National Government are being severed and that reconsideration by it in the future must take the form of submission to the new régime rising in China. State control of Japanese economic development of North China seems inevitable, but it must not hamper the spirit of enterprise. The realism of Britain and the U.S.S.R. is likely to make them change their attitude towards General Chiang Kai-shek's régime. On domestic issues, he declares he has no intention of reconstructing the Cabinet or organizing an official political party. 1938.01.18 — Tokyo recalls Ambassador Kawagoe from Shanghai, though the Embassy office there will remain open under a chargé d'affaires. 1938.01.18 — Chinese officials answer Japan's policy statement with a declaration of determination not to accept any peace terms tending to prejudice China's administrative and territorial integrity. 1938.01.18 — Hsinking hears that large bodies of Outer Mongolian forces are moving towards the Inner Mongolian border. 1938.01.18 — The Hongkong Government announces notification from Tokyo that Japan intends to bomb the Hongkong-Canton highway and that the British authorities will not assume responsibility for anything happening in the area. 1938.01.18 — Manchoukuo announces that a Minister will be exchanged with Italy, Mr. Hsu Shao-hsiang, former Mayor of Hsinking, going to Rome and Mr. Luigi Cortese, consul-general in Mukden, opening a Legation in Hsinking. 1938.01.18 — Viscount Kintomo Mushakoji, former Ambassador to Berlin, is appointed president of the Board of Peerage and Heraldry. 1938.01.18 — The Cabinet hears an explanation of the four-year plan for replenishment of national strength drafted by the Planning Board and agrees that some revision is needed. 1938.01.18 — The Emergency Capital Readjustment Commission revises its policy, deciding not to permit capital increases for companies whose productive capacity has reached the saturation point. During the three months ending December 31, the commission approved 993 applications for increased capital aggregating 1,788,973,000 yen. 1938.01.18 — Monsignor Vladimir Ghika, Far Eastern missionary, attracts attention in Paris by predicting that Japan is likely to recognize Catholicism as its third official religion. He is regarded in Tokyo as referring to the projected religions bill, regulating all religions in three categories, Shinto, Buddhism and Christianity. 1938.01.18 — Anglo-Dutch co-operation in the Far East to meet any menace to their interests is advocated at a meeting of the Royal Empire Society in London by Colonial Secretary William Ormsby-Gore, Count von Limburg Stirum, Netherlands Minister to London, and Sir Cecil Clementi, former Governor of the Straits Settlements and High Commissioner for Malaya. 1938.01.18 — U.S. Attorney Benjamin Harrison, returning to Los Angeles from consultations in Washington, announces that the Government will campaign to remove all alien-owned fishing boats from the Pacific Coast. 1938.01.19 — The Foreign Office issues a statement explaining that the German Ambassador in December informed the Government that China was desirous of discussing peace and that Germany was ready to use its good offices to arrange direct negotiations. Conditions were submitted, but China failed to respond with sincerity, obliging Japan to discontinue further dealings with it. 1938.01.19 — The German Government issues a statement announcing abandonment of efforts for mediation in the Sino-Japanese hostilities. 1938.01.19 — Agreement is reported on management of all railways in North China by a new company under the control of a national policy corporation. 1938.01.19 — The Cabinet formally decides to submit to the Diet the bills concerning State control of the electric power industry. 1938.01.19 — The Minseito tax-adjustment committee decides on a policy calling for increased taxation to meet interest payments on new bond issues, care not to let tax changes impair industrial development and manipulation of taxes to assist foreign trade. 1938.01.19 — Japan's raw silk exports in 1937 amounted to 476,361 bales, less by 3.7 per cent. than in 1936, worth 408,275,723 yen, more by 2.8 per cent. than in 1936, according to the Japan Central Raw Silk Association. The U.S. took 79.8 per cent. of the total. 1938.01.19 — The All-Japan Federation of Labour decides to demonstrate on February 11, Empire Day, instead of the usual May 1. 1938.01.19 — The authorities concerned of Japan proper, Korea (Chosen), Formosa (Taiwan), the South Sea Islands, the Kwantung Leased Territory and Saghalien confer in Tokyo on air defences. 1938.01.19 — Britain, the U.S. and France are said to have been exchanging views on abandonment of the 35,000-ton limit on battleships because of Japan's rumoured construction of 45,000-ton ships. 1938.01.19 — Representative Hamilton Fish, Jr., advocates acceptance of Japan's demand for naval parity in assailing the U.S. Navy's construction program in the House of Representatives. 1938.01.19 — Consul-General Torao Wakamatsu ridicules at Melbourne the allegation that Japan has designs on Australia and pleads for Anglo-Japanese understanding. 1938.01.19 — The Philippines Government is said to be taking steps to determine the legality of large Japanese landholdings in Davao. 1938.01.19 — Chairman V. M. Molotov tells the Supreme Soviet that a stronger attitude will be taken towards Japan regarding border questions. 1938.01.20 — Prefectural governors, assembled in Tokyo, are instructed by the Premier and Home Minister to make the people more conscious of the national situation and more determined to cope with it. 1938.01.20 — A Seiyukai rally hears Mr. Toshio Shimada, one of the party's four executives, pledge support to the Government in execution of its China policy. 1938.01.20 — President Kenzo Adachi, addressing a Kokumin Domei rally, advocates measures to block third Powers' assistance to China. 1938.01.20 — Ambassador Hsu Shih-ying, leaving Tokyo for China, issues a statement regretting the conditions of Sino-Japanese relations. 1938.01.20 — The Cabinet approves the Planning Board's program for increasing in four years the production of pulp for rayon and staple fibre to 1,650,000 tons, including 300,000 tons from Manchoukuo, compared with 850,000 tons last year. 1938.01.20 — Slight changes in the income-tax rates, some higher, including those on all incomes of less than 10,000 yen, and some lower, are provided for in a bill submitted to the Diet by the Finance Ministry. 1938.01.20 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces that the official maximum and minimum selling prices of raw silk for the silk year beginning June 1 will remain unchanged at 910 and 725 yen and that it will purchase 15,000 bales of raw silk between February and June to replace holdings sold abroad in exploiting new markets. 1938.01.20 — The Rayon Association announces that Japan exported during 1937 481,098,153 square yards of rayon textiles, less by 42,843,779 yards than in 1936, worth 114,819,666 yen, more by 3,607,346 yen. Rayon yarn exports totalled 36,415,800 pounds, more by 12,078,700 pounds than in the previous year. 1938.01.20 — The Navy Ministry declares "entirely ungrounded" the rumours that Japan is building 45,000-ton battleships. 1938.01.20 — Mr. William Green, American Federation of Labour president, and Sir Walter Citrine, general secretary of the British Trade Union Congress, reportedly discuss the possibility of a five-Power defensive alliance in concert with the proposed international boycott of Japanese goods. Britain's National Council of Labour decides to urge Prime Minister Chamberlain to enforce economic measures to halt the Sino-Japanese hostilities. 1938.01.20 — A plot is revealed at Seattle to blow up the Nippon Yusen Kaisha passenger liner Hiye Maru. 1938.01.20 — The New York Journal of Commerce claims American bankers have refused to extend credit to Japan because of the risks involved. 1938.01.20 — The first Japanese to hold the post since 1917 is appointed Tsingtao customs commissioner. 1938.01.20 — The War Office announces that it received during 1937 public contributions totalling 27,722,670 yen. 1938.01.21 — The Central League for National Spiritual Mobilisation adopts a manifesto urging the people not to relax in their determination to co-operate with the Government in bringing the China hostilities to a successful conclusion. 1938.01.21 — A general policy for the projected nationalisation of employment offices is adopted by a special committee set up by the Government. 1938.01.21 — The Welfare Ministry announces that 60.4 per cent. of the 54,654 graduates of universities, colleges and technical schools found employment during 1937, compared with 50 per cent. in 1936 and 40 per cent. in 1935. 1938.01.21 — The Tohokai's Diet members adopt a resolution demanding elimination of British influence behind the National Government and of all anti-Japanese and pro-Soviet elements in China, adjustment of the war burden to assure impartiality and better relief for war victims and their families. 1938.01.21 — The Foreign Office spokesman states that Chinese representatives and their property in Japan will be fully protected even though Japan has ceased to deal with their Government. 1938.01.21 — The Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic announces lower customs duties on daily necessities and materials for reconstruction and on major exports. 1938.01.21 — Poland bans the film of the Panay incident because of friendship towards Japan. 1938.01.21 — Pope Pius XI receives in audience Rear-Admiral Shinjiro Yamamoto, Catholic "popular envoy," and inquires about conditions in Japan. 1938.01.22 — The 73rd Diet session is resumed with ministerial addresses. Foreign Minister Hirota reveals the basic peace conditions conveyed to China in December, asserts that Japan is prepared to leave the door wide open to all Powers and welcome their cultural and economic co-operation in China, notes with "the gravest concern" the spread of communist influence in China, considers the attitude of the U.S. "fair and just," hopes the British Government and people will comprehend correctly Japan's position, rejoices at the growing closeness of relations with Germany and Italy and states that efforts to remove barriers to Japanese trade are being continued. 1938.01.22 — Premier Konoe says in his Diet address that Japan looks forward to the emergence of a new régime in China that will co-operate. He expects settlement of the hostilities to take a long time. 1938.01.22 — The War and Navy Ministers outline operations in China and warn that a full settlement of the incident is still distant. 1938.01.22 — The Finance Minister presents the 1938-39 ordinary budget of 2,867,000,000 yen to the Lower House and asserts that Japan's economic strength is such that there need be no fear no matter how long the hostilities in China last. 1938.01.22 — The Premier assures a Lower House questioner that Japan "will absolutely not negotiate with the National Government for peace." The decision to cease dealings with the National Government does not mean, he says, that Japan will not declare war against it, if necessary. 1938.01.22 — The Governor-General of Formosa (Taiwan) urges Formosans to unite in co-operating with the authorities to achieve the objectives in the China incident. 1938.01.22 — The State Department reveals that a protest has been made in Tokyo against alleged violations of American property at Nanking by Japanese troops. 1938.01.22 — President Quezon discloses a plan for national development of iron deposits in Surigao Province, for which Japanese offers have been declined. 1938.01.22 — Japanese fishermen in Panama are said to have approached the Costa Rican Government for concessions enabling them to move their base of operations to Costa Rica when alien fishing is banned by Panama on February 1. 1938.01.22 — Japan retained its leadership in cotton cloth exports during 1937 with 2,661,712,000 square yards valued at 578,887,000 yen, the Cotton Textile Industry Guild Federation announces, more by 28.5 per cent. than Britain's yardage. 1938.01.22 — The Finance Minister voices assurance in the Diet that Japan's economic resources are adequate to withstand expenditure of 20,000,000,000 or even 30,000,000,000 yen on the hostilities. He states that short-term national bonds are being considered. 1938.01.22 — The Premier indicates in the Lower House that he will not shelve the plan for State control of the electric power industry merely to avoid friction. 1938.01.22 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announces Japan's actual rice crop in 1937 as 66,319,730 koku, less by 1.5 per cent. than the 1936 crop but more by 7.7 per cent. than the average for the previous five years. 1938.01.22 — The Cabinet approves a supplementary budget of 53,000,000 yen for the military relief enterprises of the Welfare Ministry. 1938.01.22 — The Finance Minister tells the Diet that tax adjustments will have to be postponed until the effects of the China incident are clearer. 1938.01.22 — The Foreign Minister, replying to a Lower House interpellation, states that the four peace terms submitted to General Chiang Kai-shek may be offered to the new régime in China. 1938.01.22 — The Foreign Office spokesman says Japan has taken steps to prevent recurrence of alleged violations of American property at Nanking by Japanese troops and ordered an inquiry. 1938.01.22 — The new Soviet Ambassador to China reportedly issues a press statement at Hankow saying the U.S.S.R. is fully prepared to support China in maintaining independence. 1938.01.22 — Viscount Cecil of Chelwood voices hope that British public opinion has become strong enough to convince the Government that it must do something to halt Japan's activities in the Far East. 1938.01.22 — Senator George W. Norris endorses the U.S. boycott of Japanese silk. 1938.01.22 — The Foreign Office announces the opening of a consulate-general in Wellington, New Zealand. 1938.01.22 — Home Minister Suetsugu regrets in the Upper House that his remarks in the January issue of the Kaizo magazine caused misunderstanding abroad, which he blames on distortion of what he really said. 1938.01.22 — The Education Ministry instructs schools to see that students' uniforms henceforth contain at least 50 per cent. of staple fibre. 1938.01.22 — The Japanese commission of the International Chamber of Commerce decides to withdraw its invitation to the international body to hold its 10th convention in Tokyo next year and to invite the 11th convention in 1941. The national situation is given as the reason. 1938.01.22 — The Manchurian Development Committee, Mukden, makes arrangements for 150,000 young Japanese immigrants. 1938.01.23 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells the Upper House that Japan is trying to induce the Powers not to sell war supplies to the Chiang Kai-shek régime. Britain has notified Japan that only a small part of the supplies passing through Hongkong is of British origin. 1938.01.23 — The Foreign Vice-Minister explains to the French Ambassador that Japanese naval forces visited the port of Yulinkan, Hainan, on January 19 because it was used as a rendezvous for Chinese junks. 1938.01.23 — The bills for State management of the electric power industry are presented in the Lower House. In response to criticism, the Communications Minister and other Ministers indicate determination to push them through the Diet. 1938.01.23 — The chairmen of the political inquiry committees of the Minseito and the Seiyukai urge the Foreign Minister to take drastic steps against the Soviet pressure on Japanese interests in North Saghalien. 1938.01.23 — The Japanese military authorities in Shanghai announce the arrest of an important group of anti-Japanese terrorists in the International Settlement. 1938.01.23 — The American Federation of Labour rejects the proposal of an economic alliance against Japan supported by labour groups in Britain, France, the U.S.S.R. and other countries. 1938.01.23 — Leaders of organized British labour urge Prime Minister Chamberlain to initiate concerted action by the Powers to halt the Sino-Japanese hostilities. 1938.01.23 — Mr. Winston Churchill, writing in the Evening Standard, London, declares Britain will give moral and material aid to the U.S. if the latter becomes involved in the Far Eastern conflict and urges that the U.S. intervene to "safeguard its security and liberty." 1938.01.26 — The Navy Minister tells the Lower House budget committee that the navy has no cause for worry about armaments and is watching closely the expansion programs of other Powers. 1938.01.26 — The Premier gives assurance in the Diet that "equality and reciprocity" will govern the proposed economic bloc embracing Japan, Manchoukuo and China and that Japan does not "aim to prevent at the expense of China." 1938.01.26 — The Foreign Minister voices hope in the Diet that companies will be formed in North China and the Yangtze area to develop traffic, communications, electric power, mining and other essential enterprises, over which the Japanese Government will exercise control if they involve the welfare of both the Japanese and Chinese publics. 1938.01.26 — The Finance Minister says in the Diet that the currency of the new régime in China will be stabilized at the same value as the yen. He considers foreign investments necessary in North China to meet the requirements of rapid expansion of production. 1938.01.26 — The Minister of Commerce and Industry tells the Diet that efforts will be made to promote exports through barter and exchange liquidation agreements, possibly first with Germany and the U.S. 1938.01.26 — The Finance Ministry issues 300,000,000 yen of 3½ per cent. China incident bonds, of which the deposits bureau of the Finance Ministry takes 50,000,000 yen and the Bank of Japan the rest. 1938.01.26 — Vice-Governor Tsushima estimates that the Bank of Japan will purchase 240,000,000 yen of newly mined gold during 1938. 1938.01.26 — Representatives of farmers' guilds in the Kwanto and Tohoku districts agree to work for support of the Social Mass Party by all farming organizations. 1938.01.26 — Two seamen from the British freighter Severe Leigh are fined 200 yen each in Nagoya on a charge of wilful destruction of property while intoxicated. Their tearing down of a Japanese flag is not regarded as having been deliberate. 1938.01.26 — The captain of the British freighter Marion Moller is fined 1,500 yen for having entered the Tokyo Bay fortified zone in violation of regulations. 1938.01.26 — The freighter Koiye Maru is given police protection at New York when the owners receive a letter threatening her destruction. 1938.01.27 — The Lower House passes supplementary budget No. 5 for the current fiscal year, providing an additional 53,200,000 yen for military relief. 1938.01.27 — The Navy Minister says in the Diet that the navy will adopt an expansion program if other Powers enlarge their fleets on a large scale. 1938.01.27 — The War Minister denies in the Diet any intention of lowering the conscription age from 20 to 18. 1938.01.27 — The president of the Manchurian Affairs Bureau assures the Diet that care will be taken to prevent foreign investments in Manchoukuo that would hamper Japanese policies. Charges that the new Manchurian Industrial Development Corporation is an undesirable private monopoly are denied. 1938.01.27 — Korea's special import taxes will be abolished between this year and 1940, the Diet is told. 1938.01.27 — The Japanese army authorities at Shanghai announce regret at the beating of Mr. John M. Allison, American consul in Nanking, by a Japanese soldier and declare that every effort will be made to prevent further incidents. 1938.01.27 — The U.S. State Department publishes the text of its protest to Tokyo on January 17 against "disregard of American rights by Japanese troops in Nanking and other Chinese cities." 1938.01.27 — A spokesman for the Japanese military authorities at Shanghai issues a statement declaring that rigorous steps will be taken against Japanese who try to take advantage of the situation in China for ulterior purposes. 1938.01.27 — The Peking régime issues a statement urging the people of China to cease supporting the National Government. 1938.01.27 — Hsinking issues a statement on the detention of a Soviet aeroplane and its crew after a forced landing on December 18 near Hengtaohotzu, eastern Manchoukuo. The emergency nature of the landing is doubtful. Since last year, says the statement, Soviet airmen have crossed the frontier 38 times. 1938.01.27 — Moscow announces that parcel-post service between Japan and the U.S.S.R. will be suspended in retaliation for Manchoukuo's detention of a Soviet aeroplane. 1938.01.27 — Moscow reports that the Japanese-Soviet arrangement for exchanging six military officers attached to the Embassies of the two countries is being ended early in February. 1938.01.27 — Ambassador Kawagoe says at Shanghai that Japan's problem now is not to adjust relations with China but to establish entirely new relations. 1938.01.27 — The Korean Volunteer Patriots' Union announces dissolution, its aim having been achieved with the inauguration of the system whereby Koreans may volunteer for army service. 1938.01.27 — The Japanese-Australian private shipping conference is resumed formally in Tokyo. 1938.01.27 — A special guard is provided at San Francisco for the Japanese liner Taiyo Maru, though officials refuse to confirm or deny reports of a plot against her. 1938.01.27 — Dr. Ignatius W. Cox, ethics professor of Fordham University, denounces agitation in favour of an economic boycott against so-called aggressor nations in addressing the Catholic Conference in New York. 1938.01.28 — The Finance Ministry decides on emergency tax increases to yield 300,000,000 yen yearly. The exemption level for the individual income tax is to be lowered from 1,200 yen to 1,000 yen. 1938.01.28 — The Upper House passes the 53,200,000-yen supplementary budget for military relief during the balance of the current fiscal year. 1938.01.28 — The Finance and Commerce and Industry Ministers are pressed in the Diet to indicate whether imports for expanding productivity and replenishing defences will be greater this year than last but decline to say more than that they may be greater. 1938.01.28 — The Premier says in the Diet that the time is ripe for renovation measures and the Government is prepared to face the possibility of friction arising from them. 1938.01.28 — Government leaders agree in the Upper House that an increase in population should be encouraged. 1938.01.28 — The War Minister admits in the Diet that "a good number of corps" will have to be sent to China and stationed there for a long period. 1938.01.28 — The War Office announces that army conscripts on duty in China may be demobilised in China at the end of their conscription service if they desire to remain there and have prospects of employment. 1938.01.28 — The sixth anniversary of the start of the 1932 fighting is marked in Shanghai by a series of bombing incidents directed against Japanese. 1938.01.28 — The American Ambassador presents at the Foreign Office a protest against the Allison incident in Nanking. 1938.01.28 — Ambassador Saito conveys to Secretary of State Hull Japan's gratitude for the protection given the liner Hiye Maru at Seattle on exposure of the plot to blow her up. 1938.01.28 — Representative Fred L. Crawford tries to convince the House of Representatives that Japan "is conquering the backyard of the Philippines," Davao, by peaceful infiltration. He urges laws to prohibit Japanese from holding real estate. 1938.01.28 — U.S. manufacturers appeal to a Senate committee for protection against cheap hats from Japan. 1938.01.28 — Sir Cecil Clementi, former Governor of the Straits Settlements and Hongkong, opposes British intervention in the Far East in the Daily Sketch, London. 1938.01.28 — Foreign Secretary Eden and Foreign Minister Delbos reportedly induce Dr. Wellington Koo not to demand strong collective action against Japan in the League Council by proposing a resolution calling on League members to consider aid for China on an individual basis. 1938.01.28 — French stevedores at Marseilles refuse to load cargo on the Japanese steamship Hakusan Maru. 1938.01.28 — Dock workers at Middlesborough, England, decide to boycott all cargoes destined for Japan, regardless of the nationality of the carrying vessel. 1938.01.29 — The Foreign Minister says in the Diet that the Government aims to restore relations with the U.S.S.R. to normal. It will proceed stubbornly with the negotiations in defence of Japanese rights in North Saghalien. 1938.01.29 — London reports claim the U.S.S.R. has told Britain it would like to sign a pact of mutual assistance against Japan and Germany, which Britain has refused. 1938.01.29 — Geneva reports say Britain, France and the Soviet have agreed to extend economic aid to China with or without the League's approval. 1938.01.29 — Japan intends to reach understandings with Powers holding territories in the South Seas in connection with its so-called southward policy, the Foreign Minister tells a Diet questioner. 1938.01.29 — Vice-President Kentaro Arai of the Privy Council dies of a heart attack. 1938.01.30 — Japan will make huge purchases of industrial machinery and road-building and communications equipment in the U.S. for reconstruction of China when peace is restored, Baron Okura tells the New York Times. 1938.01.30 — A formal agreement is signed in Peking for merging the East Hopei régime with the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic. 1938.01.30 — General Terauchi, commander of the Japanese forces in North China, donates 10,000 yen to the Peking authorities for municipal relief work. 1938.01.31 — The Foreign Office spokesman announces that the American Ambassador expressed satisfaction last evening on receiving Japan's expression of regret over the Allison incident and promise to deal with those responsible. The matter is considered closed. 1938.01.31 — The U.S. is said to have informed Japan that it is satisfied with the terms on which the latter is willing to negotiate an understanding on fishing in Alaskan waters. 1938.01.31 — The Premier says in the Diet that the Government is studying plans to remodel the industrial structure in a manner that will minimize private profit and reorganize the distribution of wealth to promote public welfare. The War Minister agrees that an economic system based on private profit is a hindrance to national security. 1938.01.31 — The Communications Minister tells the Lower House committee studying the bill for State control of the electric power industry that power rates will be reduced by 10 per cent. in one year and by 30 per cent. in 10 years. 1938.01.31 — The Monopoly Bureau raises tobacco prices by an average of 30 per cent. 1938.01.31 — Mr. Yoshimichi Hara, member of the council, is nominated to succeed the late Mr. Kentaro Arai as Vice-President of the Privy Council. 1938.01.31 — Ambassador Kawagoe returns to Tokyo from China. 1938.01.31 — The delegates of France, Britain, the U.S.S.R. and China agree on a resolution to be submitted to the League Council that "trusts that League members will extend individual assistance to China." 1938.01.31 — The Maritime Workers' Federation of Australia notifies the Government that its members will not move war materials destined for Japan. Prime Minister Lyons warns that attempts by groups to enforce their own policies will harm the nation's foreign relations. 1938.02.01 — The Foreign Minister says in the Diet that Japan will not necessarily recognize rights and interests granted to foreigners by the Chiang Kai-shek régime in return for aid in resisting Japan. 1938.02.01 — The new régime in China may be asked to bear the cost of stationing Japanese soldiers in China, the Foreign Minister states in the Diet. The régime will be negotiated with on the basis of the four peace principles submitted to the National Government. 1938.02.01 — The War Minister says in the Diet that the object of stationing garrisons in China after the incident would be to guarantee enforcement of an agreement with the new régime. Conclusion of a pact on defence is possible. 1938.02.01 — The Japanese army authorities in Shanghai announce that seven Chinese charged with anti-Japanese terrorism were executed on January 28. 1938.02.01 — Reichsführer Hitler tells Mr. Seigo Nakano, "popular envoy," that desire for enduring peace and prosperity is the basis of Germany's policy towards the Sino-Japanese conflict. 1938.02.01 — Foreign Secretary Eden reveals in the Commons that representations have been made to Japan regarding modification of the tariff schedule in North China and censorship of the North-China Daily News, Shanghai. 1938.02.01 — Admiral Leahy admits to the House naval affairs committee that the U.S. navy has been unable to learn details of Japan's naval construction. 1938.02.01 — Senator William E. Borah deplores in the Senate the creation of suspicion that there is an Anglo-American alliance against Japan. 1938.02.01 — The Canadian Parliament receives bills designed to terminate the agreement whereby 350 Japanese are allowed to enter British Columbia yearly and to prohibit shipments of war materials. 1938.02.01 — Mr. Bunji Suzuki, Social Mass member of the Diet and labour leader, returns from three months in the U.S. as a "popular envoy" to win the sympathy of American labour for Japan's case in the dispute with China. 1938.02.01 — The police arrest 16 alleged Communists, mostly university professors, linked with those arrested on December 13. 1938.02.01 — The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry decides to urge the Government to reconsider taxes on smaller business enterprises. 1938.02.02 — The Foreign Minister says in the Diet that the Government intends to obtain indemnities from the new régime in China and hints that they need not be in cash. Japan will keep a close watch on the Chinese Maritime Customs rather than take them over entirely. North China enterprises other than those relating to railways, communications, electric power and salt will be permitted freedom. 1938.02.02 — Germany had intended to recognize Manchoukuo, the Foreign Minister tells the Diet, but has not acted because of "domestic considerations and relations with China." 1938.02.02 — The Premier says in the Diet that extension of voting rights to Korea (Chosen) is premature. 1938.02.02 — The Navy Minister states in the Diet that the navy has no idea of pressing for an independent Air Ministry to which it would transfer its air forces. 1938.02.02 — Growing opposition to the Government's bill for general mobilization of the nation in wartime is reflected in the Lower House. 1938.02.02 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry approves an agreement between Japan and the Netherlands Indies, effective until the end of 1938, providing quotas and permits for Japanese exports to the Netherlands Indies and setting the status of Netherlands Indian traders in Japan. 1938.02.02 — The League Council, with Poland and Peru abstaining, adopts a resolution recommending that League members extend individual aid to China in resisting Japan. 1938.02.02 — Foreign Minister Hirota's assertion that the hostilities in China in reality constitute a war revives agitation in Congress for application of the Neutrality Act. 1938.02.02 — The chairman of the U.S. House committee on merchant marine and fisheries urges members of his committee to avoid belligerent utterances against Japan in connection with the Alaskan fishery issue. 1938.02.02 — An air service opens between Fukuoka and Peking by way of Tsingtao. 1938.02.03 — The Foreign Minister tells a Diet committee that the four peace conditions offered to General Chiang Kai-shek will not be altered in negotiations with the new régime in China, though their details may undergo changes in accordance with the attitude of the Chinese. 1938.02.03 — The War Minister reveals in the Diet that approximately 20,000 Japanese soldiers have been killed in China since the hostilities started. 1938.02.03 — Japanese troops gain complete control of the Shantung Peninsula by occupying Chefoo. 1938.02.03 — The naval authorities announce that 268 Chinese warplanes have been shot down since the hostilities started and 365 destroyed on the ground. The Japanese naval forces have lost 65 planes. 1938.02.03 — The Navy Office spokesman intimates that the blockade of the China coast is resulting in stricter examination of ships but states that foreign vessels are being released as soon as their nationality is determined. 1938.02.03 — Rear-Admiral Noda, spokesman of the Navy Office, tells foreign correspondents that Japan has been exchanging naval information with no country. Japanese naval plans are not published, but the world should trust them as being based on non-menace and non-aggression. He sees no reason for Britain and the U.S. to expand naval armaments and asserts that their construction is an incentive to other nations to do likewise. 1938.02.03 — The Foreign Minister asserts in the Diet that friendship with Britain will be maintained and that there is no evidence that the British Government has deliberately sought to weaken Japan in the China conflict. 1938.02.03 — Labour Secretary Brown says in the Commons that the refusal of British dock workers to load materials for Japan is a matter for the interests concerned to handle. 1938.02.03 — President Manuel Quezon urges the people in the Philippines to refrain from all public manifestations favouring either side in the Sino-Japanese dispute, pointing out that the Philippines are friendly with both. 1938.02.03 — The Tohokai goes on record as supporting the projected bill on general mobilisation of the nation, which the War Minister tells a Lower House committee is needed badly. 1938.02.03 — The Foreign Minister says in the Diet that it would be a mistake to think Germany's friendship with Japan is less than Italy's because it has not yet recognized Manchoukuo. Both Germany and Italy are controlling shipments of war supplies to China, and German supplies being delivered are thought to come through third countries. 1938.02.03 — The Government asks the political parties to agree to informal private talks on delicate diplomatic topics instead of open discussion on the floor of the Diet, which is thought to have harmful effects. 1938.02.03 — Rome officials deny a report that the Supreme Defence Council has considered economic and military assistance for Japan. 1938.02.03 — Ambassador Yoshida attracts attention by meeting with Foreign Secretary Eden to explain Japan's stand on various issues connected with China. 1938.02.03 — Mr. Sultan Bose, leader of the Indian National Congress, asserts in London that Indian soldiers will not fight for Britain against Japan. 1938.02.03 — Marseilles longshoremen refuse to load a British freighter with aluminium for Shanghai and Japanese ports, claiming it is war material. 1938.02.03 — Senator Homer T. Bone warns Secretary of State Hull that Alaskan fishermen may resort to force unless the Government halts Japanese operations in Alaskan waters. 1938.02.03 — The State Department announces that the U.S. 17th Infantry Regiment will withdraw from Tientsin next month, leaving only 127 marines in North China, divided between Tientsin and Peking. 1938.02.03 — Two Japanese are detained in Singapore on a new spy scare. 1938.02.03 — A liaison conference of representatives of the Imperial Headquarters and the Government considers further arrangements regarding the China incident in the light of recommendations voiced in the Diet. 1938.02.03 — The new Mongolian régime is said to be offering 29,700,000 acres along the Yellow River to Japanese settlers to check Communism and improve the productivity of the land. 1938.02.03 — The Welfare Minister asserts in the Diet that indiscriminate birth control must be prohibited as a menace to national expansion. 1938.02.05 — Announcement is made that Britain, the U.S. and France have asked Japan to give assurances by February 20 that it is not building battleships of more than 35,000 tons. 1938.02.05 — The Navy Minister reiterates in the Diet that the Japanese navy will take whatever steps may be required after watching the construction developments of other nations. He is optimistic about the strength of the navy's air forces and fuel supply. 1938.02.05 — The Foreign Minister says in the Diet that it is most important for Japan to promote friendly relations with the U.S., which he thinks eventually will be brought to understand Japan's policy. 1938.02.05 — A meeting of the American League for Peace and Democracy, claiming 600,000 members, adopts in New York a resolution favouring an anti-Japanese boycott. 1938.02.05 — Japan and China are not at war from the standpoint of international law, the Foreign Minister states in the Diet. 1938.02.05 — Regulations are issued by the Japanese military forces in Tsingtao to prevent obstructions to military operations. 1938.02.05 — Warsaw reports say arrangements have been completed for the establishment of a Polish consulate in Harbin. 1938.02.06 — Dr. Herbert von Dirksen leaves for Berlin after three years in Tokyo as German Ambassador. 1938.02.07 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement again denying that Japan is planning to construct 45,000-ton battleships and saying the Japanese public has gained an impression that a naval armament race already has been started by the principal naval Powers. 1938.02.07 — The Foreign Secretary tells the Commons that Japan has been asked to reveal the nature of its naval construction plans because of persistent reports that it is constructing or intends to construct capital ships and stresses non-conformity with the qualitative limitations decided on by the other Powers. 1938.02.07 — The Meirinkai, rightist organization, adopts a resolution opposing disclosure of any naval plans to a foreign Power. 1938.02.07 — Asked in the Commons whether it would not be advisable to limit shipments of war supplies to China to avoid offending Japan, the Foreign Secretary calls attention to the resolution on aid to China adopted by the League Council. United Kingdom exports of war materials to China between June 1, 1937, and January 31, 1938, are estimated at £158,000. 1938.02.07 — The Foreign Minister says in the Diet that means must be found to assure full reparations for the losses Japan has suffered at the hands of China, though they need not necessarily be material reparations. All enterprises in North China, he says, are to be undertaken in the spirit of co-existence and co-prosperity. 1938.02.07 — Parliamentary Foreign Vice-Minister Tadao Matsumoto gives to a Lower House sub-committee an estimate that China has spent 700,000,000 yuan of its 1,200,000,000 yuan of silver specie held abroad and believes it faces increasing financial difficulties. 1938.02.07 — About 200 Mohammedans, claiming to represent 50,000,000 of their faith in China, form a national federation in Peking to work for Sino-Japanese co-operation and opposition to Communism. 1938.02.08 — The War Minister says in the Diet that the army's six-year expansion program will be extended and gives assurance that nothing will be left undone in perfecting national defence, without which peace cannot be maintained. 1938.02.08 — The War Office decides to admit 2,800 applicants to the Military Academy in December, compared with 900 last year and 220 few years ago, and 600 applicants to the Military Preparatory School, compared with 450 last year. 1938.02.08 — Signs that General Chiang Kai-shek's régime is collapsing are seen in persistent reports of disturbances in Canton and Chengtu. 1938.02.08 — General Chiang Kai-shek tells a British correspondent in Hankow that the occidental Powers will lose their interests in the Far East if they do not restrain Japan. 1938.02.08 — The Finance Minister declares in the Diet that Japan "must welcome foreign investments and make every use of foreign capital." He is confident that foreign holders of bonds of Japanese power companies will not oppose State management of the industry. 1938.02.08 — The Japan Economic Federation adopts a resolution opposing State control of electric power and presents it to Government leaders and Diet members. The main objection is that the projected control "fundamentally runs against the idea of ownership." 1938.02.08 — Mr. Hachisaburo Hirao, president of the Japan Iron Company, leaves Peking after conferring on development of resources. He is believed willing to become supreme economic adviser to the Japanese army in North China. 1938.02.08 — The director of the Home Office's police affairs bureau says in the Diet that it is hoped to appoint officials to work against Communism with similar officials of Germany and Italy. 1938.02.08 — The political parties, despite dissatisfaction with some aspects of it, decide to approve the 1938-39 budget without amendment. 1938.02.08 — The Privy Council approves the new Japanese-Siamese treaty of commerce and navigation. 1938.02.08 — President Matsuoka of the S.M.R. voices doubt to the press over the prospects of the proposed North China Development Company, predicting that at least four or five years will be lost in exploiting North China economically. He recommends freedom for entrepreneurs. 1938.02.11 — The Welfare Ministry announces that the Emperor has donated 200,000 yen to 793 social welfare institutions in connection with Empire Day. 1938.02.11 — The Diet adopts felicitations to the Throne on tomorrow's 50th anniversary of the Constitution. 1938.02.11 — The Lower House budget committee approves without amendment the 2,860,000,000-yen budget for the next fiscal year after the Premier promises to consider increased grants for adjustment of local finances. 1938.02.11 — The 1,500-ton destroyer Natsugumo is launched at Sasebo. 1938.02.11 — A letter written in 1910 by President Theodore Roosevelt to President William Howard Taft, warning that the U.S. should not interfere with Japan's plans in Asia unless prepared to go to war, is read in Congress in the hearings on the plan for naval expansion. 1938.02.11 — A series of terroristic bombings occurs in the Shanghai International Settlement. 1938.02.11 — The nation celebrates the 2,598th anniversary of the founding of the Empire and the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution. 1938.02.11 — An Imperial amnesty is granted restoring civil rights to about 300,000 persons and reducing prison terms for about 3,200. 1938.02.11 — Japanese troops in Honan and Hopei end the long lull along the Yellow River and advance on the Lung-Hai Railway. 1938.02.11 — The Federated Reserve Bank of China is inaugurated in Peking. 1938.02.11 — The chairman of the U.S. House naval affairs committee proposes naval expansion to provide for maintenance of a fleet adequate to defend simultaneously the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and all U.S. insular possessions. 1938.02.11 — The Moscow Pravda assails reports of Soviet war preparations in the Far East and charges a campaign to instigate war between Japan and the U.S.S.R. 1938.02.11 — Sports officials of Britain and its Dominions meeting in Sydney, Australia, express opposition to holding the 1940 Olympic Games in Tokyo if the Sino-Japanese hostilities still are going on. 1938.02.12 — The Lower House approves the 2,800,000,000-yen ordinary budget for the next fiscal year and sends it to the Upper House. 1938.02.12 — Japan replies to Britain, the U.S. and France that it cannot comply with their request for information about its naval construction program but is ready to discuss fair qualitative limitation of naval armaments with them. 1938.02.12 — Japan answers the U.S. note of January 17 concerning infringement of U.S. interests by Japanese forces at Nanking, Hangchow and other places. It states that measures have been taken to prevent further incidents. 1938.02.12 — The U.S. Ambassador in Tokyo receives a check for 16,242.36 yen collected by 218 organizations as an expression of Japanese sympathy for victims of the Panay incident. 1938.02.12 — Secretary of State Hull comments that Japan's naval note "encourages rather than discourages an armaments race." 1938.02.12 — The International Peace Campaign Conference opens in London to discuss a boycott against Japan and aid for China. 1938.02.12 — Southampton stevedores refuse to unload 17 bales of Japanese cotton goods from New York. 1938.02.12 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry promulgates an ordinance instituting a licence system for all textile manufacturing enterprises designed to limit expansion and restore idle spindles to use. 1938.02.12 — The ban is lifted on news of the arrests in 1934 and 1937 of more than 500 Communists in Manchoukuo, of whom 83 have been sentenced to death. 1938.02.13 — Senator George H. Tinkham warns in Washington that Japan and the U.S. are daily being brought closer to war in accordance with British plans. 1938.02.13 — The Rev. Peter Tatsuo Doi is consecrated Archbishop of Tokyo, the first Japanese Catholic to hold the office. 1938.02.14 — The Premier says in the Diet that need is recognized for enlightening the Chinese masses on Japan's aims, and the Foreign Minister says that revival of Confucianism is regarded as important to replace the Western thought that has alienated China from Japan. 1938.02.14 — The Finance Minister states in the Diet that deficit finances may continue after the China incident and hints at possible tax increases. He says a lower exchange level for the yen would not help the balance of international payments and might cause economic disturbances at home. 1938.02.14 — Mr. Hachisaburo Hirao, back in Tokyo from inspecting North China, declares that the most urgent problem in the area is to provide food for the people. 1938.02.14 — Domei reports that the Japanese at Tsingtao have found conclusive evidence that British arms shipments were being received there in large quantities before the Japanese occupation. 1938.02.14 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against the crossing of its eastern border near Suifenho of 10 O.G.P.U. police, who were driven back. 1938.02.15 — The Lower House adopts the bill creating a system of national health insurance. 1938.02.15 — Fifty million yen of small-denomination patriotic bonds go on sale at post offices throughout Japan. 1938.02.15 — The Finance Ministry's deposits bureau and 16 Japanese banks and trust companies are said to have agreed to accept 50,000,000 yen of Manchoukuo Government bonds to provide funds for the final payment to the U.S.S.R. for the Chinese Eastern Railway. They also will loan 100,000,000 yen for Manchoukuo's investment in the Manchuria Industrial Development Corporation. 1938.02.15 — Two crew members of the French liner President Doumer are fined at Shimonoseki for photographing in the Kammon Straits fortified zone. 1938.02.15 — The House of Lords is told by Lord Plymouth that the integrity of the Shanghai Maritime Customs is being maintained and that the British, French and American authorities at Shanghai have agreed to oppose Japanese attempts to interfere with the functions of or to alter the Shanghai Municipal Council. 1938.02.15 — The labour bureau of the Welfare Ministry announces that labour disputes decreased greatly in the latter half of 1937 because of the China incident. There were 2,306 disputes involving 212,621 persons during the year, of which 1,451 disputes involving 171,500 persons were in the first half. 1938.02.15 — Tokyo Imperial University's law and economic departments are assailed by Major Baron Iwakuzu Ida in the Upper House as un-Japanese because of the liberal views of faculty members. He points out that the ordinance governing the university compels it to nurture the national spirit. 1938.02.15 — Twenty thousand Mohammedans in North Manchuria are said to be desirous of organizing to curb Communism. 1938.02.15 — A Japanese woodcutter missing near the Saghalien border is learned to have been arrested by Soviets on February 7 as a spy. 1938.02.15 — Washington reports say Japan and the U.S. have reached an agreement on the question of Japanese fishing in Alaskan waters. 1938.02.15 — Lieutenant-Commander Reginald Fletcher, speaking in the Commons, charges that some news services in the Far East are being used to damage British interests there and asks that something be done about it. 1938.02.15 — The British National Council of Labour appeals to members to take part in the campaign for a boycott against Japanese goods. 1938.02.17 — The Finance Minister submits to the Throne for sanction before presenting it to the Diet a 4,850,000,000-yen supplementary budget for the China incident, bringing the total outlay to date for that purpose to 7,390,000,000 yen and increasing authorized bond issues in the 1938-39 fiscal year to about 5,760,000,000 yen. 1938.02.17 — The Finance Minister dismisses fears voiced in the Lower House that the 306,000,000-yen tax increases to help pay the China incident costs will menace the livelihood of the masses and hamper expansion of industry and foreign trade. 1938.02.17 — Members of a group called the Anti-Communist Defence Corps invade the headquarters of the Seiyukai and the Minseito and threaten to remain until party leaders agree to reforms, including formation of a single national party. All are placed under arrest. 1938.02.17 — The Premier recognizes in the Diet the need for a central organ to deal with the China incident. 1938.02.17 — The Japanese military authorities in China are said to be willing to co-operate with foreign organizations working for the welfare of Chinese refugees but only if they maintain close contact with them. 1938.02.17 — The Foreign Office reveals that Moscow has answered Japan's second protest against the compulsory migration of Koreans from the Maritime Province, Siberia, to Central Asia, presented on January 17, with an assertion that the U.S.S.R. is neither China nor Manchoukuo. 1938.02.17 — The Canadian Prime Minister blocks discussion in Parliament of a bill demanding total exclusion of Japanese immigrants into Canada. 1938.02.17 — Premier Mussolini, in bidding farewell to the Fascist good-will mission to Japan, says he believes there can be no conflicting interests between Italy and Japan, with whom close relations have been established without regard for any unfavourable consequences for Italy. 1938.02.14 — The army section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that because the military operations have entered a new phase part of the army units sent to China will be replaced and adjusted. 1938.02.14 — The Cabinet approves the final draft of the disputed national general mobilization bill to present to the Diet. 1938.02.14 — The Finance Minister reiterates in the Diet that the Government desires the people to economise less and save more money to help national finances. 1938.02.14 — The Minseito and the Seiyukai decide to make a political issue of the attempt of the Anti-Communist Defence Corps to occupy their headquarters, arguing that the police should have prevented it. 1938.02.14 — A survey conducted by the American Institute of Public Opinion indicates that about two-thirds of the American people oppose arms shipments from the U.S. to China. 1938.02.19 — The army section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that engagements since February 11 along the Peking-Hankow Railway, in Central Shansi and in South Shantung have resulted in the death of 56 Japanese and the wounding of 412. Since the hostilities started, Japanese troops have occupied approximately 290,700 square miles of Chinese territory. 1938.02.19 — An uproar develops in the Lower House because of dissatisfaction over the Home Minister's explanation of the Anti-Communist Defence Corps' attempt to occupy the Seiyukai and Minseito headquarters. 1938.02.19 — The Cabinet promulgates an ordinance creating the Cabinet Planning Council, combining the Central Economic Council and the Resources Council of the Cabinet Resources Bureau. 1938.02.19 — The Premier promises in the Diet that reforms in the Cabinet system will be undertaken before long. 1938.02.19 — A Tokyo mass meeting adopts a resolution of friendship with the U.S. 1938.02.19 — The U.S. State Department is said to be investigating reports that Japan is negotiating with Mexico for iron concessions. 1938.02.19 — The Soviet ship Kaguzstroy arouses suspicion by entering the Tsugaru Straits fortified zone during a blizzard. The captain refuses to take her into Hakodate for examination. 1938.02.19 — An agreement providing new quotas for Japanese canned salmon and porcelain allowed to enter France is signed in Paris. 1938.02.19 — Chancellor Hitler announces German recognition of Manchoukuo in the Reichstag and declares that Germany regards Japan as the defender of civilization from Bolshevism in the Far East. Only the U.S.S.R., he says, would profit from a Japanese defeat in China. 1938.02.19 — The Seiyukai files a suit against the members of the Anti-Communist Defence Corps for trying to occupy its headquarters, thereby compelling a judicial investigation. 1938.02.21 — The Upper House approves the bill revising the Conscription Law, completing action on the first of the 52 bills the Government has submitted so far. 1938.02.21 — Communications Minister Nagai tells the Lower House committee studying the bill on State management of electric power that restriction of property rights is inevitable if necessary for public welfare. 1938.02.21 — Mr. Hachisaburo Hirao, chairman of the Japan Iron Manufacturing Company and former Education Minister, agrees to serve as economic adviser to the Japanese army in North China. 1938.02.21 — The Great Japan Movement, sponsored by prominent nationalists to clarify the national spirit and promote the Imperial Way, is inaugurated in Tokyo. 1938.02.21 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement voicing gratification at Germany's recognition of Manchoukuo. 1938.02.21 — Sir John Simon tells the Commons that a representation has been made in Tokyo regarding alleged importation of Japanese goods at Shanghai without payment of duties. 1938.02.21 — The Indian National Congress adopts a resolution appealing to all Indians to boycott Japanese goods. 1938.02.21 — A telephone cable between Osaka and Mukden, 1,166 miles long and laid at a cost of 10,000,000 yen, is placed in use. 1938.02.22 — The Foreign Minister admits in the Diet that the Peking régime must control more territory before it can be recognized as the central government of China. 1938.02.22 — Talk is heard of creating an East Asia Ministry or a China Affairs Bureau attached to the Cabinet. 1938.02.22 — Protection of Japan's rights and interests in North Saghalien is demanded in the Diet by Baron Michitomo Iwakura. 1938.02.22 — The Finance Minister tells the Lower House that further tax increases are not intended before the next regular Diet session. 1938.02.22 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry adopts a policy of making imports of raw wool dependent on exports of woollen textiles, effective March 1. 1938.02.23 — The army section of the Military Headquarters announces that General Shunroku Hata, Inspector-General of Military Education, has been made supreme commander of the Japanese forces in Central China, succeeding General Iwane Matsui, who has been ordered home. 1938.02.23 — The Japanese military headquarters at Shanghai issue a communique saying that the hostilities have entered the second stage and that various changes accordingly have been made. 1938.02.23 — Chinese warplanes drop bombs on fields outside Taihoku, Formosa, in the first air raid in history on Japanese territory. 1938.02.23 — An Imperial ordinance is issued granting permission for Koreans and for Japanese who are not obligated to enter active service or are on the reserve list to enlist in the army. 1938.02.23 — The Federation of Autonomous Governments of the Mongol Provinces pledges firm support of the Far Eastern front against the Comintern in a meeting of its leaders in Kalgan. 1938.02.23 — The German Embassy office in Shanghai issues a statement saying that German recognition of Manchoukuo should not be interpreted as an act hostile to China and has no connection with the Sino-Japanese conflict, in which Germany remains neutral. 1938.02.23 — The Finance Minister says in the Diet that the Government will not fix compulsory quotas for the purchase by banks, insurance companies and other investing institutions of national bonds. It will try to have currency circulate in a manner that will induce them to subscribe of their own volition. 1938.02.23 — The House of Commons receives a bill amending the Merchandise Marks Act to facilitate distinguishing Japanese wares from other foreign products entering Britain. 1938.02.24 — Minseito and Seiyukai spokesmen open the attack in the Lower House on the bill for general mobilisation of the nation in time of war, voicing fear that it would tend to alter the Constitution. 1938.02.24 — The Foreign Minister says in the Diet that, the issues of third Powers must be considered when Japan decides on how much indemnity to ask of China. 1938.02.24 — Britain's new Ambassador to China, Sir Archibald Kerr Clark Kerr, denies on arrival in Shanghai that he has any plan for settling the hostilities. 1938.02.24 — China protests to Germany against its recognition of Manchoukuo. 1938.02.24 — Hsinking reports that there were more than 170 incidents last year on the frontiers between Manchoukuo and the U.S.S.R. and Outer Mongolia. 1938.02.24 — Hsinking announces that during anti-bandit campaigning in 1937 the Japanese army had 289 dead and 471 wounded and the Manchoukuo army, 298 dead and 282 wounded. Bandit forces, now reduced in number to fewer than 10,000, had 11,881 killed. 1938.02.24 — Agreement is reached on evaluation at 108,370,000 yen of shares of five South Manchuria Railway Company subsidiaries for transfer to the Manchuria Industrial Development Corporation. 1938.02.27 — General Matsui is welcomed on his return to Tokyo from China. 1938.02.27 — The Cabinet formally approves the 4,850,000,000-yen supplementary budget for the China incident and supplementary estimates for the current fiscal year totalling 21,804,000 yen in the general accounts and 97,856,000 yen in the special accounts. 1938.02.27 — Colonel Angel Ayoroa, Bolivia's first Minister to Japan in nearly 20 years, arrives in Tokyo to re-open his country's Legation. He hopes to adjust trade relations by inducing Japan to buy more from Bolivia. 1938.02.27 — The South Manchuria Railway decides on revision of fares that will reduce revenue by 12,000,000 yen yearly. 1938.02.27 — Manchoukuo promulgates its National General Mobilization Law. 1938.02.27 — Lingshih, objective of the Japanese operations in South Shansi, is captured. 1938.02.27 — Japanese naval planes destroy 37 Chinese planes in a raid on Nanchang, Kiangsi Province. 1938.02.27 — Secretary of State Hull notes with satisfaction the improved position of Americans in the occupied areas in China as a result of stricter control by Japanese military commanders. 1938.02.26 — Minseito and Seiyukai members complain to the Home Minister against what seems to be a movement to restrain free speech in the Diet. 1938.02.26 — The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry announces that farm debts have been reduced by 224,496,000 yen during the last five years and the adjustment of 2,500,000,000 yen of such debts was enforced in 1932. 1938.02.26 — The British Ambassador presents a note to the Foreign Office in which Britain is said to reiterate its intention to demand full compensation for damages done to British lives and property in China as a result of Japan's military operations. 1938.02.27 — Japan is reported to have imported 32,900,000 bales of raw rubber during 1937, less by 475,000 bales yet to take. Japanese cotton and rayon textile sales to Australia last year were 7,628,000 square yards less than Australia had agreed to purchase. 1938.02.27 — The Korean Garrison announces that Soviet troops violated the Manchoukuo frontier across the Tumen River from the Korean community of Keiko on February 25, 26 and 27. Though most of them have withdrawn to Soviet territory, vigilance is being maintained. 1938.02.27 — Mr. Juichi Kitaoka, Japanese delegate, tells the International Labour Office's committee on emigration problems that Japanese male good settlers and the world needs elimination of barriers to migration and movement of capital and goods. 1938.02.27 — The Federated Reserve Bank of China postpones its opening for business, scheduled for tomorrow, in order to perfect preparations. 1938.03.01 — Replying to an interpellator in the Lower House committee on the General National Mobilisation Bill, Foreign Minister Koki Hirota declares that, although the political forms of foreign States have undergone many alterations, Japan's faith in the Imperial Constitution will always remain unshaken whatever changes may occur in social conditions or the international situation, and that every Japanese must act according to its provisions. 1938.03.01 — The War Office announces the creation of 27 new lieutenant-generals and 34 major-generals in the semi-annual personnel changes. The personnel of the army is said to have been strengthened to cope with the prolonged hostilities. 1938.03.01 — The Japanese military authorities at Peking announce that the troops operating in Shansi Province have reached the Yellow River at a point west of Taiyuan. 1938.03.01 — An enquiry at Hongkong disproves a press report that a Japanese warship had fired on a passenger plane of Imperial Airways between Bangkok and Hongkong. 1938.03.01 — The Lower House adopts a resolution requesting the Government to compel the resignation of judicial officials responsible for the Teikoku Rayon trial. 1938.03.01 — Manchoukuo celebrates the sixth anniversary of its founding. 1938.03.02 — Premier Konoe, returning to the Diet after an illness, creates a favourable impression by his attitude in the Diet. 1938.03.02 — The Upper House approves Diet action on the bill creating a system of national health insurance. 1938.03.02 — Vice-President Kunimichi Hara of the Planning Board says in the Diet that foreign capital can be invited for industrial development on the Continent without danger of foreign control or leakage of military secrets. 1938.03.02 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is said to have decided not to allow Japanese fishing vessels to investigate salmon fishing in Alaskan waters this year, its desire being to avoid American misunderstanding. 1938.03.02 — The Bank of Japan estimates that private business enterprises will need about 5,000,000,000 yen during 1938. 1938.03.03 — Two unidentified men beat with a cane Mr. Isoo Abe, head of the Social Mass Party. 1938.03.03 — In response to an urgent interpellation in the Lower House on the Abe incident, the Premier promises to redouble the measures to protect Diet members. 1938.03.03 — The Lower House committee examining the mobilisation bill is in an uproar when Lieutenant-Colonel Masaaki Sato tells a member to shut up when heckled. He retracts the words, but the committee is not satisfied. 1938.03.03 — The Seiyukai drafts amendments to the electric power bill. 1938.03.03 — The British National Co-operative Authority decides to urge members of all British co-operatives to cease buying Japanese goods while the hostilities last in China. 1938.03.03 — U.S. silk consumption in February is reported as 50,286 bales, the lowest since 1925. 1938.03.03 — Mr. Juzo Kitaoka tells the International Labour Office's emigration committee that Japan is ready to send any number of settlers to any country welcoming them. He believes they are capable of developing land in South America. 1938.03.03 — The Navy Office spokesman denies to foreign correspondents Chinese reports of the sinking of two Japanese naval vessels near Wuhu and of important destruction in the air raid on Formosa. He voices concern over reports of foreign aviators participating in Chinese attacks. 1938.03.03 — Hongkong reports say the Chinese are claiming to have arranged a $160,000,000 loan from an American banking syndicate, but nothing is known about it in New York. 1938.03.04 — The Premier voices conviction that no Government ever will defy the Constitution and parliamentary government but recognizes the existence of fear that the proposed mobilisation law would deepen political unrest, which he would dissipate through thorough discussion of the measure. 1938.03.04 — The Home Minister denies in the Diet rumours that the Home Office was associated with the Anti-Comintern Defence Corps in its attempt to occupy the Minseito and Seiyukai headquarters. 1938.03.04 — The Foreign Minister refuses in the Diet to be alarmed over reports of American expansion of Pacific defences and declares there will be no conflict if Japan and the U.S. understand each other. 1938.03.04 — The Niitaka Maru arrives at Seishin from Vladivostok after brief detention by the Soviets for examination on suspicion of "having violated Soviet territorial waters." 1938.03.04 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is said to be permitting the importation of 900,000 piculs of raw cotton monthly, beginning April 1, because of the serious shrinkage of cotton cloth exports, part of which is blamed on strict control of cotton imports. 1938.03.05 — The Premier asserts in the Diet that Japan's rôle in the anti-Comintern front should not be considered an obstacle to continued efforts to improve relations with the Democratic Powers. 1938.03.05 — Should the national emergency grow more serious, the Premier says in the Diet, Japan might have to cancel the 1940 International Exposition. 1938.03.05 — The police arrest three men for the attack on Mr. Abe, Social Mass leader, on March 3. 1938.03.05 — Hsinking military authorities foresee increased Soviet army activities along the Manchoukuo border designed to hamper replacements of Japanese troops in China. 1938.03.05 — Hsinking decides to protest to the U.S.S.R. against oppression of members of its consular staff in China. 1938.03.05 — Japan is accused of helping the Trotzkyite conspiracy against the Soviet Government in the Moscow treason trial. 1938.03.05 — Financed jointly by Japan and the Federation of Autonomous Governments of the Mongol Provinces, an electric communications company is formed in Kalgan. 1938.03.05 — A London report says British capital is planning a railway between Burma and Yunnan Province, China, which would be of importance to the Chinese in obtaining war supplies. 1938.03.05 — Japanese efforts to obtain credit in Australia for wool are said to have failed. 1938.03.06 — The Home Minister is said to be determined to resist what he considers to be obstructionist tactics on the part of the political parties in discussing important bills in the Diet. 1938.03.06 — Representatives of farmers' organizations meet in Tokyo to establish a new patriotic agrarian society. 1938.03.06 — Mongol forces co-operating with the Japanese in North Shansi are reported to be making progress against the Chinese. 1938.03.06 — Japanese engineers complete a survey of flood-prevention requirements in the Yellow River valley. 1938.03.06 — Plans are reported in Peking for extensive development by Japanese interests of the Changlu salt beds, on the Hopei coast east of Tientsin, with production of 2,000,000 tons yearly aimed. 1938.03.06 — The U.S. formally claims Enderbury and Canton Islands, in the mid-Pacific, valuable for air bases. 1938.03.06 — Mr. Frederick J. Libby, former secretary of the National Council for the Prevention of War, urges in Philadelphia that President Roosevelt's good-neighbour policy be extended to Japan. 1938.03.07 — The Upper House completes Diet action on the 1938-39 budget of 2,867,000,000 yen. 1938.03.07 — The Lower House adopts the bill on State control of electric power with amendments which the Government opposes. 1938.03.07 — The per capita taxation in the 1938-39 fiscal year is estimated by the Finance Ministry at 28.76 yen, compared with 22.58 yen in the current fiscal year and 17.69 yen in the 1936-37 fiscal year. It will be divided into 13.27 yen of direct and 13.29 yen of indirect taxation. 1938.03.07 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces that ration cards for gasoline and heavy oil will be issued from May 1. 1938.03.07 — The Foreign Minister denies in the Diet that reports of British mediation in the Sino-Japanese conflict have any basis and reiterates that there are no methods because of Japan's decision not to deal with the Chiang Kai-shek régime. 1938.03.07 — An unconfirmed London report claims that informal naval talks are in progress between Tokyo and London. 1938.03.07 — The Foreign Minister reiterates in the Diet Japan's desire to abolish capital ships and aircraft carriers. 1938.03.07 — The Italian Ambassador assures Foreign Minister Hirota that the Anglo-Italian negotiations will not touch on Far Eastern issues. 1938.03.07 — The House of Commons is told that a protest has been made to Japan against the refusal of the Chefoo telegraphic office to accept code telegrams. 1938.03.07 — The Foreign Minister states in the Diet that retaliation may be necessary unless the Soviets cease to oppress Japanese nationals. 1938.03.07 — The War Minister says in the Diet that Japan should not be held to the Olympic Games unless the China incident is settled before 1940. 1938.03.07 — Representative Nicolas Rafols announces he will introduce a bill in the Philippine Assembly appropriating 20,000,000 pesos for the purchase of land in the islands held by Japanese. 1938.03.08 — The Lower House approves the 4,850,000,000-yen supplementary budget for the China incident, other supplementary estimates and the bill on adjustment of farmland. The last is amended by it despite the Government's opposition. 1938.03.08 — The Imperial Headquarters, announcing the success of the army's operations in South Shansi, reveals that about 500 Japanese soldiers have been killed since the campaign in the area began on February 13. The Chinese casualties are estimated at more than 70,000. 1938.03.08 — Leading Japanese banks agree to provide 100,000,000 yen of credit for the Federal Reserve Bank of China. 1938.03.08 — Mr. Masayuki Tani, diplomat of ministerial rank whom the Foreign Office has sent to Shanghai, asserts in an interview that foreign interests will not be excluded from post-incident China and emphasizes that Japan can only benefit from co-operation with foreign capital. 1938.03.08 — The Olympic Organizing Committee reiterates determination to hold the 1940 Olympic Games in Tokyo, discounting the Diet statements of State Ministers that have been interpreted as indicating their possible cancellation. 1938.03.08 — Talk is heard of Government plans for a trading company capitalized at about 50,000,000 yen to advance foreign trade. 1938.03.09 — The Premier admits in the Diet that political parties are indispensable under constitutional government but sidesteps comment on his rumoured interest in the formation of a new party. 1938.03.09 — The Finance Minister says in the Diet that the Government would like to see individuals and companies earning more because of the China incident invest their gains in national bonds. 1938.03.09 — The trial opens of Mr. Fusanosuke Kuhara, Seiyukai leader and former Communications Minister, charged with harbouring a participant in the February 26 (1936) incident. He admits having sheltered the man but denies having known of his part in the incident. 1938.03.09 — The Bank of Japan estimates the average index number of Tokyo wholesale prices in February at 149.3, based on 100 for 1914, higher by 1.6 per cent. than in January and by 8.2 per cent. than in February, 1937. 1938.03.10 — Opposition of the Foreign Office delays Cabinet action on a plan drafted by the Legislative Bureau for a council of Ministers to determine policies towards China and a bureau under the Premier to execute them. 1938.03.10 — Japanese troops cross the Yellow River into Shensi Province. 1938.03.10 — General Hata, giving his first interview in Shanghai, declares that General Matsui's return to Tokyo has made no difference in the Central China military operations and that the army is ready to launch the second stage of its campaigns at any time. 1938.03.10 — Arriving in Peking to assume his duties as economic adviser to the Japanese army, Mr. Hachisaburo Hirao says that economic enterprises cannot be rushed and that railway services must be restored first of all, followed by relief for destitute farmers. 1938.03.10 — The Minister of Commerce and Industry says in the Diet that the decline of Japanese exports has been caused partly by the hesitation of foreign importers to enter into commitments. 1938.03.10 — Democratic Party leaders, surveying opinion on the Administration's Far Eastern policy, find that voters in six Midwest states are opposed to withdrawal of all American troops and civilians from the China war zone. 1938.03.10 — The Home Minister tells Diet members that 30,000,000 yen will be added to the subsidies for adjustment of local finances, making the total 150,000,000 yen. 1938.03.11 — The Premier asserts in the Diet that the principles of the nation are embodied in the Constitution and that observance of the Constitution heightens awareness of the principles. 1938.03.11 — The Premier reiterates in the Diet that the mobilization law will not be applied in its entirety in the China incident and is intended for future wars. 1938.03.11 — The political parties promise the Government to speed deliberations on the mobilization bill, the delay in which has been giving concern. 1938.03.11 — The Foreign Minister voices in the Diet the opinion that General Chiang Kai-shek no longer is a free agent, being restricted by the Communists. 1938.03.11 — The Japanese military authorities at Shanghai strengthen the February 9 decree on control of Chinese property in the occupied areas with a decision to punish severely all who attempt to tamper with such property, including non-Japanese. 1938.03.11 — Difficulty is created in North China when foreign banks decline to accept the currency for the new Federal Reserve Bank of China. 1938.03.11 — The Asama Maru, grounded near Hongkong since September 2, is refloated. 1938.03.12 — The Upper House completes Diet action on the 4,850,000,000-yen supplementary budget for the China incident and five other supplementary budget bills. 1938.03.12 — The Home Minister asserts in the Diet that the Government has no intention of dictating what the people must think. 1938.03.12 — The Foreign Minister says in the Diet he is confident that responsible quarters in Britain are not engaged in anti-Japanese propaganda. 1938.03.12 — Formal invitations to participate in the 1940 Japan International Exposition are sent to 60 foreign nations through the Foreign Office. 1938.03.12 — Mr. James Sakamoto, president of the Japanese-American Citizens' League, declares in Seattle that young Americans of Japanese ancestry do not desire and will not permit Japanese influence over them. 1938.03.14 — The Cabinet formally approves the bills for the Diet on establishment of the North China and Central China development companies, the former of which is to be capitalized at 350,000,000 yen and the latter at 100,000,000 yen, with the Government supplying half of the money. 1938.03.14 — The Finance Ministry decides to increase the limit of the Bank of Japan's fiduciary note issues based on Government notes and bonds from 1,000,000,000 to 1,700,000,000 yen. Together with the issues based on the gold reserve, the bank will be able to circulate 2,500,000,000 yen of notes without paying a tax to the Government. 1938.03.14 — The Justice Ministry decides to ask 35,000 yen to set up a commission to inquire into possible reforms in the judicial system. 1938.03.14 — A general agreement on the Shanghai customs administration is reported after the British Ambassador confers with Foreign Vice-Minister Horinouchi. 1938.03.14 — The Japanese consulate-general explains the recent arrest by Japanese gendarmes of three Chinese staff members of the American mission hospital at Wuhu because of suspected anti-Japanese actions. 1938.03.14 — Foreign banks in North China are said to be accepting notes of the Federal Reserve Bank of China. 1938.03.14 — The Japanese army resumes its drive along the Tientsin-Pukow Railway in South Shantung. 1938.03.14 — A Soviet airman is taken prisoner when his aeroplane is shot down near Wuhu. 1938.03.14 — Mr. Yoshisuke Aikawa, president of the Manchuria Industrial Development Corporation, says in Hsinking he will leave shortly for the U.S. to enlist capital. 1938.03.14 — The U.S. Fleet leaves San Pedro for six weeks of war games from the Aleutian Islands to south of Hawaii on the largest scale ever attempted. 1938.03.15 — The Cabinet agrees on establishment of a provisional bureau under the Premier to supervise the new development companies for North and Central China. Action on more elaborate machinery relating to China affairs is postponed. 1938.03.15 — The Overseas Ministry obtains the Finance Ministry's approval for an appropriation of 2,470,000 yen to begin on April 1 the sending of 3,100,000 youths to Manchoukuo during the next 20 years. 1938.03.15 — Communications Minister Nagai says in the Diet that the Government will establish 28 airfields in the next three years and train 500 aviators and mechanics yearly. 1938.03.15 — A National Government spokesman announces at Shanghai that foreign exchange transactions at Shanghai have been suspended to combat Japanese attempts to disrupt China's currency structure. 1938.03.15 — In debate in the Philippine Assembly on the question of postponing independence, Assemblyman Miguel Cuenco denounces talk of the Japanese peril. 1938.03.16 — The House of Representatives passes and sends to the Upper House the general mobilization bill with a resolution attached expressing the wishes of the parties regarding its enforcement. 1938.03.16 — The International Olympic Committee formally reaffirms Japan's right to hold the 1940 Olympic Games. 1938.03.16 — U.S. imports of Japanese goods during January totalled $11,491,240, less by about 35 per cent. than in the same month of 1937, Washington statistics reveal. The recession in U.S. business is held more responsible than the anti-Japanese boycott. 1938.03.16 — The Saturday Evening Post prints an article on Mr. W.H. Donald, General Chiang Kai-shek's Australian adviser, in which is quoted a letter from him to Mr. Harold B. Ellison, of the Christian Science Monitor, dated July 13, predicting a Chinese endeavour to start war with Japan. 1938.03.17 — Japanese troops launch a new offensive in the neighbourhood of Tungchow, 50 miles up the Yangtze from Shanghai. Foreign shipping is warned to keep out of the affected area. 1938.03.17 — Secretary of State Hull tells the National Press Club, meeting in Washington, that the U.S. is collaborating with other nations with regard to the Sino-Japanese situation, though not in an involving manner, and assails the proposal that the U.S. retire from the Far East. 1938.03.17 — The Fascist good-will mission sent by Premier Mussolini is welcomed at Nagasaki. 1938.03.17 — The Navy Ministry announces that the Korean Coal Industry Company has succeeded in commercial production of oil from coal by a direct process developed by the navy. 1938.03.17 — Hsinking urges the U.S.S.R. to pay 3,600,000 yen stipulated in the contract for sale of the Chinese Eastern Railway for various commitments. Intimation is given that unless the amount is paid the final payment by Manchoukuo for the railway will be held up. 1938.03.17 — The Manchurian Affairs Bureau approves the 1938-39 budget of the South Manchuria Railway Company, which lists revenue at 516,275,000 yen and expenditure at 361,613,000 yen. 1938.03.18 — Party members in the Lower House amend the tax increase bills in a manner reducing revenue by about 10,000,000 yen. 1938.03.18 — Manchoukuo imposes a "regulation fee" on transactions of cotton dealers and spinners to offset any advantage gained because of the higher price of cotton yarn. 1938.03.19 — The Lower House approves 12 bills increasing taxes, the yield of which is estimated at more than 300,000,000 yen. 1938.03.19 — The Italian Fascist mission arrives in Tokyo. 1938.03.19 — The 8,500-ton cruiser Chikuma is launched at Nagasaki. 1938.03.19 — A new five-year plan for production of iron and steel, embracing Japan, Manchoukuo and North China, is said to increase steel production by 1940 to 11,000,000 tons yearly. 1938.03.20 — The Shanghai Municipal Council formally promises to increase the number of Japanese in its police force and improve their treatment. 1938.03.20 — The Japanese authorities at Shanghai restrict river navigation between Shanghai and various points, making permits compulsory. 1938.03.20 — Two American oil men and one British suspend business in Tientsin, presumably because of reluctance to accept the currency of the Federal Reserve Bank of China. 1938.03.21 — A strong movement for drastic reform of the structure and personnel of the diplomatic service is reported among a section of Foreign Office officials. 1938.03.21 — The House of Commons is told that the Shanghai situation with regard to access by British nationals to property in Japanese-occupied areas has improved considerably. 1938.03.21 — Boston police release two Japanese who were detained for taking photographs. 1938.03.22 — The Emperor receives in audience the Italian goodwill mission. 1938.03.22 — The Premier says in the Diet that it is difficult to predict how far the Japanese forces will go in China, but that they will not withdraw an inch from the areas already occupied. In these areas, economic exploitation is intended. 1938.03.22 — The Communications Minister tells the Diet that Japan will open air routes to Nanking via Shanghai and to Peiping via Tsingtao. A third international service is planned, but it cannot be revealed. 1938.03.22 — Washington announces that a bill for $2,214,007 has been presented to Japan to compensate for the Panay incident. 1938.03.22 — Secretary of State Hull says that announcement of a final Japanese-American agreement on the Alaskan fishery issue depends on Japan. 1938.03.22 — Japanese banks agree to maintain a common yen-dollar exchange rate based on the yen-sterling rate. 1938.03.22 — Lieutenant T. A. Peacocke, British officer from Singapore who has been missing in Japan since early February, is believed to have met death while skiing in Naguno Prefecture. 1938.03.22 — The Finance Ministry announces that 4,286,381,000 yen of 7,479,833,000 yen of securities held by Japanese banks, excluding the Bank of Japan, at the end of February were in national bonds. 1938.03.23 — The Lower House approves the 173,000,000-yen and 89,200,000-yen second and third supplementary budgets for the next fiscal year and other budget measures. 1938.03.23 — The Lower House in a stormy session expels Mr. Suehiro Nishio, Social Mass, for having advised the Premier to act with the boldness of Mussolini, Hitler and Stalin, which the major parties regard as advocacy of a dictatorship. 1938.03.23 — The War Minister says in the Diet that it is premature to announce that Japan will be responsible for maintenance of peace and order in China pending establishment of the new Chinese régime on a firm basis. 1938.03.23 — The Foreign Minister tells the Diet that foreign interests in China will be safeguarded and that the views of the Powers will be considered when Chinese tariff rates are revised. 1938.03.23 — Tokyo learns that the Soviet authorities are placing a barbed-wire entanglement around the Japanese branch consulate at Okha, North Saghalien. 1938.03.23 — The House of Commons is told that the Japanese authorities have accepted the Shanghai Municipal Council's reply to their demand for greater representation in the local administration, a reply recognizing the demand in principle. 1938.03.24 — The Upper House completes Diet action on the mobilisation bill, supplementary budgets and tax increases. 1938.03.24 — The Army General Staff decides to cancel the 1938 army manoeuvres. 1938.03.24 — Mr. Toshio Shiratori, returning from China, says at Moji that Japan must try to end the hostilities as soon as possible to ease the minds of the Chinese masses. He considers rehabilitation of Central China a very difficult task. 1938.03.24 — The Peking régime decides to recruit 10,000 soldiers to maintain peace and order and to establish peace preservation corps in each community to suppress banditry. 1938.03.24 — Washington naval authorities disclaim the opinion of the Tokyo naval spokesman that the 20 per cent. increase contemplated in the strength of the U.S. navy is aimed at Japan, asserting that a navy three times the size of the present one would would be needed for a successful attack on Japan. 1938.03.25 — The Diet session is prolonged for a day to allow the two Houses time to agree on amendments to the bills on control of electric power. 1938.03.25 — The Cabinet's Bureau of Statistics announces that the average index figure for the living costs of the labouring and salaried classes in Tokyo and Osaka rose in March to 106.3, based on 100 for last July. 1938.03.25 — An Imperial ordinance announces that Tokuyama harbour, Yamaguchi Prefecture, will become a secondary naval station from April 1. 1938.03.25 — More than 50 Chinese aeroplanes are destroyed in a raid on Kweiteh, in northern Honan Province on the Lung-Hai Railway. 1938.03.25 — Mr. E. L. Hall-Patch, financial counsellor of the British Embassies in China and Japan, attracts attention by arriving in Tokyo from Shanghai, reportedly to sound out Japan's economic intentions with regard to China. 1938.03.25 — Foreign exchanges on the Shanghai market slump to the lowest point since the Chinese currency system was reformed in 1935 as a result of the Central Bank of China's failure to meet all demands for foreign exchange. 1938.03.25 — The U.S. State Department announces an agreement with Japan on the Alaskan fishing issue, whereby Japan agrees to suspend its salmon-fishing survey, issue no licences to boats to fish in Alaskan waters and punish those who fish illegally. 1938.03.25 — The Mexican Government denies a press report that an agreement has been reached for the sale of Mexican oil to Japan. 1938.03.25 — The status of the various nations represented on the Shanghai Municipal Council remains unchanged in the annual election. Japan continues to be represented by two men. 1938.03.26 — The 73rd Diet session ends with a last-minute compromise on amendment of the electric power bills. 1938.03.26 — The Foreign Office issues a statement on the revised exchange regulations, effective April 1, which it explains are intended primarily to create sound conditions in the foreign exchange market and will have no substantial effects on business in general. 1938.03.26 — The Sino-Japanese Economic Council, to be the supreme guiding organ in economic development of North China, is inaugurated in Peking. 1938.03.26 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against the kidnapping by Soviet soldiers on February 28 of an employee of the Fuyuanhsien post office, Kirin Province, with four bags of mail and of two men on a mail wagon near Nantun, Jaohobsien, Kirin Province, on March 12. 1938.03.26 — Baron Shu Tomii, counsellor in London, is appointed Minister to Ottawa, and Mr. Kenichi Okada, head of the cultural affairs department of the Foreign Office, Minister to Pretoria. 1938.03.27 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement on the Soviet-Manchoukuo dispute over payment of Manchoukuo's last instalment for the former Chinese Eastern Railway. Settlement depends on Soviet payment to Manchoukuo of the amount it owes under the transfer agreement, which has been in arrears for several years. 1938.03.27 — Addressing a general meeting of the Minseito, President Machida advocates an elaborate central administrative organ to direct military, diplomatic, financial and economic affairs relating to China. He favours continued co-operation with the Seiyukai and support of the Cabinet. 1938.03.27 — Eighty naval planes take part in a raid on Hankow. 1938.03.27 — One hundred thousand people gather in the Korakuen stadium, Tokyo, to welcome the Italian Fascist mission. 1938.03.28 — The Cabinet begins a series of daily meetings for discussion of enforcing the laws approved by the Diet and making various administrative reforms. 1938.03.28 — Mr. Toshio Shimada, one of the four executives of the party, tells a rally of the Seiyukai that the party will continue to support the Cabinet and co-operate with the Minseito. 1938.03.28 — Members of the Tohokai, First Lobby and Second Lobby discuss the formation of a single political party for the nation. Reformist elements in the Seiyukai meet separately to discuss the same issue. 1938.03.28 — The Renovation Government of the Chinese Republic, with jurisdiction over Kiangsu, Chekiang and Anhwei provinces and the Shanghai municipal area, is inaugurated in Nanking with Mr. Liang Hung-tse, chief secretary of the defunct Peking Government, as head of the Executive Yuan. 1938.03.28 — Mr. Wang Keh-min, chairman of the Executive Committee of the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic at Peking, escapes an attempt on his life by unidentified Chinese on a Peking street. 1938.03.28 — Mr. Wang Keh-min says that absorption of the new Nanking régime by the Pekinme régime has been decided on. 1938.03.28 — The Japanese military and naval authorities in Shanghai warn Chinese against trying to move coal from occupied areas on the pretext of having sold it to foreigners. 1938.03.28 — Prime Minister Chamberlain states in the Commons that there is no indication that further attempts to settle the Sino-Japanese conflict would be opportune. 1938.03.28 — Foreign Undersecretary Butler says in the Commons that Britain does not propose to re-open the question of Japan's right to its mandates now that it does not belong to the League of Nations. 1938.03.29 — Mr. Chikuhei Nakajima, Railway Minister and Seiyukai executive, shows sympathy towards a delegation of Seiyukai members urging him to organize a new political party but advises caution for the time being. He hints that the birth of a new party will depend on the initiative of the Cabinet. 1938.03.29 — Mr. Tamakichi Nakamizo, leader of the Anti-Communist Defence Corps, surrenders to the police, who had been seeking him since the attempt to occupy the Minseito and Seiyukai headquarters on February 17. He confesses to having received 40,000 yen from a Seiyukai Diet member, a Minseito member and a non-politician for his movement. 1938.03.29 — The director of the Police Affairs Bureau of the Home Office orders that May Day celebrations by labour organizations be banned indefinitely. No substitutes for the usual parades are to be allowed. 1938.03.29 — The Cabinet's Bureau of Statistics announces that between January and September of last year there were 1,639,880 births in Japan proper, more by 10,238 than in the same period of 1936, and 908,939 deaths, fewer by 42,753, leaving a gain of 730,941. 1938.03.29 — The Tokyo Municipal Assembly approves expenditures of 366,753,000 yen for the 1938-39 fiscal year, including funds for the 1940 Olympic Games and International Exposition. 1938.03.29 — The House of Commons is informed that Japan already has paid indemnities for the death and wounding of crew members of the gunboat Ladybird at Wuhu in December. 1938.03.29 — Rome reports say the Italo-Japanese trade negotiations started there are being transferred to Tokyo, where the economic mission being sent by Italy will take them up. 1938.03.29 — The Italian consulate-general in Shanghai is bombed, but no damage is done. 1938.03.31 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that 400 Japanese and at least 15,000 Chinese soldiers were killed in 40 engagements during the past month north of the Yellow River. 1938.03.31 — Seiyukai leaders decide to curb individual activities of their subordinates for creation of a new political party. They recognize the legitimacy of the movement but insist that it be conducted in a manner not harmful to party unity. 1938.03.31 — Education Minister Kido asks a conference of 90 representatives of various religious organizations to help in spiritual mobilization of the nation and cultural promotion in China. 1938.03.31 — The Finance Ministry announces that the natural increase in tax revenue for the current fiscal year is estimated at 96,300,000 yen. 1938.03.31 — The House of Commons is told that Britain has presented to Japan claims for damage done to British shipping on the Yangtze since November. They are believed to total more than £250,000. 1938.03.31 — Imports for the first quarter of 1938 are estimated by the Finance Ministry at 670,922,000 yen, less by 56.5 per cent. than in 1937, and exports at 605,222,000 yen, less by 17.5 per cent. The unfavourable balance of 65,700,000 yen is less by 80 per cent. 1938.03.31 — The Nisso Oil Company is said to have suspended negotiations with the Soviet authorities for a new contract on gasoline purchases because of their dilatory attitude. 1938.03.31 — The Manchuria Development Company appropriates 35,000,000 yuan for the bringing of Japanese settlers to Manchoukuo. 1938.03.31 — Public donations to the War Ministry since the start of the China incident are announced as 31,098,883 yen. 1938.03.31 — Tokyo speculates on the proximity of the U.S. naval manoeuvres to Japan's mandated islands when a report from Truk says an unidentified warship approached there on March 27. 1938.03.31 — Mr. James Mills, Associated Press correspondent, reports that careful inspection of the area has shown that there is no basis for the reports that Japan is building a canal across the Kra Isthmus, Siam, that would reduce the value of Britain's Singapore base. Siamese officials are quoted by him as declaring that they have no intention of letting Japan build such a canal. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VII No. 2 (September 1938) --- (covers 1938.04.01 to 1938.06.30) 1938.04.01 — Imperial decorations are conferred on members of the Italian Fascist Mission. 1938.04.01 — The Cabinet decides to instruct all officers, central and local, to endeavour to spend less than their appropriations. 1938.04.01 — Mr. Masao Takahashi, assistant professor of law in Kyushu Imperial University, is arrested on his return from study abroad on suspicion of being connected with the Popular Front group rounded up recently. 1938.04.01 — Berlin announces the appointment of Major-General Eugen Ott, military attaché of the German Embassy in Tokyo, as Ambassador to Japan. 1938.04.01 — Tokyo sees no justification for the reported argument of the U.S. that it must build bigger battleships because of Japan's silence about naval plans. Need is felt for building up naval armaments to a certain extent to meet American expansion. 1938.04.01 — Washington denies that the U.S. naval manoeuvres are extending anywhere near Japan's mandated islands. 1938.04.01 — The Japanese military authorities at Shanghai decline to act on a British protest against a Japanese civilian heading a parade of Chinese that was halted at the edge of the International Settlement on March 28. They point out that the incident was connected in no way with the Japanese Army. 1938.04.01 — The Japanese military authorities in China deny Chinese reports of Japanese use of bacteria and gas in the fighting. 1938.04.01 — The East Hopei Power Company takes over all equipment for generation of electric power in Hopei Province except that for the Kailan mines and Peitaiho. 1938.04.01 — Manchoukuo promulgates a law for control over the distribution of iron and steel. 1938.04.02 — The Cabinet approves the regulations for organisation of a board to look after men disabled in the hostilities. 1938.04.02 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters publishes a list of Chinese propaganda items disseminated in press and radio reports since October. 1938.04.02 — The Kuomintang plenum closes at Hankow with the issuance of a manifesto voicing determination to continue the campaign against Japan. 1938.04.02 — Directors of the Japanese Electrical Society decide to co-operate with the Government in carrying out the plan for control of electric power. 1938.04.02 — In response to a Senate naval affairs committee questionnaire, Secretary of State Hull writes that a naval disarmament conference at present would be futile, that the old 5:5:3 ratio is proper and that restriction of the U.S. fleet to any specific area would not be desirable. 1938.04.02 — The War Minister instructs the Army to be careful in spending the 3,800,000,000 yen appropriated for it in the 1938-39 budget, pointing out that not only is every sen of this amount essential but misuse of it might harm national economy. 1938.04.02 — The Central Air-Defence Commission decides to establish an air-defence association with branches in all prefectures to promote popular interest in defence from aerial attacks. 1938.04.02 — A complete agreement on eventual amalgamation reportedly is reached in conversations in Peking between representatives of the Peking and Nanking régimes. 1938.04.02 — Ambassador Shigemitsu protests to Foreign Commissar Litvinov against Soviet military aid to China. Mr. Litvinov rejects the protest and claims that the Soviet Government is extending no aid, though Soviet munitions are being sold to China as are munitions from other countries. 1938.04.02 — Outer Mongolian soldiers attack Abaga, Central Chahar, and kidnap three Japanese, who later escape, and clash with the garrison at Sangin Nur, about 50 miles to the west. 1938.04.02 — Tokyo naval circles reportedly see in Secretary Hull's letter to the Senate naval affairs committee evidence of a U.S. intention to strengthen naval armaments on the Pacific for use against Japan. 1938.04.02 — The U.S. nation-wide survey shows that U.S. newspaper editors are opposed to a boycott against Japan. 1938.04.05 — The Foreign Office spokesman tells the press that Moscow is resorting to sophistry to evade Japan's charge that it is aiding China but that Japan has ample concrete evidence that aid is being given by the Soviet Government. 1938.04.05 — Hsinking is said to be taking a serious view over continued nonsettlement of the disputed nationality of several small Amur River islands, especially as the U.S.S.R. has abrogated the Manchoukuo-Soviet waterways agreement. 1938.04.05 — The Soviets announce that their consulate in Otaru, Hokkaido, will be closed, which will inconvenience Japanese engaged in fishing in Soviet waters. 1938.04.05 — The Parliamentary Foreign Under-secretary states in the Commons that frequent representations have been made to Japan in the past few weeks regarding protection of British interests in North China and maintenance of treaty rights in China. 1938.04.05 — Agreement to postpone until 1960 the economic independence of the Philippines from the U.S. is announced in Washington. 1938.04.05 — Tax increases are decreed in the Kwantung Leased Territory. 1938.04.05 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters issues a communique saying that in the operations west of Shanghai during the past three weeks more than 30 engagements were fought, in which more than 7,000 Chinese were killed and about 400 Japanese were killed or wounded. 1938.04.05 — Foreign observers report that the Chinese have had between 20,000 and 25,000 casualties in the Huchow area. 1938.04.05 — London understands that British claims to Japan for damages in the China hostilities total about £100,000. 1938.04.05 — The Commons is told that under the Anglo-Japanese treaty of 1912 Britain cannot ban munitions exports to Japan unless similar restrictions are applied to other nations. 1938.04.05 — The Hakodate District Court upholds the fine of 1,500 yen imposed on the captain of the Soviet freighter Kaguzstroy for entering the Tsugaru fortified zone on February 19. 1938.04.05 — Tear-gas bombs thrown by reactionaries disrupt a meeting of the Social Mass Party in Osaka. 1938.04.05 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry permits brewers to raise prices by two sen a bottle, with another sen to be added August 1. The brewers had asked a four-sen increase because of higher taxation and production costs. 1938.04.05 — The average index number of labour wages in Tokyo and other large cities in February is announced as 110.4, based on 100 for 1934-35, more by .9 per cent. than in January and by 6.8 per cent. than in February, 1937. 1938.04.07 — The War Ministry tells divisional commanders in conference in Tokyo that every resource of the nation must be mobilised for the China Incident and urges the necessity for perfect discipline and unity in the Army. 1938.04.07 — The chief of the Navy Office's press section tells foreign correspondents that the U.S. seems to be moving its defence line in the Pacific westward and warns that Japan is the guardian of peace in the western Pacific. 1938.04.07 — The Olympic Organizing Committee is informed by the Foreign Office that Count Henri de Baillet-Latour, head of the International Olympic Committee, has warned Ambassador Saburo Kurusu in Brussels that the Olympic Games may be taken from Japan unless a definite assurance is given by May 8 that the 1940 International Exposition in Tokyo will close 30 days before the Games. 1938.04.07 — The Japanese military, naval and consular authorities at Shanghai issue regulations for control of Japanese business activities in the parts of Central China held by the Japanese Army. 1938.04.07 — Mr. Calder Marshal, chairman of the Shanghai British Chamber of Commerce, declares in addressing British business men that developments make it difficult to rely on Japanese pledges to respect the Open Door in China. 1938.04.07 — Intervention by the Japanese authorities results in settlement of the labour insurrection at the British-managed Kailan coal mines, Hopei Province. 1938.04.07 — Hsinking orders release of flour held in warehouses to check rising prices. 1938.04.08 — The Education, Home and Overseas Ministers tell reporters that there is nothing to the rumour that Premier Konoe, ill at his private villa, intends to resign. 1938.04.08 — The Finance Ministry announces that Japan's funded borrowings on March 31 totalled 12,817,237,000 yen, of which 2,500,282,000 yen were in foreign debts. Short-term debts comprised 433,094,000 yen of rice notes and 1,772,000 yen of silk notes. 1938.04.08 — The Finance Ministry promulgates regulations compelling reports on exchange transactions in excess of 100 yen in invisible trade. 1938.04.08 — The Cabinet agrees to changes requested by the Privy Council in the regulations for the board to look after disabled soldiers, including appointment of a full-time vice-president. 1938.04.08 — Agricultural experts from all over Japan open a three-day conference in Tokyo to discuss, among other things, efforts to make agricultural economy adequate to meet the demands of the hostilities. 1938.04.08 — The Navy Minister, interviewed in Kobe, says Japan is building no super-dreadnaughts and has no intention of doing so at present but will have to re-examine its naval replenishment plans. He regards the British and U.S. naval expansion as motivated by desire to restrain Japan. 1938.04.08 — Mr. Ginjiro Fujiwara, its president, assures foreign correspondents that the 1940 International Exposition will be held in Tokyo despite national difficulties. 1938.04.08 — The Shanghai Municipal Council appoints Mr. Toshiyuki Akagi special deputy police commissioner in accordance with the promise to the Japanese authorities to give more positions in administration of the International Settlement to Japanese. 1938.04.08 — The Ko Fen Company, Limited, the first Sino-Japanese joint concern established under the new régimes in China, holds its inaugural meeting in Shanghai. It is to engage in exploiting iron mines in the Yangtze Valley. 1938.04.08 — Mr. Tsai Yun-shang, Vice-Governor of the Central Bank of Manchou, is named director of the Manchoukuo Foreign Affairs Bureau. 1938.04.09 — The Home Minister tells prefectural financial commissioners, meeting in Tokyo, that the increasing gravity of the situation necessitates every possible measure to insure national mobilization. 1938.04.09 — Domei reports that the 1,619 Japanese residing in North Sakhalin have been terrorized by the continued illegal arrests of Japanese by the Soviet authorities. 1938.04.09 — The committee on Algerian affairs of the French Chamber of Deputies decides to urge the Government to curb alleged smuggling of Japanese goods into South Algeria. 1938.04.10 — Princess Naoko Kan'in leaves Tokyo for Shikoku, the first of a number of Imperial Princesses being sent by the Empress to visit wounded soldiers throughout the country. 1938.04.10 — Prince Chichibu is installed as honorary president of the Society for Celebration of the 2,600th Anniversary of the Founding of the Empire and breaks precedent by reading a message that is broadcast to the nation. 1938.04.10 — A squadron of 16 Japanese warplanes is challenged over Kweiteh, Honan Province, by 50 Chinese planes, of which it brings down 24. 1938.04.10 — The Japanese Army headquarters at Peking announces that the objectives of the recent battles in South Shantung have been attained. 1938.04.12 — Four hundred youths sail from Kobe for Manchoukuo, the first of many being sent this year for three years of training in preparation for becoming settlers. 1938.04.12 — Three thousand Koreans apply for military service under the new special volunteer system. Only 400 can be accepted. 1938.04.12 — Tokyo quarters report that China still is receiving arms and munitions through French Indo-China despite the recent announcement by the Hanoi authorities that such traffic would be prohibited. 1938.04.12 — The Finance Minister tells the annual convention of the National Trust Company Society in Osaka that in connection with the issuance of more than 3,000,000,000 yen of national bonds this year the people must save 3,000,000,000 or 8,000,000,000 yen, corresponding to about 40 per cent. of the national pension. 1938.04.12 — The Minister of Commerce and Industry tells the press that he will enforce shortly what he calls a system of standard prices for major commodities. 1938.04.12 — The Navy Minister, returning to Tokyo from an inspection tour of the Kwansai, declares that industrialists are co-operating effectively in meeting the need for munitions. 1938.04.12 — The Foreign Office spokesman reveals that Moscow has demanded the closing of Japan's consular offices in Habarovsk and Blagoveschensk by April 15 and states that negotiations are in progress for its reconsideration. 1938.04.12 — Mr. San Fo states in London that the Soviet will intervene in the Sino-Japanese conflict if there is danger that Japan will conquer China. 1938.04.12 — The Japanese Army headquarters in Peking issues a statement advising foreigners to report the location and distinguishing features of their property in the Yellow River and Yangtze valleys to help in preventing damage to it. 1938.04.12 — The Hankow authorities deny reports that General Chiang Kai-shek was killed when Japanese naval planes bombed Changsha on April 10. 1938.04.12 — The new commander of the British China Station, Vice-Admiral Sir Percy Noble, pays a courtesy visit on the Japanese expeditionary commander, General Shunroku Hata, who expresses hope that there will be Anglo-Japanese co-operation in Shanghai. 1938.04.12 — Britain's new Ambassador to China voices optimism about the China outlook after presenting his credentials to President Lin Sen in Chungking. 1938.04.12 — Manila is excited by unconfirmed reports that a fleet of 22 destroyers, believed Japanese or Dutch, manoeuvred in the Davao Gulf on April 10 and 11. 1938.04.12 — The Kinka Maru, diesel-motored freighter of 9,500 tons, is learned to have reached San Francisco from Yokohama in nine days, 12 hours and 29 minutes on her maiden voyage to New York. 1938.04.13 — The Foreign Office denies Reuter and Havas reports that Japan has asked Britain to mediate in the Sino-Japanese hostilities. 1938.04.13 — The Japanese consul in Chefoo reports to Tokyo the discovery in March of a plot of 4,500 guerrilla fighters to attack Japanese in Chefoo on April 2 that might have resulted in a repetition of the Tungchow massacre. 1938.04.13 — The Kwangtung Provincial Government imposes duties on goods from Japanese-occupied areas, allegedly to prevent inclusion of Japanese merchandise in Chinese shipments. 1938.04.13 — Tokyo naval authorities dismiss as absurd the Washington report that Japan is building 46,000-ton battleships and super-cruisers. 1938.04.13 — Foreign Minister Hirota reportedly tells the Privy Council that Soviet-Japanese relations are not acute at the moment over any one issue but that there are many pending questions which he hopes to solve one by one. 1938.04.13 — Hsinking promulgates regulations for enforcement of its Defence of the Realm Law. 1938.04.13 — The Home Office decides to reduce the appropriation for river conservancy by 3,209,000 yen as a retrenchment measure. 1938.04.13 — The Navy Office spokesman states that the naval air forces have shot down 542 Chinese aeroplanes and destroyed 446 on the ground since the hostilities opened. Japan's losses have been 78 planes. 1938.04.13 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that the Chinese in South Shantung shelled Japanese positions yesterday with gas bombs. 1938.04.13 — The Commons is told that the British Government will give sympathetic consideration to requests from financial institutions for permission to extend long-term credits to the Chinese Government. 1938.04.13 — The procurators free the leaders of the Anti-Communist Defence Corps, deciding that their attempt to occupy the headquarters of the Seiyukai and the Minseito on February 17 did not constitute a criminal offence. 1938.04.13 — The five leading organizations interested in foreign trade form a round-table conference to discuss encouragement of trade in co-operation with the Government. 1938.04.13 — The Government issues 200,000,000 yen of China Incident bonds, the first in the 1938-39 fiscal year. 1938.04.13 — The Government promulgates regulations for its new Scientific Inquiry Commission, which is to study substitutes for needed raw materials. 1938.04.13 — The Justice Minister advises cotton-planting to help the populace in North China in discussing the economic situation there with General Baron Sadao Araki, member of the Cabinet's Advisory Council. 1938.04.13 — The Foreign Office announces that Moscow has rejected Japan's request for cancellation of the order that the Japanese consular offices in Habarovsk and Blagoveschensk must close today. He warns that the Soviets will be responsible if any trouble develops over the question. 1938.04.13 — Manchoukuo threatens to use force unless the French Garrison in China withdraws from land staked out for manoeuvres on Manchoukuo territory near Shashaikwan. 1938.04.13 — The procurator demands in the Tokyo District Criminal Court that Mr. Fusanosuke Kuhara, former Communications Minister, be fined 200 yen for having sheltered an accomplice in the February 26 incident. 1938.04.16 — Education Minister Kido attracts attention by conferring with the Premier before leaving on a trip during which he will see Prince Saionji, the Genro, reportedly on the political situation. 1938.04.16 — The War Ministry urges all army units to cultivate habits of thrift and saving among soldiers and arsenal workers. 1938.04.17 — The Emperor grants a rescript to mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of local self-government, which is celebrated with a ceremony in front of the Palace. 1938.04.17 — Education Minister Kido, on his way to the Kwansai, tells the press he does not anticipate a sudden political change. He says thought is being given to compulsory labour during the summer vacation for university students. 1938.04.18 — President Machida of the Minseito tells a meeting of leading members of the party that all elements must co-operate closely to liquidate the Sino-Japanese conflict as soon as possible, eliminating all friction. He hopes the Premier will remain in office and announces that the Minseito will devote redoubled efforts to adoption of suitable national policies. 1938.04.18 — General Baron Shigeru Honjo takes office as president of the Board for Protection of Disabled Soldiers. 1938.04.18 — Baron Seinosuke Goh formally accepts the post of chairman of the commission for establishment of the North China Development Company and Central China Promotion Company. 1938.04.18 — The Finance Minister reiterates the need for national savings to provide funds for bond issues in addressing a national gathering of mutual financing companies. 1938.04.18 — The Bank of Japan reports the average index number of Tokyo retail prices on April 15 was 197.6, based on 100 for 1930, higher by 2.5 per cent. than on March 15. 1938.04.18 — The Foreign Office spokesman reveals that the Soviets are detaining a Japanese army aviator and his bomber, which made a forced landing because of bad weather on Soviet territory a little more than a mile east of Tungning, on the eastern Soviet-Manchoukuo border. 1938.04.18 — The Italian cruiser Raimondo Montecucoli arrives at Yokohama on a good-will visit to Japan, and its officers make official calls in the capital. 1938.04.19 — The Cabinet approves the Finance Minister's plan for the nation to save 8,000,000,000 yen this year to provide 1,000,000,000 yen for absorption of national bonds and 3,000,000,000 yen for expansion of productivity. Diet leaders to whom it is explained promise co-operation. 1938.04.19 — The Cabinet approves regulations for the mixing of alcohol and gasoline, effective July 1. At the start, 5 per cent. of alcohol is to be mixed with a fourth of the volume of gasoline imported or refined in Japan, with the percentage increased gradually to 20 per cent. 1938.04.19 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that at least 13,000 Chinese were left dead on battlefields in Shansi Province in more than 70 engagements between March 28 and April 17. There were 500 Japanese dead and wounded. 1938.04.19 — The American Embassy in Tokyo announces creation of the Japan-America Trust "for use in Japan for purposes testifying to good will between Japan and the United States" with the 37,000 yen contributed by Japanese as an expression of sympathy towards the survivors of the Panay incident. 1938.04.19 — The Japan Association for the New York and San Francisco International Expositions announces plans for buildings and exhibits costing about 3,000,000 yen. 1938.04.19 — Formal assurance is given by Japan to the Philippines that the warships reported off Davao on April 11 were not Japanese. 1938.04.19 — The Daily Telegraph, London, prints an interview in which Foreign Minister Luang Pradit Manudharm denies that there is any secret clause pledging mutual assistance in the recently concluded Japanese-Siamese treaty. 1938.04.19 — Japanese officers in Peking set their clocks ahead one hour in adopting Tokyo time. 1938.04.19 — The Italian Ambassador explains to Foreign Minister Hirota the Anglo-Italian rapprochement accord. 1938.04.19 — Chairman Makoto Togo tells the Seiyukai's political inquiry committee that Japan needs perfection of constitutional government and pledges the party to strive for it. 1938.04.19 — Japan Cotton Traders' Association figures show that between September 1 and April 10 Japan imported 1,182,300 bales of raw cotton, less than in the same period of the preceding year by 2,013,019 bales, or about 60 per cent. The U.S. supplied 334,102 bales, less by 717,428 than before, and India 431,717, less by 936,337. 1938.04.20 — Home Minister Suetsugu tells the press he desires a new political party that would co-operate with the Government but realizes that it cannot be formed overnight. He is distressed by reports that he is at the centre of the new-party movements. 1938.04.20 — Three Soviet warplanes fly over North Korea. 1938.04.20 — A Peking report tells of arrangements for the appointment of three Japanese advisers, with 12 assistants, for administrative, legislative and military affairs of the Provisional Government. They are to give guidance but not assume leadership. 1938.04.20 — The United States Court for China in Shanghai awards to an American banking syndicate the property of the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company, operated by the National Government, because of default on a mortgage. Complications are foreseen because of Japan's refusal to recognize property transfers since the hostilities started. Most of the property involved is held by the Japanese Navy. 1938.04.20 — Mr. Masaharu Yoshida, chairman of the Shanghai Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, regrets that Japan's statements have failed to remove foreign suspicions about its intentions in China regarding the open door and equal opportunity. Equal opportunity, in his opinion, does not necessarily mean equal distribution of rights but respect for vested rights and recognition of freedom to advance them. 1938.04.20 — The Federation of Autonomous Governments of the Mongol Provinces eliminates the now-hour difference between the time in the area under its jurisdiction and Japanese time. 1938.04.21 — The Premier, on returning to his office after 19 days of absence with a cold, tells newspaper men that unification of policies concerning China is the key to solution of all the Government's problems. The general policy towards China remains unchanged. He denies that his absence had any political meaning or that his return will result in any particular change. His health, he says, prevents participation in the movements for a new political party, though formation of an ideal party is desirable. 1938.04.21 — With his return to Tokyo, it is announced that the War Minister made a 10-day visit to the principal fronts in North and Central China. It is predicted that he will offer to the Cabinet important recommendations on China measures. 1938.04.21 — General Takao Suzuki, retired, succeeds Mr. Momoki Kato as chief priest of Yasukuni Shrine, where the nation's war dead are enshrined. 1938.04.21 — Viscount Ishii, reaching Moji on his way home from London, reportedly says Britain would like an economic rapprochement with Japan as a means of adjusting relations. He found anti-Japanese sentiment because of the China situation but believes it can be eliminated through adjustment of the two countries' interests in China. 1938.04.21 — Five Chinese are executed at Tientsin for having disturbed peace and order on Kuomintang instructions. 1938.04.21 — The Manchoukuo Government decides to distribute free cotton seeds and make loans for the growing of cotton in Fengtien, Jehol and Chinchow Provinces. 1938.04.21 — The Mitsui Gomei Kaisha announces that 1,201 of 1,250 companies and banks investigated made profits of 635,200,000 yen in the second half of last year and the remaining 49 lost 1,300,000 yen. The net profits were 18.5 per cent. more than in the same period of 1936 and 6.1 per cent. more than in the first half of 1936. The rate of profit on the total paid-up capitalization was 12.3 per cent. 1938.04.22 — A check for $2,214,007.36, meeting in full the U.S. demands for settlement of the Panay affair, is handed to the American Embassy in Tokyo. 1938.04.22 — The Justice Minister and the Procurator-General instruct gendarmerie commanders, in conference in Tokyo, to be vigilant against communist and anti-war movements, to check the spread of rumours and to combat everything tending to prevent national unity. 1938.04.22 — The Welfare Ministry's Racial Hygiene Council discusses compulsory sterilization of the mentally and physically unfit at its inaugural meeting. 1938.04.22 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, deciding that stocks are adequate, rules that no more pulp can be imported this year. 1938.04.22 — The Foreign Office announces appointment of officials of the consulate-general that is taking the place of the Japanese Legation in Vienna. 1938.04.22 — The supposed warships in Davao Bay, the Philippines, on April 10 are discovered to have been Japanese whaling vessels refueling on the way home from the Antarctic. 1938.04.23 — The Cabinet's Bureau of Decorations announces posthumous decorations for 4,239 officers and men of the Army and the Navy who died in the China hostilities. 1938.04.23 — Regulations are enforced providing increases of from 200 to 700 per cent. in allowances for wounded soldiers recuperating in their homes, making them range from 41.50 yen for privates to 350 yen for full generals monthly. 1938.04.23 — Further restrictions on the use of copper and copper alloys are announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 1938.04.23 — The Yokohama police detain Mr. Melvin H. Gibbon, American aviator, aboard the liner Empress of Asia on his way home from China, on suspicion that he aided the Chinese in the hostilities against Japan. 1938.04.24 — The spirits of 4,333 soldiers, sailors and civilians in military service killed in China prior to October 15 are enshrined in Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo. 1938.04.24 — The Meirinkai, rightist organization, adopts a resolution urging attainment of the objectives in China at the earliest possible moment. 1938.04.24 — Two Soviet planes drop objects believed to be bombs at a Japanese fishery survey vessel off the northern coast of Korea (Chosen). 1938.04.24 — Many Tokyo Americans attend in Shimoda the annual festival marking the anniversary of the arrival in Japan of Commodore Perry. 1938.04.24 — A Labourite rally in London voices strong opposition to any British bargain with Japan involving acceptance of the latter's advance on the Continent. 1938.04.25 — Early announcement is expected of an Anglo-Japanese understanding on the Shanghai customs issue as a result of negotiations between the British Ambassador and the Foreign Vice-Minister. 1938.04.25 — The Vancouver City Council sends to the Canadian Parliament a resolution asking legislation barring Japanese and Chinese immigration or an international agreement preventing a further influx of Orientals. 1938.04.25 — The Renovation Government at Nanking denounces the transfer to an American banking syndicate of the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company's property and announces it will not recognize it. 1938.04.25 — The Italian Fascist Mission is welcomed in Hankow. 1938.04.25 — The police begin distribution of the ration tickets that will be required after May 1 for the purchase of gasoline, the consumption of which is to be reduced gradually by about 20 per cent. 1938.04.26 — The Emperor visits Yasukuni Shrine to lead the nation in respects to the war dead. 1938.04.26 — The Korean garrison headquarters announces that Soviet troops invaded Manchoukuo on April 23 and 25 but were driven back. 1938.04.26 — The Soviet consulate in Otaru, the Hokkaido, is closed with the departure for Moscow of the consul. 1938.04.26 — Japanese troops detain the steamer Lung Ho, British-owned, when Chinese aboard her fire on them near Hainien, on the north bank of the Yangtze. 1938.04.26 — In reply to a letter from Representative R. N. Scott, the U.S. Under-Secretary of State implies the belief of the State Department that Japan and Italy have violated international agreements by their operations in China and Abyssinia. 1938.04.26 — A bill is introduced in the U.S. House asking an investigation of Japanese competition in table-ware. 1938.04.27 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters issues a communique describing the speed with which railways in North China destroyed by Chinese troops are being rehabilitated. 1938.04.27 — An agreement is signed at Peking providing for appointment of Japanese administrative, legislative and peace and order advisers to the new régime. 1938.04.27 — The Cabinet's Scientific Inquiry Council, created to investigate substitutes for needed raw materials, holds its initial meeting. 1938.04.27 — A special committee of the Cabinet's Educational Inquiry Commission agrees on the desirability of extending compulsory education by two years to eight. 1938.04.27 — Tokyo's preparations for the 1940 Olympic Games are accelerated with the return to Japan from Olympic consultations abroad of Dr. Matsuzo Nagai, secretary-general of the organizing committee. 1938.04.27 — Tokyo had 7,338 foreign residents at the end of March, of whom 3,289 were Westerners, according to the Metropolitan Police Board. 1938.04.27 — Congress receives a resolution asking an inquiry into propaganda intended to involve the U.S. in war with Japan. 1938.04.27 — A bill prohibiting fishing by aliens in Alaskan waters is introduced in Congress. 1938.04.27 — Mr. A. W. Neil urges in the Canadian Parliament that England and the U.S. tell Japan they will not import its canned salmon unless its fishing interests stop operations along the North American coast. 1938.04.28 — The Government announces the names of 78 members of its committee to prepare for establishment of the North China Development Company and the Central China Promotion Company, with a sub-committee for the former headed by Baron Seinosuke Goh and another for the latter headed by Mr. Seihin Ikeda. 1938.04.28 — Baron Goh, its president, tells the Japan Economic Federation that current circumstances make a strengthening of economic control inevitable. 1938.04.28 — The Government creates a commission under the Foreign Office to investigate damages suffered by Japanese residents in China in connection with the hostilities. 1938.04.28 — The predicted Anglo-Japanese agreement on the Shanghai customs issue is delayed when the British Ambassador and the Foreign Vice-Minister fail to remove discrepancies regarding details. 1938.04.28 — Diplomatic negotiations at Shanghai result in release by the Japanese military authorities of the British steamer Tung Ho, from which Chinese fired shots at Japanese patrol boats on the Yangtze. 1938.04.28 — The American aviator held at Yokohama for having aided the Chinese air force, Mr. Gibbon, is released when the procurators decide that action against him would be difficult. 1938.04.28 — Twenty-two of the 23 Chinese radio stations in the Shanghai International Settlement suspend broadcasting after refusing to comply with the request of the Japanese authorities that they report details of equipment, operation and personnel. 1938.04.28 — Soviet O.G.P.U. agents and soldiers cross the Manchoukuo border and scout in several villages. 1938.04.29 — Three hundred and nineteen prisoners are paroled on the occasion of the Emperor's 37th birthday. 1938.04.29 — Japanese naval planes shoot down 31 Chinese planes, the bulk of the reorganized Chinese air force, in a battle over Hankow. 1938.04.29 — Eight Japanese airmen arrive at Tokyo from Berlin with two large passenger planes for the Manchuria Air Transport Company. The 13,300-kilometre trip was made in five days, 23 hours and 45 minutes. 1938.04.29 — The Chinese consul-general at San Francisco seizes the freighter Kwangyuan, which the Japanese contend they bought after the occupation of Chefoo. 1938.04.29 — Japanese residents at Shanghai number 22,376, compared with 36,000 before the hostilities, according to the Japanese consulate-general. 1938.04.30 — The Navy Office announces that Vice-Admiral Koshiro Oikawa, relieved of his duties as chief of the Naval Air Headquarters, has been made commander of the Japanese naval forces in China waters, succeeding Vice-Admiral Kiyoshi Hasegawa, who is given command of the Yokosuka Admiralty. Other important naval officers stationed in China are shifted. 1938.04.30 — Vice-Admiral Oikawa announces at Shanghai that the ban on navigation by Chinese vessels along the China coast will continue. 1938.04.30 — Mr. Wang Keh-min and Mr. Liang Hung-chih, leaders of the Peking and Nanking régimes, reach an understanding at Shanghai on tariffs, customs and other questions preparatory to the projected merger of their régimes. 1938.05.01 — Dr. Rentaro Mizuno, member of the House of Peers and former Home Minister, agrees to head the provisional commission to advise the Government on Diet reforms. 1938.05.01 — The system of gasoline rationing goes into effect throughout Japan with results that are said to be satisfactory. 1938.05.01 — Mr. Wang Keh-min, head of the Peking régime, arrives in Tokyo from Shanghai to confer with Japanese officials on the projected merger of his régime with that in Nanking and other plans. 1938.05.01 — The Japanese Army headquarters in Peking issues a communique announcing that Chinese resistance in southern Shantung Province has been broken. 1938.05.01 — A London report claims that Britain may make a formal offer soon to mediate between Japan and China. 1938.05.01 — Count Henri Baillet-Latour, head of the International Olympic Committee, approves of Konasawa, Tokyo, as the site of the stadium for the 1940 Olympic Games in a telephone talk with Count Michimasa Soyeshima. 1938.05.02 — Prefectural governors, in conference in Tokyo, hear the Premier assert that under no circumstances will Japan alter its two-fold policy of crushing the Chiang Kai-shek régime and aiding the new régimes in North and Central China. 1938.05.02 — The Navy section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that 300 Chinese warplanes were shot down or destroyed during March and April, while only 107 Japanese planes were lost. 1938.05.02 — The naval authorities announce formally that Weihaiwei, Shantung Province, has been occupied since March 5. 1938.05.02 — Mr. Wang Keh-min, interviewed in Tokyo by foreign correspondents, says a foreign exchange system soon will be established in North China. 1938.05.02 — The Finance Ministry begins to purchase mined gold at 5.85 yen per gram, more by eight sen than previously, bringing the price to the world level. 1938.05.02 — The Home Ministry issues regulations licensing the manufacture, importation and sale of gas masks and other apparatus for use in defence against air raids. 1938.05.02 — Bringing pressure to bear on the Japanese consulate in Blagoveschensk, which they want closed, the Soviets are learned to have refused to handle Japanese code messages since May 1. 1938.05.03 — Premier Konoe and Mr. Wang Keh-min exchange assurances on co-operation between Japan and the new Chinese régime at Peking. 1938.05.03 — The Government announces Britain's assent to temporary arrangements regarding the servicing of foreign obligations secured on the Chinese customs revenue. 1938.05.03 — The Foreign Office indicates continued concern over Soviet military aid to China by issuing a statement regarding the representations made to Moscow regarding it. 1938.05.03 — The Home Minister tells the Tokyo conference of prefectural governors that special care must be taken to eliminate ideas incompatible with the nation's principles and to intensify national consciousness. 1938.05.04 — The Foreign Office outlines negotiations with the Soviet Union since March 18 for settlement of pending issues and blames their deadlock on Moscow's insincerity. 1938.05.04 — The press section of the Korean garrison assails Soviet radio broadcasts blaming Japan for recent border and maritime incidents. 1938.05.04 — France is reported by Domei to be shipping considerable quantities of arms to China in hope of weakening Japan's strength and thereby protecting French Indo-China. 1938.05.04 — Prime Minister Chamberlain states in the Commons that the understanding with Japan on the Chinese customs issue appears to offer the best protection obtainable for foreign holders of Chinese bonds and for the credit of China itself. 1938.05.04 — The Japanese military authorities at Peking issue a new warning to nationals of third Powers about continued misuse by Chinese troops of foreign property. If they help the Chinese, the Japanese Army cannot assume responsibility for loss of lives and property. 1938.05.04 — Peking reports estimate that in North China 40,000 Chinese troops have surrendered since the hostilities began, and that about 20,000 bandits, 15,000 Communists and 25,000 remnants of defeated troops are at large. 1938.05.04 — Professor Jigoro Kano, judo leader and member of the International Olympic Committee, dies aboard the Hikawa Maru on his way home from the I.O.C. meeting in Cairo. 1938.05.04 — Six men are indicted for the attack in February on Mr. Isoo Abe, head of the Social Mass Party. 1938.05.05 — Vice-Admiral Hasegawa is received in audience by the Emperor on his return from Shanghai. 1938.05.05 — The Italian Economic Mission, headed by Senator Ettore Conti, arrives in Japan at Nagasaki. 1938.05.05 — Four members of the outlawed Japan Proletarian Party and the Japan National Council of Trade Unions are arrested in Osaka for Popular Front activities. 1938.05.05 — The Japanese military authorities in Peking announce completion of the clean-up campaign in southeastern Shansi. 1938.05.05 — It is learned that the Governor of Macao has reaffirmed in an official note to the Japanese consul-general in Hongkong that the Portuguese colony is maintaining strict neutrality and will control any entrance of Chinese-owned vessels violating neutrality. 1938.05.05 — The Brazilian Government promulgates a new immigration law that is considered highly favourable to Japanese immigrants. 1938.05.05 — Increasing indications are seen of a major Japanese offensive north of Huchow, on the Lung-Hai Railway, where operations have been stalemated for a month. 1938.05.05 — The Finance Minister informs the Cabinet that there is no truth to the report that an understanding has been reached between Japanese officials in China and the Peking régime whereby the latter will not be required to pay part of the expenses of maintaining peace and order in North China. 1938.05.05 — An official inquiry into the death of Father F. Fourre, French Catholic missionary at Chianglo, Shantung Province, on April 25 indicates that the local peace preservation corps shot him in self-defence when he tried to prevent a search of church property. 1938.05.05 — The director appointed by the new Nanking régime takes over the Shanghai office of the Chinese Maritime Customs. 1938.05.05 — The Chinese Government notifies Britain that it will not recognize the agreement on the Chinese Maritime Customs reached with Japan. 1938.05.05 — China tries to arouse the League Council by submitting a memorandum enumerating alleged Japanese outrages against non-combatants since October 27. 1938.05.05 — On his departure for Berlin, the new German Ambassador in Tokyo, Major-General Eugen Ott, is said to have been requested to help in speeding the conclusion of a Japanese-German trade agreement. 1938.05.05 — Regulations are promulgated for establishment of the Bureau to Prepare for Electric Power Management under the supervision of the Communications Minister. 1938.05.05 — The Minister of Commerce and Industry tells representatives of commodity exchanges that he cannot alter wartime control policies that will doom futures transactions. 1938.05.05 — The Tokyo District Criminal Court acquits Mr. Fusanosuke Kuhara, former Communications Minister, of the charge of having sheltered an accomplice in the February 26 (1936) incident. 1938.05.07 — Addressing the conference of prefectural governors, the Foreign Minister regrets that the U.S.S.R. is continuing to aid China and that Britain and the U.S. do not recognize Far Eastern actualities. Japan's unshakable policy, he says, is to pave the way for world peace by forming an axis including Japan, Manchoukuo and China. 1938.05.07 — The Italian Economic Mission, headed by Senator Ettore Conti, arrives in Tokyo. 1938.05.07 — Negotiations open in Warsaw for revision of the 1922 Japanese-Polish trade convention. 1938.05.07 — Foreign Minister Hirota tells foreign correspondents he does not expect a break with the U.S.S.R. even if current negotiations to settle problems prove a failure. He considers relations with the U.S. and Britain better. Japan will not alter its refusal to deal with General Chiang Kai-shek, who is regarded as unable to separate himself from the Reds. The new China is to be perfectly independent, he says, and it is to be hoped that it will give no cause to foreign countries for concern. 1938.05.07 — The Premier, interviewed on the way to the Kwansai, expresses belief that developments in the China Incident likely to facilitate the merger of the Peking and Nanking régimes may be expected before the end of May. 1938.05.07 — The House of Commons is told that the Japanese Government has been asked to permit inspection of the Shanghai-Nanking Railway on behalf of British mortgagees. 1938.05.07 — London observers are of the opinion that a British loan for China is out of the question at present because it might be interpreted as anti-Japanese. 1938.05.07 — Foreign Minister Jozef Beck of Poland is decorated with the Order of the Rising Sun, First Class. 1938.05.07 — Prince Seif el Islam el Hussein, third son of the King of Yemen, arrives in Tokyo for the dedication of the city's first Mohammedan mosque. 1938.05.07 — The Provisional Bureau for Adjustment of Materials begins to function under the direction of the Minister of Commerce and Industry. 1938.05.11 — A Japanese naval force lands on Amoy Island, on the coast of Fukien Province. 1938.05.11 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that more than 30 major battles were fought between April 18 and May 8 with 40,000 Chinese in Suiyuan Province. About 600 Japanese soldiers were killed or wounded. 1938.05.11 — China's delegate makes a fresh appeal for assistance against Japan at the opening of the League Council's session. 1938.05.11 — It is learned that Mr. J. B. Gilbertson, engineer of the British freighter Heathert, was fined 30 yen on May 6 by the Osaka District Court for having photographed in fortified zones. 1938.05.11 — Governor Toyotaro Yuki of the Bank of Japan tells bankers that the present is not an opportune time for lowering money rates. 1938.05.11 — Numbers are drawn for 300,000 yen of cash prizes for purchasers of 1,000,000 books of admission tickets for the Japan International Exposition of 1940. 1938.05.11 — The War Office announces the appointment of Lieutenant-General Toshizo Nishio, who has been on duty in China, as Inspector-General of Military Education, filling a post that has been vacant since General Shunroku Hata was sent to China. 1938.05.11 — Operations are reported to have started in earnest in southern Shantung, northern Kiangsu and northern Anhwei for the capture of Huochow. 1938.05.11 — The Foreign Office announces that the Japanese authorities in Shanghai, Peking, Tientsin and other places have warned nationals of third Powers to take refuge in areas outside the fighting zone in order that there may be no incidents. 1938.05.11 — Mr. Wang Keh-min tells newspaper men at Peking that he reached a complete understanding with the Japanese authorities in Tokyo and that some organ will be set up soon to facilitate the projected merger of the Peking and Nanking régimes. 1938.05.11 — Prime Minister Chamberlain announces in the House of Commons that Britain is willing to mediate in the Far East but only when both Japan and China are ready to have it do so. 1938.05.11 — Japanese, Manchoukuo and Italian delegates open in Tokyo a conference on trade relations. 1938.05.11 — The Foreign Office reveals that Ambassador Shigemitsu protested on May 7 to the Soviet Government against the May Day speech of Navy Commissar Peter Smirnov as "unpardonably provocative." 1938.05.12 — Virtual completion of the occupation of Amoy is announced. 1938.05.12 — The Japanese authorities at Shanghai serve a warning on the action of the Whangpoo Conservancy Board in declining to resume dredging of the river in co-operation with the Japanese forces. 1938.05.12 — The committee entrusted with preparing for establishment of the North China Development Company and Central China Promotion Company holds its first meeting. 1938.05.12 — The German Ambassadors to Japan and China confer in Hongkong. 1938.05.12 — The Berlin Foreign Office denies foreign reports that Germany recently assured the Chinese Government that it would assume strict neutrality in the Sino-Japanese conflict. 1938.05.12 — Italian and Manchoukuo representatives confer in Tokyo on a treaty of amity and commerce between their countries. 1938.05.12 — The Italian Fascist Mission sails from Dairen for Shanghai, ending its stay on Japanese soil. 1938.05.12 — Moslems from many countries join in dedicating the first Mohammedan mosque in Tokyo. 1938.05.12 — The Foreign Vice-Minister hands to the Soviet Ambassador a counter-protest against the Soviet protest of early last month alleging that the Japanese chargé d'affaires in Kabul tried to enlist the Soviet Minister there as a Japanese spy. 1938.05.13 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters issues a communique accusing the Chinese troops in northern Anhwei of poisoning wells. 1938.05.13 — The Navy and Foreign Ministries deny Chinese reports that two Japanese warships were sunk and two others disabled by Chinese bombers in the vicinity of Macao. 1938.05.13 — Chinese quarters at Geneva claim to have received promises of assistance from League members, especially Britain and France. 1938.05.13 — Germany announces formal recognition of Manchoukuo with the signing in Berlin of a treaty of amity between the two countries. 1938.05.13 — The Batavian authorities announce that imports of Japanese cotton cloth into the Netherlands Indies in January were 30 per cent. less than in the same month of last year. 1938.05.13 — A Warsaw report says Far Eastern defences were discussed by Soviet leaders, including Marshal Bluecher, in Moscow on May 9. 1938.05.14 — Japanese troops cut the Lung-Hai Railway near Tangshan, blocking the Chinese retreat from that direction. 1938.05.14 — The League Council adopts a resolution reaffirming last year's recommendations of the Council and the Assembly on the China hostilities. 1938.05.15 — The experimental mono-plane of Tokyo Imperial University's Aeronautical Research Institute completes an endurance flight over a closed circuit breaking two world's records, covering 11,600 kilometres in 62 hours and 24 minutes and maintaining an average speed of approximately 180 kilometres an hour for 10,000 kilometres. 1938.05.15 — Moscow announces rejection of Tokyo's protest of May 11 against the anti-Japanese remarks of Navy Commissar Smirnov. 1938.05.16 — Officials concerned open a two-day conference in Tokyo on details of enforcement of the National General Mobilization Law. 1938.05.16 — The 9,000-ton aircraft carrier Miyoke is launched at Kobe. 1938.05.16 — The police and judicial authorities decide to press investigation of suspected bribery in opposition during the last Diet session to the bill on State control of the electric power industry. 1938.05.16 — The Japanese and Italian economic negotiators in Tokyo divide into sub-committees on general trade, mechanical industries and chemical industries. 1938.05.16 — Talk is heard of suspending raw cotton purchases in Egypt because its tariff increases have reduced Japanese sales there greatly. 1938.05.16 — The Manchoukuo State Council approves exemption of wheat flour from import duties to help in keeping flour prices down. 1938.05.16 — The Huochow operations result in a decline in the Chinese yuan on the Shanghai market. 1938.05.16 — Japanese and Chinese leaders in Shanghai take part in the formation of an association to effect a rapprochement between their countries. 1938.05.16 — The Japanese chargé d'affaires in Budapest is said to have been instructed to negotiate a Japanese-Hungarian cultural accord. 1938.05.17 — The Cabinet begins discussion of reforms in the civil service system. 1938.05.17 — The Army issues a call from volunteers from officers on the first and second reserve lists to train students. 1938.05.17 — National Health Week opens, sponsored by the Welfare Ministry. 1938.05.17 — A Shanghai report says the Chinese commanders are planning to cut the dikes of the Yellow River west of Huochow in an attempt to check the Japanese advance. 1938.05.17 — Announcement is made in Mukden that tickets for train travel from Japan through Manchoukuo to China will be available in the autumn. 1938.05.17 — Mr. Sun Fo, visiting in Moscow, is said to have discussed concrete Soviet assistance for China with Chairman Mikhail Kalinin. 1938.05.18 — Minister Iwataro Uchiyama, arriving in Montevideo to present his credentials, predicts a great increase in trade between Japan and Uruguay when their new commercial treaty is ratified. 1938.05.18 — The head section of the Imperial Headquarters announces measures taken to protect the rights and interests of foreigners in the fighting areas. 1938.05.18 — The House of Commons is told that Japan's attention has been called to the arrest of a British subject, Mr. Wilkinson, by Japanese sentries in the Hungjao area, Shanghai, on May 13. 1938.05.18 — The Australian Government warns longshoremen at Sydney that it will take action against them unless they discontinue their boycott of cargoes destined for Japan and Germany. 1938.05.19 — Japanese troops enter Huochow. 1938.05.19 — The War Office orders continuation in service of infantry and medical corps conscripts of the 1936 class. 1938.05.19 — The Army announces that it will accept college and university students for aeronautical training. 1938.05.19 — The Australian Government announces that exports of iron ore will be prohibited from July 1 in order to conserve the supply for domestic use. Japanese interests in the Yampi district are affected. 1938.05.19 — Director Harold Butler's annual report to the International Labour Office states that the alleged flooding of world markets by Japanese goods is greatly exaggerated and that Japan's production is only 3.67 per cent. of world production, which is not excessive for a population of 70,000,000. Its cheap products, he adds, have greatly benefited the native population in various areas. 1938.05.20 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters issues a communique reviewing the operations in the Huochow area, describing the battle at Taierhchwang, which the Chinese considered a victory, as deliberately planned to manoeuvre them into southern Shantung and declaring that the end of the hostilities still is remote. 1938.05.20 — Washington circles are reported desirous that Japan's Huochow victory will bring about relaxation of the hostilities, but experts believe peace will not come until the National Government has been crushed. 1938.05.20 — A Chinese aeroplane drops anti-war pamphlets in the mountainous parts of Kyushu before daybreak. 1938.05.20 — The Japanese consulate-general at Tientsin opens a branch in Tangshan, Hopei Province. 1938.05.20 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry promulgates an ordinance authorizing it to fix the maximum selling prices of cotton yarns, hitherto done by the traders themselves. 1938.05.20 — Cabinet members reportedly favour abolition of the 1933 ordinance guaranteeing Government officials their positions, which is blamed for stagnancy. 1938.05.20 — Japan protests to Australia against the embargo on exportation of iron ore, pointing out that much Japanese capital is invested in Australian mines. 1938.05.20 — The Cabinet approves the appointment of Mr. Kiyoshi Yamagata, of the Foreign Office's commercial bureau, as Minister to Colombia and Venezuela. 1938.05.20 — The Italian Economic Mission and Japanese representatives conclude their discussions of a trade agreement in Tokyo. 1938.05.21 — Japanese bluejackets occupy Lienyunkang, eastern terminus of the Lung-Hai Railway in Kiangsu Province. 1938.05.21 — Governor-General Kobayashi of Formosa says at Kobe that between 300 and 600 Formosans were massacred by the Chinese at Amoy just before it was occupied by the Japanese. 1938.05.21 — A communique on the Italo-Japanese economic negotiations announces that it has been proposed that a permanent committee be created in each of the two countries to bring about closer business co-operation. A complete accord is understood to have been reached on revision of the existing Italo-Japanese trade agreement. 1938.05.21 — The Hamburg Ostasiatische Rundschau, Far Eastern export magazine, complains that Germany bought from Manchoukuo last year nearly six times as much as it sold there, but it says nothing about its highly favourable trade with Japan. 1938.05.21 — The Japan Bicycle Export Guild extends its control to all bicycle exports to foreign markets except China, Manchoukuo and the Kwantung Leased Territory, and the Japan Electric Bulb Export Guild extends its control to all exports of bulbs to the United States, Canada, Mexico and Panama to forestall threatened tariff increases. 1938.05.21 — Senator Key Pittman declares the U.S. does not need to be bound by a non-aggression treaty to prevent it from engaging in aggression against Japan. He also says it will continue to recognize the Chiang Kai-shek régime no matter how far it is driven into the interior of China. 1938.05.23 — The rumours that Cabinet reorganization is imminent are revived. 1938.05.23 — The Home Minister urges prefectural police chiefs, in conference in Tokyo, to make greater efforts to win the confidence of the people. Their major mission, he says, is to help the national situation by maintaining peace and order, which will require greater care as the hostilities are prolonged. 1938.05.23 — The German Ambassador to China confirms the report that Berlin has ordered home the German military advisers to General Chiang Kai-shek. 1938.05.23 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement regretting Australia's embargo on exports of iron ore and terming it contrary to the spirit of equality and harmful to Japanese-Australian relations. 1938.05.23 — Manchoukuo protests to the U.S.S.R. against a crossing of the eastern border yesterday by a Soviet cavalry squad, which a Manchoukuo unit drove back. 1938.05.23 — The Formosan Government-General announces that the population of Formosa at the end of 1937 was 5,609,410, including 293,280 Japanese and 46,373 foreigners, of whom 46,196 were Chinese. 1938.05.23 — The Tokyo Municipal Assembly approves the spending of 12,130,000 yen on facilities for the 1940 Olympic Games, including 3,670,000 yen for the main stadium. 1938.05.24 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters estimates that the Chinese casualties around Hsuchow were about 200,000. More than 60,000 dead have been counted. 1938.05.24 — Japan protests to Britain against statements made by Foreign Under-Secretary Butler in the Commons on May 18 about Japanese actions during the occupation of Amoy reflecting on the honour and prestige of the Japanese Navy. 1938.05.24 — President Stanley of the Board of Trade states in the Commons that the disruption of the China market by the hostilities has been an important cause of declining commodity prices throughout the world. 1938.05.24 — The Soviet Ambassador, Mr. Michael Slavutsky, informs Foreign Minister Hirota that he is leaving for Moscow because of illness. He is not expected to return. 1938.05.24 — The Cabinet agrees on special appointment to higher posts in the Government of men not already in Government service. 1938.05.24 — Hsinking is said to be adding 30 products to its list of restricted exports in connection with its five-year industrial programme and Japan's needs in the China hostilities. 1938.05.25 — The Emperor grants a message to the Army and Navy voicing satisfaction over the success of the Huochow campaign. 1938.05.25 — General Terauchi and General Hata meet at an undisclosed place near Huochow and congratulate each other on the success of the Huochow operations. 1938.05.25 — Local branch managers of the Seiyukai adopt a resolution requesting party executives to arrange as soon as possible for the election of a party president. Mr. Toshio Shimada, party executive, tells them that the Konoe Cabinet lacks determination in its attitude towards the current situation. 1938.05.25 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry promulgates regulations to govern the new Supply and Demand Adjustment Councils, of which those on cotton goods and wool will be established first. 1938.05.25 — The press section of the Japanese garrison in Korea states that Moscow faces too many difficulties to advance in the Far East. 1938.05.25 — The Foreign Under-Secretary is non-committal in the Commons when asked how the British Government proposes to carry out the League Council's recommendation that aid be given to China. 1938.05.25 — Dockmen in Sydney, Australia, agree to resume handling of cargoes for Japan after the Federal Government threatens to apply to them a labour licence system. 1938.05.25 — Baron Shu Tomii presents his credentials in Ottawa as Minister to Canada. 1938.05.25 — A gun battle between Japanese and American fishermen in the Bering Sea seems possible when two American boats request arms and ammunition. The Coast Guard commander in Alaskan waters declares, however, that the Japanese are taking crabs, not salmon, and therefore are not violating the recent Tokyo-Washington agreement. 1938.05.26 — Premier Konoe reorganizes his Cabinet, appointing General Kazushige Ugaki as Foreign Minister, Mr. Seihin Ikeda as both Finance Minister and Commerce and Industry Minister and General Baron Sadao Araki as Education Minister. Marquis Koichi Kido gives up the Education portfolio but remains Welfare Minister. Foreign Minister Koki Hirota, Finance Minister Okinori Kaya and Commerce and Industry Minister Shinji Yoshino retire. 1938.05.26 — The changes are regarded as strengthening the Cabinet to cope with the China hostilities. 1938.05.26 — The Finance Ministry announces a 300,000,000 yen bond issue to meet China Incident expenditures. 1938.05.26 — Count Aisuke Kabayama leaves Tokyo for New York to establish a Japanese cultural centre, the first foreign branch of the Society for International Cultural Relations. 1938.05.26 — Washington announces that the U.S. fleet will be shifted next year to the Atlantic from the Pacific, where it has been concentrated since 1934. 1938.05.26 — Japan's Minister in Siam protests the slaying of a Formosan by Chinese terrorists in Bangkok and requests better protection for Japanese nationals. 1938.05.27 — The 33rd anniversary of the Battle of the Japan Sea is observed with solemnity in keeping with the national situation. 1938.05.27 — The new Finance Minister is said to have two immediate objectives, reduction of living costs and reduction of the restrictions on importation of raw materials needed to manufacture export goods. 1938.05.27 — The Kokumin Domei, Mr. Kenzo Adachi's political party, adopts a resolution advising the Government to push the campaign in China until Hankow is taken. 1938.05.27 — A Foreign Office communique states that much has been accomplished towards a clear understanding in the trade talks between members of the Italian Economic Mission and representatives of Japan and Manchoukuo but that there are still a few points to be considered further. 1938.05.27 — Mr. L. C. Wingard, in charge of Alaskan activities in the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries, states that Japanese are not fishing for salmon in the Bering Sea or Bristol Bay but for crabs and bottom fish, which they have a perfect right to do. 1938.05.27 — Mr. Yoshisuke Aikawa, president of the Manchuria Industrial Development Corporation, donates 2,000,000 yen for relief of needy families in Sankiang and Chientao Provinces, Manchoukuo. 1938.05.28 — The four executives who have been performing presidential duties in the Seiyukai discuss but fail to agree on the selection of a party president. 1938.05.28 — The question arising out of detention by Japanese soldiers on May 13 of Mr. Wilkinson, prominent British resident of Shanghai, while walking in the Hungjao area is settled when the Japanese consul-general assures the British authorities that the utmost care will be taken to prevent incidents. 1938.05.28 — The Peking régime promulgates regulations for subsidiary coinage, allowing small paper notes and subsidiary coins of the National Government to remain in circulation until June 1, 1941. 1938.05.28 — With Japan participating, the first international craftsmen's exhibition opens in Berlin. 1938.05.28 — Senator Walter F. George proposes at Washington an inquiry into textile imports from Japan with a view to keeping them out by something more effective than higher tariff rates. 1938.05.29 — The ban is lifted from news of the arrest since December, 1936, of more than 1,500 communist suspects, of whom 253 already have been indicted, 238 given stays of indictment and the remainder held for further examination. 1938.05.29 — Leading economic bodies join in a petition to Finance Minister Ikeda to aid exports, unify the licensing of imports and foreign exchange permits, permit freer importation of materials needed for the manufacture of exports and prevent higher prices for export articles. 1938.05.30 — Lieutenant-General Hideki Tojo, chief-of-staff of the Kwantung Army, is appointed War Vice-Minister to succeed Lieutenant-General Yoshijiro Umezu, who is given a certain important post in the area of war operations. 1938.05.30 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that between May 8 and 28 the Japanese units in Shansi Province engaged in 40 battles. The Chinese left 3,630 dead, and the Japanese had 850 casualties. 1938.05.30 — Two aeroplanes believed to be Chinese appear over Kyushu, where a state of precautionary alarm is enforced. 1938.05.30 — Continued Japanese bombing of Canton causes an exodus of refugees to Hongkong. 1938.05.30 — Mr. Sun Fo, President of the Chinese Legislative Yuan, ends a two-week visit in Moscow, during which he is believed to have sought increased Soviet military assistance. 1938.05.30 — Overseas Minister Sonyu Otani leaves for Manchoukuo to inspect the activities of Japanese settlers. 1938.05.30 — The first 790 sheep of 35,000 being imported this year from Australia arrive at Yokohama for distribution in the Hokkaido and the Tohoku district. 1938.05.31 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that the Chinese casualties in the Huochow sector are believed to have been about 240,000. The bodies of 105,000 have been counted on battlefields. 1938.05.31 — Nine Japanese naval planes shoot down 20 Chinese planes over Hankow. 1938.05.31 — The Peking and Nanking régimes announce revised customs duties, effective tomorrow, which in general return to the level of 1931, with anti-Japanese increases eliminated. 1938.05.31 — The Tokyo Foreign Office issues a statement welcoming the new Chinese tariff schedule, which it considers quite fair and acceptable to other Powers. 1938.05.31 — The Japanese consular authorities in North China issue regulations forbidding Japanese subjects to evade the new Chinese customs duties. 1938.05.31 — The House of Commons is told that United Kingdom exports to Japan during the first quarter of 1938 were less than in 1937 by more than 20 per cent., while British imports from Japan did not decline. 1938.05.31 — The Canadian House of Commons defeats a bill designed to restrict Oriental immigration by imposing a test of ability to read and write English or none other European language. 1938.05.31 — A Soviet cargo ship stranded in Wakkanai Bay, the Hokkaido, is suspected of having entered Japanese waters illegally. 1938.06.01 — The Navy section of the Imperial Headquarters and the information bureau of the Foreign Office issue statements denying Chinese charges that Japanese planes deliberately are bombing non-combatants at Canton. 1938.06.01 — China submits to the League a new protest against Japanese air raids and appeals to Britain for action by the Powers to restrain Japanese bombing operations. 1938.06.01 — The State Department publishes the text of a note to Japan demanding immediate restoration to American nationals of properties in the occupied areas in China. 1938.06.01 — Paris quarters deny reports of a new French loan to finance an extension of the Yunnan Railway into Kwangsi Province, China, pointing out that a 4,000,000 franc loan for this purpose was arranged provisionally six months ago. 1938.06.01 — The New York Journal of Commerce thinks that Germany is stopping the sale of war supplies to China in hope of receiving special commercial privileges in the areas occupied by Japan in North and Central China. 1938.06.01 — With 3,022,371 new depositors and 124,271,461 yen more in deposits in May, Japan's postal savings deposits on May 31 are announced as 3,957,412,143 yen, a new high, divided among 53,583,069 depositors. 1938.06.02 — The Privy Council approves an agreement with the U.S. on parcel post. 1938.06.02 — The Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S. announces abandonment of secular education in Korea (Chosen) because the Japanese authorities require all pupils and teachers to make obeisance at Shinto shrines. The general assembly of the church announces the killing of non-combatants in China and asks a ban on exports of scrap iron to Japan. 1938.06.02 — Mr. Hajime Matsumiya, counsellor in Rome, is appointed Minister to Hungary. 1938.06.02 — To forestall a shortage, the Manchoukuo Government decides to buy 2,500,000 bags of wheat from Japan by September. 1938.06.02 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese casualties between the first of March and the end of May in operations along the Tientsin-Pukow Railway and the eastern half of the Lung-Hai Railway totalled 12,716, including 3,150 dead. 1938.06.02 — The Naval section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that there were 1,800 aerial attacks on China during May, in which 9,000 tons of bombs were dropped. Nineteen Chinese planes were shot down during the month, with the fate of two others uncertain, and two were demolished on the ground, with three others believed to have suffered the same fate. Since the fighting started, the Chinese are estimated to have lost 773 planes, compared with 84 for Japan. 1938.06.02 — The State Department announces that Japan has agreed to meet almost all of its demands for restitution of American property in the occupied areas in China and to acknowledge the right of Americans to return to Japanese-occupied cities in the interior. 1938.06.02 — The U.S. Treasury Department announces, without giving details, a new American action on the purchase of silver. 1938.06.02 — China's Ambassador in London denies press reports that Mr. Sun Fo succeeded in reaching an agreement in Moscow on increased Soviet military assistance against Japan. 1938.06.02 — The Soviet Ambassador confers with Foreign Minister Ugaki on the April proposals for adjustment of Soviet-Japanese relations, but no progress is made. 1938.06.02 — Foreign Minister Ciano reaffirms the solidarity of the Italo-German-Japanese anti-Comintern accord in addressing the Milan Association for the Study of International Affairs and says Italy attaches great importance to co-operation with Japan. 1938.06.02 — Mr. Ichiro Hatoyama decides to fight Railway Minister Chikuhei Nakajima for the presidency of the Seiyukai. 1938.06.03 — Lieutenant-General Itagaki becomes War Minister and concurrently President of the Cabinet's Manchurian Affairs Bureau, succeeding General Hajime Sugiyama, who is appointed to the Supreme War Council. 1938.06.03 — Prime Minister Chamberlain announces in the Commons that the British Ambassador in Tokyo has been instructed to call attention to aerial bombing of civilian areas in China. He rejects a suggestion that the signatories of the nine-Power treaty make representations to Japan, doubting whether it would improve the situation. 1938.06.03 — Foreign Office circles consider foreign criticism of the new customs rates in North and Central China prejudiced and point out that restoration of the 1931 rates is more advantageous to other countries than to Japan. 1938.06.03 — The German Ambassador to Tokyo, Major-General Eugen Ott, confers lengthily with Reichsführer Hitler on the situation in the Far East. 1938.06.03 — Five faculty members of Tokyo Imperial University's agricultural department leave for North China to survey farming possibilities. 1938.06.04 — The Konoe Cabinet observes the first anniversary of its formation. 1938.06.04 — An Imperial ordinance creates an Air Division Headquarters commanded by a lieutenant-general directly responsible to the Emperor, the purpose of which is to strengthen the army's air force. 1938.06.04 — The Finance Ministry issues an ordinance providing for the purchase of gold coins at the value of their gold content for melting. 1938.06.04 — The committee for study of enforcement of the law on State control of the electric power industry holds its first general meeting. 1938.06.04 — The presidential substitutes of the Seiyukai agree to elect a party president at a public meeting of party members, giving Mr. Ichiro Hatoyama a temporary victory over Railway Minister Chikuhei Nakajima, who otherwise would have been named president by three of the four substitutes. 1938.06.04 — The British Ambassador conveys to the Foreign Office Britain's views on the bombing at Canton. 1938.06.04 — The London Times' Riga correspondent insists that China and the U.S.S.R. have concluded a far-reaching political and military agreement. 1938.06.04 — The Chinese authorities advise residents to evacuate Hankow because of its increasing exposure to Japanese attack. 1938.06.05 — Japanese troops occupy the city of Kaifeng, on the Lung-Hai Railway between Huochow and Chengchow. 1938.06.05 — Foreign Minister Ugaki tells reporters that he intends to strengthen diplomatic machinery by gradual steps to cope with the prolonged hostilities in China and that he will endeavour to maintain the maximum harmony with Powers willing to understand Japan's position. 1938.06.05 — Foreign criticism of the Japanese bombing at Canton is regarded in Tokyo as without basis and unlikely to affect Japan's policy. 1938.06.05 — The Soviet Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Michael Slavutsky, leaves Tokyo for Moscow. 1938.06.06 — The Foreign Office spokesman suggests that third Powers investigate the military situation at Canton before making representations against Japanese bombing there and advise the Chinese authorities to withdraw military establishments if they wish to safeguard civilians. 1938.06.06 — The French Ambassador in Tokyo orally requests reconsideration of Japan's policy of bombing Canton. 1938.06.06 — The Times, London, proposes that a neutral commission be sent to China to ascertain whether Japan is bombing cities for "really military purposes." 1938.06.06 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry estimates Japan's 1938 wheat crop at more than 10,000,000 koku, greater by about 2 per cent. than last year's record crop. 1938.06.06 — Mr. Frederick Kuh, United Press correspondent in London, claims that Japan has assured Germany of an important share in the economic exploitation of China in return for its withdrawal of military advisers to the Chinese and prohibition of arms sales to China. 1938.06.06 — The Italo-Manchoukuo trade talks, started in Tokyo, are resumed in Hsinking. 1938.06.07 — The Cabinet approves and receives Imperial sanction for the ordinance creating the Diet System Inquiry Commission, combining the commissions set up last year to study reforms in the Law of the Houses of the Diet, the Election Law and the ordinance on the House of Peers. 1938.06.07 — The standing committee of the Japan Economic Body Federation adopts a resolution supporting the Ikeda financial and economic policies. 1938.06.07 — The Foreign Office issues a statement saying that Japan has nothing to do with the decision of the Chinese to close their Embassy in Tokyo and will protect the building after its evacuation. 1938.06.07 — The Society for Study of International Aspects of the China Incident, composed of Osaka business leaders, adopts resolutions urging the Government to frustrate foreign help to China and requests the British and French Ambassadors to advise their Governments to induce the Chinese to demilitarize Canton. 1938.06.07 — The French Ambassador in Tokyo makes representations regarding damage from Japanese bombs to a French-managed hospital in Canton. 1938.06.07 — Japan's consul-general at Tientsin asks the British and French authorities in the foreign settlements there to redouble their vigilance to prevent anti-Japanese incidents. 1938.06.07 — The Shanghai Evening Post and Mercury apologises to the Japanese authorities for having erred in stating under a photograph of Japanese soldiers taking physical exercises that they were prisoners in Wuchang and Hankow. 1938.06.07 — The U.S. Commerce Department announces that during May Japan purchased $1,331,000 of munitions in the U.S. In the six months prior to June 2, Japanese purchases totalled $6,093,000; Chinese, $3,820,000. 1938.06.07 — The South Wales Miners' Federation adopts a resolution asking a boycott against Japanese goods because of the China Incident. 1938.06.07 — The Australian Prime Minister promises to refer to the Cabinet a request from West Australian members of the House of Representatives for permission to export ore to Japan from the Yampi iron mine despite the general ban on such exports. 1938.06.07 — Italy and Brazil indicate they will participate in the 1940 Japan International Exposition. 1938.06.07 — Formal expression of Manchoukuo's desire to adhere to the anti-Comintern pact is expected shortly, according to a Hsinking report. 1938.06.08 — The Foreign Minister stresses to Mr. W. R. Courtney, representative of Collier's magazine, that China cannot defeat Japan and asks that Americans realise that the Japanese are not a war-loving people just because they are strong fighters. 1938.06.08 — The U.S. consul-general in Canton protests to the Japanese consul-general in Hongkong against the dropping of bombs near Ling Nan University, which he claims to be American-owned, though a Chinese flag was flying over it during the air raid. 1938.06.08 — The New York Times correspondent in Shanghai reports a growing inclination on the part of Chinese leaders to make peace with Japan. 1938.06.08 — The Soviet chargé d'affaires discusses Soviet-Japanese issues with Foreign Vice-Minister Horinouchi. 1938.06.09 — The Premier and the Foreign and Finance Ministers hold the first of weekly meetings in which the Government's major policies will be decided, with the War and Navy Ministers participating when matters relating to their spheres are considered. 1938.06.09 — The new Finance Minister tells the Cabinet's Advisory Council that the Government's policy of secrecy about actual financial and economic conditions is doing more harm than good and must end. No stone will be left unturned, he later tells reporters, to expand productivity and assure absorption of national bonds. 1938.06.09 — The Thrift Encouragement Commission holds its first meeting at the Finance Ministry and discusses thrift methods. 1938.06.09 — Major-General James G. Harbord, addressing the America-Japan Society in Tokyo, advises that judgement on Japan's policies be withheld for the present and that friends not add to its difficulties by criticizing except when in possession of all the facts. 1938.06.09 — The American Ambassador makes representations at the Foreign Office on the dropping of bombs near Ling Nan University, Canton. 1938.06.09 — Washington circles doubt whether the U.S. will take strong measures with regard to Japanese bombing at Canton unless serious damage is done to American property. 1938.06.09 — The Foreign Office spokesman announces that the Japanese Army will relinquish the American-owned University of Shanghai, despite military inconvenience. 1938.06.09 — Notice is given at Amoy that the customs house there will be reopened under the supervision of the Japanese Navy. 1938.06.09 — The Tientsin-Pukow Railway is reopened to traffic by the Japanese Army. 1938.06.09 — China tries to arouse the League of Nations to action against Japan on the ground that application of its mandated islands of the National General Mobilization Law is illegal. 1938.06.09 — General Chiang Kai-shek issues a new appeal to friendly Powers to assist China in resisting Japan. 1938.06.09 — The National Government is reported to have ordered all official agencies to move from Hankow to Chungking or Yunnan-fu in anticipation of loss of the city to the Japanese. 1938.06.10 — The Cabinet approves the Premier's plan for conferences of himself and the Foreign, Finance, War and Navy Ministers to consider national policies relating to the China Incident. 1938.06.10 — Japanese troops sever the Peking-Hankow Railway south of Chengchow. 1938.06.10 — Tokyo instructs Ambassador Shigemitsu to protest against the refusal of the Soviet consulate in Hakodate to issue navigation permits and visas for ships and men going to the Kamchutka fisheries. 1938.06.10 — Emperor Kangte signs the Manchoukuo-German treaty of amity. 1938.06.10 — The Christian Science Monitor, Boston, urges Anglo-French-American economic action against Japan to check its bombing in China. 1938.06.11 — The Japanese Embassy in China requests that foreign shipping stay off the Yangtze between Wuhu and Hukow because of naval operations. 1938.06.11 — The wounding of a pro-Japanese Chinese official in Shanghai is regarded as one of a series of assassination attempts encouraged by the National Government. 1938.06.11 — Mr. Sun Fo denies in Paris rumours that he has arranged for French credits to be used in prolonging the war against Japan. 1938.06.11 — Japan's delegate to the International Labour Conference, Geneva, protests against the Chinese delegate's introduction of political topics into the discussions. 1938.06.11 — The Soviet consulate in Hakodate, when Moscow yields to pressure from Tokyo, begins to issue delayed navigation permits and visas for ships and fishermen going to Kamchutka. 1938.06.12 — Importance is attached to a long talk between the Premier and the War Minister on the China hostilities. 1938.06.12 — Japanese naval forces on the Yangtze occupy Anking, capital of Anhwei Province, 115 miles below Hankow. 1938.06.12 — Six bombings occur in the Shanghai International Settlement, believed the work of anti-Japanese elements. 1938.06.12 — A Shanghai report says 2,700 Moscow-trained Chinese are returning shortly to China to prepare for establishing a Soviet régime. 1938.06.12 — France is said to have agreed to give military and financial aid to the Chiang Kai-shek régime, but French officials deny the report. 1938.06.12 — Diet members of the Social Mass Party adopt a resolution urging the emergence of a new political group "capable of realizing fundamental political reform." 1938.06.12 — Ambassador Saito is expected to open negotiations in Washington for renewal of the Japanese-American agreement on exports of Japanese cotton cloth to the Philippines, which expires at the end of July. 1938.06.12 — Japan protests to the U.S.S.R. against its delay in granting a navigation permit to the fishing depot ship Korya Maru. A Foreign Office statement says an "extremely grave view" is taken of the situation, in which the failure of the Soviets to acknowledge "the lawful rights of our fishing craft has brought about a serious delay in the customary usage of their privileges." 1938.06.12 — Mr. Eiji Amau assails accusations that Japan is encouraging use of opium in China at the opening session of the League's Advisory Committee on Opium Traffic. 1938.06.12 — The China Campaign Committee holds a parade in London and presents to the Japanese Embassy against the China bombing. 1938.06.12 — The British consul-general at Amoy is accused of having aided the council of the Kulangsu International Settlement in arresting 100 Formosans who later were executed by the Chinese. 1938.06.12 — Mr. K. Yoshimura, formerly of the Yokohama Specie Bank, becomes chief of the exchange department of the Bank for International Settlements. 1938.06.12 — Seiyukai leaders agree to seek a peaceful solution of the trouble over providing the party with a president. 1938.06.14 — The Foreign Minister reportedly tells the Cabinet's Advisory Council that Japan need pay no attention to reports heard recently that sentiment in favour of peace is developing in China. 1938.06.14 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters issues a communique condemning the Chinese troops for having destroyed the embankments of the Yellow River between Kaifeng and Chengchow, Honan Province, causing floods that have drowned many peasants and caused much damage. 1938.06.14 — Announcement is made that Japanese naval forces have held Chimmon Island, east of Amoy, since October 26. 1938.06.14 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement quoting an article in which the Canton police chief says that by June 10 Japanese air raids had killed 270 persons, wounded 700 and destroyed 400 houses, figures far smaller than those circulated abroad. 1938.06.14 — Ambassador Yoshida defends the air raids on Canton in receiving a deputation of the China Campaign Committee in London. 1938.06.14 — Paris quarters maintain that no war materials have gone to China through French Indo-China except those ordered before the hostilities. 1938.06.14 — Prime Minister Chamberlain says in the Commons that Shanghai reports indicate a better atmosphere between British and Japanese authorities. 1938.06.14 — The Government decides to take part in the international whaling conference in London and authorises the two men it previously had appointed as observers to take part as full delegates. 1938.06.14 — Prime Minister Lyons tells the House of Representatives that agreements between Australia and Japan on trade and shipping are likely in the near future. 1938.06.14 — Mr. Harold B. Butler, retiring director of the International Labour Office, tells the International Labour Conference in Geneva that there is need for an Asiatic conference to examine labour questions and stresses the necessity for providing outlets for cheap Asiatic goods in order to raise living standards in Asia. 1938.06.14 — Tokyo police seize anti-war literature found in a shipment of raisins from the U.S. 1938.06.14 — The Soviet Embassy in Tokyo declines to act on the question of granting a navigation permit to the depot ship Korya Maru, saying it has no instructions from Moscow. 1938.06.14 — Members of the Thrift Encouragement Commission criticize the Government's thrift policy as not lukewarm and urge that its offices set an example by spending less. 1938.06.14 — Seiyukai leaders decide to maintain the status quo of the party's presidential system, postponing selection of a president. 1938.06.14 — The Korean Government-General decides to open an office in Kalgan to maintain contact with Inner Mongolia. 1938.06.15 — The Government issues 400,000,000 yen of China Incident bonds, some of which go on sale through post offices. The Bank of Japan is said to have sold 1,462,000,000 yen of Government bonds since January 3. 1938.06.15 — The Privy Council is told that the Cabinet is still studying reform of the civil service system and hopes to have a plan ready shortly. 1938.06.15 — The Government is said to have decided to restrict from July an exports of Japanese goods, especially cotton textiles, to Manchoukuo, North China and Central China, which are in the "yen bloc." Sales within the bloc, it is pointed out, do not help to improve the balance of Japan's international payments. 1938.06.15 — Twenty-five interested bodies form the Cotton Supply and Demand Council in accordance with the Emergency Export-Import Goods Readjustment Law. 1938.06.15 — Count Hideo Kodama, member of the House of Peers, is offered the directorship of the Pensions Bank, to be opened next month. 1938.06.15 — The Japanese expeditionary force at Shanghai tells the press that the Yellow River flood will not halt the advance on Hankow. 1938.06.15 — Tokyo receives further unofficial information seeming to indicate French aid to China. 1938.06.15 — The Foreign Office instructs all diplomatic and consular agencies in China to investigate losses suffered by Japanese in the hostilities. 1938.06.15 — The Foreign Under-Secretary tells the Commons that Japan has presented a "considered reply" to the British representation on the bombing of Canton. 1938.06.15 — The Bishop of Chelmsford questions Europe's right to criticize Japan for bombing cities in China in view of similar bombing by European armies. 1938.06.15 — Mr. Claude Farrère, French author who recently visited Japan, urges in a speech at Geneva that Japan be given a free hand to save China from Bolshevism. 1938.06.15 — The Soviet consulate in Hakodate further complicates the trouble over Kamchatka fishery matters by refusing a visa to an interpreter to accompany a fishing boat. It also gives notice that the Japanese investigation of the migration of salmon in Soviet waters, carried out annually for more than 20 years without interference, hereafter is prohibited. 1938.06.15 — A fishing boat from Seishin, Korea, reports molestation off the Soviet coast by a submarine, which took away its nets. 1938.06.15 — A Japanese fishing boat is seized by a Soviet patrol ship off Kamchatka. 1938.06.15 — A train wreck at a washout on the railway between Kobe and Shimonoseki in Okayama Prefecture kills 23 persons, including 18 school children, seriously injures 43 and slightly injures nearly 100. 1938.06.16 — The French Ambassador again tells the Foreign Vice-Minister that reports of French aid to China are false. 1938.06.16 — The Society for Study of International Aspects of the China Incident, composed of Osaka businessmen, again sends telegrams to the French and British Ambassadors, calling attention to the Chinese destruction of the Yellow River embankments and protesting against assistance to China. 1938.06.16 — Despite Japanese denials, the Chinese Embassy in London issues a statement accusing the Japanese of having broken the Yellow River embankments. 1938.06.16 — Fraternisation of British and Japanese officers in Shanghai is objected to in the House of Commons, but Foreign Undersecretary Butler defends it. 1938.06.16 — Hongkong reports claim the Chinese Government is negotiating with an American banking syndicate for a $20,000,000 loan. 1938.06.16 — The Japan Economic Federation's executive committee votes to ask Australia to reconsider its ban on exports of iron ore. 1938.06.16 — The recently established Central Foreign Trade Guild Association holds its first meeting in Yokohama and adopts a resolution voicing hope that the Government will endeavour to encourage foreign trade and pledging to co-operate with it. 1938.06.16 — The special nature of Japan's whaling industry is explained at the London international whaling conference. 1938.06.16 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry orders a further curtailment of 25 per cent. in consumption of gasoline for July, aimed chiefly at private automobiles, sightseeing buses and other pleasure vehicles. 1938.06.16 — The Overseas Minister, returning from a two-week trip to Manchoukuo, expresses confidence that the plan to send 100,000 Japanese families to the Continent in five years will be successful. 1938.06.17 — Foreign Minister Ugaki meets with foreign correspondents, telling them that Japan's policy of not dealing with the Chiang Kai-shek régime remains unchanged. He regrets foreign assistance to China and denies that the anti-Comintern accord means a trend towards Fascism in Japan. 1938.06.17 — New York observers claim to see in General Ugaki's statements a change in the direction of more friendliness towards the U.S.S.R. and attach importance to his assertion that termination of the fighting in China would be welcome. 1938.06.17 — The Premier and the Foreign, Finance, War and Navy Ministers hold the first five-Minister conference on unification of policies relating to the hostilities. Finance Minister Ikeda indicates that control of economy will have to be strengthened. 1938.06.17 — Japanese occupation of Tsienshan, north of Anking, furthers the drive towards Hankow. 1938.06.17 — The Foreign Office announces the awarding of Japanese decorations to Italian officials and of Italian decorations to 30 Japanese officials in connection with Italy's adherence to the anti-Comintern accord. Premier Mussolini is given the Grand Cordon of the Chrysanthemum, conferred on only one other foreigner not a ruling monarch, Prince Bismarck. 1938.06.17 — About 50 Soviet infantrymen near Hunchun, on the eastern Soviet-Manchoukuo border, clash with Manchoukuo frontier patrolmen and are driven off. One patrolman is killed, whose body the Soviets carry off. 1938.06.17 — The Foreign Vice-Minister rejects a Soviet protest against the Japanese air raids on Canton and reiterates Japan's opposition to Soviet military assistance to China. 1938.06.17 — It is decided to let the depot ship Korya Maru sail for the Kamchatka fishing grounds without a Soviet navigation permit after the Foreign Vice-Minister again demands reconsideration of Moscow's delay in granting one. 1938.06.17 — Rear-Admiral Naokuni Nomura, commander of the fleet in China waters, blames the deliberate refusal of the Chinese authorities to evacuate civilians from areas of military importance for the loss of life among non-combatants in the bombing of Canton. 1938.06.17 — Consul-General Wakasugi denounces in New York the reports of 7,000 to 8,000 civilian victims of the Canton bombing. 1938.06.17 — A Paris report claims an understanding has been reached by the Japanese Ambassador and Foreign Minister Bonnet that the projected Langson-Nanning railway, linking Indo-China with the interior of Kwangtung Province, will not be built until it cannot be used to China's advantage in resisting Japan. 1938.06.17 — American bankers deny all knowledge of reported negotiations for loans to China. 1938.06.17 — Japan's delegate, Mr. Eiji Amau, points out to the League's Advisory Committee on Opium that a proposed conference to arrange control of the cultivation and production of opium would be meaningless without the participation of Manchoukuo. 1938.06.17 — The Communications Minister tells the press that communications with China will be improved, starting with air lines to Peking and Nanking. 1938.06.18 — Japanese naval planes bomb coastal batteries on the island of Hainan, thereby arousing French fears that occupation of it is intended. 1938.06.18 — The new régimes at Peking and Nanking send manifestos to centres throughout China urging the people to abandon General Chiang Kai-shek and end the hostilities. 1938.06.18 — The pro-Japanese director of the Land bureau of the Shanghai Municipal Government is assassinated in Shanghai by Chinese terrorists. 1938.06.18 — The Japanese army reopens the Kaifeng-Lanfeng section of the Lung-Hai Railway. 1938.06.18 — The Soviet Ambassador to China leaves Hankow by aeroplane for Moscow. 1938.06.19 — A National Government spokesman at Hankow tells foreign correspondents that China will not compromise with Japan so long as the latter is invading Chinese territory. 1938.06.19 — The New York Times learns from its China correspondent that the Chinese Government early this year offered to restore to Britain its concession at Hankow in hope of having British troops stationed there to hamper Japan's advance. 1938.06.19 — The Batavia authorities prohibit the sale in the Netherlands Indies of Chinese war bonds. 1938.06.20 — The Foreign Office spokesman says Japan may, if it is necessary to crush the National Government, occupy Hainan Island, though it has no territorial designs on it. 1938.06.20 — The French Foreign Minister again denies to Ambassador Sugimura that France has delivered war materials to China through Indo-China. 1938.06.20 — The French Ambassador offers further explanations to Foreign Minister Ugaki of reported French aid to China. 1938.06.20 — General Chen Cheng declares at Hankow that France is giving much assistance to China. 1938.06.20 — A trial balloon is seen in a report, attributed to the Far Eastern division of the State Department, that Britain and the U.S. will act jointly to prevent Japan from erecting economic barriers in China. 1938.06.20 — Foreign Minister Ugaki notifies diplomatic representatives in Tokyo that further precautionary measures should be taken to protect the lives and property of foreigners in the region east of a line linking Sian, Ichang, Hengyang and Pakhoi. 1938.06.20 — The injuring of a Japanese by several Chinese compels the Japanese consulate-general in Singapore to request stricter control of anti-Japanese elements. 1938.06.21 — The Diet System Inquiry Commission holds its first meeting and hears the Premier call attention to the necessity for making the Diet conform to changes in national life. 1938.06.21 — Thrift Week is opened throughout the country with public meetings, radio talks, posters and distribution of literature. 1938.06.21 — Education Minister Araki tells principals of teachers' training schools that education must aim to develop men, not restrict them. 1938.06.21 — Tokyo university students begin summer labour service by working on a bicycle track for the 1940 Olympic Games. 1938.06.21 — Tokyo Stock Exchange authorities show concern over a decrease in transactions to an average of 198,588 shares daily since June 1, an all-time low. 1938.06.21 — The Soviet chargé d'affaires agrees to grant a navigation permit for the depot ship Korya Maru but later claims that Moscow will have to be consulted again because the destination was misunderstood. 1938.06.21 — Prime Minister Chamberlain assails the bombing in China in addressing the House of Commons. 1938.06.21 — The Parliamentary Foreign Undersecretary states in Parliament that Britain is not ready to mediate in the Far East because there is no reason to believe that Japan would agree to withdraw troops from China as a preliminary. 1938.06.21 — The President of the Board of Trade promises in Parliament to consider suggestions for further tightening of the restrictions on Japanese cotton textile imports into Britain. 1938.06.21 — An agreement is reported whereby Japanese lines will obtain 77.5 per cent. of Japanese-Australian freight and one Australian line will obtain 22.5 per cent. 1938.06.21 — The new Japanese military attaché in Warsaw, Lieutenant-Colonel Masao Ueda, voices hope in a press interview for promotion of the already friendly relations between Japan and Poland. 1938.06.21 — A direct radio telephone circuit is opened between Tokyo and Santiago, Chile. 1938.06.22 — The Premier tells the press that the five-Minister conferences are re-examining the January policy on the China hostilities in the light of what has happened since then and intimates that a similar group of interested Ministers may be constituted to deliberate on domestic issues. He denies rumours of further Cabinet reorganization. 1938.06.22 — The Foreign Office spokesman refutes the inference drawn by China's Foreign Minister from his statement of June 6 that Japan wants to negotiate a settlement. He declares there is not the slightest intention of dealing with the Chiang Kai-shek régime. 1938.06.22 — Paris circles deny a press report suggesting that France would not consider Japanese occupation of Hainan Island a violation of the Franco-Japanese treaty of 1907. 1938.06.22 — Washington announces that representations are being made to Tokyo regarding the slapping of a U.S. missionary in Nanking by a Japanese sentry. 1938.06.22 — A drifting Soviet launch is detained by police on the Korean shore at the mouth of the Tumen River. 1938.06.22 — Emperor Kangte visits Mukden on a tour to inspect military establishments. 1938.06.22 — Japanese farmers in Peru petition Tokyo to buy Peruvian cotton, of which they produce more than 20 per cent. 1938.06.22 — The Australian Prime Minister announces that the decision to ban exports of iron ore will not be shelved despite Japan's representations against it. 1938.06.22 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces that the index number of wholesale prices in 13 leading cities, based on 100 for December, 1929, was 139.9 in May, higher by 1.5 per cent. than in April and by 13.1 per cent. than in May of last year. 1938.06.22 — The Japan Staple Fibre Spinning Industry Guild Federation, with 87 member companies, comes into existence in Osaka to control the industry. 1938.06.23 — The Cabinet adopts and announces a programme of further control of the use of 52 staple materials required for munitions and export goods with a view to helping in achievement of the objectives in the hostilities. 1938.06.23 — The Central Price Policy Commission decides on official maximum prices for a number of daily necessities, effective from July 1. 1938.06.23 — Lieutenant-General Kotaro Nakamura, member of the Supreme War Council, is promoted to the rank of full general and relieved of his command of the Eastern Defence Headquarters, which are given to Lieutenant-General Kawagishi. 1938.06.23 — Washington quarters deny reports of Anglo-U.S. negotiations for joint action to protect interests in the Far East. 1938.06.23 — Japan's representative on the League's Advisory Committee on Opium stays away from a session at which a three-point resolution on measures to curb the drug traffic is adopted, which he had charged with being prejudiced against Japan. 1938.06.23 — Japanese forces occupy the island of Namoa, off the China coast near Swatow. 1938.06.24 — Overseas Minister Sonyu Otani resigns to become president of the new North China Development Company. Foreign Minister Ugaki takes over his duties concurrently. 1938.06.24 — It is estimated that the Government's drive for economy in consumption will deprive of work between 700,000 and 800,000 men and women unless arrangements are made to transfer them to other occupations. 1938.06.24 — The Foreign Office spokesman points out precedents for rejecting compensation claims from foreigners in China in the stand taken by the U.S. after the bombardment of Greytown, Nicaragua, in 1814, and by Britain after the bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807. 1938.06.24 — War Vice-Minister Tojo tells the House of Peers Council for Discussion of Current Events that the presence of Japanese troops in North Manchoukuo is having a good effect on the provocative attitude of the U.S.S.R., which he attributes in large measure to internal conditions. 1938.06.24 — The Nichiro Fishery Company announces that the salmon catch in Soviet waters has been very successful so far this season. 1938.06.24 — The House of Commons is told that Japan purchased from the United Kingdom between June 1, 1937, and May 31, 1938, only £108,248 of war supplies. 1938.06.24 — Reports say Paris intends to land troops on Hainan if the Japanese occupy it. 1938.06.24 — The Chinese are said to have broken the Yangtze River embankments between Anking and Kiukiang, creating a flood intended to impede Japanese military operations. 1938.06.24 — The National Government cancels the order to its offices to evacuate Hankow. 1938.06.24 — Japan signs at London the new international whaling agreement. 1938.06.27 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement explaining Japan's adherence to the international whaling agreement as revised in accordance with Japanese requests. 1938.06.27 — The depot ship Korya Maru sails for the Kamchatka fishery grounds after receiving the long-delayed Soviet navigation permit. 1938.06.27 — Tass announces that Foreign Commissar Litvinov blamed Japan and Germany for having liquidated practically all the results for which the World War was fought when he addressed an election rally in Leningrad on June 23. 1938.06.27 — Mr. Emile Vandervelde, veteran Belgian Socialist, advocates in a radio address that the League and the U.S. take action to safeguard China's independence. 1938.06.26 — Mr. Masayuki Tani, Minister-at-large in China, says on returning to Tokyo from Shanghai to report to the Foreign Minister that there is evidence of considerable French aid for the Chinese. 1938.06.26 — Further evidence of Germany's support of Japan in the Sino-Japanese conflict is seen in the recall to Berlin of the German Ambassador to China, who is known to be sympathetic towards the Chinese. 1938.06.26 — The Supreme Court decides that the spreading of false information about national military affairs, whether in good faith or not, is punishable under the Army Criminal Code. 1938.06.27 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry decides to fix maximum prices for rayon yarn and to arrange a system linking imports of rayon pulp with exports of rayon yarns and textiles. 1938.06.27 — Minseito members urge the Finance Minister to reduce Government spending as much as possible. 1938.06.27 — President Yoshisuke Aikawa tells the first general meeting of shareholders of the Manchuria Industrial Development Corporation that introduction of foreign capital into the company is difficult of realization. 1938.06.27 — The British Government is ready to mediate at any time to end the Sino-Japanese hostilities if both sides are agreeable, the Parliamentary Foreign Undersecretary says in the House of Commons. 1938.06.27 — Parliament is told that Britain and France have warned Japan that occupation of Hainan Island would lead to "undesirable complications." 1938.06.27 — Chinese troops break the banks of the Grand Canal in northern Kiangsu Province, starting another flood. 1938.06.28 — The Cabinet agrees to have each Ministry submit to the Finance Ministry draft retrenchments in authorized expenditures for the current fiscal year. It is hoped to save about 450,000,000 yen 3, the general and special accounts. 1938.06.28 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry decides to prohibit, with a few exceptions, the manufacture for domestic consumption of textiles containing cotton. Staple fibre is to be used as a substitute, enabling a reduction in the importation of raw cotton not required for manufacturing exports. 1938.06.28 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry adds 54 articles to the list of 47 announced on May 15 in the manufacture of which iron cannot be used. 1938.06.28 — The Cabinet approves a system of licensed employment of technicians and skilled workmen designed to assure the munitions industry adequate labour. 1938.06.28 — The captain of the Soviet vessel Refrigerator I is fined 2,500 yen for having entered Japanese territorial waters on May 31 near Wakkanai, Hokkaido. 1938.06.28 — The destroyer Shiranuhi is launched at Yokosuka. 1938.06.28 — The Nichi Nichi reports that the Foreign Minister has gained from talks with the British Ambassador an impression that London will follow a two-sided policy in the Far East, continuing to aid General Chiang Kai-shek but at the same time seeking a rapprochement with Japan. 1938.06.28 — Suggestions are heard in Parliament for new restrictions on Japanese goods entering the British Empire. 1938.06.28 — The U.S. Department of Commerce announces that Japan purchased in May $1,420,000 of American aeroplanes, and China, $947,000. 1938.06.29 — A record-breaking rainfall in the Tokyo area causes floods inundating thousands of houses and suspending railway traffic. 1938.06.29 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry protests to the police affairs bureau of the Home Ministry against negligence on the part of Tokyo police in preventing violations of the new cotton regulations. 1938.06.29 — The four executives of the Seiyukai agree to eliminate the unrest created by the recent attempt to elect a president of the party and to work for unity. 1938.06.29 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement rejecting the Soviet contention, contained in a protest filed yesterday, that application of the Military Secrets Protection Law to part of the Hokkaido coast, forbidding the entry of foreign vessels, obstructs free navigation through the Soya Straits and therefore violates the Portsmouth treaty. 1938.06.29 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies that Britain and France have addressed to Japan any warning regarding Hainan Island. 1938.06.29 — The British Ambassador to Tokyo is seeking clarification of Shanghai press reports that Japan may abolish extra-territorial rights in occupied areas of China, Parliament is told. 1938.06.29 — The Parliamentary Foreign Undersecretary states in the House of Commons that Britain will continue to recognize General Chiang Kai-shek's régime as the "legal government" of China as long as it continues to exist. 1938.06.29 — The Foreign Office is said to have instructed Japan's consul-general in Sydney to renew the Japanese-Australian trade agreement on the basis of sales to Australia of 31,232,000 square yards each of cotton and rayon textiles in return for the purchase of between 300,000 and 400,000 bales of Australian wool during the next year. 1938.06.29 — In news of a change in Italy's Ambassador to China is seen further evidence of Italian sympathy for Japan in the current hostilities. 1938.06.29 — President Quezon of the Philippines arrives in Kobe for a 10-day private holiday in Japan. 1938.06.29 — The Training Squadron, composed of the Iwate and Yakumo, returns to Yokosuka from a 10,000-mile cruise that included a visit to Siam. 1938.06.29 — The 9,000-ton Akashi, Japan's first naval repair ship, is launched at Sasebo. 1938.06.29 — The Sino-Japanese Economic Council in Peking holds its first meeting. 1938.06.29 — An agreement with the U.S. revising parcel-post arrangements is promulgated in the Official Gazette. 1938.06.30 — The deaths caused by the floods in the Tokyo area are estimated at 82, with others missing or injured. 1938.06.30 — The Finance Ministry announces that trade during the first six months of 1938 resulted in an import excess of 195,778,000 yen, less than last year by 69.4 per cent., with imports at 1,483,000,000 yen, less by 33.8 per cent., and exports at 1,287,222,000 yen, less by 19.6 per cent. 1938.06.30 — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announces regulations prohibiting the use of cowhide for shoes unless to be used by the army or navy or to be exported. For a list of other articles, use of any leather is banned. The supply and distribution of hides and leathers are placed under control, and price increases for finished goods are forbidden. 1938.06.30 — Regulations governing distribution of cotton for the manufacture of export goods are promulgated. 1938.06.30 — To help in enforcing economic control measures, the police affairs bureau of the Home Office decides to create an economic sub-section in its public safety section and to spread a network of "economic policing." 1938.06.30 — Representatives of Britain, the U.S. and France sign a document formally invoking the escalator clause of the 1936 naval treaty, allowing the signatories to build battleships up to 45,000 tons with 16-inch guns. 1938.06.30 — The Meirinkai, influential group of retired military officers and officials, adopts a resolution denouncing Anglo-French interference with Japanese military operations on Hainan Island. 1938.06.30 — Viscount Fisher, speaking in Parliament, compares Japan's situation with that of England in the latter part of the 18th century and accuses the League of making no attempt to deal with its grievances. 1938.06.30 — The captain of the Soviet ship Refrigerator 1 pays his fine of 1,500 yen for having violated the Military Secrets Protection Law in entering Japanese waters and sails from Wakkanai for Vladivostok. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VIII No. 8 (October 1939) --- (covers 1939.07.12 to 1939.07.25) 1939.07.12 — The Municipal Council of the Kulangsu International Settlement votes rejection of the Japanese demands for reform of the Settlement administration. 1939.07.12 — At Shanghai, the Japanese authorities reject a British protest against the barricades around two cotton mills and an iron foundry, declaring that the barricades must remain until the British give a satisfactory reply to the Japanese note of last November anent the conduct of the factories. 1939.07.12 — Dr. Unokichi Hattori, prominent educator who was invited to lecture at Harvard University in 1915, dies of pneumonia in Tokyo at the age of 73. 1939.07.12 — A Warsaw report says that the Soviets have sent a hospital train with 12 doctors and 80 nurses to the Outer Mongolia border, indicating the extent and seriousness of the hostilities going on along the Outer Mongolia-Manchoukuo frontier. 1939.07.13 — Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita reports to the Throne on the Cabinet's approval of the policy to be followed in the impending negotiations with England on the Tientsin dispute. This policy is summarized by Domei as demanding that Great Britain abandon its pro-Chiang Kai-shek and anti-Japanese attitude, taking cognizance of the changed conditions in North China. Britain also should be asked to accord political and economic co-operation with Japan. 1939.07.13 — Sir Victor Sassoon, Shanghai British financier passing through Yokohama en route to America, tells reporters that Japan should imagine itself in Britain's place in the coming negotiations in Tokyo, because Japan has the upper hand. 1939.07.13 — Sixty-three members of the Marcus Show, an American theatrical troupe arriving from Hongkong for performances in Japan, are denied permission to land at Yokohama on the grounds that they are short of funds. 1939.07.13 — Mr. Wang Ko-min, Chairman of the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic, tells reporters in Peking that the joint conference with Nanking Government leaders in Tsingtao had not taken up the question of a new central Chinese government formally, and that only private talks had been held on the subject. 1939.07.13 — John R. Morris, United Press correspondent, reports from Hailar, near the western border of Manchoukuo, that he found the Japanese-Manchoukuo forces far superior to their Soviet-Outer Mongolian adversaries during a tour of the Japanese lines in the fighting. 1939.07.13 — Isolationist members of the United States Senate declare themselves opposed to Senator Key Pittman's proposal for an arms embargo against Japan on the grounds that there was considerable doubt of the legality of such action. 1939.07.14 — A crowd of Japanese variously reported to number from 30,000 to 65,000 stage a demonstration at the gates of the British Embassy in Tokyo, ostensibly to impress the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, of the necessity for complying with the Japanese demands in the Anglo-Japanese negotiations scheduled to open tomorrow. Metropolitan horse and foot police succeed in keeping demonstrators outside the Embassy compound. 1939.07.14 — It is announced that conversations on the background of the Tientsin issues will open tomorrow between the Foreign Minister and the British Ambassador. 1939.07.14 — The Japanese consul-general in Tientsin declares that British protests against alleged Japanese interference with deliveries of milk to the blockaded British Concession are "absolutely groundless." 1939.07.14 — Members of the Marcus Show troupe continue to America by special arrangement with the liner on which they reached Japan. 1939.07.14 — London newspapers urge Government to adopt firm stand in the Anglo-Japanese parleys in Tokyo. 1939.07.15 — The Foreign Minister and the British Ambassador are reported to have found a serious divergence of views in their initial talks on the Tientsin dispute. The former is said to have explained frankly that the Japanese Government desires a thorough understanding with the British on their policy in East Asia, while the Ambassador is understood to have replied that his instructions covered only the local issue at Tientsin which resulted in the imposition of a Japanese blockade around the British Concession there. 1939.07.15 — Tientsin Chinese are reported rising against the British, sending a message to the Japanese authorities encouraging the latter not to compromise in the Anglo-Japanese talks. 1939.07.15 — The Asahi claims that 80,000 Chinese residents of Japan are supporting the peace movement of Mr. Wang Ching-wei, former Kuomintang vice-president, citing a number of mass meetings held by the Chinese in leading Japanese cities. 1939.07.15 — A Japanese army patrol boat operating on the Pei River in Tientsin capsizes in a collision with a British merchant vessel. 1939.07.15 — Mr. Shigenori Togo, the Ambassador to Moscow, holds a four-hour conference with the Soviet Foreign Vice-Commissar, presenting the treatment accorded Japanese interests in North Saghalien by the Soviet authorities there. The Soviet Foreign Vice-Commissar reportedly promises to transmit the protest to the Government. 1939.07.16 — The Kwantung Army Headquarters in Hsinking announce that several persons, including Russians and Manchus were injured when Soviet planes bombed the vicinity of Pularki, about 285 miles northwest of Harbin, on the North Manchuria Railway line. The Manchoukuo Government protests to the Government of Outer Mongolia. 1939.07.17 — A scheduled meeting between the Foreign Minister and the British Ambassador is postponed for two days, pending the arrival of instructions for the latter from his home Government. Japanese newspapers suspect ulterior motives on the part of Great Britain. The British Foreign Office is reported to be studying the report of the first Arita-Craigie talk sent by the Ambassador. 1939.07.17 — The British consul-general in Tientsin again protests to the Japanese consul-general against alleged interference with milk deliveries to the British Concession there. 1939.07.17 — Major-General Azaichi Taji and 33 Japanese soldiers are reported to have been killed in a forced landing on June 17 at Laotsushan, in Hupeh Province. 1939.07.18 — The American Tide Water and Associated Oil Company tanker Associated rescues 224 persons from the open sea after the Nippon Yusen Kaisha liner Bokuyo Maru burned and sank in the Pacific Ocean three days before it was due to arrive at Yokohama. All but two persons, including crew members and passengers, were saved, although they spent about eight hours on the ocean in life-boats. 1939.07.18 — The Foreign Minister and the War Minister report to the full Cabinet that the Soviet-Outer Mongolia hostilities are being regarded in a very serious light following the air raid on Pularki by Soviet planes. 1939.07.18 — The Anglo-Japanese negotiations on the Tientsin issues resume in Tokyo, as the Foreign Minister and the British Ambassador hold a second meeting. Newspaper speculation indicates high hopes for an eventual understanding, although reports from London say that the British Ambassador has been instructed not to enter into any negotiations on conditions previously stipulated by the Japanese. 1939.07.18 — Mr. Manzo Kushida, 70, active head of the Mitsubishi interests, retires from business. 1939.07.18 — United States Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg, leading candidate for the Republican Party nomination for the Presidency in the 1940 elections, introduces a resolution in the Senate favouring United States abrogation of the nation's trade agreement with Japan. Senator Vandenberg also urges that the Government reconvene the Brussels conference to decide whether or not Japan has violated the nine-Power treaty in its campaign in China. 1939.07.18 — Following a second sharp drop in the exchange value of the Chinese legal tender, the China Affairs Board orders the new China Development Commercial (Hua Hsin) Bank of Shanghai to abandon dealings in the national currency and fix its own currency at a rate of 6 shillings. 1939.07.18 — The British Ambassador is reported to have advanced three counter-proposals to the Foreign Minister in connection with the Tientsin negotiations. The counter-offers are said to be conciliatory, but the Foreign Minister is understood to have insisted that the Japanese cannot accept any sort of compromise on their own demands. 1939.07.18 — The anti-British movement in Japan continues, with Diet members and political leaders rallying mass meetings in protest against what is called the British attitude. 1939.07.19 — The five key members of the Cabinet are reported to have agreed that the armed clashes on the western Manchoukuo border should be settled through direct negotiations with the Soviet Union at Moscow. 1939.07.19 — The Kobe customs officials fined a number of passengers on the American Presidents liner President Pierce in possession of more than the maximum ¥200 importable and detain them temporarily for further questioning. It is the first time a foreign vessel has been subjected to such rigid examinations. 1939.07.19 — The United States State Department announces that China applied for no licences for the purchase of U.S. arms during the month of June, although it received delivery of $26,000 worth of revolvers and airplane accessories previously applied for. Japan neither applied for nor received any United States arms in June. 1939.07.20 — Chinese national currency continues its decline, falling to a quotation of 5 pence in London. 1939.07.20 — Japan's first casualty in the air defence manœuvres which have been in progress since July 19 is a volunteer squad leader in Yamagata Prefecture, who fell from a lamp post whose light he was trying to extinguish to protect the area from a hypothetical raid. 1939.07.20 — The Government is concerned over the drought in southwestern Japan, which is said to be threatening the rice crop and the supply of hydro-electric power, which in turn may affect the Government industrial expansion programme. 1939.07.20 — Premier Hiranuma reiterates to the new China Affairs Commission the Government's immutable policy for bringing about a new order in East Asia and his hopes for third-Power recognition of an awakened Orient. 1939.07.21 — Chinese legal tender takes another plunge, dropping to less than 4 pence, as Shanghai suspends gold bar transactions. 1939.07.21 — Mr. Koshiro Shiba, board chairman of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Company, is appointed director of the Mitsubishi Company, holding firm controlling the diverse Mitsubishi interests, in succession to Mr. Manzo Kushida. 1939.07.21 — The Kokumin reveals that the Yokohama municipal authorities are seeking to buy up all permanent land leases held by foreigners in the port city. Perpetual leases rights are said to be a carry-over from the early Meiji Era. 1939.07.22 — Funeral services are held for Dr. Ujiro Oyama, former consul-general in San Francisco and a noted author and critic on foreign affairs, who died three days ago in Tokyo. He was 69 years old. An expert on Japanese-American affairs, he was best known for his futile fight against the American "exclusion act." 1939.07.22 — A survey by the Miyako finds that consumers largely are refusing to buy staple fibre goods, resulting in a 10 per cent. decline in prices of clothing mixed with staple fibre. 1939.07.22 — Mr. Cordell Hull, the United States Secretary of State, advises the Senate foreign relations committee against any action on the Japanese embargo resolutions before the committee. Mr. Hull said, in view of Congress' apparent indisposition to consider related questions of foreign policy during the present session, there was insufficient time to give such legislation thorough consideration. 1939.07.22 — A Domei report from Washington interpreted Mr. Hull's advice as evidence of Administration wishes to avoid aggravation of Japanese-American relations. 1939.07.22 — Police officials express their satisfaction with the conduct of the air raid manœuvres in Tokyo which ended at dawn today. Two fatalities and 30 injuries are reported to have been suffered during the drills. 1939.07.24 — The Foreign Minister and the British Ambassador late tonight sign a preliminary agreement on the Tientsin parleys. It is said that a joint announcement of the agreement will be made simultaneously in Tokyo and London on Monday. 1939.07.25 — Premier Hiranuma, after reporting to the Throne on the Arita-Craigie agreement, is reserved but hopeful in an interview on the subject. He describes the accord as a settlement of the general questions forming the background of the Tientsin dispute. 1939.07.24 — The joint announcement of the Arita-Craigie agreement states that the British Government recognizes that extensive hostilities are being waged in China and that as long as that condition exists the Japanese forces there "have special requirements for safeguarding their own security and maintaining public order in the regions under their control, and that they have to remove or suppress any such acts or causes as will obstruct them or benefit their enemy." The statement also disclaimed the British Government's intention "of countenancing any acts or measures prejudicial to the attainment of the above-mentioned objectives." 1939.07.24 — With this preliminary understanding reached, committees are appointed for negotiating the details of a specific settlement of the Tientsin dispute. It is decided that the talks on specific issues shall be conducted officially in Japanese, although the Arita-Craigie conversations were held in English. 1939.07.24 — Survivors of the sunken Bokuyo Maru arrive in Yokohama aboard the Kokusai Kisen Kaisha liner Florida Maru, to which they had been transferred from the rescuing ship, Associated. 1939.07.24 — Naval officials at the Ominato station, in northern Japan, issue a statement accusing the Soviet authorities of placing illegal obstructions in the way of Japanese business in North Saghalien and express deep concern over the situation. 1939.07.24 — Mr. Neville Chamberlain, the British Prime Minister, tells the House of Commons that the Arita-Craigie agreement reached in Tokyo by no means constitutes de facto recognition of Japanese sovereignty in parts of China controlled by the Japanese. England's policy toward the Chinese Government remains unchanged, he says. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VIII No. 9 (November 1939) --- (covers 1939.07.25 to 1939.08.21) 1939.07.25 — Reuter reports that Lord Halifax, the British Foreign Secretary, assured Mr. Quo Tai-chi, the Chinese Ambassador at London, that England will not change its policy toward China as a result of the Arita-Craigie agreement in Tokyo. The Chinese Ambassador had complained that the agreement violated the Nine-Power treaty. 1939.07.25 — Navy Minister Mitsumasa Yonai announces the organization of a new naval squadron as the country would be prepared for "any emergency" arising out of an "increasingly complex situation" which Japan may have to face with the progress of the China affair. 1939.07.25 — Two students of the Townsend Harris High School in New York arrive in Yokohama with Miss Akiko Tsukimoto, bearer of the flame of friendship to the New York World's Fair, for a month's visit in Japan awarded them as a token of appreciation for the scroll of friendship presented by students of the school to Miss Tsukimoto. 1939.07.26 — The United States notifies Japan of its decision to abrogate the American-Japanese Commerce and Navigation Treaty of 1911. Secretary of State Cordell Hull's official note to Mr. Kensuké Horinouchi, the Japanese Ambassador at Washington, explains that the Government decided to terminate the treaty because it "contains provisions which need new consideration." The suddenness of the action takes Americans as well as Japanese by surprise, although the news is received calmly in Tokyo. 1939.07.26 — Mr. Francis B. Sayre, Assistant Secretary of State, is appointed United States High Commissioner of the Philippines, succeeding Mr. Paul V. McNutt. 1939.07.26 — Mr. Shinya Uchida, former Railway Minister, is found guilty by the Tokyo District Court of accepting bribes of ¥30,000 in connection with the award of railway contracts. He was given a suspended sentence of eight months and fined ¥50,000. Thirteen other defendants in the case also are found guilty. 1939.07.27 — Secretary of State Cordell Hull tells press that next two to six months will determine the course to be followed by the United States with respect to negotiations for a pact to replace the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation. Observers predict that the abrogation opens the way for embargo legislation against Japan. At the same time, Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau, Jr., and Secretary of Commerce Harry Hopkins hint that their departments may adopt measures unfavourable to Japan. 1939.07.27 — Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita informs the Cabinet of receipt of the American treaty abrogation notice. Domei reports that the Foreign Minister declared that the Japanese Government would not take the initiative in seeking a new treaty with the United States but will adopt a wait-and-see policy. Foreign Office issues a statement declaring that the American note does not explain why the Government found it necessary to give notice in such a "hasty and abrupt manner." 1939.07.27 — The press reports that the current Anglo-Japanese talks for a solution of the Tientsin issue have struck a snag over the questions of the circulation of the National Government's currency and the surrender of Chinese silver held in the British concession. 1939.07.27 — The Oriental Consolidated Mining Company of New York sells the famous Unzan mine to the Japan Mining Company of Tokyo, terminating all gold operations by Americans in Korea. The purchase price is estimated at ¥25,000,000. 1939.07.29 — Sir Robert Craigie, the British Ambassador, confers with Mr. Sotomatsu Kato, Minister-at-Large to China, in an attempt to avert a rupture of the Anglo-Japanese parley over the currency and silver issues. They reportedly decide to appoint a special committee consisting of British and Japanese in an effort to dissolve differences between the two sides. In the meantime, Mr. R. H. Dennis, chief of police in the British Concession at Tientsin, arrives in Tokyo to participate in the current discussions. 1939.07.29 — The Foreign Office announces that a new trade agreement between Japan and Germany has been signed provisionally. It further explains that the agreement is expected to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries. 1939.07.30 — Annual memorial services for the late Emperor Meiji are observed at the Palace. 1939.07.30 — Mr. Asama startles residents at the nearby summer resort of Karuizawa with a vigorous eruption, which sent columns of smoke and ashes shooting high into the air. 1939.07.30 — The Great Japan Islam Society announces plans to launch a large pilgrim ship to carry Mohammedans of Japan, Manchoukuo, China, Indo-China and India to Mecca. 1939.07.30 — Mr. Sonyu Ohtani, president of the North China Development Company, dies of pneumonia in Kalgan, Chahar Province, at the age of 53. He was appointed a member of the House of Peers in 1928. In 1937 Mr. Ohtani was made Minister for Overseas Affairs and in 1938, when the North China Development Company was established, he became its first president. 1939.07.30 — The five chief Ministers of the Hiranuma Cabinet decide to resume discussions of the policy to be followed toward the European situation. 1939.07.30 — Three promotions to the rank of full General are made in a ceremony held in the presence of the Emperor. Those promoted are Lieutenant-General Prince Yasuhiko Asaka, Lieutenant-General Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni and Lieutenant-General Toshiro Nishio, Inspector-General of Military Education. The War Office also announces semi-annual transfers and promotions. 1939.08.03 — The Anglo-Japanese talks in Tokyo for a settlement of the Tientsin crisis near a breakdown, as Domei reports that the discussions will not be resumed for the time being, unless Great Britain proposes a reopening of the parley. 1939.08.03 — The Education Ministry decides to abolish the present Religious Systems Inquiry Commission and replace it with a new agency to be known as the Religions Inquiry Commission. 1939.08.04 — Mr. Sumner Welles, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State, tells the press that the United States plans to map its own course in the Far East and that there is no understanding between Britain and America for joint action in the Far East. At the same time, a resolution introduced in Congress demands that the Government maintain strict neutrality in the Sino-Japanese conflict. 1939.08.05 — Admiral Harry E. Yarnell, former Commander-in-Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet, pays a brief visit to Tokyo on his way home from Shanghai, where on July 25 he turned over his command to Admiral Thomas C. Hart. 1939.08.05 — Sir Victor Sassoon, leading British financier of Shanghai who is now visiting the United States, is reportedly seeking American funds to stabilize the Chinese National Government's currency. 1939.08.06 — Senator Key Pittman declares that the restoration of more friendly relations between the United States and Japan is possible, if the latter changes its attitude toward American rights and interests in China. 1939.08.06 — The Central Raw Silk Association of Japan plans to revive representatives of American silk traders and weavers to Japan to arrange for smooth trade relations, despite the abrogation of the American-Japanese trade treaty. 1939.08.08 — Domei reports that 47 out of 60 Soviet and Outer Mongolian planes which invaded Manchoukuo territory last evening were shot down over Lake Buir, bringing the total number of their planes which have been shot down to 862. 1939.08.08 — Officials announce that the United States Treasury Department has contracted to purchase 6,000,000 ounces of silver from the Chinese Government at an estimated value of $2,000,000. 1939.08.09 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei, former vice-president of the Kuomintang, who abandoned the Chungking Government, appeals for truce between the Japanese and Chinese forces in South China in a broadcast from Canton. He says that there is a strong desire for peace among the Chinese masses and that peace will not impair the independence of China or the liberty of its people. Meanwhile, General Chiang Kai-shek is reported to have prohibited Chinese officials from residing in foreign districts in China to remove them from the influence of Mr. Wang's peace efforts. 1939.08.10 — The residence of the late Mr. Korekiyo Takahashi, former Premier and Finance Minister, who was assassinated in the February 26, 1936, incident, will be preserved by the Tokyo Municipality as the Takahashi Memorial Park. 1939.08.10 — The Foreign Secretary of Britain, Lord Halifax, assures the Polish Ambassador today that his Government is determined to stand by its commitments to assist Poland against aggression. 1939.08.11 — Mr. Albert Foerster, Nazi leader of Danzig, reaffirms the Free City's determination to be returned to Germany in an address at an anti-Polish mass meeting in Danzig. 1939.08.12 — The Japanese Government announces its decision to hand over to the authorities of the Provisional Government of Peking the four Chinese terrorists charged with the murder last April of Mr. Cheng Hsi-keng, Tientsin customs commissioner. The alleged assassins have been held in the British concession at Tientsin. 1939.08.12 — Mr. Sotomatsu Kato, the Japanese Minister-at-Large to China, who is playing an important rôle in the Tokyo talks for a solution of the Tientsin crisis, reportedly rejects a request by the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, to reopen the deadlocked Anglo-Japanese parley on the basis of fresh instructions from London which fail to cover economic questions. At the same time, the Japanese Army officers, who are representing the authorities on the spot, decide to return to Tientsin, making the early resumption of the talks virtually impossible. 1939.08.12 — The Cabinet decides to designate the first day of each month as "East Asia Development Day," during which the nation will be asked to abstain from customary comforts and ponder the establishment of the new order in East Asia. 1939.08.12 — British and French Military Staffs arrive in Moscow to begin talks with Soviet officers for a possible tripartite defense understanding. 1939.08.13 — Because of increased vigilance, relatively little violence breaks out in Shanghai on the occasion of the second anniversary of the outbreak of fighting in Shanghai. In Tokyo, soldiers and sailors visit the Yasukuni Shrine to pay respect to the dead. 1939.08.14 — Premier Hiranuma reports to the Throne on the Government's policy toward the European situation. 1939.08.14 — The Cabinet Planning Board reportedly decides to increase trade with foreign countries by expanding the sphere of barter arrangements. 1939.08.14 — The Commerce and Industry Minister decides to control the civilian consumption of coal in order to cope with the rising demand for fuel. 1939.08.16 — Mr. Tomitaro Hara, one of the biggest private silk traders in Japan, dies today at the age of 71 at this home in Yokohama. He was decorated for his work in promoting trade with the United States and played an important rôle in the rehabilitation of Yokohama following the great earthquake and fire of 1923. 1939.08.16 — A German Lufthansa plane manned for a crew of four arrives at Tokyo this afternoon on a goodwill trip. It is the third German plane to have visited Japan during the last six months. The plane continued its flight to Japan after completing a commercial survey flight from Berlin to Bangkok. 1939.08.17 — Polish officials claim that German initiative has led to the partial closure of the German-Polish frontier in Upper Silesia, where many Germans are said to have been arrested following the discovery of an alleged German spy ring. 1939.08.17 — It is reported that a total of ¥46,000,000 has been contributed to the War Ministry since the outbreak of the China conflict. 1939.08.17 — The British Government announces that it is unable to discuss the silver and currency questions with Japan in connection with the Tientsin parley at Tokyo on the ground that "it is impossible to regard them as purely local issues." 1939.08.17 — Princess Tsuneko Fushimi, consort of Fleet-Admiral Prince Hiroyasu Fushimi, passes away this afternoon at Atami. Princess Fushimi was stricken with pneumonia in November last year and had since been convalescing at the family villa. 1939.08.17 — Domnant for 27 years, the volcano on the tiny island of Torii, in the Izu group, erupts violently, killing 30 inhabitants, a large portion of the island's entire population. Other residents were rescued by an N.Y.K. liner. 1939.08.17 — Over 7,000 Boy Scouts and Girl Guides of Japan, together with scouts representing Germany, Italy, Manchoukuo, China, Thailand and the United States, mass at Hibiya Park in Tokyo in a ceremony marking the elaborate jamboree being held on the outskirts of the capital. 1939.08.21 — It is officially announced tonight that the German and Soviet Governments have concluded a new trade pact whereby Germany will grant the Soviet Union credits of 200,000,000 marks for the purchase of German industrial products during the next two years. The Soviet journal Pravda hints that the pact may improve not only the economic but also the political relations between the two countries. The German Foreign Office denies that the agreement has any political significance or that it foreshadows rapprochement between the two States. 1939.08.21 — The official German D.N.B. news agency announces late in the night that Germany and the Soviet Union have agreed to sign a non-aggression pact and that Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop will fly to Moscow in two days to sign the treaty. The announcement startled the entire world, and fears of German armed action against Poland begins to mount. 1939.08.21 — It is reported that the Japanese to-day shot down 97 more Soviet warplanes in the Outer Mongolia-Manchoukuo border conflict, bringing the total number of Soviet planes brought down since the outbreak of the hostilities to more than 1,000. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VIII No. 10 (December 1939) --- (covers 1939.08.22 to 1939.10.04) 1939.08.22 — The Government's entire scheme of European policy is reported to have been upset as a result of the conclusion of a non-aggression agreement between the Soviet Union and Germany. Premier Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma and War Minister Lieutenant-General Seishiro Itagaki are reported to have agreed that the hitherto undisclosed decision said to have been reached on August 8 must be thoroughly reconsidered. Precise information on the German-Soviet rapprochement is awaited from the Ambassador in Berlin. 1939.08.22 — The Domei news agency's correspondent in Berlin predicts in a signed story that the German-Soviet agreement will be the signal for Chancellor Hitler to speed ahead with the solution of his claims to Danzig, resulting in an ultimate division of Polish territory between Germany and the Soviet Union. 1939.08.22 — The Italian Foreign Minister is reported to have assured the Japanese Ambassador in Rome that the German-Soviet accord will not affect the German-Italian-Japanese anti-Comintern agreement. Italy is understood to be contemplating no action as a sequel to the German-Soviet denouement. 1939.08.22 — Premier Hiranuma invites the advice of his predecessor, Prince Fumimaro Konoe, on the course of Japanese Government policy under the Soviet-German rapprochement. The Prince is said to have advised that the present Cabinet take full responsibility for adjusting Japan's basic foreign policy under the new international set-up. Thereupon the two are said to have discussed filling several vacancies in the Privy Council, on which Prince Konoe, President of the Privy Council, is to report to the Emperor tomorrow. 1939.08.22 — The leading Japanese newspapers are bitter in denunciation of the German pro-Soviet turn, and Japanese financial leaders are reported anxious lest Japan become economically isolated as a result of the anticipated effect on its foreign relations. 1939.08.22 — The German Foreign Minister and the Soviet Foreign Commissar, who is concurrently Chairman of the Council of People's Soviet Commissars, formally affix their signatures to a treaty of non-aggression in Moscow in the presence of Mr. Josef Stalin. The official text of the agreement is released for publication. 1939.08.22 — Provisions of the German-Soviet non-aggression agreement arouse fresh resentment and indignation, both official and private, in Tokyo, where the pact is considered a virtual nullification of Germany's pledges under the anti-Comintern agreement with Japan and Italy. Attention is attracted particularly to Article 4 of the German-Soviet accord, viz., "Neither of the contracting parties shall participate in any grouping of Powers which is aimed either directly or indirectly against the other contracting party." 1939.08.22 — Meanwhile, the European situation toughens momentarily, with diplomatic interests centering once more in Berlin, where the British Ambassador, on advising Chancellor Hitler of Germany that Britain intends to stand by its pledges of Polish territorial integrity, is reported to have been rebuked by the German leader with the assertion that Germany will insist on a showdown with Poland regardless of anyone's pledges. 1939.08.24 — After reporting to the Throne, the President of the Privy Council consults with the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, Mr. Kurahei Yuasa, on his yesterday's conference with the Premier on the turn of European affairs as it affects Japan's basic policy. Mention is made in the press of some "firm resolve" taken by the Premier, but Domei says the official view is that there is no need to rush headlong into drastic action because of the doings of another Government. 1939.08.24 — The Foreign Office instructs the Ambassador in Washington to protest against allegedly unfounded reports of anti-American activities by the Japanese in China, said to have been spread by American officials in China without thoroughly investigating the facts of such cases. 1939.08.24 — The British Ambassador returns to Tokyo from Nikko. 1939.08.24 — The German Ambassador is reported to have returned to the capital from his summer home at Kamakura, but the Japanese newspapers note that he has made no move thus far toward explaining his Government's recent action to the Japanese Foreign Office. 1939.08.25 — The Cabinet is reported to have decided at its meeting today to make a clean break with its past European policy as a result of the German-Soviet rapprochement. However, final action, which had been expected today, is believed to have been postponed until Monday. 1939.08.25 — The German Ambassador calls on the Foreign Minister who is reported to have expressed regret over the pro-Soviet German turn and to have advised that a formal protest will be made in Berlin against what is considered a virtual violation of the anti-Comintern agreement. 1939.08.25 — England, France, Germany and Poland continue urgent mobilization measures, as prediction of war or peace range from two to ten days. 1939.08.25 — London reports say England desires a broad reorientation of its relations with Japan. The British Ambassador in Tokyo calls on the Minister-at-Large to China, reportedly to sound out the possibility of resuming the suspended Anglo-Japanese parleys on the Tientsin issues. 1939.08.26 — Hectic diplomatic activity continues in Europe, with reports of a peace proposal by Chancellor Hitler of Germany, who nevertheless persists in his demands for a "settlement" with Poland over Danzig and other territorial issues. The British reiterate readiness to uphold Poland in any resistance to Germany. 1939.08.26 — President Roosevelt sends a new peace plea to Chancellor Hitler and the President of Poland. The latter offers to accept one of the three methods proposed by the American President for an attempt to reach an amicable settlement with Germany. 1939.08.26 — After some embarrassed confusion, the Japanese dignitaries invited by Germany to the National Socialist Congress previously scheduled for Nuremberg early next month are advised by the Japanese Government to continue their original itineraries pending further developments. 1939.08.26 — The Army issues a statement referring to Japan's disappointment over the German-Soviet rapprochement and urges that the nation henceforth proceed with its task of building up East Asia on an independent stand of its own. 1939.08.26 — A symposium of views of national leaders collated by Japanese newspapers tends to agree with this viewpoint. Prominently quoted among them is General Nobuyuki Abé, one of eight generals who retired following the February 26, 1936, incident, who is said to be emerging from almost complete obscurity into a "potent political force." 1939.08.26 — The twin-motored monoplane, Nippon, of the Tokyo Nichi Nichi and the Osaka Mainichi newspapers, takes off from Haneda Airport, Tokyo, on the first leg of a projected round-the-world flight planned to include five continents and to cover a distance of 54,625 miles. 1939.08.27 — Speculation continues on the prospects for peace or war in Europe, but the majority of opinion holds that the German peace proposals will be rejected by the Anglo-French camp as incompatible with pledges to Poland. 1939.08.27 — Germany assures Belgium and Switzerland of respect for the neutral status of those nations in the event of a war. 1939.08.28 — General Nobuyuki Abé, retired, is commanded by the Emperor to organize a new Cabinet, following the resignation en bloc of the Hiranuma Administration. A completely new Government is predicted, so that Japan may sever all connection with its past international and domestic policy, impairment of which is given as the reason for the resignation of Premier Hiranuma. 1939.08.28 — In a public statement, the outgoing Premier explains that he wishes to accept full responsibility for the policies on which he has advised and reported to the Emperor but which are no long applicable as a result of the German-Soviet rapprochement. 1939.08.28 — The Italian Ambassador pays a visit to the Foreign Office, during which he is said to have assured Japan, on instructions from Rome, that Italy's friendly attitude toward Japan has been in no way affected by the German-Soviet agreement. 1939.08.28 — The British Ambassador to Germany flies to Berlin from London. It is believed he carries the British reply to the German peace proposals, reportedly rejecting unconditionally the alleged German request for a withdrawal of Anglo-French guarantees to Poland. 1939.08.29 — General Abé proceeds swiftly with the organization of a new Cabinet under the Imperial order. Most noteworthy selection during the first day of organization is that of General Shunroku Hata, Chief Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty, for the post of War Minister. 1939.08.29 — Europe still awaits the verdict of war or peace and Chancellor Hitler is reported to be preparing a reply to the British counter-suggestions to his peace proposals. 1939.08.29 — Mr. Newton Edgers, of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, explains the Japanese stand in the new turn of world events in a shortwave broadcast to the United States. "General Abé as Premier-designate is Japan's answer to the German-Soviet accord and the need for sweeping changes in Japan's foreign policy..." 1939.08.30 — The Emperor attends the formal investiture of the Cabinet, membership of which is as follows: Premier—General Nobuyuki Abé; Foreign Minister—General Nobuyuki Abé (concurrently); War Minister—General Shunroku Hata; Navy Minister—Vice-Admiral Zengo Yoshida; Finance Minister—Kazuo Aoki (concurrently director of the Cabinet Planning Board); Home Minister—Naoshi Ohara; Welfare Minister—Naoshi Ohara (concurrently); Commerce Minister—Takuo Godo; Agriculture Minister—Takuo Godo (concurrently); Justice Minister—Dr. Chogoro Miyagi; Education Minister—Kakichi Kawarada; Communications Minister—Ryutaro Nagai; Railway Minister—Ryutaro Nagai (concurrently); Overseas Minister—Tsuneo Kanemitsu. 1939.08.30 — Following the first meeting of this "abbreviated" Cabinet, as it was dubbed by the press because of the several concurrent posts, the chief secretary of the Cabinet, Mr. Ryunaku Endo, read a statement prepared by Premier Abé which stressed the Government's resolve to pursue its course for the settlement of the China Affair independently of other nations. However, the statement acknowledged the necessity for adjusting relations speedily with those countries which "appreciate Japan's position and spare no cooperation." Other nations, it was said, will be dealt with in "bold resolution." 1939.08.30 — The German Ambassador informs the Government that he has been advised by his own Government that the Nazi Congress in Nuremberg has been cancelled and that the Japanese delegates invited thereto may alter their plans to suit themselves. 1939.08.30 — In Europe, there appears little hope left for avoiding war, despite an offer by the Queen of the Netherlands and the King of the Belgians to mediate between Germany and Poland. 1939.08.30 — Chancellor Hitler's latest communication to the British Government is said to have added new demands against Poland. A Polish Government spokesman, asked if the Polish Foreign Minister will go to Berlin, replies that Polish mobilization is Poland's answer to alleged German threats. 1939.08.30 — The British Prime Minister reiterates that his Government's determination to support Poland is unshaken. 1939.08.30 — The Soviet Union is reported massing troops on its western border in preparation for whatever might happen. 1939.08.30 — Announcement is made of the reorganization in Shanghai of a "new Kuomintang Party," headed by Mr. Wang Ching-wei, former Kuomintang Vice-President. 1939.08.31 — The German Government is reported to be in close consultation with the Soviet Union following receipt of a note from the British Government allegedly proposing an immediate armistice and the cessation of mobilization and troop movements to allow for direct negotiations between Germany and Poland. 1939.08.31 — German troops are said to be gathering along the Polish border in vast numbers. 1939.08.31 — An expected 11th-hour peace move by Premier Mussolini of Italy fails to materialize and authoritative French circles gloomily predict that war will start "tomorrow." 1939.08.31 — Premier Abé, in taking over the duties of the former Foreign Minister, Mr. Hachiro Arita, again stresses that Japan's foreign policy will be independent of other nations. 1939.08.31 — A manifesto is issued in Shanghai by the newly organized "Kuomintang," under Wang Ching-wei, stressing the need for economic and cultural co-operation with Japan, noting strong common ties and urging negotiations for an immediate peace between the two countries. The manifesto, in the name of the "new Kuomintang," repudiates the former organization and denounces the leader of the latter, General Chiang Kai-shek. 1939.09.01 — Japanese army fliers are reported to have shot down 23 Soviet planes in spectacular air battles over the Nomonhan area yesterday, according to reports from Hsinking. 1939.09.01 — Vice-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, former Navy Vice-Minister, is invested at the Imperial Palace as Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet and the First Fleet. Vice-Admiral Tokutaro Sumiyama, Naval Academy superintendent, is named to be Navy Vice-Minister. 1939.09.01 — The German liner Scharnhorst returns to Kobe, after having started on a return voyage to Hamburg, because of the war peril in Europe. 1939.09.01 — In Tokyo, the Emperor offers prayers in the Inner Sanctuary of the Imperial Palace in memory of the 26th anniversary of the great earthquake and fire of 1923. It is also the first East Asia Development Day, celebrated throughout Japan with self-denial and renewed resolution to persevere in the achievement of the objectives of Japan in China. 1939.09.01 — The Government remains reserved on the European conflict, pending receipt of official information from the scene. It is reported, however, that all Cabinet members have been urged to stand by for an emergency meeting at a moment's notice. 1939.09.01 — President Roosevelt says in an evening radio broadcast that the United States can avoid involvement in the European conflict, following a discussion with national defence leaders. 1939.09.02 — Mr. Yukichi Iwanaga, president of Domei News Agency, dies following a heart attack at his summer home in Karuizawa. He was 57 years old, and had been associated with Japanese news agency work since 1916. 1939.09.02 — England declares war against Germany following the German failure to reply by 11 o'clock (London time) this morning to a demand that hostilities with Poland be terminated. France enters a state of war with Germany at 5 o'clock in the afternoon (Paris time), when the French deadline for a German reply expires. 1939.09.02 — The Cabinet holds an emergency session in Tokyo but adjourns before news of the war declarations reaches Japan. It is decided, however, that daily meetings shall be held during the emergency until the Government's policies have been adjusted to the new situation in Europe, both domestically and internationally. 1939.09.04 — The Government issues the following statement in Tokyo: 1939.09.04 — "With regard to the outbreak of hostilities in Europe, the Japanese Empire will not take any part in them but will proceed entirely along the line of settling the China incident." 1939.09.05 — The Foreign Office transmits formal statements to the representatives of foreign governments in Tokyo to the effect that Japan will not become involved in the European conflict. 1939.09.05 — Mr. Manzo Kushida, long associated with Japanese-American relations and a prominent figure in Japanese business circles as an advisor to the Mitsubishi interests, dies of pneumonia at his Tokyo home at the age of 73 years. He had retired from active business two years ago. 1939.09.06 — The American Secretary of State declares that United States neutrality legislation will not permit Canada to purchase war materials in the United States for transhipment to England. The New York Times predicts that President Roosevelt will call a special session of Congress to revise the neutrality laws. 1939.09.06 — Mr. Kunimitsu Hamada, veteran Japanese politician, member of the Seiyukai and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, dies from a cerebral hemorrhage at his Tokyo home. He was 71 years old. Returned to the Diet 12 times since 1904, Mr. Hamada was known as a liberal thinker. His Diet speech in the 70th session of the Diet in 1937, in which he attacked General Count Hisaichi Terauchi, then War Minister under Premier Koki Hirota, was said to have brought about the downfall of the Hirota Administration. 1939.09.07 — Despite the slump in the pound sterling in terms of the United States dollar, the Finance Ministry authorities decide to maintain the yen on the sterling basis, according to the Asahi. The decision is said to have been made in view of the British intention to maintain the pound exchange rate at $4.02 selling and $4.04 buying, which permits the yen to remain at 1s 2d, as long as the pound remains stationary. 1939.09.08 — The British Ambassador in Tokyo announces receipt of authorization to deny all rumours to the effect that Great Britain "will agree to the cessation of hostilities if Poland is conquered." 1939.09.08 — Although found guilty of espionage, Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher R. Spear, British military attaché in China, is released by a Japanese court martial, which noted "extenuating circumstances" and attributed his actions to "carelessness rather than malicious intent." Spear had been held by the Japanese army authorities since May 26, when he was arrested behind the Japanese lines at a small town along the Peking-Patow Railway. 1939.09.08 — The British Ministry of Information announces that contraband posts have been established at Weymouth, Kickwall, the Downs, Gibraltar and Haifa in an effort to check the flow of shipping to Germany. Ships suspected of carrying cargo destined for ports of Britain's enemies will be advised or compelled to call at these ports for cargo inspection. 1939.09.08 — President Roosevelt proclaims a "limited emergency" in the United States to safeguard the nation's neutrality. Six decrees are issued also for strengthening national defence. 1939.09.08 — Five passengers are killed in the crash of a Japan Airways plane near a remote inland village while trying to return to the Nagoya airfield because of bad weather. The injured pilot, 23, is the only survivor. 1939.09.09 — Premier Abé, at Ujiyamada to report the assumption of his duties before the Isé Grand Shrines and other sacred places, reiterates that his Administration's basic policy will be devoted to the settlement of the China Affair, despite the European war. Mentioning America, France and Britain, the Premier says that if foreign countries take a just view and co-operate in a new East Asia, Japan will not reject them. 1939.09.11 — Mr. Inosuké Furuno, managing director of Domei news agency since its inception, is elected president of the organization in succession to the late Mr. Yukichi Iwanaga. 1939.09.11 — Soviet troops are reported mobilizing in force along the U.S.S.R. western border. A Domei report from Budapest predicts that the anticipated German capture of Warsaw will signal announcement of a new Soviet-German agreement involving the division of a conquered Poland between them. 1939.09.12 — Domei sees a new phase signalled in the Sino-Japanese hostilities with the appointment of General Toshizo Nishio as Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese forces in China, and Lieutenant-General Seishiro Itagaki as his first Chief-of-Staff. Other Army shifts include the recall from China of General Hajimé Sugiyama as Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese forces in North China, to become a member of the Supreme War Council; the appointment of Lieutenant-General Yoshijiro Umezu as Commander of the Kwantung Army, in succession to General Kenkichi Ueda, who is appointed to the Army General Staff. 1939.09.13 — Enunciation of the Abé Cabinet's "platform," although admittedly containing little new, is taken by the Japanese metropolitan press as evidence of early positive support for the establishment of a new central government in China. Unification of the Japanese military command in China also is viewed as a step in this direction. 1939.09.13 — The new Kwantung Army Commander, according to a Nichi-Nichi report from Hsinking, says there is to be no change in policy toward the Soviet Union on the Asiatic continent. 1939.09.13 — Isamu Morimura, Japan Airways Company director, completes a record flight from New York to Yokohama in six days, one hour and 30 minutes, with the first pictures of the German invasion of Poland to reach Japan. Morimura rode American airlines from New York to Guam, from where a steamer carried him to Saipan to board a Japanese plane for the last lap of the journey. Connection between Saipan and Guam, he says, is all that is needed for regular Japan-America air service. 1939.09.14 — President Roosevelt last night issued a proclamation convening a special session of the United States Congress at noon on September 21. It is understood that Congress will be asked to revise American neutrality legislation, with particular efforts to eliminate the present mandatory embargo on shipments of war supplies to belligerent nations. 1939.09.14 — The United States announces that it reserves for itself all rights accruing to a neutral under the provisions of international law during wartime. Voluntary restraint in the exercise of such rights, it is said, in no way implies relinquishment. 1939.09.14 — Germany announces a "counter-blockade" of Great Britain and publishes a long list of contraband articles in reply to a similar list issued by the British. 1939.09.15 — Although the pound sterling plunges 24 cents in terms of the dollar, the Yokohama Specie Bank clings to its yesterday's selling acceptance rate for the yen, $13.51, in the belief that the pound soon will recover to its official rate of $4.02. 1939.09.15 — The seventh anniversary of the recognition by Japan of the State of Manchoukuo is observed at the Manchoukuo Embassy in Tokyo with appropriate ceremonies. 1939.09.16 — Announcement is made of the conclusion of truce agreement between the Soviet-Outer Mongolia troops in the Nomonhan area and the Japanese-Manchoukuo forces. The agreement is said to have been reached by the Japanese Ambassador in Moscow and the Soviet Foreign Commissar, stopping all hostilities in the Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolia border area at 2 o'clock this morning (Moscow time), with each side holding its respective lines as of 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Understanding is said to have been reached also that problem of demarcating the border between Manchoukuo and Outer Mongolia shall be taken up as soon as possible. 1939.09.16 — It is announced in Moscow that Mr. Constantin Smetanin, former chargé d'affaires in Tokyo, has been selected as the new Soviet Ambassador to Japan. 1939.09.16 — The Philippines National Assembly votes Constitutional amendments which would institute a bi-cameral legislature and reduce the President's term of office from six years to four years with the legal possibility of re-election, providing that no President may serve longer than eight years. 1939.09.16 — Prince Fumimaro Konoe, discloses publicly for the first time, that Mr. Wang Ching-wei, former Kuomintang vice-president and leader-designate of the anticipated new central régime of China, visited Japan last June and conferred with leading Japanese Government officials, including the Premier and Prince Konoe himself. 1939.09.17 — The Chairman of the Council of People's Soviet Commissars announces over the Moscow radio station that the Red Army this morning was ordered to cross into Poland "to liberate our brothers." The Polish Embassy in France announces that a Soviet invasion of Poland has begun. 1939.09.17 — News of the Soviet-Japan border truce is said to be arousing grave concern in Chinese circles. 1939.09.17 — Japanese and Soviet military authorities on the border meet to confirm the truce agreed upon in Moscow. 1939.09.18 — Preparations are completed at Noro Height, on the Outer Mongolia-Manchoukuo border, for a formal meeting between Soviet and Japanese army officers to discuss enforcement of the terms of the truce agreement. News of the Japan-Soviet border truce is greeted with resentment by Chinese newspapers, but Chinese Government officials believe the scope of the agreement is strictly limited to the border trouble. 1939.09.19 — The Cabinet decides to invoke certain provisions of the National General Mobilization Act under which it is to be prohibited to raise prices, rentals, freight rates, wages, fees and other charges above the level prevailing yesterday, September 18. 1939.09.19 — Declaring that Japanese-American relations are not based solely on the commerce and navigation treaty, Mr. Yakichiro Suma, former counsellor to the Embassy in Washington, declares on his return home that there should be no insurmountable obstacle to a possible new treaty. 1939.09.20 — The Foreign Office spokesman reiterates to foreign correspondents that Japan does not intend to oust American or other third-Power interests from China. 1939.09.20 — The Japan Bar Association adopts a resolution urging the Government to demand the withdrawal from China of the armed forces of belligerent nations in Europe. 1939.09.20 — According to a London report, the Japanese Government has assured Great Britain that German merchant ships in Japanese ports will not be permitted to arm in Japanese waters. 1939.09.20 — Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, retired, president of the Peers' School, is reported to be a candidate for Foreign Minister, a post now held concurrently by Premier Abé. 1939.09.21 — Premier Abé assures the Cabinet Advisory Council that a new central government of China under Mr. Wang Ching-wei, former Kuomintang vice-president, will be established during November and that the Japanese Government will accord it all possible active assistance, according to the Nichi-Nichi. 1939.09.21 — Conferring at Noro Height, Japanese army officers accept a Soviet proposal for a joint search for the dead of both sides in the recent border fighting. 1939.09.21 — The Commerce and Industry Minister admits in an interview that some blanks are bound to crop up in the Government's emergency price control measures. 1939.09.22 — Mr. Ito Sako and her son and party arrive safely at Marseull from besieged Warsaw, which is reported still holding out against the German attack. 1939.09.23 — Admiral Nomura accepts the nomination as Foreign Minister and is to be invested tomorrow. Other changes to follow include the appointment of Renzo Sawada, Foreign Vice-Minister, as Ambassador to France, to be succeeded by Masayuki Tani as Vice-Minister. 1939.09.23 — A new Japanese military offensive is announced in the so-called Ninth War Zone of China, in the vicinity of Tungting Lake, in Kiangsi and Hunan Provinces, against the Central China forces. 1939.09.24 — The new Japanese drive in central China is reported making rapid progress along the Hankow-Canton Railway toward Changsha. 1939.09.24 — The new Foreign Minister's policy is expected by leading vernacular newspapers to include better relations with America and Britain, readjustments with France, negotiations with the Soviet Union and positive assistance to the expected new central régime in China. 1939.09.25 — Chinese re-enforcements are rushed to Pingkiang in an attempt to stem the Japanese drive toward Changsha. 1939.09.25 — The new Japanese warship Kashima is launched at Yokohama, again floating the name of a vessel scrapped under the terms of the Washington naval disarmament conference. 1939.09.25 — General Nishio leaves for his post as Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese forces in China. General Sugiyama, former North China commander, returns to Tokyo and is received by the Emperor. 1939.09.26 — The Cabinet adopts the Planning Board proposal for the establishment of a regular Trade Ministry and votes additional authority to the Premier by which the latter may issue emergency orders to State Ministers, although they must consult the Premier before issuing any wartime emergency decrees themselves. To questions of the constitutionality of the latter measure, proponents reply that such actions by the Premier will not be legally binding, but it is anticipated that objections will be unlikely. 1939.09.27 — The National General Mobilization Inquiry Commission approves six proposed Imperial ordinances designed to halt any increase in prices, wages and charges above the level prevailing on September 18. 1939.09.27 — The Privy Council is reported resentful over the Cabinet's vote to extend the authority of the Premier, members questioning the propriety of the act in view of its relation to Cabinet regulations and asking why the Privy Council was not consulted. The Premier defends the measure. 1939.09.28 — According to Hongkong reports, the fighting in the Changsha area is the most severe in China during the last two years, with 3,000 Chinese casualties reported on September 23 alone. Chinese reports say re-enforcements are being rushed. 1939.09.28 — The capture of Changsha is reported imminent, following the reduction of Pingkiang by the Japanese forces. 1939.09.29 — The Chinese National Government's Foreign Minister, Mr. Wang Chung-hui, is quoted as having told a newspaper reporter that China would welcome United States mediation in the Sino-Japanese hostilities for an "honourable peace" with Japan. 1939.09.30 — Mr. Eiji Amau, Minister to Switzerland, is appointed formally as the Japanese Ambassador to Italy, succeeding Mr. Toshio Shiratori. 1939.09.30 — Completion of an 1,800-mile telephone cable between Japan and Machoukuo is celebrated in Tokyo with an exchange of greetings with officials in Seoul (Keijo), Korea, and in Mukden. 1939.09.30 — Opposition to the projected establishment of a Trade Department in the Government is reported mounting within various Departments which would be affected. The Foreign Office in particular is understood to be firmly opposed to relinquishing its control of governmental trade agencies abroad to the jurisdiction of the proposed new Trade Department. 1939.09.30 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies that the British Government has proposed resumption of the suspended negotiations on the Tientsin issues. Domei says any such overtures will be refused, unless the Japanese Government can be assured of progress in advance. 1939.10.01 — General Nishio issues a statement in Shanghai on the establishment of General Headquarters for all Japanese military forces in China, urging that third Powers in China recognize that conditions during hostilities need not necessarily continue afterward and urging full co-operation with the Japanese. General Nishio said, "Rights and interests of third Powers in China will be accorded protection and respect. The Japanese will strive with sincerity to effect a settlement of any unfortunate incidents which may arise during military operations. ... The Army will not hesitate to take drastic action against those who commit acts hostile to Japan or obstruct Japanese military operations." 1939.10.02 — The new Foreign Minister's first statement on foreign policy, made before the conference of prefectural governors, emphasizes his intention to make redoubled efforts to bring about a better understanding of Japan in the United States. He said there is no need for third Powers in China to fear for their interests "after the fall of the Chiang Kai-shek régime." 1939.10.02 — Japan's policy of non-involvement in the European war, he said, automatically entitled this nation to the rights of a neutral Power, without the necessity for a formal declaration of neutrality. The Government's policy, he said, is directed primarily toward the solution of the China incident and Japan's relations with third Powers must be adjusted with that end in view. 1939.10.02 — Mr. Ichita Kobashi, who resigned as Mayor of Tokyo last spring because of illness, dies at the age of 70, having never completely recovered from the cerebral hemorrhage suffered on March 13, which led to his resignation. 1939.10.02 — The Railway Ministry's Board of Tourist Industry is reported planning a publicity campaign to attract to Japan those American tourists who might travel to Europe but for the war going on there. It is estimated that one-tenth of the usual number of American visitors to Europe would spend at least ¥60,000,000 in Japan yearly. 1939.10.02 — The Communications Ministry decides that all foreign ships anchoring in the major Japanese ports must refrain from using their wireless apparatus until they leave Japanese waters. 1939.10.03 — The Cabinet approves the Planning Board's proposals for the establishment of a Trade Department in the Government. During a lengthy recess, the Premier and other exponents of the Plan are reported to have induced the Foreign Minister, the Overseas Minister, the Agriculture and Forestry Minister and the Commerce and Industry Minister to accept the proposal in principle and to appoint a special committee to overcome objections to it in drafting final regulations. 1939.10.03 — The War Office announces that Japanese casualties, including killed, wounded and sick, during the Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolia border fighting near Nomonhan last summer amounted to 18,000. The War Office spokesman, addressing the conference of prefectural governors, stressed that the Japanese forces sought throughout the border fighting to localize the conflict. He said the Soviet and Outer Mongolia forces lost at least as many men as the Japanese-Manchoukuo forces. 1939.10.03 — The appointment of Major-General Akira Mato, who figured prominently in the now-suspended Anglo-Japanese parleys in Tokyo, as director of the Military Affairs Bureau of the War Office, is seen as another step toward adjustment of Japan's relations with foreign nations. 1939.10.03 — All foreign vessels are requested to evacuate the vicinity of Kuatow, a Chinese port about 50 miles south of Wenchow, by 8 o'clock on the morning of October 6, as the Japanese naval units will launch a campaign against the city on that day. 1939.10.03 — Agricultural societies petition Premier Abé for the appointment of a full-time Agriculture and Forestry Minister. The post is now filled concurrently by Commerce and Industry Minister Takuo Godo. 1939.10.04 — Several section chiefs and a number of lesser members of the Foreign Office staff submit their resignations in protest against the Foreign Minister's concurrence with the Cabinet in approving the projected creation of a Trade Department. Other Foreign Office men confer among themselves and mass resignations are threatened. 1939.10.04 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry announces a decline in this year's rice crop of 1.8 per cent. from last year's volume in Japan Proper. However, the crop for the present five-year period is said to exceed that for the previous five-year period. The decline is attributed to droughts in western Japan. Korea also has suffered serious effects on the rice crop because of prolonged droughts last summer. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VII No. 4 (March 1939) --- (covers 1938.09.16 to 1938.11.15) 1938.09.16 — The Emperor receives in audience four members of the Peruvian economic and cultural mission. 1938.09.16 — Meeting for the first time, members of the Peruvian mission and Japanese leaders agree on the desirability of a new Japanese-Peruvian trade agreement, co-operation between economic bodies of the two countries and improvement of Tokyo-Lima communications. 1938.09.16 — Manchoukuo protests to the Soviet against invasion of the western border by cavalrymen on September 14. 1938.09.16 — China's delegate to the League Assembly asks application of Article 17 of the Covenant to the Sino-Japanese conflict and assistance for China. 1938.09.16 — Japanese troops occupy Kwangchow, important point in southeastern Honan Province. 1938.09.16 — The U.S. State Department reveals that Japan purchased $1,267,000 of aeroplanes and equipment in the U.S. during August. Chinese purchases totalled $498,000. 1938.09.16 — The deposits bureau of the Finance Ministry drafts a plan to make 52,000,000 yen available for encouragement of new enterprises to absorb workers thrown out of employment by the Government's economic control measures. 1938.09.16 — The National League for Protection of Commercial Rights petitions the Government to eliminate friction between co-operative societies and business interests. 1938.09.16 — The Welfare Ministry announces lower retail prices for a number of drugs. 1938.09.17 — Japanese naval forces take Wusueh, important point on the Yangtze River above Kiukiang. 1938.09.17 — The Governor-General of French Indo-China assures Mr. Shinjichiro Yada, former Minister to Switzerland, that the French colony is maintaining absolute neutrality and is not allowing war supplies for China to cross its territory. 1938.09.17 — The Japanese Bureau in Geneva issues a statement asserting that Japan always has respected the regulations for aerial warfare drafted at The Hague in 1923 and that the Chinese are to blame for heavy civilian casualties caused by bombing. 1938.09.19 — Prince Chichibu represents the Emperor at a memorial service in Tokyo for Prince Arthur of Connaught, who visited Japan on three Royal missions. 1938.09.19 — Manchoukuo protests to the Soviet against the crossing of the border west of Manchuli on September 18 by mounted Soviet soldiers who fired on Manchoukuo guards. 1938.09.19 — The Sino-Japanese Economic Council, meeting in Peking, adopts measures to promote production of raw cotton in North China, strengthen the Federal Reserve Bank of China and found a Chinese company for exploitation of natural resources. 1938.09.19 — The Dai-Nippon Mohammedan Association, organized to promote better understanding of Japan among Moslems, is inaugurated in Tokyo, with General Senjuro Hayashi, retired, as president. 1938.09.19 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry approves a plan for production of potash to be used as fertilizer and importation of what is needed to supplement the domestic output. 1938.09.19 — The Peruvian mission in Tokyo promises to help Japanese fishing in Peruvian waters, and the Nippon Yusen Kaisha announces it will add two vessels to the Japan-Peru service. 1938.09.20 — Representatives of the Cabinet, Army and Navy complete a draft plan for the projected central machinery to handle China affairs, based largely on proposals made by the Army. 1938.09.20 — The Foreign Office issues a statement listing instances of Chinese use of schools and other cultural establishments for military purposes. 1938.09.20 — Examination of the men involved in the plot to assassinate Mr. Wang Keh-min, executive chairman of the Peking régime, on March 28 is said to have established that the plot was instigated by General Chiang Kai-shek. 1938.09.20 — Leaders of all religious sects in Japan open a two-day conference in Tokyo under the auspices of the Japan-Germany-Italy Friendship Society to consider how they can strengthen the anti-Comintern front. 1938.09.20 — The Manchoukuo Finance Bureau decides to limit the Government's 1939-40 general accounts to 380,000,000 yuan. 1938.09.21 — The Cabinet approves the appointments of Mr. Mamoru Shigemitsu as Ambassador to London, Mr. Toshio Shiratori as Ambassador to Rome and Mr. Masatsugu Ōsaka as Minister to Riga. 1938.09.21 — The Netherlands Government is said to be rushing the construction of naval craft to send to the Netherlands Indies because of developments in the Far East. 1938.09.21 — Irritation is caused by the refusal of the Vladivostok authorities to permit the landing of rice for the Japanese consulate-general unless duty is paid, despite the long-honoured practice of exempting all imports for consular officials from duty. 1938.09.21 — The committee of the Diet System Inquiry Commission studying possible improvements in the House of Peers is told that the Government would like vocational representation in the House in the form of Imperial appointment of outstanding men in agriculture, fishing, industry and mining. Representation of labour is not intended. 1938.09.22 — Japan sends to Geneva its refusal to unite the Sino-Japanese conflict under Article 17 of the Covenant, voicing its conviction that the method would not bring about an adequate solution. 1938.09.22 — French Indo-China authorities deny knowledge of a reported Chinese contract with the French-controlled Yunnan Railway Company to build a 100-mile railway from Ipin, Szechwan Province, and Yunnan-fu. 1938.09.22 — The Joint Commission of the Governments of the Chinese Republic, comprising representatives of the Peking and Nanking régimes, is inaugurated in Peking. 1938.09.22 — The Manchoukuo Foreign Office issues a statement voicing readiness to co-operate with the Joint Commission of the Governments of the Chinese Republic. 1938.09.22 — Manchoukuo guards repulse Soviet soldiers who enter Manchoukuo near Pogranichnaya, on the eastern border. Two Soviets are killed. 1938.09.22 — The Nichiro Fishery Company announces that the Kamchatka fishing season has been very satisfactory, with production of canned red salmon in excess of 1,200,000 boxes, more by about 30,000 than last year. 1938.09.22 — Finance Minister Ikeda tells a group of Upper House members that the public has responded in a gratifying manner to the Government's thrift campaign, with 3,600,000,000 yen saved during the first six months of the year. 1938.09.22 — The Asahi estimates that paid wages declined 0.4 per cent. during July, and real wages 2.2 per cent. 1938.09.22 — A committee of experts approves the Home Ministry's project of a vehicular tunnel to connect the Main Island and Kyushu, which is expected to require four years of work at a cost of 17,000,000 yen. 1938.09.23 — The Finance Vice-Minister denies that the Government is planning any increase in the price it pays for gold, pointing out that the rise in London already is subsiding. 1938.09.23 — Tokyo City's planning bureau announces that the average index number of Tokyo retail prices for September is 121.8, compared with 124.3 in August. The relatively small increase is believed to reflect the Government's control of prices. 1938.09.23 — The Joint Commission of the Governments of the Chinese Republic decides to draft plans for joint administration of such common matters as traffic, communications, education, banking, customs and the salt gabelle. 1938.09.24 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is said to have reached a final decision on its plan for establishing a company for the distribution of rice on a semi-Government basis, a bill for which will be submitted to the Diet in the next session. 1938.09.25 — A French soldier at Tientsin strikes a Japanese workman in the Special Third District, increasing the bad feeling already existing between the Japanese and French authorities. 1938.09.26 — The Finance Ministry receives the last of the estimates for the 1939-40 general accounts, totalling ¥4,500,000,000, compared with ¥3,800,000,000 last year. About ¥1,800,000,000 is asked for new purposes, most of them related to the China incident. 1938.09.26 — The increase in investable funds in the first half of 1938 is estimated at ¥3,542,000,000, compared with ¥2,821,000,000 in the second half of 1937 and ¥1,899,000,000 in the first half. 1938.09.26 — The Mitsui Gomei Kaisha's research department estimates that 1,300 companies in Japan proper with a paid-up capitalization of ¥9,299,000,000 had net profits of ¥602,900,000 during the first half of 1938, more by ¥75,600,000, or 14.4 per cent., than in the same period of last year and by ¥37,000,000, or 6.3 per cent., than in the second half of last year. 1938.09.26 — The public trial opens in Tokyo of 11 members of the Japan Anarchistic Communist Party who were arrested in 1935. 1938.09.27 — The Legal Council decides informally to apply Article 16 of the Covenant to Japan, which it brands as an aggressor. 1938.09.27 — The Cabinet decides to allow ¥4,023,000 from second reserve fund for arranging new employment for those made jobless by the restrictions on use of raw materials. To supervise the programme, a special bureau will be created in the Welfare Ministry. 1938.09.27 — A decision is reached at Tientsin to withdraw from North China all yen notes issued by the Bank of Japan and the Bank of Chosen in order to increase the circulation of Federal Reserve Bank notes and prevent the flow of yen to Shanghai. 1938.09.27 — The French authorities at Tientsin apologise to the Japanese gendarmerie for the assault by a French soldier on a Japanese workman on September 25. 1938.09.27 — The 9,800-ton whaler Tonan Maru, the first to leave this season, sails from Osaka with a crew of 340 for the Antarctic. 1938.09.27 — Hsinking announces that Manchoukuo's foreign trade, visible and invisible, totalled 1,332,000,000 yuan in 1937, with visible imports 643,000,000 yuan, visible imports 887,000,000 yuan, invisible exports 787,000,000 yuan and invisible imports 114,000,000 yuan, giving a favourable balance of 32,000,000 yuan. 1938.09.28 — The Foreign Office announces that the American Ambassador, on instructions from Washington, has proposed to the Foreign Minister that Japan use its good offices to have Germany and Czechoslovakia seek a peaceful settlement of their dispute and that the Foreign Minister has voiced respect for President Roosevelt's desire and promised to give the proposal serious consideration. 1938.09.28 — Japan's consul-general in Hanoi makes representations to the authorities of French Indo-China against a reported decision to ban exports of iron and manganese ores, of which Japan is the only buyer. 1938.09.28 — Japanese naval planes for the first time bomb Yunnan-fu, capital of Yunnan Province. 1938.09.28 — The first-class destroyer Kagero is launched at Maizuru. 1938.09.29 — The Foreign Minister Ugaki resigns because of opposition to transfer from the Foreign Office to the projected China Board of jurisdiction over some aspects of diplomatic affairs relating to China. 1938.09.29 — Japanese forces occupy the important Tienkiachen fortress, on the Yangtze River between Wusueh and Kichun. 1938.09.29 — The Central Price Policy Commission reduces the prices of eggs and coke. 1938.09.29 — The Communications and War Ministries and the Manchurian Affairs Bureau reportedly agree on establishment of a 40,000,000-yen concern, to be called the Nichiman Steamship Company, to control all services connecting Japan with North Korea and Manchoukuo across the Japan Sea. 1938.09.29 — Manchoukuo promulgates regulations to control industrial and commercial financing in order to facilitate the financing of its five-year economic programme. 1938.09.29 — Announcement is made of a two-way radio circuit between Japan and the United States for transmission of press messages exclusively at 12 sen a word, or about a fifth of the old rate. 1938.09.29 — The League Council decides to draw up a report stating that sanctions against Japan under Article 16 should be applicable only at the discretion of individual League members, which is regarded as a victory for the "neutral bloc." 1938.09.29 — Premier Konoe takes over for the time being the Foreign and Overseas portfolios. Indication is given that there will be no change in foreign policy. 1938.09.29 — A League of Nations spokesman, commenting on the Council's adoption of a report declaring that application of sanctions to Japan under Article 16 is left to the discretion of individual members, admits that no member is likely to put sanctions into effect. 1938.09.29 — Chinese assassins in Shanghai kill Mr. Tang Shao-yi, reputedly pro-Japanese statesman who was the first Premier after the establishment of the Chinese Republic. 1938.10.01 — The Cabinet gives approval to establishment of a division in the Welfare Ministry to deal with unemployment created by the Government's economic control measures. 1938.10.01 — The procurators indict four of the professors arrested late last year on suspicion of working for a Popular Front. 1938.10.01 — The Cabinet gives unanimous approval to the controversial China Affairs Board plan, which, as approved, is essentially the joint plan of the War and Navy Ministries. 1938.10.01 — Mr. H. de la Tombe, first press attaché to be stationed at the German Embassy in Tokyo, arrives in Japan. 1938.10.01 — Mr. Hajime Motoda, 80, a member of the Privy Council and a leading personality of the Seiyukai, dies after a long illness. 1938.10.02 — Paishin, an important Chinese stronghold southeast of Mushibkiangshih in eastern Hopeh Province, is reduced by a Japanese detachment. 1938.10.02 — Gross railway receipts from April through September exceeded those of the same half of the last fiscal year and set a new record, according to a Railway Ministry announcement. Passenger fares yielded ¥206,142,124 and freight charges ¥135,869,685. 1938.10.02 — Exports of Japanese cotton textiles for the middle 10 days of September except those to the yen-bloc countries amounted to 30,260,000 square yards, valued at ¥7,967,000. 1938.10.04 — The Polish Ambassador at Tokyo informs Japan that the Polish Government does not intend to carry out the resolution of the Council of the League of Nations of September 30 regarding sanctions against Japan. 1938.10.04 — The Cabinet decides to create an Imperial endowment for servicemen and their families with the grant by the Emperor of ¥3,000,000. 1938.10.04 — League of Nations quarters remain silent regarding Japan's reported decision to end all further collaboration with technical organizations of the League. 1938.10.04 — A large iron deposit has been discovered by the geological laboratory of the Korean Government-General in North Heian Province. The total deposit is estimated at 100,000,000 metric tons. 1938.10.07 — Foreign Vice-Minister Kensuké Horinouchi is appointed Ambassador to Washington to be succeeded by Mr. Renzo Sawada, counsellor of the Japanese Embassy in Peking. 1938.10.07 — Japanese troops take Joki (Loki), about 37 miles southwest of Juichang and 14 miles west of Tsian. 1938.10.07 — The Finance Ministry decides to decrease to ¥100 from ¥1,000 the amount of money which any individual can remit abroad in one year without official permission. The new ruling will go into effect on October 15. 1938.10.07 — First estimates of the year's rice crop place the total at 64,718,070 koku, an increase of 3.2 per cent. over the previous five-year average. 1938.10.07 — The Japan Air Transport Company officially opens two new commercial air lines connecting Tokyo with Peking and Fukuoka with Nanking. 1938.10.07 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry's fishing patrol ship, Kaiho Maru, returns to Tokyo harbour after a season of "unprecedented" Soviet oppression. 1938.10.06 — A coal mine explosion believed caused by the lighting of a dynamite fuse at Yubari in the Hokkaido traps 332 persons. Of these, 146 escaped, 19 are known dead, 22 are seriously injured and the fate of 145 remains uncertain. 1938.10.07 — The Foreign Office is informed that Peru plans no economic reprisals against Japan in accordance with the League's recent invocation of Article 16. 1938.10.07 — The fourth army awards for war dead in the China Affair are announced by the Cabinet Bureau of Awards and Decorations and the Army and Navy. Military recognition is extended to 3,430 officers and men killed; naval recognition goes to 71. 1938.10.07 — A promulgation in the Official Gazette states that from October 15 travellers leaving Japan will be asked to fill out a form stating how much currency, Japanese or foreign, they are taking abroad. 1938.10.08 — Japanese naval and military units jointly reduce Kichun, the important Chinese base six miles up the Yangtze River from Tienkiachen. 1938.10.08 — The Bank of Japan decides to establish overseas agencies in Shanghai and Nanking in consideration of the importance of economic reconstruction of China by Japan. 1938.10.09 — Ailow, mountain town in the Lushan range of Kiangsi Province, is occupied by Japanese troops. 1938.10.10 — That Soviet guards fire on two Manchoukuoan fishermen within Manchoukuoan territory killing one, is announced in Harbin. The Soviets are being charged with repeated border violations. 1938.10.10 — As Japanese forces attack from the south, east and northeast, the Chinese troops at Sinyang on the Peking-Hankow Railway in Honan Province begin a general retreat. 1938.10.10 — All private and public markets in Tokyo put up official price lists for the first time. Daily prices for fresh fish, dried and salted fish, vegetables, fruit and other edibles are to be given regularly. 1938.10.10 — The Government decides to establish a subsidiary company to the Teikoku Fuel Development Company with the object of manufacturing 200,000 tons of gasoline by coal liquefaction. 1938.10.11 — The Japanese consul-general at Vladivostok arrives in Rashin, Korea, with reports of increased oppression of Japanese residents in the Soviet city since the Changkufeng incident. 1938.10.11 — The Cabinet approves the immediate establishment of two laboratories which will experiment on elimination of the dangers of gas explosions. 1938.10.12 — Japanese military and naval forces land on the shore of Biao Bay and are extending steadily the area of occupation, according to the announcements of the army and navy sections of the Imperial Headquarters. 1938.10.12 — Premier Konoye, in his capacity as Foreign Minister, sends notes to foreign diplomatic representatives requesting that their Governments take steps to prevent incidents in the new zone of operations in South China. He asks that Chinese troops be kept away from foreign property, and that the Powers'' refrain as much as possible from moving their troops, warships and aircraft in Chinese territory and territorial waters and air in that part of South China from Swatow to Pakhoi." 1938.10.12 — The fifth group of awards to soldiers killed in the China conflict is announced jointly by the Cabinet Bureau of Awards and Decorations and the War Ministry. Recognition is extended to 6,679 officers and men who fell between August 23, 1937 and June 30, 1938. 1938.10.12 — Summer-autumn cocoon production as of September 25 has been estimated by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry at 12,540,450 kwan. This figure represents a drop of 22.3 per cent. from that of the previous year. 1938.10.12 — According to the announcement of the Bank of Japan, the index of average price of Tokyo wholesale commodities for September was 215.8 on the basic figure of 100 in 1934. The average is the same as that of the preceding month but is 5.6 per cent. above that of last year. 1938.10.13 — A communique issued at 5 o'clock in the afternoon by the army section of the Imperial Headquarters states that the Japanese military units that landed on the coast of South China are advancing and that by the evening of the first day since landing the Japanese already had reached a line 12 miles inland. As far as is known, the Japanese have sustained no casualties. 1938.10.13 — A section of the United States Far Eastern Fleet suddenly arrives at Hongkong from the Philippine Islands, apparently as a result of the confusion caused in China by the landing of Japanese troops. 1938.10.13 — A Soviet guard ship stationed on the Ussuri River near Huashulintzu illegally opens fire on Japanese soldiers. The latter suffer no damage. 1938.10.13 — Total shipments abroad of raw silk during September were 43,765 bales worth ¥25,892,022, according to the Central Silk Association of Japan. The volume dropped 20.3 per cent. in comparison with the August figure, while the value dropped 19.5 per cent. 1938.10.13 — As troops continue to be landed on the shore of Bias Bay, the army section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that by the previous evening, the vanguard of the Japanese forces had advanced to the district of Waiyueng (Waichow) which is on the East River about 33 miles east of a point on the Canton-Kowloon Railway. 1938.10.13 — The Finance Ministry allots ¥300,000 to the Welfare Ministry as the initial step in an immediate housing programme which contemplates the erection of 50 model apartment buildings for workers and 500 small houses at a total cost of ¥4,500,000. 1938.10.13 — Occupation of Waiyuang by the Japanese forces that landed in South China is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1938.10.13 — The War Office, through the Official Gazette, extends the service terms of all officers and privates stationed in barracks. The decree, which affects both men on active and reserve lists, extends the scope of a similar edict issued last year. 1938.10.13 — Officials of the North China Development Company and the Central China Promotion Company have been selected and approved by the Cabinet, it is announced. Mr. Sonyu Ohtani, former Overseas Minister, will head the former company, and Mr. Kenji Kodama, former head of the Yokohama Specie Bank for many years, will be the president of the latter company. 1938.10.16 — Latest reports on the typhoon which swept over Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Kyushu on October, 15, state that 192 persons were killed and 200 are still missing. Property damages include some 3,686 houses flooded, washed away or otherwise damaged. 1938.10.16 — Shihhweiyao fortress, strategic Chinese base on the Yangtze River, 18 kilometres northeast of Tayeh, is captured by Japanese forces. 1938.10.16 — Seiji Noma, president and builder of the large publishing enterprise known as the Kodan Sha, dies at the age of 61 after a severe heart attack. 1938.10.17 — The army section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that on the previous afternoon the Japanese succeeded in cutting the Canton-Kowloon Railway at a point southeast of Shekkung. Canton is raided 10 times during the day by naval planes, while the fleet that escorted the army to South China is continuing to aid in the disembarkation of further troops. 1938.10.17 — Preparations for the creation of a safety zone at Shumchun, between Kwangtung Province and the British Kowloon Peninsula are in progress under the direction of the Hongkong Relief Association, with Japanese approval. 1938.10.17 — Impressive preliminary services are held at night at the Yasukuni Shrine to bid the souls of 10,354 dead warriors welcome. 1938.10.17 — In London, the Chinese Ambassador holds a long talk with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs concerning the situation created by the landing of Japanese troops in South China. 1938.10.17 — Warehoused goods in Japan at the end of September amounted to ¥734,680,000, falling only ¥3,870,000 from the month before, but declining ¥137,040,000 from the corresponding period of last year, according to the Japan Warehouse Society. 1938.10.17 — The sale of 400,000 koku of rice owned by the Government is announced by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry. 1938.10.19 — Shekkung, on the Canton-Kowloon Railway when it crosses the East River, and Tsengshin, about 70 miles to the northeast, both Chinese defence bases of importance, fall to the Japanese in their drive toward Canton. 1938.10.19 — The Japanese nation ceases all activities for a solemn moment at 10:15 o'clock in the morning as the Emperor enters the sacred grounds of Yasukuni Shrine to pray for the souls of departed soldiers. 1938.10.19 — Miss Freda Utley, well-known correspondent of the Manchester Guardian and author of Japan's Feet of Clay, is not allowed to land at Kobe. 1938.10.19 — Commander Prince Hiroyoshi Fushimi, eldest son of Fleet-Admiral Prince Hiroyasu Fushimi, Chief of the Naval General Staff, dies at the age of 41. 1938.10.19 — Exports of rayon yarn during September amounted to 1,637,500 pounds, falling 518,900 pounds from the month before, according to the Rayon Association. 1938.10.19 — Foreign trade of Japan's overseas territories, except the Kwantung Leased Territory, for September resulted in an excess of exports totalling ¥2,519,000. The volume of trade increased ¥4,804,000 over the comparable period of the previous year, according to the Overseas Ministry. 1938.10.20 — The vanguard of the Japanese offensive in South China reaches Chungkwang, a point approximately 20 miles east of Canton. 1938.10.20 — For the first time in several months, American motion pictures are permitted to enter the country after inspection by Yokohama Customs censors. 1938.10.21 — A report by the Finance Ministry states that Japan may possibly have a favourable trade balance for the year. The import excess as of October 20 was ¥135,281,000, while the export excess during the middle ten days of October was ¥31,433,000. 1938.10.21 — Canton is occupied by the Japanese forces which have been converging on the Kwangtung capital with spectacular speed. 1938.10.21 — The Japanese consulate-general in Canton is reopened immediately. 1938.10.21 — According to figures released by the Home Office, a total of 6,470 persons have been killed or injured in landslides, collapsing buildings, railroad accidents, fires, shipwrecks and accidents attributable to storms, starting with the flood in Tokyo on June 30. Damage to property, crops and public works is placed at ¥400,000,000. 1938.10.22 — Naval landing forces gain complete control of Ocheng, on the southern bank of the Yangtze River about 23 miles east of Hankow. 1938.10.22 — The police ban against victory parades in Tokyo celebrating the capture of Canton is rescinded after large numbers of groups apply for the necessary permits. 1938.10.22 — The Bank of Japan celebrates the 56th anniversary of its founding. 1938.10.22 — Various reports from the Hankow sector in China indicate that Japanese gunboats are advancing up the Yangtze River in defence of Chinese artillery fire from both shores and have passed Twanfeng. 1938.10.22 — In a newspaper interview in Tokyo, Mr. E.L. Hall-Patch, financial advisor of the British Embassies in Japan and China, states his belief that the National Government of China will meet with financial bankruptcy within three months after the fall of Hankow. 1938.10.22 — The invention by Dr. Masayoshi Tagawa, assistant professor at the Osaka Imperial University, of a process of producing a high-grade corrosion-resisting alloy steel is announced, whereby it is anticipated that Japan will no longer be forced to import some 1,000 tons of nickel annually. 1938.10.24 — Some prices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange rise in response to rumours apparently emanating from Shanghai and Hongkong that General Chiang Kai-shek is ready to resign in the interests of Sino-Japanese peace. 1938.10.24 — The Bocca Tigris Forts, commanding the approach to Canton from the sea by the Pearl River, have been occupied by Japanese naval forces, according to the announcement of the Imperial Headquarters, Tokyo. 1938.10.24 — Exports of Japanese cotton cloth continued to decline in the middle ten days of October, according to the Japan Cotton Textile Federation. The quantity was 42,736,000 square yards valued at ¥7,136,000. 1938.10.25 — Penetration into Hankow by Japanese army and naval forces at 4:30 o'clock in the afternoon is announced jointly by the press sections of the army in Central China and the fleet in China waters. 1938.10.25 — A communique issued by the naval section of the Imperial Headquarters states that the damage caused to the British gunboat, Sandpiper, moored on the Stang River at Changsha more than 210 miles southwest of Hankow in Hunan Province was done by fragments of bombs dropped on junks carrying Chinese troops. Investigation is continuing. 1938.10.25 — Since the outbreak of Sino-Japanese hostilities in July, 1937, the Japanese Government has issued ¥3,800,300,000 worth of China incident bonds, out of the authorized amount of ¥6,882,290,000, according to the Finance Ministry. Of the bonds issued, the Bank of Japan has accepted ¥2,621,403,000 worth, the Deposits Bureau of the Finance Ministry ¥700,000,000 worth, the syndicate banks ¥100,000,000 worth in all, while the post offices have sold ¥179,097,000 worth. 1938.10.25 — The Official Gazette announces that a national census showing private ownership of gold, as of midnight November 13, will be made by the Finance Ministry. 1938.10.26 — The Finance Ministry decides to adopt a new proposal to save about 900 tons of copper annually by issuing a one-sen coin cast in pure aluminum. 1938.10.26 — The Fascist Grand Council meeting in Rome approves a special message to Tokyo congratulating Japan on the capture of Canton and Hankow. 1938.10.27 — The Japanese army and navy forces, acting in close co-operation complete the occupation of the Wuhan area, including the cities of Hankow, Wuchang and Hanyang, at 3:30 o'clock in the afternoon. 1938.10.27 — In New York, Walter Lippman, columnist of the Herald Tribune, writes that Japan has definitely established its supremacy in the Far East. 1938.10.27 — Contents of an American note addressed to Japan on October 6 are released for publication in Washington. Prompt and effective measures to stop alleged discrimination against American trade and economic enterprises both in Japan and China are demanded. 1938.10.28 — In a protest to the French Government, Japan charges that French Indo-China is allowing the transportation of war supplies to the Chiang Kai-Shek Government and states that unless this is stopped Japan might be forced to take measures in self-defence. 1938.10.28 — A naval communique asserts that the British gunboat Sandpiper was not the target of attack by Japanese planes. 1938.10.28 — Education Minister Sadao Araki's disagreement with Imperial universities is settled after three-months' delay when a compromise is reached in the method of appointment of university presidents and deans. 1938.10.29 — Hachiro Arita, Foreign Minister in the Hirota Cabinet, is reappointed to this post and Yoshiaki Hatta, president of the Tohoku Development Company, is appointed Overseas Minister. In a subsequent press interview, Mr. Arita states that national policy for dealing with China is already fixed. As Foreign Minister he will seek to eliminate causes of friction between Japan and Europe and America. 1938.10.29 — The Welfare Ministry submits to 300 experts a questionnaire on the present Japanese population problems of migration, disease, industrialization and war. 1938.10.29 — Damages to Japanese property in the captured city of Hankow are roughly estimated at ¥150,000,000. 1938.10.30 — Mr. Yunosuké Yasukawa, president of the Oriental Development Company, expresses his intention to resign. 1938.10.30 — Establishment of a central agency for controlling the supply and demand of labour for Japan, Manchoukuo and China as a unit labour bloc is recommended to the Government by the 300 experts as the national population conference. 1938.10.31 — The Italian press asserts that Italy and Germany are determined to maintain their present policy of friendly support and co-operation with Japan, which is expected to demand revision of the Nine Power treaty relating to China and to take a stronger attitude toward France over the reported transportation of military supplies to China through French Indo-China. 1938.10.31 — The Italian Government notifies Japan that it has decided to withdraw forces sent to strengthen its garrison in the International Settlement at Shanghai. 1938.10.31 — Japan's adverse trade balance for 1938 dwindles sharply to ¥8,160,000 as reports of the Finance Ministry reveal that for the last 10-day period of October exports exceeded imports by ¥272,021,000. 1938.11.01 — The Chosen Industrial Bank decides to double its capitalization, at present ¥50,000,000 fully paid up. 1938.11.01 — Over 12 Soviet cavalrymen cross the border into Manchoukuo and shoot three Japanese soldiers about five miles southwest of Manchuli. 1938.11.02 — Imperial sanction is given to the Government statement telling the world that establishment of a new order which will insure the permanent stability of East Asia is the ultimate purpose of Japan's present military campaign. The projected new order, the statement adds, has for its foundation a tripartite relationship of mutual aid and co-ordination among Japan, Manchoukuo and China in political, economic, cultural and other fields. 1938.11.02 — Japan notifies the League of Nations of severance of all connections with the latter's auxiliary and associated organizations. 1938.11.02 — Mr. Kazuye Kuwashima is appointed Japanese Ambassador to Brazil. 1938.11.02 — It is announced that both deposits and loans for all banks associated with the Tokyo Clearing House on October 29 set all-time highs. Within a week, deposits increased ¥13,000,000 to ¥4,564,000,000 and loans rose ¥17,000,000 to ¥3,608,000,000. 1938.11.02 — The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry reveals that the index of average wholesale prices in Tokyo for October was 136.5 with the basic figure of 100 for 1930. 1938.11.03 — A Shanghai dispatch to the Tokyo Nichi Nichi states that pending the establishment of a Central Bank in China, similar to the Federal Reserve Bank of North China, war notes will be recognized as the official currency medium in the Japanese-occupied areas with the exception of Shanghai and North China. 1938.11.03 — The actual wheat crop in Japan in 1938 amounted to 8,971,000 koku, far below the original estimate of 10,300,000 koku, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Barley and naked barley crops likewise fall below the previous five-year average. 1938.11.03 — The American State Department reveals hitherto secret documents clearly indicating the desire of the United States to back up the principles of the Nine Power Washington treaty at the Brussels conference of 1937. 1938.11.05 — The budget bureau of the Finance Ministry by preliminary trimming has reduced the estimates for the 1939-40 general accounts submitted to it by all Government Departments from ¥4,500,000,000 to about ¥3,400,000,000. The bureau is determined to keep the final figure within 3,500 million yen. 1938.11.05 — Mr. Kensuké Horinouchi, who has been appointed Ambassador to Washington, in a parting speech declares that truly patriotic Americans should spare no effort toward promoting friendship with Japan, on which largely depends the peace of the Pacific. 1938.11.05 — Governor Toyotaro Yuki of the Bank of Japan in a press interview reassures businessmen and industrialists by stating that the extension of Government economic control will be accomplished gradually, in point of both time and scope. 1938.11.05 — Tokyo's bill clearings for October numbered 1,402,000 with an aggregate value of ¥2,802,738,000, according to the Tokyo Clearing House. Although the number has increased over that of the previous month, the value has decreased. 1938.11.07 — Chinese casualties in Central China since last August totalled 330,000 killed and wounded, including 119,000 bodies counted on the field, while the Japanese army's casualties for the same period included 6,233 killed, according to official announcements by the army section of the Imperial Headquarters. 1938.11.07 — The Japanese consulate-general at Hankow is re-opened. 1938.11.07 — Although the worst series of earthquakes in 13 years rocks the six prefectures in northeastern Japan, little damage is reported. 1938.11.07 — Foreign Office quarters in Tokyo interpret Secretary of State Cordell Hull's statement that Washington will not accept denunciation by Japan of the Nine Power treaty as revealing the failure of the United States to awaken to the new actualities prevailing in the Far East as a result of Japan's successful military campaign in China. 1938.11.07 — An agreement is reached between the Communications Ministry and the Daido Electric Power Company, known in America as the Great Consolidated Electric Power Company, for the transfer of Daido's interests to the projected Japan Electric Power Generation and Transmission Company, the national institution administering power control. 1938.11.06 — A pastoral letter signed by the 10 bishops of the Episcopal Church of Japan is read in the 262 parish churches and the 198 mission stations of the Church. The letter reaffirms the Church's loyalty to the Emperor and the Japanese Empire and outlines the Church's plans for fulfilling its duties in the current national emergency. 1938.11.07 — The North China Development Company and the Central China Promotion Company are formally established at meetings presided over by Baron Seinosuké Goh, chairman of the establishment committees. 1938.11.07 — Exports of cotton textiles for the last 10 days of October amounted to 92,333,000 square yards valued at ¥15,247,000 according to the Japan Cotton Cloth Federation. The Federation credits the yen system with causing a favourable change in the situation. 1938.11.08 — Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita addresses identical notes to the diplomatic missions of Powers in Tokyo warning that the area of hostilities in China has been extended to include Shensi, Hupeh, Hunan and Kwangsi provinces. The notes request that aeroplanes be prohibited from flying over the specified area, that withdrawal of foreign residents is desirable and that foreign properties should be marked in a manner visible from the air. 1938.11.08 — In London, King George announces Great Britain's readiness to act as peacemaker in the Far East and Spain in his speech opening the new session of Parliament. 1938.11.08 — Dr. Mataro Nagayo resigns as president of Tokyo Imperial University, ostensibly because of poor health. 1938.11.08 — The Government adopts the plan for establishment of the Japan Sea Marine Transport Company, which will facilitate execution of the important programmes for emigration to Manchoukuo and development of the Tohoku district, North Korea and North Manchuria. 1938.11.08 — Funded borrowings of the Government at the end of October amounted to ¥13,524,209,000 in contrast to ¥14,823,962,000 at the end of September, according to the Finance Ministry. 1938.11.09 — The small-motored monoplane Santo Francesca, belonging to the newspaper Stampa of Milan is forced down on the coast of Syria on the first stage of its attempted record flight from Rome to Tokyo. 1938.11.09 — Estimates issued by the Cabinet's Bureau of Statistics reveal that in the year ending on October 1, Japan Proper gained 969,900 in population, giving it a total of 72,222,700. Tokyo Prefecture's population remains by far the largest, having 6,961,500 people. 1938.11.09 — In France, Japan's Foreign Minister Arita's statement on the enlargement of the area of hostilities in China is regarded as a veiled threat that Japan may take action in French Indo-China. 1938.11.09 — The navy section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese naval air forces had by the end of October shot down or destroyed on the ground 1,435 Chinese warplanes and had lost 111 of their own. 1938.11.09 — The Nagasaki yard of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Company reveals receipt of orders involving the construction of two passenger ships for the Nippon Yusen Kaisha and one freighter for the Osaka Shosen Kaisha. The total tonnage of the three ships will be approximately 30,000 tons. 1938.11.10 — An Imperial edict in the Official Gazette is promulgated, convoking the seventy-fourth session of the Diet on December 24. 1938.11.10 — Major-General Tanehide Furusho, retired, president of the Manchuria Daily News, commits suicide at his residence in Dairen due to nervous breakdown. 1938.11.10 — Japan's foreign trade balance for 1938 has turned favourable, according to the Finance Ministry. Reports for the first 10 days of November have wiped out the accumulated excess of imports and have established a favourable balance of ¥30,881,000. The adverse balance at the end of the same period in 1937 was ¥674,134,000. 1938.11.10 — The index of average labour wages in Tokyo for September was 112.3 on the basic figure of 100 for 1935, according to the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This represents an advance of 1.2 per cent. over the month before, the highest since 1920. 1938.11.11 — The identical accusations contained in separate British, French and American notes charging that Japan has violated the open door principle by closing the Yangtze River to foreign shipping are out of place, in the opinion of the Foreign Office, Tokyo. 1938.11.12 — The Home Office decides to maintain a Shinto shrine exclusively dedicated to the war dead in each of the country's 46 prefectures. 1938.11.12 — Japanese forces gain complete control of the ancient walled town of Yochow, important strategic point on the Canton-Hankow Railway in Hunan Province. The capture of Yochow, 120 miles south of Hankow, is considered a crushing blow to the Chinese attempt to hold the Changsha-Hengyang sector in Hunan Province. 1938.11.12 — Tokyo bill clearings for October numbered 1,402,672, with an aggregate value of ¥2,807,738,000, reports the Tokyo Clearing House. Although the number increased, the value declined. 1938.11.12 — The Government announces that 1,000,000 koku of old rice from its stocks will be placed on sale on November 17. The same amount of new rice will be bought by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at that time. 1938.11.12 — Japanese naval planes bomb a number of Chinese bases in Central China, including Kinhwa Station in Chekiang Province, Sinan near the southern border of Hupeh Province, and Changteh in Hunan Province. 1938.11.13 — A tidal wave sweeping over the northern coast of Tottori and Hyogo Prefectures is followed by a severe windstorm, causing a total estimated damage of ¥500,000. No casualties are reported. 1938.11.14 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement declaring that the Yangtze River cannot be opened yet to general navigation by foreign vessels. In the replies to be sent to the United States, Great Britain and France to their representations regarding the river situation, Japan will state that military operations are still in progress along certain parts of the Yangtze River, that other areas are still infested with Chinese guerillas, that all mines have not been swept, and that the only Japanese ships now operating on the river are warships and vessels for military purposes. 1938.11.14 — The Communications Ministry decides to issue 36 postage stamps showing scenes from Japanese national parks in an endeavour to interest foreign collectors and thereby improve the balance of Japan's international balance of payments. The first set of the new stamps will appear on November 23. 1938.11.14 — The average wholesale index number in Tokyo at the end of October was 215.6 on the basic figure of 100 on December 10, 1931, according to the Mitsubishi Economic Research Bureau. The index advanced 1.4 over the previous month. 1938.11.15 — Far-reaching naval shifts are announced by the Navy Office. Among the five officers unaffected are Vice-Admiral Zengo Yoshida, commander of the Combined Fleet, and Vice-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Navy Vice-Minister. 1938.11.15 — A Peking report to the Tokyo Asahi states that Marshal Wu Pei-fu is coming out of retirement with the Japanese capture of the Wuhan area and the growing movement in North China for the expulsion of Communism. The Marshal is said to be lending support to the present Peking Government. 1938.11.15 — Japan's trade with the yen-bloc countries for the first 10 months of 1938 resulted in an excess of exports totalling ¥477,382,000 in contrast to ¥313,019,000 for the same period in 1937, according to the Finance Ministry. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VIII No. 2 (April 1939) --- (covers 1938.11.16 to 1939.01.13) 1938.11.16 — The Welfare Ministry establishes a new agency, the Racial Hygiene Research Council, to aid the national physical education campaign through ethnological research. The organization is to be aided with a Mitsui endowment. 1938.11.16 — The Metropolitan Police Board, Tokyo, announces the regulations to be enforced during the two-day air defence scheduled for November 26 and 27. Traffic control will be stricter than during previous drills; protection against incendiary bombs will be stressed. 1938.11.16 — In Peking, the first of a series of anti-Chiang Kai-shek mass meetings, sponsored by the Provisional Government, is held. 1938.11.16 — Japanese army and navy authorities in Shanghai grant conditional consent to the British proposal to establish a safety zone in Changsha, capital of Hunan Province. 1938.11.16 — Securities held by all classifications of banks in Japan, special, ordinary and savings, except the Bank of Japan, amounted at the end of October to ¥9,230,932,000, the Finance Ministry states. The figure represents a gain of ¥186,470,000 over the month before, ¥2,092,403,000 over the same period of the previous year. 1938.11.16 — The value of warehoused goods in Japan at the end of October declined to ¥711,422,000, according to the Japan Warehouse Society. 1938.11.17 — Lotien, Tapieh mountain stronghold in northeastern Hupeh Province, is taken by the Japanese. 1938.11.17 — Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita sends instructions to Ambassador Shigenori Togo in Moscow requesting him to lodge a protest against the alleged capture of four Japanese fishing craft by the Soviets in the Bay of Peter the Great. 1938.11.17 — At a mass meeting in Osaka, a resolution urging Great Britain and France to reconsider their attitude toward the Sino-Japanese conflict is adopted. 1938.11.17 — Reduction of the prison sentences on 13 ring-leaders of the Blood Brotherhood and the May 15 incident of 1932 is announced by Justice Minister Suehiko Shiono. The life terms of four men are commuted to 20 years' imprisonment. 1938.11.17 — Fifty thousand reports are received in three days by the Finance Ministry's nation-wide census of all kinds of privately owned gold. Among foreign coins held, American ones predominate. 1938.11.18 — Charges of discrimination against American rights and interests in China are rejected by Japan, in the official reply to the American note of October 6, which Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita hands to the American Ambassador, Mr. Joseph C. Grew. The note states that the export exchange measures in Tientsin are not discriminatory; that the tariff revisions in North and Central China are just; that the special promotion companies created in China are not intended to impair American rights and interests; that restrictions on movements of American citizens are caused solely by military exigencies; and that the reply to the allegation that a difference exists between treatment of Japanese in America and Americans in Japan will be given at a later date. 1938.11.18 — In Kobe, 30 foreigners and three Japanese women are held by the police on charges of exchange manipulation. 1938.11.18 — Lieut.-Gen. Rikichi Ando, 5th Division commander, is appointed commander of the Japanese forces in South China, replacing Lieut.-Gen. Mikio Furusho, who returns to the General Staff. 1938.11.18 — Business circles are relieved with the news that Army and Finance Ministry authorities have settled the controversy concerning Article 11 of the Mobilization Law. According to this settlement, the Government, in applying the article, will forbid companies now paying dividends of more than 10 per cent. to increase them. Companies in other conditions will be unaffected. 1938.11.18 — Final details are approved by the Cabinet in the organization of the China Affairs Board, central agency to deal with the situation in China. The necessary measures are to be sent to the Privy Council for Imperial sanction. 1938.11.18 — The Asahi predicts the early signing of a cultural accord between Japan and Italy. 1938.11.18 — First reports from governmental circles in Washington indicate that Congress may be induced to grant President Roosevelt executive authority to apply economic and political penalties to aggressors, as a result of the Japanese note of reply to the American protest. 1938.11.18 — In Berlin, general approval is given to the Japanese stand, while French authorities are interpreted as saying that the reply amounts to undeclared unilateral abrogation of the Nine-Power Treaty. 1938.11.19 — The Finance Ministry reports that Japan's excess of exports for the year after the middle period of November amounted to ¥19,013,000. 1938.11.20 — With the first anniversary of the establishment of the Imperial Headquarters in the Imperial Palace, Tokyo newspapers point out that the Emperor has remained at work at all hours of the day and night during the period. 1938.11.20 — The Social Mass Party opens its 1938 convention and passes a resolution offering thanks to the servicemen at the front. 1938.11.20 — According to the Asahi, the Communications Ministry is preparing to launch a five-year plan for a Central Aeronautic Research Institute at a total cost of ¥98,000,000. 1938.11.21 — Tokyo's department stores inform the Commerce and Industry Ministry that figures of Santa Claus or Christmas trees will not be displayed in windows in December to encourage the national thrift promotion campaign. 1938.11.21 — Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita invites the American Ambassador to his official residence further to explain Japan's stand concerning American rights and interests in China. 1938.11.21 — War Office estimates for the army's portion in the 1939-40 budget are expected to exceed the amount allotted to it in this year's special budget. 1938.11.21 — The Foreign Office protests to Soviet authorities over the continued detention of a Japanese subject in Soviet territory. 1938.11.21 — Reorganization and expansion of the Board of Planning are discussed by Premier Konoye and Mr. Masao Taki, president of the Board. 1938.11.21 — Exports of rayon yarn during October gained 100,000 pounds, worth ¥399,000, according to the Japan Rayon Association. 1938.11.22 — In an address before the America-Japan Society, Mr. Kensuké Horinouchi, the newly appointed Ambassador to Washington, declares that there are no issues between Japan and the United States that cannot be solved through diplomatic negotiations. 1938.11.22 — A special plenary session of the Privy Council, meeting at the Palace in the presence of the Emperor, unanimously approves the draft German-Japan cultural agreement. 1938.11.22 — The Bank of Japan reveals that wholesale prices in Japan advanced in October, when the index number was 140.3. 1938.11.22 — Businessmen and financiers of Japan, Manchoukuo, Inner Mongolia and China meet in Tokyo at the first session of the Japan-Manchoukuo-China Economic Council. 1938.11.22 — A central organ through which the Government and private business interests can co-operate in building up Japan's foreign trade is established when the inaugural ceremony for the Foreign Trade Encouragement Society is held in Tokyo. 1938.11.23 — War Minister Seishiro Itagaki, in a press interview, declares that a new programme of arms expansion, with emphasis on a stronger air force, is being considered. 1938.11.23 — At the party of five Chinese officials on an inspection trip of Japan leaves Tokyo to return to Nanking, the leader of the group, Mr. Liang Hung-chih, declares that the party is convinced of the Japanese Government's sincere desire to establish peace in the Far East. 1938.11.23 — A Shanghai dispatch to the Asahi states that during the first nine months of 1938, Japan took the topmost position in China's foreign trade. 1938.11.24 — The Commerce and Industry Ministry announces that new gasoline ration cards will be issued after January 1. 1938.11.24 — Premier Konoye receives the German order of the Grand Cross from the German Ambassador, Major-General Eugen Ott. 1938.11.24 — The Emperor orders the Privy Council to deliberate on the draft ordinance for the China Affairs Board. 1938.11.24 — It is announced that Dr. Yoshio Nishina and his assistants at the Cosmic Ray Laboratory of the Institute for Physical and Chemical Research have discovered that cosmic rays not only vary in intensity in different latitudes but also under different temperatures and that the cosmic particle measured in Osaka is 180 times the mass of an electron. 1938.11.27 — The Foreign Minister, Mr. Hachiro Arita, and the German Ambassador, Major-General Eugen Ott, sign the Japanese-German cultural agreement, whereby the promotion of cultural relations between the two countries will be systematized. At a subsequent press conference, the Foreign Office Spokesman states that the agreement has no relation to the treatment of Jews. 1938.11.27 — In celebration of the second anniversary of the signing of the German-Japan Anti-Comintern Agreement, a rally attended by some 100,000 people is held in Tokyo. 1938.11.27 — Dr. Tom Hata is appointed president of Kyoto Imperial University. 1938.11.27 — The Northern Marine Products Association adopts a resolution calculated to spur the Government to obtain Soviet adherence to the revised fishing treaty initialled by both Governments in 1936. 1938.11.26 — Tokyo and 13 other prefectures within the Eastern Defence Headquarters take part in extensive air defence drills. In Tokyo, more than 90,000 special firemen and 230,000 members of defence associations endeavour to overcome three theoretical raids. 1938.11.27 — Two passengers and two crew members are found killed when a wrecked Japan Air Transport Company passenger plane is discovered in a mountain snowdrift in Aomori Prefecture. The plane was overdue at the Aomori airport by sixteen hours when located. 1938.11.27 — Viscount Michiharu Mishima, national commissioner of the Japan Boy Scouts, returns to Japan after inspecting youth organizations in Europe and the United States. 1938.11.27 — In San Francisco, the Hearst-owned Examiner advocates a realistic examination of the new situation in the Far East arising from Japanese hegemony over the Orient. 1938.11.28 — A communiqué issued by British army authorities in Hongkong states that the incident of Japanese soldiers crossing the boundary of British leased territory in South China has been settled, inasmuch as the crossing was caused by misunderstanding. 1938.11.28 — Japan must be ready for simultaneous war with the Soviet Union and China, states War Vice-Minister Hideki Tojo at a meeting of owners and managers of munitions factories. The Lieutenant-General declares that Britain, France and the Soviet Union are assisting Chiang Kai-shek and warns that munitions production must be stepped up to meet the coming crisis in East Asia. 1938.11.28 — Three major engineering projects within Japan will be delayed, as the Finance Ministry issues an order of retrenchment on all items not connected directly with the China conflict. 1938.11.28 — The German aeroplane, Condor, takes off from the Tempelhof field near Berlin on the first leg of the projected flight to Tokyo. 1938.11.28 — After a meeting of the Cabinet, a brief communiqué is issued stating that a fundamental Government policy for regulating Sino-Japanese relations in connection with the construction of a new order in East Asia has been established. This policy has been largely formulated in five-Minister conferences. 1938.11.28 — Establishment of a new Imperial University in Nagoya at a cost of ¥6,000,000 is formally approved by the Finance and Education Ministries. 1938.11.28 — Eight of the 13 Cabinet Ministers meet to discuss together for the first time the proposed reorganization of the people. 1938.11.28 — In Shanghai, Mr. Kenji Kodama, president of the Central China Promotion Company, states that co-operation of foreign capital in China is to be desired. 1938.11.28 — The Commerce and Industry Ministry announces that it will submit five important bills to the next Diet, including ones on aluminium manufacture, mining, insurance, and wholesale markets. 1938.11.29 — Japanese military authorities in North China reportedly decide to prevent an influx of German Jews in that territory. 1938.11.29 — Japanese army and naval authorities in Shanghai issue a joint communiqué indicating that the Yangtze River will be closed to vessels of third Powers for a long time to come. 1938.11.29 — The German plane, Condor, reaches Karachi on its way to Tokyo. 1938.11.29 — A Privy Council inquiry committee meets to study the draft Imperial Ordinances for creation of the China Affairs Board. 1938.11.29 — The Bureau of Tourist Industry within the Railway Ministry decides to spend ¥1,300,000 during the next fiscal year to popularize travel to Japan. 1938.11.29 — Deposits in all banks associated with the Tokyo Clearing House at the end of October amounted to ¥4,750,184,000, a gain of 26 per cent. over the same period of the previous year, according to an announcement made through Domei. 1938.11.30 — The German plane, Condor, arrives at the Tachikawa airfield near Tokyo, concluding its 8,375-mile flight from Berlin in the record-breaking time of 46 hours, 13 minutes and 32 seconds. 1938.11.30 — An Imperial Conference held in the Palace in the presence of the Emperor adopts the policy for regulating relations with a new China. 1938.11.30 — On his return to Japan from Peking, Mr. Hachisaburo Hirao, economic adviser to the Japanese army in North China, recommends that the Japanese display a united firmness in dealing with China. 1938.11.30 — The 96-ton vessel Sampaku Maru explodes in Fukuoka (Kyushu) harbour owing to ignition of 90 cases of fireworks under mysterious circumstances. The concussion shakes the city causing damage estimated at ¥60,000. Thirteen persons are injured. 1938.11.30 — With the China Affairs Board soon to relieve the East Asiatic Bureau of the Foreign Office of the bulk of its responsibility, the Foreign Ministry announces extensive shifts in its personnel. 1938.11.30 — The Finance Ministry reveals that the favourable foreign trade balance for the first 11 months of 1938 amounted to ¥47,135,000, in contrast to an unfavourable balance of ¥646,923,000 for the corresponding period of 1937. 1938.12.01 — A committee of the Privy Council decides to recommend to the Council that the draft ordinances for establishment of the China Affairs Board be passed. The committee also recommends that deep consideration be given to the functioning of the board and that every care be taken to avoid friction between the board and diplomatic authorities. 1938.12.01 — The five German airmen who completed the record flight from Berlin to Tokyo are welcomed by Japanese officials. 1938.12.01 — The British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, and Foreign Vice-Minister Renzo Sawada hold a discussion on the entry of Japanese troops into British territory by mistake at Kowloon. 1938.12.01 — At the conclusion of negotiations between the Finance Ministry's budget bureau and the various ministries, the national budget for the 1939-40 fiscal year is estimated at ¥3,690,000,000. Estimates for military expenditures entailed by the China Affair are not included in this figure. 1938.12.01 — The Nichi Nichi reports an interview held in Shanghai with the British Ambassador to China in which Sir Archibald Kerr Clark Kerr is quoted as saying that the chances for Anglo-Japanese political and economic co-operation are remote. Sir Archibald denies that Great Britain is seeking to mediate in the Sino-Japanese dispute and states that he entertains no hopes of an early peaceful settlement of the hostilities. 1938.12.01 — The first plenary session of the East Asia Cultural Council is held in Tokyo. Education Minister Sadao Araki speaks as guest of honour and predicts that a new turn in world history may be expected shortly through the rise of the Far Eastern nations. 1938.12.01 — The Metropolitan Police Board decides to permit stores to remain open until 11 o'clock at night during December. The retort Store Law has required shops to close at 10 p.m. 1938.12.01 — Because of repair work begun at the Haneda airport, the Japan Air Transport Company shifts its planes to the Tachikawa flying field, from where regular departures and arrivals will take place. 1938.12.01 — The Finance Ministry decides to appoint a permanent financial commissioner to the United States. 1938.12.01 — The Chugai Sho yo Shimpo reports a 46.4 per cent. decline in the number of tourists to Japan up to June 30, 1938, as compared with the same period last year. 1938.12.02 — The Cabinet approves the draft estimates for the 1939-40 general accounts, totalling ¥3,694,712,000, in less than 40 minutes. Assessments made by the Finance Ministry are approved without alteration. 1938.12.02 — In Manila, it is reported that 38 Japanese on Coron Island have been arrested in connection with the recent disorders arising out of a pistol battle with Filipino police at Lingan. 1938.12.02 — The index average of wholesale prices in Tokyo for November was 145.8, with 1930 as 100, marking an advance of .2 per cent. over the previous month, according to the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 1938.12.03 — A Russian fur trader of Yokohama, A. M. Netpusky, is fined ¥20,000 in the Tokyo District Court on charges of violating the exchange control laws. 1938.12.03 — Latest reports from Manila indicate that 33 Japanese are now in custody in connection with the disorders taking place on Coron Island. 1938.12.03 — Dissolution of all existing political parties in Japan and the absorption of their forces into a unified national organization based on the national spirit is urged in a resolution published by the Current Situation Council, composed of eighteen. 1938.12.03 — Dr. Sanae Takada, 78, member of the House of Peers, former president of Waseda University and one-time Education Minister, dies at the Tokyo Imperial University Hospital. 1938.12.03 — The initial capitalization of the proposed Japan Electric Power Generation and Transmission Company has been fixed at ¥730,000,000, according to the Asahi. The company will be the largest power enterprise in Japan. 1938.12.03 — Five plants of the Toyo Cotton Mill at Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, are destroyed by a fire causing a total damage exceeding ¥4,000,000. 1938.12.04 — Elimination of the semi-colonial status imposed upon China by Occidental Powers is described as a fundamental condition which Japan intends to fulfil in the accomplishment of its mission of anti-Communist stabilization of the Far East, in articles of identical wording appearing in three leading Tokyo newspapers. 1938.12.04 — The next special war budget for the army is estimated at ¥4,000,000,000 by Domei, national news agency. 1938.12.04 — In South China, Japanese troops charge the walled town of Koukong, key point on the Canton delta district, and reduce it. 1938.12.04 — In a press interview, Finance Minister Ikeda states that the Government has not yet decided whether it will introduce higher taxes next year. Bond issues, he declares, will certainly be increased. 1938.12.04 — The Dai Nippon Air Transport Company, in operation since December 1, decides to purchase three Condor-type airliners from the German Focke-Wulf Company. 1938.12.04 — Lieutenant-Commander Kitaro Haji, famed as head of the fighting Haji naval landing unit seeing action in Shanghai, Kiukiang and Panpishan, returns to Tokyo. 1938.12.04 — As the taxation bureau of the Finance Ministry begins investigations on new sources of Government revenue, the Chugai predicts that tea, electric lights and women's pure silk obi will be likely objects for new levies. 1938.12.04 — In Manila, the Philippine constabulary's version of the Coron incident, in which a Japanese fisherman was killed and two others wounded, is termed one-sided and unfair by the counsel of the Japanese fishing corporation. 1938.12.05 — At the third meeting of the General Mobilization Inquiry Commission, four draft Imperial ordinances for invocation of Articles 6, 21, and 22 of the National General Mobilization Law are approved. The ordinances concern registration of the vocational abilities of the people in general and of seamen and navigators in particular, and restrictions on employment of workers. 1938.12.05 — The eight Cabinet Ministers concerned with the national reorganization plan decide that the nation is to be organized spiritually but not politically, in their third meeting held in Tokyo. 1938.12.05 — The discovery of 11 victims of smallpox in Japan leads the Metropolitan Police Board to order a careful check of passengers returning to Tokyo from Shanghai and Amoy. 1938.12.05 — The Finance Ministry agrees to a loan of ¥360,000 to Tokyo Municipality for the construction of three dormitories to house under-age factory workers from rural districts. 1938.12.05 — H.I.H. Prince Chichibu inspects the German Condor plane which flew to Tokyo from Berlin. 1938.12.06 — The Condor monoplane, which left Tokyo at 11:37 o'clock in the morning, crashes into the sea in the afternoon at a point 50 miles west of Manila. Captain Alfred Henke and the other members of the crew are rescued, but the plane sinks 500 feet off shore. 1938.12.06 — The Central Meteorological Observatory in Tokyo announces that since November 5, no less than 600 earthquakes have been recorded. Only 24 of these were perceptible to human sensibilities, however. 1938.12.06 — Thrift promotion officials of the Finance Ministry make arrangements for post offices to remain open until 6 o'clock in the evening for one week beginning December 13. Factory workers and clerks will thus have an opportunity to deposit part of their year-end bonus payments. 1938.12.06 — The Foreign Office Spokesman issues a statement declaring that the Soviet Government appears to be desirous of nullifying Japan's fishing rights along the Siberian coasts in all but name. The statement is issued in connection with Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita's instructions to Ambassador Shigenori Togo in Moscow to leave nothing undone to induce the Soviet authorities to drop their dilatory tactics and sign the revised fishery convention negotiated in 1936. 1938.12.06 — Publishers of picture books for children are summoned to the Home Office, where they are told to censor literature for children before it is published. 1938.12.06 — Premier Konoye agrees to make public his views on the proposed reorganization of the nation for the task of building a new order in the Far East. He reaches this decision in view of the fact that the eight Ministers who have been drafting the reorganization plan to meet for the fourth time and announce practical completion of their work. 1938.12.06 — An Antung dispatch to the Nichi Nichi reveals that a prospecting party organized by the Manchoukuo Ministry of Economics has discovered the richest copper vein in the Orient, at a point in the Eastern Manchoukuo frontier district. 1938.12.06 — The Communications Ministry sets aside ¥3,813,500 for subsidizing new and existing steamship services and shipbuilding from the next budget. 1938.12.06 — In London, Britain's unequivocal refusal to accept any unilateral infringement of the Nine Power Treaty involving the creation of a three-Power Asiatic bloc dominated by Japan is stated by the Earl of Plymouth, Parliamentary Foreign Under-secretary in the House of Lords. 1938.12.07 — Meeting in the presence of the Emperor, the Privy Council approves the regulations for the China Affairs Board and related Imperial ordinances. 1938.12.07 — The first Korean volunteers to join the Japanese Army complete their six-month training period at Keijo. 1938.12.07 — A group of 288 young Japanese emigrants, who will settle in Manchoukuo and Inner Mongolia, arrives in Dairen. The youths represent the sixth contingent of colony-builders leaving Japan for the Asiatic mainland during 1938. 1938.12.07 — Mr. Sonyu Otani, president of the North China Development Company, arrives in Peking by plane from Tokyo for an inspection tour and a series of visits to Japanese army leaders and high officials. 1938.12.07 — The Nichi Nichi reports that Japan's postal life insurance contracts at the end of November numbered approximately 31,000,000 with an aggregate value of more than ¥5,200,000,000. 1938.12.07 — The Emperor visits the Imperial Headquarters and inspects a display of trophies of the China conflict. 1938.12.07 — Two persons swimming in the sea west of the Loochoo Islands are rescued after the Dai Nippon Air Transport Company plane, Fuji, en route from Formosa to Kyushu is forced down. Two dead passengers are picked up along with the two survivors. The other ten passengers are given up as lost. 1938.12.07 — The Army announces the establishment of an office called the Inspectorate-General of Military Aviation, headed by a general or lieutenant-general who will be invested with the office by the Emperor and will be responsible directly to the Throne regarding all matters relating to aeronautical education in the Army. 1938.12.07 — In Manchoukuo, the Manchurian Aviation Company announces that two new airliners will be put in service January 1 on the Dairen-Mukden-Hsinking line. 1938.12.07 — Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita holds conversations separately with the American and British Ambassadors, through whom he urges that their governments give recognition to Japan's new policies regarding East Asia. 1938.12.09 — On the occasion of the public announcement of his appointment as supreme commander of the Japanese forces in North China, General Gen Sugiyama, former War Minister, declares in Peking that the Chiang Kai-shek Administration must be exterminated completely. 1938.12.09 — Latest reports from Manila indicate that the German plane, Condor, is cracking under the force of pounding seas, as efforts to lift the sunken ship out of the sand remain unsuccessful. 1938.12.09 — Thirty-three persons, including a Pole, a Russian and a Japanese, are found guilty in the Kobe District Court of illegal dealings in foreign exchange. 1938.12.09 — The Dai Nippon Air Transport Company abandons the crash site known in the sea west of the Loochoo Islands. 1938.12.09 — In London, official quarters express the opinion that the Japanese attitude regarding many questions dealt with during Ambassador Sir Robert Craigie's conversations with Foreign Minister Arita is not likely to undergo modification. 1938.12.10 — Lieutenant-General Hideki Tojo is relieved of his post as War Vice-Minister and is appointed to the newly created office of Inspector-General of Aviation and chief of the Army air force. His successor in the Ministry is Lieutenant-General Masataka Yamawaki, formerly inspector-general of military education. Other transfers include Colonel Kenryo Sato, former chief of the information bureau of the War Ministry, who is appointed instructor at the Hamamatsu Aviation School, and Lieutenant-General Shun Tada, former vice-chief of the Army General Staff, who is appointed to an important post in China. 1938.12.10 — Premier Konoye's anticipated statement on the Government's China policy is postponed as the result of sudden illness. 1938.12.10 — The Asahi reports that whereas the imposition of exchange control regulations has resulted in a sharp drop in book imports for the first eight months of 1938, as compared with the same period of 1937, total imports of foreign publications including newspapers and magazines have increased. 1938.12.10 — The Foreign Office issues a statement asserting that the Soviet authorities in North Saghalien are bringing pressure to bear on the Japanese holding oil concessions there to an extent that arouses fears that they mean in substance to repudiate the Japanese-Soviet basic treaty of 1925 and the oil contracts. Reconsideration is urged. 1938.12.10 — General Count Hisaichi Terauchi, until recently supreme commander of Japanese forces in North China, arrives at Kobe after 13 months of strenuous military activity. 1938.12.10 — Japan's foreign trade for the first 10 days of December has shown a slight excess of imports, in contrast to the balances for the past two months, according to the Finance Ministry. The Ministry also reports that the funded debts of the Japanese Government at the end of November amounted to ¥13,122,325,000. 1938.12.11 — To keep pace with the recent army measures creating an inspectorate-general of military aviation, naval authorities complete regulations for the establishment of a combined air fleet. 1938.12.12 — In an informal statement, the Foreign Office spokesman announces that as the Soviet Government has again refused to sign the revised fishery convention negotiated in 1936, conversations have been opened in Moscow for a temporary agreement to govern Japanese fishing along the Soviet Far Eastern coasts. 1938.12.12 — Finance Minister Ikeda decides, in a conference with high officials of the Ministry, to impose additional taxation in the next fiscal year to increase revenue by about ¥300,000,000. 1938.12.12 — General Count Hisaichi Terauchi arrives in Tokyo and reports to the Emperor on the war situation in North China. 1938.12.12 — In London, Mr. Richard A. Butler, Parliamentary Foreign Under-Secretary, announces that further representations have been made to Japan on the general question of discrimination against British interests in North China ports. 1938.12.12 — An inspector in the Railway Ministry suggests that a railway connecting Berlin and Tokyo, which can be achieved by linking Paotow in Inner Mongolia with Baghdad, a distance of 3,300 miles, may be realized within a small number of years. 1938.12.12 — Japanese women leaders inform sectional chiefs of the Commerce and Industry and Welfare Ministries that many reforms are needed in the current Government programme for economy of consumption. 1938.12.12 — The Bank of Japan decides to renew for one year the arrangement which established a one-year credit involving ¥200,000,000 for the Central Bank of Manchou starting January 1, 1938. 1938.12.12 — According to estimates of the Rayon Pulp Control Society of Osaka, Japanese rayon pulp imports during 1939 are expected to reach 170,000 tons. 1938.12.13 — In a conference at the Foreign Office, officials of the Foreign, Navy and War Ministries agree that Japan must press for a provisional agreement with the Soviet Union on Japanese fishing in Soviet waters that will extend for another year all existing arrangements. 1938.12.13 — The Navy Ministry decides to extend by one year the term of service required of officers and men on reserve lists as the result of emergency military conditions. 1938.12.13 — In Tokyo, approximately 2,000 presidents of street associations sign a pledge promising to maintain a close watch over their respective districts to discourage waste and extravagance. 1938.12.13 — According to the Asahi, the monthly value of scrap materials gathered recently in the six largest prefectures of Japan has averaged ¥17,025,000. 1938.12.14 — Partial details of its 1939-40 estimates are made public by the Navy Ministry. Maintenance of warships is to cost ¥10,129,000 more in the next fiscal year than during the present one. 1938.12.14 — The Japan Cotton Spinners' Association drafts a plan for the establishment of an export readjustment company capitalized at ¥20,000,000 to overcome a number of prevailing adverse conditions. 1938.12.13 — Vice-Admiral Koichi Shiozawa, commander of the Japanese naval forces in South China, is ordered home and put on the Naval General Staff, in the third regular reorganization of 1938. Rear-Admiral Eiitoo Kondo, commander of the Japanese naval forces on the Yangtze River, is also given a new assignment. 1938.12.13 — The radio, national societies, storytellers and advertising mediums are mobilized as the national drive to impress upon the minds of Japanese their duty to the State in exercising thrift. 1938.12.14 — The Imperial ordinances creating and regulating the China Affairs Board and revising the functions of the Foreign Office are promulgated; the Board begins its activities. Lieutenant-General Heisuké Yanagawa (retired) assumes the office of director-general. 1938.12.14 — It is announced in Tokyo that the Soviet Government has been requested to answer by December 20 the proposal that Japanese fishing along the Far Eastern coasts of the Soviet Union be negotiated in 1939 by another provisional agreement maintaining the status quo. 1938.12.14 — The Nichi Nichi reports that General Wu Pei-fu, 60-year-old former warlord of North China, has definitely decided to work for a coalition of the Chinese and Japanese peoples through the overthrow of the Chiang Kai-shek régime. 1938.12.14 — The Metropolitan Police Board announces that from January 10 bicycles in Tokyo will no longer be required to display metal licence plates. In this way, the supply of metal will be conserved. 1938.12.14 — The final form of the bill creating the Japan Rice Company to be presented at the next session of the Diet is approved by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry. A radical change in the country's traditional system of rice distribution will thereby be effected. 1938.12.14 — An Asahi dispatch from Shanghai states that Mr. Masayuki Tani, Minister-at-large, has tentatively been selected to succeed Ambassador Yotaro Sugimura as envoy to France. 1938.12.14 — A suspected case of smallpox causes thorough fumigation of the Nagasaki Maru, N.Y.K. liner arriving in Nagasaki from Shanghai. 1938.12.17 — The New York Times declares editorially that the American Government's extension of $25,000,000 to China is primarily a diplomatic gesture. 1938.12.17 — In Manila, the police inspector of Palawan Province admits that the original version of the clash between Japanese fishermen and local officials at Coron, which placed entire blame on the Japanese, was incorrect. 1938.12.17 — The Tokyo Procurators' Office decides to indict five professors who were arrested last February on charges of violating Article 1 of the Peace Maintenance Law. 1938.12.17 — The sum of ¥691,043 offered by the East Hopei Provincial Government to those injured and to the families of those killed in the Tungchow massacre of July, 1937 will be distributed among 103 persons, it is announced in Tokyo. 1938.12.17 — Lieutenant-General Prince Higashi Kuni arrives in Japan after extended service on the Central China front. 1938.12.17 — The Wounded Soldiers' Protection Board announces that scholarships will be offered to partially disabled soldiers, permitting them to prepare themselves for vocations which they are capable of holding. 1938.12.17 — The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry decrees that the maximum price for rice for the current season, which began November 1, shall remain at ¥33.40 per koku (5.12 bushels), the same as for the last season. 1938.12.17 — Four fighting planes and one light bomber are donated to the Army by the public of western Japan. 1938.12.19 — Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita informs foreign correspondents in Tokyo that the reported extensions of American and British credits to the Chiang Kai-shek régime are regrettable and inopportune. He states, however, that he does not regard them as political gestures. 1938.12.19 — Finance Minister Seihin Ikeda states at a meeting of the Central Price Commission that officially fixed prices on standard commodities must be readjusted in consideration of ensuring adequate profits for dealers. 1938.12.19 — With the beginning of the next school year in April, it is revealed that women will be admitted to Waseda University on the same basis as men. 1938.12.19 — Ambassador Setsuzo Sawada, returning to Japan from Brazil, states that Brazil is strictly neutral in its attitude toward the China hostilities. 1938.12.19 — In London, Prime Minister Chamberlain assures the House of Commons that Britain is doing everything possible to defend British interests in China. 1938.12.19 — The Price Control Commission adopts a resolution urging that its powers be increased. The purpose of the resolution is to strengthen price control on commodities relating to agriculture, forestry, fishing, trade, finance, transportation, wages and other subjects. 1938.12.20 — Vice-Admiral Dr. Yuzuru Hiraga (retired) is formally appointed president of Tokyo Imperial University by the Cabinet. 1938.12.20 — The Canton Peace Preservation Committee is formally inaugurated in ceremonies attended by the Japanese consul-general and the commander-in-chief of Japanese forces in South China. 1938.12.20 — Dr. Tatsukichi Minobé, who went into retirement in 1935 over the so-called Minobé theory of the position of the Emperor, returns to public life by registering as an attorney in order to defend his son who has been indicted on a charge of having violated the Peace Maintenance Law. 1938.12.20 — After a three-hour conference held in Moscow, Ambassador Shigenori Togo and Foreign Commissar Maxim Litvinov fail to arrive at any agreement on arrangements to regulate Japanese fishing in Soviet waters during 1939. 1938.12.20 — A detailed report published in Peking reveals that Chinese inhabitants are returning to their homes in Japanese occupied territory in increasing numbers, evincing the gradual restoration of peace and order in North China. 1938.12.21 — Police doctors begin to vaccinate nearly 1,500 persons residing in Tokyo near the home of a person stricken with smallpox. Compulsory vaccination for all citizens in the city is contemplated. 1938.12.21 — Conditions in Central and South China are described to the Emperor by Lieutenant-General Prince Higashi Kuni and Vice-Admiral Koichi Shiozawa, who have recently returned to assume high positions in the Army and Navy in Japan. 1938.12.22 — Premier Konoye issues Japan's five basic demands clarifying the goal of the China Affair and for ultimately readjusting the relations between Japan and China. The five demands are: establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Manchoukuo; conclusion of an anti-Comintern agreement between China and Japan; stationing of Japanese troops in China and designation of Inner Mongolia as a special anti-Communist area; recognition of the freedom of residence and trade for Japanese in the interior of China; and extension to Japan of facilities for the development of China's natural resources, especially in North China and Inner Mongolia. 1938.12.22 — Initial reports from London concerning the British reaction to Premier Konoye's statement indicate undiminished, if not increased, concern over the fate of British interests in the Far East. 1938.12.22 — Representatives of some 20,000 men engaged in fisheries in Soviet waters arrive in Tokyo from the Hokkaido and six northern prefectures to petition the various Ministries to bring about favourable developments in the now deadlocked fishery negotiations. 1938.12.22 — In Washington, Senator Key Pittman issues a personal statement declaring that the people of the United States do not like the Japanese and German Governments. 1938.12.22 — A sanitarium for wounded soldiers is opened in Okayama with ceremonies attended by General Shigeru Honjo, president of the Board for Protection of Wounded Soldiers. 1938.12.23 — Crown Prince Akihito Tsuguonomiya celebrates his fifth birthday at the Imperial Court. Because of the national emergency, the customary banquet is not held. 1938.12.23 — The Berliner Tageblatt upholds Japan's demand to station troops in China as a defensive measure against the communist menace. 1938.12.23 — Reports from Chungking published in Shanghai state that Mr. Wang Ching-wei, vice-president of the Kuomintang, has left the capital. 1938.12.23 — A representative of the Japanese Army calls on the Governor of Macao to express appreciation for the strict neutrality observed by the Portuguese colony during the hostilities in China. 1938.12.23 — After renewed conversations, Foreign Commissar Litvinov finally refuses to accept the compromise proposal on the fisheries question proposed by Ambassador Togo. 1938.12.24 — The Soviet acting consul in Hakodate, Hokkaido, states that he has received instructions to close the consulate in that city. Only one Soviet consular office, that in Tsuruga, will remain open. 1938.12.24 — Interviewed by an Asahi correspondent, General Wu Pei-fu declares that it is essential that both Japan and China stand on a higher plane of thought and cease hostilities at once, for the preservation of East Asia. 1938.12.24 — Mr. Ginjiro Fujihara, retiring president of the Oji Paper Manufacturing Company, announces that he is planning to found a technological engineering university in Tokyo. 1938.12.24 — Formation of the 74th Diet is completed as Count Yorinoki Matsudaira, president of the House of Peers, and Mr. Shoju Koyama, speaker of the House of Representatives, report to the Government that the organization of their respective houses is completed. 1938.12.24 — The subcommittee of the General Mobilisation Inquiry Commission passes the remaining six draft Imperial ordinances invoking the National General Mobilisation Law. 1938.12.24 — The Cabinet's Bureau of Statistics reveals that living expenses of the labouring and salaried classes have risen nearly 10 per cent. within the past year. 1938.12.24 — The Metropolitan Police Board begins enforcement of the decree to seal looms of woollen manufacturing companies in Tokyo. To minimize the domestic consumption of woollen products, about 1,700 looms in Tokyo Prefecture will be sealed. 1938.12.24 — All hope of concluding a temporary Soviet-Japanese fishing agreement before the end of the year is abandoned as reports from Moscow indicate that Ambassador Togo and Foreign Commissar Litvinov will not resume discussions until January. 1938.12.24 — Tokyo newspapers report that Overseas Minister Yoshiaki Hatta is contemplating Japanese mass emigration to Inner Mongolia and Sinkiang. Officials of the Ministry, it is stated, have already been dispatched to these areas. 1938.12.26 — The Army section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that the Japanese Army lost 47,133 men in the first 17 months of the China operations, ending November 30. The Chinese casualties for the same period are estimated at 2,000,000. 1938.12.26 — The Cabinet Decorations Bureau announces the seventh China Affair honours list for the Army and the sixth for the Navy, involving 6,359 officers and men killed in action between July 1937 and September 1938. 1938.12.26 — The 74th session of the Diet opens with a ceremony in which the Emperor reads a rescript notable for its expression of confidence in the loyalty and earnestness of the entire people and hope that the objects sought may be achieved. The reply of the House of Representatives states that the entire nation is now striving to stabilize the situation, while the vote on the text of the reply of the House of Peers is deferred for one day. 1938.12.26 — Japanese military planes carry out a mass air attack on Chungking, the first for several months. 1938.12.26 — Negotiations on the estimates for the special accounts budget for 1939-40 are continued by the Finance Ministry, which decides to wait until the new year before submitting them to the Cabinet. 1938.12.26 — Foreign Minister Arita meets separately with the American and British Ambassadors to continue his so-called free talks with them regarding Japan's intentions in China. 1938.12.26 — State Department officials in Washington reveal that Ambassador Grew has protested to the Japanese Government against the bombing of American property in China during recent months. 1938.12.26 — The Government adopts a special silk system to secure materials required for export goods to go into effect January 10 upon issuance of the necessary ordinance by the Commerce and Industry Ministry. 1938.12.27 — Yumenkow and Choanwotchen, strategically important points on the east bank of the Yellow River at the western extremity of Shansi Province, are captured by Japanese military units. 1938.12.27 — The Nichi Nichi reports that an arrangement has been completed whereby Germany and Japan will exchange books annually to the value of ¥8,800. However, no money will be involved in the transactions. 1938.12.27 — General Chiang Kai-shek is quoted in reports reaching Shanghai as stating that the recent departure of Mr. Wang Ching-wei from Chungking was not caused by dissension within the Kuomintang Party. 1938.12.27 — A giant avalanche buries 119 workers, crushing 30 dead at least 36, in Toyama Prefecture. The disaster is the first of its kind during the current winter season. 1938.12.27 — It is announced that the Railway Ministry will appropriate ¥200,000 from funds available in 1939 to examine plans for construction of a new railway line from Tokyo to Shimonoseki. 1938.12.27 — The Commerce and Industry Ministry authorizes two new types of insurance, one for storm and flood damages and the other for an extension of fire loss indemnities. Licences are granted to nine underwriting companies to handle such business. 1938.12.27 — The three-year plan for expansion of industrial production is discussed at the last regular Cabinet meeting for 1938. 1938.12.27 — The Emperor and Empress partake of a "battle-field" meal out of regard for the hardships of the soldiers on the China fronts. 1938.12.27 — In Kalgan, the Federated Commission of Inner Mongolia issues a communique lauding Premier Konoye's statement on Japan's China policy. 1938.12.28 — The National Mobilization Inquiry Commission gives final approval to six draft ordinances for invocation of parts of the National General Mobilisation Law. These measures having far-reaching effect on the nation include those providing for Government restrictions on business dividends and use of profits, Government expropriation or use of private land, structures, factories and equipment and for Government control of wages and hours of factory workers. 1938.12.28 — Mr. Takashi Masuda, 92, a leading figure in the development of the Mitsui interests and founder of the Mitsui Bussan Kaisha, dies in his home at Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture. The deceased once served as secretary to Townsend Harris, first American envoy to Japan. 1938.12.28 — The Welfare Ministry issues a statement criticizing the present confusion in wages and hours in the munitions industry. 1938.12.28 — The Asahi reports that a new method of extracting motor fuel from coal has been developed by the Commerce and Industry Ministry. 1938.12.28 — Five men, charged with circulating communist propaganda, are indicted in the Tokyo District Criminal Court. 1938.12.28 — For the first time in 20 years, the foreign trade of Japan and its colonies from January 1 to December 21, 1938, has revealed a favourable balance, according to the Finance Ministry. The excess of exports for the period was ¥38,342,000. 1938.12.28 — After both Houses pass resolutions expressing appreciation for the services of the fighting forces, the Diet goes into recess for the holiday season. 1938.12.29 — The fisheries issue between Japan and the Soviet Union is further complicated by failure on the part of Soviet officials to post the annual notification of fishing grounds to be placed at auction. Such notification fell due on December 28. 1938.12.29 — The Tokyo District Procurators' Office reports a marked decrease in crime during the hostilities in China. In 1937, 51,285 cases were filed with the procurators; in 1938, only 44,523. 1938.12.29 — The season's first serious blizzard in northern Japan generally disrupts traffic and continues unabated. 1938.12.29 — The acting Soviet consul-general at Harbin is informed that the Manchoukuo Government would be willing to consider settlement of the North Manchuria Railway transfer issue if the Soviets would assume a fair attitude. 1938.12.29 — In Indianapolis, Major-General George Moseley urges the United States to conclude enduring peace with Japan. 1938.12.29 — Tokyo newspapers report that Japanese residents in San Francisco are abandoning usual seasonal festivities in order to send money to Japan to bolster the war funds. 1938.12.29 — As a token of patriotism, 24,888 prisoners throughout Japan make a second monetary contribution of ¥11,789.77 to the War Ministry. 1938.12.29 — United Press reports in New York indicate that Wang Ching-wei and General Chiang Kai-shek have definitely split over the increasing communist influences in the Chiang régime. 1938.12.30 — It is announced that donations to the Navy Ministry from the beginning of hostilities in China up to December 1 totalled ¥25,916,002.92. 1938.12.30 — A 10-passenger flying bout of the Japan Air Transportation Research Institute is forced down on its maiden flight in Aichi Prefecture. The plane is undamaged. 1938.12.30 — According to the Industrial Bank of Japan, Government bonds, prefectural bonds, bank debentures, corporate debentures and Manchoukuo bonds and debentures issued in 1938 amounted to ¥6,080,064,000, breaking all previous records. 1938.12.30 — A constant procession of strictly secret conferences between Premier Konoye and high Government officials during the day increases the rumours of a possible Cabinet shakeup within the near future. 1938.12.30 — In a statement released at Hongkong, Mr. Wang Ching-wei, Kuomintang vice-president, urges that peace with Japan on the basis of terms enunciated by Premier Konoye in his statement of Japanese policy on December 22 be made. 1938.12.31 — Tokyo newspapers report that Prince Kimmochi Saionji, Elder Statesman, has been consulted on the political situation twice within two days. Such consultations, the papers add, have always preceded a Cabinet change in the past. 1939.01.01 — All Government leaders issue New Year statements to the nation. Premier Konoye, citing the military victories of the past 18 months, declares that they have opened the way to reconstruction of China. Foreign Minister Arita takes the occasion to thank Germany and Italy for their continued co-operation. War Minister Itagaki pledges continuance of a vigorous war drive. Navy Minister Yonai declares that Japan must assume complete naval control of the Western Pacific. Finance Minister Ikeda expresses confidence that the Japanese people will continue to face necessary inconveniences with courage and urges the need for further efforts toward thrift. 1939.01.01 — It is revealed in Washington that the American Ambassador in Tokyo yesterday presented a note to the Japanese Government outlining the fundamental position of the United States in regard to the situation in China, to the effect that America cannot assent to the abrogation of any rights by the arbitrary action of agents or authorities of another country. 1939.01.03 — The leading members of the Konoye Cabinet hold several series of conferences throughout the day. Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, President of the Privy Council, returns to Tokyo from a holiday trip. 1939.01.03 — Lieutenant-General Otozo Yamada takes command of the Japanese Army in Central China, succeeding General Shunroku Hata. 1939.01.03 — It is announced in Hanoi that Mr. Seisaku Shiomi, chancellor of the Japanese consulate-general, was kidnapped by Chinese soldiers on the Indo-China and Kwangsi Province border December 29. 1939.01.03 — Mr. Yoshiaki Miura arrives in Shanghai to assume his new duties as consul-general. 1939.01.03 — A passenger plane of the Dai Nippon Aviation Company is forced down when on the way to Fukuoka from Tsingtao. The plane is badly damaged but no passengers are hurt. 1939.01.04 — At 11:55 o'clock in the morning, Premier Konoye is received in audience by and submits to the Emperor the resignation of himself and all Cabinet members. 1939.01.04 — Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, President of the Privy Council, is commanded by the Emperor to organize a Cabinet to succeed that of Prince Fumimaro Konoye who has resigned earlier in the day. 1939.01.04 — Prince Konoye issues a statement explaining his action, in which he expresses concern over his feared inability to cope with the complex situation in China. 1939.01.04 — Many American leaders predict that the anticipated move to the right by Japan under Baron Hiranuma will result in strained relations with the United States. 1939.01.04 — The French press interprets the Cabinet change as a step toward Fascism in Japan. 1939.01.05 — The new Cabinet, organized within 28 hours of the Imperial command to Baron Hiranuma, comes into formal existence with the investiture of its members by the Emperor. Of its 13 members, all but four, Premier Hiranuma, Finance Minister Sotaro Ishiwata, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Yukio Sakurauchi and Welfare Minister Hisatada Hirose, were in the Konoye Cabinet. Marquis Koichi Kido assumes the Home Ministership in place of Admiral Suetsugu, who has retired. 1939.01.05 — Prince Konoye succeeds Premier Hiranuma as President of the Privy Council and remains in the Cabinet as Minister without portfolio. 1939.01.05 — In his official statement, Premier Hiranuma declares that the entire power of the State should be concentrated on achieving the goal in the China hostilities and that the policies of the Konoye Cabinet will be carried out. 1939.01.05 — The Welfare Ministry plans a reform of the public pawnshop business in recognition of the acute unemployment conditions existing in many parts of the country. 1939.01.05 — Business and financial quarters express the hope that the new Finance Minister will continue the policies of Mr. Seihin Ikeda, retired. 1939.01.05 — The War and Navy Ministers request Premier Hiranuma to give special consideration to the needs of national defence and foreign relations. 1939.01.05 — Information reaches Hanoi that the kidnapped chancellor of the Japanese consulate-general there is safe and will soon be turned over to French authorities. 1939.01.05 — Mr. Shozo Murata, president of the Osaka Shosen Kaisha, and Dr. Honzuni Tanaka, president of Waseda University, are appointed to the House of Peers. 1939.01.06 — In a radio address to the nation, Premier Hiranuma declares that the new Cabinet will place emphasis on enhancement of national strength. National mobilization will be intensified for the enforcement of domestic and foreign policies. 1939.01.06 — General Shunroku Hata, former commander of the Japanese Army in Central China, is lavishly welcomed on his return to Tokyo. 1939.01.06 — The Japanese Embassy in Hsinking announces that the consulate-generals in Mukden, Kirin and Tsitsihar will soon be closed. 1939.01.06 — In London, key Cabinet Ministers discuss the question of economic reprisals against Japan, especially the imposition of a special tax on Japanese imports to Great Britain and British colonies. 1939.01.07 — At the third meeting of the new Cabinet, all of the draft special accounts compiled by the Konoye Cabinet are approved without change. 1939.01.07 — In Hsinking, representatives of Manchoukuo and Japan, including Korea, open discussions on the contemplated immigration programme whereby 3,000,000 Japanese farming families will be settled in Manchoukuo within 20 years. 1939.01.07 — The Imperial Ordinance concerning the registration of vocational abilities is promulgated to take effect immediately. Actual registrations will begin on January 20 and must be completed by March 31. 1939.01.07 — The Welfare Ministry announces a plan to build a large public sports ground in each of 13 cities, to open 3,000 martial sports training halls and to post physical culture advisers at 1,000 municipalities. 1939.01.07 — The resignations of all Cabinet advisers are submitted to Premier Hiranuma who is expected to request them to remain in their posts. 1939.01.07 — The Emperor attends the annual New Year's military review in Tokyo. More than 23,000 soldiers of the Imperial Bodyguard and picked contingents take part in the exercises. Army units in Hankow and Nanking stage parades. 1939.01.07 — Commerce and Industry Minister Hatta reveals his intention of continuing efforts for promotion of Japan's overseas trade and for expansion of industrial capacity. 1939.01.07 — In Moscow, it is announced that the Soviet Union is determined not to conclude any modus vivendi unless Japan accepts the auction system for the distribution of fishing lots. 1939.01.07 — The Japanese consul-general at Hongkong, returning to Tokyo, declares that with the strengthening of the Communist Party in China the conclusion of an early truce cannot be expected. 1939.01.07 — The Hochi reports that work on the Shimonoseki-Moji undersea tunnel started last July is now entering its main stage as the "shield" system of excavation is soon to be adopted. 1939.01.07 — In the first talk of the year on the fishery issue, Ambassador Togo warns Foreign Commissar Litvinov that the Soviet Union must be prepared for serious consequences unless it permits Japanese to retain the fishing grounds that were withdrawn from the auction system and "stabilized" in 1932. 1939.01.09 — In a message to Kuomintang and Chinese military leaders, Mr. Wang Ching-wei strongly advocates peace negotiations with Japan. 1939.01.09 — The captain of a British freight vessel is fined ¥4,000 by a district court in the Hokkaido on charges of violating the Military Secrets Protection Law. 1939.01.09 — An official of the Commerce and Industry Ministry warns the people to prepare for more rigid control measures than those now in force in order to assure realization of the objectives of the China Affair. 1939.01.09 — The Communications Ministry announces ¥1,500 as the standard price for telephones transferred in the Tokyo area. 1939.01.09 — A Welfare Ministry official discloses that at the time that Japanese emigration to Manchoukuo is being sponsored, Koreans are coming into Japan proper in increasing numbers in the form of cheap labour, thus nullifying the country's emigration programme. 1939.01.09 — Dr. Shogo Hosoya, professor in the Tokyo Imperial University, is awarded a prize of ¥1,000 by the Asahi for his work in the prevention of tetanus among soldiers and horses at the front. 1939.01.09 — Production of rayon yarn in Japan during 1938, according to the Rayon Association, amounted to 196,876,300 pounds, a drop of about 40 per cent. from the 1937 output. 1939.01.10 — Dr. Susumu Matsumura, professor in the Chiba University of Medicine, is selected as director of the cultural department of the China Affairs Board. 1939.01.10 — Premier Chang Ching-hui of Manchoukuo is notified that his country has been formally recognized by the Hungarian Government. 1939.01.11 — Mr. Kazuo Aoki assumes office as president of the Board of Planning. 1939.01.11 — The Cabinet gives approval to a number of matters within the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry. Several prefectural governors are changed. 1939.01.11 — The severe cold wave has resulted in an average of 40 deaths a day from influenza in Tokyo since the first of the month, according to the head of the epidemic prevention department of the Metropolitan Police Board. 1939.01.11 — The Asahi reports that the fate of Professor Eijiro Kawai, liberal economics professor of Tokyo Imperial University, remains unsettled as faculty members are divided over the problem of his possible expulsion. 1939.01.11 — The American Ambassador is one of the 3,500 persons attending the public funeral service for Mr. Takashi Masuda, pioneer financier of modern Japan, who died December 28. 1939.01.11 — In Rome, Premier Mussolini and Japanese Ambassador Shiratori stress stronger Italo-Japanese co-operation for the advancement of both countries in their first official meeting. 1939.01.11 — The industrial Bank of Japan announces that Manchoukuo's first bond issue in Japanese currency will be opened to subscription for three days commencing January 19. 1939.01.12 — In an interview with newspapermen, Premier Hiranuma asserts that the application of Japan's China policy will depend on the stand of the "other party." The Premier denies having any plans for reorganizing the nation. 1939.01.12 — The Asahi reports that 3,000 owners of private automobiles in Tokyo will be summoned by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on January 13 to be informed that soon their gasoline allotments will be cut off entirely. 1939.01.12 — General G.S. Lushkov, who fled from Siberia across the Manchoukuo border last June, tells Tokyo newspapermen that the ruthless cruelty of Mr. Joseph Stalin colours practically all of that country's policies, domestic and foreign. 1939.01.12 — At a meeting of the Japan Young Men's Party, Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Tatekawa, retired, declares that Japan must follow totalitarianism completely instead of liberalism or capitalism. 1939.01.12 — A communiqué of the War Office states that effective January 16, extensive revisions will be made in the official regulations governing the War Ministry. 1939.01.12 — Japanese Ambassador Kensuké Horinouchi pays a courtesy call on Secretary of State Cordell Hull in Washington. 1939.01.12 — The proposed fortification of Guam is believed in American congressional circles likely to cause great argument, inasmuch as it involves a complete reorientation of American Far Eastern policy. 1939.01.12 — The Railway Ministry announces that no discounts for large parties travelling during the cherry-blossom season will be given. Congestion on the Government service is already reaching serious proportions. 1939.01.12 — A vigorous protest is lodged with the Soviet chargé d'affaires in Tokyo over frequent violations of the Japanese border in Saghalien by Soviet warplanes. 1939.01.12 — Hsinking reports state that some relaxation may be anticipated in the strained Manchoukuo-Soviet relations as the latter country agrees to ease its pressure on Manchoukuo consulates in Soviet territory. 1939.01.12 — Hungary formally accepts the joint invitation of the German, Japanese and Italian Governments to adhere to the anti-Comintern agreement. 1939.01.12 — A scarlet fever toxin causing almost perfect immunity to that disease is announced to have been developed after 12 years of experimentation at the Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo. 1939.01.12 — The Bank of Japan announces that absorption of Government bonds in 1938 amounted to ¥3,653,900,000, representing 84.3 per cent. of the year's total issue. 1939.01.12 — The Tokyo Clearing House announces that total bill clearings in Japan during 1938 amounted to 18,323,637 with a total value of ¥57,587,354,000. 1939.01.12 — Communications Minister Suchiko Shiono tells newspapermen that Japan's civil aviation circles must be renovated in order to match the pace set by foreign countries. 1939.01.13 — Documentary evidence in the case of Mr. Eijiro Kawai, liberal economics professor of Tokyo Imperial University, is turned over to the procurators' office of the Tokyo District Criminal Court. 1939.01.13 — Prince Konoye's new status as President of the Privy Council and concurrently Minister without portfolio arouses considerable controversy in Government and political circles. 1939.01.13 — Members of the House of Peers invite feminist leaders to discuss a national movement toward chastity. Elimination of existing licensed quarters is regarded as the first step of the movement. 1939.01.13 — Legal associations adopt an outspoken resolution demanding that the Hiranuma Cabinet take steps to end the alleged official trammeling of human rights. 1939.01.13 — The British Ambassador at Tokyo delivers a formal note to the Foreign Office stating that Great Britain is not prepared "to accept or to recognize" Japan's announced intentions in China which are brought out by force. 1939.01.13 — Publication of figures as of January 13 reveals that postal savings have reached ¥4,404,635,126, an increase of ¥709,000,000 over similar figures for 1938. 1939.01.13 — The Japan Cotton Traders' Association announces that British Indian raw cotton topped the list of raw cotton imports into Japan for the first four months of the 1938-39 cotton year. Cotton imports from America, Brazil and China follow in order. 1939.01.13 — The Domei news agency reports that virtually all of the major domestic reforms advocated by Admiral Nobumasa Suetsugu as Home Minister have been shelved by his successor in office. 1939.01.13 — A new subway line in Tokyo connecting Shimbashi with Shibuya is opened for through traffic. 1939.01.13 — Publication of a press interview with Navy Minister Yonai reveals that the Japanese Navy is not perturbed over reports of American plans for large-scale naval expansion. 1939.01.13 — In London, the Daily Express reports that a plan for retaliatory action against Japan if it ignores the new British note on the open door in China has already been framed. 1939.01.13 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry announces the results of a survey which demonstrates that the Japanese diet consists of 97 per cent. vegetable food. The general belief that Japanese consume large quantities of fish is disproved. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VIII No. 3 (May 1939) --- (covers 1939.01.16 to 1939.02.28) 1939.01.16 — At a meeting of the State Council, the Manchoukuo Government decides formally to adhere to the anti-Comintern accord in order to strengthen the bulwark against Communism. 1939.01.16 — The Japanese consul-general at Vladivostok reports the appearance in the local Soviet newspaper on January 13 of an announcement that 293 fishing lots in northern waters will be auctioned this year. 1939.01.16 — A New York dispatch to the Asahi states that should the United States Government decide to apply economic sanctions against Japan, it is understood that iron and oil exports will be among the contraband items. 1939.01.16 — The Finance Ministry decides tentatively to double the tax on rice wine, to increase the tax on beer and to apply to costly foreign-style clothing and bridal kimono the special articles tax, in order to raise an additional ¥100,000,000 to help meet the wartime budget. 1939.01.16 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry fixes the standard official buying and selling quotations of raw silk for the 1939-40 silk year. The buying price is ¥380 a bale, ¥60 over the present year's price, and the selling price is ¥1,000, gaining ¥90. 1939.01.17 — Chairman Isoo Abé of the Social Mass Party presents to Premier Hiranuma a list of six requests, including intensification of national mobilization and restriction of the profit motive. 1939.01.17 — Major-General Kumakichi Harada, chief of the army's special service office in Shanghai, is appointed high adviser to the Nanking régime. 1939.01.17 — At Geneva, Dr. V. K. Wellington Koo once more demands that the League of Nations enforce economic and financial sanctions against Japan. Despite this appeal it is understood that no new steps will be undertaken. 1939.01.18 — A strong plea for Anglo-Japanese friendship, because "without it peace is bound to be precarious," is voiced by Ambassador Mamoru Shigemitsu in an address delivered at a dinner of the Japan Society of London. 1939.01.18 — The League of Nations fails to take action on a draft resolution calling for assistance to China and pressure against Japan, presented by Dr. Koo. 1939.01.18 — The Cabinet agrees on the appointment of parliamentary vice-ministers and counsellors, selecting all 26 of them from the House of Representatives. The Minseito and the Seiyukai are given equal representation. 1939.01.18 — The Cabinet in special session decides to present to the Diet a bill revising the Military Service Law so as to shorten the postponement of conscription for students in schools and universities. 1939.01.18 — Revision of the control policy for woollen textiles is agreed upon by the Commerce and Industry Ministry in a move to amend defects in the existing control programme in the face of an acute need for such materials. 1939.01.19 — The Times (London) expresses approval with the views presented by Ambassador Shigemitsu and states that should such views be adopted there would be nothing to fear concerning the future of Anglo-Japanese relations. 1939.01.19 — A pamphlet issued by the Navy Ministry emphasizes the important rôle to be played by the Japanese Navy in building up a new order in East Asia. 1939.01.19 — The Domei News Agency reports that more than 2,000,000 comfort bags have been collected in a recent campaign in Tokyo for soldiers in China. 1939.01.19 — Exports of Japanese raw silk during 1938 amounted to 477,706 bales, according to the Central Silk Association of Japan. This figure represents a gain of 3,436 bales over that for 1937. 1939.01.19 — A $100,000 order from Japan for propeller forgings is turned down by an American corporation as a part of America's unofficial boycott of aeroplane sales to Japan. 1939.01.20 — Admiral Nobumasa Suetsugu, former Home Minister, Mr. Seihin Ikeda, former Finance Minister, and Mr. Toshio Shimada, Seiyukai leader, are formally appointed to the three remaining vacancies in the Cabinet Advisory Council. 1939.01.20 — When questioned at a press conference in Washington, President Roosevelt indicates that he approves of the Navy Department's request for Congressional authorization of an appropriation for use at Guam. 1939.01.21 — In his administrative speech before the Diet, Foreign Minister Arita declares that the intended restrictions on economic activities of the Powers in China will be limited to the "necessary minimum," since Japan believes in removal of trade barriers and promotion of economic co-operation among nations. 1939.01.21 — In reply to a subsequent interpellation in the House of Representatives, Mr. Arita states that careful efforts have been made to make the United States and Great Britain understand that Japan's plans for a new order in East Asia will not drive out all of the economic activities of their nationals. 1939.01.21 — First reports from Washington indicate that the renewed assurances that Japan does not intend to close China's open door as enunciated by Mr. Arita are welcomed in Government quarters. 1939.01.21 — Ten miners are killed instantly in two gas explosions at the Kaijima Mining Company's pits in Fukuoka Prefecture. 1939.01.21 — Navy Minister Yonai declares before the House of Representatives that the navy has worked out new plans that will help to give Japan such control of the seas that it may enforce its national policies for constructing a new East Asia without interference. 1939.01.21 — In Honolulu, various newspapers charge discrimination against Japan by the United States as a result of the ruling recently handed down by the Federal Securities and Exchange Commission, prohibiting the sale in Hawaii of Japanese Government China affair bonds. 1939.01.21 — The value of warehoused goods in Japan at the end of 1938 amounted to ¥718,821,000, according to the Japan Warehousing Society. The figure represents an increase of ¥19,034,000 over that of November. 1939.01.21 — In an interview with the Associated Press in New York, Dr. H. H. Kung, president of the Executive Yuan and Finance Minister in the National Government, declares that the minimum peace terms which China would seek from Japan is the restoration of the situation which existed before July 7, 1937. 1939.01.21 — Mr. Toshio Shiratori, Japanese Ambassador at Rome, leaves for Berlin for important talks with the Ambassador to Berlin and the Minister to Czechoslovakia. 1939.01.24 — A supplementary budget providing for an increase of ¥36,000,000 for the relief of families of soldiers at the front is passed unanimously by the House of Representatives. 1939.01.24 — The Joint Commission of the Governments of the Chinese Republic issues a manifesto urging early establishment of peace in China in accordance with Japanese terms. 1939.01.24 — President Manuel Quezon of the Philippine Islands recommends enactment of a new immigration law that would remove discrimination against certain other Oriental peoples, including the Japanese. 1939.01.24 — The Yomiuri reports that Finance Ministry experts expect to raise ¥2,000,000 of the estimated ¥200,000,000 tax increase to be effected during the next fiscal year by imposing a 23 per cent. levy against profits accruing from the transfer of shipping and mining interests and by placing a 10 per cent. tax on certain types of building construction. 1939.01.24 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry reveals that the 1938 rice crop declined slightly from the previous year but increased over the five-year average. The total yield was 65,869,992 koku. 1939.01.25 — In the budget committee of the House of Representatives, War Minister Itagaki states that present indications do not seem to point to an outbreak between Japan and the Soviet Union. 1939.01.25 — London reports indicate that a tentative promise that the Government shortly might introduce a bill in Parliament to aid the cotton industry has been given by Prime Minister Chamberlain to Lancashire representatives. 1939.01.25 — The Nagi, monoplane of the Dai Nippon Air Transport Company, takes off from Tokyo on a flight to Siam and lands at Taihoku in the elapsed time of eight hours and 47 minutes. 1939.01.25 — In London, Ambassador Shigemitsu lodges a formal protest with the Foreign Secretary against recent instances of mistreatment of Japanese nationals at Singapore. 1939.01.25 — Before the House of Peers, Education Minister Araki declares that the religious ideas of Japan will not be forced upon China or Manchoukuo. 1939.01.25 — A bill designed to eliminate discrimination against Orientals, chiefly Japanese and Chinese, is drafted by the Philippine Government. 1939.01.26 — Replying to telegrams from all over the country, Marshal Wu Pei-fu, retired North China warlord, declares himself in favour of an early end to the hostilities in China and the establishment of a new order in East Asia. 1939.01.26 — The Japanese plane, Nagi, arrives in Bangkok in nine hours and 49 minutes after leaving Taihoku. The actual flying time from Tokyo was 18 hours and 36 minutes. 1939.01.26 — The Emperor sends a cable to President Pedro Aguirre Cerdo of Chile, expressing the sympathy of the Japanese nation for the Chilean people in the earthquake disaster. The Foreign Office hopes to raise at least ¥30,000 in cash, food and clothing for the distressed. 1939.01.27 — The five-Minister conference meets to discuss developments arising from the delay of the French Government in accepting Mr. Masayuki Tani as Ambassador to Paris. 1939.01.27 — The Kokumin reports that the Japanese Ambassador to Berlin, the German Foreign Minister and the Italian Foreign Minister will meet in Berlin to hold important negotiations affecting the future of Europe and Asia. 1939.01.27 — It is revealed in Nanking that Marshal Wu Pei-fu has formally accepted an offer of the position of pacification commissioner, to act independently of the new régimes in North and Central China. 1939.01.27 — Field-Marshal Prince Kotohito Kanin, chief of the Army General Staff, cables congratulations to General Francisco Franco and Premier Benito Mussolini on the fall of Barcelona into Nationalist hands. 1939.01.28 — Prince Konoye appears in the House of Representatives to explain his reasons for resigning from the premiership and his present status. He states that his resignation was caused by fear of inability to fulfil the necessary task and that his presence in the present Cabinet is motivated by the desire to show that Japan's China policy remains unchanged. 1939.01.28 — The Nichi Nichi reports that the Government is considering various measures to relieve the stagnation of Japanese business in the yen-bloc market. Under the provisional system, the Government will undertake to supply China with necessary materials for reconstruction. 1939.01.29 — Ten members of the economics department of Tokyo Imperial University resign as a result of the move by the president to suspend two professors of that department. 1939.01.30 — Japanese army planes destroy the Chinese military headquarters at Chengchow in northern Honan Province. 1939.01.30 — Education Minister Araki expresses regret in the budget committee of the House of Representatives over the trouble in Tokyo Imperial University and pleads for time in which to clear away the accumulated evils of many years. 1939.01.30 — The House of Peers meets privately to discuss the resignations of members of the economics faculty of the Imperial University. 1939.01.30 — In Peking, the Society for Peace and National Salvation is formally inaugurated. A statement is issued calling upon Marshal Wu Pei-fu to head a pacification commission for the restoration of peace and order. 1939.01.30 — A manifesto welcoming the support of all factions is issued in Chungking at the close of the fifth plenary session of the Kuomintang central executive and supervisory committees. 1939.01.30 — The Japan Cotton Textile Industry Federation announces that Japanese cotton cloth exports in 1938 continued to occupy the world's topmost position, although shipments declined from 1937. 1939.01.30 — Addressing the Reichstag, Reichsführer Hitler reaffirms the indestructibility of the German-Japanese-Italian alliance. 1939.01.31 — In reply to an interpellation in the House of Representatives, both Premier Hiranuma and Foreign Minister Arita express opposition to the proposal to hold a conference in Japan with the United States and Great Britain to discuss the new order in East Asia. 1939.01.31 — After a passenger plane of the Dai-Nippon Air Transport Company makes a forced landing on its flight from Shanghai to Nanking, it is burned and destroyed by Chinese bandits. 1939.02.01 — The Cabinet approves formally the recommendation of the Civil Officials Higher Disciplinary Committee for the dismissal of Mr. Eijiro Kawai, liberal professor in the economics department of Tokyo Imperial University. 1939.02.01 — Before the budget committee of the House of Representatives, Navy Minister Yonai declares that Japan shortly may be obliged to give assistance to Mr. Wang Ching-wei and Marshal Wu Pei-fu in their effort to restore peace. 1939.02.01 — At Hsinking, Government officials consider the sending of a diplomatic representative to Hungary. 1939.02.01 — The Commerce and Industry Ministry announces that total industrial production in Japan for 1937 amounted to ¥16,486,000,000, advancing 34.7 per cent. over the previous year. 1939.02.01 — In Washington, a bill is introduced in the Senate proposing that the United States assume complete jurisdiction over all salmon waters off the Alaskan coast, east of the international boundary between the Soviet Union and the United States. 1939.02.02 — The naval section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that last year Japanese naval forces seized the island of Waichow, 30 miles south of Pakhoi. 1939.02.02 — Negotiations are opened in Tokyo for the release of several Japanese ships allegedly detained illegally by Soviet officials at Vladivostok. 1939.02.02 — Foreign Minister Arita declares in the House of Peers that co-operation between Japan and Germany is based on an understanding by each of the other's position in the world and is for the furtherance of world peace. 1939.02.02 — The Manchoukuo Government announces that five Soviet soldiers were killed and three wounded in a brief engagement with a Manchoukuo border garrison on January 31. 1939.02.02 — A Hongkong dispatch to the Asahi states that the Communist Party has succeeded in entering the innermost lines of the National Government at Chungking. 1939.02.02 — Figures published by the Tokyo Clearing House reveal that deposits held in all banks associated with the clearing houses in Japan at the end of 1938 set an all-time high of ¥3,339,244,000. 1939.02.03 — It is announced in Hsinking that negotiations between Manchoukuo and the Soviet Union concerning payment of the final instalment owed by Manchoukuo for the North Manchuria Railway were broken off on January 28. 1939.02.03 — In the House of Peers, War Minister Itagaki goes on record as opposing the extension from two to three years of the military service period. 1939.02.03 — A Chungking report to Hongkong states that fewer than 200,000 persons are said to be living in the temporary capital. 800,000 civilians have evacuated because of the danger of bombing. 1939.02.03 — Reuter reports in London state that the British Government is tentatively considering increased financial assistance to the Chinese National Government, probably taking the form of an Anglo-Chinese stabilization fund. 1939.02.04 — The Home Office announces that revised, stricter regulations governing the admission of foreigners to Japan will become effective some time in May. 1939.02.04 — The Foreign Office instructs Ambassador Togo in Moscow to demand that the Soviet Government order the immediate release of the Hakuyo Maru allegedly seized about November 13 while operating off the coast of the Maritime Province. 1939.02.04 — Government bonds and debentures floated during January amounted to ¥443,265,000, the Industrial Bank of Japan states. The figure represents a considerable decline from that of the previous month. 1939.02.04 — In Washington, Secretary of State Hull announces that there is no legislation which authorizes the Government to prohibit or restrict the export of American scrap iron to a foreign country. 1939.02.07 — The Nichi Nichi reports that deep resentment is being felt both in Japan and in North China over the alleged interference by the British cruiser Birmingham with the Chinese customs inspection of a British freighter suspected of smuggling arms and ammunition into China. A vigorous protest is expected to be filed. 1939.02.07 — The Japanese aeroplane, Negi, returns to Tokyo from Siam, completing the flight in the fast time of 18 hours and 32 minutes. 1939.02.08 — Navy Minister Yonai announces in the House of Peers that a submarine disaster took place on February 2 when the submarine 1-63 collided with a sister ship in the Bungo Channel. The fate of 81 members of the crew is unknown. 1939.02.08 — At a meeting of 3,000 representatives of rice dealers' organizations, a resolution is adopted voicing unequivocal opposition to the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry's proposal for the establishment of a Government monopoly for rice distribution. 1939.02.08 — Reports from Taiyuan, capital of Shansi Province, indicate that large numbers of Central Army troops are being concentrated on the western section of the Lung-Hai Railway in General Chiang Kai-shek's endeavour to secure control over northern Shansi. 1939.02.08 — The Japanese consul-general at Tsingtao files a strong protest with the British consul-general regarding the alleged interference of a British naval officer with the investigation by local customs officials with a British merchant vessel on January 30. 1939.02.07 — Before committeemen of the House of Representatives, Navy Minister Yonai declares that Japanese naval authorities are not attaching importance to the American plans for strengthening Guam as a naval base. 1939.02.07 — The Soviet Government creates an emergency military council at Vladivostok to deal with Japanese fishery concerns, should they carry out their threat to engage in free fishing in Soviet waters. 1939.02.07 — A survey by the Asahi reveals that since the beginning of the conflict in China, Japanese Government ranks have been increased by no less than 32,700 minor officials. 1939.02.07 — A resolution is prepared in the House of Representatives urging the Government to take swift and decisive action to assure the protection of Japanese fishing rights in northern waters, in view of the growing pressure of the Soviet Union. 1939.02.07 — Two pro-Japanese Chinese are assassinated by Shanghai terrorists, bringing the number of such murders to seven since the beginning of the year. 1939.02.08 — In the Lower House, Foreign Minister Arita takes a slight view of the possible concerted action against Japan by the United States, Great Britain and France. He states that Japan's mission must be explained to America in order that American-Japanese friendship may be preserved. 1939.02.08 — After a talk with Premier Hiranuma, Prince Konoye tells a reporter that he will continue as Minister without portfolio for the time being. 1939.02.08 — At a special Cabinet session, concrete plans for reorganization of the Central League for National Spiritual Mobilisation are discussed. A Cabinet commission will henceforth deal with related matters. 1939.02.08 — The Finance Ministry reveals that at the end of January, the Government's indebtedness amounted to ¥16,653,283,937. 1939.02.08 — In Washington, the House of Representatives committee on military affairs publishes a report stating that "armed forces must be increased because there are indications that war may come soon." 1939.02.09 — The Social Mass Party and the Tohokai, which together hold 47 seats in the House of Representatives, formally agree to merge, creating a party that will dedicate itself to national renovation. 1939.02.09 — Acting together, the Minseito and the Seiyukai announce that they will approve the ¥3,692,000,000 general budget for the 1939-40 fiscal year without amendment. 1939.02.09 — Admiral Kanji Kato, retired, oldest veteran of the Japanese Navy, dies at the age of 70 from a cerebral hemorrhage after remaining in a coma for six days. Admiral Kato once served as Chief of the Naval General Staff. 1939.02.09 — Dr. Torajiro Ikeda, 61, President of the Supreme Court, dies in Tokyo. 1939.02.09 — A survey of the Metropolitan Police Board shows that theatrical and other entertainments have gained in popularity since the beginning of the hostilities in China. 1939.02.11 — Japanese military and naval units effect a surprise landing on the northern part of Hainan Island early in the morning and during the day succeed in occupying Kiungshan and Haikow (Hoihow). Statements issued by the naval press section of the Imperial Headquarters and by the Foreign Office reveal that the occupation has been deemed necessary in order to prevent further use of Haioan Island in the importation of war supplies for General Chiang Kai-shek and to exterminate the Chinese military forces stationed there. 1939.02.11 — The budget committee of the House of Representatives gives unanimous assent to the Government bills embodying special accounts and items requiring contracts that entail Treasury payments outside the budget. 1939.02.11 — Welfare Minister Hisatada Hirose reiterates that the Government is not yet ready to make a final decision as to whether Japan will participate in the 1940 Olympic Games. 1939.02.11 — A sudden increase in excess of imports over exports features Japan's foreign trade for the first 10 days of February. 1939.02.11 — The Korean Government-General decides to restrict the exportation of Korean rice to Manchoukuo and China temporarily in order to help readjustment of rice prices in accordance with Article 7 of the Rice Control Law. 1939.02.11 — The Japanese Empire observes the 2,599th anniversary of its existence. In Tokyo, more than 200,000 subjects appear at the plaza fronting the Palace to pray for the health and long life of Their Majesties. 1939.02.11 — The Asahi reports that large-scale domestic production of aluminum may be made possible as a result of research conducted by Dr. Yogoro Kato, professor in Tokyo University of Engineering. A process has been evolved whereby aluminum may be obtained from alumina shale as a by-product in the manufacture of ammonium sulphate. 1939.02.13 — The House of Representatives approves unanimously the ¥3,694,000,000 general budget for the next fiscal year. 1939.02.13 — The French Ambassador confers with Foreign Minister Arita concerning the Japanese occupation of Hainan Island. Mr. Arita states that the measure has been executed for military reasons and that the nature and duration of the occupation will not go beyond military necessity. 1939.02.13 — Japanese naval air forces join with land units in continuing raids on strategic points in northern Hainan Island. It is announced that the administration of customs at Hoihow has been taken over by the Japanese military authorities. 1939.02.13 — The Imperial Academy grants 1939 awards to Professor Kinpiro Korita of Hokkaido Imperial University for research work in "abstract space," and to Dr. Senichi Hisamatsu of Tokyo Imperial University for his book, History of Japanese Literary Criticism. 1939.02.13 — After obtaining Imperial sanction, the Cabinet issues a formal order for the dismissal of Dr. Shigeyoshi Hijikata from the economics faculty of Tokyo Imperial University. The charge is impairment of discipline at the university. 1939.02.13 — In Shanghai, the statement of Chairman C.S. Franklin of the Municipal Council is published, in which he suggests that Japanese co-operation is necessary to eliminate terrorism in Shanghai. 1939.02.13 — Mr. Boku Shaku-in, Korean born official, is selected as Manchoukuo's first consul-general to be stationed in Warsaw. 1939.02.15 — After individual members of the House of Representatives urge temporary occupation of the Kamchatka fishing grounds and even of North Saghalien if necessary for the protection of Japanese rights, a joint resolution is adopted unanimously by the House requesting the Government to take swift and appropriate measures for the protection of rights and interests in Soviet territory. 1939.02.15 — In the House of Peers, also, Soviet pressure on Japanese fishing rights in Kamchatka and oil and coal rights in North Saghalien is a major topic of discussion. 1939.02.15 — After a surprise landing on the shore of southern Hainan Island, naval and army units succeed in capturing the town of Samah. In the north, the American warship Alden arrives at Hoihow from Hongkong. 1939.02.15 — A spokesman for the Japanese Embassy in Shanghai denies that plans for many of the acts of terrorism performed within the International Settlement have been laid in the western district of Shanghai, which is under Japanese control. 1939.02.15 — The British Ambassador to Tokyo confers with Foreign Minister Arita concerning the Japanese occupation of Hainan Island. 1939.02.15 — The Mitsubishi Economic Research Bureau announces that the average index of wholesale prices in Tokyo at the end of January was 220.4 on a basic 100 for December 10, 1931, rising two points over the previous month. 1939.02.15 — In Paris, a leading Government official urges stronger defences for French Indo-China in view of the possibility of a joint attack by Japan and Siam. 1939.02.15 — The Finance Ministry announces that China affair bonds totalling ¥200,000,000 and deficit issues of ¥100,000,000 will be placed on sale February 22. 1939.02.15 — High military officers of Korea, Manchoukuo and China meet in the War Office to open a four-day conference with Government officials regarding Empire-wide munitions mobilization. 1939.02.15 — In the House of Commons, Japan's occupation of Hainan Island brings demands for the sending of a British warship to protect British interests and for the immediate denunciation of the Anglo-Japanese trade treaty of 1911. 1939.02.16 — Foreign Minister Arita cables new instructions to Ambassador Togo in Moscow on the deadlocked fishery negotiations. It is believed Japan is prepared to take appropriate steps should no satisfactory agreement be reached. 1939.02.16 — Mr. Katsuji Debuchi, former Ambassador to Washington, requests in the House of Peers that further endeavours be made by the Government to prove to the United States and Great Britain that Japan is not under a dictatorship and is not a totalitarian State. 1939.02.17 — Foreign Minister Arita declares before the budget committee of the House of Peers that Japan has no idea of creating a small world of its own in East Asia. Navy Minister Yonai states that the closing of the Yangtze River to foreign vessels is a matter of necessity not of desirability. 1939.02.17 — Following similar action by the French and British Ambassadors, the American Ambassador calls on Foreign Minister Arita to make formal inquiry concerning Japan's occupation of Hainan Island. 1939.02.17 — The dean of the law school of Tokyo Imperial University decides to resign from his post. 1939.02.17 — The chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Council announces his determination to take every possible measure to prevent terroristic outbreaks in the International Settlement. 1939.02.17 — The Cabinet approves proposed amendments to the present mining regulations. The amendments provide new rules for compensating victims of accidents and for fixing responsibility for accidents. 1939.02.18 — Before the budget committee of the House of Peers, Premier Hiranuma announces that Prince Konoye is likely to retain his positions as President of the Privy Council and Minister without portfolio. 1939.02.18 — The House of Peers approves and sends to the House of Representatives the bill for establishing a system of recognizing and supervising religious bodies, including the Christian churches. 1939.02.18 — Prince Chichibu attends the ceremony in Tokyo in which last respects are paid to Pope Pius XI. 1939.02.18 — The Foreign and Commerce and Industry Ministers send congratulatory messages to San Francisco on the occasion of the opening of the International Exposition there. 1939.02.18 — Mine-sweeper xiii, constructed at the Fukagawa branch of the Ishikawajima Dockyard, is launched with appropriate ceremonies. 1939.02.19 — Mr. Chen Lu, head of the foreign affairs department of the Nanking Government, is shot and instantly killed by a band of Chinese terrorists in Shanghai. Also in the International Settlement, three Japanese are shot and one of them is seriously injured by a lone Chinese gunman. 1939.02.19 — A peace maintenance commission is established in Kiukiang, Central China. 1939.02.20 — The commander of the special Japanese naval landing party in Shanghai is reported prepared to take positive steps to suppress terroristic acts in the International Settlement. Fresh Japanese representations are made to the Municipal Council. 1939.02.20 — The budget committee of the House of Representatives receives bills to meet deficiencies in the current budget, comprising the second supplementary budget for the general accounts, totalling ¥19,800,000, the first supplementary budget for the special accounts and authorization of Treasury expenditures outside the budget. 1939.02.20 — The Finance Ministry announces that from April 1 to December 31, 1938, the nation saved ¥3,663,000,000. 1939.02.20 — It is announced in Hoihow that the investments of the United States on Hainan Island are larger than those of other foreign countries, but the total of all overseas interests is not so great as has been believed. 1939.02.20 — The Finance Ministry announces that the margin of excessive imports over exports diminished during the middle 10 days of February. Imports declined sharply. 1939.02.21 — In the House of Representatives, War Minister Itagaki declares that the Japanese Army will be compelled to take "appropriate and effective measures of self-defence," if the terrorism against Japanese and pro-Japanese Chinese in the Shanghai International Settlement continues. 1939.02.21 — The War Office announces that through an accident Japanese army planes this morning dropped a bomb on a locomotive in British territory adjacent to Hongkong. 1939.02.21 — A prison term of 10 months is demanded for Mr. Shinya Uchida, former Railway Minister and present member of the House of Representatives, on a charge of bribery and collusion. 1939.02.21 — The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry announces that the average index of retail prices in Tokyo on February 15 reached the peak of 143.7 on a basic 100 for 1930, advancing 1.7 per cent. over the previous month. 1939.02.22 — In Tientsin, the Japanese consul-general addresses notes to the local British and French consular authorities requesting stricter control in their concessions to forestall any terroristic outbreak directed against pro-Japanese Chinese officials. 1939.02.22 — In Shanghai, the Japanese authorities present a note, not made public, to the Municipal Council. In the budget committee of the House of Peers, Foreign Minister Arita states that certain negotiations have been started with a view to ending the terrorism in the Shanghai International Settlement. 1939.02.23 — The House of Representatives adopts unanimously the ¥19,800,000 supplementary budget for the 1938-39 general accounts and two other deficiency bills. 1939.02.23 — The Japanese consul-general in Hongkong visits the chief British civil administrator to express regret over the bombing of February 21. 1939.02.23 — In Washington, the House of Representatives strikes out the item for harbour and aviation works at Guam from the bill authorizing establishment and improvement of naval air bases. 1939.02.24 — A three-point protocol, in four languages, is signed by representatives of Manchoukuo, Italy, Germany and Japan in Hsinking, providing for Manchoukuo's formal participation in the anti-Comintern accord. 1939.02.24 — The Cabinet approves regulations to govern the projected National Spiritual Mobilization Commission, which will be under the jurisdiction of the Premier and will consist of not more than 60 members. 1939.02.24 — In Washington, the chairman of the Senate naval affairs committee announces plans for restoring to the naval air-base authorization bill the provision for harbour and aviation improvements at Guam. 1939.02.25 — The chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Council presents a reply to the Japanese note of February 22 concerning terrorism in the International Settlement. The contents of the reply are not disclosed. 1939.02.25 — The president of the Tohokai, rightist political party, announces his group's intention to continue the movement for a national party, despite the recent failure of an attempt to merge with the Social Mass Party. 1939.02.25 — The defence opens its case in the ¥30,000 bribery trial, involving a former Railway Minister and 20 prominent defendants, with the declaration that the whole affair is a "frame-up." 1939.02.25 — Mr. Hiroshi Saito, 53-year old former Japanese Ambassador to the United States, dies suddenly of a lung haemorrhage while convalescing in Washington. 1939.02.25 — In Shanghai, Japanese authorities meet and decide to send another note to the Shanghai Municipal Council. The authorities are reported to feel that the reply of the Council received on February 25 contains ambiguous points. 1939.02.27 — Leading newspapers in New York eulogize the late Hiroshi Saito and voice regret over his sudden passing. 1939.02.27 — In the House of Peers, Foreign Minister Arita declares that the definite policy of the Japanese Government with regard to Jews is that there is to be no discrimination against them. 1939.02.27 — Officials in the War, Navy and Foreign Ministries meet in Tokyo and decide that the Shanghai Municipal Council's reply shall be construed as acceptance in principle of the Japanese demands. The consul general in Shanghai is cabled instructions to that effect. 1939.02.28 — The House of Representatives approves the bill on revision of the Conscription Law. 1939.02.28 — The director of the deposits bureau of the Finance Ministry states in the House of Representatives that more than ¥330,000,000 from the bureau has been provided as loans for social welfare enterprises. 1939.02.28 — In the House of Representatives, the Foreign Ministry is urged to assert Japan's sovereignty over certain territories lying within the Antarctic whaling grounds, on the strength of rights of discovery. The interpellator claims that these rights have been confirmed by Rear-Admiral Richard E. Byrd. 1939.02.28 — Dr. Hantaro Nagaoka, physicist and member of the House of Peers, is selected as head of the Japan Society for the Advancement of Science. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VIII No. 4 (June 1939) --- (covers 1939.03.01 to 1939.04.03) 1939.03.01 — The army ammunition depot in Tonoyama-machi, Osaka Prefecture, explodes. First reports indicate that many have been killed in the disaster; at least 200 persons have been treated for injuries, and 600 houses are known to have been destroyed. 1939.03.01 — In final negotiations between the Finance Ministry and the War and Navy Ministries, supplementary estimates for the two services totalling ¥3,270,000,000 are agreed upon. These appropriations are to cover the period between February, 1939 and the next regular session of the Diet. 1939.03.01 — Before a sub-committee of the House of Peers, War Minister Itagaki explains that the army is following a policy of returning to Japan the older soldiers sent to China and of replacing them with younger men in order to maintain fighting power. 1939.03.01 — In Shanghai, representatives of the Japanese army, navy and consulate-general visit the police commissioner of the Municipal Council and discuss possible measures to be taken against terrorism in the International Settlement. 1939.03.01 — A new Home Office ordinance is promulgated in the Official Gazette, under the terms of which all foreigners residing in Japan must within 10 days from May 1 apply for permission to remain in the country. 1939.03.01 — Manchoukuo's seventh Empire Day is celebrated with fitting ceremonies throughout that country. 1939.03.01 — The Yokohama silk market is closed ostensibly for the adjustment of books after another violent upswing of prices. 1939.03.01 — In the British House of Commons, the parliamentary Foreign Under-secretary declares that the government is giving unmodified support to the Nine-Power Treaty but is avoiding single-handed economic sanctions against Japan. 1939.03.02 — The Imperial Household Department announces the birth of a daughter to the Emperor and Empress at the Imperial Palace. Both Her Majesty and the Imperial infant are reported to be in good health. 1939.03.02 — The Japanese Government accepts the offer of the United States to provide a cruiser to return to Japan the ashes of Mr. Hiroshi Saito, former Ambassador to Washington. 1939.03.02 — The House of Representatives approves unanimously a resolution presented urgently requesting the Government to provide positive and effective measures for expanding the productive capacity of farming and fishing villages. 1939.03.02 — It is announced in Peking that beginning March 13, simultaneously with the ban on the circulation of old currency in North China, the new Government will enforce export exchange control regulations. 1939.03.02 — A communique issued by the Navy Ministry announces officially that nine officers and 72 non-commissioned officers and sailors met their death in the submarine I-63, which sank in the Bungo Channel on February 2. 1939.03.03 — Finance Minister Ishiwata reveals before the budget committee of the Lower House that the navy will spend ¥60,000,000 on construction of warships during the next fiscal year, in addition to the amount in the basic budget. 1939.03.03 — The Finance Minister also states in the House of Representatives that tobacco prices will not be increased further, nor will drastic increases in taxes take place during the next fiscal year. 1939.03.03 — In the House of Peers, Mr. Katsuji Debuchi, one-time Ambassador to Washington, interprets the American offer to return the ashes of the late Mr. Hiroshi Saito aboard a cruiser as a manifestation of the friendly feeling of the United States toward Japan. 1939.03.03 — The Chugai reports that a telegram from Ambassador Shigemitsu in London has been received by the Yokohama Silk and Rayon Textile Exporters' Guild, warning that British silk textile traders are likely to buy French rayon textiles instead of Japanese silk, as the prices of the latter are abnormally high. 1939.03.03 — German economic circles are reported in Berlin to be increasingly desirous of a broad trade and business agreement with Japan, which would correspond to the "development of political friendship" between the two countries under the anti-Comintern pact. 1939.03.03 — Premier Hiranuma broadcasts over a nationwide hook-up an address on the movement for construction of a new order in East Asia. 1939.03.03 — The Foreign Office is informed that on March 2, 48 Japanese were released from Soviet prisons and sailed from Vladivostok for home. They had been seized together with five fishing ships in October, 1938. 1939.03.03 — Applause greets Foreign Minister Arita in the House of Representatives as he reports on American friendship for Japan as shown in condolences at the death of Mr. Hiroshi Saito. 1939.03.03 — In Shanghai, the commanders of the Japanese naval landing party and of the local garrison forces call on the commanders of the British, American, and Italian forces to explain the terms of the agreement reached on the suppression of terrorism in the International Settlement. 1939.03.04 — Japanese military and naval units reduce Tunghai, important Chinese position at the eastern end of the Lung-Hai Railway, in northern Kiangsu Province. 1939.03.04 — The Manila Bulletin reports that a move to close the port of Davao, Japanese stronghold in the hemp region of southeastern Mindanao Island, is believed to be under serious consideration. In this event, ships would not be able to load or unload cargo or passengers there. 1939.03.04 — The Italian Minister sends a note of sympathy on the munitions explosion disaster in Osaka Prefecture to the Foreign Minister. In the House of Peers, War Minister Itagaki explains that the explosion and fire was caused by an error in the handling of an artillery shell. Known casualties to date include 67 dead, 380 injured and 187 missing. 1939.03.04 — Sir Victor Sassoon, head of the Sassoon Banking Corporation, tells reporters in Yokohama that Great Britain is not extending assistance to the National Government of China in the current hostilities; it is simply transacting business. 1939.03.04 — Members of the Tokyo Textile Traders' Guild close their shops when the Commerce and Industry Ministry orders silk prices reduced to the level of January 10. Large department stores continue to sell silks at higher prices than those ordered, in open violation of the ruling. 1939.03.05 — Under the new chairmanship of Mr. Seihin Ikeda, former Finance Minister, the Domei News Agency reports, the reorganized Central Price Policy Commission will become active in reducing general price levels. 1939.03.05 — Tokyo newspapers uniformly express the opinion that Japan should not make any sacrifices in its Kamchatka maritime rights. 1939.03.05 — Five Manchoukuo soldiers are wounded and not less than 13 Soviet soldiers are either killed or wounded in a fresh engagement on the eastern Soviet-Manchoukuo border, according to Hsinking reports. 1939.03.05 — A plain intimation that any attempt to close the port of Davao will be protested as a deliberate move for the destruction of Japanese interests in southern Mindanao is given to the press in Manila by the acting Japanese consul-general there. 1939.03.04 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry's proposed rice control plan meets with bitter criticism in the House of Representatives. The bill is attacked as unsatisfactory and the Government is urged to establish a complete monopoly over rice. 1939.03.04 — The first supplementary budget for the 1939-40 general accounts, totalling ¥919,343,000, the first supplementary budget for the 1939-40 special accounts and a bill authorizing use of Treasury funds in making payments under contracts outside the budget are approved by the Cabinet and sent to the House of Representatives. 1939.03.04 — Navy Minister tells the budget committee of the Lower House that the additions to the programmes for expansion of naval strength, for which funds are sought in the supplementary general accounts budget, have been formulated in view of the naval programmes of the United States and Great Britain and Japan's own needs. 1939.03.06 — In Shanghai, at the insistence of Japanese gendarmerie authorities, the Municipal Council police surrender two Chinese terrorists detained in the International Settlement. 1939.03.06 — The death penalty is demanded for Mr. Toshio Futami, 34-year-old leader of an alleged Communist-anarchist group, on charges of murder, attempted burglary and violation of the explosives and firearms laws. 1939.03.06 — The Bank of Japan announces that new business establishments, increases in capital and debenture flotations planned and announced by various companies during February involved a total sum of ¥389,235,000. Five destroys completely five warehouses of the Yokosuka naval station, which were in the vicinity of the naval supplies headquarters. 1939.03.06 — In Washington, Navy Secretary Swanson announces that the cruiser Astricks has been designated for transporting the ashes of Mr. Hiroshi Saito to Japan. The vessel will sail from Annapolis on March 18. 1939.03.07 — The House of Peers approves the basic 1939-40 general accounts, the 1939-40 special accounts and the accompanying bill on Treasury disbursements in connection with contracts outside the budget, thereby completing Diet action on them. 1939.03.07 — Discussing the army's new plans for expansion of armaments, funds for which are included in the supplementary budget for the 1939-40 general accounts, War Minister Itagaki says in the Lower House that the forces in China will have to be maintained at present strength and that semi-permanent barracks are to be constructed in important areas. 1939.03.07 — The head director of the Tokyo Textile Traders' Guild signs a memorandum at the Commerce and Industry Ministry, accepting on behalf of the guild the Government order to restore the January 10 silk prices pending the establishment of official maximums. 1939.03.07 — The House of Representatives approves seven bills, including that on protection of secrets concerning military resources. 1939.03.07 — The Nichi Nichi reports that the Manchuria Industrial Development Corporation at Hsinking has reached a decision to launch upon automobile manufacturing on a large scale and has established a company capitalised at ¥100,000,000 for this purpose. 1939.03.08 — The Imperial Household Department announces that Takako Suga-no-Miya is the name bestowed by the Emperor on the Imperial Princess born on March 2. 1939.03.08 — President Kazuo Aoki of the Cabinet's Board of Planning reveals in the House of Representatives certain details of the goals of the three-year plan for expansion of production in Japan, Manchoukuo and China. By the end of the 1941-42 fiscal year, iron ore production is to be 130 per cent. greater than in 1938; 39 times the 1938 volume of artificial gasoline for use in automobiles is to be produced; more than five times as many automobiles are to be turned out; and gold production is to be increased by 20 per cent. 1939.03.08 — Sir John Simon announces in the British House of Commons that a new £30,000,000 fund to stabilise its currency has been established by the Chinese Government. Half of this amount has been subscribed by British banks subject to a guarantee against loss by the British Treasury. 1939.03.08 — In the House of Representatives, Foreign Minister Arita declares that although no new developments have taken place in the Japanese-Soviet fishery negotiations, they will be continued until Japan wins its point. 1939.03.08 — The Costa Rican Congress approves a 100 per cent. tax on all imports from countries with which the trade balance is more than 10 per cent. unfavourable. This levy principally affects Japan and Italy. 1939.03.09 — The House of Representatives approves without discussion the ¥4,637,000,000 China Affair budget. In the same session, Home Minister Kido explains the bill for control of the production, distribution and exhibition of motion pictures. 1939.03.09 — The War Office announces semi-annual promotions and personnel changes in the army. No less than 326 high-ranking officers are advanced. 1939.03.09 — Mayor Ichita Kobashi of Tokyo collapses while attending a meeting on the municipal budget. His condition is said to be serious. 1939.03.09 — In answer to Lower House interpellations, Premier Hiranuma states that although the Government is considering changes in the administrative structure, nothing concrete can be revealed at present. 1939.03.09 — The House of Peers completes Diet action on six minor bills and refers seven others, including that on protection of secrets relating to military resources, to committees. 1939.03.09 — The Finance Ministry announces that long-term debts of the Government at the end of February amounted to ¥16,914,729,000, increasing by approximately ¥300,000,000 over the month before. 1939.03.09 — Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. declares in Washington that the Guam project is wholly unnecessary for the defense of the United States against Japan. 1939.03.10 — Before the budget committee of the House of Representatives, Foreign Minister Arita states that Great Britain has been warned that its participation in the new £30,000,000 fund to stabilize the currency of the Chinese Government is likely to have considerable effect on Anglo-Japanese relations. 1939.03.10 — The bill for establishing a special account for use in controlling rice exports from Formosa, approved by the Lower House, encounters opposition in the House of Peers. 1939.03.10 — In the budget committee of the Upper House, Foreign Minister Arita intimates that as Soviet obstruction has made proper development impossible, Japan will demand that the Soviet Union extend the period for drilling in the oil fields in North Saghalien beyond 1941. 1939.03.10 — The nation celebrates Army Day, the 34th anniversary of the Battle of Mukden with appropriate ceremonies. War Minister Itagaki appeals over the radio for the development of patriotism. 1939.03.10 — The Cabinet approves instructions sent to Ambassador Togo in Moscow concerning the fishery negotiations. No details are made public. 1939.03.10 — In Harbin it is announced that in a border incident on the upper reacher of the Argun River, 12 Soviet soldiers have been repulsed. 1939.03.10 — Mr. Seigo Nakano, president of the Tohokai, is notified that he must conclude his inspection tour of China as his leave of absence from the Diet session cannot be extended. 1939.03.10 — In Peking, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of China declares in a statement issued on the first anniversary of the institution that the bank has made better progress than expected. 1939.03.10 — The Government's price control and profit control policies are criticized vigorously in the budget committee of the Lower House. 1939.03.10 — A visiting American silk businessman declares in Tokyo that silk speculation in Japan is harmful to the silk industry in the United States and is responsible for recent gains in rayon sales. 1939.03.10 — The establishment of four liaison agencies to assist the China Affairs Board in North China, Central China, Inner Mongolia and Amoy is authorized. 1939.03.10 — A Finance Ministry report reveals that an import excess of ¥12,792,000 was recorded in Japan's foreign trade balance for the first 10 days of March. 1939.03.10 — President Roosevelt rejects proposals for the construction of a second canal linking the Atlantic and the Pacific across Nicaraguan and Mexican territory. 1939.03.10 — In London, measure to protect British shipping in the Orient against a serious threat by Japan are recommended by the British Imperial Shipping Committee. 1939.03.10 — The House of Peers budget committee approves supplementary provisional army appropriations asked by the Government, after exhorting the latter to observe the spirit in which the approval is given. More adequate price control is requested. 1939.03.10 — In the Lower House, the Communications Minister states that nothing definite can be revealed at present regarding a trans-Pacific air service. 1939.03.10 — Postal officials decide to maintain rates for airmail to the Mandated Islands the same as those prevailing in Japan proper. 1939.03.10 — A delegation of Diet members calls at the Railway Ministry to petition for an extension of existing Government transit services beyond midnight in view of the inconvenience from present lack of transportation at that time. 1939.03.10 — Mr. Seihin Ikeda voices the need for more stringent control and penalties to prevent profiteering and check rising prices and inflation. 1939.03.10 — Ten Mohammedan delegates from cities in Japan call at the Diet and petition the Lower House committee studying the religious bodies bill to revise the measure to provide for the recognition of Mohammedanism. 1939.03.12 — The mayor of Shanghai submits a set of five demands to the authorities of the International Settlement and the French Concession for the prevention of terroristic acts. 1939.03.12 — The New York Herald Tribune reports that President Roosevelt is prepared to support any congressional move to repeal the present American neutrality legislation. 1939.03.12 — Rumours of Cabinet changes gain strength as the Diet session draws near an end, but lack of suitable successors to present Ministers prevents definite predictions. 1939.03.13 — Foreign Minister Arita declares in the House of Peers that the Government is making a "last effort" to settle amicably the Soviet-Japanese fishery trouble before the Soviet auction scheduled to be held in Vladivostok on March 13. Mr. Arita adds that Japan "is prepared to take the most effective and appropriate measures in the event of a breakdown." 1939.03.13 — The House of Peers by unanimous vote completes Diet action on the ¥4,603,000,000 China Affair budget. 1939.03.13 — In the budget committee of the Lower House, the War and Navy Ministers state that all aspects of the international situation have been taken into consideration in making defense preparations, and that there is no need for alarm. 1939.03.13 — Dr. Kisaburo Suzuki, former president of the Seiyukai, collapses during the plenary session of the Upper House. In view of his advanced age, his condition is regarded as grave. 1939.03.13 — Aviation officials within the Communications Ministry outline proposed extensions and additional services for Japan's airlines. Included are a direct service between Tokyo and Hsinking, a line between Tokyo and the Palau Islands and a through service between Formosa and the Palaos. 1939.03.13 — The Foreign Office plans to provide ¥30,000 for entertaining the crew of the United States cruiser Astoria when it arrives with the ashes of Mr. Hiroshi Saito. 1939.03.13 — The Asahi states that the Home Office has decided to send some 33 minor officials to all prefectures in April to stimulate and guide savings through conferences with workers and factory owners. 1939.03.13 — War Minister Itagaki cites the basic and immediate aims of the Government to be: uplift of the national spirit; replenishment of armaments; industrial expansion; improved trade; and domestic readjustments. 1939.03.14 — It is revealed that on March 13 the United States, Great Britain and France made representations to Japan regarding the new control over foreign exchange enforced in North China from March 11. It is anticipated that the Japanese Government will reject the representations. 1939.03.14 — The House of Representatives approves the ¥910,343,000 supplementary budget for the 1939-40 general accounts and also the first supplementary budget for the 1939-40 special accounts and the bill authorizing Treasury payments under contracts outside the budget. Seven other bills are approved including that on health insurance for the salaried classes. 1939.03.14 — The Shanghai Municipal Council issues a communique declaring that it is unable to accept any proposal which would permit a police organ other than the Municipal Police to act independently in the International Settlement. 1939.03.14 — In closed session, the Government explains in a House of Peers committee its plans to combat espionage. 1939.03.14 — The Miyako reports that more than 533 occurrences of various cotton concerns have been arrested in an alleged illicit trading scheme. Over 200 persons and ¥1,000,000 are said to be involved. 1939.03.14 — The Japanese consul in Canton arrives in Tokyo to make a detailed report on the situation in South China. 1939.03.14 — The Asahi reports that the export encouragement system enforced by the Commerce and Industry Ministry in August, 1938, has realized satisfactory results. The system of indemnification of industrial manufacturers connected with foreign trade is likely to be extended. 1939.03.14 — The Soviet Commissar for Defense warns that the Red Army has not been weakened by the purges and that the Soviet Union is prepared for action. 1939.03.14 — In Washington, the Senate naval affairs committee asks the State Department to furnish a detailed report concerning the island of Yap and other mandated islands in the Pacific. The Department may request such information from Japan. 1939.03.15 — The budget committee of the House of Peers agrees to recommend approval of the first supplementary budget for the 1939-40 general accounts, the first supplementary budget for the 1939-40 special accounts and a bill authorizing Treasury payments under contracts outside the budget. 1939.03.15 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement warning that the future attitude of the Soviet Union may compel Japan "to make a firm decision." The Soviet authorities are believed in Tokyo to have carried out at Vladivostok the scheduled auction of fishery lots. 1939.03.15 — A committee in the House of Representatives is informed that the army will endeavour in every way to help promote civil aviation in Japan. 1939.03.15 — The Japan Cotton Spinners' Association reveals that cotton products played a signal part toward improvement of the adverse balance of Japan's international payments in 1938, when their export value amounted to ¥561,000,000, exceeding the import value of raw cotton by ¥129,000,000. 1939.03.15 — The Central Silk Association of Japan reports that exports of new silk during February recorded a drop of 25.3 per cent. in quantity and 28.3 per cent. in value from the previous month. 1939.03.15 — The Senate of the California Legislature rejects a resolution providing for a State embargo on war materials for Japan. 1939.03.15 — Details of the administration of the £10,000,000 China currency stabilization fund are explained in London by Sir John Simon, Chancellor of the Exchequer. The fund will be operated by a joint British and Chinese committee. 1939.03.16 — Premier Hiranuma states in the budget committee of the Lower House that the programme for expanding production is not intended merely to increase armaments; it aims also at stabilizing the livelihood of the people. 1939.03.16 — The German Ambassador calls on Foreign Minister Arita to seek the understanding of the Japanese Government on Germany's action in placing Czechoslovakia under its protection. At his Legation in Tokyo, the Czechoslovak Minister refuses all interviews. 1939.03.16 — The Nichi Nichi quotes Communications Minister Shiono as stating that Japan's shipping tonnage will be increased by over 50 per cent. of its present tonnage by 1942 if the present ship-building programme continues. 1939.03.17 — The Czechoslovak Legation in Tokyo goes out of existence, when its business is taken over by the German Embassy. 1939.03.17 — Reports from the Japanese consul-general at Vladivostok and from Moscow confirm that the Soviet auction of fishing lots in Kamchatka was held on March 13 as scheduled. No Japanese participated. 1939.03.17 — The House of Peers gives unanimous approval to the ¥910,343,000 first supplementary budget for the 1939-40 special accounts, and a bill authorizing Treasury payments of ¥700,000,000 under contracts outside the budget. Diet action on these items is thus completed. 1939.03.17 — A petition is introduced in the House of Peers urging the Japanese Government to claim its rightful share in the Antarctic Continent. 1939.03.17 — In a budget subcommittee of the Lower House, Home Minister Kido includes in his statement of views regarding domestic reforms a censure of obsessions with ideologies. He favours a policy of dealing with matters as they arise, realistically. 1939.03.17 — In its first financial report, the People's Bank reveals that in its first five months of operation, up to December 31, 1938, it loaned over five million yen to 12,694 individuals for expenses of weddings, births and other similar purposes. 1939.03.17 — The Chugai Sho-yo reports that Japan plans to spend about ¥23,500,000,000 for economic development of North China by the end of the 1942-43 fiscal year. 1939.03.17 — The Japanese Ambassador in Berlin addresses a telegram to Foreign Minister von Ribbentrop, conveying congratulations on the success of Germany's action in Czechoslovakia. 1939.03.17 — The Lower House sends six bills to the Upper House, five of which assumed considerable controversy before passage. Resolutions are also sent to the bills concerning control over distribution of rice and over motion pictures. 1939.03.17 — In a budget subcommittee of the Lower House, War Minister Itagaki states that the frequent illegal entries by Soviet forces into Manchoukuo territory appear to be merely local affairs arising from the ambiguity of boundary markers. 1939.03.17 — Foreign Minister Arita dispatches a cable to Ambassador Togo at Moscow instructing him to lodge a protest with the Soviet Government, stating that "Japan cannot recognize results of the one-sided fishery auction which was held at Vladivostok on March 13." 1939.03.17 — In Hongkong, it is predicted that the new situation in Europe caused by the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia will force Great Britain and France to cease giving aid to China. 1939.03.17 — The Chugai Shogyo reports that traffic accidents in Tokyo during 1938 numbered 26,779, fewer by nearly 3,000 than the year before. The decline is attributed to control of gasoline consumption. 1939.03.17 — Mr. Seihin Ikeda, chairman of the Central Price Policy Commission, enlists the services of three prominent financiers to plan for the fundamental reform of the national economy. 1939.03.17 — In Moscow, plans for revolutionary development of the Soviet fishing industry, especially with regard to Far Eastern waters, are reported to have been presented to the Soviet Communist Congress. 1939.03.18 — As the Diet omits the usual Sunday holiday, the plenary session of the Upper House adopts seven more bills. The motion picture and rice distribution bills are entrusted to committees. 1939.03.18 — The Foreign Vice-Minister expresses profound gratitude for the manifestation of American sympathy toward the death of Mr. Hiroshi Saito in a radio talk broadcast to the United States. 1939.03.20 — The House of Representatives approves the ¥199,332,000 second supplementary budget for the next fiscal year, the second supplementary budget for the special accounts, the bill authorizing additional Treasury payments under contracts outside the budget and the bill providing funds for provisional account under the army for the purchase of materials on the Continent. Seven other bills are also approved. 1939.03.20 — After an all-day discussion by Minseito and Seiyukai members of the Lower House tax committee with Government authorities, an agreement on proposed modifications of the Government's tax increase bill is reached. 1939.03.20 — The strongest earthquake in the last five years strikes Kyushu, Shikoku and Western Japan, causing general disruption of communications services. 1939.03.20 — In a Lower House committee, War Minister Itagaki explains that 30 per cent. of the army's expenditures are for food and commodities in the area of military operations. 1939.03.20 — The school sanitation inquiry committee decides to recommend regular compulsory health examinations for school principals, teachers and other school employees. 1939.03.20 — Japan's foreign trade for the first 10 days of March records an excess of imports of ¥22,372,000. 1939.03.20 — Organization of an anti-Japanese, anti-Fascist association, created principally to start a boycott movement against all Japanese goods, is announced in Manila. 1939.03.20 — Members of virtually all minor political parties and factions in the Lower House draw up a joint resolution demanding that the Government adopt more positive policies toward third Powers assisting the Chiang Kai-shek régime and collaborate more closely with Italy and Germany. 1939.03.20 — A spokesman of the new Nanking régime declares that the first step toward peace for China is "to drive our public enemies such as Britain, France and the Soviet Union out of Chinese territory." 1939.03.20 — At Hanoi, an attempt to assassinate Mr. Wang Ching-wei fails. 1939.03.20 — Hongkong reports state that General Cheng Chien, commander of the Northwestern Military Headquarters, has succumbed to injuries received in a Japanese bombing attack on Lanchow, capital of Kansu Province, in February. 1939.03.20 — The British Chamber of Commerce in Peking declares that the new currency regulations discriminate against British interests and renounce the principles of the open door and equal opportunity in China. 1939.03.20 — Mr. Licenciado Michel, the new Mexican Minister to Japan, arrives in Yokohama. 1939.03.20 — The aide-de-camp to the War Minister of Brazil, in Hongkong after an inspection trip of fronts in North, Central and South China, praises Japanese troops for their bravery and endurance. 1939.03.20 — The Japanese Ambassador to Germany is believed in Berlin to have requested the German Foreign Minister that his Government stop the shipment to China of Czechoslovak arms. 1939.03.22 — The Lower House approves three bills for increasing taxes, thus disposing of the last major legislation on its calendar. 1939.03.22 — Speaking in the Lower House, Premier Hiranuma again defends the civil service, stating that Government officials are serving the needs of the nation. However, the Premier admits that "some sort of reorganization" is required in the administrative machinery. 1939.03.22 — In accordance with the wishes of the Emperor and the Empress to assist the national policy of saving as much gasoline as possible, the Imperial Household Department is soon to equip automobiles to be operated with charcoal. 1939.03.22 — A spokesman of the Japanese Army in South China announces that Japan will not alter its Continental policy and that the Japanese forces will not leave Canton until the objectives of the China Affair are attained. 1939.03.22 — The Nichi Nichi reports that the Commerce and Industry Ministry has outlined its policy of easing vocational shifts by establishing commerce and industry rehabilitation committees in almost all cities and towns in Japan. 1939.03.22 — The religious bill is adopted by the Lower House committee examining it. Education Minister Araki intimates that Mohammedanism can qualify as a religion entitled to the benefits of the projected law. 1939.03.22 — The Upper House budget committee begins examination of the supplementary budget for the general accounts. 1939.03.23 — The Asahi reports that the lengthy five-Minister conference held on March 22 concerned the new situation in Europe brought about by Germany, which has created need for an important decision with regard to Japanese foreign policy. 1939.03.23 — The Lower House completes Diet action on the bill establishing regulations for religious organizations and approves nine other measures. Premier Hiranuma states that Mohammedanism will be accorded exactly the same privileges as other religions as soon as it attains the status in Japan of Buddhism or Christianity. 1939.03.23 — The Japanese consul-general at Tsingtao announces that that harbour will be opened to foreign shipping on March 25 for the first time since the autumn of 1937. 1939.03.23 — A Washington dispatch to the Asahi reports that Japan would be unable to purchase cotton and other non-military supplies during the China conflict under the terms of the new neutrality legislation proposed in the Senate by Senator Key Pittman. 1939.03.23 — Foreign Minister Arita and the Italian Ambassador, Mr. Giacinto Auriti, sign a cultural agreement between Japan and Italy. The agreement is similar in wording to the Japanese-German cultural pact concluded in November, 1938. 1939.03.23 — The House of Peers approves the Government measure for controlling the export of Formosan rice. 1939.03.23 — The War Office announces that the chief of the Army Arms Depot Headquarters and a colonel in the headquarters have been placed on the reserve list, while a captain attached to the Osaka branch of the depot has been suspended from office for responsibility for the disaster on March 1 at the munitions warehouses in Osaka Prefecture. 1939.03.23 — Dr. Iwao Ayusawa, who has been connected with the International Labour Office since its founding, and is now director of its Tokyo office, will end his life work with the closing of this office some time in May. 1939.03.23 — The Emperor confers the Order of the Rising Sun, first class, on Major-General Okiie Usami, chief aide-de-camp, and grants the Order of the Sacred Treasure, first class, to three others. 1939.03.23 — Dr. Yotaro Sugimura, former Ambassador to Paris, becomes critically ill in Tokyo. 1939.03.23 — The Chugai Shogyo reports that exports of Japanese cotton cloth to India will be hit severely by the new revisions in Indian tariff rates. 1939.03.23 — The Domei News Agency reveals that in response to the vigorous price control policy of the Government, retail prices in Tokyo have begun to fall. 1939.03.23 — The Foreign Office is informed that a second section of Soviet fisheries will be held on April 3. 1939.03.24 — The final group of budget measures is sent to the Government for enforcement as the House of Peers completes Diet action on them. They are the ¥199,332,000 second supplementary budget for the 1939-40 general accounts, the second supplementary budget for the 1939-40 special accounts, the authorization of further Treasury payments under contracts outside the budget and the provision of ¥120,000,000 for the new special account set up for the purchase of military materials on the Continent. Eight other bills are also approved. 1939.03.24 — Presumably connected with the situation in Europe, Foreign Minister Arita holds successive conferences with the German Ambassador and Premier Hiranuma. 1939.03.24 — The Foreign Vice-Minister calls the Soviet chargé d'affaires to the Foreign Office and protests against the abuse of Japan during the Communist gathering in Moscow, which lasted from March 11 to March 23. 1939.03.24 — Dr. Yotaro Sugimura, former Ambassador to Paris, dies in the Keio Hospital, stricken with pleurisy and colitis. A ministerial funeral, the second ever accorded a Japanese diplomat, will be conducted by the Foreign Office on March 28. 1939.03.24 — The Upper House tax committee concludes interpretations for the tax increase bill and approves the measure for submission to the plenary session. 1939.03.24 — Supplementing the pact of May, 12, 1938, a new treaty providing for mutual extension of "most-favoured-nation treatment" is signed by Premier Chang Ching-hui of Manchoukuo and the German Minister to Hsinking. 1939.03.25 — Premier Hiranuma declares that the world has been shown through the Diet session the "solid fabric of which the Japanese nation is made," after the House of Peers completes action on the last of the 89 bills submitted by the Government. 1939.03.25 — The bodies of five victims, who died when a plane of the China National Aviation Company plunged into the sea near Dairen while en route to Tientsin on March 23, are recovered. 1939.03.25 — Representatives of the two leading political parties in Japan declare that the parties have fulfilled their duty during the Diet session and that now the Government must justify the Diet's faith in the execution of its responsibilities. 1939.03.25 — In Shanghai, it is considered certain that anti-Japanese elements are responsible for the fire which destroyed the Japanese consulate-general in that city. 1939.03.26 — The 74th Diet is formally adjourned with the reading of an Imperial message. The session is regarded as a notable one, in that it approved a budget of approximately ¥10,000,000,000 and passed 89 Government measures. 1939.03.26 — A report from Hankow informs that the Japanese forces attacking Nanchang, capital of Kiangsi Province, are opening a general offensive against the largest Chinese concentration on the southern bank of the Yangtze River. At Nanchang, the Kinkiang-Nanchang Railway joins the Chekiang-Kiangsi line. 1939.03.26 — The Asahi reports police are completing their investigation of an alleged illegal cotton dealings involving yarn valued at ¥600,000 and will submit their findings to the Tokyo District Court procurators. 1939.03.26 — A party of 35 Mongols, including a high official of the Inner Mongolian Government, arrives in Shimonoseki for a tour of Japan. 1939.03.27 — Japanese forces completely occupy Nanchang. 1939.03.27 — In Hankow, it is believed that the capture of Nanchang represents a serious blow to the Chinese National Government, inasmuch as it cuts the remaining communication line of that régime in Central China. 1939.03.27 — The Nichi Nichi learns from Hakodate in the Hokkaido that five Japanese vessels will sail on April 10 to engage in free fishing in Kamchatka waters, regardless of whether an agreement has been reached between Japan and the Soviet Union before that date. 1939.03.27 — War Minister Itagaki and other Government officials give detailed reports to army members of the Supreme War Council, regarding conditions at the front, developments in the international situation and domestic affairs. 1939.03.27 — The Communications Ministry decides that airmail rates to the South Sea Islands shall be the same as those to Korea and Formosa. 1939.03.27 — A committee is organized to found a music museum for Tokyo. On display in the projected museum will be musical items from all nations. 1939.03.27 — The Finance Ministry's monopoly bureau reveals that the supply of tobacco available in Japan in April will be 8 per cent. greater than in the same month of 1938. 1939.03.27 — A campaign to combat short-sightedness in Japan is launched. Students in particular will be directed to exercise care of the eyes. 1939.03.27 — The Chugai Shogyo reveals that strengthening of fertilizer control following enforcement of the Major Fertiliser Industry Control Law is exerting stiff pressure upon producers of chemical fertilizers. 1939.03.28 — In accordance with pledges made to the recent Diet session for reorganization and expansion of the Cabinet Planning Board, the Cabinet decides on a plan for redivision of the board's work in the interest of greater efficiency. 1939.03.28 — Three British seamen are remanded to Keelung, Formosa, on charges of having taken photographs in the Keelung fortified zone. 1939.03.28 — A Japanese businessman is assassinated in Shanghai by a Chinese gunman. 1939.03.28 — The Home Office authorizes the governor of Kanagawa Prefecture to allow the city of Yokohama to absorb 16 neighbouring towns and villages, thus converting the port city into a large industrial centre and increasing its population to 830,000. 1939.03.28 — Members of the Japan Prohibition League, meeting in emergency session, accuse party leaders in the Diet of deliberately obstructing legislation designed to advance the age limit from 20 to 25 years under which students and young men may not be served wines and liquor. The league plans to appeal directly to the Throne. 1939.03.28 — Count Mitsuaki Tanaka, samurai participant in the Meiji Restoration, who rose to the position of Imperial Household Minister, died at the age of 97. 1939.03.28 — The Price Policy Commission recommends to the Commerce and Industry Ministry that control over consumption through the ticket distribution system be extended to a wider sphere than at present. 1939.03.29 — In an interview with newspapermen, Premier Hiranuma declares that Japan is neither participating in nor opposing the blocs of totalitarian and democratic states that are being formed in Europe. He adds that the policy for disposal of the China Affair laid down under the Konoye Cabinet will remain unchanged. 1939.03.29 — Lifting of a press ban in Tientsin reveals that the millionaire chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in that city was kidnapped by three Chinese on March 17. 1939.03.29 — Mr. Seigo Nakano, leader of the Tohokai, minority political party, returns to Tokyo from an extended tour of China and resigns as member of the Lower House. 1939.03.29 — Japanese forces occupy the walled town of Wuning in Kiangsi Province. 1939.03.29 — The Home Office approves plans for a new national highway between Shinagawa Ward in Tokyo and the city of Kawasaki. 1939.03.29 — The Hochi reports that the Ministers of Commerce and Industry, Agriculture and Forestry, Finance, Communications and Railways are planning to meet weekly to discuss ways and means of lowering commodity prices and applying general economic problems smoothly. 1939.03.29 — A Hsinking report to the Asahi indicates that the Manchoukuo Government has decided that the State will retain ownership of land that is to be developed by Japanese immigrants, although the latter will be given perpetual rights to reside on and cultivate such land. 1939.03.29 — The Metropolitan Police Board issues circulars to police stations in Tokyo Prefecture, outlining the proper procedure to be used by officers in dealing with foreigners under the new Home Office ordinance concerning them. 1939.03.29 — In Nanking, the joint commission of the Peking and Nanking régimes opens the fourth conference since its inauguration. The peace movement is discussed. 1939.03.29 — In New York, an article by Mr. Roy Howard is released, stating that conditions in the Soviet Union are the worst known in 10 years making it unlikely that it will figure in any immediate line-up against Fascism. 1939.03.30 — The Domei News Agency reports that extensive reorganization of the Welfare Ministry is being effected. A wages section in the labour bureau, a livelihood section in the social affairs bureau and a tuberculosis section in the disease prevention bureau will be created. 1939.03.30 — After conferring with the War Office, the Education Ministry decrees that military training for undergraduates of all Imperial, Government, public and private universities will be compulsory with the opening of the new school year, April 1. 1939.03.30 — Effective April 1, the Communications Ministry will reduce rates for foreign cables in order to increase traffic and thereby help Japan's foreign exchange balance. 1939.03.30 — The 11th annual conference of foreign teachers in Japan opens in Tokyo. 1939.03.30 — A report made public by the Overseas Minister reveals that the North China Development Company will require at least ¥430,000,000 for the next fiscal year beginning April 1. 1939.03.31 — The Foreign Office announces that the Spratley Islands have been placed under the administrative jurisdiction of the Formosan Government-General. The French Ambassador has been notified of the move. 1939.03.31 — Japanese and American residents of Tokyo and Shimoda found the Black Ship Society, dedicated to the promotion of Japanese-American amity. 1939.03.31 — After obtaining Imperial sanction, the Government promulgates Imperial ordinances governing factory wages and working hours under Article 6 of the National General Mobilisation Law. From May 1, working hours for workers over 16 years of age are limited to 12 a day. 1939.03.31 — The Japan Airways Company, Limited, (formerly known as the Dai-Nippon Air Transport Company), announces that it will start scheduled flights to the mandated islands in the South Seas on April 4. 1939.03.31 — The Education Ministry announces that seven new technical colleges, equipped to handle a total of 1,400 students, will be opened in June in various mining and industrial centres throughout the country. 1939.04.01 — The Navy Office announces a series of promotions and transfers, including the elevation to the rank of full Admiral of Vice-Admiral Viscount Takayoshi Kato, member of the Supreme War Council, and Vice-Admiral Kiyoshi Hasegawa, commander of the Yokosuka naval station. 1939.04.01 — Newspapers in Hanoi report that the British Straits Settlements, Burma and French Indo-China are forming an anti-Japanese bloc. 1939.04.01 — Justice Minister Shiono confers with Premier Hiranuma on possible candidates for the positions of Communications Minister and Overseas Minister. 1939.04.01 — The Imperial ordinance applying Article 11 of the National General Mobilization Law to the paying of dividends and financing of business firms is promulgated for enforcement on April 10. Some 35,000 companies throughout Japan will be affected. 1939.04.01 — The Japan Electric Power Generation and Transmission Company, assigned to effect State control over electric power, formally inaugurates its business. 1939.04.02 — A modus vivendi on the long pending fisheries question is concluded between the Japanese and Soviet Governments, as an agreement is signed by Ambassador Togo and Foreign Commissar Litvinov at Moscow. Although details are not yet received in Tokyo, the agreement is believed similar to the modus vivendi of last year and will be in force for one year, based on the status quo. 1939.04.02 — The Asahi reports that Article 4 of the National General Mobilisation Law is to be invoked by the Government, to assure an adequate supply of labour for industrial expansion through the requisitioning provisions of the measure. 1939.04.03 — Japanese naval vessels reach Nanchang, clearing 33 miles of the Han River down to Lake Poyang. 1939.04.03 — Mr. H. F. Dyott, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Tientsin, who was kidnapped on March 17, is rescued by Japanese and British officials. 1939.04.03 — The Domei News Agency reports that determined steps to scale down prices and forestall inflation, including a plan for the invocation of Article 19 of the National General Mobilisation Law, are being taken by the Government. 1939.04.03 — In London, the Foreign Undersecretary declares that the British Government is taking every possible step to secure the reopening at an early date of the Pearl River. 1939.04.03 — Messages by Premier Hiranuma and Mayor Ichita Kobashi of Tokyo, congratulating New York on the opening of the international exposition, are broadcast to America. 1939.04.03 — In explaining the agreement signed in Moscow on April 2, a Foreign Office statement reveals that 360 fishery lots have been provided for operation by Japanese interests in 1939, only 27 fewer than the previous year. 1939.04.03 — The flagship of the Italian Far Eastern Fleet arrives at Kobe on a goodwill cruise. 1939.04.03 — Foreign Minister Arita reports in detail on the conclusion of the fisheries agreement at the regular Cabinet meeting. 1939.04.03 — A conference between the Home and Finance Ministries to discuss ways and means of concentrating gold to strengthen the nation's financial structure is held in the Home Office. 1939.04.03 — Statistics compiled by the Welfare Ministry show a rapid increase in the number of industrial workers. At the end of 1938, such workers numbered 6,763,399, more by 342,966 than at the previous year-end. 1939.04.03 — Air service between Yokohama and Palau is inaugurated when an airplane of the Japan Airways Company takes off for the South Seas. 1939.04.03 — The foreign affairs committee of the American House of Representatives discloses that it has received 14 proposals for amending the Neutrality Act of 1935. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VIII No. 5 (July 1939) --- (covers 1939.04.03 to 1939.05.15) 1939.04.03 — It is announced in Hsinking that three Japanese are known to have been killed as a result of a clash with Soviet troops on April 3 in the western section of the Soviet-Manchoukuo border. 1939.04.03 — The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry adopts a resolution urging the Government to establish a Ministry for trade affairs to improve business relations with foreign countries. 1939.04.03 — The Foreign Office spokesman announces that Japanese interests acquired 254 fishing lots along the Soviet coast in the auction held in Vladivostok on April 4. Added to those already in Japanese possession by virtue of past leases, they make a total of 317 to be operated by Japanese this season. 1939.04.03 — The governor of the Bank of Japan declares that resort to compulsion in order to make the public save more and absorb national bonds is not necessary. 1939.04.03 — Mr. A. G. Plitis, the first Greek Minister to be accredited to Japan in 23 years, arrives in Kobe. 1939.04.03 — Fifty-four members of the Takarazuka Girls' Opera Company sail for America for a series of performances. 1939.04.03 — During the last fiscal year ending March 31, Japanese Government Railways yielded the highest revenue on record, ¥735,462,379. 1939.04.03 — A special Privy Council committee adopts in its original form as submitted by the Government a protocol providing for the fishery modus vivendi. 1939.04.03 — A simple method for detecting cancer in its early stages is announced by a professor in the medical department of the Hokkaido Imperial University. 1939.04.03 — The Asahi predicts that the formal appointment of Mr. Tsutomu Nishiyama, managing-director of the Yokohama Specie Bank, as Japan's first full-time financial commissioner for New York will be announced by the Government in a few days. 1939.04.07 — General Kuniaki Koiso, retired, and Mr. Harumichi Tanabe, former chief secretary of the Cabinet, are formally invested as Overseas Minister and Communications Ministers respectively. The appointments relieve Commerce and Industry Minister Hatta of his concurrent duties as Overseas Minister and Justice Minister Shiono of his dual post as Communications Minister. 1939.04.07 — The Foreign Office spokesman issues a statement acknowledging receipt on April 5 of a protest note by the French Ambassador against Japan's decision to establish jurisdiction over the Spratley Islands. The statement declares that the note would be received "only as a matter of reference," since there is no room for consideration regarding the issue. 1939.04.07 — An informal meeting is held in Shanghai between Sir Robert Craigie, British Ambassador to Japan, and local Japanese officials. 1939.04.07 — It is formally revealed that Nationalist Spain became the sixth Power to join the anti-Comintern agreement on March 27. 1939.04.08 — Reports from Peking reveal that General Chiang Kai-shek has ordered his army to launch a general offensive on April 10 against Japanese troops in an attempt to regain territory lost in North China. 1939.04.08 — The National Spiritual Mobilization Commission adopts a basic platform for the national moral guidance movement. 1939.04.08 — Refuting allegations of collusion with Japan, Mr. Wang Ching-wei insists in Hongkong that he will persist in seeking an amicable agreement between the two nations under fair terms which would assure China's sovereignty. 1939.04.08 — The Chinese April offensive is not likely to materialize, according to a spokesman for the Japanese army in South China, who declares that it is merely propaganda designed to cover up the crushing defeat the Chinese forces recently suffered at Nanchang. 1939.04.08 — The Japan Airways' goodwill plane Saipokuki takes off from Haneda Airport on its 7,000-mile flight to Teheran, capital of Iran. 1939.04.08 — Dr. Cheng Hsi-kang, commissioner of Tientsin customs, is shot to death by a Chinese gunman. 1939.04.10 — In the opening address of the conference of the heads of the liaison departments of the China Affairs Board, Premier Hiranuma declares that Japan does not intend to restrict the rights and interests of foreign countries in China any more than necessary. 1939.04.10 — An outline of plans for welcoming and entertaining the officers and men of the United States cruiser Astoria is announced by the Foreign Office. 1939.04.10 — In Shanghai, ten steamers flying the Portuguese flag are detained for examination by Japanese naval authorities on suspicion of supplying Chinese guerilla forces with arms and ammunition. 1939.04.10 — The new Danish Minister, Mr. Lars Tillitse, presents his credentials to the Emperor. 1939.04.10 — The Finance Ministry reports that the balance of Japan's foreign trade from the first of the year up to April 10 recorded a considerable improvement over the corresponding period of 1938 with a drop of ¥28,258,000 in excessive imports. 1939.04.11 — Finance Minister Ishiwata, speaking before the directors of revenue supervision bureaus throughout Japan, declares that as the public has responded nobly to the increased burden of taxation made necessary by the China affair, everything possible must be done to devise means of facilitating tax payments. 1939.04.11 — The Washington bureau of the New York Times reports that the Administration is considering the early introduction into Congress of a bill authorizing the President to impose an embargo on the shipment of war materials, and possibly other goods, from the United States to Japan. 1939.04.11 — As a result of negotiations, the Turkish Government has reportedly decided to alleviate its vigorous restrictions on Japanese cotton cloth imports. 1939.04.12 — Overseas Minister Koiso tells newspapermen that the anti-Comintern accord with Germany and Italy must be strengthened. 1939.04.12 — In Washington, authorities on international law testify against an embargo on exports of scrap iron to Japan. 1939.04.12 — In Shanghai, suppression of anti-Japanese propaganda in the International Settlement is requested by the Japanese consul-general in a note to the Municipal Council. 1939.04.13 — A draft plan for the enforcement of universal conscription in Manchoukuo is completed by a special committee. 1939.04.13 — Parliamentary circles in Sydney are reported to favour the sending of Ministers to Japan and the United States by the Australian Government. 1939.04.13 — A Hongkong dispatch to the Yomiuri states that the Indo-China air force has been doubled and that 350 high-angle guns have been mounted in and around the main cities of Hanoi, Haiphong and Saigon. 1939.04.13 — At a political rally, the Social Mass Party approves a resolution urging invocation of all provisions of the National General Mobilization Law. 1939.04.13 — The third group of American businessmen invited to visit Japan by the Foreign Trade Association arrives for a month's inspection tour of Japanese industry. 1939.04.14 — The Nichi Nichi reports that Army authorities hold the conviction that the Premier should be granted special emergency powers for the full and direct enforcement of general mobilization measures. 1939.04.14 — Yokohama raw silk prices rise once more as April deliveries go up to ¥1,244 and the September quotation to ¥1,061. 1939.04.14 — A semi-annual investigation by the Mitsui Gomei Kaisha reveals that during the second half of 1938, 1,188 companies and banks realized net profits amounting to ¥738,900,000, while only 62 incurred losses, totalling ¥2,900,000. 1939.04.14 — The Domei News Agency announces that reports reaching Nanking indicate that the Chinese "April offensive" has ended in complete failure. 1939.04.13 — Field Marshal Prince Kanin, chief of the Army General Staff, sends a cable congratulating Premier Mussolini on the occasion of the annexation of Albania. 1939.04.13 — The Hochi reports that the Education Ministry plans to institute a short-term training course for potential engineers, to augment the supply of industrial technicians needed immediately. 1939.04.13 — From Washington, Senator Key Pittman, chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, upholds in a radio broadcast the possible imposition of an embargo on American goods to Japan. 1939.04.15 — A formal ceremony of hoisting the Albanian national flag along with the Italian flag is observed at the Italian Embassy in Tokyo. 1939.04.17 — The Astoria arrives in Yokohama, bearing the ashes of the late Hiroshi Saito. 1939.04.17 — The Imperial Family cables a message of appreciation to President Roosevelt for the goodwill shown by the United States Government and people in sending the cruiser Astoria to Japan. 1939.04.17 — The United States Supreme Court in Washington reverses a previous court decision causing the Japanese Shimazu Battery Company to lose its 15-year legal battle over patent rights waged with the Exide Storage Battery Company. 1939.04.17 — Japanese troops capture Kuling, well-known resort in Kiangsi Province. 1939.04.17 — Awards for 3,187 officers and men, who were killed or succumbed to injuries between August 7, 1937 and December 4, 1938, are announced by the War Ministry and the Decorations Bureau of the Cabinet. 1939.04.17 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry announces that a large decrease was witnessed in tenant disputes in Japan during 1938, when but 3,507 cases were recorded. 1939.04.19 — Construction of a subterranean, submarine tunnel under the Kwammon Strait between Shimonoseki and Moji is completed after two years and a half of work. The tunnel, known as a pilot tube, covers a distance of four-fifths of a mile. 1939.04.19 — In Paris, it is revealed that the French military police have arrested two Japanese businessmen on charges of espionage. 1939.04.19 — The Nichi Nichi reports that two Chinese flour mills in Hankow will operate in the future in the form of Sino-Japanese concerns. 1939.04.19 — The Foreign Office decides to instruct the consul-general in Sydney to open negotiations with the Canberra Government for renewal and extension of the Japanese-Australian trade agreement, which will expire at the end of June. 1939.04.19 — The Miyako reports that the Osaka City Office has decided to redeem in cash the total amount of its 3 per cent. electric trolley and waterworks bonds in sterling. 1939.04.20 — The Domei News Agency reveals that four Russian members of the crew of a ship which landed illegally in the Pescadores Islands near Formosa were sentenced to a year at penal servitude on April 14. 1939.04.20 — More than 3,800 children meet in Tokyo to mark the presentation of drawings and other objects made by the primary school children of Japan for the school children of America. 1939.04.21 — The Finance Ministry announces that savings of all kinds in Japan during the fiscal year ending last March 31 increased ¥3,480,000,000 over the previous year. 1939.04.22 — The Tokyo Municipal Assembly's mayoral nominating committee votes in favour of the candidacy of Mr. Keikichi Tanomogi, former Communications Minister. 1939.04.22 — In Washington, Japan's annual report to the League of Nations regarding the mandated South Sea Islands, which categorically denies any military measures, is made public by the State Department. 1939.04.22 — A memorial statue to the late Viscount Makoto Saito, Governor-General of Korea for eight years, is unveiled in ceremonies conducted in Keijo. 1939.04.22 — Mr. Yoshiaki Miura, Japanese consul-general in Shanghai, demands in a letter sent to Mr. C. S. Franklin, chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Council, that the Chinese "spiritual mobilization" campaign be suppressed in the International Settlement. 1939.04.22 — In London, Viscount Rothermere, British newspaper magnate, predicts that Japan will have concluded a successful war "before the end of the present year." 1939.04.23 — Shinto rites consecrating the souls of 10,589 war dead in China are conducted at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. More than 20,000 members of the bereaved families participate in the occasion. 1939.04.23 — The New York Times reports that contracts for the sale to China of more than 100 American warplanes, motors and other equipment will shortly be signed. 1939.04.23 — The sixth Black Ship Festival is celebrated in Shimoda, Shimoda Prefecture. 1939.04.23 — Tokyo newspapers report that the controversy in the Seiyukai, leading political party, over selection of a new president is reaching a showdown. 1939.04.23 — Mr. Keikichi Tanomogi is formally elected mayor of Tokyo at a special session of the Municipal Assembly. 1939.04.24 — The mayor of the Shanghai Special Municipality addresses a note to the French consul-general requesting that more effective measures be taken to suppress terrorists. 1939.04.24 — Foreign Vice-Minister Renzo Sawada invites the Soviet chargé d'affaires to the Foreign Office and protests against pressure alleged to have been placed on Japanese oil and coal mining interests in North Saghalien. 1939.04.25 — The entire nation halts for a moment of silent prayer as the Emperor pays tribute to the spirits of more than 156,000 war dead enshrined at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. 1939.04.25 — The Finance Ministry reveals that Government bonds issued since the outbreak of the China affair amounted to ¥3,500,500,000. 1939.04.26 — Tokyo newspapers report that decisions reached in the five-Minister conference on April 21 will be cabled to Japanese Ambassadors in Europe. 1939.04.26 — The United States cruiser Astoria sails for Shanghai, ending her 10-day visit to Japan. 1939.04.27 — The Central Price Policy Commission adopts formally the plan for control of prices drafted previously by a subcommittee. The plan is to be presented to the Government for early enforcement. 1939.04.27 — The National General Spiritual Mobilisation Commission adopts a more thoroughgoing programme for the nation. 1939.04.27 — The Emperor attends the first graduation exercises of the Army Aviation Academy at Toyo-oka, Saitama Prefecture. 1939.04.27 — A German press delegation arrives in Japan for a brief tour of the country. 1939.04.27 — In Washington, veteran members of the Senate foreign relations committee state privately that they will oppose the resolution to take economic action against Japan. 1939.04.28 — The internal strife in the Seiyukai is heightened as opposing factions occupy different floors of the political party's headquarters. Each faction, claiming a majority, seeks to install its candidate as president. 1939.04.28 — The Empress grants ¥500,000 from Her Majesty's privy purse as a fund for promoting national health. 1939.04.29 — It is announced that the Renovation Government in Nanking, in co-operation with Japanese authorities, will establish a China Commercial Development Bank at Shanghai on May 1. The bank will be capitalized at ¥10,000,000, subscribed jointly by the Nanking régime, Chinese and Japanese banks. 1939.05.01 — The most severe earthquake in two decades strikes the northeastern prefectures of Akita and Aomori, paralyzing transportation systems and disrupting communication facilities. No casualties are reported. 1939.05.01 — In Paris it is learned that attempts by the Soviet Government to include the Far East within the scope of the current Anglo-Soviet mutual defence parleys have been firmly rejected by the British Government. 1939.05.01 — A conference of prefectural governors is opened in Tokyo. 1939.05.01 — Writing in the Yomiuri, Mr. Ginjiro Fujihara, head of the All-Japan Industrial Body Federation, states that Japan can carry out the economic development of China without the aid of foreign capital. 1939.05.01 — The deposits held by all banks associated with the Tokyo Clearing House at the end of March amounted to ¥5,117,323,000, advancing over the month before and over the same period of the previous year, according to the Domei News Agency. 1939.05.01 — The Cabinet discusses the administration of the fund set up by the Empress from the privy purse for combating tuberculosis. 1939.05.02 — The British Ambassador calls on the Foreign Vice-Minister to negotiate for the release of a British merchant vessel seized by the Japanese navy near Canton on suspicion of smuggling arms into China. 1939.05.02 — Latest reports state that 26 persons are dead, 34 injured and eight missing as a result of the earthquake of May 1 in Northern Japan. 1939.05.02 — Two Belgians are detained by police in Tokyo on currency charges. 1939.05.02 — Japanese army and naval authorities, in a joint statement issued in Shanghai, give unqualified support to the five-point demand made recently by Mayor Fu Tsung-yao of the Shanghai Special Municipality to the authorities of the International Settlement and the French Concession. 1939.05.02 — The first meeting of the council of the Central League for National Spiritual Mobilization is held in Tokyo. 1939.05.02 — A conference of the chiefs of all army divisions is held in Tokyo. 1939.05.03 — The Asahi reports that property damage wrought by the earthquake in Northeastern Japan on May 1 has been estimated at ¥3,027,283. 1939.05.03 — In London, the Cabinet rejects the Soviet proposal for an Anglo-Soviet-French guarantee to smaller European states. 1939.05.03 — The Domei News Agency quotes a pamphlet published by the Navy Office as stating that increasing pressure is being brought to bear on Japan by Great Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union and that only by possessing a fleet strong enough to prevent interference can Japan build a new order in East Asia. 1939.05.03 — Some 3,000 delegates from co-operative societies throughout Japan meet in Tokyo for their 34th annual conference. 1939.05.03 — General Jiro Minami, Governor-General of Chosen, urges the development of closer communications between Japan, Manchoukuo and North Chosen for economic and defence reasons. 1939.05.03 — The German goodwill plane en route to Tokyo from Berlin arrives at Taihoku in Taiwan (Formosa). 1939.05.03 — The French Government publishes a decree banning all Japanese imports into France with the exception of silk and camphor, effective May 10. 1939.05.03 — The resignation of Mr. Maxim Litvinov, as Foreign Commissar of the Soviet Union, is announced. 1939.05.04 — Foreign Minister Arita calls repeatedly to the Foreign Office the Italian Ambassador and the German Ambassador with whom he exchanges information about the situation in Europe. 1939.05.04 — Completing its 8,300-mile goodwill flight from Berlin in 12 days, the Hans Luch, airliner of the Lufthansa Aircraft Company, piloted by Baron C.A. von Gablenz, arrives at the Haneda (Tokyo) airport. 1939.05.04 — The Japanese consul-general in Shanghai visits American and British officials to explain the views of the Japanese Government regarding reformation of administration in the International Settlement. 1939.05.04 — Major Yuzo Fujita, who piloted the monoplane Wings of the Century in its closed-course non-stop record flight in 1938, is killed while flying for the army in China. 1939.05.05 — Japanese military authorities in Tientsin accuse the British consul-general of having broken his promise in refusing to surrender suspects arrested in connection with an attempted assault on a Federal Reserve Bank official. 1939.05.05 — The Cabinet adopts the outline plan for control of commodity prices recommended by the price commission. Premier Hiranuma issues a statement reiterating the necessity for low prices and the hope of the Government to settle all matters on the basis of general amity between the Government and the people. 1939.05.05 — Admitting the possibility that Japanese planes may have dropped bombs on foreign consulates in Chungking on May 4, a navy spokesman in Shanghai defends any such action as the right of self-defence. 1939.05.05 — Foreign Minister Arita declares in an address that Japan's foreign policy stands on a moral basis and that Japan's aims in China and East Asia are based on high ideals. 1939.05.06 — Chungking reports published in Peking reveal that General Chiang Kai-shek has called an emergency meeting of military and political leaders of the National Government to outline measures for dealing with the destruction and havoc caused by the successive Japanese bombings of Chungking. 1939.05.06 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry announces that Japan's agricultural, forest and marine production for 1937 amounted to ¥4,678,000,000. On the basis of 100 for 1925, the index number for these products in 1937 was 93. 1939.05.06 — The alleged harbouring of terrorists and assassins by the foreign concessions in Tientsin is declared to be an indirect act of hostility against the Japanese army by Japanese military authorities. 1939.05.07 — A New York dispatch to the Hochi reveals that the Government of Ecuador has refused to lease its Galapagos Islands to the United States for use as a naval base. 1939.05.07 — In Harbin, it is announced that in a border clash on the Outer Mongolian line on May 4, the Outer Mongolians were repulsed with a loss of at least three men. 1939.05.07 — Preparations are completed in Hsinking to welcome Baron C. A. von Gablenz, who recently completed a goodwill flight from Berlin to Tokyo. 1939.05.07 — At Milan, Italy and Germany agree to enter into a formal military and political alliance to combat Great Britain's encirclement policy on the European Continent. 1939.05.07 — Foreign Minister Arita informs prefectural governors, meeting in Tokyo, that even if it does not apply to the Far East, "an enmity between Great Britain and the Soviet Union cannot be treated lightly by Japan." 1939.05.07 — It is reported in Hankow that about 20 Chinese divisions have been trapped in a 125-mile cordon in the area of Siangyang, headquarters of the 5th War District in northern Hupeh Province. 1939.05.07 — The death sentence is passed on Mr. Toshi Futami of the extinct Japan Anarchist-Communist Party. 1939.05.07 — The "flame of friendship" which is to be taken to the New York World's Fair arrives in Tokyo after being ignited at the Izumo Grand Shrine, Shimané Prefecture. 1939.05.07 — In Shanghai, concrete measures for the control of anti-Japanese propaganda in the International Settlement are discussed by Japanese representatives and police officials of the Municipal Council. 1939.05.08 — The United States House of Representatives passes the record-breaking peace-time naval appropriation bill of $773,420,241. 1939.05.09 — A costly fire sweeps a wide area in Itabashi Ward, Tokyo, destroying five factories, damaging three others and causing at least 258 casualties. 1939.05.09 — In London, it is learned that the British Ambassador to Japan has been instructed to lodge a protest with the Japanese Government regarding the bombing of the British consulate-general in Chungking. 1939.05.09 — The French Ambassador calls on the Foreign Vice-Minister to confer on matters concerning the Chungking air raids. 1939.05.09 — The Nichi Nichi reports that in the British House of Commons on May 8 Mr. David Lloyd George stated that without the co-operation of the Soviet Union, Great Britain and France would be helpless in a war with Germany and Italy. 1939.05.09 — The exchange control bureau of the Finance Ministry is refusing to permit the exchange into foreign currency of more than the regular ¥1,000 for several persons planning to tour America for cultural purposes. 1939.05.09 — The Welfare Ministry starts a five-year tuberculosis survey of 500 boy workers in Tokyo. 1939.05.09 — The Foreign Office decides to appoint Mr. Kikuji Yonezawa, head of the investigation bureau of the Foreign Ministry, Minister to Portugal. 1939.05.09 — Japan's foreign trade for the first 10 days of May shows an unfavourable balance of ¥6,808,000, according to the Finance Ministry. 1939.05.09 — The Domei News Agency reports that negotiations for revising the existing Indo-Japanese trade agreement, which expires within a year, will be opened at Simla shortly. 1939.05.09 — The London Daily Telegraph's naval correspondent reports that as a measure toward increasing its naval strength in the Pacific Ocean, the British Government has designated a certain number of warships for joint action. 1939.05.11 — Japan's first registration of foreign residents is accomplished satisfactorily as practically all foreigners report to police stations between May 1 and 10. 1939.05.11 — In Shanghai, the authorities of the Municipal Council and the French Concession issue a joint declaration stressing the strict neutrality of the areas under their respective jurisdiction and prohibiting all political activities of any sort therein. 1939.05.11 — In Hsinking, it is announced that the Manchoukuo Government will enlist 4,000 young men in an organization for land cultivation and forestry work along the Manchoukuo-Soviet border. 1939.05.12 — Japanese forces on Kulangsu Island, opposite Amoy City, respond to a machine-gun challenge by Chinese forces. Landing forces are rushed to the International Concession after an anti-Japanese group has assassinated the president of the Amoy Chamber of Commerce. 1939.05.12 — Censors of the Metropolitan Police Board warn literary syndicates to employ better taste in stories appearing in magazines and rural newspapers. 1939.05.12 — It is denied in Warsaw that Poland has received an offer from Japan to mediate in the Polish-German dispute over Danzig and the Polish Corridor. 1939.05.11 — In Washington, the Senate military affairs committee reveals that tremendous floods of anti-war mail demanding sternly that Congress keep the United States out of war have been pouring into the capital. 1939.05.11 — Mr. Fusanosuké Kuhara is nominated for the presidency of the Seiyukai. 1939.05.11 — The Manchoukuo Government files a protest with the Republic of Outer Mongolia in connection with the firing on Manchoukuo guards on May 11. The protest demands that all challenges on the part of Outer Mongolian forces cease. 1939.05.11 — The Finance Ministry announces that during the last fiscal year, Japanese consumed tobaccos having a total value of ¥362,317,340. 1939.05.12 — A Shanghai dispatch to the Nichi Nichi reports that the failure of the so-called Chinese April offensive has enhanced the position of the Communists within the Kuomintang. 1939.05.14 — The Japan Lawn Tennis Association announces that Japan will not compete in the Davis Cup tennis competition in 1939. 1939.05.15 — Transfer of Japan's cotton spinning industry to the Asiatic continent is inevitable and urgent from the standpoint of national policy, declares Mr. Shingo Tsuda, head of the Kanegafuchi Spinning Company. 1939.05.15 — Concluding their operations against lawless elements in the Kulangsu International Settlement, Japanese bluejackets are withdrawn from all waterfronts. 1939.05.15 — The Japan Students' Association receives a formal invitation to attend the sixth America-Japan student conference in August in Los Angeles. 1939.05.15 — The British Government instructs its Ambassador at Tokyo to protest to the Japanese Government against alleged interference in the Administration of the International Settlement on Kulangsu Island. 1939.05.15 — In Amoy, it is revealed that the Japanese consul-general has delivered a note to the chairman of the Kulangsu Municipal Council advocating the early adoption of five measures to curb anti-Japanese terrorism in the International Settlement. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VIII No. 6 (August 1939) --- (covers 1939.05.16 to 1939.06.15) 1939.05.16 — Key Ministers of the Cabinet, Premier Hiranuma, Foreign Minister Arita, War Minister Itagaki, Navy Minister Yonai and Finance Minister Ishiwata, hold another conference on the European situation. 1939.05.16 — Outlining the future foreign policy of the Commonwealth of Australia, the new Prime Minister, Mr. Robert G. Menzies, says he will continue to foster friendly relations with Japan. 1939.05.16 — French police fail to release two Japanese business men, Mr. Makoto Hibiki and Mr. Kiyoshi Yomoto, held in Paris in connection with espionage charges. 1939.05.16 — Japanese authorities file petition with British court in Hongkong asking rejection of Chinese petition for dissolution of Cheng Kee Steamship Company. As a result, public trial of case is deferred until July 2. 1939.05.16 — House of Commons is told that British Ambassador to Tokyo, Sir Robert Craigie, has been instructed to protest against any forcible interference with the municipal administration at Kulangsu. Chairman of Municipal Council at Kulangsu rejects Japanese consul-general's demands, claiming insufficient grounds for reviving municipal administration. Consul-General Goto Uchida replies with sharper note to authorities of foreign area. 1939.05.16 — The United States Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, publishes Japanese Government's reply to protest on bombings of Chungking, disclosing that Japanese fliers in China had been instructed to use every possible precaution to limit bombings to purely military objectives in China. Japanese Government also said protest had been forwarded to Japanese authorities in China. 1939.05.17 — Japan Airways Company's airliner Kouta crashes into power line and bursts into flames in taking off from Gannosu airport, Fukuoka Prefecture. Pilot, mechanic and four passengers killed. Two escape with minor injuries. 1939.05.17 — Landing of Japanese bluejackets at Kulangsu on May 12, is followed to-day by landing of British and American marines. Japanese consular officials reported determined to bring about reorganization of International Settlement administration, as Municipal Council authorities oppose almost all of five proposals by Japanese. 1939.05.17 — Deposits in Tokyo banks rise ¥1,719,000 in week, according to Tokyo Clearing House figures. Total deposits said to be ¥4,914,669,000. 1939.05.18 — The United States Ambassador in Tokyo, Mr. Joseph C. Grew, calls on Foreign Minister Arita to convey American Government's reply, to Japanese request for larger voice in administration of International Settlement at Shanghai. Washington report to the Asahi says reply not only rejects Japanese request but protests against Japanese activities in Shanghai and Kulangsu. Ambassador Grew and Foreign Minister Arita say friendly farewell, as Ambassador is leaving on furlough in United States. Before parting, Foreign Minister tells Ambassador mutual efforts can settle all problems between Japan and United States in amicable manner, but that it must be understood that Japan's determination to establish new order in China is determined and sincere. American interests in Orient are declared secure. 1939.05.18 — Dr. Nei Hijikata, member of the House of Peers, dies of pneumonia in Tsuruin while on mission to encourage Japanese soldiers in China. He was 87 years old. 1939.05.18 — Foreign Vice-Minister Renzo Sawada hands Japanese reply to British protest against Japanese landing at Kulangsu to British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie. 1939.05.18 — Central Raw Silk Association of Japan announces that April exports declined by 6,147 bales, or 13.8 per cent. from previous month. Decline in value, however, is estimated at only ¥4,873,547, or 18.4 per cent. 1939.05.19 — The British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, transmits his Government's reply to Japanese request for changes in Shanghai International Settlement. Details are not revealed, but Domei says note is similar to that of United States on same question and, on the whole, rejects the Japanese request. 1939.05.19 — Foreign concession authorities in Shanghai spring sudden dragnet at dawn in attempt to round up lawless elements. Barricades erected to prevent escapes, while house-to-house search is carried on. Four Chinese newspapers are suspended for printing excerpts from speech by General Chiang Kai-shek, which concession authorities deemed unneutral and inflammatory. 1939.05.19 — Hundreds are left homeless in Agematsu, Nagano Prefecture, after early morning blaze destroys large section of town. Damage to property is estimated at ¥1,300,000 but no deaths are reported. 1939.05.19 — British, French and American authorities at Kulangsu propose simultaneous withdrawal of British, French, American and Japanese armed forces from International Settlement. Officials of Japanese liaison office of China Affairs Board at Amoy express regret over landings of armed forces by third Powers, saying most of Japanese already had been withdrawn. 1939.05.19 — Government's decision on future policy toward Europe is submitted to Throne by Premier Hiranuma. Decision is described as fundamental, but actual details are closely guarded. 1939.05.19 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei, former vice-president of the Kuomintang, reiterates his arguments for peace negotiations between Japan and China in obituary to his slain assistant, Dr. Ching Ching-ming. Communists are accused of prolonging conflict for their own ends. 1939.05.19 — The Asahi announces that all gold articles must be reported to Government by June 10, in survey intended to speed up sale of gold to Government by private individuals. 1939.05.19 — The United States Ambassador to Tokyo leaves port ships through Yokohama en route back to the Ambassador's post in Chungking. Mr. Johnson is silent on political issues, instead recalling his part in relief work in Yokohama following Great Earthquake of 1923. 1939.05.19 — One hundred students of national mercantile marine schools begin training cruise which will take them to International Golden Gate Exposition at San Francisco. Cruise is 20th for two ships, Nippon Maru and Kaiwo Maru. 1939.05.21 — Premier Hiranuma, in interview on train, repeats Japan's diplomacy is based on moral principles, rather than selfish interests. Direct reference to recent fundamental decision on European policy is avoided. 1939.05.21 — Mr. Fusanosuké Kuhara, Seiyukai leader, calls for reform of politics based on needs of people, emphasizing need for national organization and formulation of basic social policy. 1939.05.22 — Foreign Office issues statement expressing Japan's official pleasure over the conclusion of formal military and political alliance between Germany and Italy, terming it a "tremendous contribution toward the peace and progress of the world." 1939.05.22 — Domei learns Japanese marines will stay at Kulangsu, despite joint third Powers' proposal for withdrawal of Japanese, British, French and American armed forces from International Settlement. 1939.05.22 — Thirty-two thousand uniformed students parade before His Majesty, the Emperor, in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the institution of military training in secondary schools of Japan under the direct supervision of active army officers. His Majesty grants a message calling attention of nation's youth to great responsibilities for which they must be prepared. 1939.05.22 — North Korea Railway, owned by the Korean Government-General, is transferred to the South Manchuria Railway Company permanently, the Asahi learns from Mukden. Latter firm had been operating North Koreo line since 1933. 1939.05.22 — Seven Outer Mongolia warplanes shot down by Manchoukuo fliers during week-end when they crossed over Manchoukuo territory on scouting expedition, according to Hsinking announcement today. Incidents took place on western frontier, east of Lake Buir in North Hsingan Province, where increasing activity is reported of Outer Mongolia troops near Nomonhan. Large numbers of cavalrymen reported making sorties into Manchoukuo territory. 1939.05.22 — Mr. Yoshiaki Miura, Consul-General at Shanghai, leaves Tokyo with fresh set of proposals for revision of International Settlement in Shanghai, following conferences in the Japanese capital with central Government authorities. Replies by third Powers to Japan's demands for revision of the Land Regulations and transfer of Chinese courts in foreign areas to jurisdiction of Nanking Government not accepted as final by Japan. 1939.05.22 — Commander of Japanese fleet in South China waters holds conference with naval commanders of British, French and American forces at Kulangsu on withdrawal from International Settlement there. Each party reported defending previous stand, giving little hope for early settlement of issue. 1939.05.22 — Decline of yen at Shanghai in terms of Chinese legal tender arouses concern of Japanese authorities. Compared with rate of ¥90 to 100 Chinese dollars at beginning of year, yen sank as low as 111 to 100 but recovered to 107. Finance Ministry officials in Shanghai reported discussing measures to offset possible further decline. 1939.05.22 — Premier Hiranuma issues statement welcoming news of Italo-German political and military alliance, expressing wish to maintain closer ties than ever with two nations for sake of world peace. 1939.05.22 — Lieutenant-Colonel Eberhard, of German General Staff Office arrives in Yokohama with Lieutenant-Colonel Wolfgang von Gronus, Germany's first air attaché to be assigned to Tokyo. Former refuses to comment on political matters, describing visit as purely for pleasure. Dr. Karl Duedenkamp, foreign director of German Medical Board, also arrives on invitation of German-Japan Medical Society, to promote closer relations between two nations through medicine. 1939.05.24 — Mr. Tatsuo Kawai, Foreign Office Spokesman, during interview with Japanese newspapermen, upholds Japan's right to send armed forces into foreign concessions and settlements in China, arguing that the areas in question are Chinese, not foreign territory. He described the foreign-controlled areas as bases of anti-Japanese activity by elements acting under instructions from the National Government of China, holding them therefore part of the armed operations of the Chinese army and legitimate objectives of the Japanese military campaign. 1939.05.24 — Japanese authorities at Amoy ban traffic between Kulangsu and mainland to prevent anti-Japanese agitators from crossing the channel in boats to the International Settlement at Kulangsu. Japanese forces now expected to remain on island for some time, as result of anti-Japanese atmosphere created by distribution of handbills in Kulangsu streets, reports the Asahi. 1939.05.24 — Aviation Bureau of Communications Ministry decides to double size of Gannosu airfield in Fukuoka Prefecture, following crash of Japan Airways Company plane, Kouta, on May 17, in which six persons were killed. 1939.05.24 — As result of negotiations with Japanese authorities in Shanghai, part of British troops guarding strike-bound Lunchang Cotton Spinning Mill at Pootung are withdrawn. Ten British marines expected to remain on guard until transaction. As Pootung is in Japanese-occupied territory, the Japanese authorities had lodged strong protest against presence of British armed forces there. 1939.05.24 — Mr. Wang Chung-hui, Chinese Foreign Minister, urges boycott of Japanese goods and appeals for sympathy for China in international broadcast to the United States, says Hongkong report. 1939.05.24 — Bank of Japan authorizes 92 industrial firms to increase capitalization, call in unpaid shares or expand equipment. Japan Iron Mining Company is given permission to raise ¥36,500,000 paid up capitalization needed for starting operations. Total capitalization of ¥10,000,000 also wins approval. 1939.05.24 — General Shunroku Hata, former commander-in-chief of Japanese forces in Central China and a member of the Supreme War Council, is appointed Chief Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty the Emperor. 1939.05.24 — The Nichi Nichi reveals that the Japanese naval authorities at Amoy have imposed a blockade on all shipping by third Powers to Kulangsu "without just reason." Order stipulates that commodities and supplies from mainland may no longer be landed at Kulangsu without permission of the Japanese authorities, isolating the International Settlement from all connections except with Japanese-occupied Amoy. 1939.05.24 — Report from Hailar, on western Manchoukuo border, says 200 Mongol troops attempted to cross into Manchoukuo near Batzhagal but were repulsed by the Manchoukuo border patrol. The Asahi reports an incident on the eastern border, in which Soviet sentries are said to have fired on a Manchoukuo border sentry station. The Manchoukuo guards returned the fire, killing two Soviet soldiers and wounding several others. 1939.05.24 — Communications Minister Tanabé calls for full Government support in building up Japan's commercial airways to a status comparable to that held by European and American nations in speech at inauguration of Dai Nippon Aviation Corporation. New firm, authorized by 74th session of Imperial Diet with a capitalization of ¥100,000,000, is the result of a merger of the Japan Airways Company and the Japan Aviation Corporation. 1939.05.24 — Fresh tension in Soviet-Japanese relations is seen by the Nichi Nichi in reporting the failure in Moscow to conclude a vital labour contract for the operation of Japanese oil concessions in North Saghalien and the abrupt demand that Mr. Yoshio Furukawa, who had been conducting the negotiations as the Japanese representative, should leave Moscow. Mr. Furukawa's permit to stay in Moscow expired May 21 and renewal has been refused. With the oil field operations tensest at hand, the situation is considered serious. 1939.05.24 — After deducting overlapping funds in various general and special accounts, the Finance Ministry announces the "pure" budget for the current fiscal year as totalling ¥12,583,738,000 in revenue and ¥12,728,612,000 in expenditures. 1939.05.24 — The Supreme Court rejects an appeal by Mr. Tatsuji Fusé, Communists' attorney arrested in 1933, against a sentence of two years at hard labour. Mr. Fusé acted as defence counsel for a number of Communists during the Government's campaign to stamp out Communism in Japan. 1939.05.26 — Mr. Kazuo Aoki, head of the Cabinet Planning Board, declares that plans for the mobilization of materials in the interests of the State, as approved by the Cabinet, will demand that the people get along with less commodities, including daily necessities. Details of the programme were not revealed but it aims at providing materials for munitions, to expand armaments, enlarge productivity, promote foreign trade and develop Manchoukuo and China. 1939.05.26 — Sixty Japanese naval planes conducted a fourth raid on Chungking, temporary capital of the Chiang Kai-shek régime at 9 o'clock last night, it is reported. Swatow, seaport in southeastern Kwangtung Province, also was bombed heavily. 1939.05.26 — The British Ambassador to China, Sir Archibald Kerr Clark Kerr, visits the Kulangsu International Settlement to confer with British officials there. Meanwhile, the Japanese Consul-General, Mr. Goto Uchida, continues negotiations with Settlement authorities for administrative reforms. 1939.05.26 — The Nan Hua Jih Pao, Chinese newspaper in Hongkong which has openly supported the peace advocated by Mr. Wang Ching-wei, former Kuomintang vice-president, again appeals for opening peace negotiations with Japan, in an editorial which scathingly attacks Communists and anti-peace elements in the National Government. 1939.05.27 — The Yomiuri interprets report from London on assurances given House of Commons that British Government is considering protection of merchant fleet in Orient "by means of warships" as indication that naval vessels may escort British freighters through China waters as a result of the alleged halting of a Peninsular and Oriental liner Ranpura, near Hongkong on May 24. A United Press report says two British destroyers went to investigate when a Japanese destroyer halted the Ranpura to inspect its papers. The incident occurred one mile outside British waters at Hongkong. 1939.05.27 — Japan's 34th Navy Day, commemorating the anniversary of the defeat of the Imperial Russian Navy in the Japan Sea on May 27, 1905, is celebrated throughout the Empire with speeches by naval authorities and parades by naval forces. 1939.05.27 — New coal bed of 28,000,000,000 tons reported discovered at Tatung coal mine in northern Shansi Province in China. Added to known deposits, find raises capacity of mine to about 40,000,000,000 tons. 1939.05.27 — Kwantung Army announces in Hsinking that 17 Outer Mongolia airplanes have been shot down in week when they violated western Manchoukuo frontier. Mongol troop operations in Nomonhan sector continuing to create tense situation. Most of planes shot down reported to be of Soviet make. 1939.05.27 — Kulangsu International Settlement authorities reported ready to accept unconditionally at least two of Japanese demands for administrative changes, says Amoy dispatch to the Asahi. The other three demands, involving increase of Japanese on the municipal police force, suffrage for Formosan residents and Chinese representation on the Council, are given little chance for acceptance. 1939.05.27 — Returning to Shanghai from Tokyo, Consul-General Yoshiaki Miura declares Japan's requests for changes in the administration of the foreign areas there are quite reasonable and that he will persist in negotiations for their acceptance. 1939.05.29 — Imperial Army Headquarters announces that Japanese forces have occupied total area of 1,362,938 square kilometres in China, or 16 per cent of that country's total area and two and a half times the total area of Japan. Chinese casualties are estimated at 2,300,000 and Japanese at 19,998 from the outbreak of hostilities to the end of April. 1939.05.29 — "Showdown" meeting of fleet commanders of Great Britain, United States and France reported held at Shanghai to discuss joint plans for protection of rights and interests in Far East. No results of meeting disclosed. 1939.05.29 — Kwantung Army announces Outer Mongolian invasion of western Manchoukuo border near Nomonhan on May 28 was repulsed at cost of 130 dead to invaders. Six Japanese were killed and 25 were wounded in the brief encounter. At the same time, more than 100 warplanes engaged in a fierce air battle during which the Japanese brought down 42 Soviet craft, bringing the total number of invading airplanes downed in the area in a little more than a week to 59. Clash called most serious so far in current series of transgressions. 1939.05.29 — Finance Ministry reported planning to reduce quota of duty-free cigars and cigarettes by 10 per cent in near future. At present, each individual entering Japan may bring 100 cigarettes and 50 cigars with no duty being assessed for them. 1939.05.29 — Cabinet Planning Board, in studying application of National General Mobilization Law passed by 74th Diet session, is reported by the Asahi to favour increasing and strengthening the personal authority of Premier for the smoother operation of various provisions of the law. 1939.05.29 — The Bank of Japan authorizes 83 permits for capital expansion by industrial firms, largest of which is an increase from ¥3,500,000 to ¥35,000,000 in capitalization of the Marunen Petroleum Company. A fourth of the ¥10,000,000 increase will be paid up. 1939.05.30 — It is reported locally that the British Ambassador has been instructed to file new protests with the Japanese Government regarding various issues in China, including the suspension of navigation on the Yangtze River, demands for the reorganization of foreign settlements and the currency regulations imposed by the new China Commercial Development Bank established in Shanghai recently. 1939.05.30 — In Hongkong, the British Ambassador praises the virtues and stamina of the Chinese people, on the basis of observations during his recent visit to Chungking. He draws a parallel between Chinese and British individualism. 1939.05.30 — Negotiations are completed in Tokyo for the establishment of a ¥16,000,000 company for the manufacture of rolling mill equipment under joint investment by the Shibaura Engineering Works and the United Engineering and Foundry Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The latter is to furnish the bulk of the equipment and machinery. 1939.05.31 — Reports from Amoy and Hongkong indicate that an amicable settlement of the outstanding grievances between Japan and the Western Powers is imminent, following renewed negotiations. 1939.05.31 — The Foreign Office spokesman denies that there are any intentions on Japan's part to enter into negotiations with the Soviet Union regarding the current Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolia difficulties, since the border between the two nations is clearly defined. 1939.05.31 — In Moscow, the Soviet Foreign Commissar, Mr. Viacheslav M. Molotov, rejects the Anglo-French proposals for a tripartite anti-aggression alliance directed against the Totalitarian Powers, holding that definite guarantees to the Baltic States are prerequisites to further negotiations. In his foreign policy report before the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. the Foreign Commissar also announces that the Soviet Union is definitely committed to aiding Outer Mongolia in case of aggression and admits that the Soviet Union is rendering positive assistance to China. 1939.06.01 — The Foreign Office spokesman reveals that Japan has extended formal recognition to Slovakia as an independent nation, following the disintegration of Czecho-Slovakia on March 14. Manchoukuo also recognized the new Government. 1939.06.01 — The naval section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that the Nationalist Government of China has lost 1,561 military planes in the Sino-Japanese hostilities. 1939.06.01 — Outer Mongolian regulars are driven back into their own territory after a vigorous counter-offensive by Japanese-Manchoukuo forces. The invaders are believed to have lost 700 men in five days' fighting. 1939.06.01 — In New York, Ambassador Kensuké Horinouchi addresses 1,700 persons at a banquet at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, stressing that Japan has no intentions of closing China's open door or hampering the legitimate activities of third Powers in the Orient. Meanwhile, Japan's special envoy, Miss Akiko Tsukimoto, arrives in New York by plane with the "flame of friendship" symbolic of Japanese-American relations which was ignited at the Izumo Grand Shrine, Shimané Prefecture, early in May. 1939.06.02 — In refutation of the Soviet Foreign Commissar's accusation, the Manchoukuo Government renounces responsibility for the series of border clashes with Soviet and Outer Mongolian troops in the western frontier area. 1939.06.02 — The Foreign Office spokesman tells foreign correspondents that Mr. Molotov's statement in Moscow has caused no concern in Tokyo. He believes there is little possibility for a rapprochement between Germany and the Soviet Union, as suggested in some quarters. 1939.06.02 — Japan Day is observed with appropriate ceremonies at the New York World's Fair. The "flame of friendship" is handed to Mr. Grover Whalen, chairman of the exposition, and a military review is staged in honour of Ambassador Horinouchi. 1939.06.03 — In Paris, optimism is expressed regarding the ultimate conclusion of a tripartite encirclement alliance, despite rejection of the latest proposals by the Soviet Foreign Commissar. 1939.06.03 — In Shanghai, it is disclosed that the Japanese Navy on May 29 dispatched a note to British naval authorities calling attention to various acts of interference and indiscretion on the part of British warships and commercial shipping over a period of three months. 1939.06.03 — In reply to interpellations in the British House of Commons, the Foreign Undersecretary reveals that protests have been lodged with the Japanese Government regarding the alleged infringement of various British rights and interests. 1939.06.03 — The South Manchuria Railway nets ¥73,000,000 for the business year ending March 31, representing the highest profits in the history of the concern. 1939.06.03 — Approximately 500 Soviet troops are repulsed by Japanese border guards after crossing the Soviet-Manchoukuo frontier in the vicinity of Changlintze, north of Chutyjofeng, scene of a bitter undeclared war a year ago. 1939.06.03 — Premier Hiranuma tells the Cabinet that Imperial sanction has been obtained for Japan's basic policy with regard to Europe, agreed upon by the five key Ministers on May 20 following weeks of daily conferences. 1939.06.03 — Japanese gendarmes in Kalgan, Chahar Province, reveal that they are holding the British military attaché Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Spear, and an aide, on suspicion of espionage following their detection on May 23 in the village of Sangsha. The British attaché admits he has passed through the lines freely without a military pass in the course of an extensive inspection tour through Central and North China. 1939.06.05 — In Shanghai, a British employee of the Lun Cheng Cotton Mill dies in a hospital of injuries received in a scuffle with Japanese bluejackets the day before at the strike-bound mill. He had fired a revolver at a Japanese officer. 1939.06.05 — In New York, students of the Townsend Harris High School present a scroll of friendship to Miss Akiko Tsukimoto, bearer of the sacred flame to the World's Fair from Japan. 1939.06.05 — Administrators of the £10,000,000 Anglo-Chinese currency stabilization fund, established several months ago by British and Chinese banks and guaranteed by the British Government, abandon the attempt to peg the yuan at 8s 3¼d, creating chaos in Shanghai money markets. The yuan slumps to 6s 3½d. The Shanghai reports stimulate a short-lived flurry on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. 1939.06.05 — A Taihoku dispatch to the Hochi reports that a Japanese commercial airplane is fired on by a foreign warship, off Taiwan (Formosa). 1939.06.05 — Rejecting a British note evading demands for the transfer of four suspected assassins of a Chinese official to the custody of the Japanese gendarmerie, the Japanese authorities at Tientsin prepare for "independent" action against the British Concession. 1939.06.06 — The Emperor cables felicitations to King George VI at the White House in Washington on the occasion of the British Sovereign's official birthday. 1939.06.06 — The press section of the Japanese fleet in China Waters denies that Japanese bluejackets used bayonets during the scuffle in which a British national was injured fatally on June 6. The explanation is made to counter press distortions of the affair in Shanghai. 1939.06.06 — In London, both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary assert that Britain is eager to reach an understanding with Germany through peaceful negotiations, and refute German allegations that Britain is seeking to destroy German trade. The Foreign Undersecretary meanwhile informs the House of Commons that the Government will continue to extend "maximum sympathy" to the Chiang Kai-shek régime. 1939.06.09 — The Japanese consul-general at Amoy leaves for Tokyo to report to the Central Government on the Kulangsu situation, following a rupture in negotiations with British, French and American consular officials two days earlier. 1939.06.09 — The Commerce and Industry Minister consults with textile experts to encourage the production of more serviceable staple fibre goods, which have come to supplant cotton and woollen garments to a large extent. 1939.06.09 — The Government calls a halt for the time being on subsidies for shipbuilding, although it is desired to increase the tonnage of the Japanese merchant marine from its present 4,640,000 tons to 7,300,000 tons. 1939.06.10 — Passing through Japan en route to America, Mr. Paul V. McNutt, U.S. High Commissioner to the Philippines, is received in audience by the Emperor. Interviewed by reporters, he refuses to discuss his reported aspirations for nomination as a presidential candidate on the Democratic ticket in 1940. 1939.06.10 — A dispatch to the Asahi from Rome reports that the Spanish Government has decided to conclude separate military agreements with Germany and Italy. 1939.06.10 — The British Ambassador calls on Foreign Minister Arita to discuss the growing tension at Tientsin and to seek release of the British military attaché to China, in custody of Japanese gendarmes at Kalgan. 1939.06.10 — The Finance Ministry announces that foreign residents in Japan must report the amount and value of gold coins and articles in their possession before July 3. 1939.06.10 — The Japanese Marine Insurance Underwriters Association decides to reduce war risk rates for goods destined to Mediterranean ports by 30 per cent. 1939.06.11 — The Cabinet Planning Board is reported to have decided to include building industries in the scope of Article 4 of the National General Mobilization Law, which provides for the enlistment of labour and technical services in the interests of the State. Extension of the measure to cover building industries would be based on Paragraph 9 of Article 3, which provides for the mobilization of enterprises other than those specifically mentioned in the law. 1939.06.11 — Information from Berlin says that Nazi circles there deny any movement of international mediation in the Danzig problem, including a rumour that Japan had offered its offices in that respect. 1939.06.12 — Tientsin is reported tense pending enforcement of a Japanese blockade of foreign concessions there in retaliation for the British stand in refusing to surrender Chinese prisoners who are alleged to have participated in the assassination of a Chinese customs official. Reports say Japanese army authorities in Tientsin will close all entrances to British and French Concessions except seven, at which Japanese sentries will examine and search all persons passing through. Most Japanese residents and businesses have evacuated the concession areas. 1939.06.12 — Foreign Office spokesman in Tokyo declares that the pending blockade of the Tientsin concessions is a measure of self-defence decided on by the army authorities on the spot to halt the anti-Japanese activities of agitators making the foreign areas their headquarters. 1939.06.12 — The China Affairs Board issues a statement in which the British authorities in China are accused of harbouring hostile Chinese in areas under their control. The British consul-general in Tientsin is said to have been willing to settle the dispute with the Japanese there but to have been halted by the opposition of the British Ambassador, Sir Archibald Kerr Clark Kerr. The statement concludes with an expression of regret for "the continued presence in China" of Ambassador Clark Kerr. 1939.06.12 — A report from Shanghai says that several squadrons of Navy bombers had raided Chengtu and Chungking the previous night, inflicting serious damage on the Chiang Kai-shek strongholds. The raid was the second on Chengtu since last August. It was the ninth bombing of Chungking this spring. 1939.06.12 — Mass meeting in Tokyo condemns policies in Asia of Great Britain and France. 1939.06.12 — Referring to Japanese bombings of Chengtu and Chungking, the Navy Ministry spokesman in Tokyo declares that the Chiang régime is doomed, no matter where it sets up its offices. 1939.06.12 — The Hochi reports that friction has arisen anew between Japanese fishermen in northern waters and the Soviets, who are said to have detained illegally a number of Japanese and a trawler in Kamchatka. The Nishiide fishery company asks the Foreign Office in Tokyo to seek the release of the men and the vessel. 1939.06.13 — The London News Chronicle reports that the British Government has instructed its Ambassador to Tokyo to warn the Japanese Government of the possible consequences of an Anglo-Japanese clash in the Tientsin situation. A serious crisis is predicted if the Japanese refuse to accept the British proposal for creation of a commission to investigate the dispute. 1939.06.13 — Major E. L. Law, en route from his post with the Hongkong Garrison to England via America, is taken into custody by the Japanese authorities in Tientsin for allegedly taking pictures in a prohibited zone from the deck of his ship while in the North China harbour. 1939.06.13 — The British Foreign Secretary informs the House of Lords that Great Britain will reject "military necessity" as an excuse for Japanese actions in China, especially in areas where military operations have ceased. The Foreign Secretary also said that the death of a British cotton mill employee in Shanghai following an encounter with the Japanese soldiers there had been protested to the Japanese Foreign Office. 1939.06.13 — The Townsend Harris High School in New York City presents a scroll of friendship to the Japanese consul there and an orchid as a "flower of friendship" to Miss Akiko Tsukimoto, Tokyo merchant's daughter who carried the "flame of friendship" from Japan to the New York World Fair. 1939.06.13 — The War Minister urges an immediate Imperial ordinance outlawing any further increases in commodity prices throughout the country, in order to halt a tendency toward rising costs of living, according to the Chugai Shogyo. The Army is held interested especially in curbing increased costs of munitions and war materials. 1939.06.13 — The 10th issue of China Incident Bonds is placed on sale at Tokyo department stores for the first time. 1939.06.14 — Funeral services are held for Dr. Albert Oltmans, emeritus member of the Japan Mission of the Reformed Church of America, who died June 13 at his home in Tokyo. Born in the Netherlands in 1854, Dr. Oltmans' family migrated to the United States when he was 18 years old, settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After receiving his degree from Hope College, at Holland, Michigan, Dr. Oltmans came to Japan in 1886, a pioneer in missionary work here. 1939.06.14 — Japanese authorities in Tientsin are reported to have rejected with finality the British proposal for an inquiry committee to determine the surrender or not of the Chinese assassination suspects held in the British Concession. Blockade of foreign areas is enforced from 6 o'clock in the morning, virtually halting all traffic between the concessions and the rest of Tientsin. 1939.06.14 — Premier Hiranuma confers with the Foreign, War and Navy Ministers on Tientsin but no decisions are revealed. It is believed, however, that the central Government authorities will support the action taken by the Japanese army authorities in Tientsin. 1939.06.14 — During an interview with foreign newspapermen in Tokyo the Foreign Office spokesman says that what Japan really wants is not merely the surrender of the Chinese suspects in Tientsin but "future guarantees, so to speak, on the part of the British Concession authorities." 1939.06.14 — The National General Mobilisation Inquiry Commission approves drafts of Imperial ordinances for the enlistment of technical and labour services and needed materials for State building projects under Article 4 and Paragraph 9 of Article 3 of the National General Mobilization Law. 1939.06.14 — Japanese diplomatic, army and navy authorities in Shanghai issue a joint statement urging Japanese residents there to remain calm regarding the foreign concession difficulties in China. Japanese are urged to do and say nothing that would prejudice a fair solution of the critical Tientsin problem. 1939.06.15 — The British Prime Minister informs the House of Commons that the British Ambassador in Tokyo has made full representations with the Japanese Government on the Tientsin affair, but that no other measures had been decided on yet. Referring to a statement attributed to Japanese authorities in Tientsin, to the effect that the blockade would continue until Great Britain revised its entire policy toward China, the Prime Minister saw far-reaching implications, possibly involving other Powers, if the statement represented the views of Tokyo officials. 1939.06.15 — A statement issued by Domei in Tokyo declares that the issue in Tientsin is no longer a simple local matter but must be settled fundamentally, with regard to the British and French concessions in Shanghai, Amoy and other parts of China. 1939.06.15 — Premier Hiranuma holds an urgent meeting with four key Ministers of the Cabinet on the Tientsin problem. 1939.06.15 — Reporting that the American chargé d'affaires in Tokyo had called on the director of the Foreign Office American bureau with regard to the Tientsin question, Domei states that the United States position is merely that of an observer as American lives and interests are not directly affected by the Tientsin blockade. 1939.06.15 — In Washington, the United States Secretary of State said that America was only bearing in mind the possibility of offering its good offices for a settlement of the issue and "nothing beyond that." 1939.06.15 — The Popolo d'Italia, in Rome, hints strongly in an article on the Tientsin question that Italy would support Japan in any action against Great Britain. 1939.06.15 — British soldiers in Tientsin set up guard post, with several machine-guns, just opposite a Japanese investigation station at one of the remaining entrances to the British Concession, remaining all afternoon with their guns levelled in the direction of the Japanese. Later Japanese army tanks came up to stand by and after a while the British withdrew from their challenging position. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VIII No. 7 (September 1939) --- (covers 1939.06.16 to 1939.07.11) 1939.06.16 — Key members of the Cabinet, Premier Hiranuma, War Minister Itagaki, Navy Minister Yonai, Foreign Minister Arita and Finance Minister Ishiwata, hold a special conference to decide on the Government's fundamental policy with regard to the British and French concession areas in Shanghai, Amoy and other parts of China, as well as in Tientsin. 1939.06.16 — Mr. Eugene Dooman, the United States chargé d'affaires, consults with the Foreign Office American bureau director on the Tientsin affair and on routine matters. The United States is reliably reported to be merely watchful of developments on Tientsin, feeling that it has no interests of its own at stake in the matter. Secretary of State Cordell Hull tells newspapermen in Washington that the United States is keeping informed on the Tientsin affair through London, Paris and Tokyo, and stands ready to offer its good offices at any time that may be welcomed for a possible settlement of the dispute. 1939.06.17 — Commerce and Industry Ministry officials concerned with national economic laws confer on curbing the rise in prices. 1939.06.17 — Great Britain is reported to be considering possible counter-measures against Japan in retaliation for Japanese action against British rights and interests in China. 1939.06.17 — An agreement is reached between the Shanghai Municipal Council, governing the International Settlement, and the Special Shanghai Municipality, paying allegiance to the new government at Nanking, by which the latter is to reopen its police box on the Great Western (Taxhi) Road outside the Settlement. 1939.06.18 — Blockade of British and French Concessions in Tientsin enters the fifth day with the situation reportedly turning to Japan's favour. Examination of all traffic entering and leaving the foreign areas settles down to routine and appears likely to continue indefinitely. 1939.06.18 — The United States Secretary of State reiterates that American lives and property have been duly respected in Tientsin and that the United States Government has no intention of entering the Anglo-Japanese dispute. 1939.06.19 — The Premier and the Commerce and Industry Minister reach an informal agreement on the proposed establishment of a Trade Commission to promote Japanese exports in harmony with the nation's wartime economy. The Premier is understood to have opposed the suggestion of a Trade Ministry to be included in the Cabinet. 1939.06.19 — Foreign Vice-Minister Renzo Sawada confers with the Soviet chargé d'affaires, Mr. Constantin Smetanin, on Japanese fishing rights in Soviet waters, with particular reference to specific cases involving alleged delays in issuing sailing permits for Japanese ships. 1939.06.20 — The Tokyo Communications Bureau announces that patriotic bonds which went on sale in the metropolis last week were completely sold out by the weekend. 1939.06.20 — A statement attributed by Reuter to National Government officials in Chungking declares that China's "minimum and only" condition for peace with Japan is the complete withdrawal of Japanese troops from Chinese soil. Third-Power mediation is held out of the question at this stage. 1939.06.20 — A meeting of Japanese and Chinese philologists with Education Ministry officials recommends a thorough study of the Japanese language with a view to standardizing it in order to spread its influence among other Oriental countries. 1939.06.20 — Secretary of State Hull tells newspapermen in Washington that the United States Government is concerned only damages to American property incurred during the hostilities in China and had nothing to do with the Tientsin situation. 1939.06.20 — The Chinese Ambassador to the United States says in an interview in New York that China wants its foreign concessions restored but insists on getting them for herself. 1939.06.21 — Japanese forces occupy Swatow, only retaining Chinese port of size still held by the Chinese. Measure is regarded as part of a strategic plan to protect the blockade of South China coast. 1939.06.21 — The U.S. State Department reveals that the American Chamber of Commerce in Tientsin has protested against inconveniences inflicted upon American business there by the Japanese blockade of the foreign areas. 1939.06.22 — Chinese banks in Shanghai suspend withdrawals for three days, reportedly to induce foreign exchange banks to sell more freely. A run on Hongkong banks is reported, following the fall of Swatow to the Japanese. Chinese legal tender continues to fall. 1939.06.22 — The Metropolitan Police Board in Tokyo announces that dysentery cases reported so far this year total 9,301, an increase of 1,327 over the same period of last year. Increases in similar infectious diseases is attributed to growing traffic between Japan and China ports, and police move to tighten examination regulations at points of entry. 1939.06.23 — Eighteen Japanese warplanes shot down 49 of 150 Outer Mongolian planes which crossed the western Manchoukuo border north of Lake Buir yesterday afternoon, according to an announcement by the Kwantung Army Headquarters in Hsinking. Four Japanese planes were lost in the engagement. 1939.06.23 — The Cabinet approves a suggestion by the Welfare Minister to invoke a section of the National General Mobilization Law to assist in alleviating the housing shortage for industrial workers. It is planned to force large manufacturers to provide adequate housing for their employees and to appeal to smaller manufacturers, not covered by law, to do the same. The Justice Minister informs the Cabinet of a marked decrease in crime since the China fighting began. 1939.06.23 — The British Prime Minister assures the House of Commons that the Government "doubtlessly" will make clear to the Japanese Ambassador in London "what we think of these intolerable insults," referring to alleged mistreatment of British subjects by Japanese sentries enforcing the blockade of the British Concession in Tientsin. 1939.06.23 — Reports reaching Shanghai from Chungking say that the National Government is planning more rigid currency control and a stricter wartime financial policy in an effort to bolster the weakening national currency. 1939.06.23 — The Official Gazette in Tokyo publishes a decree reducing the amount of money which may be taken out of Japan by an individual to ¥500. The new regulations become effective July 1. The exportable maximum at present is ¥1,000. 1939.06.23 — Tokyo city statisticians reveal a 37 per cent. rise in retail prices during the last two years, with clothing leading the list of daily needs at a 75.8 per cent increase. 1939.06.24 — Japanese fliers on the western Manchoukuo border are reported to have shot down 12 more out of 60 invading Outer Mongolian and Soviet warplanes. A report from Moscow says Soviet officials will not confirm Japanese reports of severe fighting along the western Manchoukuo border. 1939.06.24 — The Federation of Inner Mongolian Autonomous Governments decides to enforce strict control over the production, purchase, sale and transportation, as well as the export and import, of salt under a special law to become effective on July 1. 1939.06.24 — The Education Vice-Minister, Mr. Hidehiko Ishiguro, is reported to have decided to organize a national organization of middle school and college students which would absorb Boy Scout and other boys' and young men's associations. 1939.06.25 — The Japanese consul-general at Tientsin, Mr. Shigenori Tashiro, files a strong protest with the British authorities there over the alleged assault by British gendarmes on two Chinese policeman and a Korean interpreter to assist two Britons in escaping arrest. 1939.06.25 — Seven more invading warplanes are reported shot down along the western Manchoukuo border. 1939.06.25 — A report from Hsinking tells of the arrest of 237 members of the Chinese Communist Party and 30 Chinese Communist bandits in a round-up in Sankiang Province since March 23, 1938. Japanese gendarmes and soldiers assisted provincial police in the campaign. 1939.06.26 — The consul-general at Tientsin calls on the British consulate-general there against allegedly misleading reports and gross misrepresentations of various affairs in Tientsin by British news agencies and newspapers. The Japanese are held to be showing no discrimination against the nationals of any particular country. 1939.06.26 — The Kwantung Army announces in Hsinking that Japanese fliers have brought down a total of 151 Soviet-made warplanes of the Outer Mongolia forces during the last six weeks in the Nomonhan area of the western Manchoukuo border. It is also revealed that three Soviet SB-type bombers, escorted by 24 pursuit planes, flew over Amkalan, east of Lake Buir, and dropped several bombs. 1939.06.26 — The British Prime Minister expresses hope in the House of Commons that the discussions under way between the British Ambassador in Tokyo and the Japanese Foreign Minister may pave the way toward a settlement of the issues arising at Tientsin. 1939.06.26 — London observers are reported to be of the opinion that Great Britain is on the horns of a dilemma, with one horn in Europe and the other in the Far East. 1939.06.27 — Baron Gonsuké Hayashi, veteran statesman and former Ambassador to London, dies in Tokyo from an attack of erysipelas. He was 79 years old, having seen and assisted in Japan's transformation through the days of the Meiji Era. 1939.06.27 — Japanese fliers on the western Manchoukuo border are reported to have shot down 98 out of 290 invading planes from Outer Mongolia. A subsequent raid on the Outer Mongolia air base at Tamsk is reported to have destroyed 30 more hostile craft. Kwantung Army authorities explain that the raid on Tamsk was in retaliation for Outer Mongolian attacks on Manchoukuo towns—Antakalan, Harunaiakan and Kansuemato. 1939.06.27 — The Commonwealth of Australia signs a new trade agreement with Japan to replace the existing accord which is to expire at the end of this month. The Japanese Foreign Office issues a statement welcoming the signature of the agreement. 1939.06.28 — The Foreign Office announces that the Government has accepted the British proposal to conduct negotiations in Tokyo for the settlement of the dispute over the British Concession at Tientsin. 1939.06.28 — General Douglas MacArthur, American military adviser to the Philippines Commonwealth, declares in an interview that he sees no reason for dire predictions of the destruction of the Philippines after they have attained full independence from the United States, adding that the possible conquest of the islands by Japan would be too costly. General MacArthur affirms his belief that Japan could gain nothing from the Philippines by conquest that could not be gained more easily by normal commercial and friendly processes. 1939.06.29 — Japanese army authorities in Tientsin announce that the blockade of the foreign areas there will be increased on July 1, despite the impending negotiations in Tokyo. 1939.06.29 — The Ta Kung Pao, Chungking Government publication in Hongkong, predicts that the Anglo-Japanese negotiations in Tokyo will drag on to unsatisfactory conclusion. 1939.06.29 — Scheduled Japanese blockade of Foochow, Fukien Province port, is postponed for several days at the request of British warships which say they must re-enter the harbour to evacuate British nationals. 1939.06.29 — The Times of India, Bombay English-language newspaper, urges abrogation of the Indo-Japan commercial treaty to strengthen India's position at the projected negotiations for a new treaty. 1939.06.29 — Regular telephone service is instituted between Japan and North China, with Communications Minister Tanabé and Mr. Wang Ko-min, Chairman of the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic in Peking, exchanging greetings between the two capitals. 1939.06.29 — The British gunboat Gnatckofger lands 36 marines at Foochow "to protect the lives and property of British nationals there." 1939.06.29 — Wireless telephone service is opened between Tokyo and Kalgan, Inner Mongolia. 1939.06.29 — Arbitration courts, designed to settle personal and family disputes without the technical delays and difficulties of regular court procedure, are set up in Tokyo in accordance with a measure passed during the last session of the Imperial Diet. A fee of 50 sen in revenue stamps is charged for each case. 1939.07.02 — Conferees gather in Tokyo for the coming Anglo-Japanese negotiations. Major-General C.A. Herbert, of the British consulate in Tientsin, goes to Hayama to confer with Ambassador Craigie. Mr. Sotomatsu Kato, newly appointed Minister-at-Large in China, and Mr. Hitoshi Tanaka, consul in Tientsin, arrive in Tokyo and begin preliminary discussions with the Foreign Office. 1939.07.02 — Fresh border activity is reported from western Manchoukuo. Invading Outer Mongolia and Soviet forces are said to be extended along a 125-mile front from Kalhanniao to Nomonhan and Chiangchamniao. 1939.07.03 — Kwantung Army Headquarters in Hsinking announce that Japanese and Manchoukuo forces have launched a strong drive along the western Manchoukuo frontier to expel the invading Outer Mongolia and Soviet forces there. 1939.07.03 — The Tokyo Nichi Nichi and the Osaka Mainichi announce their sponsorship of a projected round-the-world airplane flight longer than any attempted heretofore. The flight is to be made in a Japan-built plane, not only to seek new records but also to display to the world that Japan's spiritual strength has been undaunted by the China affair, says the announcement. Arrangements are under way for visits to about 33 different nations, starting sometime next month. 1939.07.03 — Forty Takarazuka Girls Opera performers return from an extended tour of the United States, reporting that, although American newspaper critics and artists praised their performances highly, attendance was poor in the Far East. 1939.07.03 — It is learned that Ambassador Shigenori Togo has made strong representations to Soviet authorities in Moscow against "pressure" on Japanese oil and mining concerns in North Saghalien. The Japanese Foreign Office is said to be pressing for solution of difficulties arising out of group labour contracts stipulated by the Soviet Government. 1939.07.03 — Baron Shu Tomii, Minister to Canada, returns for a two-months vacation in Japan, declaring in an interview that Canadians in general desire not to meddle in Far Eastern affairs. 1939.07.03 — The Cabinet adopts the Finance Minister's policy proposals for compiling the 1940-41 budget along still more rigidly economical lines than the present budget. 1939.07.03 — Commerce and Industry Ministry figures reveal that June retail prices were 31.5 per cent. higher than in June, 1937, before the outbreak of the China affair, although the average index was .7 per cent. lower than in the previous month. 1939.07.03 — The Canada Westerns, champion Canadian basketball team, arrives in Japan for a series of matches with the best Japanese teams. 1939.07.03 — Ambassador Craigie, in an interview with foreign newspaper correspondents in Tokyo, expresses a desire for a "quiet conference," which he says shall be limited to the issues arising at Tientsin. 1939.07.03 — The Kwantung Army announces that Japanese fliers have shot down 68 more Outer Mongolian and Soviet warplanes along the western Manchoukuo border, bringing the total enemy plane losses since the Nomonhan incident started May 20 to 363. 1939.07.03 — An Imperial Ordinance is promulgated for the establishment of an advisory agency to the Cabinet's China Affairs Board. The Premier is to be chairman of the Commission. 1939.07.06 — A joint meeting of members of the Tokyo Municipal Assembly and the Tokyo Prefecture Assembly adopts a resolution which is later transmitted to the British Embassy demanding that Great Britain abandon its alleged pro-Chiang Kai-shek attitude. 1939.07.06 — Premier Hiranuma, in a statement reviewing the two years of the China affair, reaffirms the nation's objectives and continued determination to see them through. The aim of the Tokyo conference with Great Britain is, on the whole, to settle the Tientsin dispute, he says, but Great Britain's frame of mind is expected to be an important factor for this end. 1939.07.06 — The army and the navy issue statements reviewing the progress of two years of fighting in China. The army statement reveals that its air forces have shot down a total of 868 enemy planes, including 393 involved in the western Manchoukuo border fighting. The naval air forces are said to have shot down or destroyed a total of 526 Chinese planes. 1939.07.07 — The Emperor, the Empress and the Empress Dowager observe one minute of silent prayer for the souls of those killed in the China affair and for the continued success of the Japanese forces in China. The entire nation observes the second anniversary of the outbreak of the affair with parades, demonstrations and solemn rites. 1939.07.07 — Mr. Antonio Bautista, president of the Philippines Congress for Democracy and Collective Security, is ordered arrested in Manila on charges of seeking "to give motives for reprisals" in an anti-Japanese speech delivered on July 4. The action is said to have been the first of its kind ever taken in the Philippines Commonwealth. 1939.07.08 — Soviet and Outer Mongolia invaders of western Manchoukuo are said to have been driven to within one kilometre of the Halha River, after the Japanese-Manchoukuo forces capture Balabagal Height. 1939.07.10 — Foreign Office official denies published report that Tokyo offices of Nanking and Peking régimes had been permitted to take over the buildings of the defunct Chinese Embassy in Tokyo. 1939.07.10 — Reports from the western Manchoukuo border reveal that Japanese fliers have shot down at least 39 invading Soviet airplanes from Outer Mongolia, with the loss of only one Japanese plane. Same reports said 29 other invading planes had been downed the night before, again at a cost of one Japanese plane. On the ground, hundreds of Soviet and Outer Mongolian troops have been killed or captured, while quantities of army equipment, including war tanks and cannon, have been destroyed or taken by the Japan-Manchoukuo forces. Invading troops being pushed steadily back across their own boundary. 1939.07.10 — Mr. Wang Ching-wei, former Kuomintang vice-president, publishes a lengthy editorial in the first edition of the revived Chung Hua Jih Pao, Shanghai Chinese newspaper, reiterating his arguments in favour of opening peace negotiations with Japan, blaming the Chinese Communist Party for the troubles of China and publicly renouncing all relations with the National Government. His editorial cites Dr. Sun Yat-sen's dictum that the success of the China revolution depends on the understanding of Japan and urges that China should convince Japan of its non-menacing intentions. Japan, he says, cannot be considered superior from East Asia, as it has progressed far ahead of other Oriental nations. 1939.07.10 — Information from Peking says that Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher R. Spear, British military attaché arrested by the Japanese gendarmerie of Kalgan last month, was arraigned on July 5 before a Japanese court martial on espionage charges. 1939.07.10 — Elections to the House of Peers, held every seven years on July 10, are conducted at the Peers Club, retaining most of the encumbents in office. Princes and marquises are life members. Eighteen counts, 66 viscounts and as many barons are elected anew or re-elected. Count Yorinaga Matsudaira is retained as President of the House of Peers. 1939.07.10 — Leading industrialists, financiers and Government officials hold an organizational meeting for an East Asia Economic Council covering Japan, Manchoukuo and China, which will work for economic unity in the so-called yen bloc. With headquarters in Tokyo and Vice-Admiral Takuo Godo, President of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as acting-president, the new organization schedules its first regular meeting for September. 1939.07.11 — It is learned by way of Hongkong that Mr. Ivan Louganetz-Orelsky, the Soviet Ambassador to China who was called home to report a few weeks ago, has been killed in an automobile crash with his wife and chauffeur near a summer resort in southern Russia. Mr. Louganetz-Orelsky served as Ambassador in China, from January, 1938, until March, 1939, when he returned to Moscow. 1939.07.11 — Preliminary negotiations looking toward the establishment of a new central government for China are held among leaders of the new Nanking and Peking régimes in Tsingtao for the fifth convention of the joint commission of the two Governments. Both endorse the peace arguments outlined by Mr. Wang Ching-wei, former Kuomintang vice-president, who meanwhile continues agitating for peace in China and co-operation with Japan through an appeal to Chinese abroad to abandon the Chiang Kai-shek Government. 1939.07.11 — Japanese forces on the Western Manchoukuo border capture a flame-projector which is said to have been used by the Soviet and Outer Mongolian forces which have just been driven back across the Manchoukuo border. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. VIII No. 11 (January 1940) --- (covers 1939.10.05 to 1939.11.07) 1939.10.05 — The Navy Ministry announces that Commander Jin Ikeda has been appointed personnel affairs director at Sapporo, succeeding Captain Teisaburo Fukuda, who has been stationed in China. Captain Giichi Azuma has been assigned to the Kuré naval station and Captain Tadasuké Hamanaka has been made personnel affairs director at Osaka. 1939.10.06 — The Cabinet votes the Foreign Minister a free hand to attempt to settle the Foreign Office personnel situation arising from the approval of the projected Trade Ministry in his own manner, despite some talk of possible disciplinary action. 1939.10.06 — The Agriculture and Forestry Minister suggests to the Cabinet that compulsory restrictions on the consumption of food and commodities should be enforced. In an interview the Agriculture Minister warns that unless effective checks are devised, commodity prices will continue to soar and that increased State control is inevitable under the influence of the war in Europe. 1939.10.07 — The Japanese Army headquarters in South China announces that Japanese forces have occupied Chungshan, between Canton and Macao, birthplace of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The announcement explains that the capture was made without difficulty and had been hitherto delayed deliberately because of the spiritual and historical significance of the place. However, it is said, continued anti-Japanese agitation and resistance had forced military action against Chungshan. 1939.10.09 — It is decided to abandon attempts to rehabilitate the volcanic Torishima island, according to the Yomiuri, as volcanic rumblings and earthquakes continue to disturb the area following a severe eruption in August. Residents will be urged to move to Hachijo Island. 1939.10.09 — The Government is reported to have advised sake brewers to cut production for the coming year by one-fourth as a measure to economize on the consumption of rice. 1939.10.10 — The United States Ambassador, Mr. Joseph Clark Grew, returns to Tokyo from a lengthy furlough in America. His principle work, he says, will be to seek improvement in Japanese-American commercial relations. 1939.10.10 — Also passing through Japan, on his way to Manila, is the Philippines Vice-President, Mr. Sergio Osmena, who has been in Washington seeking modification of the terms of the Philippines Independence Act. 1939.10.11 — One hundred and thirteen members of the Foreign Office staff submit their respective resignations, following the failure of a compromise move by the Foreign Minister in attempting to withstand personnel opposition to the Trade Ministry project approved by the Cabinet. Those resigning include several bureau directors and the chief of the information section. 1939.10.11 — Mr. Francis B. Sayre, the new United States High Commissioner to the Philippine Islands, visits in Tokyo for luncheon with the Ambassador. Mr. Sayre says he hopes to promote better commercial relations between Japan and the Philippines. 1939.10.12 — The Foreign Vice-Minister submits his resignation to the Foreign Minister, reportedly in an attempt to halt the mass resignations from among the Foreign Office personnel in protest against the Trade Ministry project. He also transmits to the Foreign Minister the sheaf of resignations given him last night by staff members. Foreign service men abroad begin telegraphing encouragement to those opposing the Cabinet-approved Trade Ministry plan. Former veterans of the Foreign Office confer on measures to settle the issue. At a conference called by Premier Abé, it reportedly is decided that all resignations shall be returned to the senders, including those of consular officials abroad, and the men will be requested to continue their duties, in return for which no one will be asked to account for his actions. 1939.10.13 — Foreign Minister Nomura informs the Premier tonight that all permanent members of the Foreign Office staff have agreed to remain in their posts, accepting the Cabinet decision to have the Premier evolve a satisfactory method of appointing commercial attachés abroad, in consultation with the Foreign Minister, the question over which more than a hundred had submitted resignations. The affair thus is considered finally settled. 1939.10.13 — Mr. Toshio Shiratori, former Ambassador to Italy, arrives in Japan from his post in Rome. Mr. Shiratori, known as an advocate of a Japan-Germany-Italy military alliance, defends Germany's rapprochement with the Soviet Union, saying Germany signed an agreement with Moscow "because an agreement was not reached with Japan." 1939.10.14 — Domei announces that Lieutenant-General Otozo Yamada, former Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese forces in Central China, has been appointed Inspector-General of Military Education, one of the three most important army posts. He also has been named to the Supreme War Council. Lieutenant-General Kyotchika Anami, who also recently returned from China, has been made War Vice-Minister, succeeding Lieutenant-General Masataka Yamawaki, who has been assigned to the Army General Staff. 1939.10.15 — Count Tadamasa Sakai, president of the Imperial Agricultural Association, is invested formally as Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, relieving Commerce and Industry Minister Takuo Godo of his concurrent duties. Count Sakai promises immediate measures to alleviate the fertilizer shortage and to increase farm production throughout the country. 1939.10.16 — United States Marines and Japanese naval landing forces, which have been stationed on Kulangsu Island off Amoy for the last five months as a result of the tense situation centring around the International Settlement there, are to be withdrawn immediately, it is announced, following last night's agreement among the international authorities concerned for the future security of peace and order on the island. The agreement is said to differ only slightly from the original Japanese proposals made some months ago. British and French forces which had followed the Americans to the island last May, were withdrawn upon the outbreak of the war in Europe. 1939.10.16 — The Foreign Office has announced the appointment of Mr. Taneki Horiuchi as director of the East Asia Bureau; Mr. Tatsuo Kawai, hitherto chief of the information section, as Minister Plenipotentiary to travel in Europe and America; Mr. Yakichiro Suma, until recently counsellor at the Japanese Embassy in Washington, as Mr. Kawai's successor; and Mr. Teruo Hachiya as Japan's first Minister to Bulgaria. Foreign Vice-Minister Tani is being urged to rescind his resignation submitted at the height of the recent controversy over the projected Trade Ministry. 1939.10.16 — The Vassihami Maru reaches Yokohama via Panama with 184 Japanese from war-torn Europe. 1939.10.16 — Imperial ordinances invoking sections of Articles 6, 11 and 19 of the National General Mobilization Law are promulgated in the Official Gazette for enforcement, starting tomorrow, of strict control of wages, prices, rentals, fees and other charges at levels prevailing on September 18. 1939.10.16 — It is learned in Tokyo that 38 persons were killed and 900 houses were destroyed during a typhoon which swept over a part of Shikoku Island during Monday afternoon and Tuesday Morning. 1939.10.19 — The United States Ambassador, Mr. Joseph C. Grew, in his first public utterance since his return from a furlough in America, tells an America-Japan Society luncheon meeting at his honour that American public opinion of Japan is strongly unfavourable and that, unless early action is taken to improve it, highly undesirable consequences may arise. Vigorously urging an improvement in relations between Japan and the United States, the Ambassador claims that Americans "understand the projected 'new order in East Asia' fully as well as the Japanese" and believe that there is every indication of potential harm to America therein. He says American public opinion has been shocked by Japanese bombings in China and injury and death to American citizens and interests. "It is my belief," he says, "that many of the things which have been done to the United States in China were wholly needless." The Ambassador emphasizes throughout his speech that his many years in Japan have given him a real affection for the country and its people and that his only desire is to establish better terms between his country and Japan. 1939.10.20 — The Nichi Nichi newspaper's twin-motored monoplane arrives at Haneda airport amid a tremendous ovation after completing a flight around the world which began from the same place on August 24. 1939.10.20 — The American Ambassador's speech on American sentiment toward Japan creates considerable stir in Japanese newspapers, private and official quarters. The general trend of comment appears to strike a note of resentment and it is freely charged that both the Ambassador and the United States still fail to appreciate the sincerity of Japan's intentions in its China campaign. 1939.10.21 — The Asahi reports that the Japan-Manchoukuo-China Economic Council, which has been meeting in Tokyo for several days, has decided in favour of establishing a unified economic bloc of nations in East Asia. 1939.10.21 — The Navy Ministry announces the appointment of Vice-Admiral Mineichi Koga, Vice-Chief of the Naval General Staff, as Commander of the Second Fleet. Vice-Admiral Nobutaké Kondo, who recently returned from service in China, is to succeed Vice-Admiral Koga, while Vice-Admiral Soyersuké Toyoda, heretofore Commander of the Second Fleet, is to be director of the Naval Materials and Technical Affairs Department. 1939.10.22 — The Foreign Office spokesman, questioned by foreign correspondents on the American Ambassador's speech last week, denies that the United States is well informed on conditions in the Far East. He says the Ambassador failed to take into account the past emotionalism and sentiment play in forming public opinion in America. 1939.10.22 — It is widely reported meanwhile that the Foreign Minister may soon initiate discussions with the American Ambassador looking toward improving relations between the two countries. 1939.10.24 — The Cabinet decides formally to link the external value of the yen with the United States dollar instead of the English pound sterling, pegging the foreign exchange rate officially at $23 7/16 (twenty-three and seven-sixteenth dollars per one hundred yen). The change is said to be intended to facilitate the operation of Japanese exchange funds abroad, in view of the pound sterling's uncertainty under the influence of the war. Manchoukuo follows suit. 1939.10.24 — The Nippon Yusen Kaisha announces that three luxury liners now under construction for European service will be placed on trans-Pacific service instead, owing to the war in Europe. 1939.10.26 — Preliminary negotiations to arrange for delimitation of boundaries by Japan and the Soviet Union are reported under way in Moscow, with the prospect bright for formal discussions to be taken up soon. 1939.10.26 — Mr. Toyotaro Isomura, of the Japan Economic Federation, dies in Tokyo from heart disease. He was 71 years old. 1939.10.27 — The British Ambassador calls on the Foreign Vice-Minister and reportedly declares his readiness to resume discussion of pending issues between Great Britain and Japan over the Tientsin affair. 1939.10.28 — The Foreign Minister is reported to have discussed with the Premier matters he intends to take up with the American Ambassador during the meeting anticipated soon. 1939.10.29 — Prince Chichibu, brother of the Emperor, formally opens a nation-wide sports meet at Meiji Shrine Stadium in Tokyo, in which more than 12,000 athletes from all parts of the Empire will participate during the coming week. 1939.10.30 — Despite a denial by the Foreign Office spokesman that the Government is preparing to open discussions with the United States Ambassador on points of difference between the two nations, leading Japanese newspapers insist that a meeting today among the Foreign Minister, the Vice-Minister and the Minister-at-Large to China centred chiefly on the course the Foreign Minister should follow in the anticipated talks with the American Ambassador. One of the main Japanese wishes in this respect, it is said, is to have the United States accord formal recognition of the extent of the hostilities in China and the consequent abnormal conditions prevailing there. 1939.10.31 — The War Minister reports in detail to the regular Cabinet meeting on the progress toward establishment of a new central government in China. The Cabinet Advisory Council also hears a report on the same subject and after consultation with the China Affairs Board, a concrete policy vis à vis the projected new régime in China is expected to be adopted by the Cabinet. 1939.10.31 — The Foreign Minister continues discussions with his advisers on possible approaches toward adjusting Japan's relations with Great Britain and America, while expectations are that he will open conversations soon with the British and American Ambassadors in Tokyo. The Nichi Nichi reports that the Minister-at-large in China, Mr. Sotomatsu Kato, will hold coincident talks with the British and American officials in China. The newspaper also predicts that both conversations will be held in scope, taking into consideration the views of the Army, the Navy and the China Affairs Board on the rights and interests of third Powers in China. 1939.10.31 — The Nippon Yusen Kaisha launches a new 16,500-ton luxury liner, the Yawata Maru, for European service. The new vessel is a sister ship of the Nitta Maru, launched last May and now being fitted for service. 1939.11.01 — The Navy Ministry announces that the port of Maizuru, in Kyoto Prefecture, on the Japan Sea, is to be recommissioned as a naval station. First established as a naval station in 1905, the site was made an ordinary seaport in March, 1923. 1939.11.01 — The 75th anniversary of the founding of the present judiciary system in Japan is observed with appropriate ceremony in courts throughout the nation. Highlight of the observance is a visit by the Emperor to the Tokyo Supreme Court, where His Majesty is greeted by the Justice Minister and the Chief Justice. 1939.11.01 — It is reported that the Soviet Foreign Commissar and Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars, Mr. Viacheslav M. Molotov, in an address to the extraordinary session of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., hinted openly at the possibility of improved relations with Japan. Referring to the liquidation of the border conflict between Manchoukuo and Outer Mongolia, Mr. Molotov went on to say that "the possibility has been established for the commencement of Soviet-Japanese trade negotiations which would be greatly to the interests of both countries." The Kokumin, only influential Tokyo newspaper to offer comment, strongly urges the Government to take advantage of the implied Soviet offer for trade negotiations, in view of the present strained relations with the United States. The Nichi Nichi, however, considered Mr. Molotov's failure to mention the rumoured German-Soviet military agreement as the most significant feature of the talk. 1939.11.01 — Lieutenant-General Hiroshi Oshima, outgoing Ambassador to Germany, sails from Naples with Mrs. Oshima on his way back to Japan via the United States. 1939.11.02 — The newly formed Institute of the Pacific, consisting of many high Government leaders, issues a prepared statement to foreign newspapermen in Tokyo in reply to the October 19 speech by the American Ambassador, who warned at that time that the United States Government and people are highly incensed over Japan's actions in China which they hold have been in disregard of existing treaties. The Institute statement declares that Japan's China campaign is an expression of the just and legitimate right to expand its power, "by fairly sharing the fruits and opportunities offered by Mother Earth." The United States Ambassador's speech, the Institute says, was guilty of the "glaring omission of the word 'justice.'" 1939.11.03 — The new Soviet Ambassador, stopping at Seoul (Keijo), Korea, en route to Japan, emphasizes to newspapermen that the Soviet authorities attack all problems, in the Far East and elsewhere, with "the ultimate object of maintaining peace." He blames the Nomonhan fighting on the uncertainty of the border in that area and expresses hope that, with the conclusion of a truce, Soviet-Japanese relations may soon be restored to normal. 1939.11.03 — The Asahi reports that the Agriculture Vice-Minister has announced that the Korean rice crop this year is 42 per cent. below that of last year, thereby precluding normal shipments of rice to Japan proper. 1939.11.03 — The Times of India, influential Bombay newspaper, in an editorial today declares that no time could be better than the present for improving Japan-India trade relations, especially in view of the European War which restricts Japanese import and export markets in that direction and yet has no effect on the sea lanes between Japan and India. 1939.11.04 — The Foreign Minister holds a "surprise" conference with the American Ambassador. According to a Foreign Office announcement, the meeting was simply the result of a mutual desire of the two statesmen to get together and talk things over. "The meeting was in no respect of a formal character," the announcement said. Newspaper reports of the meeting can add little to the official account of what actually took place at the meeting, beyond a common exchange of views on pending issues between the United States and Japan. It is said that, pending a fundamentally new understanding between the two countries, both agreed that efforts must be made for the settlement of approximately 600 incidents arising out of Japan's operations in China and alleged affecting American nationals there, consequently calling for official attention. The Nichi Nichi understands that most of these incidents have to do with alleged Japanese damage to schools and churches operated or maintained by Americans in China. 1939.11.04 — The United States Department of State issues a denial of reports that the American Ambassador in Tokyo suggested to the Foreign Minister that America may apply economic pressure to Japan if the latter continued its present policy in China. The Ambassador's talk is held to have been wholly objective, suggesting neither in tone nor substance any threats of economic pressure. 1939.11.05 — Two Japanese naval air squadrons raid three Szechwan Province cities in China and destroy 30 Chinese warplanes. 1939.11.05 — The Navy Minister officiates at ceremonies held at Haneda Airport, Tokyo, christening 50 Japanese planes purchased with civilian funds and contributed to the fighting service. 1939.11.06 — United States Senator Key Pittman declares in Washington that Congress certainly will approve his own resolution to authorize the President to impose an embargo on trade with Japan, unless Japanese-American relations improve meanwhile. 1939.11.06 — The Soviet Ambassador Mr. Constantin Smetanin, arrives in Tokyo to take up his new duties. Mr. Smetanin formerly was chargé d'affaires in Tokyo. 1939.11.06 — The Cabinet holds an emergency session and approves a ¥5 increase in the official maximum price for one koku of unhulled rice, bringing the charge from ¥38 to ¥43 per koku. The measure is said to have been designed to encourage selling to alleviate the threatened shortage resulting from a reduced crop. A Cabinet statement promises that the new maximum price for unhulled rice shall remain unchanged throughout the current rice year (starting from November 1). The new price becomes effective at once. 1939.11.06 — Japanese naval air units continue bombing Szechwan Province points, reportedly inflicting serious damage on a number of Chinese airfields. 1939.11.06 — Mr. Renzo Sawada, former Foreign Vice-Minister, leaves Tokyo en route to Paris to assume his new post as Ambassador to France. 1939.11.06 — In reply to Senator Pittman, Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg issues a statement warning that any United States embargo action against Japan might "too easily lead to war." He urges that instead of threats the Government should continue, through the judgement of its Ambassador in Tokyo, to make commonsense efforts in a spirit of "give and take" for the conclusion of a new treaty with Japan. 1939.11.07 — The Social Mass Party presents a petition to the Government urging the establishment of a State monopoly on rice and general invocation of the provisions of the National General Mobilization Law. 1939.11.07 — Mr. Kanichi Ohtaké, 80, second oldest member of the House of Representatives in point of service, is reported to have resigned in protest against the "idleness" of Japanese leaders in the face of the current situation confronting the nation. Mr. Ohtaké has been returned to the Diet 16 times, being second only in that respect to Mr. Yukio Ozaki. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. IX No. 7 (October 1940) --- (covers 1940.08.16 to 1940.09.15) 1940.08.16 — Up to the end of March this year, 1,051 foreigners donated cash to the war funds through the War Ministry amounting to ¥23,689.16. The list is headed with ¥300 by Stephen Schwarts of No. 9021 South Wales St., Chicago, followed by ¥1,716.18 presented by Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Graves (British) who came to Japan as tourists. 1940.08.16 — Japanese delegates to the Joint Defence Committee of Shanghai in a communiqué declare their opposition to the plan of exercising guard duty over the area hitherto assigned to the British, jointly by Japan and the U. S. The communiqué adds that the Japanese delegation reserves the right to introduce its own plan to a future committee meeting. 1940.08.16 — The Commerce and Industry Ministry decides to enforce a third reduction of paper supply to magazine publishers about 10 per cent. of the amount of present consumption, on and after September 1. All magazines will become much thinner; some may be forced to quit publishing. A drastic readjustment will be made, at the same time, on magazines of doubtful standing. The first paper supply cut was made by 20 per cent. (Sept. 1, 1938); second, 25 per cent. (1939). 1940.08.16 — All boys (17, 18, 19 years of age) throughout the country will be subjected to a uniform physical test in October this year, under the auspices of the Welfare Ministry, at an estimated cost of ¥2,500,000. Next year the test will be further extended to boys of 14, 15, 16 years and infants (males and females) less than 2 years old (altogether 7,000,000). National attention to the physical welfare of young boys is welcomed by all quarters in view of the fact that many of them at industrial plants are in urgent need of this forced physical inspection. 1940.08.17 — The 12th plenary session of the Sino-Japanese Relations Adjustment Conference, lasting two hours, reports everything going smoothly and only technical touch-ups remaining. The major object of the parley is considered as practically settled. Next session is scheduled for August 21. 1940.08.17 — An urgent general meeting of the Osaka Rotary Club at the Hotel New Osaka resolves to disband the organization, irrespective of the attitude of the Tokyo Rotary Club. 1940.08.18 — The Foreign Office announces that the Japanese Government has given an agrément to the choice of Sir John Latham as the first Minister to Japan from Australia. The step is taken reportedly in view of closer economic relations between the two countries. Sir John came to Japan in 1934 as the head of the Australian good-will mission. 1940.08.19 — The Representative of the Hitler Jugend in Japan decides with Education Ministry officials to exchange leaders among young people. Each side will dispatch six members, leave their respective countries towards the end of September and stay for two months. The Japanese youths will be accorded the special privilege of visiting the occupied territories under German control and the German party will be taken to points of historical importance and places of industrial and cultural interests in Korea, Manchoukuo and North China. The first exchange was made in 1938, but plans for a second exchange were interrupted last year on account of war in Europe. 1940.08.19 — The answer filed by a subcommittee of the Science Promotion Commission with the Education Ministry on the questions (1) how to develop scientific researches and studies, (2) how to increase the number of graduates from universities and colleges, is formally referred to a general meeting of the commission at the conference hall at the Ministry. 1940.08.20 — The Foreign Affairs Committee (Dr. Ichiro Kiyosé, chairman) of the Japan Lawyers' Association, at its meeting (Aug. 17) discussed problem of guard duty over the area in the International Settlement in Shanghai hitherto assigned to Britain, after the British withdrawal, from the viewpoint of international law: decided the job should, as a matter of course, be transferred to Japan. A resolution is passed, upholding this principle, urging the immediate occupation of the whole area by the Imperial Army for the maintenance of peace and order. Copies are presented to the Premier, War, Navy, Foreign Ministers, according to the vernacular reports today. America is reportedly contesting the ground against Japan. 1940.08.20 — Strong opposition from the old parliamentary circles provoked by the report that the new political structure as conceived by Prince Fumimaro Konoye will place the parliamentary branch of government on same basis as industrial, cultural, economic, young men's, women's departments, features front pages today. The New Structure Promotion Society (Doshikai), formed by erstwhile party Diet members, with headquarters in the Diet building, announces a draft plan of its own diametrically opposed to the Konoye plan in that: (1) it seeks to assuume the responsibility for political leadership by co-ordinating and co-operating with the government: (2) that it demands national policies to be decided through the Diet approval. The Konoye plan will prove a prop to the bureaucratic politics and isolation of the masses from the government, declares Doshikai. 1940.08.20 — British Prime Minister Winston Churchill announces in the House of Commons that Britain is ready to lease, without compensation, its insular possessions in the Atlantic to the United States for 99 years; that the lease idea is also applicable to the British islands in the Pacific. A Rome dispatch says that Britain plans to call home all sea forces from India, Australia, New Zealand and, in order to make up for weakened Pacific defence, to transfer Phoenix Islands (south of Hawaii), Gilbert and Solomon Islands (south of Japan's mandated islands), Bismarck Islands (former German possession), now under Australian mandatory) to the U. S.; to place naval stations and airfields in Australia and New Zealand at American disposal. Britain will thus leave the security of the western Pacific to U.S. protection, and in return may request America to dispatch volunteer corps with 1,000 warplanes. 1940.08.20 — The Japan-Manchoukuo Rotary Club Committee, as a result of its meeting at the Tokyo Kaikan (Aug. 14), distributes its resolution among members to decide the question at a general meeting. The resolution declares the Rotarian principle to be placed on a national, instead of a world, basis; to discard the foreign name and substitute it with a Japanese label; to adhere to the policy of friendship and service as hitherto observed. In case the International Rotary refuses to accept this reorganization, the Japan-Manchoukuo Rotary Clubs will withdraw from the International, it is said. 1940.08.21 — The Welfare Ministry announces a plan for temporary release of 100,000 factory hands (having come from rural districts) to return home and help harvesting for 10 days. Others not from farming districts are also to be mobilised as collective service corps to help during the busy farming season, to the extent of 500,000 people. Farms of war wounded, war killed or those now at the front will be given preference. 1940.08.21 — A plan for organizing a supplementary body to the central department of the new structure is reported as likely to be realized. This body will be representative of all classes of people, reflecting general sentiment from lower to upper strata, whereas the central department will approach the people from upper to lower. It is provisionally called Kokumin Kyogikai. 1940.08.21 — All theatres, movie shows, other public amusement quarters are to open at noon and close at 10 p.m., except Sundays, holidays, other specified days. The new rule is to become effective on and after September 1, papers report. 1940.08.21 — Publishers of books, magazines, text books gather to appoint a committee to organize a publishers' cultural association in which all publishing interests will be amalgamated. The step is taken to unify the publication, distribution of publications, supply of paper and to rationalize cultural activities of publishing business. 1940.08.21 — "In view of the report that Japan is gravely concerned over the rumour that Britain has leased two isles in Phoenix Islands in South Pacific to the United States," the British Government formally denies the report. A Washington dispatch also officially denies the report as unfounded. 1940.08.21 — The Commerce and Industry Ministry announces it will be ready to legalise and operate the ticket system for distribution of matches and sugar in six leading cities early in September. The system will be gradually extended to other cities; then towns throughout the country. 1940.08.22 — The organizing committee to amalgamate all public bodies devoted to political, economic, cultural interests in South Seas region, is held at the Tokyo Kaikan. Yosuké Matsuoka, Foreign Minister, addresses the gathering, emphasizing the great importance of Japan's economic advance in the South and consequent difficulties that Japan should expect to encounter in pursuit of its policy, since third Powers have equal concern over the region, although from different motives from that of Japan. 1940.08.22 — A plan is reported afoot to hold a Shintoism art exhibition (Oct. 24—Nov. 8) at the Ohkura Art Museum, Akasaka-ku, Tokyo, in which all principal art treasures in prominent shrines throughout the country will be brought together for the first time. The primary object is to commemorate the 2600th anniversary of the founding of the Empire, to inspire the people with a grand display of objects that have been the source of national inspiration for centuries past. 1940.08.22 — The Foreign Office announces a wholesale recall of diplomatic officials, 40 in all. They are: Ambassadors K. Horinouchi (U. S.), Toshihiko Takétomi (Brazil), Renzo Sawada (France), Massaki Hotta (attached to envoy extraordinary Nobuyuki Abé in China); Ministers to Mexico, Spain, Canada, Iran, the S. A. Union, Afghanistan, Peru, Hungary, Argentina, Finland, Rumania, Chili; Colombia, Venezuela, Latvia, Egypt, Panama, Bulgaria, Iraq; embassy counsellors at Peking, London, Moscow, Hsinking, Buenos Aires; Consuls-General at New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Calcutta, Manila, Prague, Wellington, Vladivostok, Hamburg, Honolulu, London. 1940.08.22 — Doshikai issues a new statement negating the impression it says it seems to have created, that they were insisting on guiding the old parliamentary force into the new structure. It emphatically declares Doshikai has not motives other than to help the new structure realize its desired goal. 1940.08.22 — Members of the new structure preparatory committee are announced. Together with the Cabinet members who are to participate in the committee work, they embrace representatives from all quarters of political, economic, industrial, financial, business, cultural fields. 1940.08.25 — The papers announce a brief outline of what they believe to be the final draft form of the new political structure now under consideration by Prince Fumimaro Konoye, who will formally refer it to the preparatory committee soon to hold its first meeting. Emphasis is given to the radical difference of the new structure from totalitarianism of Nazi or Fascist dictatorships; to its sole object of realizing the spirit of all for one, one for all, in the service to the Ruler and to the State, entirely patterned according to Japan's own ideas and ideals. It will not run counter to the Constitution, in letter or in spirit; it will by a means to translate the aims of the Constitution into deeds. The Government, the Diet and military forces will stand outside of it, although co-operating with it in all manner possible. Officials, Diet members or military officers who may join the movement will do so as individuals. The new structure and the Government make one whole, but the Government does not stand above it; what the new structure may recommend to the government will be subject to discretional adoption by it. 1940.08.25 — Operation of national land planning and unified control of all agricultural organizations are reported to form the two fundamental questions being studied by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry. Land planning (the part concerning rural districts) will be divided into: (1) Ordinary farm villages (to constitute the backbone of rural activities, national mass power. The tenancy system and many allied problems will be given extensive re-examination); (2) Industry-farm villages (to be prepared to develop into an industrial section when necessitated by the development of war industries). Means for adjusting the balance between farming and industrial labour, the zoning of industrial sections, and other kindred issues; (3) Suburban villages (mainly devoted to truck farming for supplying fresh vegetables and other farm products to urban centres); (4) Special areas (to mark on uncultivated lands for pasturage, afforestation, hydraulic enterprises). Control of rural organizations will be divided into two of (a) general leadership, and (b) financial and economic control. Fishing organizations will probably be exempted. 1940.08.25 — The proposed revision of golf club regulations, prompted by the golfers themselves as an expression of self-denial includes: (1) No more trophy games and general competitions, except monthly matches to decide handicaps, amateur and pro championship games—all these for promoting true sports; (2) Making golfing clothes simplest in design; sober-est in pattern; (3) Games to be played only on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and holidays; some week days may be assigned to those who are not regular office workers; (4) Whenever possible, the Japan Golf Association will have its members surrender their trophy cups to the Association, to be presented to the Government; (5) No more dualists. 1940.08.25 — The Metropolitan Police Board (Tokyo) releases a report today stating that on advice of the police authorities, the two theatrical companies, the Shin-Tsukiji and Shinkyo Gekidan, have voluntarily dissolved. Both are declared by the police to have been founded on Socialism, which may develop extreme Left tendencies. The Shin-Tsukiji was organized in 1924 as the Tsukiji Little Theatre; the Shinkyo Gekidan in 1934; both had large numbers of supporters and fans among the so-called intellectual proletarians. Leaders of both troupes are quoted as pledging their best efforts to live up to the spiritual standard of a true Japanese. 1940.08.25 — The Rev. Yasutaro Naldé, Bishop of the Osaka Diocese of the Japanese Episcopal Church (Nihon Seikokai) returns from a stake-ministers' conference in Tokyo; announces the conference decision to make the Church financially independent of subsidies from abroad. The step is taken, in view of the current trend of national thought, to make the Church conform to the spirit of the times, by reorganizing the body strictly on basis of Japanese Christianity. The Church was established in 1887; has two Dioceses (Osaka, Tokyo); eight districts; 10 Bishops (4 Japanese, 3 English, 3 Americans), over 30,000 members; has been one of the four influential Christian bodies in Japan. With the radical reorganization of the Church, foreign Bishops are expected to resign. 1940.08.24 — Ichiro Kobayashi, Commerce and Industry Minister, is appointed special envoy to the Dutch East Indies to wind up a number of economic problems pending between Japan and the Dutch possession. The choice is greeted as most appropriate since his experience and ability in active economic and financial circles for years past will enable him to complete the necessary adjustments in the economic relations between the Dutch possession and this country. 1940.08.24 — Nanking reports that the 14th meeting of the Sino-Japanese parley has practically completed all essential and major parts of the work; will formally conform the results gained at the 15th meeting scheduled for August 28. 1940.08.24 — Promoters of the Science Mobilisation Association meet at the Kogyo Club to begin preparations for organization. The Association proposes to mobilize not only scientific research institutes and technical organizations but those in economic and industrial circles to realize a true mobilization of all scientific brains. It will co-operate with the Government to promote scientific enterprises, encourage technical researches, give help, whenever necessary, to inventive studies, act as a liaison body between scientists and industrialists, serve the State in all scientific and technical lines with the best it can command. 1940.08.24 — A special dispatch from Hanoi, French Indo-China, to a Tokyo daily assigns the causes of the apparent slow pace that is evident in the Franco-Japanese talk to (1) French indecision as to the final disposition of French Indo-China in view of the tragic development of war situation, and the worst that has befallen France; (2) the French government's resolution to keep French overseas possessions as closely knit and under direct control of the home government as possible. This step is well seen in the dismissal of Governor-General Catroux, who has paved the way for Franco-Japanese mutual welfare measures, replacing him with the commander of the French Asiatic squadron. The French military officer at the French Embassy, Tokyo, who accompanied the party of Japanese inspectors to Hanoi and who was instrumental in promoting Franco-Japanese talk on Indo-China problems is now a persona non grata with the home government; (3) the deliberate intention of the French government to reduce the authority of the Governor-General in order to enhance the power of the home government. The new Governor-General, consequently, has only very limited powers and has to refer practically everything to the decision of the home government. 1940.08.25 — The draft statement on the new political structure is handed to Premier Konoye who will give it a final once-over; refer it to the Cabinet for approval (Aug. 27), then submit it to the Throne. It will then be formally presented at the first meeting of the preparatory committee (Aug. 28). 1940.08.25 — (5) How to dispose of medium and small commercial and industrial organizations, and (2) how to deal with economic organizations in Manchoukuo and China in their relations to the new economic structure now in process of formation are reported in the vernacular press as claiming the serious attention of commercial and industrial circles. It is expected as quite likely that these small commercial and industrial bodies will be assigned a part in the new central economic organization, affording them means of voicing their needs and aspirations. As to those economic organizations in Manchoukuo and China closely affiliated with those in Japan, they will be formed into one gigantic body, separate from the new central economic structure to be organized in Japan. 1940.08.26 — New York reports extraordinary concern shown by Washington towards the prospect of a Japanese special envoy to the Dutch East Indies. The Standard Oil Company is reported as sending observers from Hongkong, Manila and New York to watch developments at the Batavia trade parley. Should Japan be satisfied with the result of the parley, well and good; otherwise, it will be time for America to keenly watch the next move by Japan. 1940.08.26 — The Manchoukuo Government announces a joint communiqué issued by the Manchoukuo - Mongolia Boundary Commission: "The Manchoukuo-Mongolia Mixed Boundary Commission, organized on basis of the Togo-Molotov agreement (June 9, 1940) and the Togo-Rodilsky agreement (July 18, 1940), since its first meeting at Chita (Aug. 3, 1940), has held six conferences, discussing allied issues among technical experts, deciding on a number of questions relative to the work on the spot, with a spirit of mutual understanding, and achieved the expected result. Both delegates, consequently, have left Chita (Aug. 25) for the boundary lines." 1940.08.26 — The Japanese Government announces an intensive enforcement of control on imports and exports in the yen bloc (effective Sept. 2) in order to insure smoother supply and distribution of commodities and to realize thoroughly its low price policy. The new regulations feature (a) wholesale prohibition of imports or exports by individual merchants; (b) inclusion of all imports and exports associations under the control of the Federation of Imports and Exports Associations; (c) unified imports and exports by the Federation. 1940.08.26 — The Central Price Control Association holds a general meeting to discuss the fundamental principle in reorganizing the general economic plan to conform to the new political structure. The meeting agrees that the new economic structure should act under the guiding principle of giving preference to national interests first, and all plans are to be made towards realization of that object. It will co-operate with the authorities concerned in the production, distribution, consumption of commodities; will assist commercial, industrial, economic bodies to promote that end; will act as a liaison organization between economic bodies and Government authorities. The new economic structure should be built on the idea of a pyramid; all plans, enterprises, proposals to be eventually unified at the top. 1940.08.26 — The executive members of the Japan Women's Suffragist League (formed in 1924) decide to disband; will refer their decision to the central committee (Aug. 33); then to a general meeting (Sept. 13). It will amalgamate with Fujin Jikyoku Kenkyukai (a society of women to study the current trend of affairs) to present the national sentiments of women as a powerful, important factor to the new political structure leaders. "This is not the end of our work; this is really a giant stride in our aspirations," says one of the executive members. 1940.08.27 — Vice Foreign Minister Ohashi formally informs the Dutch Minister in Tokyo of the Government decision to dispatch a special envoy to the D. E. I. Members of the suite (20 in all) to accompany the special envoy are officially announced. The party is scheduled to sail from Kobe (Aug. 13) for Batavia aboard the Nissho Maru, except the envoy who will leave Tokyo on August 30, meet business magnates in Osaka on his way, board the same ship at Moji (Sept. 2). 1940.08.27 — Now that the Sino-Japanese basic treaty has been practically concluded, the Manchoukuo Government is reportedly considering sending an envoy plenipotentiary to Peking to enter formal relations with China. No official form of mutual recognition will be taken but the conclusion of a Sino-Manchoukuo treaty and exchange of diplomatic representatives will be considered as mutual de facto recognition. 1940.08.27 — The Welfare Ministry, based on recommendation of the Labour Affairs Commission, decides to carry out at once a new labour administrative plan throughout the country. The new plan consists of (a) organizing young workers (20–23 years of age), and young boys and girls (below 20 years of age) into different groups (30 members per unit; each unit with a leader); giving them necessary physical and moral training to develop into ideal industrial "soldiers"; (b) providing educational institutions to develop leaders of these groups. This (b) scheme includes the founding of a labour university in Tokyo; private schools at different industrial plants (small plants to pool together to establish, maintain the school). Of many provisions and plans to promote this general plan, those to be realized within this year are (1) opening of athletic halls and outdoor physical training grounds singly or jointly by different industrial plants; (2) holding of technical competitions twice or more a year; (3) improvement of joint kitchens at factories to insure provision of nutritious foods to all workers. 1940.08.27 — The Federation of Manufacturers of Artificial Flowers (Tokyo) decides to organize a national headquarters to pave the way for the export of all artificial flowers hitherto intended for home consumption (annual output ¥1,500,000). Strict simplicity that is to be henceforth the order in wedding, funeral and other festive or ceremonial occasions has radically reduced the demand for their products at home. 1940.08.28 — The preparatory committee of the new political structure holds its first meeting at the Premier's official residence. Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye delivers his much-awaited statement, dwelling at length on the aims of the new political structure and means to achieve them. A general discussion follows among committee members on the announced new structure in which frank, lively views are exchanged. 1940.08.28 — Toshio Shiratori, former Ambassador to Italy, and Dr. Yoshiyé Saito, former member of the Board of Directors of the South Manchuria Railway, are appointed advisers to the Foreign Minister. 1940.08.28 — The 15th Sino-Japanese Relations Adjustment Commission completes its work; will formally sign an agreement on August 31. 1940.08.28 — Executive members of the Japan Salvation Army decide to disband and to organize anew; new body is to be called Salvation Corps and the word "Army" will be discarded; activities will be strictly devoted to social welfare work. It will sever all relations with the British Salvation Army headquarters; will adopt a more civilian-style uniform; prohibit the use of military rank terms; will not have any foreigners in any department. 1940.08.28 — The 6th Student Golf Championship at the Chichibu Golf Links, near Tokyo, (Aug. 28–30) will mark the last golf tourney for students. 1940.08.29 — The Japan Economic Federation inaugurates the Round-table Conference of Major Industries Control Organizations. The conference will be the moving spirit in collecting, inspecting various plans for fusing all major industries under one control, so as to co-ordinate with the new political structure in a most effective manner. Emphasis will be given to productive organs in view of many hitches experienced in the past industrial control which had undue emphasis on distribution and consumption. 1940.08.29 — Representatives of all Christian denominations meet at the Y.M.C.A. Hall, Kanda, Tokyo and decide, after a two-hour discussion, to unite all denominations under one banner of Japanese Christianity. The decision will be formally referred to another round-table conference of leaders of different denominations (Sept. 2) to make a definite start toward the new order, including severance of financial relations with Christian organizations abroad, propagation of strictly Japanese Christianity in Manchoukuo and China. 1940.08.30 — The standing committee of the Kenkyukai bloc in the House of Peers deliberates on the attitude to be assumed toward the new political structure. Deliberation is centred on (a) relations between the Constitution and the new political framework, (b) attitude the House of Peers should take towards the new structure, (c) how Kenkyukai should be reorganized to fit in with the new political venture. These questions will be referred for further discussion by members at later date (Sept. 4). 1940.08.30 — Ichiro Kobayashi, Commerce and Industry Minister, leaves Tokyo Station on his way to the D. E. I. via Osaka, Kobe, where he will exchange views with leaders in commercial and industrial circles; will board the Nissho Maru at Moji (Sept. 2). Among the crowd at the rousing send-off are seen the Dutch Minister to Japan, the Foreign, Navy, War, Finance Ministers and a large number of official and private bigwigs. 1940.08.30 — Invitations are sent to cities with populations of more than 200,000 (12 in Japan; 16 in Manchoukuo and China) to attend the inaugural meeting of the East Asian Metropolitan Federation in Tokyo (Nov. 7–8) by the mayors of the six leading cities in Japan and the chairman of municipal assemblies of those cities, with the mayors of Shanghai, Peking, Tientsin, Nanking, Mukden, Tsingtao, Harbin, Tainan, Hsinking and Kalgan (who attended a round-table conference of representatives of these cities in Tokyo last year) as supporters. After the inaugural meeting, delegates will participate in the national festival celebrating the 2600th anniversary of the founding of Japan (Nov. 10–12); will visit key industrial centres including Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Kobe until Nov. 14. Enthusiastic responses are expected to be forthcoming. Delegates will total 138 (three each from continental cities; six each from the six leading cities in Japan). 1940.08.31 — Japan's representative, General Nobuyuki Abé, envoy extraordinary, and China's representative, Wang Ching-wei, formally confirm the results of their historic negotiations on Sino-Japanese problems. With formal signing of the agreement later, after technical procedures are completed, it will automatically signify Japan's recognition of the Chinese Government at Nanking. This view is taken on basis of the statement made by Premier Yonai in the House of Representatives in March 1940, that Japan's signing of a Sino-Japanese treaty will be considered as this nation's official recognition of the Government at Nanking. 1940.08.31 — Organizers, including a number of leaders interested in the study of South Seas questions, meet at the Chozen restaurant, Tokyo, to inaugurate the East Indies Institute. 1940.08.31 — Forty members, representing women's organizations on the national scale, including those of women teachers in primary and middle grade schools, young women's societies, gather at the Matsumotoro, Hibiya Park, Tokyo, to disband all former affiliations and to form one gigantic national association that women may better serve the nation at this time of changing trend in national affairs. It is proposed to divide the new association into four sections of-(1) housewives, (2) professional workers, (3) cultural work, and (4) young women. 1940.09.01 — The first anniversary of the monthly self-denial day, coupled with the 17th anniversary of the great earthquake of 1923, finds the nation observing the occasion in a manifest spirit consonant with the order of the day. All amusement quarters are closed voluntarily; everybody goes "dry" and smokeless; expensive dishes, sweetmeats, or anything else that cater to the extravagant hobby of epicureans disappear; "tea houses" and gay quarters generally are closed up to 3 p.m. The new regulation prohibiting the sale of alcoholic refreshments up to 3 p.m. every day becomes effective. 1940.09.01 — The Federation of the Autonomous Mongolian Governments observes the first anniversary of the founding of the federation at Kalgan with an impressive ceremony. Many Mongolian, Japanese, Manchou civil and military dignitaries attend. 1940.09.02 — The 10t amount to be saved out of next year's national budget is announced by the Finance Minister to be ¥658,000,000. Compared with ¥2,125,000,000 saved out of the previous year's budget, considerable reduction is apparent. The national budget will be referred to the regular Cabinet meeting on September 3. 1940.09.02 — Chou Hai-yu, Finance Secretary of the Nanking Government, in a press interview, emphasizes the fundamental policy of his government that the foreign concessions and settlements must go. In the task of restoring these sore spots to their rightful owner, Nanking will co-operate with Japan and try to realize the object by as peaceful a means as possible, he declares. 1940.09.02 — The meeting of delegates from all Christian Churches at the Y.M.C.A. agrees to fuse together, mark a fait to the 70-year history of Christian activities in Japan and start a new church life. The delegates, 50 in all, represented 37 churches, 12 organizations, 22 schools, embracing 300,000 members throughout the country. The final decision will be formally made at the general meeting of all members (Oct. 17) in Tokyo. The name of the new church will be known either as "Dai Nippon Kirisuto Kyokai" (Greater Japan Christ Church) or "Kokoku Kirisuto Kyokai" (the Christ Church of the Japanese Empire). 1940.09.03 — The standing committee of the Roundtable Conference of Major Industries Control Organizations, sponsored by the Japan Economic Federation, takes up a draft plan for radical reorganization of its economic structure. The plan proposes to form one giant organization to control output and distribution of all industries, and materials, to be known (provisionally) as the Japan Industries Federation. The Federation will also control eight auxiliary bodies of finance, communications-transportation, overseas trade, commerce, medium and small industries, provincial economics and East Asian economics. The Federation will thus knit together all industrial bodies to operate the whole structure at highest efficiency. 1940.09.03 — The preparatory committee of the Konoye new structure holds its second meeting to discuss the major planks that constitute the new framework. It is now tolerably clear that the new venture aims at (a) establishment of the East Asian bloc, (b) formation of an intensive defence State, (c) new domestic order. The new domestic order includes (1) a new economic structure, (2) a new industrial labour system, (3) a new educational system, (4) a new cultural form, (5) a new mode of national life, (6) a new regulative system for women and minors. A tentative plan of the whole structure and its working order is also announced. 1940.09.03 — A plan is afoot to carry out a mass emigration of 200,000 rural workers and settlers to Manchoukuo. Training for first of 27 pioneer leaders is to be given (Sept. 5–Oct. 20) to qualify them to guide groups of outgoing farmers on modern farming and continental settlement methods. 1940.09.03 — Representatives from theatres and show houses meet the Metropolitan Police Board officials and decide that the highest admission to a full-fledged kabuki play be pegged at ¥5, movie show ¥1.20, large size theatre ¥2.50, variety show ¥1.20; wrestling ¥3, boxing ¥4.30, baseball ¥1.20. Kabuki plays are given the privilege of charging ¥7 admission to a grand show twice a year. Restrictive measures on play house advertisements include abolition of balloons and signboard ads; posters for a theatre are limited up to 1,000 sheets, for others up to 300. 1940.09.04 — H.I.H. Prince Nagahisa Kitashirakawa (Captain; ordnance), staff officer stationed at a point in Mongolia, is fatally injured in a warplane accident. (War Ministry announcement). Military rank of His Highness was raised to Major on the same day. 1940.09.04 — The Japan-Manchoukuo Rotary Club Federation committee in Tokyo, at its third meeting, finally decides to dissolve. Circular notice is sent to all its affiliated clubs in Japan and Manchoukuo informing them of the decision, which in part says: "We believe the principle and spirit of the Rotary Club can serve the State, but in view of the changing international conditions, the committee has agreed to dissolve the Club." 1940.09.04 — The Japan Seamen's Association, Kobe, organized by ranking seamen, unanimously resolves to disband. The association has 200 branches at the key ports in the country; has 12,000 members and 42 years' history. 1940.09.04 — The Tsukiji Police Station with the Ginza under its jurisdiction invites representatives of restaurants, cafes and similar business houses to the station to explain them the nature of a new rule that radically cuts the number of waitresses in these houses. A café that employs 100 girls, for instance, will have to reduce the number to 18 before the end of January, 1941. There are 210 of these houses in the Ginza with about 3,500 girls, of whom 3,100 will have to seek jobs elsewhere. The new edict will affect about 13,000 waitresses in the whole city who will soon be hunting for different kind of jobs. 1940.09.05 — The Communications Ministry decides on a tentative plan of consolidating and exercising uniform control over all merchant vessels. The plan, based upon the policy of national control of private-owned vessels, is to be composed of three bodies of (1) planning, (2) controlling, (3) executive. The plan is expected to facilitate transportation of major cargoes. 1940.09.05 — The Christian Education League meets at the Aoyama Gakuin; resolves on epochal reforms, such as (a) to make Christian schools conform to the spirit of the time; to replace foreigner presidents, departmental heads with Japanese; (b) to refuse financial aid from mission boards abroad; mission schools hitherto dependent on foreign financial aid to make radical revisions in structure. The decision is to be referred to the conference of presidents of 66 mission schools at the same institution (Sept. 6). The Catholic mission schools were not represented at the league meeting but they are expected to adopt the same measures. 1940.09.05 — The first batch of Chinese students (boys and girls; 33 in all) from China arrive at Tokyo for study in Japan. 1940.09.05 — All publishers' organizations (magazines, middle school textbooks, young men's school text books, etc.) dissolve in order to organize one solid cultural association in which editorial side will also be represented. The association is scheduled to become a fact within this month. 1940.09.05 — Bishop Sergy, head of the Nippon Seikyokai at Surugadai, Tokyo, (best known among local people, familiar with its towering dome and daily clanging of the bell, as "Nikolai Church") formally retires from the position he has held for 32 years. Members of the church at a meeting in July this year declared that the church has no connection with Moscow whatever and demanded voluntary withdrawal of the Bishop. The church has 40,800 members and about 200 subsidiary churches. 1940.09.05 — Admiral Koshiro Oikawa, commander of the Yokosuka Naval Station, is appointed Navy Minister to succeed Admiral Zengo Yoshida who resigned on account of ill health. 1940.09.06 — The remains of H.I.H. Prince Kitashirakawa arriving at Tachikawa airport in the evening are conveyed to his residence at Minami-Takanawa, Tokyo; full military honours for a member of the Imperial Family are accorded. 1940.09.06 — The preparatory committee of the new structure holds its third conference. A subcommittee is chosen to work out details of the plan. The preparatory committee is scheduled to hold its last meeting September 10, leaving finishing touches to the standing secretariat. 1940.09.06 — A general meeting of the Christian Education League at the Aoyama Gakuin, Tokyo, approves proposals for drastic changes in the status of mission schools that had passed the executive members' conference the preceding day. The general meeting was attended mostly by the presidents of these schools. 1940.09.06 — Ten Catholic mission schools, cognizant of the prevalent trend of the day, decide to remodel their organization. Six foreigner-presidents of these schools resign their post, and Japanese assume two-thirds of seats on directorship board. 1940.09.07 — The Foreign Relations Committee of the Argentine Lower House resolves to elevate the Argentine Legation in Tokyo to an Embassy. 1940.09.07 — Washington reports that the U.S. National Defence Committee, on suggestion from the State Department, will recommend to the President to operate a wholesale embargo on scrap iron. The step is regarded as further pressure on Japan. 1940.09.07 — In view of persistent trans-Pacific reports that America may issue some of the British bases of naval operations in the Pacific, the Tokyo Nichi Nichi remarks that the action will be accepted by the Navy as a definite challenge to Japan. In taking so bold a step, America should be well prepared to face whatever consequences that might follow, says the paper. The action would be equivalent to Japan's proposing to lease a base on islands near the mouth of the Panama Canal. Japan will not tolerate this American action no more than would America Japan's, adds the paper. 1940.09.07 — Manchoukuo will dispatch a party of 168 members to join the national celebration of the 2600th anniversary of Japan's founding. Japan will be representative of civilian activities in Manchoukuo. 1940.09.08 — Berlin reports the departure home, via Siberia, of the party of seven Japanese physicians, after a month's tour of inspection of wartime Germany as guests of the German Government. Warmest reception was accorded the party everywhere. The party is bringing home German proposals: (1) Germany will dispatch a party of German physicians to Japan next year to make an inspection tour; (2) Germany and Japan to exchange annually three assistant professors (physicians); agreed, to start next year; (3) to open a Japan-Germany Sanitation & Public Health Exhibition in Japan next year; Germany will send a large number of exhibits, especially from the world-famous sanitary museum at Dresden. 1940.09.08 — Five executive priests representing five leading Buddhist sects meet at the Tsukiji Honganji temple, Tokyo, to arrange for a meeting of executive members of all denominations and sects at the same place (Sept. 10) to deliberate on a plan of uniting all Buddhist temples to make their work more effective, to move along with the trend of the times. When the meeting on September 10 approves the plan (it is expected it will), a meeting of delegates from all temples throughout the country will be arranged sometime in September. Fusion of all Buddhist head temples is impossible but to apply a uniform control over social welfare work by different sects and over schools maintained by these sects will be first attempted. The action, affecting 70,000 temples, 200,000 priests, 49,000,000 Buddhists, resembles in many ways the voluntary disintegration of political parties. 1940.09.09 — Pending formal appointment, the press reports a third shifting of diplomatic officials as noteworthy in the choice of personnel as the previous changes, that includes the appointment of Lieut.-Gen. Yoshitsugu Tatékawa (retired) as Ambassador to Moscow, and of two section chiefs at the Foreign Office as Ministers to Finland and Egypt. This is the first time an Ambassador is chosen from outside the diplomatic ranks; also a section chief being made a Minister which is a radical departure from the set precedent. 1940.09.09 — The subcommittee of the preparatory committee of the new political framework decides to have the new form carry on with one nerve centre so as to facilitate smooth running of the administrative machinery and to prevent possible hitches between the central body and another auxiliary body (as proposed) that will wield considerable influence. 1940.09.10 — The preparatory committee meeting of the new national order agrees to label the venture as a national "movement," avoiding the terms "association" or "society," with the avowed object of making everyone devote his best effort to the welfare of the State. There will be a subordinate organ to the nerve centre of the "movement," acting as a springboard, which will gesture to the nation direct in order to swing the people around toward rallying under the new political banner. 1940.09.10 — Amalgamation of all women's organizations into one body that it might better serve its purpose is proposed by leaders. The plan will bring all these organizations under a single control; divide the body into (1) service department to work on social welfare enterprises; (2) self-denial department to work on thrift, economized mode of living, etc.; (3) defence department to supplement work "behind the lines." The amalgamated body will be known as the Public Service Association. 1940.09.10 — With the Buddhist Federation of Japan as leader, delegates from 13 denominations and 16 sects meet at the Tsukiji Honganji to start a united effort by Buddhists throughout the country. Steps to that end will be taken, however, along the course of least resistance. All public welfare enterprises in direct touch with members of different denominations or sects will be carried out from one headquarters, and the performance of funeral rites will become the main job of all temples. 1940.09.11 — A university graduate will start his job with a monthly salary of ¥75 (besides emergency or family allowance or both) plus an annual bonus of from seven to nine months of his salary and a raise of seven per cent. of his salary a year (¥5 in case he earns ¥100), if he deserves it. No discrimination in salary will be permitted on graduates from government or private schools. These are features that will attract the attention of salary earners most in the new regulations governing the salary rate of office workers, tentatively announced by the Finance Ministry. These regulations will be based on the pyramid principle in giving more, proportionately, to those lower in scale and less to those in upper ranks; in preventing directors and shareholders from pocketing the lion's share of a firm's profits, making them yield more for the benefit of those who do the real work. The new regulations will go into effect on and after October 19 when the temporary provisions, that red signalled salary raise, bonus increase, in September 18 last year, expire. 1940.09.11 — Shanghai reports the decision of executive members (mostly English) of the Shanghai Race Club to end the turf events from this autumn. The decision, putting the "Far East Derby" out of the picture forever, is regarded as reflecting the ebb of the British tide from this part of the world, adds the report. 1940.09.11 — A circular notice is sent to prefectural authorities, jointly signed by officials concerned, notifying them that effective on and after October 1 all private cars, as a rule, will receive no more gasoline. The fuss of foreign embassies and legations, newspapers and news agencies, physicians are exempt from the rule. Even those that are permitted to run will have to carry an official permit. A radical adjustment will be made of all bus lines, and fully 70 per cent. of buses will have to use substitute fuel. Taxis and touring cars will be sorted together into a fixed number of firms; those that refuse to join any of these firms will be deprived of their business licence. Driving private cars or taxis to amusement quarters, pleasure resorts, theatres and restaurants is to stop; rubber neck wagons to take a vacation of indefinite length. 1940.09.11 — Representatives of five leading groups of artists (oil painting) discuss with Education Ministry officials a plan for consolidating all different groups of oil painters to get along with the current tide of the new national order. The plan is expected to materialize before long. 1940.09.11 — The research institute on all-national-power warfare will be established in the Cabinet. Object: to make necessary basic studies on forming a solid foundation upon which a united wartime State may be built, and to re-educate the younger government officials to adapt them to the needs of the time. 1940.09.11 — Education Ministry officials decide to enforce wearing of national school uniforms by 1,500,000 boys and girls of the middle grade schools through-out the country, beginning with the spring term of 1941. Colours: khaki for boys in summer and winter; blue-black for girls; white coat in summer. The styles will be decided later by experts. The new uniform regulation will first apply to those who really need one; those who have one and the old suits of brothers or sisters will be encouraged to use them. 1940.09.12 — Her Majesty the Empress grants a sum of ¥30,000 to the anti-tuberculosis campaign. Her Majesty donated ¥500,000 out of the Privy Purse for the same campaign in April last year. 1940.09.12 — Manchoukuo and German representatives at Hsinking agree to extend the Manchoukuo-Germany trade agreement for another year by making it retroactive as of June 1 this year (effective until May 31, 1941). The agreement was concluded soon after German recognition of Manchoukuo (Sept. 14, 1938; to expire May 31 this year). The agreement stipulates the mutual obligatory annual trade amount; Germany to buy Manchou beans, pig's bristle and other products up to ¥100,000,000; Manchou to import German machinery, chemical manufactures up to one-fourth of that amount, and specifies the kind of articles to be bought by both sides. It was modified in part (May 31 last year) by increasing the amount of purchase of commodities outside the specified items from ¥10,000,000 to ¥12,000,000. 1940.09.12 — The British Foreign Office informs the Japanese Ambassador in London that Shunsuké Tanabé, acting manager of the London branch of the Mitsui Bussan Kaisha, was released on the night of Sept. 11 (Domei dispatch). Mr. Tanabé was aken into custody by British officers (Aug. 2) on charges that "his presence was detrimental to British national interests." 1940.09.12 — Ichiro Kobayashi, Commerce and Industry Minister, special envoy to Batavia aboard the Nissho Maru. 1940.09.13 — The preparatory committee (the 5th meeting) discusses further details of the new national order, including the question of calling it a "movement" or "association." Discussion continues to the 6th meeting (Sept. 17). At the meeting the War Minister says that, while Navy and Army are enthusiastic about the new political venture, giving it their fullest moral support, it is not proper for officers in active service to join the central body; that the Minister, Vice-Minister, chief of military affairs bureau who are qualified to discuss politics may participate as advisers or counsellors for liaison purpose; that the subject is being further studied by competent authorities. He also states that reservists may join the movement as individuals but on local association of reservists as an organization. He adds that the Navy Minister is in complete accord with him on these views. 1940.09.13 — Ichiro Kobayashi, Commerce and Industry Minister, special envoy to the Dutch East Indies, formally meets Mr. van Mook, Economic Affairs Minister at a pre-appointed meeting, preliminary to the parley. 1940.09.13 — The Planning Board, studying reconstruction of the government organization, concludes that "unless the Cabinet system is radically overhauled, no uniform control over administrative organs can be realized." Based on this conclusion, it has started drafting a reform plan with the idea of (1) separating State Minister from administrative chief; (2) abolishing or fusing different Ministries; (3) extending the functional authority of the Planning Board. 1940.09.13 — Yosuké Matsuoka, Foreign Minister, in a speech at the Japan Overseas Trade Association luncheon, declares that the time Japan developed overseas markets with the slogan of "Quality goods at a lower price" has passed; the major objective of Japan's foreign trade should now be to acquire what commodities Japan needs most, and traders should concentrate all efforts to that end. He also referred to foreign affairs situation, stating that Japan must proceed along the declared policy of founding the East Asian co-prosperity orbit. Japan should co-operate with all nations that co-respond with this spirit, to the end that we may contribute our share in bringing about true world peace. He also emphasised we should be resolved to fight back whatever obstacles that we may encounter in our work. 1940.09.13 — Amusement centres, gay quarters and shops in downtown districts will no longer have the privilege of keeping open until 11 at night, on and after October 1, according to notification by the Welfare Ministry to all prefectural authorities. This means that business hours of whatever kind will close their doors at 10 p.m. throughout the country. 1940.09.14 — Military, political, business moguls (40 in all) gather at the Imperial Hotel to exchange views on further strengthening the link with the Axis Powers. Toshio Shiratori, adviser to the Foreign Minister, Gen. Ohshima, former Ambassador to Germany, speak on the latest general situation in Europe. The meeting was sponsored by the Society for Promoting Japan, Germany, Italy Cordiality. 1940.09.14 — Dr. Hozumi Tanaka, President of Waseda University, addresses 800 faculty members of the university prior to launching an epochal departure in physical training of students. New physical training system will soon be in force, with 15,000 students enrolled. The step is regarded as a definite attempt to balance the policy of education which has been liable to lean unduly heavy toward intellectual training at the expense of physical. 1940.09.15 — Japan joins Manchoukuo in celebrating the eighth anniversary of Japan's recognition of the young Empire. Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka speaks at a public celebration at the Hibiya Public Hall, which is attended by the Manchoukuo Ambassador to Japan and a number of Manchoukuo and Japanese dignitaries. Other public organizations also hold special gatherings to observe the occasion. 1940.09.15 — The Railway Ministry decides to erase all English words such as "Way out," "Entrance," "Toilet," etc., off the public notice boards at Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe and other principal tourist stations throughout the country. Recent investigation has shown that out of 8,000 passengers, the daily average at these stations, there is only one foreigner-traveller, usually accompanied by an interpreter, hotel boy or guide. 1940.09.15 — The Imperial Theatre, Tokyo, with its last performance tonight will be no more. The building is to be turned over to the Cabinet Information Bureau. The Imperial Theatre until about the great earthquake of 1923 was a brilliant gathering place for the social elites. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. IX No. 8 (November 1940) --- (covers 1940.09.16 to 1940.10.20) 1940.09.16 — A special Cabinet meeting at the Premier's official residence, with all members present, discusses important national affairs. 1940.09.16 — In the course of coming conversations between Ichiro Kobayashi, Japan's special envoy to the D.E.I., and the Dutch representatives, Governor-General A.W.L. Tjarda van Starkenborgh Strachouwer will personally meet Mr. Kobayashi on problems of general importance whenever occasion demands, it is announced. Mr. van Mook, Economic Affairs Minister, chief Dutch delegate, will be assisted by K. L. J. Enthoven, Justice Minister, and van Hoogstraten, director of the Trade Affairs Dept. 1940.09.16 — To make concentrated productive efforts at the major wat industries more efficient, the War Ministry begins a 30-day class of intensive instructions at the Central Public Hall, Nakanoshima, Osaka, with 1,200 of those in responsible positions in the factory management and 300 foremen present. The instructions given will be put into immediate practical use. A similar class is to open in Tokyo Oct. 1. 1940.09.16 — The Thailand goodwill mission aboard the O.S.K. liner Saigon Maru reaches Keelung. After a formal call on the Mayor and sightseeing about the city, the party leaves for Kobe where it is scheduled to arrive Sept. 19. 1940.09.16 — Peking reports the population in the Special City Area at the end of August at 1,722,725 (male, 1,045,292; female, 677,433). With the Japanese population of 70,000 added the total will be almost 1,800,000, which is larger than the pre-affair census by 300,000. 1940.09.17 — The new national order preparatory committee ends deliberations with basic outlines completed. Premier Konoye, in his closing remarks, fervently urging the nation to maintain perfect unity, declares: "I have reason to think that the general situation will assume a graver aspect." 1940.09.17 — Hongkong reports that the Changking régime has practically ceased to function due to continued bombings of the city by Japanese air raiders. Everything will be forced to remain idle until the "bombing" season is over or until November, it is said. The proposed moving of the government seat to a point further interior is meeting strong opposition from local people of the prospective "capital." 1940.09.17 — The Finance Ministry has begun examining the national budget for the next fiscal year. Papers report the basic amount to be about ¥1,700,000,000, and appropriations sought for new enterprises by different Ministries about ¥5,000,000,000. A radical slicing off of these estimates is expected to be made. 1940.09.17 — Maritime transportation will be organized into one naval unit, with employers and employees combined. It aims at promoting marine business, looking after welfare of seamen. 1940.09.17 — A party of seven Japanese athletes in Brazil leaves Rio de Janeiro for Japan to participate in the national athletic meet in celebration of the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of the Empire to be held here this autumn. 1940.09.18 — The funeral of the late H.I.H. Prince Nagahisa Kitashirakawa (Major; ordnance) is held at Toshimagaoka cemetery. 1940.09.18 — The ninth anniversary of the Manchurian incident is observed with due ceremonies. 1940.09.18 — The Monopoly Bureau announces decision to stop manufacturing high grade cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco (for Japanese pipe) on and after October 7. Efforts will be made to turn out cigarettes with more popular appeal. All imported tobacco will also disappear. 1940.09.18 — The Japan Canners' Association at its ninth general meeting resolves to reorganize as a step toward facilitating smoother functioning of different branches of the industry for improving and standardizing quality of its products; to insure fair distribution of goods at home and abroad. 1940.09.18 — The Welfare Ministry completes a wartime wage system (effective Oct. 20) which papers describe as unique in the world. It permits wages in lump sum to individual factories, and allows employers to freely adjust the wage scales of their workers up to the lump sum. Each worker is entitled to earn as much as his ability merits but may not exceed the limit set by the wage control regulations already in force. 1940.09.18 — Courtesy exchange between the Japanese economic mission (chairman: Ichiro Kobayashi, Commerce and Industry Minister) to Batavia and the Dutch delegates ends with the dinner tonight (host: Consul-General Saito) to which both delegations are invited as guests of honour. Business talks will now start. 1940.09.19 — The Ministers' conference in the presence of H.M. the Emperor is held at the Palace (3 p.m.–6 p.m.) to deliberate on important State affairs. The Chiefs of the War and Navy General Staffs, the Premier, War, Navy, Foreign, Finance Ministers, Presidents of the Privy Council and the Planning Board, the War and Navy General Staffs deputy chiefs attend. 1940.09.19 — The Chungking defence committee has decided to designate Sichang, Sikang Province (formerly part of Szechuan Province), as the new capital, and Tienshui and Chungking as auxiliary capitals, it is reported. The plan of reconstructing Chungking seems to have been abandoned. 1940.09.19 — The Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (communications section) resolves to petition the government to establish an independent ministry devoted to uniform control and operation of transit facilities. Suggestions are made to make the Railway Ministry the central body of the new ministry, and under it brought together the harbour works bureau in the Home Ministry, airways, land and sea transportation administration now under the Communications Ministry management. 1940.09.20 — Cabinet approval given national health test scheme which will become operative Sept. 26 (see Chronicle, Aug. 16). 1940.09.20 — Thailand goodwill mission arrives at Tokyo. 1940.09.20 — Draft plan to establish two institutes, under direct Cabinet management, science and technology, is ready for reference to the Cabinet for approval (Sept. 27). The Patent Office, research institutes and experimental stations on fuel, geology, industries, electricity, organ for training and distributing technicians, now under different Ministries, will be brought together. Research institutes at different universities will also be amalgamated. These two new institutes will begin functioning in April next year at the latest. 1940.09.20 — Latest official estimate of rice crop in Japan proper for this year is announced to be 66,319,000 koku which, compared with the actual total of harvest last year, is an increase by 1,150,000 koku of the average for the preceding five years. (One koku equals 4.96 bushels.) 1940.09.20 — Prospective amount of savings increase during the second half of the current year at 19 ordinary banks, each carrying a total savings deposit of ¥30,000,000 or more, is put at ¥2,000,000,000. The estimate is considered conservative. 1940.09.20 — Business leaders organize the Overseas Trade Promotion Association that will be sufficiently powerful to cope with the fast changing world trade situation, particularly the postbellum change that will be of vital concern to Japan. The working fund is set at ¥10,000,000 to be subscribed by business, industrial bigwigs. The Japan Overseas Trade Promotion Conference (est. Nov. 1938), a private affair, weak in financial foundation, small in scale of activities, will disappear. 1940.09.21 — Washington reports that during August the U.S. Government issued arms export permits to China (total value $288,000; warplane accessories, 258 motors), to the Dutch East Indies ($107,000), to England ($51,733,000), NONE to Japan, Soviet Russia, France, French Indo-China. 1940.09.21 — German and Italian delegates to the East Asia Recreation Conference in Osaka (Oct. 16–20) are announced. South Manchoukuo and the Kwantung Territory will send 60 delegates, while 30 students, representing those from different East Asian countries now studying in Japan, will attend. The programme will feature a grand recreation parade in Osaka, an Eve of International Recreation at Takarazuka in which delegates will present amateur entertainments. 1940.09.21 — V. Peters, 46 (English), of Kobe found guilty of espionage, is sentenced by the Kobe Local District Court to eight years' imprisonment. He had been under investigation by the local police since January 17 this year when he tried to leave the country aboard the Taiyo Maru. He came to Kobe from Shanghai in April last year posing as an export merchant. 1940.09.21 — Justice authorities are planning a revolutionary step in the judicial system by empowering the juvenile courts and organizations engaged in protection of young ex-convicts, to detain any one when they deem the step justified for public security. The detention will not be marked against the person's criminal record. The plan aims primarily at prevention of criminal rampancy and correction of the criminally inclined. The detained will be set free as soon as the officials are satisfied as to his future good behaviour. 1940.09.22 — The Cultural Publication Association, recently organized, will launch, in co-operation with the censorship office, a campaign of "more quality, less quantity." What is not desirable in periodicals will be weeded out and all future publications will be subjected to rigid inspection as to their merits in promoting general culture, public morality, popular habit of reading books, magazines and publications healthier in themes and cleaner in motives than before. 1940.09.22 — The Federation of All-Japan Scientific Technical Associations has petitioned the authorities to start a uniform control on distribution of necessary materials in carrying on chemical, physical and other scientific research work at universities and individual laboratories. The petition also requests the authorities to accord better treatment to men engaged in research work since many young, able experts have gone over to wartime industries, baited with salaries 10 times as much a month. 1940.09.22 — British officials break into the Japanese Consulate-General at Singapore, in violation of diplomatic immunity rights; arrest a Japanese official (real his safe) and five other Japanese. Consul-General Toyoda lodges a vigorous protest with the Singapore Government. 1940.09.23 — The Japanese and French Governments (Vichy) reach an accord by which France will offer all facilities to Japan to complete her object in the China affair by manoeuvres through French Indo-China. Says an official communiqué jointly issued by the War and Navy Departments of the Imperial Headquarters: "Negotiations had been conducted concerning military problems since early September between military authorities of Japan and French Indo-China, on the spot, on the basis of understandings reached between the Japanese and French Governments on August 25 and August 30. 1940.09.23 — As a result, an agreement was reached on the matter at 4:30 p.m. September 22 (Japan Time). On the basis of the agreement, the Japanese army and naval units started their peaceful advance "toward the northern part of French Indo-China today" (September 23). 1940.09.23 — Singapore officials release four of the six Japanese arrested yesterday; still detained are Mr. Shinozaki of the Consulate-General and a Japanese woman. 1940.09.23 — A Japan-Brazil cultural pact is signed at Rio de Janeiro between the Japanese Ambassador and the Brazilian Foreign Minister. The pact is almost identical in nature with the one Japan signed with Italy in March, 1939. 1940.09.23 — U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull declares in a statement that America will not approve the action taken by Japan in French Indo-China, says a Washington, D.C., dispatch. The French Foreign Minister (Vichy) is quoted as stating that Mr. Hull had told the French Ambassador at Washington: "We understand the position of France, and cannot censure the step adopted by France." 1940.09.24 — Vice-Foreign Minister Ohashi lodges a vigorous protest with the British Ambassador on the recent forced search of the Japanese Consulate-General, sealing of a safe at the office, arrest of a consular official and five other Japanese at Singapore. The act is termed as one of unprecedented arrogance and unparalleled violation of international courtesy. 1940.09.24 — French Foreign Minister Paul Baudoin (Vichy) sends a memorandum to the Chungking authorities, telling them that France will never tolerate Chinese troops moving across the borderline into French Indo-China. 1940.09.24 — Anglo-Japanese expert committee on the disposition of silver bullion at Tientsin holds its first meeting; exchanges views on future management of the silver. The wheat flour (400,000 sacks), bought from Australia with part of the silver restored to the proper Chinese authorities, is expected to reach Tientsin sometime in November. 1940.09.24 — Directors of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry throughout the country (150 members in all) hold their thirteenth meeting at Wakayama; deliberate on the plan of replacing Chambers of Commerce and Industry with Chambers of Economics, embracing all productive, distributive and consumptive organizations. 1940.09.24 — Ambassador Shigémitsu in London files a strong protest with the British Foreign Office on the arrest of Japanese and search of the Japanese Consulate-General by British officials at Singapore. 1940.09.24 — The Japan-Hungary cultural pact committee holds its first meeting at Budapest to discuss practical means of operating the pact. Valentine Homan, Hungarian Minister of Public Instructions, sends a congratulatory message to Yosuké Matsuoka, Japanese Foreign Minister, on closer cultural affinity between the two countries. 1940.09.25 — A Buenos Aires dispatch reports that the Uruguayan Government has approved import of Japanese products up to $1,000,000, reciprocating Japan's import of wool from Uruguay. 1940.09.25 — Public celebration of the birthday anniversary of Confucius, China's great sage, will be observed on September 28, starting late at night on Sept. 27 and continuing until Sept. 29. A large number of distinguished Japanese and Chinese officials and civilians will attend, it is reported. The ceremony has been temporarily suspended since the China affair. 1940.09.25 — Responding to the call made by the Society for International Cultural Relations, Tokyo, for prize essays on Japan's culture, to commemorate the 2,600th anniversary of Japan's founding, 77 articles have been received by the Society up to September 20, it is announced. The contest closes October 1. 1940.09.26 — U.S. President Roosevelt signs a proclamation prohibiting the export of scrap iron, steel and other iron materials to other than the western hemisphere and England. The step is regarded here as retaliatory towards Japan's activities in French Indo-China. 1940.09.26 — The Metropolitan Police Board decides to reduce the gasoline ration on and after October 1. Private motor cars will practically have to cease operating. "For hire" cars and taxis will have to join companies in order to obtain a sufficient amount of gas to do business. 1940.09.26 — The Imperial Academy, Ueno Park, Tokyo, the highest scholarly institution in Japan, will publish a quarterly bulletin in Japanese, beginning next year, in addition to its monthly bulletin in English. The English publication was started in 1912. 1940.09.26 — Government authorities have practically completed their plan to consume all raw silk domestically, and to depend no more on the American market for its disposition. Exports of raw silk to America have been steadily declining from 514,996 bales in 1935 to 386,010 bales in 1939. The total for 1940 is expected to be about 280,000 bales or even less. 1940.09.26 — The War Ministry announces the 21st list of officers and men who received military honours for their services in China and Manchoukuo. There are 12,602 (7,246 killed in action); 5,356 wounded, died in hospital); out of these 117 were given special honours for distinguished service. 1940.09.26 — The Japan-Thailand Institute is formally inaugurated at the Joseikan Hall, Kanda, Tokyo, with President General Senjuro Hayashi (retired) present. The institute will, among various activities, look after the welfare of Thailand students now studying in Japan (about 150 at present), offer them all facilities to carry on their scholarly pursuits. 1940.09.27 — Saburo Kurusu, Japanese Ambassador to Germany, Reich Foreign Minister von Ribbentrop, Italian Foreign Minister Count Ciano sign a triple alliance at the Führer's official residence in Berlin at 1:15 p.m. (8 p.m. Japan time). The alliance (six articles) stipulates (1) Germany and Italy to recognize and respect leader-position of Japan in the new order construction in East Asia; Japan to accord the same recognition and respect to Germany and Italy in Europe; (2) in case one of the allied Powers is attacked by a third Power not involved at present in the European war or the China affair, the other two are to render all possible political, economic and military assistance; (3) it will not affect the political status quo between the allied Powers and Soviet Russia; (4) the alliance is to become effective at once and to last 10 years. H.M. the Emperor (in an edict) was pleased to see the alliance formed in laying the foundation for universal peace. 1940.09.27 — The French and Japanese Governments issue a joint communiqué, stating the amicable atmosphere in which the recent agreement on Indo-China was concluded. The communiqué is expected to nail all sorts of slanderous comments heard abroad on the motives and procedures leading up to the signing of the agreement. 1940.09.28 — H.M. the Emperor appoints three new Cabinet members: Gohtaro Ogawa (Railway), Kiyoshi Akira (Overseas), Tsuneo Kanamitsu (Welfare). 1940.09.28 — Premier Fumimaro Konoye invites six former Premiers to his official residence to exchange views on current political affairs, seek their further co-operation. Baron Reijiro Wakatsuki, Admiral Keisuké Okada (retired), Kohki Hirota, General Senjuro Hayashi (retired), Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai (retired) present. Baron Ki-ichiro Hiranuma absent (travelling). 1940.09.28 — The first Aviation Day that marks the 36th anniversary of the birth of aviation in Japan sees public gatherings, glider contests, aerial pageants by warplanes held at key points throughout the country to make the nation more air-conscious. 1940.09.28 — The Young Women's Association leaders, in deciding to merge with the Young People's Association of Japan, resolve to demand to have women-members accorded equal consideration as men-members, proposing, for instance, to have two deputy presidents (one man and woman) instead of one man-deputy. 1940.09.29 — The Nanking Government informs the British Government that Liukungtao, off Weihaiwei, the lease over which expires Sept. 30, will be restored to the Nanking authorities, holding the recent Chungking-London lease renewal agreement null and void, because Nanking is the only legitimate governance in China empowered to dispose of the question. The lease was signed Apr. 18,1930, good for 10 years. 1940.09.29 — Under the auspices of the Japan Aviation Society, military and civilian aviators who fell in service (Oct. 1956-Aug. 1940) are formally enshrined at the Aviation Shrine (10 a.m.) and a grand festival ceremony is held at the same place in honour of those deified at the shrine (3:10 p.m.). Those who have rendered distinguished services in promoting aviation in Japan are publicly recognized at a ceremony (1:30 p.m.) at the open grounds, Hibiya Park, in presence of H.I.H. Prince Nashimoto, Patron of the society. Fifty-five (including 11 firms and organizations) receive notes of appreciation and gifts. 1940.09.30 — Washington is reported to be sounding out the possibility of persuading all republics in the south to start a concerted boycotting of Japanese silk. It is also considering enforcement of embargo on copper, lubricating oil, metal manufacturing machinery, chemical industry materials to Japan. 1940.09.30 — The report officially released today says that legal action is being instituted against 10 Englishmen and one Japanese, found guilty of violating laws on espionage. Investigations are still being made on five Englishmen and five Japanese. They are part of 16 Englishmen and six Japanese taken into custody by gendarmes (July 27). One of them, James Melville Cox, Reuters Tokyo correspondent, committed suicide (July 29). Except for one of them (a teacher of English at a higher grade school), the rest are all related to commercial or economic activities; three of them honorary consuls. 1940.09.30 — The German Embassy, Tokyo, holds a reception to celebrate the conclusion of the triple pact at the Embassy. 1940.09.30 — Sun Li-pu, a ranking official of the Chinese Government in Nanking, arrives at Tokyo, preparatory to the formal re-opening of the Chinese Embassy. The Embassy doors will open for the first time in twenty-seven months. Former Ambassador Hsu left Tokyo, June 11, 1938. 1940.09.30 — The Japanese Embassy, London, reports it has ordered 200 Japanese residents in London to leave the city for home aboard the Fushimi Maru, Oct. 10, which will make a special call from Lisbon. About 500 Japanese will still remain in London. 1940.09.30 — Wholesale dealers in toilet articles in Tokyo, after a talk with police authorities, mutually agree to stop using exaggerated descriptive terms in advertising their wares just to arouse the buying instinct of feminine patrons. 1940.09.30 — Maj.-General Raishiro Sumita is appointed chairman of the Army Vigilant Committee in French Indo-China, succeeding Major-General Nishihara. 1940.10.01 — The fifth national census is taken. Taken every five years, the first census was carried out in 1920. 1940.10.01 — Country-wide air defence drills (Oct. 1–3) start. The manœuvres mark the climax of local air defence training that had been carried out for the past month and aim at more practical side of fighting air raids. 1940.10.01 — The Broadcasting Corporation of Japan plans to add Malayan and Arabian to its overseas programme which makes 16 foreign languages for 40 hours a day (after Nov. 1). It also plans to hold the first radio conference at Taihoku, November, in November, with representatives from Formosa, Korea, Manchoukuo, Mongolia and North China, to effect uniform radio activity. 1940.10.01 — Direct Tokyo-Kalgan telephone service starts. 1940.10.01 — The Aviation Association of Japan is formally inaugurated at the Aviation Building. The association embraces all civilian organizations interested in aerial enterprises. 1940.10.01 — The first Minister from Manchoukuo arrives at Budapest, opening formal international relations between Manchoukuo and Hungary. 1940.10.02 — Pursuant to the stipulations of the triple pact, a mixed committee is to be formed; one in East Asia (probably in Tokyo), another in Europe (Berlin or Rome) to begin actual work by the middle of October. The committee is to be divided into two, of military and economics sub-committees. Lieut.-General (retired) Takuo Godo, former Commerce and Industry Minister, is expected to be the chairman of the economics sub-committee in East Asia. 1940.10.02 — Leading department stores in Tokyo, co-operating with those in Osaka, agree to run a joint delivery system, to start joint purchase of foodstuff and daily necessary stocks, to reduce the number of deliveries, to simplify the kinds of goods, to make advertisements more conservative. 1940.10.03 — Field Marshal H.I.H. Prince Kan-in resigns his position as Chief of the General Staff of the Imperial Army. General Gen Sugiyama is appointed to succeed His Highness. 1940.10.03 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry announces the first crop estimate of rice for this year at 63,110,000 koku, which is 3,806,459 koku less than the actual harvest amount of last year and 2,019,992 koku less than the average harvest of the preceding five years. 1940.10.03 — Sugar and match rationings will be legalized throughout the country, effective Nov. 2. 1940.10.03 — Authorities are seeking something chic and more practical in design and colour for the national uniform for women (especially young girls) to replace the long, flowing sleeves, hard, wide and tightened obi, fluffy, open skirt. 1940.10.04 — The national uniform committee decides on two styles; one for grown-ups and the other for young men. Except in cases of formal Imperial audience and of proceeding to the Imperial Sanctuary, the uniform may be worn at all other formal occasions. An Imperial ordinance, late in the month, will proclaim official adoption of the uniform. 1940.10.04 — Some of the Articles that were banned from public sale by virtue of the anti-luxury order (issued July 7, popularly known as the "seven-seven order") will be given official lease on life. They must be disposed of before Aug. 21, 1941. 1940.10.04 — It is announced that beginning late in October the Tokyo-Hsinking calligraphic transmission of messages and other descriptive characters will be started. The service will eventually begin with Peking and Tientsin. The size of the message form, post card: 10oz, ¥2.00; time required, about two minutes. 1940.10.04 — The German exchange delegates of young men's army association leave Berlin for Japan via Siberia. The Japanese delegates will leave Tokyo for Berlin late in October. 1940.10.04 — Premier Prince Konoye in a press interview at Kyoto says, among other things, that if America recognizes the position of Japan, Germany and Italy, these Powers would recognize that of America, and adds: "The fate of the Pacific, whether it be peaceful or otherwise, depends upon the mutual respect and recognition of America and Japan." The interview attracts considerable press attention in the U.S. 1940.10.05 — Hajimé Matsumiya of the Foreign Ministry is appointed to head the economic mission to French Indo-China. He will leave Kobe Oct. 11 by the Ariyosu Maru, accompanied by a suite of 14 members. 1940.10.05 — Country-wide air defence manœuvres end at noon. 1940.10.05 — The Agriculture and Forestry officials formally advise silk reelers of the Government plan to diversify markets abroad for raw silk instead of depending on the American market alone; also to dispose of a greater part of it through domestic consumption. 1940.10.05 — The Welfare Ministry considers formulation of a national menu that will provide dishes of tempting appearance, appetizing flavour and sufficient nutrition at popular cost. 1940.10.05 — The first physicians' delegation from Japan to Germany, sent in accordance with the Japan-Germany Medical Pact of 1939, returns to Tokyo. The delegation left Tokyo (July 13) for Berlin; spent one month inspecting wartime Germany. 1940.10.05 — Ervin Tokunosuké Baelz arrives from Berlin to promote the production of cultural films. He was born in Japan in 1889; lived with his Japanese mother until he was 10 years old. His father, the late Dr. Baelz, contributed much towards Japan's medical profession in early Meiji days; has almost immortalized his name by "Baelz Water," a skin lotion, still in popular demand. 1940.10.06 — British authorities at Bermuda make forced inspection of the N.Y.K. liner Hakozi Maru, says a Japanese official report. The vessel was permitted to leave port on the night of Oct. 4 after much ado, says the report. 1940.10.06 — London reports British decision to reopen the Burma-Chungking route on October 18 when the three-month time of closure expires, and resume Anglo-American help to Chiang Kai-shek. 1940.10.06 — A New York trade journal is apprehensive that Washington is certain to resort to economic pressure on Japan in retaliation to the triple pact, including the prohibition of raw silk import. The step will compel American hosiery manufacturers to shift from silk to some other fibre material within a short time which will be a difficult problem, it says. 1940.10.07 — A week of intensive spiritual drive starts. At noon today the nation throughout the country offers a one-minute silent prayer. 1940.10.07 — All luxury goods disappear from show windows today. Some of them (of real practical service) are to be permitted disposal by public sales before Aug. 31, 1941, or by exporting them. 1940.10.07 — The first day of prefectural governors' conference opens at the Premier's official residence. The Premier, Foreign and War Ministers speak on current national and international problems as seen from their respective fields. 1940.10.07 — A revision of the Factory Accident Prevention and Sanitation law effective Jan. 1, 1941, is announced. By the law, it becomes compulsory for a factory employing 100 workers to provide a physician and to carry out physical examination of workers twice a year. 1940.10.08 — H.M. the Emperor spends practically the whole day at Tokyo Imperial University, personally inspecting academic activities of various departments. 1940.10.08 — The U.S. State Department orders all Americans not engaged in pressing business in Japan, China, Manchoukuo, French Indo-China and Hongkong to evacuate for home (not to Manila). The direction of evacuees is regarded as significant. 1940.10.08 — U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull hints at the possibility of ordering home the American forces in China. At the outbreak of the China affair, there were 2,750 marines (Shanghai), 833 troops (Tientsin and Chinwangtao) and 367 legation guards (Peking). 1940.10.08 — Official prices of watches, clocks, sewing machines, typewriters (both Japanese and foreign characters) are announced. 1940.10.08 — A movement is afoot to reorganize their own association on a national scale. 1940.10.09 — H. M. the Empress attends the 48th general meeting of the Japan Red Cross Society at the Constitution Memorial Hall, Aoyama, (10 a.m.) and the 35th general meeting of the Japan Patriotic Women's Society at the Outer Garden of the Meiji Shrine (1:30 p.m.). 1940.10.09 — The British Foreign Office spokesman states that the British Government does not agree with the Japanese view of considering the lease term of Liukungtao, off Weihaiwei, as expired on Sept. 30. 1940.10.09 — Foreign Commissar Mikhailovich Molotov and several other Soviet diplomatic bigwigs attend a farewell luncheon at the Japanese Embassy, given by Ambassador Shigénori Togo, soon to leave for home. The presence of ranking Soviet officials at a Japanese function is regarded as something unusual. 1940.10.11 — Yosuké Matsuoka, Foreign Minister, reminds the British Prime Minister that inasmuch as the Prime Minister is solicitous of an early peace in East Asia, it passes one's understanding why Britain should deliberately seek in prolong the Sino-Japanese conflict by reopening the Burma route (Oct. 18). The Foreign Minister adds that the triple pact does not aim at the U.S. (or any other Power for that matter); the pact seeks to prevent a potential neutral Power such as the U.S. from being involved either in the World War II or the China affair. 1940.10.11 — American residents in Peking, in view of general peace and order, think the evacuation order out of tune. So far only 20 Americans have booked their passage home, as ascertained by two representative news agencies. There are 580 Americans in Peking (185 men, 233 women, 162 children). 1940.10.11 — The Osaka Chemical Laboratory (the Commerce and Industry Ministry) announces successful experiment in making manufacturing chloroprene (synthetic rubber) with materials entirely different from the patented process of the Dupont firm in U.S. 1940.10.11 — H.M. the Emperor attends a grand review, off Yokohama. Picked warcraft and warplanes of the Imperial Navy take part. 1940.10.11 — U.S. Senator Burton K. Wheeler warns the Washington authorities that American policy has brought the U.S. a step before war with Japan, that the two trans-Pacific Powers should reach an accord based upon a non-war pact. He adds: "Else there is no other way to check Communism from controlling the world." 1940.10.11 — General Yoshitsugu Tatékawa (retired) leaves Tokyo to assume the post of ambassador at Moscow. A large crowd of official and civilian dignitaries see him off. 1940.10.11 — The Board of Tourist Industry decides to concentrate its campaign efforts abroad in the Philippines, Australia, Thailand and South American countries. The appropriation for 1941 is increased from ¥1,600,000 to ¥1,900,000. 1940.10.12 — The inaugural meeting of Taisei Yokusan Kai is held at the Premier's official residence. It marks the first step in a new national life of epochal significance. (There is no English equivalent to Taisei Yokusan Kai; the press gives to it a provisional name of the Association for Assistance of the Imperial Rule). 1940.10.12 — Since towards the end of last year up to the end of August this year, fully 20,000 people were distributed among different factories through the labour agencies in the six leading cities, after a three-month intensive training as mechanics and draftsmen. Those who obtained new jobs during the same period through similar agencies throughout the country (outside the factories) number about 102,000 people. 1940.10.12 — The Society to Help Mongolian Students is inaugurated at Tokyo. The society intends to send 1,000 students on a 10-year plan (300 a year) to Japan for training in normal, veterinary, medical science, agriculture, forestry and literary courses; 150 of them will be girl-students. 1940.10.12 — U.S. President Roosevelt, in a world book-up, endorses the American determination to fight the triple pact. 1940.10.13 — A countrywide demonstration is held to mark the birth of the new national structure and to felicitate the conclusion of the triple pact. In Tokyo, public meetings are held at six different places. The German and Italian Ambassadors attend the Hibiya gathering which is the largest of all. Afterward the audiences from the six places proceed in a monster procession to the ground in front of the Imperial Palace to offer three cheers to His Majesty. 1940.10.13 — The Japan-Dutch Indies economic parley ends its fourth week. The conference is believed to have entered into discussion of major problems. 1940.10.14 — The authorities concerned publicly celebrate the 70th anniversary of the inception of the telegraph system and the 50th anniversary of the telephone service. 1940.10.14 — Radu Flondor, First Secretary of the Rumanian Legation, Tokyo, completes five years' labour in compiling a Rumanian-Japanese dictionary, soon to be published. A Hungarian news agency correspondent in Tokyo is ready to have his Hungarian-Japanese dictionary go to press in December this year. 1940.10.14 — The first batch of American evacuees (140) from Shanghai leave for home aboard the President Garfield, via Hongkong, Manila, Honolulu. 1940.10.15 — Those who died in defence of their country are formally enshrined at the Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo, in a most impressive ceremony at 9:35 tonight in presence of 10,000 of their family members. The ceremony marks the start of a special grand festival (Oct. 16–23). 1940.10.16 — Finance Minister Kawada, addressing the first meeting of the financiers' conference, emphasizes the fact that Japan's economic and financial power is much stronger than might appear to outsiders, and asks all to make further efforts to tide over the emergency. 1940.10.16 — The East Asia Recreation Conference opens at the Central Public Hall, Nakanoshima, Osaka, with delegates from 10 countries, including Germany and Italy. 1940.10.16 — The Imperial messenger is sent to the Yasukuni Shrine which starts its special festival today. 1940.10.16 — The 30th anniversary of the discovery of serumtherapy by the Koch Laboratory (Germany) and the effort of the late Dr. Shibasaburo Kitazato and his co-worker, the late Dr. F. Behling to complete the discovery, are honoured by a public meeting at the Nippon Kogyo Club, Tokyo. More than 400 distinguished physicians and scientific experts attend the meeting. 1940.10.17 — The East Asia Recreation Conference (second day) holds a series of public lectures by noted experts. 1940.10.17 — The Japan-Dutch Indies conference at Batavia issues a joint statement, declaring Dutch appreciation of Japan's sincere solicitude for closer economic relations between the two countries, not to be affected by whatever political relations Japan may form with a third Power. The major problem now being discussed is that of oil, deliberation on which is going on smoothly, adds the statement. 1940.10.18 — His Majesty the Emperor (10 a.m.) and H.M. the Empress (1:30 a.m.) personally pay homage to the spirits of those who died in defence of their country, enshrined at the Yasukuni Shrine. 1940.10.18 — Britain re-opens the Burma route (11:30 a.m. Japan time). 1940.10.18 — The East Asia Recreation Conference holds sub-committee meeting. The "Eve of Grand Recreation" is held at the Takarazuka Opera House (6 p.m.) where all delegates present amateur entertainment programme. 1940.10.18 — The Japan Y.M.C.A. celebrates the 60th anniversary of the founding of the institution in Japan. 1940.10.18 — Japanese warplanes make two effective bombing raids over the Burma route (on the China side of the boundary). 1940.10.19 — Lieut.-General Jun Ushiroku is appointed highest commander of the Imperial forces in South China. 1940.10.19 — Special envoy Hajimé Matsumiya, heading an economic mission to French Indo-China, arrives at Hanoi. 1940.10.19 — The American Consulate at Nagoya will close by order of the American Embassy, Tokyo, it is announced. 1940.10.19 — The East Asia Recreation Conference ends. Tokyo is chosen the next home for the (4th) conference. 1940.10.19 — Overseas Trade Festival begins (Oct. 19–27). The programme includes a public exhibition of a large variety of new manufactures expressly for export trade, an overseas trade conference, public lectures and entertainments, overseas trade promotion week, etc. 1940.10.20 — The 60th anniversary of the birth of the Japanese national anthem, "Kimigayo," is celebrated at the Guniyin Kaikan, Kudan, Tokyo, with a meeting jointly sponsored by the Education Ministry and the Tokyo Municipality. 1940.10.20 — A squad of naval warplanes during the course of an extensive bombing of the Burma route smashes the famous suspension bridge over the Mekong River and a large number of motortrucks on the road conveying war materials to Chungking. 1940.10.20 — Shigénori Togo, Ambassador to Moscow, called home, leaves Moscow via Siberia. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. IX No. 9 (December 1940) --- (covers 1940.10.21 to 1940.11.20) 1940.10.21 — H.M. the Emperor holds a grand military review at the Yoyogi parade ground, Tokyo, in celebration of the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of the Empire. Similar military reviews are also held in other parts of the country. 1940.10.21 — Ichiro Kobayashi, Commerce and Industry Minister, sent to the Dutch Indies as economic envoy, leaves Batavia to make an interim report at home. 1940.10.21 — Hajimé Matsumiya, special economic envoy to French Indo-China, holds his first formal meeting with Governor-General Admiral Jean Decoux. 1940.10.22 — The Cabinet economic conference at the Premier's official residence agrees to promote measures for pepping up the people in general in view of some cases where the economic control on daily life has tended to create a depressive atmosphere. Officials concerned are to be instructed not to overstep the regulative measures in enforcing economic control. 1940.10.22 — About 140 items out of the Imperial treasures at the Shohsoh-in, Nara, reach Tokyo; are taken to the Imperial Art Museum at Uyeno Park, where they will be shown to the public (Nov. 3–24). This is the first time the famous centuries-old art treasures have been taken outside the Shohsoh-in. 1940.10.22 — Envoy Matsumiya to French Indo-China holds his first conference with the Governor-General. The parley is proceeding in a most cordial atmosphere, it is reported. 1940.10.23 — The Japanese Government gives one year's notice to signatory Powers (the U.S., Britain and Soviet) of the fur seal protection treaty, concerning its intention to abrogate it according to Art. 16 of the treaty. Increase in fur seals have damaged Japanese fishing interests in North Seas to such an extent that Japan proposed (1936) to amend the treaty but failed, chiefly through American opposition. When the treaty was signed (1911), there were about 100,000 fur seals; they have increased to ¥30,000 (1936) and to 1,200,000 at present. 1940.10.23 — London dispatches report that the British Government has informally advised British nationals in China to evacuate whenever possible. 1940.10.23 — A Domei Hongkong dispatch confirms the destruction of the bridge over the Mekong River as a result of two air raids by Japanese naval warplanes. More than 60 motor trucks (the vanguard group), 200 trucks (second and third groups), all loaded with war materials for Chungking, were seen stuck helpless on the Burma side of the river, adds the dispatch. 1940.10.24 — Wang Liang in a press interview at Tokyo emphasizes further need of closer co-operation between Japan and North China in establishing a new order in East Asia. Mr. Wang came to Tokyo (Oct. 23) on a courtesy call after assuming the chairmanship of the Political Commission of North China. 1940.10.24 — Yujiro Sugishita, Minister to Finland, returns to Japan via Siberia. He thinks the future of Finland problematical. 1940.10.24 — Toshihiko Takétomi, Ambassador to Turkey, returns to Tokyo with his wife and daughter. He says general conditions in Turkey are quite normal at present but appreciates the embarrassing position in which Turkey is placed as the centre of triple rivalry among England, Germany and Soviet Russia. 1940.10.24 — Papers in Batavia, the Dutch East Indies, air strong anti-Japanese views, emboldened, it is believed, by the reported joint aggressive front that London and Washington are putting up against Japan. 1940.10.25 — The Navy Ministry officially announces that the submarine "Yi" 67 sank while manœuvering south of Tokyo Bay, August 29. An extensive search within a radius of 100 miles has failed to reveal traces of its whereabouts and all aboard the vessel have been declared lost while on duty. 1940.10.25 — The vice-ministers' conference at the Premier's official residence discusses means of revivifying the people, lest the many "Don'ts" on their daily life create a negative psychological effect. Proper provisions for public entertainments, consistent with the spirit of the times, will be encouraged. 1940.10.25 — The third raid by naval warplanes on two great suspension iron bridges (old and new) over the Mekong River on the Burma route completely wrecks them and renders the route useless. It will take several months to rebuild these bridges. 1940.10.25 — Naval warplanes, as part of a memorial service in honour of naval flyers who have died in action during the last one year, make the 45th raid on Chungking, I-chang and other points. 1940.10.25 — Wang I-tang, chairman of the North China Political Commission, now visiting Tokyo, donates ¥30,000 each to the Navy and War Ministries. 1940.10.25 — Ambassador Yoshitsugu Tatékawa makes his first formal call on Mikhailovich Molotov, Soviet Foreign Commissar, in Moscow. 1940.10.26 — A formidable naval warplane fleet, in a remarkable long distance flight, completely wrecks and burns the largest airplane factory, several planes in airdrome and gasoline warehouses at Lowin at the westernmost boundary of Szechuan Province, close to Burma. Other naval warplanes also carry out effective raids on Chengtu, Chungking and other key points. 1940.10.26 — General Nobuyuki Abé, retired, special envoy to China, returns to Tokyo on a short furlough and is expected to return to China soon. 1940.10.26 — Tatsuo Kawai, Minister without Portfolio (former Director of Information Bureau, the Foreign Office) returns to Tokyo after a 10-month tour through America and Europe. The current European War impressed him most deeply as a struggle towards eventual united Europe, he told the press. 1940.10.26 — Soviet papers give much prominence to the Tatékawa-Molotov meeting as the beginning of significant diplomatic developments between Japan and Soviet Russia. 1940.10.27 — The Toda regatta course, near Tokyo, (length 2,400 m., width 70., depth 2½ m.) largest in scale and one of the most elaborately equipped in the world, opens. 1940.10.27 — The first day of the 11th national athletic meet opens at the Meiji Shrine Stadium, Tokyo, with 12,000 young men and women participating. H. I. H. Prince Mikasa attends as patron of the meet. 1940.10.27 — A new firm to engage exclusively in distribution of books, magazines and all other publications is to be established (capital ¥10,000,000) and start functioning early next year. The firm will collaborate with the Cultural Publishing Society in looking after the distribution side of what is put out by the Society. This will complete an epochal uniform control system on publishing businesses. 1940.10.28 — The Greco-Italian war automatically calls for Japan's assistance to Italy by virtue of Art. 3 of the triple pact. The nature of assistance to be given will be decided after joint consideration among the signatory Powers. 1940.10.29 — The Matsumiya-Decoux parley, covering the basic economic problems between Japan and French Indo-China, is reported going on smoothly. 1940.10.29 — A liaison conference to operate the Japan-Hungary cultural pact is held at the official residence of the Foreign Vice-Minister. It decides (1) to open university chairs; (2) to assist in the publication of Japanese-Hungarian, Hungarian-Japanese dictionaries; (3) to exchange professors and students; (4) to promote mutual interchange of cultural endeavours through music, movies, etc. 1940.10.29 — Wang I-tang, chairman of the North China Political Commission, leaves Tokyo for home. 1940.10.29 — Several thousand canary birds are shipped to the U.S. aboard the N.Y.K. liner Tatsuta Maru. It is reported that absence of canary birds from Germany since the war in Europe has created a record demand for the Japanese canary birds. 1940.10.30 — The 50th anniversary of the promulgation of the Imperial Rescript on national education is observed at the Constitution Memorial Hall at the Outer Garden of the Meiji Shrine, Tokyo. The ceremony is attended by 8,298 delegates from all educational institutions throughout the country. A message from the Throne is read by H. I. H. Prince Kan-in. 1940.10.30 — Ambassador Tatékawa at Moscow confers with Soviet Foreign Commissar Molotov according to an announcement made by the Foreign Office, Tokyo. 1940.10.31 — The last batch of Japanese (182 in all) leaves London to board the Fushimi Maru at Liverpool. Embassy staff members and Japanese with English wives, who are remaining behind, see the party off at the station. 1940.10.31 — All dance halls in Japan close tonight for good. 1940.11.01 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry completes a draft plan to put the raw silk industry under uniform national control. A bill to that effect will be introduced at the next session of the Diet. 1940.11.01 — Ichizo Kobayashi, Commerce and Industry Minister, sent to the Dutch East Indies as a special economic envoy, reaches Kobe aboard the Nishiwa Maru to attend the national celebration of the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of the Empire and also to make an interim report. 1940.11.01 — A party of six members of the Hitler Jugend arrives at Tokyo Station where it is met by a large enthusiastic crowd. 1940.11.02 — The evacuation of American citizens in the Far East, vigorous build up to Chungking, feverish increase of Pacific armaments, so hastily started by the U.S., motivated apparently by misapprehension of the real purport of the triple pact, makes Yosuké Matsuoka, Foreign Minister, publicly wonder; "I can clearly state this much that despite no change whatever in the general situation in this part of the world, on what reason Washington has taken these measures is totally baffling to me." 1940.11.02 — The Republic of Costa Rica has named Takahiko Wakabayashi as honorary consul at Tokyo. He is an executive member of the Federation of Central and South America Exporters' Associations of Japan. 1940.11.02 — The Communications Ministry prepares a bill, to be introduced at the next session of the Diet, by which the term "ex-convict" will be erased off the personal census record kept at the local ward offices. 1940.11.02 — The Communications Ministry announces the completion of a mechanical device which, when attached to the bottom of a cable layer, will automatically "ploough" through the sea bed upon which the cable is to be laid. This will protect the cable from many mishaps hitherto considered inevitable as it was lain exposed. 1940.11.03 — The nation solemnly observes the Meiji-setsu, the anniversary of the birthday of Emperor Meiji. The Meiji Shrine is thronged all day long with reverent crowds, paying their respects to the memory of the great Ruler. 1940.11.03 — Just 10,600 families, each with 10 children or more, are given public recognition throughout the country. 1940.11.04 — The Cabinet announces a 10-year economic plan for consolidating the East Asia co-prosperity orbit with Japan, Manchoukuo and China as the foundation. 1940.11.04 — Shigénori Togo, former Ambassador to Moscow, arrives at Moji. 1940.11.05 — Just 100 American women (11 of whom are living under the jurisdiction of the Japanese consulate-general at Mukden) are reported preparing to evacuate by the Mariposa from Chinwangtao, Nov. 12. A party of 32 missionaries in Chinwangtao are also reported to be leaving by the same boat. 1940.11.05 — The Overseas Japanese Convention decides to establish a permanent central organ in Tokyo to keep all Japanese abroad in close touch with the homeland. 1940.11.06 — The authorities concerned decide to standardize the sizes of books, magazines, pamphlets, leaflets, posters, effective Jan. 1, 1941. The sizes of letterheads and envelopes already officially set (Feb. 1935) will be enforced. 1940.11.07 — The Soviet Embassy in Tokyo invites many distinguished guests to the celebration of the 23rd anniversary of the Revolution. Yosuké Matsuoka, Foreign Minister, and a number of ranking Foreign Office officials attend the function for the first time since the conclusion of the anti-Comintern pact. 1940.11.08 — The entire entourage of the Greater East Asia Municipal Federation ends its session. 1940.11.08 — No. 2 Special District Court and No. 3 branch of the Appellate Court in the French Concession in Shanghai are transferred to the National Government of China in Nanking. The Japanese and French authorities lodged it a joint communiqué, declaring the transfer as a result of a complete accord of the views of both sides. 1940.11.08 — The Greek freighter Nitza, chartered by the Japanese and carrying scrap iron, arrives at Yokohama. While on its way from the U.S., the Greco-Italian war broke out and the vessel was ordered by Athens to steer to a neutral port. By arrangements made between the Foreign Ministry, Tokyo, and the Greek Minister to Japan, the Nitza was caused to head straight to Japan. There are 10 more Greek freighters chartered by the Japanese and carrying scrap iron that are expected to reach Yokohama within November. To reciprocate the Greek goodwill, Japan is to extend all facilities and protection to these ships. 1940.11.09 — A Rio de Janeiro dispatch reports Japan's exhibits at the Brazilian International Sample Fair are highly appreciated by the Brazilian people. Japan and Britain are likely to be the only countries that will complete their exhibit sections by the opening day, Nov. 10. 1940.11.10 — The formal celebration of the 26th centenary of the founding of Japan is held at the specially prepared grounds in the Palace plaza, Tokyo, in presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, with court, military, civil dignitaries, foreign envoys; altogether 55,000 present. Everywhere the throughout the country the centenary is celebrated with impressive ceremonies. The day coincides with the anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty. 1940.11.10 — Towns of Ashiya and Itami, near Kobe, are incorporated as cities. This makes 20 municipalities created since January this year and brings the total of cities in Japan to 174. 1940.11.11 — The celebration of the 26th centenary of the founding of Japan, sponsored by the people, is held at the same place in the Palace plaza as yesterday. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and other members of the Imperial Family are present. H.I.H. Prince Takamatsu reads a congratulatory message addressed to the Throne and leads the assemblage in three cheers for His Majesty (this is the first time for an Imperial Prince to lead the cheers at a popular gathering). American Ambassador Joseph Grew, representing the diplomatic corps at doyen, offers congratulations. A more festive mood prevails at today's programme, with classical dances, musical entertainment and singing. Refreshments are served. 1940.11.12 — Quite a lot of luxury goods banned by the July 7 anti-luxury order and therefore stored away, are being bought by the Japanese visiting Tokyo and elsewhere to attend the Overseas Japanese Convention. 1940.11.12 — The creation of the South Seas Bureau in the Foreign Office is officially announced. 1940.11.13 — A conference is held in the presence of H.M. the Emperor in the Palace to discuss the China affair problem. It is reported that the conference perfectly concurred in opinion. The Chief of Naval Staff, the Premier, the chairman of the Privy Council, the Foreign, Finance, War, Navy Ministers and the Chief of Army Staff are present. 1940.11.13 — The 30th anniversary of the founding of the reservists' association is celebrated. 1940.11.14 — The Imperial troops evacuate Nanning and Yamhsien in South China, it is officially announced. The presence of the Japanese troops in French Indo-China has made the occupation of these strategic points unnecessary. 1940.11.14 — Prince Kimmochi Saionji, the only surviving genro, at his Okitsu residence, near Tokyo, is reported ill. 1940.11.15 — Führer Hitler attends a luncheon party at the Japanese Embassy, Berlin, in honour of the 26th centenary of the founding of Japan and the signing of the triple pact. The Führer sends, through the Japanese Ambassador, a congratulatory message to the Japanese nation. 1940.11.16 — The budget committee in the Finance Ministry approves the necessary expenditures for elevating the Japanese Legation at Bangkok, Thailand, to an Embassy. 1940.11.16 — A 250 km. railway line connecting Tchehow (on the Tientsin-Pukow line) and Shitmen (on the Peking-Hankow line) is formally opened. The two lines, running parallel for some distance, are linked at vital points. 1940.11.17 — The vernacular papers give prominence to a Bangkok report (dated Nov. 16) of the Anglo-U.S. attempt to have Thailand sign a military agreement. The attempt is regarded as a measure to thwart Japan's southward advance. 1940.11.18 — The Commerce and Industry Ministry dispatches the following annual overseas trade inspection parties: the South Seas section (left Kobe Nov. 19); Central and South American Pacific Coast section (left Yokohama Nov. 22); South American Atlantic Coast section (left Yokohama Nov. 24). 1940.11.18 — Governor-General Admiral Jean Decoux of French Indo-China invites Maj.-General Sumita, chief of vigilante party at Hanoi, and the Thailand Minister to F.I.C., to a luncheon. The Governor-General specially seeks Japan's co-operation in promoting closer cultural intercourse between Japan and French Indo-China. 1940.11.19 — Chou Fu-hai, Finance Minister of the National Government at Nanking, in his first press interview in Tokyo, emphatically expresses his conviction that, with Japan's assistance, China under the Nanking Government will grow up in good order. Mr. Chou arrived in the capital on Nov. 18. 1940.11.20 — Hungary joins the Tripartite Pact among Japan, Germany and Italy, and Hungarian plenipotentiary Foreign Minister Stephen de Csaky signs a protocol at Vienna with the plenipotentiaries of the three Powers, namely: Ambassador Saburo Kurusu of Japan, Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop of Germany and Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano of Italy. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. IX No. 2 (March 1940) --- (covers 1939.12.01 to 1940.01.15) 1939.12.01 — The Abé Cabinet strengthens its position by appointing four new Advisers: Mr. Fusanosuké Kuhara, General Baron Sadao Araki, former Finance Minister Kazuyé Shoda and former Communications Minister Matajiro Koizumi. 1939.12.01 — After a lapse of 17 years, the naval depot at Maizuru in Kyoto Prefecture is restored to its former status of Naval Station. 1939.12.01 — In Moscow, Ambassador Shigenori Togo calls on Foreign Commissar Viacheslav M. Molotov and confers with him for an hour on the projected commercial agreement between Japan and the Soviet Union. 1939.12.02 — According to the Japanese press, Imperial Household Minister Tsuneo Matsudaira has instructed all prefectural governments to notify the people that, in view of the national emergency, they should tender no presents to the Court on the occasion of the Empire's 2,600th anniversary next year. 1939.12.02 — Shanghai dispatches reveal that, in an address before Japanese staff officers on November 23, Mr. Wang Ching-wei accused General Chiang Kai-shek of misapplying the Three People's Principles, said the Principles are the antithesis of Communism and quoted the late Dr. Sun Yat-sen to the effect that the fortunes and misfortunes of Japan and China are closely interwoven. 1939.12.03 — Ambassador Togo in Moscow confers with Mr. Solomon Lozovsky, Soviet Foreign Vice-Commissar, on the trade treaty plan and other problems affecting Soviet-Japanese relations. 1939.12.03 — The Miyako warns in an editorial that a basic understanding between Japan and the Soviet Union would prove tantamount to scrapping Japan's "dignified anti-Comintern front" and would lead to political and ideological chaos. 1939.12.04 — Premier Abé, with his Foreign, Finance and War Ministers, holds a meeting at his official residence with leaders of the five principal political groups. He beseeches their co-operation and support, reiterating that the Government is determined to overcome the various problems confronting the nation. It is decided to hold similar meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month. 1939.12.04 — The second diplomatic conversation between Foreign Minister Kichisaburo Nomura and the American Ambassador, Mr. Joseph C. Grew, takes place at the Foreign Minister's official residence. Domei reports Admiral Nomura deprecated the aggressive import of American endeavours to bring Japan to terms over outstanding questions in China. Ambassador Grew allegedly cites American evidence that Japan has enforced a closed economy in a large part of China, where it has assumed a position of superiority. He says if Japan can prove that American misgivings in this regard are unfounded, the key to a rapprochement will have been found. 1939.12.04 — The Foreign Office issues a communiqué stating that the two "discussed the general field of Japanese-American relations in a mutually constructive spirit." 1939.12.04 — The Industrial Bank of Japan announces the terms of a ¥30,000,000 13-year Manchoukuo Government bond issue, which will represent half of the third series of Manchoukuo bonds in Japanese currency. 1939.12.04 — Marshal Wu Pei-fu, famous Chinese warlord, dies in his Peking residence at the age of 68. The cause of death is announced as blood-poisoning resulting from an infected tooth. 1939.12.05 — The Cabinet gives final approval to the general tax increase programme aimed to yield ¥110,000,000 in additional revenue since its scheduled enforcement with the opening of the 1940–41 fiscal year. 1939.12.05 — Simultaneously, the Cabinet adopts three legislative bills providing for far-reaching reform of the local taxation system. Mr. Naoshi Ohara, the Home Minister, explains that the new system will yield a net revenue of ¥1,000,000,000, of which ¥660,000,000 will contain in local taxes and the remainder in taxes to be used in a special fund to be distributed among the prefectures. 1939.12.06 — After Japan has transacted about ¥1,000,000,000 into Manchoukuo enterprises since the founding of the new Empire, including ¥534,000,000 in 1939, Manchoukuo has now nearly reached the point of financial independence, according to a report made before a subcommittee meeting of the East Asia Economic Council by Mr. Juichi Tsushima, Vice-Governor of the Bank of Japan. 1939.12.07 — The Finance Ministry announces that Japan's total funded indebtedness on November 30 was ¥20,819,182,000, representing a gain of more than ¥1,000,000,000 since the end of September. Of the total, ¥19,192,751,000 is given as domestic indebtedness and ¥1,266,629,000 represents the amount of foreign bonds. 1939.12.07 — The Soviet-Japanese commission charged with the task of delimiting a new frontier between Manchoukuo and Outer Mongolia holds its first meeting in China. 1939.12.07 — The text of the Japan-Thailand air service agreement, signed at Bangkok on November 29, is published in the Official Gazette. 1939.12.08 — The 1940–41 national budget, totalling ¥10,500,000,000 and largest in Japan's history, is approved by the Cabinet after a debate lasting 60 minutes. The budget is divided into ¥5,900,000,000 in the general accounts and ¥4,600,000,000 in the China affair special account. Compared with the current budget, the former represents an increase of ¥1,091,000,000, the latter a decrease of ¥304,000,000 and the combined total thus an increase of ¥931,000,000. Defence expenditures for next fiscal year, as approved by the Cabinet, comprise ¥4,279,000,000 for the army and ¥2,238,000,000 for the navy. 1939.12.08 — The Cabinet Manchurian Affairs Bureau announces its approval of an increase in the capitalization of the South Manchuria Railway Company to ¥1,400,000,000 early next year. As a result the S.M.R. will become the largest commercial concern of the kind. 1939.12.08 — The Cabinet decides indefinitely to postpone abolition of the ordinance guaranteeing the status of Government officials. It issues a statement, however, stressing that there has been no change in the policy to realise the step as soon as possible. 1939.12.09 — Continued creeping up of the wholesale price index is confirmed by the Bank of Japan. The Bank releases figures showing that in November the average wholesale index recorded a gain of 2.2 per cent. over the previous month, reaching 299.9 against 100 based on the average for 1914. 1939.12.10 — The second and concluding day's session of the Social Mass Party's eighth National Convention is held at the Labour-Capital Hall in Shiba Park. Mr. Iso-o Abé is re-elected chairman of the party's Central Executive Committee. 1939.12.12 — The War Office promulgates a revised and stiffened version of the law for protection of military secrets. Under the new regulations, capital punishment is provided as the penalty for serious offences. 1939.12.12 — Elaborate ceremonies are performed at Peking to mark the second anniversary of the founding there of the Provisional Government of the Chinese Republic. Mr. Wang Keh-min, chairman of the Administration, issues a lengthy statement reaffirming the Government's determination to stabilize conditions in East Asia. 1939.12.13 — A Japanese rescue party saves 295 passengers and seamen of the Soviet steamer Indigirka, 2,336 tons, grounded in a snowstorm on an islet about 800 yards off Wakkanai, the extreme northern tip of Hokkaido. 1939.12.14 — Delay in the establishment of the projected new central régime in China, though not as a result of any major problem, is predicted by Premier Abé in the course of an informal meeting of executives of the Central League of the National Spiritual Mobilisation Movement. 1939.12.14 — Eziti Khotokhto, 26-year-old Living Buddha of Mongolia, arrives in Shimonoseki, accompanied by two high priests, on a visit of inspection to Japan. 1939.12.14 — Ambassador Mamoru Shigemitsu in London receives a note from the British Government disclaiming that the loss of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha liner Terukuni Maru was caused by the explosion of a British mine. 1939.12.14 — The Central Commodity Price Commission announces maximum prices for wheat, flour, rosin, boric acid, soap, agricultural implements, cellophane and straw products and also fixes maximum charges for dyeing cotton tissues for export. 1939.12.17 — Representatives of 2,800 public bath-houses stage a protest rally in the Jinju Hall and adopt a resolution demanding an adequate supply of coal and wood and also permission to increase the bath fee by one sen above the officially regulated rate of 6 sen per bath, which has been in effect for more than a year. 1939.12.17 — Foreign Commissar Molotov reportedly informs Ambassador Togo in Moscow that the Soviet Government is willing to negotiate a long-term fishery agreement with Japan. 1939.12.17 — A new naval arsenal is opened at Toyokawa in Aichi Prefecture. Rear-Admiral Ben-ichi Jimbo is appointed its commandant. 1939.12.18 — During the third Nomura-Grew conversation, Foreign Minister Nomura announces Japan's preparedness to reopen the Yangtze River between Shanghai and Nanking to foreign navigation under certain conditions. Later the decision is communicated to other foreign diplomatic representatives in Tokyo. 1939.12.20 — The British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, visits the Foreign Minister and has an hour's talk with him. It is reported that Sir Robert made an attempt to solve the silver issue and thereby clear up the entire Tientsin question in order to adjust Anglo-Japanese relations in China in the light of actualities. 1939.12.21 — Units of the Japanese army in South China occupy Langchow, in southwestern Kwangsi, and nearby Chennankwan almost directly on the provincial border with French Indo-China. The cities are taken temporarily in order to seize military supplies bound for the Chiang régime and to disrupt the supply system. 1939.12.22 — Following a month of preliminary negotiations, the Soviet-Japanese trade parleys designed to effect an early adjustment of the uncertain commercial relations between the two countries are formally inaugurated in Moscow. The first meeting lasts 30 minutes at the Foreign Trade Commissariat between Ambassador Togo and Foreign Trade Commissar Anastas I. Mikoyan. 1939.12.22 — Ambassador Grew informs Foreign Minister Nomura, at their fourth meeting, that the United States attaches a high value to the Japanese decision to restore neutral shipping on the Yangtze and that America is prepared to announce in the near future reciprocal measures which will permit American-Japanese trade to function without undue inconveniences after expiration of the treaty of Commerce and Navigation between the two countries on January 26. In the U.S., the Treasury Department sends a circular note to all customs collectors instructing them—" unless and until superseded by further instructions "—to refrain from collecting in Japan's case the 10 per cent. ad valorem duty automatically applicable to shipments to the United States from any nation having no commercial treaty with the United States when such shipments are in such nations' own vessels. At the same time the Commerce Department sends out instructions that Japanese ships are not to be subjected to the discriminating tonnage taxes for use of American harbours nor to "light money" assessments following expiration of the treaty. 1939.12.23 — The 77th session of the Imperial Diet convenes for the preliminary work of appointing committees and taking roll call. 1939.12.23 — The Japan Airway Company's monoplane Yamato takes off from Haneda airport at 6:45 a.m. on a goodwill flight to Thailand and Italy. The plane arrives in Fukuoka at 10:36, leaves after refuelling, and reaches Taihoku, Formosa, at 3:38 p.m. 1939.12.24 — In a communiqué reviewing Japanese naval operations in China during 1938, the naval section of the Imperial Headquarters declares that 140 Chinese planes were destroyed during the year, while the Japanese lost 29, bringing the total Chinese losses since the beginning of the conflict to 1,043 and the total Japanese losses to 142. The communiqué also discloses for the first time that Vice-Admiral Naokuni Nomura is commander of the Japanese naval forces in North China and that Vice-Admiral Matsuo Tanimoto commands the forces on the Yangtze River. 1939.12.24 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry fixes the new minimum rice price at ¥32.50 per koku (an increase of ¥2.60 per koku over the old price) and the maximum price at ¥43 per koku (unchanged). 1939.12.25 — The Soviet-Japanese frontier commission holds its eighth and last meeting at Chita. It transfers the site of the conference to Harbin, where the talks are scheduled to resume on January 7. 1939.12.26 — Attended by the Emperor, the 75th session of the Diet is formally inaugurated. The Rescript granted on the occasion by the Emperor, in part, reads: "With the outbreak of the disturbances in Europe, the world situation has become extremely complicated. You must, therefore, closely study the actual conditions of the world and direct your efforts to expand the national might so that the conventions of the Empire may be realized and East Asia may be completely stabilized." 1939.12.26 — A group of 200 Diet members from all political parties, meeting in the Diet budget chamber, adopts a resolution expressing lack of confidence in the Abé Cabinet and urging it to resign before the Diet resumes its work on January 20. 1939.12.26 — A delegation consisting of Lower House members from agricultural districts meets Premier Abé and hands him a petition for more effective policies to relieve distress among farming communities. The group, headed by Mr. Shosuké Yoshiyei, presents a complaint against the Cabinet's rice and price policies in particular. The visitors cite one case in Niigata Prefecture in which the Government allegedly purchased 700,300 koku of rice at the old price of ¥38 per koku and shortly afterwards increased the price to ¥43 per koku. 1939.12.26 — A revised and strengthened version of the anti-profiteering regulations is promulgated by ordinances of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 1939.12.27 — Text of the Treaty of Amity and Cultural Co-operation between Japan and Hungary, signed in Budapest on November 15,1938, and ratified on December 10, 1939, is published in the Official Gazette. The agreement will enter into force on December 29. 1939.12.27 — After remaining in session continuously since December 22, the joint conference between representatives of the Cabinet and representatives of the Central Price Policy Commission meets in final session at the Premier's official residence. Following the session, Mr. Ryusaku Endo, the Cabinet's chief secretary, explains the Government's revised price control policy. He stresses that measures will be taken (1) to prevent the prices of daily necessities from increasing further, (2) to avoid unfavourable effects of the price policy influencing the materials mobilization programme, (3) to alleviate possible hardships resulting from the policy to restrict increases in wages and salaries, and (4) most closely to co-ordinate the work of the various Government agencies engaged in the environment of the price programme. 1939.12.27 — The resignation of Lieutenant-General Hiroshi Oshima as ambassador to Berlin, tendered three months ago shortly after the conclusion of the German-Soviet non-aggression pact, is accepted by the Emperor. The step is generally interpreted as meaning the former envoy's retirement from the foreign service. 1939.12.27 — Both Houses of the Diet adjourn until January 20 after meeting in their final plenary sessions of the year and disposing of routine matters, including the election of committee chairmen. 1939.12.27 — From a delegation of 16 Diet members, Premier Abé receives the parliamentarian manifesto expressing non-confidence in his Government and demanding its resignation before the Diet reconvenes after the New Year recess. 1939.12.28 — Premier Abé asserts in an interview with newspapermen that he has no intention of abandoning his post in the middle of his task. He says, "The Cabinet has fixed as its goal the settlement of the China affair. This has been progressing steadily... There may be some differences of opinions. But I do not think we should abandon the task at this moment and resign because of matters other than the solution of the incident. Henceforth I shall strive even harder toward the same goal." 1939.12.28 — Mr. Kenzo Sawada, new Ambassador to Paris, presents his credentials to President Albert Lebrun of France. The envoy declares that his most ardent wish is to develop the traditional bonds of friendship between France and Japan. 1939.12.28 — The army section of the Imperial Headquarters announces that during a year of fighting in China, since the fall of the Wuhan cities in October, 1938, up to November, 1939, the Japanese army has lost approximately 17,000 men (without including the casualties of the Nomonhan border clash). Chinese dead counted on the field since the beginning of hostilities in China up to November are given as 1,218,462. 1939.12.28 — Military and naval planes conclude an intensive three-day bombing attack on Langchow in Kansu Province. 1939.12.29 — A communiqué dealing with the year's aerial operations issued by the army section of the Imperial Headquarters declares that the Japanese army air force, since the beginning of the China affair, has shot down 330 Chinese planes and has demolished 160 others on the ground. In addition, 1,340 Soviet planes have been shot down in clashes near the Manchoukuo-Mongolian border and 30 Soviet craft have been destroyed on the ground. The number of Japanese aircraft disabled during the period is given as 188. 1939.12.30 — The goodwill plane Yamato arrives in Rome at 1:05 p.m., local time (9:05 p.m., December 31, Japan time), after intermediate stops at Fukuoka, Taihoku, Canton, Hanoi, Bangkok, Calcutta, Karachi, Bagdad and Aleppo, Syria. 1939.12.30 — Ambassador Togo confers for four hours in Moscow with Foreign Commissar Molotov and reportedly registers progress in the diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement of the fishery question, the border issue and the question pertaining to the payment of the last instalment for the transfer of the North Manchuria Railway. 1939.12.31 — Only an hour before the existing agreement is scheduled to expire, Ambassador Togo and Foreign Commissar Molotov sign a modus vivendi extending for another year the temporary Soviet-Japanese fishery convention. It is the fifth modus vivendi covering the fishery question. The new agreement is similar to that concluded last April, but it stipulates that talks should be undertaken shortly for the conclusion of a long-term agreement. 1939.12.31 — The Bank of Japan's note issue touches another all-time peak of ¥3,817,712,000, increasing ¥939,142,000 over the end of 1938, exceeding the authorized issue limit of ¥2,701,000,000 by ¥1,116,712,000 and nearly doubling the ¥1,941,115,000 circulation recorded on December, 1916, the year preceding the China affair. 1940.01.01 — With the Emperor personally participating, traditional Shinto rites are performed at the Palace to mark the opening of the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of the Empire with the accession to the Throne of the nation's first ruler, Jimmu Tenno. 1940.01.01 — Approximately 2,000,000 citizens pay their homage within the Imperial Palace, the Meiji Shrine and the Yasukuni Shrine on New Year's Day to pray for the longevity of their rulers and the security of the country. It is estimated that more than 600,000 visited the Palace Plaza, 1,220,000 the Meiji shrine and 100,000 the Yasukuni Shrine after midnight struck on New Year's Eve. 1940.01.01 — In his New Year message to the nation, Premier Abé says: "For the sake of the prosperity and welfare of the 400,000,000 Chinese people, a new central government of China is being brought into existence, indicating progress along the road of reconstructing East Asia…The China affair, under such circumstances, has reached a new important stage. It is felt that this year will mark an important turning point in the future of East Asia in particular and the world in general." 1940.01.02 — Final payment to the Soviet Union on the North Manchuria Railway is made by Japan on behalf of the Manchoukuo Government. In the presence of representatives from the Manchoukuo Embassy in Tokyo, a cheque is handed to the Soviet Ambassador, Mr. Constantin Smetanin, by Mr. Ichimatsu Horai, president of the Industrial Bank of Japan. The step is taken in accordance with the Soviet-Japanese understanding of December 31, 1931, stipulating that the payment be completed by January 4, 1940. 1940.01.02 — In Paris, Ambassador Sawada calls on Dr. A. Leger, Secretary-General of the Quai d'Orsay, and reportedly begins a discussion of concrete matters related to the improvement of Franco-Japanese relations in the Far East. 1940.01.05 — An extraordinary meeting of the China Affairs Board, attended also by representatives of the Cabinet, approves the basic conditions for the establishment of a new central régime in China under Mr. Wang. The following statement is issued by Mr. Endo, the Cabinet's chief secretary: "It must now be admitted that the trend of his (Mr. Wang's) activities has been generally in accord with the desires of that country. As a result…as agreement was reached…that this country should adopt an attitude of giving assistance to Mr. Wang's movement." 1940.01.05 — The Soviet-Japanese border commission holds its first meeting in Harbin at the Hotel New Harbin, where the Japanese delegates are staying. 1940.01.05 — The number of participants in the group of Diet members demanding the Abé Cabinet's resignation increases to 276 men. 1940.01.06 — After a discussion with the Cabinet Advisory Council, the Cabinet gives formal approval to the terms of the basic Sino-Japanese understanding on the establishment of the projected new central government in China. 1940.01.09 — Mr. Toshio Shiratori, former Ambassador to Rome, is formally relieved of his diplomatic post in Italy and is placed on the waiting list at the Foreign Ministry. 1940.01.10 — Ambassador Togo presents a draft of Japanese views concerning the projected trade treaty with the Soviet Union at a meeting in Moscow with Foreign Trade Commissar Mikoyan. 1940.01.10 — The Soviet Ambassador, Mr. Constantin Smetanin, calls on Foreign Minister Nomura at the Foreign Office and remains with him in conference for about an hour. 1940.01.10 — A conference of the chiefs of the educational sections of prefectural governments takes place in the Education Ministry. Addressing the meeting, Education Minister Kakichi Kawarada urges strengthening of the national spiritual mobilization campaign. 1940.01.11 — Foreign Minister Nomura calls the French Ambassador, Mr. Charles Arsene-Henry, to the Foreign Office and rejects a protest from the French Government, submitted on January 5, against the bombing by Japanese planes of the Haiphong-Yunnan-fu Railway. The Foreign Minister explains that the bombing is a necessity the army is compelled to carry out in order to prevent supplies passing through French Indo-China from reaching the Chiang régime. 1940.01.13 — With the Abé Cabinet's downfall imminent War Minister Shunroku Hata calls on Prince Konoyé twice during the day reportedly to urge him to "accept the task of solving the political impasse." 1940.01.13 — The Privy Council, meeting in special session at the Palace in the Emperor's presence, approves the new modus vivendi reached between Japan and the Soviet Union. 1940.01.13 — Military control over Tsingtao harbour is relaxed with the result that in the future all vessels of third Powers will be entitled to accommodations at the waterfront as well as customs sheds. Nevertheless, the step is accompanied by a warning that the former restrictions will be restored promptly if foreign ships should take undue advantage of the Japanese decision. 1940.01.14 — After remaining in office for four months and 18 days, the Abé Cabinet resigns and Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai, member of the Supreme War Council and Navy Minister in the Hayashi, Konoye and Hiranuma Cabinets, is ordered by the Emperor to organize the next Administration. General Hata is summoned to the Palace and is ordered by the Emperor to co-operate with Admiral Yonai in the task of organizing a new cabinet. 1940.01.15 — Admiral Yonai completes the line-up of his cabinet in a little more than 24 hours after receiving the Imperial command to form a new Government. Only two members of the Abé Cabinet will remain, War Minister Hata and Navy Minister Zengo Yoshida. The new Cabinet includes four representatives from the two major political parties, two from the Minseito and one from each faction of the Seiyukai. Mr. Yukio Sakurauchi is selected as Finance Minister and Mr. Hachiro Arita is chosen as Foreign Minister. 1940.01.15 — Fire breaks out in Shizuoka at 12:30 p.m. and, after raging for 13 hours, razes about a sixth of the city area. A total of 5,047 houses are destroyed, 74 others partially, 28,365 persons are rendered homeless and loss is estimated at ¥65,233,464. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. IX No. 3 (June 1940) --- (covers 1940.04.01 to 1940.05.15) 1940.04.01 — Former Premier Nobuyuki Abé, special envoy to the Wang régime in China, is invested by the Emperor as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary with the rank of highest Japanese representative in China. The step is regarded as silent manifestation of Japan's policy of positive assistance for the new Chinese administration. 1940.04.01 — Criticizing Secretary of State Cordell Hull's statement, the Foreign Office spokesman, Yakichiro Suma, says Mr. Hull's announcement is (1) inconsistent with the American note of December 30, 1938, expressing willingness to recognize changes in the Far East, (2) incorrect in assuming that the Japanese army made Mr. Wang head of the new Chinese régime, (3) an unnecessarily encouraging gesture towards the Chungking régime, and (4) representative of a move beyond the scope of the Stimson doctrine. 1940.04.01 — The army's revised six-year programme for armament replenishment and structural reform of the army goes into effect with the opening of the new fiscal year. The remodelled programme envisages the establishment of a military arms headquarters, an army aeronautical arsenal, expansion of the existing Aeronautic Technical Research Institute and improvement of military institutions for technical officers. 1940.04.01 — Mitsui executives announce a project to merge into the Mitsui Bussan Kaisha the Mitsui Gomei Kaisha, holding company of the former, and also a number of other Mitsui concerns allegedly to permit greater concentration on the development of foreign trade. The plan is expected to materialize sometime in August. 1940.04.01 — Announcement is made by the Cabinet Manchurian Affairs Bureau of its approval of a modified 1940–41 expansion programme for the South Manchuria Railway. The ¥469,000,000 programme approved is ¥32,000,000 less than the original plan submitted by the railway concern, but ¥16,000,000 larger than the 1939-40 expansion programme. 1940.04.02 — In an interview with the press at Kyoto, Premier Yonai asserts that the attitude taken by the United States toward the new central régime in China leaves Japan no choice but "to maintain a stern policy toward America" and at the same time to prevent incidents involving American interests in China. He adds that there seem to be prospects for a gradual improvement of Japan's relations with Great Britain. 1940.04.03 — Japanese military planes, flying in large formation, carry out an intense bombing attack on Sian, capital of Shensi Province. Special emphasis is put into the operation because it falls upon the anniversary of the death of Emperor Jimmu, founder of the Japanese Imperial reign. 1940.04.03 — Greatly increased passenger and freight traffic caused by the boom in wartime industries raised the revenue of the Government Railways during the last fiscal year to the record figure of ¥883,321,289, more by ¥141,000,000 than in the previous year, according to statistics released by the Railway Ministry. 1940.04.04 — Ninety-five pieces of mail and parcels destined for Europe are removed by British contraband officials from the N.Y.K. liner Hakusan Maru as soon as the steamer docks at Singapore. 1940.04.04 — A new air transport record is established when a Japan Airways plane covers the 190 miles from Shanghai to Fukuoka in two hours and 20 minutes at an average speed of 133 miles an hour. 1940.04.04 — Total postal savings in Japan reach the new record figure of ¥5,996,294,229. The Government is trying to effect an increase for the present fiscal year of about ¥1,700,000,000, and if this is realized the total savings at the end of next March will be about ¥7,700,000,000. 1940.04.05 — In response to an appeal by Finance Minister Yukio Sakurauchi in his first public address outside the Diet since his appointment, 120 representatives of savings banks pledge their efforts to increase their savings deposits by ¥1,800,000,000 and absorb ¥660,000,000 in national bonds during the current fiscal year. 1940.04.05 — General Son Che-yuan, chairman of the Hopei-Chahar Political Council and commander of the 27th Army which participated in the clash with Japanese troops on the night of July 7, 1937, near Lukovkino, providing the immediate cause of the China affair, dies at the age of 55 at Mienyang in the interior of Szechwan Province. 1940.04.06 — A national rally to send off General Abé to China, held in Hibiya Park, is utilized by Premier Yonai and other leaders, including the Foreign, War and Navy Ministers, to reiterate Japan's determination to assist the new Chinese régime, to crush the Chungking government and to push the plans for the creation of a new order in East Asia. 1940.04.06 — In Nanking, the new Administration issues orders to Chinese troops throughout China to cease hostilities against Japan and to await further instructions from the military council of the new régime. 1940.04.08 — The Crown Prince, after participating in appropriate Court ceremonies, enrolls as a first-year student in the Peers' School. 1940.04.08 — Wang Ching-wei arrives in Peking by plane to make a courtesy call on Lieutenant-General Hayao Tada, commander of the Japanese forces in North China, and to inspect local conditions. 1940.04.09 — The question of reorganizing the Central League for National Spiritual Mobilization forms the principal topic of discussion at a meeting of the Cabinet. 1940.04.10 — A large-scale shake-up of Home Office and prefectural officials is announced by the Government. Ryuichi Fukumoto, hitherto chief of the road section of the Ministry, has been appointed head of the censorship section, succeeding Yunuru Akahané, who has been transferred to the economic police section. The re-appointments and transfers affect the personnel of 37 prefectural administrations. 1940.04.11 — The British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, calls on Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita to explain Britain's position in connection with the extension of the European war to Scandinavia and Denmark. 1940.04.11 — With the object of improving Mexico's trade relations with Japan, a Mexican economic mission composed of 18 members arrives at Yokohama at the invitation of the Association of Exporters to South America and the Japan Economic Federation. 1940.04.11 — In an address at a conference of chiefs of the monopoly bureaus, Finance Minister Sakurauchi reports that the bureaus' total profits for 1939–40 reach the all-time high of ¥320,000,000, an increase of ¥79,000,000 over what had been expected. 1940.04.12 — Tomijiro Ohkubo, senior Deputy Mayor under the late Kenkichi Tanomogi, is elected new Mayor of Greater Tokyo by a vote of the Municipal Assembly. 1940.04.12 — Results of the Shanghai Municipal Council elections in the International Settlement of that city reveal that only two of the five Japanese candidates have won places on the council, though in negotiations with the council authorities Japan had sought to obtain added representation by a change in the rules. All five Chinese members have been re-elected, as well as the five British and two American councillors. 1940.04.12 — The commanders of the Japanese naval and military forces in South China issue a joint announcement stating that Pearl River will be reopened to navigation as from April 20. 1940.04.13 — Wang Ching-wei arrives in Canton by plane, and, in an interview with the press, says that if his peace movement continues to make progress it will undoubtedly prove successful. 1940.04.14 — Moved by a common impulse and commenting in almost identical terms, Domei News Agency and virtually all vernacular newspapers declare that Japan cannot stand by idly if the Dutch East Indies should be threatened with involvement in the European war. 1940.04.15 — Following a special Cabinet meeting to discuss the new international situation, Foreign Minister Arita issues a statement to the press affirming the Government's anxiety over the possible extension of the European war to the Netherlands East Indies in view of the economic relations and mutual interdependence between the Dutch colony and Japan. 1940.04.15 — General Abé leaves Tokyo for Nanking on his special mission accredited to the Wang régime. 1940.04.15 — The China Airways Company inaugurates a new service between Shanghai and Canton calling for two round trips a week. The line is soon to be joined by another passenger and mail service to Nanking. 1940.04.16 — The Cabinet approves the outline of the proposed reorganization of the Central League for National Spiritual Mobilization. The new machinery will be called the National Spiritual General Mobilization Movement and its functions will be placed under the direct supervision of the Premier. 1940.04.16 — A conference to discuss financial and economic problems in North China is opened in Chincheng Hall, Peking, attended by 150 representatives of the Japanese Government, the liaison offices of the China Affairs Board, the Manchoukuo Government and the Japanese military and naval forces in China. 1940.04.17 — Secretary of State Hull issues a statement at Washington declaring that the United States stands unequivocally against any "intervention in the domestic affairs of the Netherlands East Indies or any alteration of their status quo by other than peaceful means." The statement says this doctrine is based upon the four-Power agreement signed at Washington on December 13, 1921, in which the United States, Britain, France and Japan affirm their intentions to uphold the status quo in the Pacific area. 1940.04.17 — Three new members of the Privy Council are invested in the presence of the Emperor at the Imperial Palace. They are Lieutenant-General Baron Kenichi Ohshima, War Minister in the Ohkuma and Terauchi Cabinets; Yukichi Obata, member of the House of Peers and veteran diplomat, and Yosaburo Takékoshi, also a member of the Upper House and one of Japan's foremost writers on economic and historical subjects. 1940.04.17 — Wang Ching-wei arrives in Hankow on an inspection tour of the Wuhan district and to make a round of calls on high Japanese army and navy officers. 1940.04.18 — It is revealed that Japan has lodged a protest with the United States through the Embassy in Washington against the impending enforcement of a Philippines immigration regulation which would limit immigration annually to 500 nationals of each foreign country without providing for special consideration for Japanese subjects. 1940.04.18 — A Foreign Office statement declares that the Japanese Minister at The Hague, Mr. Itaro Ishii, has received a formal Dutch assurance to the effect that the Netherlands Government has not sought and will not seek the protection of any foreign country for the Dutch East Indies. 1940.04.18 — Viscount Chifuyu Watanabé, member of the Privy Council, dies of blood poisoning at the age of 64. 1940.04.19 — A Soviet patrol vessel in the open sea opposite Ussuri Bay fires a stream of machine-gun bullets in front of a convoy of Japanese fishing ships, forcing them to halt, and later sails off with them toward an unknown destination. 1940.04.19 — The Japanese armies operating in Shansi Province claim to have killed about 4,300 Chinese soldiers out of an estimated total of 20,000 men of the 4th Group Army, which had been attempting to cut through the Japanese lines near the Yellow River in the southwestern corner of the province. 1940.04.19 — A seven-member economic mission from Paraguay arrives, led by Dr. Venacio B. Galeano, former member of the Paraguayan Legislature, for the purpose of engaging in talks designed to improve the trade relations between Japan and the South American Republic. 1940.04.19 — The British Ambassador calls on Foreign Vice-Minister Masayuki Tani and in a half-hour talk reportedly discusses the final wording of an Anglo-Japanese agreement on the disposition of the Chinese silver stored in the former Communications Bank at Tientsin. 1940.04.20 — The Japanese steamer Kaichu Maru sails from Canton as the first regular steamship to leave the port for a year and half following the reopening of Canton to normal maritime traffic by the Japanese authorities. 1940.04.22 — Convinced that the Government's price policy is both confused and slow in operating, the army announces its decision to take the initiative in realizing a forced low price policy, in preparation for which a three-day conference will open on April 22. The army intends to seek concrete methods of calculating "appropriate profits" and of eliminating excessive profits realized as a result of the boom in industries turning out military supplies. It is understood that the army intends to set an example for industry generally by carrying out industrial rationalization in plants producing military goods. Reduction in production costs will be sought through a close investigation of all elements involved in final prices of commodities. 1940.04.22 — The warship Arashi, of unannounced tonnage, is launched at the Maizuru Naval Station in Kyoto Prefecture. 1940.04.23 — Announcement is made by the army section of the Imperial Headquarters that during the hostilities in China in March, the Japanese forces took a total of 3,433 prisoners, 679 cannon, 138 machine-guns, 11,236 rifles, 30 motorcars and 459 horses. Japanese killed during the period are listed as 400. 1940.04.23 — On the eve of the fifth special festival of the Yasukuni Shrine, elaborate ceremonies for the enshrinement of 12,799 soldiers' souls are held at the shrine in the presence of some 30,000 relatives of the dead. 1940.04.23 — General Abé and his suite arrive in Nanking on the liner Kashima Maru and are given a warm welcome by prominent Chinese and Japanese officials. 1940.04.24 — Announcement is made by the War Office and the Cabinet Decorations Bureau that honours have been conferred by the Emperor upon 12,933 officers, men and civilians killed in action during the China affair. 1940.04.25 — Carl Edward, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, president of the German Red Cross Society, arrives from San Francisco by the Kamakura Maru as special envoy of Chancellor Adolf Hitler to convey on behalf of the German Government congratulations to Japan on the occasion of the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of the Empire. The Duke, who is visiting Japan for the second time, is accompanied by several associates, including Captain Fritz Wiedemann, known as one of Chancellor Hitler's close advisers. 1940.04.25 — Chungking is bombed by Japanese naval planes for the first time this year: The Chinese air base at Paishih, about 10 miles west of the Chiang régime's capital, is also bombed. 1940.04.26 — Chuji Machida, president of the Minseito, at a joint meeting with Diet members and councillors of the party, names Tadao Ohasa chief manager of the party and Hyogoro Sakurai its chief secretary. Several new officers and managers of the party also are appointed. 1940.04.27 — While the organization of an opposing political group is being rushed by rebellious members, the central executive committee of the Social Mass Party adopts a resolution calling for strengthened ties with Germany and Italy and adjustment of Japan's relations with Great Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as the inauguration of a new diplomatic policy which would go beyond that embodied in the Konoye statement. 1940.04.27 — In Nanking, members of the Abé mission, accompanied by prominent Chinese, visit the tomb of Dr. Sun Yat-sen to pay their respects to the spirit of the founder of the Chinese Republic. 1940.04.29 — The Emperor attains His Majesty's 39th birthday. Ceremonial rites are conducted before the three Court sanctuaries in the Palace grounds, but other felicitations are cancelled because the Imperial Family is still in mourning for Princess Dowager Masako Takéda. 1940.04.29 — The People's League for the Construction of a New Asia is formed at a meeting attended by about 200 sponsors of the movement, including representatives of the Kokumin Domei, the Tohokai, the Greater Asia Association, the Japan Young Men's Party and other groups interested in Japanese expansion on the Asiatic continent. The league is headed by Admiral Nobumasa Suyétsugu, former Minister of Home Affairs. One of the league's aims is to "wipe out" the colonial status of China and replace it with an independent economic structure including Japan, Manchoukuo, China and the South Sea Islands. 1940.04.30 — Francis Bowes Sayre, United States High Commissioner to the Philippines and former Assistant Secretary of State, accompanied by his wife and his naval aide, arrive for a visit of about 10 days as guests of the American Ambassador and Mrs. Grew. 1940.05.01 — Admiral Kiyoshi Hasegawa is replaced by Admiral Kunihiro Oikawa as commander of the Yokosuka Naval Station and is promoted to membership in the Supreme War Council together with a number of other important transfers in the higher strata of naval personnel. Admiral Oikawa is succeeded as commander of the Japanese fleet in China waters by Vice-Admiral Shigétaro Shimada, formerly commander of the Kuré Naval Station. 1940.05.01 — After capturing Tsingyang, strategic objective in southern Anhwei, the commander of the Japanese forces in that sector advises the Chinese officers and men to surrender and co-operate with the Wang régime in the task of establishing a new order in the Far East. 1940.05.01 — Hope for an amicable adjustment of international relations between Japan and the United States is stimulated by a meeting between Foreign Minister Arita and the visiting U.S. Commissioner of the Philippines. 1940.05.01 — A Canadian economic mission of three members, accompanied by their wives, arrives at Yokohama from Vancouver on the Hokan Maru for a month's tour of Japan at the invitation of the Japan Foreign Trade Federation. While in Japan, the mission members will talk with leading Japanese businessmen in an effort to improve the commercial relations between the two countries. 1940.05.01 — In Washington, Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles confirms reports that the American Ambassador to Tokyo, Joseph C. Grew, has postponed his return to the United States on furlough late in May. 1940.05.01 — In Paris, it is announced by the Foreign Office that France has pretended to Japan, for the fourth time, the continued bombing of the Haiphong-Yunnan-fu Railway by Japanese planes. 1940.05.02 — The conversations held between Mr. Sayre and Foreign Minister Arita, although "entirely informal," have been helpful "in clarifying certain aspects of Japanese-American relations," according to a joint communiqué issued by the American Embassy and the Foreign Office. 1940.05.02 — In a speech before a banquet commemorating the 20th anniversary of the International Association of Japan, Foreign Minister Arita declares that the public outcries for action against the United States and the Soviet Union are absurd and entirely incompatible with Japanese diplomacy. He says the foremost aim of Japanese foreign policy is to dispose of the China affair. 1940.05.04 — Uruguay ratifies a nine-article two-year treaty of commerce and navigation with Japan according Japan unconditional most-favoured-nation treatment and freedom of entry, travel and residence. The agreement is scheduled to take effect on May 13. 1940.05.04 — The municipal waterworks broadcasts a radio appeal for the utmost economy of water as the level at the Murayama and Kawaguchi reservoirs serving the capital and its environs have dropped to the all-time low of 2,860,000 tons. 1940.05.05 — A fleet of 31 warplanes contributed to the army by patriotic subscribers is dedicated at the Haneda airport. 1940.05.05 — After a meeting of the State Council, announcement is made at Hsinking that Manchoukuo will revise its five-year industrial programme to reorientate emphasis upon the most important branches of production, to exercise thrift and to attain closer industrial co-operation with Japan and China. 1940.05.05 — A new warship, the Kanajiri, is launched at Yokosuka Naval Station. 1940.05.07 — The Cabinet approves a provisional materials mobilization plan for the first quarter of the current fiscal year. According to Domei, the step indicates that the Yonai Cabinet has launched in earnest its wartime control policy covering materials and prices. 1940.05.07 — The Home Ministry issues an order prohibiting the formation of the Labouring People's Party (Kinro Kokuminto) scheduled to be inaugurated on May 12 by Iso-o Abé and other former members of the Social Mass Party. In a statement explaining the move, Home Minister Hideo Kodama says Mr. Abé and his associates are sympathetic toward Marxist ideas and wish to engage in class struggle which would interfere with the strengthening of national unity. 1940.05.07 — The Foreign Office Information Bureau announces that restriction of travel by Japanese to the Asiatic Continent, hitherto up to the discretion of local police officials, will be intensified in the future to limit travellers to those with legitimate business. 1940.05.08 — Foreign Minister Arita tells the conference of prefectural governors that, although the European war is creating problems for East Asia which will require careful consideration by Japan, this country will continue to pursue its present basic policy of non-involvement in the conflict. 1940.05.08 — A three-hour meeting of the Central Executive Council of the Social Mass Party, held at the party's headquarters in Shiba, adopts a resolution pledging the party's further efforts to contribute toward a solution of the national emergency and, in this connection, to alter the party's name to a more appropriate title. The new name is to be approved at the party's general meeting in July. 1940.05.10 — The German armies simultaneously invade Luxembourg, Belgium and Holland, automatically involving the Dutch East Indies in the scope of the European conflict. 1940.05.11 — Foreign Minister Arita calls to the Foreign Office the diplomatic representatives of Germany, the Netherlands, Great Britain and France to notify them that, in view of the new developments in Europe, Japan proposes to maintain its policy of non-involvement in the war, to take every measure for defence in case the hostilities spread to the Far East and to resist any kind of change in the status of the Dutch East Indies. 1940.05.11 — Chuji Machida, president of the Minseito, rejects a proposal by Funanosuké Kuhara, president of the Seiyukai's orthodox faction, that his party be merged into a large national party composed of all leading political factions. Rejection is based upon the Minseito's view that the plan to dissolve and merge all the principal parties is too drastic. However, says a Minseito statement, "it is hoped that the difference of opinion about the problem will not hamper the friendly relations between the two parties in the future, especially in view of the fact that both groups are co-operating with the Cabinet through members serving as Ministers of State." 1940.05.13 — Ambassador Sir Robert Craigie submits to the Foreign Office an assurance of the British Government that it fully shares Japan's concern that there should be no alteration in the existing administrative character of the Netherlands Indies as a result of the extension of the war to Holland. 1940.05.13 — About 400 Japanese shops in Lima and the outskirts of the Peruvian capital are attacked during riots against Japanese immigrants. About 20 are mobbed and stripped by the rioters. Japanese driven from their homes seek refuge in the building of the Japanese primary school in Lima. 1940.05.14 — The chief of the Home Office Police Affairs Bureau summons leaders of the Japan Federation of Labour, independent organization of labor unions in Japan, and invites them to disband their organization "voluntarily" in compliance with request from the Government. 1940.05.14 — Japanese naval planes bomb the Kweiyang-Yunnan-fu highway linking the capitals of Kweichow and Yunnan Provinces and over which supplies have been transported to Chungking by way of Yunnan-fu, terminal of the Yunnan Railway. 1940.05.15 — Foreign Minister Arita invites to his office Carros Porras, Peruvian chargé d'affaires, and protests against the outbreak in Lima of riots against Japanese residents. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. IX No. 4 (July 1940) --- (covers 1940.05.16 to 1940.06.15) 1940.05.16 — Twelve regulations are promulgated in Nanking for the transfer of factories held by the Japanese forces in China to the new National Government through its Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The legitimate owners of the factories will be entitled to get them back later upon application with the new régime. 1940.05.17 — The Foreign Ministry announces that, through an understanding with the Peruvian Government, a committee will be appointed in Lima to decide on the compensation to be paid to the Japanese residents involved in the riots. An expression of sincere regret over the incident has been expressed, on behalf of his Government, by the Peruvian Prime Minister and concurrently Foreign Minister in a meeting with the Japanese chargé d'affaires, Shun Sato. 1940.05.17 — Ambassador Mamoru Shigemitsu in London acts as host at a luncheon for the new British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. In view of Mr. Churchill's pressure of work and the serious position of Britain in the European war, his attendance at the function is regarded as a remarkable diplomatic gesture toward Japan. 1940.05.18 — A second Mexican economic delegation, composed of three members, arrives for a stay in Japan of six weeks during which meetings will be held with prominent Japanese businessmen to discuss measures for closer trade relations between the two countries. 1940.05.19 — Formosa has become the principle base for Japan's southward economic expansion as a result of the China affair and must be developed as such, as soon as circumstances permit, Admiral Seizo Kobayashi, Governor-General of Formosa, says in an interview on his arrival in Tokyo to coofer with the Central Government. 1940.05.20 — Finance Minister Yukio Sakurauchi is reported to have definitely decided to overhaul estimates for the current fiscal year by establishing a working budget. He allegedly believes that the chief reason for the materials mobilization plan's failure to make satisfactory progress is the fall of sterling and the decline of the Japi because of the spreading of the European conflict. 1940.05.20 — The Netherlands Minister, General J. C. Pabst, tells Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita, in the course of an informal meeting at the Foreign Ministry, that the Netherlands East Indies will not be able to export to Japan as large quantities of petroleum, rubber, zinc, nickel and other materials as in the past because of the Allies' need to prosecute the war against Germany. 1940.05.20 — The Japanese mission to Italy, headed by Naotaké Sato, former Foreign Minister and Ambassador to France, is accorded a warm welcome on its arrival in Rome from Naples. 1940.05.21 — The mission of the Nanking Government, visiting Japan to return the visit to China of General Nobuyuki Abé, arrives in Tokyo. Leader of the mission is Chen Kung-po, President of the Legislative Yuan of the Nanking Government. 1940.05.22 — The radical East Asia Construction League adopts a resolution urging the Government, because of the situation in Europe, to drop its policy of non-involvement in the European conflict. Attending the meeting with other members of the League's executive committee are Admiral Nobumasa Suyetsugu, retired, president of the League; Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Tatékawa, retired, and Seigo Nakano, president of the Tohokai. 1940.05.22 — The movement for the organization of a single political party seemingly receives another setback when Chikuhei Nakajima, head of the reformist faction of the Seiyukai, declines even personally to discuss the plan with Funanosuké Kuhara, its sponsor and Mr. Nakajima's political rival. 1940.05.24 — Japan's policy of non-involvement in the European hostilities is far more than mere aloofness from the fighting in Europe; it is an essential stand to enable Japan to play its part whenever the situation becomes clarified sufficiently to permit the possibility of a settlement, according to Yakichiro Suma, director of the Foreign Office information bureau. In a radio broadcast, Mr. Suma denies that Japan's avowed rôle in the European struggle is passive. 1940.05.24 — Shun Sato, chargé d'affaires in Lima, is instructed to lodge a vigorous representation against the action taken by the Peruvian Government in suspending the entry of immigrants and limiting the employment of foreigners. 1940.05.24 — Announcement is made by the Navy Ministry that the warship Hyuga will be placed at the disposal of Manchoukuo to bring Emperor Kangté to Japan in the latter part of June to congratulate the Japanese Imperial Family on the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of the Empire. 1940.05.25 — In response to a request by the Foreign Office transmitted by the Mexican economic mission while visiting here, the Mexican Government has revised its quarantine system, relaxing restrictions affecting travellers from Japan, according to an announcement by the Foreign Ministry. Henceforth travellers from Japan will be exempted from quarantine measures and will be permitted to enter Mexico through any port open for immigrants provided they possess certificates indicating they are not cholera carriers. 1940.05.25 — General Jiro Minami, Governor-General of Korea, arrives from Seoul to report to the Throne on administrative matters and also to confer with the central authorities on plans for the expansion of industrial production in Korea. 1940.05.25 — The Army Department of the Imperial Headquarters releases an announcement stating that Japanese military operations in China during April included 2,300 encounters with a total of 331,210 Chinese troops and aviators. During the same period, 37,100 bodies of Chinese soldiers were counted on the field and 4,520 prisoners were taken. The Japanese forces also captured 901 cannon, 291 machine-guns, 18,089 rifles and 345 horses. 1940.05.26 — On the eve of the 35th anniversary of Navy Day, Navy Minister Zengo Yoshida declares that the era of supremacy on the Pacific is being unfolded at the present moment. He urges placing the entire military resources of the nation under State control so that Japan can be prepared to cope with the world crisis and to consummate the objectives of the war in China. 1940.05.26 — The Cabinet decides to create within the Government an inner council consisting of the Premier and the Foreign, War and Navy Ministers, who will determine "supreme national policies" designed to accelerate an end to the China affair and create a new order in East Asia in the light of the European situation. 1940.05.26 — Kenzo Adachi, president of the Kokumin Domei, during a meeting with Funanosuké Kuhara, pledges his support for the movement to create a large national party through merging all the existing political groups. 1940.05.28 — After formal approval of the four-Minister plan, the newly created Cabinet inner council holds its first meeting attended by the Premier and the Foreign, War and Navy Ministers. The two-hour meeting is devoted to a discussion of various aspects of the European hostilities in relation to the China affair. 1940.05.29 — Domei reports that, according to a survey by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, a total of 4,993,200 registered radio sets are included in Japanese homes. The corporation is planning to put on a special programme when the number reaches five million. 1940.05.30 — The Peruvian Government has punished those responsible for the recent anti-Japanese riots in Lima, begun an investigation for compensating the victims and has agreed to permit Japanese immigrants to enter the country, states a communiqué released by the Foreign Office. 1940.05.31 — A 100 per cent. increase in capitalization and the opening of all shares of new stock to public subscription are decided by the Mitsubishi-Sha, holding concern of the vast Mitsubishi business and industrial interests, at a plenary meeting of company executives. By virtue of this step Mitsubishi-Sha's capital of ¥120 million will be stepped up to ¥240 million, and shares will be open to subscription by investors other than members of the Iwasaki family who hitherto have wielded exclusive control over the business firm. 1940.05.31 — The season's first transactions in spring cocoons at the Numazu and Hamamatsu markets result in an advance in prices to 92 koku, or ¥11.58 per 10 pounds of cocoons yielding roughly two ounces of silk yarn. The price is 30 to 40 per cent. higher than in 1939 and it is feared that, as a result, money will become rather tight against reelers. It is believed in financial circles that with the price of silk yarn at ¥1,300 per 100 kin, the rational cocoon price ought to be 76 kahi, or about ¥10.92 per 10 pounds. 1940.05.31 — The proposal for abolition of the system of guaranteeing the status of Government officials, long a target of criticism from opponents of administrative incompetence, receives the Cabinet's formal approval. A promise is made by the Cabinet to send the measure to the Privy Council at once for speedy action. Simultaneously the Cabinet adopts a proposal to increase the bonus payments to Government officials at the end of June and the end of the year. Bonuses equivalent to a month's salary will be paid at the end of June. 1940.06.01 — Marquis Koichi Kido, Home Minister in the Hiranuma Cabinet, is formally installed as Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, succeeding Kurahei Yuasa, who has resigned on the grounds of indifferent health. 1940.06.01 — The Official Gazette announces impending extensive reorganization of the Cabinet Information Bureau with the addition of four separate sections to which are assigned special functions. In addition to administrative revisions, the bureau is soon to acquire an assistant-director of chokunin rank, or equal to Vice-Minister. 1940.06.01 — Rationing of the water supply is started for three Tokyo wards, Meguro, Ebara and Ohnori, as the water shortage, caused by the prolonged lack of rain, continues to grow worse. 1940.06.01 — In the United States, the battleship Washington, of 35,000 tons and first warship in its class to be built by the United States navy since 1921, is launched. 1940.06.02 — It is disclosed in Washington that the American Administration is considering the imposition of a "moral embargo" against machine-tool exports to Japan in order to break the principal bottleneck in the gigantic American defence programme. 1940.06.03 — Premier Mitsumasa Yonai, in a press interview, clarifies (1) that Sino-Japanese negotiations are progressing satisfactorily toward a new stage in the relations between Tokyo and Nanking, (2) that the policy of non-involvement in the European conflict is best for the time being, (3) that insistence on "no status quo change" for the Netherlands East Indies will be maintained, and (4) that the Government will watch developments in the new party movement purely as a bystander. 1940.06.03 — Meanwhile considerable progress is indicated in the single party movement. It is reported by the Nichi Nichi, the Kokumin, Miyako and Domei that Mr. Kuhara has tentatively aligned the co-operation of the League of Parliamentary Members for the Consummation of the China War and of the Dai Nippon Young Men's Party headed by Colonel Kingoro Hashimoto. Mr. Machida, the Minseito's President, is also reported to have changed his mind and to have expressed his willingness to support the movement on one condition, however, that Prince Fumimaro Konoyé will be given leadership of the projected party. 1940.06.03 — Led by General Alberto Castro Gienna, a Spanish economic mission of 20 members arrives, at the invitation of the Japan Economic Federation, for a month's inspection of Japan, Manchoukuo and North China. 1940.06.03 — Prince Iyesato Tokugawa, former President of the House of Peers, internationally well known for his prominent social standing and his long public career, dies from heart trouble at the age of 77. 1940.06.03 — The Tsurugu, Japan's newest warship of undisclosed category and tonnage, is launched at Yokosuka Naval Station. An official announcement made by the naval station says that the Tsurugu will "add considerably" to the naval power of Japan. 1940.06.03 — Taking a serious view of rumour from Shanghai that the French authorities are preparing to transfer control of the French Concession there to the United States for a specified period, the China Affairs Board issues a statement declaring that, if France wants to transfer the Concession temporarily to any foreign nation, the step should be taken either with the new National Government at Nanking or with Japan. 1940.06.03 — Ratification of the International Postal Convention is recommended to the Emperor by the Privy Council after a regular session of the council in the Imperial Palace. 1940.06.06 — Court mourning for the late Dowager Princess Masako Takéda, who died on March 8, is lifted after a period of 90 days. 1940.06.06 — The results of agreement on various issues involved at Tientsin are reportedly the subject for a 60-minute meeting at the Foreign Office between Foreign Vice-Minister Masayuki Tani and the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie. 1940.06.06 — It is disclosed that the Foreign Office has instructed Ambassador Kensuké Horinouchi in Washington to make a representation with the American Government against the reported executive order embargoing the export of machine-tools, scrap iron, tin, rubber and other vital war materials from the United States. According to press reports, Ambassador Horinouchi will endeavour to prove that the embargo discriminates against Japan. 1940.06.06 — In New York (according to a report appearing later in the Nihkan Kog ye, a local business journal), the loading of part of a cargo of machine-tools aboard the Mitsui Bussan liner Aoyama Maru is suspended by New York customs officials. 1940.06.06 — In Washington, President Roosevelt receives from Congress for his signature the $1,492,542,000 naval expansion bill, which includes funds to start immediate construction of 20 new warships and new air bases, besides speeding up the completion of 79 naval units now under construction. 1940.06.07 — Fusanosuké Kuhara resigns as member of the Cabinet Advisory Council as a result of Premier Yonai's rejection of a representation from Mr. Kuhara demanding that the Government adopt an entirely new policy for concluding the China affair, including termination of the Government's alleged pro-American and pro-British attitude, declaration of war on China and large-scale construction of warplanes, tanks and submarines. In a press statement, Mr. Kuhara suggests that the Premier resign as a "contribution to improve the spiritual outlook of the people." 1940.06.07 — The rationing of water is applied to virtually the whole of Tokyo as no rain occurs and the reservoirs are rapidly running dry. The new quota provides for an 8-hour supply of water daily. 1940.06.07 — The report that France is considering the transfer of the French Concession in Shanghai temporarily to the United States is formally denied by the French authorities in Paris, in Shanghai and by the French Embassy in Tokyo. 1940.06.08 — Press reports state that Count Yoriyasu Arima, former Agriculture and Forestry Minister and one of the trusted aides of Prince Fumimaro Konoyé, is rushing the organization of a committee which will be charged with arranging the establishment of a single national party. It is considered virtually certain that Prince Konoyé will resign his post of President of the Privy Council to head the new party. 1940.06.08 — Two more military objectives in Hupeh Province are captured by the Japanese forces: Shashih, in south-ern Hupeh, and Tayentuntsu, in the west on the bank of the Kien River. 1940.06.09 — Carrying the Sacred Sword and the Sacred Jewel, the Emperor, accompanied by officials of the Imperial Household Department, leaves Tokyo for an extensive trip to the Kwansai to pay His Majesty's respects to the spirits of the Imperial Ancestors on the occasion of the 26th centenary of the founding of the Empire. 1940.06.09 — Announcement is made in Moscow by the Tass News Agency that the Soviet Union and Japan have reached an agreement regarding the demarcation of a border between Manchoukuo and Outer Mongolia, thus ending the tripartite negotiations among the Soviet Union, Manchoukuo and Japan which were begun in February. Technical details are yet to be worked out by a border commission to be sent to the frontier area. 1940.06.10 — Preceding a Foreign Office announcement confirming the border agreement, the Japanese press displays a warning that, although the border settlement will eliminate one source of friction between the two countries, it does not give rise to excessive optimism for a solution of other outstanding Japanese-Soviet issues. It is pointed out that the issues over fisheries, oil and coal concessions in Soviet Saghalien and trade still remain to be solved. 1940.06.10 — The Chinese edition of the Ta-Indo Nippo, Japanese-owned newspaper in Batavia, is suspended for two weeks on the ground of circulating anti-Chinese and biased European news. 1940.06.10 — As a result of Italy's entry into the European war, Italian interests in Canada will be taken over by Japan for the duration of the hostilities. The N.Y.K. orders its ships in European waters to sail around the Cape of Good Hope instead of through the Mediterranean. 1940.06.11 — The diplomatic representatives of Britain, France and Italy are invited to the Foreign Office and handed a warning against the consequences of possible friction between the troops of their respective governments stationed in China as a sequel to Italy's participation in the European hostilities. 1940.06.11 — Ichang, situated below the Yangtze Gorges and an hour's flying distance from Chungking, is occupied by the Japanese forces. The Japanese Consulate is reopened and the Rising Sun flag is hoisted on its roof after a lapse of two years and 10 months. 1940.06.12 — A treaty of amity and mutual respect of territories between Japan and Thailand is signed at the Foreign Ministry between Foreign Minister Arita and the Thai Minister, Phya Sri Sena. The agreement is interpreted by Domei as "the first step toward rejecting the intervention of Western countries in the Orient." 1940.06.12 — The Japan Airway's liner Matsukaze lands in Bangkok, completing the outbound flight of a regular air service between Japan and Thailand. 1940.06.13 — The Emperor returns to the capital after concluding His Majesty's visit to sacred shrines and mausolea in the Kwansai district. 1940.06.13 — The authorities decide to set aside a National Aviation Day, effective from this year, which will be observed annually for the purpose of promoting public interest in military and civil aeronautics and as an occasion to award those who have contributed toward progress in aviation. September 28 is designated as Aviation Day for 1940. 1940.06.13 — Announcement is made by the field headquarters of the Japanese forces that as a result of the Battle of Ichang, the Chinese fifth Army District has been brought under Japanese control and that in the course of the hostilities 18,000 Chinese were killed and 3,531 prisoners were taken, together with large supplies of machine-guns, rifles, ammunition and military horses. 1940.06.13 — The Foreign Affairs Department of the new Nanking régime issues a statement requesting voluntary withdrawal from China of the military forces of the European belligerent Powers. 1940.06.13 — A Shanghai message to the Asahi says the Italian Government has decided not to withdraw its garrison in Shanghai in view of various complications arising from Italy's entry into the European hostilities. 1940.06.13 — Questioned on the recent Japanese bombing attacks on Chungking, Secretary of State Cordell Hull, during his regular press conference at the State Department in Washington, reiterates the general stand of the United States toward the bombing of civilian populations, declaring, "we wholeheartedly condemn such practices wherever and whenever they occur." 1940.06.14 — The American Ambassador, Joseph C. Grew, visits the Foreign Office and has a 10-minute talk with Foreign Minister Arita presumably in connection with the American Government's objections to the alleged Japanese air attacks on civilians in Chungking. 1940.06.14 — The Foreign Office releases a statement revealing that notes have been sent to the Governments of Britain, France, Belgium, the Soviet Union and the United States requesting them to see that their nationals, officials and citizens, are evacuated from the Chungking area until the completion of the Japanese strategy against Chungking. 1940.06.14 — Another Foreign Office statement reveals that Japan has lodged a strong protest with the Netherlands Government against the firing by a Dutch naval plane on a Japanese fishing vessel, the Daifuku Maru, off Batavia, on May 6 at a point northeast of Gasper Island. 1940.06.14 — The Cabinet adopts, in original form as approved by the China Affairs Board, the draft plan for opening negotiations with Nanking for readjustment of relations with China. 1940.06.15 — Ambassador Grew again visits the Foreign Office and during a 20-minute meeting with Foreign Vice-Minister Masayuki Tani hands him a formal note setting forth the views of the United States Government on the Japanese advice to nationals of third countries to withdraw from the Chungking area. 1940.06.15 — The Japanese Ambassador in Washington, Kensuké Horinouchi, reportedly receives an assurance from Henry F. Grady, Assistant Secretary of State, that President Roosevelt will not apply to Japan provisions of the new Sheppard Bill banning the export of scrap iron, scrap copper, steel, machine-tools and other war materials. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. IX No. 5 (August 1940) --- (covers 1940.06.16 to 1940.07.20) 1940.06.16 — Japan Airway's transport Matsukaye returns to Haneda airport, completing its flight to Bangkok in about a week. 1940.06.16 — The Foreign Office spokesman, Yakichiro Suma, tells correspondents that (1) military measures of an undisclosed nature will be taken to prevent military supplies from reaching Chungking from French Indo-China, (2) Japanese air attacks on Chungking will continue since Japan regards the city as an armed camp, and (3) Japan's present relations with the Dutch East Indies are "normal." 1940.06.17 — The American Administration proposes an additional naval building programme involving an expenditure of $1,200,000,000 to expand the United States' naval strength by 22 per cent. above previous plans, making the navy the largest in the world. Chairman David L. Walsh of the Senate naval affairs committee says developments in the international situation make the programme imperative. 1940.06.18 — A meeting of the four-Minister conference is devoted to a discussion of repercussions on the Far East of the French army's surrender to Germany and Italy. The greatest anxiety concerns the future status of French Indo-China. A similar meeting is held among executives of the Minseito, and reportedly opinion is expressed that Japan must follow a strong policy. 1940.06.18 — Premier Yonai announces at a meeting of the Cabinet that Railway Minister Tsuruhei Matsuno has decided to remain in office, despite the resignation of Mr. Kubara as member of the Cabinet Advisory Council and the connections between Mr. Matsuno and the Seiyukai's orthodox faction which Mr. Kubara heads. 1940.06.18 — In a meeting with the American Ambassador, Joseph C. Grew, Foreign Minister Arita reiterates his warning that nationals of third Powers should withdraw from the Chungking area, where Japan will continue its air attacks, although not indiscriminately against the interests of America and other neutral States. 1940.06.18 — The Meirinkai, a rightist organization, adopts and submits to Premier Yonai and Foreign Minister Arita a resolution demanding the immediate Japanese seizure of French Indo-China. 1940.06.18 — Major-General Tada-aki Kagesa, member of the suite of General Nobuyuki Abé, arrives in Nanking with instructions from the Government on the Sino-Japanese negotiations designed to readjust the relations between the two countries. 1940.06.19 — Instructions are sent to the Ambassadors in Berlin and Rome by Foreign Minister Arita requesting them to inform the German and Italian Governments that, (1) Japan, as a stabilizing force in East Asia, is gravely concerned over the future status of French Indo-China, and (2) the Japanese Government shares the world ideals of Germany and Italy. 1940.06.19 — A strong protest against alleged assistance to the Chungking régime by French Indo-China is given to the French Ambassador, Charles Arsène-Henry, by Foreign Vice-Minister Masayuki Tani. The Ambassador promises to communicate the protest to the French Government as soon as possible. 1940.06.19 — Following a succession of visits to the Palace by War Minister Shunroku Hata, Field-Marshal Prince Kotohito Kan-in and Foreign Minister Arita, army members of the Supreme War Council meet to draft a reply to questions asked by the Emperor during the audiences. 1940.06.20 — The Foreign Office announces that, accepting a Japanese demand, France has agreed to permit Japanese inspectors to be sent to French Indo-China to investigate conditions on the spot and to prohibit the transportation to Chungking of materials and goods covering "an extremely wide range." 1940.06.20 — The barricades around the foreign concessions at Tientsin are removed and normal traffic conditions are restored after a period of 372 days in which the Japanese blockade was maintained. 1940.06.20 — The Social Mass Party issues a statement urging the Government to strengthen the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo axis, suspend negotiations with Great Britain and the United States and to force the Netherlands East Indies to participate in an economic federation of East Asia. 1940.06.20 — A White House announcement is made in Washington that Colonel Henry L. Stimson, well-known proponent of the non-recognition doctrine at the time of the Manchurian incident, and Colonel Frank Knox have been appointed, respectively, Secretary of War and Secretary of Navy in the Roosevelt Administration. 1940.06.20 — The 7,600-ton training cruiser of the Argentine navy, La Argentina, docks at Yokohama in the course of a world goodwill cruise. 1940.06.21 — The Minseito's transformation into a party upholding totalitarian principles in both political and economic spheres is hinted by Chuji Machida, its president, in a speech before a regular general meeting of the party. He declares that, to cope with the rapidly changing world situation, it is necessary for Japan to establish a planned economic system and to adjust the existing political structure for the promotion of national defence. 1940.06.21 — Diplomatic negotiations between Japan and the Soviet Union envisaging the conclusion of a permanent fishery agreement probably will be undertaken in the near future, correspondents are told by Yakichiro Suma, the Foreign Office spokesman. 1940.06.21 — A fire caused by a lightning bolt, raging for two hours in a torrential downpour, results in the destruction of a number of Government buildings in central Tokyo, including the Finance Ministry, the Forestry Bureau, the Tax Affairs Superintendence Bureau, the Cabinet Planning Board, the Insurance Board, the Manchurian Affairs Bureau and part of the Welfare Ministry. 1940.06.22 — The Japanese expeditionary forces in South China issue a communiqué at Canton announcing that the Japanese forces have started a new military drive in an area north of Hongkong. Later press reports state that Japanese units, assisted by warplanes, have made a surprise landing near Pacam, Kwangtung Province, and have succeeded in occupying Shatsochien, 15 kilometres east of Paoan. 1940.06.22 — A confirmative announcement by the British military authorities at Hongkong states that the Japanese forces "are in the process of occupying certain areas adjacent to the colony for the purpose of cleaning up Chinese guerrillas," adding that this intention was communicated in advance and that there is no undue cause for alarm. 1940.06.22 — The Foreign Office discloses the text of a note from the Netherlands Government expressing "most profound regret" for the May 6 incident in which a Netherlands flying boat fired at a Japanese fishing vessel. A non-commissioned officer of the Dutch air force who did the firing has already been severely punished, the note says, adding that steps will be taken in the future to prevent a repetition of such incidents. 1940.06.22 — Emperor Kangté of Manchoukuo departs from Hsinking on his trip to Japan to congratulate the Japanese Imperial Family upon the 26th centenary of the founding of the Japanese Empire. 1940.06.23 — Japanese editorial writers agree in chorus that the surrender of France to Germany must be taken by Japan as its cue to resuscitate and strengthen the Berlin-Rome-Tokyo axis, which has been a dead letter in all but name for nearly a year. 1940.06.24 — Prince Fumimaro Konoyé resigns as President of the Privy Council and is succeeded by Dr. Yoshimichi Hara, Vice-President of the Council since 1938. Prince Konoye sets a precedent by stating in his resignation that he wishes to quit the post in order to lend support to the movement for the organization of a new national political structure designed to bring the people into closer orientation with the authorities. 1940.06.24 — Dr. Kisaburo Suzuki, member of the House of Peers and formerly president of the Seiyukai, dies of a heart attack at his residence in Tokyo. 1940.06.24 — The Japanese military authorities at Shumchin deliver to the British authorities a protest against British troop manoeuvres carried out June 23 near the British-Chinese border, which are claimed to have hampered Japanese military operations against Chinese guerillas. 1940.06.25 — War Minister Shunroku Hata, in an address of instructions to members of the War Office, asserts that (1) the Army must contribute towards an effective settlement of the China affair and at the same time towards renovation and strengthening of the domestic wartime structure, (2) since world events offer Japan a unique opportunity, Japan not only must not allow this opportunity to slip, but should be prepared to deal firmly with foreign Powers trying to obstruct Japan's actions, (3) realizing their grave responsibility, members of the Army must strengthen the unity within their ranks, and (4) that the Army is anxious for the emergence of a political structure under which the people can unite. 1940.06.25 — Announcement is made by the Imperial Headquarters that representatives of the War, Navy and other Ministries have been selected for their stationing in French Indo-China to observe the application of France's pledge to prohibit the transportation of supplies to the Chungking Government. Simultaneously the navy discloses that a part of the Japanese fleet in South China is being sent to Haiphong "to watch for the time being over conditions of transportation of goods to China via French Indo-China." 1940.06.25 — In Shanghai the guard of the Siccawei District, adjoining the southwestern edge of the French Concession and densely populated by Chinese, is transferred from the French garrison to the Japanese military forces in accordance with an agreement reached between the two commands. 1940.06.26 — Prince Kuniyuki Tokugawa, vice-president of the Japan Red Cross Society since 1918, is appointed president of the organization succeeding the late Prince Iyesato Tokugawa. 1940.06.26 — Questions on trade between Japan and Spain are discussed and an agreement is reached to endeavour to meet each other's desires at the second session of the Japanese-Spanish round-table conference in Osaka under the chairmanship of Mr. Yakichi Ataka, president of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce. 1940.06.26 — An unofficial three-man American economic delegation headed by Major-General John F. O'Ryan, retired, arrives in Tokyo reportedly to discuss ways and means of improving trade relations between Japan and the United States. 1940.06.26 — An undisclosed number of Soviet nationals suspected of taking part in border espionage activities are arrested at Chunhsatann, Manchoukuo, by local police and defence officials. 1940.06.27 — Emperor Kangté of Manchoukuo arrives in Tokyo on his mission to congratulate the Japanese Imperial Family on the 2,600th anniversary of the foundation of the Japanese Empire. 1940.06.27 — The town of Ninmin, situated approximately 40 kilometres from the border between China and French Indo-China, is occupied by units of the Japanese army in South China. 1940.06.28 — The British Government will reply "as soon as possible" to Japan's representations concerning the use of the Burma Highway as a route for the supply of war materials to the Chiang régime, Foreign Minister Arita is told by the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, in a 20-minute interview at the Foreign Office. 1940.06.28 — In a meeting with the Netherlands Minister, General J. C. Pabst, Foreign Vice-Minister Masayuki Tani requests an assurance from the Netherlands Government that Japan will continue to receive imports from the Dutch East Indies in desired quantities, that questions in connection with Japanese enterprises and the entry of Japanese into the islands will be settled with a minimum loss of time. 1940.06.29 — Foreign Minister Arita, in a radio speech, suggests as a means for the realization of international peace a redivision of the world's territories into natural spheres of common interest and influence with each nation solidly established in its natural position in its own region. The speech comes in lieu of a formal statement which had been expected to disclose previously reported changes in the Government's foreign policy. 1940.06.29 — The Cabinet formally approves the materials mobilization programme for the current fiscal year. The programme stresses five points: (1) replenishment of war materials, (2) redoubled efforts for reconstruction on the continent, (3) expansion of industrial capacity, (4) encouragement of exports to increase importing power, and (5) security of daily necessities to stabilize national livelihood. 1940.06.29 — A communiqué issued by the Japanese military command in South China accuses the British authorities at Hongkong of betraying Japanese military plans to the advantage of the Chinese forces allegedly in violation of an agreement to keep such information confidential. 1940.06.29 — Continuing their drive to isolate Hongkong from the interiors of China, Japanese troops steam into Shatowkok (Shatsukok) on Mirs Bay and virtually on the Kowloon-Chinese border. 1940.06.30 — The first group of British women and children prepare to sail from Hongkong for Manila following Government orders for the evacuation of all persons not required for the defence of the Crown Colony. 1940.06.30 — Units of the United States Fleet, which had departed from Hawaii on June 24, unexpectedly return to Pearl Harbour. Admiral James O. Richardson, in a brief statement, explains that the warships were only taking part in routine exercises. 1940.07.01 — Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita's radio speech in which he expressed Japan's convictions as the stabilizing influence in East Asia and the South Seas does not in any way contradict his earlier statement on April 15 expressing the Empire's concern over the status quo of the Netherlands East Indies, correspondents at the Foreign Office are told by Mr. Yakichiro Suma. Meanwhile criticism is aroused in various circles against the speech, chiefly on the ground that it failed to specify Japan's fundamental foreign policies to be pursued toward Great Britain, the United States, France, Germany and Italy. Following a conference among high officials of the War Ministry, the War Minister, General Shunroku Hata, calls on Premier Yonai reportedly to discuss repercussions of the Arita speech. 1940.07.01 — The arms supply route leading through the border to Chungking from French Indo-China is practically severed when Lungchow, one of the three main bases of that route together with Pingsiang and Chennan, is occupied by the Japanese forces. 1940.07.02 — The Cabinet gives formal approval to measures designed to promote and further regulate Japan's export trade as drawn up jointly by the Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Agriculture and Forestry, Foreign Affairs and Communications. It is reported that the Government is preparing to co-operate with private interests to organize export control companies to handle cotton yarn and piece-goods, silk and rayon yarn and piece-goods and woollen yarn and piece-goods. 1940.07.02 — Preparations for dissolution of the Kuhara (orthodox) faction of the Seiyukai in preparation for participation in the single party movement have been completed, according to an announcement made by Mr. Kuhara before a meeting of managers of the party. 1940.07.02 — The Shanghai Municipal Council announces its decision to surrender the International Settlement's land register to the Japanese Consulate-General. The register was entrusted to the Municipal Council by the Chinese authorities when their administration was forced to evacuate Shanghai. 1940.07.03 — Foreign Minister Arita allegedly conveys an expression of regret to War Minister Hata in connection with the former's radio speech. Later the Foreign and War Ministers issue a communiqué announcing that the affair has been settled and that "there is no foundation of truth for the press report that a difference of views apparently developed between the Foreign Office and the War Office regarding the substance of the Foreign Minister's radio speech. 1940.07.03 — The Iron Manufacturing Material Imports Control Ordinance, based on Article 8 of the National General Mobilization Law and designed to compensate for losses due to the higher prices of imported scrap iron, pig iron and iron ore and assure a smooth distribution of these materials, is promulgated prior to the ordinance's application on July 8. 1940.07.03 — The Japanese military forces in South China commence their blockade of the Kowloon border to strengthen the isolation of the Chungking régime from military supplies. 1940.07.03 — Directors of the Japan Reformist Farm Village Council, organization representing agricultural interests throughout the country, decide to dissolve their organization in preparation for participation in the single party movement. 1940.07.04 — The Emperor cables a message of congratulation to President Roosevelt on the anniversary of the adoption of the American Declaration of Independence. 1940.07.04 — From New York, it is reported that obtaining another $20,000,000 loan from the United States to Chungking is the main purpose of the current visit to America of Dr. T. V. Soong, president of the Central Bank of China. 1940.07.04 — Preliminary negotiations open at Tientsin between Japanese and French representatives in an effort to reach a settlement of pending international questions affecting the interests of the two countries in the Tientsin area. 1940.07.04 — A joint declaration embodying new principles for the enhancement of amity and trade relations between Japan and Spain is signed at the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce between Japanese representatives and leaders of the visiting Spanish economic mission. 1940.07.04 — The Arms Manufacturers' Association, participated in by the Nippon Steel Works and more than 100 other firms engaged in the production of arms and ammunition, is formally inaugurated with ceremonies at the Gunjin Kaikan. 1940.07.05 — The first session of the Nanking conference seeking an adjustment of relations between Japan and new China lasts for an hour and 30 minutes, participated in, among others, by Mr. Wang Ching-wei and General Nobuyuki Abé, the Japanese envoy extraordinary and ambassador plenipotentiary to China. 1940.07.05 — Hanoi reports state that, with the stationing of Japanese inspectors at Laokai, Kaohang, Langson, Haiphong and two other places, the supply routes to the interior of China have been completely severed. 1940.07.05 — A provisional agreement is reached between representatives of the Japan Airways Company and the French Indo-China authorities concerning the establishment of a relay point at Hanoi on the Tokyo-Bangkok air service. As a result of the agreement Bangkok can be reached from Tokyo in 12 hours, three hours less than the time needed for the route rounding the French Indo-China coast. 1940.07.05 — After a 10-day stay in Japan, Emperor Kangté of Manchoukuo sails for home from Osaka aboard the warship Hyuga. 1940.07.05 — The Government publishes in the Official Gazette a new set of price regulations drastically curbing the prices of daily necessities and prohibiting the manufacture and sale of a variety of articles designated as luxuries. 1940.07.06 — On the eve of the anniversary of the China affair, the army press section of the Imperial Headquarters releases a communiqué stating that at least 1,187,600 Chinese have been killed since the outbreak of the conflict and that the Japanese dead have totalled 85,800. The areas occupied by the Japanese forces is given as 617,760 square miles, or 2.4 times the area of Japan and 16 per cent. of all China. 1940.07.07 — The end of the third year of the China affair is observed by the whole nation. Most Japanese spend the day in frugal simplicity, while numerous functions are staged to bring out the significance of the day. 1940.07.07 — In an interview at his villa at Karuizawa, Prince Fumimaro Konoye declares that the new political system for Japan he has in mind does not purport to destroy or revise the Constitution, although it is designed to unify various political functions. He says the new system presupposes perfect unity between the military and other branches of the Government and the elimination of friction between the legislative and administrative sections of the Administration. 1940.07.07 — Sixteen armed members of the Japanese gendarmerie in civilian attire are arrested by the American Marines in Shanghai for operating without permission in the Marine defence sector for the purpose of escorting General Toshizo Nishio, commander of the Japanese expeditionary forces in China. Japanese indignation is provoked by reports that the gendarmes were subjected to ill treatment by the Americans. 1940.07.08 — British rejection of the Japanese demand for stoppage of the use of the Burma road as a military supply route for the Chungking régime is reportedly the purpose of a visit made by the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, on Foreign Minister Arita. The latter is represented as being highly dissatisfied with the British decision and as intending to submit a strongly worded rejoinder to the British Government. 1940.07.08 — The French Ambassador, Charles Arsène-Henry, calls upon Foreign Vice-Minister Masayuki Tani reputedly to discuss matters which have arisen since the arrival of the Japanese traffic inspectors in French Indo-China to supervise the stoppage of shipments to the Chungking régime. 1940.07.08 — The new Italian Ambassador, Majrio· Indelli, accompanied by Mrs. Indelli and a secretary, arrives in Kobé on his way to Tokyo to assume his post. 1940.07.09 — The Cabinet approves the outlines of a plan to co-ordinate administration and eliminate conflicting jurisdiction involving the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry and the Commerce and Industry Ministry by assigning to the former all matters concerning food and to the latter all affairs concerning trade. 1940.07.09 — The third session of the Sino-Japanese conference at Nanking is devoted principally to hearing the Chinese representatives express their views on the Japanese Government's proposals for an adjustment of future relations between the two countries. 1940.07.09 — Japanese naval planes conduct their 42nd raid on Chungking this year, "braving a dense fog," and intensely bomb the headquarters of General Chiang Kai-shek. 1940.07.09 — In Washington, a flat denial is issued by President Roosevelt of all reports to the effect that the Administration is contemplating the removal of units of the United States Fleet from Hawaii in view of the European situation. 1940.07.09 — The Japanese naval command at Shanghai permits it to be disclosed that it is considering strong measures to halt the supply of materials to the Chungking régime through Hongkong and minor ports in South China. 1940.07.09 — Disregarding a command to halt and a shot fired across her bows by a Japanese naval patrol vessel, the 3,000-ton freighter Shengking, of Butterfield and Swire, docks at Woosung, Shanghai, carrying in her holds 794 cases of rifle ammunition bound from Tientsin for the French military authorities in Shanghai. 1940.07.10 — The British Ambassador visits Foreign Vice-Minister Tani and requests a further explanation of the representation made by Foreign Minister Arita against the British Government's reply to the Japanese claim for stoppage of transportation on the Burma highway. 1940.07.10 — Thirty-two members of the Minseito, evidently acting independently, adopt a resolution demanding that their party participate in the movement for the establishment of a single political organization. 1940.07.10 — Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, former Foreign Minister, sails from Yokohama for the Japanese mandated islands in the Pacific on a trip which will later take him to Davao, Celebes and British Borneo. The Admiral says in an interview that the tour is being made "purely for pleasure." 1940.07.11 — After being detained for more than 36 hours at Woosung, the Butterfield and Swire coastal ship Shengking is released by the Japanese naval authorities and allowed to get under way again without the packages of ammunition. 1940.07.11 — The Manchoukuo Government promulgates a decree strengthening its control over foreign exchange. Bringing a halt to currency smuggling is a major objective of the decree. 1940.07.12 — The Cabinet approves a proposal by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry to disburse ¥25,725,000 from the second reserve fund for the current fiscal year in bounties for increased production of rice and other grains. The Ministry's original proposal for the expenditure of ¥65,000,000 is rejected as inadequate. 1940.07.13 — A decision is reached by the Japan Silk Reelers Federation to curtail sericultural production further by sealing 23 per cent of the basins in Japan. The decision is, however, subject to further approval by the Central Sericultural Association and by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. 1940.07.15 — Major reorganization of the national defence system for Japan proper is provoked in orders promulgated in the Official Gazette. The principal feature of the revision is the division of the country into four military zones, north, east, south and west. 1940.07.15 — A meeting held at the Welfare Ministry decides as the first civilian draft for the navy to enlist engineers and mechanics, who will be assigned to naval construction projects. Notices are sent by Welfare Minister Shigeru Yoshida to prefectural authorities instructing them to select technicians registered in their prefectures and serve them with orders for compulsory service. 1940.07.15 — Japanese and French representatives meeting at the Japanese consulate-general in Tientsin reach a final agreement on measures designed to preserve peace and order in the French Concession. 1940.07.14 — Announcement is made by the Japanese Fleet in Central China waters that Yingtan, on the Chekiang-Kiangsi Railway, has been severely bombed by Japanese naval planes. 1940.07.15 — The establishment in Hsinking of the Manchoukuo Foundation Shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu-O-Mikami, the Japanese Sun Goddess, is announced by Emperor Kangté. The spirit of the Goddess is enshrined during the early hours in the inner sanctuary of the Palace with rites personally conducted by the Emperor. Later an Imperial Rescript is issued, in part, saying: "Out of his own profound experience and conviction, Emperor Kangté has decided to enshrine the spirit of Amaterasu-O-Mikami in the new national shrine of Manchoukuo and to pray for the welfare of the Manchurians through the providence of the Sun Goddess. As an auxiliary of the shrine, a shrine dedicated to the memory of those who have died for the founding of Manchoukuo also will be established." 1940.07.15 — The fourth session of the Sino-Japanese negotiations at Nanking is reportedly devoted to a frank exchange of views between the Japanese and Chinese representatives on the measures for an adjustment of relations between the two countries. 1940.07.15 — The Japan Cotton Spinners Association decides further to curtail cotton textile production by 43 per cent (about 100,000 bales) a month, commencing in September, to cope with the decline in exports. 1940.07.16 — The Yonai Cabinet resigns en bloc following the resignation of War Minister Shunroku Hata after informing the Premier that the Army means to make a contribution toward the creation of a new political order that will strengthen national defence, increase economic control and change Japan's foreign policy. Simultaneously the name of Prince Fumimaro Konoye begins to loom large in the political picture as erstwhile leader of the movement for a new political structure and also certain candidate for the next premiership. 1940.07.16 — The Kuhara (orthodox) faction of the Seiyukai formally liquidates itself at a meeting attended by more than 200 leading members of the political organization. The party's chief secretary, Tadahiko Okada, expresses his conviction that this is an appropriate moment for the party to dissolve "so that we may better work for the good of the nation." 1940.07.16 — The labour mobilization programme for the current fiscal year, through which it is hoped to put 1,300,000 additional workers into munitions factories and expanding industries of an essential nature, is formally approved by the Cabinet. 1940.07.17 — Prince Konoye receives the Imperial command to organize a new cabinet. His first task is to confer separately with the War and Navy Ministers to hear their views on the circumstances that led to the downfall of the Yonai Cabinet and to arrange for the selection of the service Ministers in the new Government. He stresses in an interview later the importance of carefully laying the foundations for inter-governmental co-operation before forming the new ministerial line-up; he says he does not intend to establish the customary headquarters for organization of the Cabinet, but will be available to contact ministerial candidates, and that, when the Cabinet has been completed, he means to proceed with the organization of the new political structure. 1940.07.17 — The Army, which is solidly behind Premier-designate Konoye, is said to expect of the new Government: (1) A reasonable and speedy disposal of the China affair in accordance with the Konoye statement, (2) realization of the projected new political structure, (3) the perfection of a super-defence system, and (4) alterations in Japan's foreign policy. 1940.07.17 — Answering Secretary of State Cordell Hull's charge that Japan's attempt to sever the Burma-Yunnan and Haiphong-Yunnan trade routes amounts to interference with world commerce, Mr. Yakichiro Suma, the Foreign Office spokesman, declares that the United States is in no position to complain, because: (1) Japan must halt supplies of goods for the Chungking Government to weaken its power from a military standpoint, (2) the question concerns only Japan, Britain and France, and (3) bans on shipments to the Chungking Government affect only certain goods and not "natural products" of China. 1940.07.17 — An Anglo-Japanese understanding with regard to Britain halting the traffic in supplies to the Chiang régime over the Burma road is formally reached as a result of final negotiations between Foreign Minister Arita and the British Ambassador. Under the agreement, the British Government will prohibit for a period of three months beginning July 18, the transit through Burma of arms and ammunition as well as petrol, trucks and railway materials. Negotiations are to be reopened upon expiration of the three-month period. 1940.07.18 — Assured that the posts of War Minister and Navy Minister will be filled, Premier-designate Konoye offers the next most important position, that of Foreign Minister, to Yosuké Matsuoka, former president of the South Manchuria Railway Company and one-time first secretary of the Japanese Embassy in Washington. Mr. Matsuoka accepts the proposal. 1940.07.19 — A complete agreement of views on drastic changes in Japan's domestic and foreign policies is said to have been reached at a conference among Prince Konoye, Mr. Matsuoka and Lieutenant-General Hideki Tojyo and Vice-Admiral Zengo Yoshida, slated to serve respectively as War and Navy Ministers in the new Government. In a statement issued later, Prince Konoye says the discussions touched upon the China affair, the Italo-German-Japanese axis and matters relating to Japan's relations with Great Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union. 1940.07.19 — Japan must alter its foreign policy within the next two months or otherwise it will lose our forever, asserts Dr. Nobufumi Ito, Minister-at-large, on his return to Tokyo after completing a tour of Germany, Italy, the Balkans and the Soviet Union. In his opinion, the war between Germany and Great Britain most likely will be over in two months. 1940.07.19 — A complete agreement of views is reportedly reached at the fifth Sino-Japanese conference session in Nanking, leaving only details to be settled before concluding a basis treaty governing the relations between Japan and the new China. 1940.07.19 — According to a report circulated by Domei, any impression based on recent British statements that Japan and China are negotiating peace through British mediation is false. The news agency says that Britain has not proposed mediation and Japan has not the slightest intention of asking any foreign Power to mediate. 1940.07.19 — The Hongkong office of Air France announces that the air route between Hongkong and Hanoi will be suspended for an indefinite period. Passenger and mail service between Chungking and Rangoon, Burma, will continue. 1940.07.20 — Surprising political circles, Premier-designate Konoye fails to make any announcement on the selection of new Ministers, although several ministerial candidates are summoned to his home in Ogikubo. 1940.07.20 — Chuji Machida, president of the Minseito, in an address before 200 leading party members, pledges the party's support of the new Cabinet in accordance with a new platform adopted by the political organization. He says the party's principles are in accordance with the dignity of Japan's nationality and assistance in Imperial administration following the spirit of the Constitution established by the Emperor Meiji, and therefore are opposed to rule either by a Communist or a dictator. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. IX No. 6 (September 1940) --- (covers 1940.07.21 to 1940.08.15) 1940.07.21 — Death occurs of General Moto-o Furusho, member of the Supreme War Council, in his Tokyo home at the age of 58. The general was known as leader of the Japanese forces who landed at Bias Bay in 1939 and marched on to Canton. Formerly he was commander of the garrison in Formosa. 1940.07.21 — Prince Fumimaro Konoye, the Premier-designate, virtually completes the selection of his Cabinet. With but one or two exceptions, almost all his choices are dark horses, having been barely mentioned as possibilities in all the welter of speculation. Darkest of the dark horses, is the appointment of Isao Kawada, president of the Toa-a Steamship Line and a member of the House of Peers, as Finance Minister. Emerging as potential Cabinet timber in the eleventh hour, Eiji Yasui draws the designation as Home Minister. 1940.07.22 — With his ministerial alignment completed, Prince Konoye is again installed at the head of the Government, just one week after the resignation of the Yonai Cabinet. Brought into final shape with the appointments of Kenji Tomita, Governor of Nagano Prefecture, as Cabinet chief secretary, and of Naokai Musasé, former Commerce and Industry Vice-Minister, as director of the Legislation Bureau, the personnel of the new administration includes the following Ministers: Premier Konoye, War Minister Hideki Tojyo, Navy Minister Zengo Yoshida, Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka, Home Minister Eiji Yasui, Finance Minister Isao Kawada, Justice Minister Akira Kazami, Education Minister Kunihiko Hashida, Commerce and Industry Minister Ichizo Kobayashi, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Tada-atsu Ishiguro and Communications Minister Shozo Murata. Mr. Murata is concurrently Minister of Railways, while Naokai Hoshino has been appointed Minister without portfolio and president of the Cabinet Planning Board. It is expected that the Foreign Minister will take over the Overseas portfolio concurrently, while the Home Minister also will discharge the duties of Welfare Minister. 1940.07.22 — Lieutenant-General Tohjo says, in an interview shortly after his investure as War Minister, that complete unity and the perfection of national defence are the key problems to be solved by Japan in order to bring the China affair to a quick termination. 1940.07.22 — Press accounts are practically unanimous in giving the impression that business and financial circles are elated over Premier Konoye's selection of his economic administrators. Gratification is expressed over the choices of Commerce and Industry Minister Kobayashi, Finance Minister Kawada and Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ishiguro. 1940.07.23 — Consolidation of defence through mobilization of the entire nation's strength is the most important objective of the new Cabinet, Premier Konoye tells reporters in his first press conference. This will mean hardships for the people, he admits, but they will be certain of having the minimum required for their livelihood. He says the determination to inaugurate a new political structure has not weakened, although there will have to be much study and thought before action can be taken. 1940.07.23 — At its first full-dress session, the Konoye Cabinet reportedly decides to keep the public acquainted as far as possible with the policies of the Government in order to secure maximum popular co-operation. 1940.07.23 — Japan is entering an era of positive diplomacy, Foreign Minister Matsuoka declares in an address before subordinates at the Foreign Office. "I have no objection to heated and healthy debates on foreign policy," he adds. "I am an old man. But I am ready to exchange blows with younger men if necessary." 1940.07.24 — Urgent farm legislation, including possibly the extension of Government monopoly to rice, is proposed by Agriculture-Forestry Minister Ishiguro in his first interview with the press. "The present rice situation calls for Government control," he says. "Monopoly of rice, which is discussed among private circles, will not be so easy as tobacco or salt. But we may be compelled to enforce it." 1940.07.25 — Formal acceptance of the resignation of Masayuki Tani as Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs is interpreted in well-informed quarters as the first step in a sweeping reform of the personnel and policies of the Foreign Ministry. Hajimé Matsumiya, director of the investigation section, is appointed temporarily to discharge the duties of Foreign Vice-Minister. 1940.07.25 — Thirty-nine Diet members of the Minseito carry out their threat to withdraw from the party because of dissatisfaction with the attitude of its president, Chuji Machida, and other elders toward the question of participating in the movement for a new political structure. 1940.07.25 — Announcement is made at Moscow that, as the result of an agreement of views reached on June 9 between Ambassador Shigénori Togo and Foreign Commissar Viacheslav M. Molotov, the Soviet-Japanese negotiations for the demarcation of a border in the Nomonhan region will be resumed at Chita on August 1. 1940.07.25 — Instructions are sent to Morito Morishima, counsellor of the Japanese Embassy in Washington, to ascertain the sudden move of President Roosevelt in including oil and scrap metals to the export control list. 1940.07.25 — From Grenoble, France, it is reported that, according to radio announcement, the Pétain Government has entered into commercial and political agreements with both Japan and Thailand. 1940.07.26 — By acting, instead of arguing, and by eliminating procrastination, the War Office should set an example to the rest of the country, which, unless it arouses itself to Akikrkig tempo, will be left behind the rushing current of world events, War Minister Tohjo declares in an address of instructions to his staff. 1940.07.26 — Following in the footsteps of the Social Mass Party and the Kuhara faction of the Seiyukai, the Kokumin Domei, minor nationalist party wielding some 10 Diet seats, voluntarily liquidates itself so that its three-score members will be free to join the new structure movement. 1940.07.26 — The incident in which American sailors attacked Japanese uniformed police in Shanghai, July 22, reaches a local settlement as the American authorities express their apologies for the incident and promise to punish the attackers. 1940.07.27 — A Japanese naval force in South China waters launches a surprise attack on Swabue and Makung, both distribution centres on Hunghai Bay, 60 miles east of Hongkong. 1940.07.27 — Military police in the Kwanto and the Kwansai, as well as Seoul, Korea, Shimonoseki and Karumé, swoop down on an undisclosed number of alleged foreign agents in what is characterized as the first step in a drive to break the "British espionage network covering the entire nation." Among the suspects held in Tokyo is M. James Cox, Tokyo representative of Reuters' news agency. 1940.07.27 — The captain and officers of the freighter Valentino, of Greek registry, chartered by the Yamashita Kisen Kaisha, are under examination by the Yokohama gendarmerie. The detention is based on the manner in which the vessel is alleged to have maneuvered about the Yokosuka naval station after sailing from Yokohama. 1940.07.27 — The Foreign Ministry is reported to be preparing a stiff protest to the Netherlands East Indies Government over the alleged attack of a Japanese retail merchant, Kojio Akiyama, of Magelang, central Java, by six drunken Dutch soldiers. 1940.07.27 — Because of Japan's reported inclinations toward the Axis powers, the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, inquires of Foreign Minister Matsuoka whether it will be possible to continue the Anglo-Japanese negotiations along the lines followed in the past. In response, according to a statement by the Foreign Office spokesman, Mr. Matsuoka regrets that he is unable to give an immediate reply, explaining that the new Government's foreign policy is still under careful deliberation. 1940.07.27 — A complete agreement is reached between the military services and the Government on Japan's basic foreign and domestic policies to be enforced by the Konoye Cabinet, according to Domei, during a liaison meeting at the Imperial Palace between the Cabinet and the Imperial Headquarters. 1940.07.28 — The 39 Diet members who followed Ryutaro Nagai out of the Minseito, ostensibly over the party's failure to dissolve itself, set up their own organization to be known as the New Structure Acceleration Club. The club has the aim of making Japan fit to work with Germany in the construction of a different sort of world. 1940.07.28 — Major-General Issaku Nishihara, chief of the Japanese party of inspectors sent to French Indo-China, suddenly departs by plane from Hanoi for Taihoku on his way to Tokyo under instructions from the Imperial Headquarters. 1940.07.28 — Dr. Franz Oppenheimer, 76-year-old exile from Nazi Germany, who is a noted authority on social economic subjects, is not allowed to enter Japan on his arrival in Kobe on the N.Y.K. liner Niitsa Maru from Shanghai. 1940.07.29 — The case involving the assault of Japanese by American Marines in the Cafe Pacific, Shanghai, on July 14 is amicably settled when the acting American consul-general, Richard P. Putrick, and the commander of the 4th Marines, Colonel Dewitt Peck, call on the Japanese consul-general, Yoshiaki Miura, and express their regrets over the affair. The claim for damages by the Japanese is waived by Mr. Miura. 1940.07.29 — Asked to clarify the State Department's declaration of July 19, announcing the readiness of the United States to negotiate the relinquishment of extraterritorial rights in China, the acting Secretary of State, Sumner Welles, says in Washington that any such negotiations can take place only with the recognized and legitimate Administration of China—at Chungking. 1940.07.29 — At Nanking, with due ceremony, the Preparatory Committee for Enforcement of the Constitution is officially organized along lines of the resolution adopted by the Central Political Council on May 22. 1940.07.29 — From Hongkong, it is reported that the Chungking Government has decided to send goodwill missions to Germany and the Soviet Union shortly. Chu Chia-hua and Dr. Sun Fo respectively are expected to head the missions. It is understood that the sending of a similar mission to the United States is under consideration. 1940.07.29 — Defying guards' attempts to stop him, M. James Cox, Reuter's correspondent under examination by the military police, flings himself from a third-story window of the Gendarmerie Headquarters after hurriedly pencilling a last message to his wife. Despite attempts to revive him, the correspondent dies an hour and half later, causing a sensation in the press here and abroad. The War Office takes the occasion to issue a statement describing the activities of spies of hostile countries and warning the people against contacts with suspicious foreigners. 1940.07.30 — Religious ceremonies marking Meijisetsu, the annual festival in honour of the spirit of the late Emperor Meiji, are held at the Imperial Palace in the Presence of the Emperor and the Empress. Similar services are held at the Meiji Shrine. 1940.07.30 — The Japanese Ambassador in London, Mamoru Shigemitsu, calls on Foreign Secretary Halifax at the latter's request and, according to Domei, receives from him a diplomatic representation bearing on the arrest of British subjects in Japan. 1940.07.30 — The Seiyukai, oldest political party in Japan founded by the late Prince Hirobumi Ito 40 years ago, becomes a thing of the past as the reformist faction led by Chikuhei Nakajima—the only surviving group of the organization—voluntarily dissolves itself in order to participate in the projected new political structure. 1940.07.30 — The transit of material to Chungking through French Indo-China has been entirely suspended, Major-General Nishihara says in an interview on his arrival in Tokyo. 1940.07.30 — It is officially disclosed in Washington that President Roosevelt has approved a recommendation to ban the export of American aviation gasoline to any foreign country outside the Western Hemisphere. 1940.07.31 — The Governments will give no serious consideration to protests from Great Britain against the arrests of British subjects on suspicion of espionage since the arrests are entirely justified, the Foreign Office spokesman, Yakichiro Suma, declares at his press conference. 1940.08.01 — The Cabinet announces in a statement explaining its administrative programme that the basic aim of national policy is to establish world peace, and that, as the first step toward this realization, it will strive to create a Greater East Asia founded on the solidarity of Japan, Manchoukuo and China. In order to assure the fulfilment of this objective, the Government will attempt to consolidate a totalitarian national structure keynoted by emphasis upon military defence. 1940.08.01 — Significance is seen by the vernacular press in the regular semi-annual personnel transfers and promotions announced by the War Office today because they are believed to involve intensification of the military policing system—to combat foreign espionage activities—and also prepare the way for building up a high degree of national defensive strength. Among the new promotions, Lieutenant Prince Mikasa is elevated to the rank of cavalry captain, and Cavalry Captain Prince Tsunéyoshi Takéda to the rank of cavalry major. 1940.08.01 — Simultaneously it is revealed by the War Office that a Military Aviation School has been established in Gifu for the purpose of speeding up the training of army pilots. It is also announced that the training period for military pilots will be six months. 1940.08.01 — Japanese planes raid Chungking for the 24th time this year. Buildings of General Chiang Kai-shek's headquarters and of the Executive Yuan are made targets of bombing. Fowchow, 50 miles east of Chungking, is also bombed and four Chinese fighters are claimed to have been shot down. 1940.08.01 — It is announced that total postal savings at the end of last month were ¥6,775,474,641, nearing the goal of ¥12 billion hoped to be reached before the end of the current fiscal year. 1940.08.01 — Acting under instructions from the Foreign Office of the New National Government at Nanking, the Chinese Merchants' Office in Nagasaki is elevated to the rank of Chinese Consulate in Japan. 1940.08.02 — Shunsuké Tanabé, acting manager of the London office of the Mitsui Bussan Kaisha, and Satoru Makihara, manager of the Mitsubishi Trading Company, are arrested by the British authorities under the amended Aliens Order. 1940.08.02 — It is disclosed that the cause of the engine trouble that compelled the Japan-Thailand air liner Matsukarge to make an emergency landing yesterday outside Hanoi was a high content of water in the gasoline. As the fuel was supplied by the Standard Oil Company, the authorities are understood to be investigating the matter. 1940.08.02 — It is disclosed that, simultaneously with the closing down of dance halls on October 31, the Home Office will ban the manufacture and sale of Western jazz music, in line with the programme for the introduction of a new mode of Japanese life. 1940.08.02 — Kunihiko Hashida, Education Minister, asserts in a press interview that proposed reforms in national education aim at the elimination of all thought based on individualism and liberalism in favour of the solid establishment of a new national moral standard with emphasis on service to the State. 1940.08.03 — A sharp protest is presented to Lord Halifax, British Foreign Secretary, by Ambassador Mamoru Shigémitsu over the arrest of the two Japanese subjects in London. 1940.08.03 — Another diplomatic protest, over the United States' ban on the export of aviation gasoline to countries outside the Western Hemisphere, is delivered in Washington by Ambassador Kensuké Horinouchi to Acting Secretary of State Summer Welles. 1940.08.04 — Despite the Japanese protest, further arrests of Japanese espionage suspects are reported from various parts of the British Empire, while in London it is disclosed that, previous to the detention of Mr. Tanabé and Mr. Makihara, two other Japanese subjects had been arrested, and are still in prison. By the end of the day, the total number of Japanese in police custody is brought to nine with the arrest in Hongkong of Tsukio Yamaguchi, Japanese merchant. Another arrest brought to light is that of Ichiro Kobayashi, chief Domei correspondent in Singapore. 1940.08.05 — Amid growing anti-British feeling as a sequel to the arrest of espionage suspects, the Osaka Municipal Assembly adopts a resolution demanding "annihilation" of the outrageous influences of Britain. The Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry also holds a protest meeting. In Tokyo, the executive committee of the India Independence League of Japan adopts a resolution condemning the British arrests. 1940.08.06 — The British authorities at Hongkong file a protest with the Japanese authorities and threaten to close the port of Hongkong to Japanese shipping. The Japanese vessel Kaisha Maru, scheduled to leave Canton for Hongkong, is consequently held up. The British step is understood to be a protest against the stopping by the Japanese naval authorities of the Butterfield and Swire Company's steamer Fatshan August 1 on the Pearl River. 1940.08.06 — Shigéru Kuriyama, Japanese Ambassador to Belgium, who left for Ostend May 14 at the beginning of the German invasion, arrives on the N.Y.K. liner Heian Maru. 1940.08.06 — The War Office discloses that seven of the Salvation Army in Japan, including the territorial commander, Lieutenant-Commissioner Masuzo Uyémura and the chief secretary, Yaso-o Segawa, have been questioned on suspicion of espionage. 1940.08.06 — The British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, calls on Foreign Minister Matsuoka for the first time since the arrest of Japanese subjects in Britain and, in the course of what is described by Domei as an extremely businesslike meeting, explains to him the circumstances attending upon the arrests. 1940.08.07 — The American Ambassador, Joseph C. Grew, calls on Mr. Matsuoka and confers with him for 25 minutes. The meeting is reputedly devoted to a discussion of press reports on the progress of Franco-Japanese negotiations in regard to French Indo-China. 1940.08.07 — The Finance Ministry announces that a special loan contract has been negotiated between the Bank of Japan and the Central Bank of Manchou to provide for the latter a credit of ¥100 million. 1940.08.07 — Major-General Issaku Nishihara leaves by plane for French Indo-China after reporting to the central authorities on the closure of the French colony. 1940.08.08 — Foreign Minister Matsuoka visits the Imperial Villa at Hayama and is received in audience by the Emperor. It is understood that the Minister reported to the Throne on developments of diplomacy in general as well as on matters under the jurisdiction of the Overseas Ministry, which Mr. Matsuoka concurrently heads as Minister. 1940.08.08 — The Foreign Office receives a report from Rokuro Suzuki, consul-general at Hanoi, stating that, according to an investigation by the French Indo-China authorities, the forced landing of the air liner Matsukaré was caused by the mixture of muddy water with the gasoline. The French Indo-China authorities have promised to place guards on the airfield whenever Japanese planes arrive at or leave Hanoi. 1940.08.09 — The Cabinet approves long-pending changes in the civil service regulations and votes favourably on Finance Minister Isao Kawada's proposal to grant special monthly allowances to low-salaried Government employees who are supporting families. Domei says approximately 2,100,000 Government employees are eligible to benefit by the special allowances. 1940.08.09 — For reasons of "military convenience arising from the conflict in Europe," the British Government announces its decision to withdraw all of its troops from garrisons in China, thus removing another bone of contention standing in the way of friendly Anglo-Japanese relations. 1940.08.09 — The Japanese Ambassador in Washington, Kensuké Horinouchi, receives from Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles an assurance that the United States has no intention of subjecting Japan to discriminatory treatment in connection with the embargo on exports of aviation gasoline. 1940.08.09 — Publication of census figures at Hsinking reveals that Manchoukuo's population increased by 820,356 in the course of last year. The total population for 1939 is given as 39,454,026, including 642,536 Japanese residents. 1940.08.10 — The addition of an extensive coastal area in South China on the Formosa Strait to the zone under the blockade of the Japanese fleet is proclaimed by Vice-Admiral Shigétaro Shimada, commander of the fleet. 1940.08.10 — Mrs. Morisada Hosokawa, second daughter of Premier Konoye and wife of the Premier's private secretary, dies in her home in Tokyo after a protracted illness. 1940.08.11 — Hainen, near Swatow, on the coast of Kwangtung Province, is almost cleared of Chinese troops by a party of Japanese bluejackets advancing under the protection of planes and naval units. 1940.08.12 — Premier Konoye and Government leaders begin in earnest discussion of the projected new political structure, the precise features of which are expected to be announced in the near future. Importance is attached to a meeting between the Premier and War Minister Hideki Tohjo. 1940.08.12 — In Shanghai, a conference is suggested by Rear-Admiral Masaru Takéda, commander of the Japanese naval landing party, to discuss the question of guarding the area hitherto patrolled by British forces after their withdrawal. The conference, scheduled to take place on August 15, is to be attended by commanders of all the foreign garrisons in Shanghai. 1940.08.13 — The Cabinet decides to revise the structure of its Information Bureau in preparation for consolidating it with the information bureaus of the Foreign Office and the War Office, the Navy Ministry's publicity bureau and the library section of the Home Ministry. Dr. Nobufumi Ito, erstwhile Minister-at-Large to Europe, is appointed director of the Information Bureau, replacing Kenichi Kumagai. 1940.08.13 — Chuichi Ohbashi, former Manchoukuo Privy Councillor, arrives in Tokyo to take up his new post of Foreign Vice-Minister after an extensive tour through India, Siam, French Indo-China and the Netherlands East Indies. 1940.08.13 — From Hanoi, it is reported that, following repeated meetings since the return of Major-General Nishihara, the Japanese inspectorate has decided on its policy regarding detailed negotiations with the French Indo-China authorities on the future relations between Japan and French Indo-China. 1940.08.13 — In Tokyo, General J. C. Pabst, Minister of the Netherlands, calls on Haruhiko Nishi, director of the European and Asiatic Bureau of the Foreign Office, to discuss "various important matters." 1940.08.14 — An extraordinary meeting of directors of the Federation of Rotary Clubs in Japan and Manchoukuo unanimously votes against dissolution of the organization on the ground that there is no reason for suspicion in its activities. The meeting is called in view of the hostile criticism directed against Rotary Clubs here and in Manchoukuo in the wake of the espionage drive and the decision of several public organizations to disband. 1940.08.14 — Heinrich Cramer, en route to assume management of the New York office of the German News Agency (D.N.B.), official news source of the German Ministry of Propaganda, arrives in Japan by way of Siberia. 1940.08.15 — The Minseito, largest political party in Japan with a membership of about 3,000,000, is dissolved at a meeting held at the Tokyo Kaikan, marking an end to the party system in Japan. 1940.08.15 — The Metropolitan Police Board decides to suppress the publication of about 6,400 of the 8,900 trade papers, house organs, pamphlets and throwaways which are still being printed periodically in the capital. The step will be taken to economize newsprint and to keep public opinion in the right track. 1940.08.15 — Effective today, ice cream, cakes, candies and soft drinks will be sold at lower prices in Tokyo. Ice cream and similar Japanese delicacies will be available for 15 sen a dish, while black tea and any kind of flavoured ice water will be retailed at 20 sen a glass. Prices of chocolates, foreign cakes and expensive Japanese confectionary must be from 20 to 30 per cent. less than current prices. 1940.08.15 — A statement issued by the Justice Ministry asserts that evidence adduced from documents found in the possession of M. J. Cox, Reuter's correspondent, who leaped to death on July 20, is sufficient to justify the assumption that he was guilty of espionage. 1940.08.15 — Wang Yin-tai, chairman of the North China Political Affairs commission, in his first address before governors and mayors since the commission's formation at Peking, stresses that North China must make a fresh start in its administration of political, economic, cultural and social affairs. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. X No. 10 (October 1941) --- (covers 1941.08.21 to 1941.09.20) 1941.08.21 — The first session of the joint Thai-French Indo-China Border Delimitation Conference is held at the Saigon Municipal Office with all the members of the delegations of the three parties attending. The meeting adjourns after deciding upon rules for the functioning of the Delimitation Commission. 1941.08.22 — Effective from August 23, the Government decides to allow foreign residents of the nationalities designated by the recent freezing order to draw out deposits to the extent of ¥1,000 a month for their living expenses from banks not belonging to the designated nationalities (chiefly Japanese banks) or from the Post Office. 1941.08.22 — The Government at today's session of the Cabinet formally decides upon a new Material Mobilization Plan for the second quarter and subsequent months of the current fiscal year which was prepared by the Planning Board in order to complete the self-sufficient economic structure to meet the prevailing complex international situation. 1941.08.23 — Japanese Ambassador Kichisaburo Nomura holds a 20-minute conference with Secretary of State Cordell Hull. Later, the Ambassador tells the press that they discussed the general situation and informally exchanged views on Pacific problems only. 1941.08.24 — The Japanese army air force, encountering broiling heat, has been carrying out bombing operations in Hupeh Province along the Yangtze River. The Otsubo, Endo, Korématsu and Aoki units this morning bomb and sink one 1,000-ton steamer and several 600-ton boats in the vicinity of Patung, western Hupeh. 1941.08.25 — Steadily tightening its iron grip on remnant Chinese communist forces, the Japanese army is now fiercely pounding communist units, dispatches from Taiyuan say. 1941.08.25 — All Tokyo newspapers regret the British Empirewide radio speech of Prime Minister Winston Churchill yesterday in which after criticising Japanese policy he warned that Britain will range itself on the side of the United States unless Japan agrees to a peaceful settlement of the Far Eastern crisis. 1941.08.26 — In view of the recent monetary situation which is characterised by tight supply of long-term funds and plethora of short-period funds, the Finance Ministry has set up a novel system of munition bill acceptance, which is aimed at opening a new aspect for the effective utilization of surplus short-term funds. The new credit system goes in force today. 1941.08.26 — The Tass news agency officially denies Japanese reports alleging that during the first half of August a conference took place at Chita between representatives of the Soviet and Chungking Governments. 1941.08.26 — A crack unit of the Japanese army air forces raids Paoki-hsien, strategically important point on the northern border of Shensi Province, and its vicinity inflicting heavy damage to a concentration of war materials and military establishments there. 1941.08.27 — Secretary of State Cordell Hull makes it clear the United States will ignore Japan's protest against the calling of American oil tankers at Vladivostok on the grounds of the freedom of the seas. 1941.08.27 — Governor-General of French Indo-China Vice-Admiral Jean Decoux, accompanied by Secretary-General Gotier and other high officials of the French Indo-China Government, attends a luncheon given by Major-General Raishiro Sumita, chairman of the Japanese mission, Hanoi, at which conversations take place in a most cordial atmosphere. 1941.08.27 — Commander Hanada and Major Takaghi, Japanese delegates of the Frontier Demarcation Commission, carry out consultations with French delegates for the first time to discuss technical matters necessary for the delimitation of the frontier between Thailand and French Indo-China. 1941.08.28 — The Canadian Government will appoint soon Brigadier-General William W. Foster, Commander of the 10th Military district, as minister to Tokyo, it was authoritatively learned today. It was understood the decision has been based on advice from the British Government and was reached following the arrival in Britain of Prime Minister William L. Mackenzie King. 1941.08.28 — In reply to questioning at his press conference today, Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, discloses he was present at this morning's meeting at the White House between President Roosevelt and Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, Japanese Ambassador to Washington. 1941.08.28 — The Japan Travel Bureau and the Japan Travel Information Office in New York have decided to close down temporarily at the end of the month upon orders from the home office in Tokyo. 1941.08.29 — A message from Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye expounding Japan's view on the Pacific problems was handed to President Roosevelt on August 28 by Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, Japanese Ambassador at Washington, it is announced by the Board of Information today. 1941.08.29 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry issues a statement on the condition of the growth of rice as of August 15. The statement indicates that rice is doing poorly well in spite of unfavourable weather conditions which prevailed in many parts of the country last month. 1941.08.30 — Kanamé Wakasughi, Japanese Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States, returns to Japan. 1941.08.30 — The British Embassy in Tokyo issues a statement concerning the withdrawal in the near future of British nationals who have been "intending to leave this country in view of the freezing regulations" enforced recently by the Japanese Government as a retaliatory measure against similar steps taken by the British Government. 1941.08.31 — Fulfilling his mission of the past year, Lieutenant-General Raishiro Sumita left Hanoi for Japan by air. He is seen off at the airfield here by many Japanese and French well-wishers. 1941.08.31 — Staging a long-range offensive sweep, three squadrons of Japanese army aircraft heavily attack Liangshan, an important enemy air base in central Szechwan Province. 1941.09.01 — Rear-Admiral Seiichi Ito is appointed Vice-Chief of the Naval General Staff, succeeding Vice-Admiral Nobutaké Kondo, it is announced by the Navy Ministry. 1941.09.01 — New Asia Day today, fully two years old since its establishment which roughly corresponds with the outbreak of the European conflict, starts all over Tokyo with the trailing of the city's fire-brigades. 1941.09.01 — The newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Thailand, Teiji Tsubokami, hops off for his new post in Bangkok from Haneda airport. 1941.09.01 — Explaining encircling fronts against Japan, Colonel Hayao Mabuchi, chief of the Press Section of the Army Department of the Imperial Headquarters, urges the need of perfecting a strong internal structure capable of overcoming any difficulty, in a radio speech on the subject of "Attitudes of the Nation in Wartime." 1941.09.01 — In an address opening the four-day conference of the chiefs of divisional soldiers' affairs bureaus War Minister Hidéki Tohjo urges the army, officials, and civilian population to unite in serving the State at this moment when it is facing an unprecedentedly grave emergency. 1941.09.02 — Granting of non-posthumous awards to men who have already distinguished themselves in the current China affair is jointly announced by the Decoration Board and the War Ministry. The list comprises 2,763 army officers and men, on all of whom was conferred the Order of the Golden Kite, with 53 receiving special mention. 1941.09.02 — A nation-wide four-day programme in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the Manchurian incident on September 18 has been announced by the Information Board. 1941.09.02 — A four-point advice is handed to Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye through General Senjuro Hayashi, chairman of the General Affairs Commission, and Ryutaro Nagai, chairman of the Board of Directors, of the Dai-Nippon Koa Domei (Greater Japan East Asia Development League) which comprises 19 bodies interested in the development of East Asia. 1941.09.02 — The advice follows: (1) Maintenance of the guiding spirit of the Japan-German-Italy axis foreign policy. (2) Enforcement of the policy of the new order in greater East Asia. (3) General repudiation of aid-to-Chiang acts. (4) Invocation of the right of self-defence in Japan's neighbouring waters. 1941.09.02 — Field dispatches reaching here today report that the Japanese army's whirlwind operations, now under way to annihilate the Communist marauders under the command of Nieh Ying-ching in Shansi, Chahar and Hopeh provinces, have been achieving phenomenal success, as evidenced by the fact that upwards of 950 Communist dead were abandoned on the front and no less than 450 Reds taken prisoner by the Japanese up to the end of August from the 14th of the month when the vigorous outflanking offensive was launched. 1941.09.02 — A stirring speech by Yonézo Mayéda, former Railways Minister and Cabinet Adviser, opens the inaugural meeting of the Yokusan Ghiin Domei (Union of Imperial Rule Assisting Diet Members), at a meeting held at the Imperial Hotel. 1941.09.02 — President Roosevelt maintains tightlipped silence regarding developments in Japanese-American relations at his press conference today. When asked if he had replied to Premier Konoye's message, the President tells correspondents it would be addressed to the State Department. 1941.09.03 — Closer collaboration between the Government and the financial and industrial circles for the strengthening of the nation's wartime structure is reaffirmed at a consultation meeting sponsored by the National Service Association on the occasion of the promulgation of the Imperial ordinance concerning key industrial organizations. 1941.09.03 — Having fulfilled their mission of pacifying Foochow, the Japanese troops stationed there start withdrawal from there for a certain undisclosed place, it is officially announced. 1941.09.04 — Thai authorities concerned verbally notify the Japanese officials that they have completed withdrawal of Thai troops from the non-military zone established on the Thai-French Indo-China border. 1941.09.04 — Two German Catholic missionaries, Heidi Paul, 46 and Salmon Verheim, 31, in Kinsianghsien, southwestern Shantung Province, are saved from Communists, when Japanese troops successfully destroy the Red forces infesting the region. 1941.09.05 — The Cabinet formally approves the plan for the reorganization of the structure of the Home Ministry. According to the plan, the Bureau of Air Defence will be created, abolishing the existing Planning Bureau. Reorganizing the existing Public Works Bureau, the Bureau of State Planning will be established for the defence and development of the country. 1941.09.05 — Teiji Tsubokami, first Ambassador to Thailand, at Bangkok issues a statement referring to the traditional friendship between Japan and Thailand, declaring Japan's policy toward Thailand is to respect its independence and make efforts for its prosperity. 1941.09.06 — The Japanese army air force was actively engaged in bombing war-important objectives in Szechwan, Kansu and Shensi provinces between August 1 and September 6, an official communiqué issued today announces. It dropped 10,000 bombs, which sank 44 enemy vessels of about 2,000 tons, carrying military supplies on the Yangtze River. 1941.09.07 — Liangpao, important enemy base in northwestern Honan Province, and other military bases in the same sector are being heavily bombarded by two Japanese detachments which commenced their activities on September 3. 1941.09.08 — Vice-Admiral Hidékichi Katagiri arrives at Tokyo Station after being active at the front. He is received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor. 1941.09.09 — Kenkichi Yoshizawa, former Foreign Minister, is chosen by the Cabinet at its regular meeting to be the first special Ambassador to French Indo-China. 1941.09.09 — Teiji Tsubokami, newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Thailand, presents his credentials to Prince Aditya, President of the Council of Regency of Thailand. 1941.09.09 — The Cabinet formally approves at its regular meeting the merger of the Tohoku Electric Development Company with the Japan Electric Power Generation and Transmission Company. 1941.09.09 — A statement of the Foreign Office concerning the dispatch of three ships for the evacuation of Japanese in the British Empire is issued. 1941.09.09 — Air defence drills will be held nationwide for 10 days from October 22 to 31, it is announced by the Home Ministry. 1941.09.10 — The list of the Japanese diplomatic mission to French Indo-China under special Ambassador Kenkichi Yoshizawa is announced as follows: Shighéru Kuriyama, Colonel Isamu Cho, Colonel Saichiro Nakata, Lieutenant-Colonel Akira Hayashi, of the War Office, and Captain Shigetada Horiuchi and Commander Takanobu Sasaki of the Navy Office. Baron Yasushi Hayashi, Consul-General and Tan-ichiro Yoshida, Consul-General, have been ordered to assist Ambassador Yoshizawa at Hanoi, while Fujito Minora, Consul-General, has been ordered to assist Iwataro Uchiyama, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to F.I.C., at Saigon. 1941.09.10 — The appointment of Admiral Shighétaro Shimada, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese fleet in China waters, as Commander of the Yokosuka Naval Station, replacing Admiral Koichi Shiozawa, is announced by the Navy Ministry. 1941.09.10 — Admiral Shiozawa, outgoing Commander of the Yokosuka Naval Station, has been named a member of the Supreme War Council. Succeeding Admiral Shimada, Vice-Admiral Miteichi Koga has been appointed Commander-in-chief of the Japanese fleet in China waters. 1941.09.11 — The 3,494-ton steamer Anhui of the China Navigation Company is arriving at Yokohama on September 24 to take British evacuees from Japan, it was announced by the British Embassy. 1941.09.11 — The ship will carry away Britons desiring to leave Japan following crippling of their business on account of the freezing order. 1941.09.11 — In view of the mounting gravity of the situation in East Asia, the Army has decided to create the National Defence General Headquarters in Tokyo. General Otozo Yamada, Inspector-General of Military Education, has been appointed concurrently the Commander-in-chief of the newly established Defence Headquarters. 1941.09.12 — The War Office announces the appointment of Lieutenant-General Torashiro Kawabé as Chief of Staff of the newly established National Defence General Headquarters under General Otozo Yamada, Commander-in-chief. 1941.09.12 — The Railways Ministry has decided to order the Japan Transport Company to buy up all small-scale private land forwarding facilities throughout the country in accordance with the draft of the revision of the Land Transportation Control Imperial Ordinance. 1941.09.12 — The Government is perfecting the nation's wartime structure as the National General Mobilization Commission at its plenary session approves three draft Imperial ordinances implementing the law which was enacted to permit the nation to manoeuvre itself into position to meet any emergency with which it might be faced. 1941.09.13 — Dr. Thomas Baty, legal adviser to the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Japan, and his family are excluded from the list of the designated foreigners whose assets in Japan have been frozen under the regulations for controlling the transactions with foreigners, it was announced by the Finance Ministry. The same treatment is accorded George Thomas May, Cipher Officer of the British Embassy. 1941.09.13 — Two hundred and five Japanese evacuees from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Davao reach Kobe. Among the passengers are people who have spent 30 or 40 years in Australia building up their fortunes only to come back well-nigh penniless due to the order freezing Japanese assets there. 1941.09.14 — The eighth award of decorations to army officers and soldiers who have rendered distinguished services in the China affair is announced. Lieutenant-Generals Bunzaburo Kawaghishi, Sanétsugu Ushijima and Yoshihito Takaghi are decorated with the second class Order of the Golden Kite. 1941.09.15 — Admiral Shighétaro Shimada who is transferred to the post of commander of the Yokosuka Naval Station after rendering distinguished service for more than one year and five months as Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Fleet in China waters and Vice-Admiral Imochi Takahashi who has served at sea arrive in Tokyo. 1941.09.15 — For four days from today both Japan and Manchoukuo will have many commemorating events in honour of Japan's recognition of Manchoukuo today nine years ago and the start of the Manchurian Incident on September 18, 1931, which culminated in the establishment of the new State. 1941.09.15 — A ceremony in celebration of the ninth anniversary of the formal recognition by Japan of Manchoukuo is observed in grand style at the Hibiya Public Hall tonight. The ceremony is held under the joint auspices of the Japan-Manchoukuo Society and several other organizations. 1941.09.15 — Minister Kanamé Wakasughi, to Washington, who recently arrived in Tokyo to report on the present America-Japan situation, sails from Yokohama for America, to resume his diplomatic efforts. 1941.09.16 — A new system for the state control of rice will be practised this year. The new measure provides for the buying of all rice, except seed rice and rice for making saké. 1941.09.16 — Two important measures under the National General Mobilization Law are approved by the Cabinet for control of funds and for exports to and imports from Manchoukuo and China. 1941.09.17 — The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry decides to dispatch a message of friendship to three Chambers of Commerce in French Indo-China, namely at Saigon, Hanoi and Haiphong, with a view to further strengthening friendly relations and promoting economic relations between Japan and French Indo-China. 1941.09.18 — The Japanese nation joins the people of Manchoukuo today in celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Manchurian incident. His Imperial Highness Prince Takamatsu, brother of His Majesty the Emperor, is at a celebration held by the Manchoukuo Embassy, Tokyo. 1941.09.18 — General Jose Luis Amezcua, newly appointed Mexican Minister to Japan, proceeds to the Imperial Palace and is received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor in the Phoenix Hall. The Minister presents his credentials to the Throne. 1941.09.18 — The Government, out of its desire for peace and tranquillity in the Japan Sea, lodges a stern protest with the Soviet Government for damage caused to Japanese vessels recently by drifting Soviet mines off the Nishisuira promontory, northern extremity of Korea, and asks the Soviet Government to take proper measures to remove such dangers. 1941.09.18 — Japan's eleventh Admiral is created when Vice-Admiral Soému Toyoda, Director of the Naval Construction Headquarters of the Navy Ministry, is raised to the rank of full Admiral. Simultaneously he is appointed commander-in-chief of the Kuré Naval Station. 1941.09.18 — In view of repeated terroristic actions in the city of Canton yesterday, the Japanese Army in South China today issues a statement, declaring that Japanese forces will completely eliminate terrorists. The Chinese people are exhorted to rely upon the Japanese Army for maintenance of public peace and order. 1941.09.19 — His Majesty the Emperor receives in audience five Lieutenant-Generals, Yohji Fujii, Keiichi Kumagai, Shighénori Kuroda, Naojito Amaya and Miyoji Haségawa, all back from the front, at the Imperial Palace. 1941.09.19 — The Japanese military forces in Central China have started a large scale Hunan provincial campaign against remnants of General Chiang Kai-shek's army under the command of Hsueh Yueh, which have been active since the beginning of this year, dreaming of taking back the Wuhan district with Hankow as the centre. 1941.09.20 — Aviation day, established last year, is observed throughout the country today. The Imperial Aviation Association, Tokyo, is in charge of the programme for the purpose of making the citizens air-conscious. 1941.09.20 — Ten days earlier than previously announced, the combined air defence training for this year will be started October 12 for ten days. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. X No. 11 (November 1941) --- (covers 1941.09.21 to 1941.10.20) 1941.09.21 — Amateurs and professionals from Central China to Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture as well as in the centre of Tokyo observe the solar eclipse this afternoon. 1941.09.21 — This rare phenomenon, where the moon crosses the path of the sun, is first observed in Tokyo at 46 minutes, one second after 12 noon. Practically one-sixth of the sun is covered at 9 seconds past 2 p.m. and by 9 minutes, 7 seconds past 3 p.m. the sun resumes its perfectly round shape. 1941.09.22 — A three day conference of all Japanese Consuls-General in China is held at the Japanese Embassy in Nanking. 1941.09.22 — Situations in various localities are reported by these Consuls-General, while discussions are held between these diplomats and local officials of the China Affairs Board and representatives of the Japanese Army and Navy. 1941.09.22 — The whole area of Tungting Lake and the northern sector of the Mi River have come under complete control of the Japanese forces, and the enemy in these sections are fleeing southward along the Siangkiang in disorder with no time for recovery, since their positions at Leishihshan at the mouth of the Siangkiang have been taken by the Japanese Army and Navy. 1941.09.23 — On the first anniversary of the Imperial Army's peaceful presence in French Indo-China, observed today, Lieutenant-Colonel Ken Higasa, in a press interview at the War Ministry, declares that the people in Indo-China are coming to recognize Japan as the leader of East Asia. 1941.09.23 — The occupation of Tanshuikow, a key point in southern Kwangtung Province along the Chingtan River, is completed by six units of the Japanese expeditionary forces in South China. 1941.09.24 — The battle for Changsha, seat of headquarters of General Hsueh Yueh, commandant of the ninth war zone in Hunan Province, is raging throughout today. The prospect of the early fall of the stronghold of General Hsueh, develops later in the day as crack units of the Japanese army smash the last line of defence of the city at several points. 1941.09.24 — The Government at today's cabinet meeting approves the plan for economy in and reservation of execution of some items in the national budget, both general and special accounts, for the current fiscal year, in its original form as formulated by the Finance Ministry in the light of the cabinet decision taken on July 25. The total sum accruable from the projected plan is estimated at over ¥1,120,000,000, it is understood. 1941.09.24 — The Japanese Ambassador, Sotomatsu Kato, holds a conference with Admiral Jean Francois Darlan at Vichy. 1941.09.25 — Dr. Kazunobu Kanokogi, former professor at Kyoto Imperial University, will soon leave for Germany to assume directorship of the Japanese Spirit Study Seminary recently established within the Japan Society at Berlin, which post was offered him around the end of May through the Japanese Ambassador to Germany, Lieutenant-General Hiroshi Ohshima. 1941.09.25 — A Southern Regions Economic Council is established when sponsors of the new organization meet at the Imperial Hotel in its inaugural session. Designed to promote economic contacts with the various countries of the southwestern Pacific, the council is composed of representatives of various influential economic organizations, banks and firms. Aiichiro Fujiyama was elected chairman. 1941.09.25 — The fourth batch of 98 Japanese evacuees under the leadership of Atsuo Noma, head of the branch office of the Yokohama Specie Bank at Manila, arrives at Kobe aboard the S.S. Taiyo Maru. 1941.09.26 — The much-awaited and much-talked-about British evacuation ship, Anhui, commanded by Captain L. Evans, safely arrived in Yokohama harbour 24 hours late, at 3:30 this morning. 1941.09.26 — Ying Ju-keng, ex-Governor of the defunct East Hopei anti-Communist and Autonomous Government in North China, arrives at Tokyo Station. He is to attend the unveiling ceremony for a monument recently erected on the premises of the Sojiji Temple in a suburb of Yokohama in honour of the many Japanese who served in the cause of the Chinese revolutions. 1941.09.26 — In celebration of the first anniversary of the conclusion of the Tripartite Treaty among Japan, Germany and Italy, Ko Ishii, chief of the third department of the Board of Information, entertains at a dinner party, at the New Grand Restaurant, all the correspondents and journalists of Germany, Italy, and Hungary in Tokyo. 1941.09.26 — That the spirit of the Three-Power Pact constitutes the keynote of Japan's diplomacy, and that it will not be in any way affected by other Powers' efforts to alienate the three signatories, Japan, Germany and Italy, from one another, is emphatically declared by Nobumi Ito, president of the Board of Information, in a radio speech tonight. 1941.09.27 — The first anniversary of the conclusion of the Tripartite Pact is marked with a luncheon at noon, at the official residence of the Foreign Minister, Admiral Teiji Toyoda. Addressing the nearly 40 guests the Foreign Minister, in a statement, emphasized the ever-consolidating basis of Axis co-operation. 1941.09.27 — A portion of Changsha finally falls into the hands of the Japanese forces shortly after 11 a.m. today. After dealing a serious blow to the Chinese troops putting up obstinate resistance along the hilly district northeast of the city, the Hayabuchi, Kawasaki and Yokozawa detachments storm into the city. 1941.09.27 — German Ambassador Major-General Eugen Ott, in a statement issued today on the occasion of the anniversary of the Three Power Treaty, declares that the Tripartite Pact, in the course of one year, has become the symbol and the guarantee of a new order, an impressive front that is collaborating in the construction of the new world of tomorrow. 1941.09.28 — Commemorating the signing of the Tripartite Pact among Japan, Germany and Italy one year ago, and in return for the anniversary banquet given by Foreign Minister Admiral Teijiro Toyoda on September 27, a huge luncheon, with nearly 300 persons present, is given under the joint auspices of German Ambassador Eugen Ott and Italian Ambassador Mario Indelli at the Imperial Hotel at which His Imperial Highness Prince Kanin honours the gathering. 1941.09.28 — A welcome dinner party is given by Navy Minister Admiral Koshiro Oikawa in honour of Captain C. B. Commanderie and eight other officers of the French cruiser Lamotte Piequet, which recently arrived in Osaka for repairs, at the official residence of the Navy Minister. 1941.09.28 — The party is attended by French Ambassador Charles Arsène-Henry, Admiral Osami Nagano, chief of the Naval General Staff, Vice-Admiral Yorio Sawamoto, Navy Vice-Minister, and other high naval officers. 1941.09.29 — Alfred Duff-Cooper, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who arrived at Singapore September 9, will visit Shanghai shortly to take a step there to check Britain's decline in the South China Sea, reports a special dispatch from Shanghai to the Tokyo Nichi Nichi. He will be accompanied by Major-General Piggott, former military attaché to the British Embassy in Tokyo, and Mr. Keswick, former chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Council. Sir Robert Craigie, British Ambassador to Japan, will meet Mr. Cooper in Shanghai. 1941.09.30 — The Chungking régime has not yet admitted the fall of Changsha into Japanese hands. All Chinese papers in Chungking are carrying false reports that the Chinese troops are still defending Changsha. 1941.10.01 — Today sees commencement of the withdrawal of Japanese troops from Changsha and surrounding country of which they have purged all enemy troops as a result of the Hunan campaign which was started against the army defending the enemy Ninth War Zone about 10 days ago. 1941.10.01 — His Imperial Highness Prince Takahiro Mikasa, brother of His Majesty the Emperor and a Captain in the Imperial Army, will be united in marriage with Miss Yuriko Takagi, second daughter of Viscount Masanari Takagi. An exchange of betrothal presents between His Imperial Highness and Miss Takagi will take place on October 5. 1941.10.02 — The newspapers of Batavia reported September 1 that several merchantmen of Soviet registry have recently entered Sourabaya and are taking on large quantities of oil, rubber, and coffee destined for Vladivostok. 1941.10.02 — The National Government of China appoints Hsu Liang, Foreign Minister, to be new Ambassador to Japan. In succession to Mr. Hsu, the present Chinese Ambassador Dr. Chu Min-i to Tokyo has been appointed to the post of Foreign Minister. 1941.10.02 — Inspection of departing Japanese evacuees by the customs officials at Singapore, past the limit of necessity and bordering on almost outrageous insolence, is told by the Japanese who arrived at Kobe today. 1941.10.03 — The presence of Their Imperial Majesties on October 18 at the eighth special memorial services for the war dead which will be observed at Yasukuni Shrine from October 15 to October 21 is announced today. 1941.10.03 — In view of the prevailing international situation, the Government today promulgates an Imperial Ordinance concerning provisional mail regulations, taking effect simultaneously. The ordinance aims at preventing all espionage activities and propaganda inimical to this country as well as the leakage of national defence secrets to foreign countries. The ordinance is promulgated under the provisions of Article 8 of the Imperial Constitution. 1941.10.03 — The Government of Japan has lodged a strong protest with the Government of Iran and the Government of Britain against the suspension by the Iran Government of diplomatic privileges of the Japanese Legation in Teheran, it was learned Friday. It was on September 29 that the Iran Government, under the pressure of Britain and the Soviet Union, notified the suspension of diplomatic privileges of the Japanese Legation in Teheran to the Government of Japan. 1941.10.03 — Three air officers of the Chungking force, disgusted with the scandalous situation of the anti-Japanese front in Chungking, surrendered on September 29 to the Japanese forces at a certain base in China to join the peace camp led by President Wang Ching-wei of the new National Government of China, it is made known today. 1941.10.03 — The yield of rice in Japan proper this year is estimated as of September 20 by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry to reach 59,134,430 koku. 1941.10.03 — The amount shows a decrease of 1,683,208 koku from the yield of 1940. The shortage thus created will be made good with rice shipments from Chosen and Taiwan as well as from regions included in the greater East Asiatic co-prosperity sphere. 1941.10.03 — The Imperial Navy's submarine 1-61, while engaged in training on the seas northwest of Kyushu on the night of October 2, sank after collision with a surface war vessel, it is officially announced today. 1941.10.04 — The Japanese Government formally closes its Embassy in Warsaw today. The Polish Embassy in Tokyo reciprocally goes out of existence the same day. This ends the Japanese-Polish relations of the past 25 years. 1941.10.04 — Another key city falls to the invincible Japanese Army today when crack Japanese units, headed by a column of tanks, occupy Chengchow, junction of the Lunghai and Peiping-Hankow railways. 1941.10.04 — "Although the situation surrounding us is unprecedentedly critical and the future of the Empire is by no means easy, the Imperial Navy is firmly resolved to remove all difficulties in the way of executing our national policy in order to fulfil the great duty of national defence." 1941.10.04 — The statement above is given by Navy Minister Admiral Koshiro Oikawa in his address delivered at the Hibiya Public Hall for the strengthening of the home front service. 1941.10.05 — The O.S.K. liner Buenos Aires Maru, 9,626 tons, brings to Yokohama 615 passengers from Brazil and Argentina. 1941.10.05 — The existing raw silk reeling basins numbering more than 210,000 throughout Japan proper (July 1) will be cut by approximately 100,000, according to a plan decided upon by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry. 1941.10.06 — The result of the Honan campaign whose initial stage has been completed with the capture of an area between Chengchow and Chungmow has been published. The enemy left behind 2,130 bodies in fighting between October 2 and 5. The total casualties suffered by the enemy are estimated to reach 35,000. The booty taken by the Japanese included 25 heavy and 31 light machine-guns, six rapid firing guns, 286 rifles, and 3,871 hand grenades. 1941.10.07 — However the Japan-American relations may develop in the future, Japanese residents and American citizens of Japanese parentage will maintain a fair and just attitude. For the object of preventing any unjust oppression upon those Japanese, the Committee for Protecting Japanese in the United States is formed by American citizens of Japanese parentage and leading Americans in San Francisco. 1941.10.08 — Japanese forces practically complete cleaning the area around Chengchow of the Chinese army. Not a single enemy soldier is to be seen in the neighbourhood of the junction of the Lunghai and Peking-Hankow railway lines. 1941.10.08 — In a nation-wide radiocast Agriculture and Forestry Vice-Minister Kunio Miura gives a detailed explanation of the Government's food policy and asks the whole nation to co-operate in order to assure an ample supply of foodstuffs. 1941.10.09 — The Board of Information announces organization of an official party which will soon leave to investigate resources in French Indo-China. This group, the first move for Japanese-French-Indo-China economic collaboration, will be headed by Masayuki Yokoyama, former Japanese Minister to Spain. 1941.10.09 — The so-called "October General Offensive" carried out by Chungking troops in districts north of the Yangtze River has been frustrated everywhere by Japanese attacks. In the Fifth and Sixth War Zones, troops under the command of General Li Tsung-jen and General Chen Cheng, by the order of General Chiang Kai-shek, attempt to make an offensive but are stopped by Japanese counter-thrusts. 1941.10.09 — Cordell Hall, American Secretary of State, at his press conference, when asked about reports alleging the United States, Britain and the Netherlands have agreed to terminate all oil shipments to Japan following freezing of Japanese assets, replies he does not think there is any agreement of that kind, adding, at least he does not know about it. 1941.10.09 — Engagement of Her Imperial Highness Princess Kiyoko Asaka, second daughter of His Imperial Highness General Prince Yasuhiko Asaka, to Lieutenant Count Yoshitsu Ohgyu of the Imperial Army has been announced. 1941.10.10 — The Chungking troops left at least 82,857 dead bodies behind them in the battlefields in the recently-concluded Changsha campaign, it is announced by the Press Section of the Japanese Expeditionary Forces in Central China. 1941.10.10 — As a solution of the wartime food problem as well as to cope with any emergency which may confront the nation in the future, the Government, at the regular cabinet meeting, formally approves concrete details of the enforcement of the emergency food plan calling for a six million koku increase of the annual barley and wheat crops by diverting more than 104,000 hectares of mulberry, tea and peppermint farms and fruit orchards. 1941.10.11 — The Japanese Embassy in Washington has informed the State Department that the Japanese Government plans to send three Japanese ships, requisitioned by the Japanese Ministry of Communications, to visit the United States for the purpose of taking passengers, including Americans, from Japan to the United States and bringing back Japanese now in the United States who wish to return to Japan, the State Department announces today. 1941.10.11 — The ceremony of installing His Imperial Highness Prince Nobuhito Takamatsu, brother of His Majesty the Emperor, as Patron of the Japan-Italy Society is held at the Imperial Hotel. 1941.10.11 — General Misao Kawai, retired, member of the Privy Council, passes away at his home in Horinouchi, Sughinami-ku, from stricture of the heart. He was 77 years of age. 1941.10.12 — The first anniversary of the inauguration of the Taisei Yokusankai (National Service Association) is celebrated in a solemn ceremony held at the headquarters of the association. 1941.10.13 — The Navy Ministry officially announces that it cannot help but regard that the missing members of the submarine "I" 61 which sank in the waters northwest of the island of Kyushu on October 2 were killed in the performance of their duties. 1941.10.14 — Announcement is made at noon by the Board of Information of the conclusion of an agreement between the Governments of Japan and Portugal with respect to the establishment of aerial service between Palao and Deli on Timor Island. 1941.10.14 — Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye holds separate talks with the President of the Planning Board, Lieutenant-General Teiichi Suzuki, the President of the Board of Information, Dr. Nobumi Ito, and the Cabinet Chief Secretary Kenji Tomita, at the Premier's official residence. 1941.10.15 — Solemn rites for the deification of 15,013 war dead are held at the Yasukuni Shrine on Kudan Hill tonight in the presence of 30,000 war bereaved invited to attend the ceremonies. 1941.10.15 — Emphasizing that the Imperial Navy is as strong today as ever and is constantly growing in power despite the four years of warfare which have followed the outbreak of the China affair, Captain Hidéo Hiraidé, director of the Naval Press Section of the Imperial Headquarters, says in a speech at the Kyoto Municipal Hall that the Navy is fully prepared for any emergency. 1941.10.15 — The Japanese evacuation ship Hiyé Maru sailed from Bandar-i-Shahpur for East Africa, picking up 49 Japanese evacuees from Iran on October 14, it is jointly announced by the spokesmen of the Foreign Office and the Communications Ministry. 1941.10.15 — The difficult task regarding demarcation of the border line between Manchoukuo and the People's Republic of Mongolia near Nomonhan is completed at Hsinking when the delegations of Manchoukuo and the People's Republic of Mongolia sign the necessary documents. 1941.10.15 — The Government has ordered a shortening of the school years of universities, colleges, and other schools, and a reduction in the period during which students are temporarily exempted from military service. 1941.10.15 — Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye repairs to the Imperial Palace and submits a report to the Throne concerning general administrative affairs. 1941.10.15 — An army reshuffle is carried out. It includes four promotions and changes in a number of high posts in the Army. A change which arouses widespread popular interest is the appointment of Colonel Hideo Ohira, instructor at the Army Staff College, to the post of chief of the army press section of the Imperial Headquarters, replacing Colonel Hayao Mabuchi, who has been given command of a unit of the army. 1941.10.15 — Lieutenant-General Akito Nakamura is appointed Commander of the Gendarmerie. 1941.10.15 — The Navy Ministry announces its regular promotions and changes. Rear-Admiral Seiichi Ito, Vice-Chief of the Naval General Staff, is promoted to the rank of vice-admiral. Rear-Admiral Masao Kanazawa, naval attaché at the Japanese Embassy in Nanking, is appointed Chief of Staff of the Yokosuka Naval Station. 1941.10.16 — The third Konoye Cabinet resigns en bloc at 5 p.m. when Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye proceeded to the Imperial Palace to submit the resignation of his Cabinet to the Throne. It is just three months ago today that Premier Konoye tendered the resignation of his second Cabinet to His Majesty the Emperor at the Imperial villa in Hayama. 1941.10.17 — A report reaching the Foreign Office from Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Tatékawa, Japanese Ambassador to the Soviet Union, tells of the telephonic request made by the Foreign Commissariat to the Embassy in Moscow to complete preparations for immediate evacuation of the Soviet capital. The same report says that the Soviet authorities gave no indication of the place to which the withdrawal of the Embassy is requested. 1941.10.18 — The new Cabinet headed by General Hidéki Tohjo, War Minister in the previous Konoye Cabinet, is installed this afternoon, as follows: 1941.10.18 — Premier, General Hidéki Tohjo; Home, General Tohjo; War, General Tohjo; Foreign, Shigénori Togo; Overseas, Shigénori Togo; Finance, Okinori Kaya; Navy, Admiral Shighétaro Shimada; Justice, Michiyo Iwamura; Education, Dr. Kunihiko Hashida; Agriculture and Forestry, Hiroya Ino; Commerce and Industry, Shinsuké Kishi; Communications, Admiral Ken Terashima; Railways, Ken Terashima; Welfare, Surgeon-General Chikahiko Koizumi; Minister without Portfolio, Lieutenant-General Teiléki Suzuki. 1941.10.18 — Premier General Hidéki Tohjo is promoted to the rank of full general. The installation ceremony for General Tohjo is personally conducted by His Majesty the Emperor in the Phoenix Hall of the Imperial Palace. 1941.10.18 — The Navy Ministry announces the appointment of Vice-Admiral Noboru Hirata as Commander-in-Chief of the Yokosuka Naval Station in succession to Admiral Shighétaro Shimada who has joined the new Tohjo Cabinet as Navy Minister. 1941.10.18 — The Government announces the appointment of Michio Yuzawa as Home Vice-Minister and Home Minister Hidéki Tohjo. 1941.10.18 — The third day of the special festival at the Yasukuni Shrine opens auspiciously with the visit of His Majesty the Emperor at 10:15 a.m. for Imperial worship of the newly enshrined wardead. As the hour is heralded byradio and siren, the entire nation stopped work for a moment to join His Majesty in paying respect in silent prayer. 1941.10.19 — With the announcement of the personnel of the Tohjo Cabinet and its first statement, the public opinion at Washington gives up the earlier observation that it is a military cabinet for war execution, and realized that it is too early for imagining conflict with Japan. That is to say, Premier Tohjo is a moderate leader of Army circles, and has further declared, upon the formation of his cabinet, that he would follow the policy of the former cabinet. 1941.10.20 — Kohsuké Tomioka is appointed Chief of the Metropolitan Police Board succeeding Iwao Yamazaki. Jiro Imamatsu, Governor of Wakayama, is appointed Chief of the Police Affairs Bureau, in the Home Ministry. Ichiro Narita and Zentaro Nii are appointed, respectively, Directors of the Local Affairs Bureau and State Planning Bureau, of the same Ministry. 1941.10.20 — Shighénori Togo, new Foreign Minister, declares in a national radiocast that the Japanese nation should deal with firm determination with any matter that concerns the existence of the Empire and its prestige, adding that the objective of Japan's foreign policy is the maintenance and enhancement of the peace of the world. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. X No. 12 (December 1941) --- (covers 1941.10.21 to 1941.11.20) 1941.10.21 — Concern as to the safety and whereabouts of the Japanese Ambassador to the Soviet Union, Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Tatékawa, and his party who evacuated Moscow, October 16 is relieved by an official message received at the Foreign Office that the Ambassador and his suite were proceeding to Kuibishev. 1941.10.21 — On October 19, the Ambassador was reported on board a train midway between Moscow and Kuibishev, southeast of Kazan. 1941.10.21 — There will be practically no change in the leading officials of the National Service Association despite the recent cabinet change. 1941.10.21 — Premier Tohjo, however, accepted the resignation of Sohtaro Ishiwata, Director-General, together with that of Lieutenant-General Heisuké Yanagawa, Minister without Portfolio of the Konoye Cabinet who was the exofficio Vice-President of the Association. 1941.10.21 — Haruhiko Nishi, Minister-at-large, has been appointed Foreign Vice-Minister in succession to Eiji Amau. 1941.10.22 — His Imperial Highness Prince Takahito Mikasa, youngest brother of His Majesty the Emperor, is united in marriage with Miss Yuriko Takaghi, second daughter of Viscount Masanari Takaghi, this morning. 1941.10.22 — Masayuki Yokoyama, chairman of the Japanese Mission for investigation of natural resources of French Indo-China, who arrived there on October 18, pays visit to Vice-Admiral Jean Decoux, Governor-General of F.I.C., at Hanoi. 1941.10.22 — The technical work of delimiting the Thai-French Indo-China Border is started on a bridge spanning a river 15 kilometres north of here by 100 Thai and 50 French surveyors. 1941.10.22 — "Clouds over a Mountain Range" is the subject of the New Year's Imperial Poetry Competition as announced by the Imperial Household Ministry. 1941.10.23 — The assumption by Lieutenant-General Kisaburo Ando of the Vice-Presidency of the National Service Association is announced. 1941.10.23 — At midnight began the second and final stage of the anti-air raid drills which started October 12. 1941.10.23 — Kiwao Okumura, inspector of the Communications Ministry, is appointed vice-president of the Board of Information in succession to Tatsuo Hisatomi. 1941.10.23 — Kenkichi Yoshizawa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary pro tem to French Indo-China and members of his suite leave Tokyo for their post October 28. 1941.10.23 — It is announced that Shin Kinoshita, former Vice-Governor-General of Taiwan, is appointed adviser to Ambassador Yoshizawa. The appointment of 11 additional members to the suite of Ambassador Yoshizawa is also announced. 1941.10.24 — The Board of Information announces that the Government at a cabinet meeting this morning decided to ask His Majesty the Emperor to convoke an extraordinary session of the Imperial Diet for five days, November 15 19. The purpose is to obtain approval of the Diet for additional budget plans which are urgently needed to meet the current situation. 1941.10.24 — The Board of Information at midnight today issues an announcement giving the full text of the agreement signed at Lisbon on October 13 between Japan and Portugal providing for the inauguration of an airplane service between Palao, in the South Sea islands, and Deli, capital of Portuguese Timor. 1941.10.24 — Dr. Chu Min-i, hitherto Ambassador to Japan, who was recently appointed Foreign Minister of the National Government of China, leaves Tokyo station for Nanking. 1941.10.24 — Japan's Minister-at-large Kanamé Wakasughi in Washington has a conference with Sumner Welles, Under-Secretary of State. He refuses to make any comment on his return. 1941.10.24 — Frank Knox, United States Navy Secretary, declares that if Japan pursues its expansionist plans in the Far East "collision there is inevitable." 1941.10.27 — The Japanese colony along East First Street in Los Angeles was turned upside down on October 22 when the offices of the Central Japanese Association and of the Japanese Association in Los Angeles were raided by the secret agencies of the United States Government, according to a Los Angeles dispatch to Domei today. They confiscated the books in which are listed the names of Japanese residents who have donated money to the Japanese Army and Navy. 1941.10.27 — Although the Soviet-Japanese Trade Treaty initialled in Moscow some time ago has not come into force as yet, various problems pending between the Soviet Union and Japan are being solved one after another, says Itaro Mizuno, director of the Trade Affairs Bureau of the Foreign Ministry, in a press interview. 1941.10.28 — Kenkichi Yoshizawa, special envoy to French Indo-China, leaves Tokyo Station for his post at Hanoi. Ambassador Yoshizawa is accompanied by Shigeru Kuriyama, chief member of his mission, and 60 members of the suite. 1941.10.29 — The Imperial Edict for the summoning of the extraordinary session of the Imperial Diet is proclaimed through the Official Gazette. 1941.10.29 — A university will be established in Java by the East Asia Development Association. The institute will be erected at Bandung, three hours by train from Batavia, at an estimated cost of ¥10,000,000. 1941.10.30 — Seihin Ikeda, foremost financial leader in this country and former Finance Minister and Commerce and Industry Minister, is installed as a member of the Privy Council at the investiture at the Imperial Palace. 1941.10.30 — Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo for the first time since his assumption of the post receives 11 foreign Ambassadors, including the American Ambassador, Joseph C. Grew, at his official residence. Mr. Togo also receives Ministers and Chargés d'Affaires. 1941.10.31 — The Press Section of the Naval Department of the Imperial Headquarters announces that Vice-Admiral Noboru Hirata, former Commander of the Japanese Navy in French Indo-China and new Commander of the Yokosuka Naval Station, arrives at Tokyo. 1941.10.31 — That he will exert himself to the utmost for the enhancement of economic and political relations between this country and French Indo-China is pledged by Kenkichi Yoshizawa, special envoy to French Indo-China, before sailing for his new post from Kobe. 1941.10.31 — A wartime tax increase plan is formally decided upon by the Government at a Cabinet meeting. The Government expects to gain an increased annual income of approximately ¥650,000,000 an average fiscal year and about ¥170,000,000 during the remaining months of the current fiscal year. 1941.10.31 — Vice-Admiral Kiichi Endo is appointed Director of the Total War Research Institute, succeeding Lieutenant-General Jo Iimura. Vice-Admiral Ito is appointed chief of staff of the Yokosuka Naval Station. 1941.11.01 — Practically all brands of cigars, cigarettes, pipe and cut tobacco have their prices raised by the Monopoly Bureau of the Government. 1941.11.01 — The Foreign Office issues the following statement: "The question of unifying the Japanese administrative organs in China under the Foreign Office and China Affairs Board has been under consideration for some time, and the offices on the spot of the Home Ministry, the Communications Ministry and of the Overseas Ministry have been decided for the most part to be brought under the jurisdiction of the Foreign Office." 1941.11.02 — Sixty tons of mail destined for Japan and other countries are taken off at San Francisco from an Orient-bound vessel due to the fact that United States customs authorities asked the Japanese Consulate-General in San Francisco that they be allowed to open and censor the mail in question. Japanese officials there express dissatisfaction over the American action as an understanding already had been reached with the customs authorities regarding the mail. 1941.11.03 — The anniversary of the birthday of the Emperor Meiji is solemnly observed at the Imperial Palace this morning, when His Majesty the Emperor, clad in traditional Court robes, pays respects at the Sanctuary. 1941.11.05 — Seizure of Japan-bound mail from an Orient-bound liner does not mean the United States has begun censorship of mail directed to Japan, authoritative quarters in Washington declare today. They deny there have been any cases to date of United States authorities censoring foreign mail. 1941.11.05 — A Nichi Nichi dispatch from Washington says a high official in the Washington Government states that although Japan has reportedly warned the United States that provided an agreement is not reached between the two countries Japan will take steps to create the East Asia co-prosperity sphere from a self-protective viewpoint, the United States has no intention of respecting any time-limit in the Japanese-American conversations. 1941.11.07 — Announcement is made by the Board of Information concerning the dispatch of Ambassador Saburo Kurusu to the United States. The announcement reads: "It has been decided to send Ambassador Saburo Kurusu to the United States for the purpose of assisting Ambassador Kichisaburo Nomura." 1941.11.07 — Regarding the dispatch of Ambassador Kurusu, official circles explain that the idea of the Japanese Government to arrive at an amicable and speedy solution of the pending questions between Japan and the United States, in view of the very serious situation prevailing, prompts it to send Ambassador Kurusu. 1941.11.07 — The worries held by the Thai Government on the attitude of the newly organized Tohjo Cabinet have been removed completely, according to Vice-Foreign Minister Luang Vichtr Vadhakarn, who, in a press interview, voices an official view for the first time on the formation of the Tohjo Cabinet. 1941.11.07 — Premier General Hidéki Tohjo asks co-operation on the part of the Privy Council in the execution of the Government's policy for accomplishing the objective of the China affair and establishing the East Asia co-prosperity sphere, at a plenary session of the Privy Council. 1941.11.07 — Japanese forces at dawn launch a general offensive against 20,000 Chinese Communist troops belonging to the 115th Division under command of Chen Kwang in southern Shantung Province. 1941.11.06 — The Board of Information issues an announcement concerning a disaster to the Kéhi Maru, as follows: "The passenger ship Kéhi Maru of the Nipponkai Steamship Company which is on the regular run between Tsuruga and Seishin, Chosen, met with disaster at about 10 o'clock last night (November 5) on the Japan Sea by contacting a mine while on its way to Tsuruga. Several rescue ships rushed to the spot immediately upon the receipt of SOS." 1941.11.06 — A scheme to restrict Japanese immigrants is seen in the revised regulations of entry and departure of foreigners promulgated by the Government of Colombia on October 24, effective from the same day, according to an official report received by the Foreign Office. 1941.11.06 — An announcement to the following effect is made by the Foreign Office: "It is clear from the wireless messages sent out by the Kéhi Maru and other circumstances that the disaster that befell the Kéhi Maru was caused by a floating mine which had drifted from within the territorial waters of the Soviet Union. Therefore, the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Haruhiko Nishi, in the afternoon of the 6th, requested the Soviet Ambassador in Tokyo, Constantin Smetanin, to call on him at the Foreign Office and presented to the latter the most solemn protest demanding his Government to make a reply with sincerity." 1941.11.07 — All the boats dispatched to the scene of the sinking of the Kéhi Maru sail back to Seishin today, led by the Hakusan Maru, the chief rescue vessel, carrying 19 recovered corpses and 229 survivors. The Kéhi Maru, 4,522 tons, of the Nipponkai Steamship Company, sank after striking a floating mine at 10:13 p.m. November 5 at a point in the Japan Sea 87 nautical miles southeast of Seishin, a port in northern Chosen. The mine is believed to have drifted from the territorial waters of the Soviet Union. 1941.11.07 — American residents in Tokyo number 200 now, a record low since 1912, reveals a survey conducted by the Metropolitan Police Board. Most of them are school teachers and college professors who are resolved to remain in this country even if the worst comes to the worst between Japan and America. 1941.11.07 — Saburo Kurusu, special Japanese envoy to the United States, arrives at Manila by clipper plane from Hongkong and calls on President Manuel Quezon and Francis B. Sayre, United States High Commissioner to the Philippines. 1941.11.07 — The sinking of the Kéhi Maru in the Japan Sea on the night of November 5 continues in the forefront of the nation's attention. Navy Minister Shighétaro Shimada makes a report on the disaster at a Cabinet meeting. He tells his colleagues that a total of 427 persons were on board the ship. He reveals to the Cabinet that a total of 69 floating mines had been found off northern Korea up to October 24. 1941.11.07 — The National General Mobilization Inquiry Commission approves the bills for five Imperial ordinances concerning equestrian organizations, revisions of the registration regulations of veterinary surgeons, requisition of veterinary surgeons, control of agricultural production, and revision of the regulations concerning land expropriation. 1941.11.08 — The Japanese Takai detachment this morning routes Chinese troops in the area in and around Kokowchen in southern Shantung Province. 1941.11.08 — Chasing Chinese remnants, the Japanese Ogata and Ohra units, which advanced from the northeast, crushed the stubborn Chinese in the vicinity of Wangchwang in central southern Shantung Province. 1941.11.09 — The ashes of J.W.T. Mason, the late noted American authority on Shintoism, will be buried in the cemetery at Tama, a suburb of Tokyo, for the time being, it has been arranged by the Mason Friends Society led by General Baron Sadao Araki and Count Yoshinori Futara. The grave will be constructed at an estimated cost of ¥3,000, of which ¥3,000 is expected to be furnished by Mrs. Edith Mason, the deceased scholar's widow, and the rest by his friends in Japan. 1941.11.10 — With the actual work of demarcation now under way, leading members of the Thai-French Indo-China border delimitation commission leaves Saigon for Bangkok in order to discuss with high Thai authorities detailed regulations concerning the demilitarized zone. 1941.11.10 — Governor-General Jean Decoux of French Indo-China, who has been visiting Saigon, sends the following message to Ambassador Kenkichi Yoshizawa, Japanese special envoy to the French colony: "I hereby wish to extend my hearty welcome on Your Excellency's arrival in Indo-China. I am confident your profound knowledge of this country and rich experience will contribute much to promotion of friendship and understanding between Japan and French Indo-China. Your clear-sighted action will bring about just collaboration for the common welfare of the two nations, I am sure." 1941.11.10 — Appointment of Admiral Teijiro Toyoda, former Foreign Minister, as president of the Japan Iron and Steel Manufacturing Company, a post held by Hatsusaburo Hirao in addition to the presidency of the Iron and Steel Control Association, has been decided on by Commerce and Industry Minister Shinsuké Kishi. 1941.11.10 — Before a packed house at Hibiya Public Hall, 79 year-old Soho Tokutomi, Japan's pioneer newspaperman, pours ire and brimstone on the attitude of the United States toward Japan, at a meeting sponsored by the Tokyo Nichi Nichi. 1941.11.11 — Hsu Liang, newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Japan, arrives in Tokyo to assume his post. 1941.11.11 — Naotaké Sato, former Foreign Minister, and Shighéru Kawagoyé, former Japanese Ambassador to China, have been appointed advisers to the Foreign Office to fill the posts vacated by the resignations of Toshio Shiratori and Yoshiyé Saito. 1941.11.11 — Because of the freezing of each other's assets by Japan and the United States, the Dairen Branch of the National City Bank of New York is completing preparations for closing. The bank withdrew from the Dairen Association of Banks in August and has since been busily liquidating outstanding accounts. 1941.11.11 — Renaming of the existing Naval Stations an Ohminato, Chinkai, Mako and Ryojun as Keibifu, or Defence Stations, and new establishment of a Defence Station at Osaka under the control of a commander-in-chief, on and from November 20, in place of the present Hanshin Naval Department has been decided on by the Navy Office. 1941.11.12 — Co-operation between Japan and French Indo-China for the achievement of their common mission should be based on mutual respect and confidence," it is emphasized in the message addressed by Special Ambassador Kenkichi Yoshizawa to Vice-Admiral Jean Decoux, Governor-General of French Indo-China. 1941.11.12 — Informed quarters here voice criticism of American Day addresses by President Roosevelt, Colonel Frank Knox, Secretary of the Navy, and Sumner Welles, Under-Secretary of State, delivered on November 11. 1941.11.12 — Commenting on the recent statement by Prime Minister Winston Churchill that Britain will go to war with Japan within an hour of a United States declaration of war, Virginio Gayda, editor of the Giornale d'Italia, alleges that the statement is intended as a warning against Japan not to disturb the peace in the Pacific until Britain is fully prepared to meet such a conflict. 1941.11.13 — The Board of Information and the Communications Ministry jointly announce that the Tatsuta Maru, having left San Francisco November 2 on her return voyage, is scheduled to arrive at Yokohama tomorrow. Passengers returning to the country by the ship total 635. 1941.11.13 — The files and desks of the offices of the Central Japanese Association and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Los Angles are ransacked by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation seeking evidences of contributions to the Japanese Army and Navy by local Japanese residents, according to the Tokyo Nichi Nichi. 1941.11.14 — Viscount Yoshiro Sakatani, Member of the House of Peers and ex-Mayor of Tokyo, dies at 5:59 a.m. at his residence, Haramachi, Koishikawa-ku, at the age of 78. 1941.11.14 — The Saigon branch of the Japanese Embassy Office in Hanoi is officially opened by Minister Iwataro Uchiyama. 1941.11.14 — The State Department in Washington announces that Secretary of State Cordell Hull will receive Saburo Kurusu, Japanese envoy now en route to Washington, and Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, Japanese Ambassador to the United States, at 10:30 a.m. on November 17. 1941.11.15 — The extraordinary session of the Imperial Diet, through which the strong determination of the Tohjo Cabinet for creating the East Asia co-prosperity sphere and disposing of the China affair will be clarified, is formally convened. 1941.11.15 — Ambassador Saburo Kurusu, special Japanese envoy arrives in Washington by plane from New York, completing a thrilling dash by air from Tokyo to Washington. 1941.11.16 — The war situation since the last regular Diet session is reviewed by Premier General Hidéki Tohjo, concurrently War Minister, and Navy Minister Admiral Shighétaro Shimada in the Diet. 1941.11.17 — Premier Hidéki Tohjo and Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo speak on the tense international situation in both Houses of the Diet. Highlights of their speeches follow: 1941.11.17 — Tohjo: Japan is doing her utmost to settle difficulties by peaceful means. Third Powers are asked not to obstruct successful conclusion of the China affair; to refrain from presenting direct military menace, to nullify hostile economic measures and restore normal relations with Japan. European war must be prevented from spreading to East Asia. High degree national defence is most important. Support and co-operation are asked of Diet members. 1941.11.17 — Togo: Establishment of peace in East Asia based on justice is fundamental aim. Amicable conclusion of Japan-America talks not impossible. But there is limit to conciliatory attitude by Japan and the nation must be firmly resolved if national existence and prestige are threatened. 1941.11.17 — The House of Representatives approves the ¥1,800,000,000 additional appropriations to meet urgent defence expenditures at 7 p.m. within eight hours from the time it came up. 1941.11.18 — Spokesman Ko Ishii of the Board of Information announces at his interview with foreign news correspondents, that he has been appointed Counselor of the Japanese Embassy at Bangkok, and that his successor as spokesman, appointed today, is Tomokazu Hori, hitherto spokesman for the Japanese Embassy and Consulate-General at Shanghai. 1941.11.18 — Shighénori Tashiro, Counselor of Embassy, has been ordered to China. 1941.11.18 — The ¥3,800,000,000 supplementary defence appropriation, the most important item before the current extraordinary Diet session, is approved by the House of Peers. 1941.11.18 — Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo says in the House of Representatives: "The Japanese Government will not accept any insincere answer from the Soviet Union regarding the recent Kéhi Maru incident, and will ask for its reconsideration." 1941.11.18 — Declarations by Premier General Hidéki Tohjo in the capacity of War Minister and by Navy Minister Admiral Shighétaro Shimada that the Imperial Army and Navy are now fully prepared for whatever emergency highlights the budget committee meeting in the Lower House. 1941.11.18 — The Hikawa Maru, one of the three ships sent to the United States last month by the Japanese Government to pick up Japanese passengers, reaches Yokohama from Seattle with 363 passengers. 1941.11.18 — The second Japan-America talks among Ambassador Kichisaburo Nomura, Ambassador Saburo Kurusu and Secretary of State Cordell Hull are held at Washington from 10 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. 1941.11.18 — It is believed all phases of American-Japanese relations were discussed in a calm atmosphere during the meeting, which was continued from the day before. 1941.11.19 — U.S. State Department officials say that although Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, will not hold further formal conversations today with Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, Japanese Ambassador, and Saburo Kurusu, special Japanese envoy, informal meetings may take place in order to permit either side to obtain any particular data or minor items of information which may be desired. 1941.11.19 — Two persons are killed and two others seriously injured in Kummamoto Prefecture's biggest earthquake in 10 years this morning. 1941.11.19 — Tanéo Miyazawa, representative from Nagano Prefecture and member of the League of National Service Parliamentary Members, resigns as a member of the House of Representatives. The reason is his speech in the Lower House in support of the budget bill, which is severely opposed by many members of the House, who consider it highly improper. 1941.11.20 — Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, Japanese Ambassador and Saburo Kurusu, special Japanese envoy, call on Cordell Hull, American Secretary of State, at the State Department at 12:15 p.m. and leaves at 1:15 p.m. 1941.11.20 — The Japanese Government files again a stern protest with the Panama Government against the maltreatment of the Japanese residents in that country. The protest is lodged with the latter through the Japanese Minister to Panama, Masatoshi Akiyama, and the Panama Minister in Tokyo, Angelo Ferrari. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. X No. 2 (February 1941) --- (covers 1940.12.16 to 1941.01.15) 1940.12.16 — The curtain on the three-day extraordinary session of the Central Co-operative Council of the National Service Association rises, as Council members numbering 134 and officers of the Association Headquarters attend the opening ceremony at the Tokyo Kaikan. Admiral Nobumasa Suyétsugu, president of the Council, takes the chair. Premier Konoye delivers a long speech. 1940.12.16 — "The Diet functions as before despite the new national structure," Dr. Nobufumi Ito, president of the Board of Information, declares in his first interview with foreign correspondents. 1940.12.17 — Establishment of a planned economy based on the kokuho is urged by Shingo Tsuda, president of the Kandagafuchi Spinning Company and member of the Central Co-operative Council, at the second day session. Among the subjects discussed are position of women under the new structure, agrarian problem, position of small and medium-sized industrialists and question of establishing a new economic structure based on the kokuho. 1940.12.18 — Major-General Akira Muto, director of the Military Affairs Bureau of the War Ministry, delivers a speech at the third and closing day of the extraordinary session of the Central Co-operative Council. His address takes the form of a strong appeal to the nation through the council to practice true the way of subjects and to support measures for establishing a high degree national defence State. 1940.12.18 — Jean Cousin, financial supervisor of the Hanoi Government and representative of the French Indo-Chinese delegation, consisting of 16 members at the coming parley in Tokyo, arrives in Kobe. René Robin, Governor-General of the Colonies and former Governor-General of French Indo-China, heads the delegation. 1940.12.19 — Amid the most distinguished gathering of Americans and Japanese held in Tokyo in recent years, the America-Japan Society under the chairmanship of the American Ambassador, Joseph C. Grew, listens to an address by Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka and honours the newly-appointed Ambassador to the United States, Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, prior to his departure for Washington, and Kensuké Horinouchi, upon his return home from his post as Ambassador to the United States. Admiral Nomura expresses his firm determination to readjust United States-Japanese relations. 1940.12.19 — Japan and the United States, each with large naval and military forces, are so far apart geographically that it would be difficult for either to strike a vital blow at the other, Hanson W. Baldwin, writer on naval affairs, tells a luncheon assembly of the Foreign Policy Association in New York. 1940.12.20 — The National Government of China decides to establish the Central Reserve Bank of China for unification of the currency system and financial reconstruction. Dr. Masutaro Kimura, former director of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will be appointed its financial adviser. 1940.12.20 — Sir John Greig Latham, the first Australian Minister to Japan, arrives in Yokohama aboard an E. & A. liner direct from Shanghai. 1940.12.21 — A swift reconstruction of the Konoye Cabinet is carried out coming as a complete surprise to the people. Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma is appointed Home Minister, replacing Eiji Yasui resigns, and Lieutenant-General Heisuké Yanagawa, director-general of the China Affairs Board, is appointed Justice Minister, in succession to Akira Kazami who also has resigned. 1940.12.21 — A German Foreign Office spokesman intimates during his press interview that the question of continued peace or possible war between Germany and the United States hangs in the balance, as the German Government awaits reaction to the proposal made on the previous day by the British Minister of Shipping, Ronald H. Cross, for increased American shipping aid to Britain. 1940.12.22 — The new Home Minister, Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, selects his three administrative assistants. Gunzo Kayaba is selected as Home Vice-Minister, Seikichi Hashimoto as director of the Police Affairs Bureau of the Home Ministry, and Iwao Yamazaki as Chief of the Metropolitan Police Board. 1940.12.23 — Full details of the general budget for the 1941–42 fiscal year totalling ¥6,860,000,000 to be introduced at the 76th Diet session are revealed to more than 60 leading members of the House of Representatives. 1940.12.24 — Signalling the first step toward establishment of a parliamentary structure, the 76th Diet session is convoked with no political parties and factions meeting. 1940.12.24 — Germany offers Britain a three-day Christmas truce on aerial warfare from December 24 to 27, if the British Royal Air Force agrees to abstain from bombing any German territory during the same period. 1940.12.25 — A total of 1,670 Chinese planes, or roughly 2,000 planes, if the enemy losses which have not been actually confirmed are included, have been destroyed by Japanese naval aviation squadrons since the outbreak of the China affair, according to the naval press section of the Imperial Headquarters. Japanese naval bombers engaged in 20,814 separate operations and released a total of 8,319 tons of bombs. 1940.12.26 — Any transfer of Italian and German merchant shipping now in the United States to Great Britain would be an "act of war" fraught with grave consequences, making it almost impossible for the Axis Powers to refrain from recognising it as such and acting accordingly Representative Roy G. Woodruff, Michigan Republican, warns the Lower House. 1940.12.26 — The opening ceremony of the 76th Diet session is held in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor in the House of Peers. His Majesty bestows a gracious Imperial Rescript. 1940.12.27 — An Australian announcement of the German raider operating in the South Pacific sites London. Particular attention is paid to the fact that the raider allegedly was operating under a Japanese name and sailing under a Japanese flag. 1940.12.28 — The Tokyo parley between Japan and French Indo-China begins, when representatives of both sides meet for the first time at the Foreign Minister's official residence. Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka delivers a speech, emphasizing that the Japanese are above taking undue advantage of any nation's sore spot to satisfy their ambitions and expressing sympathy with France in its present predicament. 1940.12.28 — Army officials in Honolulu reveal that military plans now under consideration calling for the concentration eventually of 100 of the newest United States army planes at Hawaiian bases and the transfer of part of the present Hawaiian air force to the Philippines to strengthen Asiatic defences. 1940.12.29 — Major-Gentral Sadaaki Kagésa and Rear-Admiral Hikojiro Suga, members of the suite of Ambassador Nobuyuki Abé to Nanking, are appointed respective chief military and naval advisers to the National Government of Nanking. 1940.12.30 — The Chiang Kai-shek régime has lost approximately 3,500,000 men in killed, wounded and missing and deserters since the Japan-China conflict began in July, 1937, it is learned from a statement by the army press section of the Imperial Headquarters. 1940.12.30 — President Roosevelt in one of his fireside chats from the White House says continued American aid to Great Britain must be considered an imperative American task, if not dictated by idealism, as a vital need for defence of the American continents against what is bound to come in the event of a German victory. 1940.12.30 — A conversation preliminary to the Tokyo conference between Japan and France on French Indo-China is commenced by Hajimé Matsumiya, Ambassador-at-large, and René Robin, respective heads of the Japanese and French delegations. The meeting is important as the point of departure of the talks to adjust the basic relationship between Japan and France in connection with the establishment of the co-prosperity zone of East Asia. 1940.12.31 — The Privy Council at its plenary session in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor approves a nine-point civil service reform plan and presents it to the Throne for sanction. The passage of the Government plan marks the first step toward the establishment of a new official structure, which is one of the aims of the Konoye Cabinet. 1941.01.01 — Premier Konoye in his New Year message to the nation pays tribute to the sacrifices and accomplishments of the people in the last year and calls upon still further efforts to conclude the China affair and to build a greater East Asia. He warns of possible further hardships in the coming year when various international pressures may be imposed on Japan. 1941.01.01 — Selection of Tatsuo Kawai, Minister-at-large and former Foreign Office spokesman, as the first Minister to Australia is announced. 1941.01.02 — Survivors totalling 496 men, women and children from 10 merchant ships, including the 16,712-ton Rangitane, which have been sunk by German commerce raiders operating in the Pacific waters, land at an undisclosed Australian port from warships of the Australian navy. 1941.01.03 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka in his New Year greeting to the nation makes an outstanding utterance, saying "What will the New Year, the 2,601st year of the Japanese Empire, being to this country in particular and the world in general? Will it be auspicious or inauspicious, and it is, indeed, the last thing in the world that I wish for, but in my innermost heart I fear lest this year may perchance prove to be a most tragic and unfortunate one for entire mankind." 1941.01.04 — War Minister Hidéki Tohjo in a New Year address to officers in responsible positions in the War Ministry points out that there is little hope of seeing peace restored at an early date in the China affair and that "rough seas are running " in the Pacific. 1941.01.06 — President Roosevelt, addressing a tense, solemn session of Congress, re-underlines the peril that a totalitarian victory will bring the United States and lays the groundwork for specific measures which he will ask the national legislature to approve in the next few weeks in order to make America an arsenal for the Democracies. 1941.01.07 — The resignation of eight prefectural governors, the retirement of a ninth, and appointments of new governors of prefectures throughout Japan are approved at the year's first Cabinet meeting. Kenzo Yano, Governor of Toyama Prefecture, requested by Home Minister Kiichiro Hiranuma to render his resignation, refuses. He is then ordered by the Minister to be put on the retired list in accordance with the recently-revised Civil Service Limitation Ordinance. His dismissal causes the wholesale resignation of the permanent committee of the Toyama branch of the National Service Association. 1941.01.07 — Budget estimates of the Government's special overseas accounts for the 1941–42 fiscal year, totalling ¥1,126,052,000 are approved at the day's Cabinet meeting. Estimates for special accounts of the Railway Ministry, communications enterprises and Government investments, to the total of ¥789,664,000 are also adopted. 1941.01.07 — The president of the Board of Information issues a statement concerning seizure by Bermuda authorities of money belonging to Japanese subjects. Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka makes a strong protest to the British Ambassador to Tokyo, Sir Robert L. Craigie, pointing out that the measures taken by the British authorities are clearly an abuse of belligerent rights and an illegal act infringing the legitimate rights of free movement of Japanese. 1941.01.08 — Snow causes postponement of the annual New Year military review at the Yoyogi parade ground. 1941.01.08 — War campaign instructions, showing the basis upon which army officers and men should conduct themselves at war fronts are issued by War Minister Hidéki Tohjo. 1941.01.08 — Reorganization of the expanding United States navy into three main fleets, thus enabling the navy to cope more effectively with possible contingencies either in the Atlantic or Pacific is announced by Secretary of Navy, Colonel Frank Knox. The naval force reorganization, effective on February 1, will create three main fleets namely, Atlantic, Pacific and Asiatic, raising the status of the present Asiatic squadron to that of a fleet. 1941.01.08 — Pointing out that the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1942, is a reflection of the world at war, President Roosevelt, during his annual budget message to Congress asks for staggering appropriations necessary to fulfil the requirements of the three-year $18,000,000,000 national defence programme now under way. 1941.01.08 — The long-awaited N.Y.K. European liner Fushimi Maru, the last Japanese vessel to evacuate the remaining Japanese from the European war scene, arrives at Yokohama. On board are several portraits of Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress brought back from the Japanese Embassy in London and other legations in Europe by Consul-General Kiyoshi Uchiyama in London, and about 158 Japanese evacuees. 1941.01.08 — "The nation should not be so nervous as to expect every moment the outbreak of an America-Japan new war," says Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, new Ambassador to Washington, when interviewed by newspapermen at Tokyo Station on his return from his inspection tour of China. "I am firmly convinced that a handshake between democracy and totalitarianism is possible," he says. 1941.01.08 — An outline of a new agricultural structure drafted by the Cabinet Planning Board is deliberated upon at a conference of seven State ministers connected with economic problems. The draft plan aims at the maintenance of agricultural population, stabilisation of the farmers' life, self-sufficiency of staple food covering Japan and Manchoukuo and reconstruction of the agricultural population into a large productive co-operative body to increase productivity. 1941.01.10 — With 90 warplanes covering its advance, the Thai army sweeps into Cambodia in blitzkrieg style. The French Indo-Chinese towns of Sisophon, 20 miles inside the Cambodia frontier, is said to be in flames as a result of the fighting. 1941.01.10 — A plan for thorough reinforcement of the country's air defence system as jointly formulated by the War, Navy and Home Ministries is submitted to the Cabinet. War Minister Hidéki Tohjo at the Cabinet meeting emphasizes Japan's present air defences leave much to be desired for coping with the increased destructive power of the air arm. 1941.01.11 — The Cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Church in Kanda Ward, known as Nicolai Dome, is the centre of discord among the church followers. Archbishop Sergius resigns and will be succeeded by a Japanese bishop, Heikichi Iwasawa. 1941.01.12 — Dr. Nobufumi Ito, president of the Board of Information, and Dr. Joseph Goebbels, German Minister for National Enlightenment and Propaganda, exchange opinions with the objective of consolidating the peoples of the two nations in the current complicated international situation, by radiophone, at 6 p.m. today. 1941.01.13 — Mrs. Koto Ijichi, noted centenarian of Tokyo, dies at the age of 102. She is mother of Torahiko Ijichi, president of the Carbonic Acid Liquefaction Company. 1941.01.13 — Lieutenant-General Yuzuru Iimura is appointed first director of the Total War Research Institute, which was recently established. 1941.01.14 — The Japan Times attains its 15,000th issue since its first publication on March 22, 1897. In commemoration of the event, the paper issues a special edition. 1941.01.14 — Premier Konoye's four-day conference with leaders of both Houses of the Diet and representatives of financial and press circles for discussion of measures to establish a structure which will permit the country to wage a total war is opened at the Premier's official residence. 1941.01.14 — Foreign news correspondents in Tokyo are the guests of Dr. Nobufumi Ito, president of the Board of Information, at a dinner at the Imperial Hotel. The occasion is the first social gathering of the new board with the foreign correspondents. 1941.01.15 — Secretary of State Cordell Hull today reads to the Lower House Foreign Affairs Committee a 3,000-word statement, wherein he reviews the deterioration of international relations of the past eight years, beginning with the Manchuria incident, and accuses the Axis Powers of pursuing an "organized," ruthless and implacable movement of steadily expanding conquest. 1941.01.15 — All private bodies interested in China affairs are requested by the China Affairs Board to disband and reorganize into a new, powerful body to be affiliated with the National Service Association. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. X No. 3 (March 1941) --- (covers 1941.01.16 to 1941.02.15) 1941.01.16 — References to Japan in Manchuria and elsewhere in East Asia made in the testimony by Cordell Hall, U.S. Secretary of State, before the House Foreign Affairs Committee (Jan. 15) are declared in Japan as contradictory, and highly undignified for a man in so responsible a position. 1941.01.16 — Premier Konoye invites press delegates to his official residence for the third day conference with leaders from different circles to appeal for further co-operation. 1941.01.16 — The Economic Minister of the Netherlands East Indies in an interview with foreign press correspondents emphasizes that, while the country seeks to be fair to all, the Dutch colony has particular reasons for forming closer trade relations with Japan. 1941.01.16 — The Board of Information is reported to be planning to bring all organizations related with musical activities under one national control. The plan will embrace musicians, composers, critics, musical educators. Object: to make music more integrated part of national life. 1941.01.17 — Premier Konoye holds a special conference with economic leaders at his official residence, winding up the for day (Jan. 14–17) meetings with influential members in various lines of national activity. 1941.01.17 — Mexico City reports Maj.-General Jose Luis Armesqua, appointed Mexican Ambassador to Japan, will leave Manzanillo early in March accompanied by Mrs. Armesqua. 1941.01.17 — A Budapest report says that Hungarian Minister to Japan, Georg Ghika, has been appointed Minister to Washington, and will be succeeded by Luis Kuhl. 1941.01.17 — The Board of Information decides to make strict selection of books intended for readers abroad to acquaint them with all phases of Japan and the Japanese. Special publications for Germany and Italy are also considered. 1941.01.18 — Vernacular papers report that Count Pietro Rivetta, in Rome, has just published a book in Italian entitled Jafun. He visited Japan in 1938 and was deeply impressed with the cultural and industrial progress of the country. The book is said to show the author's keen observation and correct interpretation of Japanese life. He writes Japanese and has coined in Japanese characters his name which reads; Hietaro Ribetta. 1941.01.19 — America's feverish efforts to encircle and to thwart Japan's legitimate southward development become more outspoken. Leading Japanese in all spheres of activities focus their attention on this American attitude. 1941.01.20 — The French Indo-China-Japan parley in Tokyo, at the official residence of the Vice Foreign Minister, agrees on the import of rice from the French colony into Japan. 1941.01.20 — Kumataro Honda, Ambassador to China, returns to Tokyo on a short furlough and is expected to go back to his post soon. 1941.01.21 — The Imperial Diet resumes session; it presents an unprecedented spectacle minus political parties. The Premier, Foreign and Finance Ministers deliver speeches before the assembly, outlining, respectively, Japan's national policy in general, foreign and financial affairs. 1941.01.21 — A provisional fishery agreement is signed at Moscow, at 1 o'clock this morning, between Soviet Foreign Commissar Molotov and Japanese Ambassador Yoshitsugu Tatékawa. 1941.01.21 — The Germany-Japan Cultural Society (Tokyo) and the German Students Corps (Berlin) jointly announce a contest for essays by German and Japanese students on three cultural subjects (elective). One winner each in these subjects will be chosen for both sides (three German, three Japanese winners) and they will be awarded the privilege of studying in Japan (or in Germany for Japanese) for one year. The contest will close June 30 this year. 1941.01.22 — The plenary session of the House Representatives unanimously passes a resolution, voicing the national determination to defend Japan's southern life line with all available resources at its command, should there be any who dare harbour aggressive designs in that region. The House decides to cancel all interpellations relative to the speech by the Premier on general affairs delivered before the House on the previous day. 1941.01.23 — Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, retired, Ambassador to the United States, leaves Yokohama for his post aboard the Kamakura Maru. 1941.01.24 — Sotomatsu Kato and Baron Shu Toemi are appointed, respectively, Ambassadors to France and Argentina. 1941.01.24 — Vichy and Bangkok formally accept Japan's offer of mediation in the border dispute between French Indo-China and Thailand. After an armistice is declared, the French Ambassador and Thai Minister in Tokyo will start conference, assisted by Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka. Japan's offer was made January 20. 1941.01.24 — In view of further strained trans-Pacific relations, the British acting consul-general at Yokohama again advises Britons to evacuate at an early date. There are 2,081 Britons in Japan (in Japan proper, 1,795; Chosen 173; Taiwan 38; South Seas Islands 1; the Leased Territory of Kwantung 72). 1941.01.25 — The Premier and the Home Minister, in answering interpellations by Kuku Kawasaki in the House regarding the relations between the National Service Association and any other movement to promote the new national structure and the Imperial Constitution, emphasize that these do not effect in any way the letter as well as the spirit of the Constitution, nor do they deprive the Imperial Diet of any of its constitutional rights. 1941.01.26 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka, answering interpellations before the House General Budget Committee, fully refutes the Hull statement which charged Japan with aggressive designs. Mr. Matsuoka, referring to the provisional Japan-Soviet fishery agreement, states that "an agreement has been reached between Tokyo and Moscow for starting negotiations on a treaty of considerable importance." 1941.01.26 — Navy Minister Koshiro Oikawa, on the same occasion, declares that the Imperial Navy is always prepared to meet the worst; it does not consider the mere increase in number of warships and airships important but is stressing qualitative factors more. 1941.01.27 — Yoshio Sayéki, lecturer at Meiji University, is granted the title of Bungaku Hakushi (the highest academic honour) on his essay dealing with why Christianity found it difficult to propagate in the Orient. He assigns the difficulty to two reasons; (1) when it first came to the Orient, about 13 centuries ago, through Persia, it did not have a concentrated support from home like Catholicism in later days; (2) scholars in China were not enthusiastic over its study as they were that of Buddhism. 1941.01.28 — The Home Ministry starts its first annual investigation in leading cities as to the best means of the six evacuating the old and young to places of safety in case of airraid. The step is officially explained as not denoting presence of immediate danger but as a more elaborate measure in the air defence drill. 1941.01.29 — The Thai-French Indo-China armistice conference is held aboard a Japanese warship off Saigon at 9 p.m. (Japan time). Maj.-General Sumita, heading a commission of six members representing Japan, is present at the conference. 1941.01.30 — Addressing at the annual dinner of the New York University alumni in Hotel Biltmore, Washington, Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles assails as "grimly humorous" recent Japanese changes that the United States is pursuing an aggressive policy in the Far East. If the United States has placed its defence line in the Western Pacific as alleged by Japanese spokesman, Mr. Welles declares, it has done so only because it has been forced by "acts and policies of other nations." 1941.01.30 — The National Defence Security Bill for the object of preventing and exterminating leakage of important national secrets foreign nationals is submitted to the House of Representatives. 1941.01.31 — Takéshi Nagashima, departmental chief of the Supreme Court, is installed as Chief Justice of the same court in the Imperial presence. He succeeds Dr. Arakuma Motoji, who retires on account of the age limit. 1941.01.31 — Japanese military units, after capturing Yipiag along the Peking-Hankow Railway in Honan Province, are sweeping up remnants of the Chinese 110th Division and repulsing them northward. 1941.01.31 — A bill providing for one year's extension of the tenure of office of the present members of the House of Representatives is unanimously approved in its original form at a plenary session of the Privy Council. 1941.01.31 — The Netherlands Minister in Tokyo, General J.C. Pabst, delivers to Foreign Vice-Minister Chu-ichi Ohashi a declaration by the Netherlands Government in London to the effect that it does not recognize inclusion of the Netherlands East Indies in the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere, sponsored by Japan. 1941.01.31 — An armistice agreement is signed between Thailand and French Indo-China, with the Japan as arbiter, on board a Japanese warship off Saigon at 10 o'clock tonight. The truce ends border clashes that have been occurring intermittently for several weeks between the two, due to Thailand's demand for restitution of territory from Indo-China. The armistice conference lasted only three days. 1941.02.01 — An East Asia Children's Convention is held at Hibiya Public Hall under the joint sponsorship of Tokyo Municipality and the Board of Information to promote friendship among children of the countries in the co-prosperity sphere of East Asia. It is attended by more than 210 children from Manchoukuo, China, Thailand, Mongolia and Java, in addition to a greater number of Japanese children. Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka is among the leading speakers on the occasion. 1941.02.01 — A Bill Revising the National General Mobilization Law is presented to the House of Representatives. The bill has as its objective the intensification of economic control measures and is considered the most important legislative bill for the present Diet session. 1941.02.02 — The ¥6,863,261,210 general budget for the fiscal year of 1941-42 is approved unanimously without amendment by the House of Representatives. Tatsunosuké Yamasaki delivers a speech in support of the budget for the whole House. The budget thus has established a new high record for this country. The budget is turned over to the House of Peers, which will adopt it the following day. 1941.02.02 — Climaxing a series of changes in navy command, Rear-Admiral Husband E. Kimmel becomes commander-in-chief of the United States fleet with the rank of full admiral, relieving Admiral James O. Richardson, following a ceremony on the quarter-deck of the flagship U. S. S. Pennsylvania in Pearl Harbour, Honolulu. 1941.02.03 — Acts of espionage will be punished with equal severity no matter whether those who are guilty are just ordinary persons or persons moving in the higher circles of society, declares Premier Fumimaro Konoye at the committee meeting of the House of Representatives, which is studying the National Defence Security Bill. 1941.02.03 — Important changes in the Foreign Exchange Control Law aimed at strengthening control for wartime purposes and making the control more flexible in application, as provided in the Foreign exchange Control Law Amendment Bill, is discussed by the Cabinet for presentation to the present Diet session. 1941.02.04 — Before the intrepid attack now launched by the Japanese Expeditionary Forces in South China, the Hongkong-Shaokwan supply route to Chungking is cut off, as they land on the eastern shore at Waichow, Kwangtung Province. 1941.02.04 — A Japanese army unit occupies the walled town of Shatow on the China-Hongkong border region. Shatow is a strategically important point. 1941.02.04 — A six-man delegation, headed by Deputy Foreign Commissar S. A. Lozovsky, has been appointed in Moscow to draft a new fisheries convention between Japan and the Soviet Union in accordance with the provisional agreement signed on January 21. The Japanese Embassy in Moscow has informed the Commissariat of Foreign Affairs that the Japanese Government has appointed a delegation of five members to take part in the coming negotiations. 1941.02.04 — Appointment of Teiji Ohwada, former Communications Vice-Minister, to the post of president of the Japan Soda Company, one of the large industrial interests of this country, succeeding its founder, Adinori Nakano, is announced. 1941.02.05 — The Chu Min-yi, first Ambassador of the National Government at Nanking to Japan, arrives in Tokyo. He enters the Chinese Embassy, which has been closed since the outbreak of the China affair in 1937. 1941.02.06 — There is no possibility of an internal revolution in either Japan or Germany because "these people are too tame and too well trained for that," the Chungking régime's Ambassador to Washington, Dr. Hu Shih, tells the Union Club in Washington. Further Dr. Hu predicts both countries may undertake desperate measures in an effort to shorten their respective wars. 1941.02.06 — With a view to unifying the existing political and thought organizations in Asia and to launch a national movement for the development East Asia, a special committee meeting is held by the National Service Association. A nation-wide movement is to be launched in accordance with the concept of guiding Asia decided upon by the Government at a recent Cabinet meeting. 1941.02.06 — "A timely display of statesmanship would do much to improve American-Japanese relations," says Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, the new Japanese Ambassador to Washington, when he arrives in San Francisco aboard the N.Y.K. liner Kamakura Maru. His statement is seen with keen interested by those concerned over the relations of the two countries. Upon leaving the ship, Ambassador Nomura goes to the Mark Hopkins Hotel, where a reception is given in honour by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce. 1941.02.06 — The ¥4,880,000,000 supplementary budget for the temporary special war account for the fiscal year 1941-42 passes the House of Representatives. The same session of the House adopts unanimously a resolution urging the Government to try its utmost to increase the production of essential materials and foodstuffs. 1941.02.07 — The Thai-French Indo-China peace conference opens at the Premier's official residence at 4 p.m., when the representatives of Japan, Thailand and French Indo-China assemble. At 10:30 a.m., prior to the official negotiations, a preliminary meeting is held between the secretariats of both delegations at the Foreign Minister's official residence. The morning session is attended by Nai Thavi Tawaltiukul, director of the secretariat of the Thailand delegation, and George Gautier, director of the secretariat of the French Indo-China Government-General. The official conference in the afternoon is presided over by Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka. Mr. Matsuoka delivers an inaugural speech, to which the Thai and French plenipotentiaries respectively reply. Then, the secretary-general of the Japanese delegation makes a report on the method of procedure of the conference, which is agreed on among the secretaries-general of the countries concerned. 1941.02.07 — Two supplementary budgets for the 1940-41 fiscal year are approved at the regular Cabinet meeting held in the Diet building. They are the second supplementary budget for the general accounts, amounting to ¥28,713,000, and the second supplementary budget for the special accounts, amounting to ¥53,600,000. Both measures are presented to the House of Representatives. 1941.02.07 — After capturing Nanyang, Chinese strategic point in Honan Province, Japanese detachments are further engaged in mopping-up operations against remnants of the 68th army in the Miyang and Piyuan regions in Honan Province. The total number of Chinese war dead abandoned on the front reaches 1,600, while 480 are taken prisoner in the Piyuan sector. 1941.02.07 — An appeal for efforts to preserve the long years of peace between Japan and the United States is being sent to every American missionary in Japan with the hope that each one will sigh it for transmission to America. The cable will be sent to Drs. Cavert and Mott, the former is the executive secretary of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America and Dr. John R. Mott is chairman of the International Missionary Council. 1941.02.08 — Two important bills, the National Defence Security Bill and the bill for revision of the National General Mobilization Law are approved by the House Representatives. The bill for revision of the customs tariff law, that for prolongation of terms of Diet membership for one year and that for special accounts for adjustment of demand and supply of charcoal are also approved. 1941.02.09 — The Navy Ministry issues a statement announcing details of an accident which befell Admiral Banzo Mineo Ohsumi, senior naval member of the Supreme War Council and three times Navy Minister, and five other naval officers, in which a plane carrying them from Canton to Hainan Island crashed near the summit of Mount Huangyang on the delta of the Sikiang River, in Kwangtung Province, resulting in the instant death of all. Rear-Admiral Hikojiro Suga, Supreme naval adviser to the National Government, Nanking, is among the victims. Four pilots, all of the Dai-Nippon Airways Company, are dead. 1941.02.09 — The second informed meeting of the mediation conference in Tokyo on the border issue between Thailand and French Indo-China is held at the Foreign Minister's official residence this afternoon. The meeting is attended by Hajimé Matsumiya, the Japanese delegate, Onotsugu Saito, the secretary-general and several others, representing the mediator's side; Anténe-Henry and René Robin, the delegates, and the three of their assistants, for France; and Prince Varnvaidyakara Varavarn, Phya Sri Sena and Phra Silpa Sastraskom, the delegates, and two of their assistants, for Thailand. 1941.02.10 — An extra monthly allowance of ¥10 to be paid to every primary school teacher is approved at today's Cabinet meeting. 1941.02.10 — National expenditures in the 1941-42 fiscal year will break all records at the enormous figure of ¥12,877,000,000, it is made known today. Broken up into the several accounts, the 1941-42 budget will amount to ¥6,865,000,000 for the general accounts, ¥1,133,000,000 for the supplementary budget for the general account and ¥4,880,000,000 for the temporary special war account. 1941.02.11 — Ambassador Kichisaburo Nomura arrives in Washington at 9 o'clock this morning. Among those who welcomed the envoy at the station are George T. Summerlin, personal representative of State Secretary Cordell Hull, Moritoki Morishima, counselor at the Japanese Embassy, and other members of the Far Eastern Division of the State Department. 1941.02.11 — Involvement in a Far Eastern war would not necessarily cause a lessening of American war supplies to aid Britain, President Roosevelt declares at his press conference. The President, however, scouted the danger of war in the Pacific. He says the question is a "tricky" one, but he sees no harm in answering it. The categorical answer, he says, is no, that assistance to Britain will not be affected. He refuses to elaborate, however, on the grounds that elaboration will make the question give too hypothetical. 1941.02.11 — A total of 530 public welfare organizations in Tokyo prefecture receive monetary donations from the Imperial Household Department on occasion of Kigensetsu, Empire Day. Many foreign organizations interested in the work are included in the list of donations. 1941.02.12 — President Roosevelt asks Congress to appropriate a total of $989,595,000 in cash and cost act authorizations to expedite the United States Navy's shipbuilding programme and to carry out expansion of the fleet's shore facilities. 1941.02.12 — Ambassador Nomura, our newly appointed Ambassador to the United States, this afternoon pays an official call on Secretary of State Cordell Hull. In reply to questions by newspapermen, Ambassador Nomura declines to comment on his visit, merely saying he had exchanged greetings with Mr. Hull. 1941.02.12 — In regard to the activities of the Japanese fleet in Central, South and North China for the 10-day period beginning February 1, the press section of the Japanese Fleet in China, Shanghai, issues a statement, which says among others that naval planes bombed the Burma route, causing heavy damage to the Huitung suspension bridge. 1941.02.12 — According to the Board of Information, as the agreement between France and Thailand for the cessation of hostilities was to expire on February 11, the Japanese Government, on February 8, after the first informal meeting of the delegates of Japan, France and Thailand at Tokyo, makes a proposal to the governments of France and Thailand for the extension of its validity for two more weeks. The French and Thai Governments in their notes under date of February 10 sent their replies respectively to the Japanese Government accepting the latter's proposal. 1941.02.13 — The New York Herald-Tribune, editorially commenting on the arrival in Washington of Ambassador Kichisaburo Nomura, hopes that the new Ambassador will be accorded the fullest opportunity to carry out his mission in the United States, expressing the belief that the latter has been entrusted with plans for ameliorating the present strained relations between Japan and America. 1941.02.14 — Questioned about a statement attributed to Assistant Acting Premier A. W. Fadden that "the shadow of war is deepening in the Pacific despite Australia's desire for peace" in a Domei dispatch dated Sydney, February 12, Deputy Spokesman Yasushi Ishii of the Board of Information refers to a Domei dispatch dated Washington, February 11, describing a press interview with President Roosevelt, which says: "The President, however, scouted the danger of war in the Pacific." Mr. Ishii says that Japan naturally earnestly hopes that peace will be preserved in the Pacific, and points out that the Government is sending an able diplomat as Japan's first Minister to Australia. 1941.02.14 — An exchange of messages reaffirming the need of steps to improve Japan-American relations takes places at the White House this afternoon, when Ambassador Nomura, calls on President Roosevelt to present his credentials. President Roosevelt declares that he will be always ready to facilitate, as far as possible, the Ambassador's task of endeavouring to bring about an improvement in relations between the two countries. 1941.02.14 — A strong resolution calling for reconsideration on the part of French Indo-China in connection with the recent decree of the Government-General in Hanoi, which regulates the import license system, is adopted by an emergency meeting of representatives of the Japanese business firms in Hanoi. 1941.02.15 — The ¥11,740,000,000 budget for the 1941-42 fiscal year, including the ¥6,865,261,210 general budget, is unanimously adopted without amendment by the House of Peers. Count Hidéo Kodama and two other members make speeches supporting the bills. 1941.02.15 — Prince Teh, chairman of the Federated Autonomous Government of Mongolia, accompanied by General Li Shou-shin and 18 members of his suite, arrives in Tokyo for a two weeks' stay, during which the Mongolian leader will pay a round of calls on the country's leaders. Prince Teh first visited here late in 1938, when he was decorated with the First Class Order of the Rising Sun by His Majesty the Emperor. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. X No. 4 (April 1941) --- (covers 1941.02.16 to 1941.03.15) 1941.02.16 — The British Admiralty announces that the waters around Singapore and at the entrance of the Straits of Malacca have been mined. All ships intending to pass through these waters must apply to the british naval authorities for navigating instructions. The Admiralty warns that ships failing to apply for such instructions will make their journey at their own risk. 1941.02.16 — The Finance Ministry today has set the 1941 goal of national savings at ¥13,500,000,000, an increase of ¥1,500,000,000 over last year's quota, as backing for the Government's projected bond issues totalling ¥7,100,000,000, and productive expansion funds totalling ¥6,000,000,000 in the coming fiscal year. 1941.02.17 — Home Minister Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma at today's budget committee meeting of the House of Representatives in answer to an interpellation by Fukuzo Nakayama states as follows: "Individualism and liberalism are ideas originally developed in Europe. It is self-evident that such a system as is based on these isms does not suit this country. The Japanese nation is not established on such ideas when we look into the spirit of the founding of the Empire. To enable all the nation to live in contentment and peace is the spirit of the Japanese Empire. Accordingly, the happiness and peace of individuals are guaranteed in this country." 1941.02.17 — Japanese Consul-General Yutaka Ishizawa at Batavia calls on J. W. van Hoogstraten, head of the Commerce Department of the Economic Ministry and confers for half an hour in connection with finding a common agenda for the forthcoming N.E.I.-Japanese talks. D. H. Rikman, press chief of the Batavia Government, admits the talks between the two touch upon concrete points of mutual proposals. 1941.02.18 — Utmost solemnity marks the elaborate naval funeral accorded this afternoon at the West Hongnanji Temple, Tsukiji, to the late Admiral Baron Minéo Ohsumi, five other navy officers and four navy employees killed in a plane accident on February 5 on Mount Huangyang near Canton. Admiral Osami Nagano is chairman of the funeral committee. 1941.02.18 — The Board of Information today issues the following announcement in connection with resumption of formal negotiations for a Japan-Soviet treaty of commerce and trade: "In accordance with an agreement of views reached a short time ago between the Japanese Ambassador to the Soviet Union, Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Tatékawa, and the Soviet Commissar of Foreign Affairs, Vlacheslav M. Molotov, conversations on trade between the two countries were held for the first time in Moscow on February 17. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Yoshitsugu Tatékawa, Counsellor Fumo Miyagawa and Secretary Akira Oye, representing Japan, and by the Soviet Commissar for Foreign Trade, Mr. Mikoyan, and the acting Commissar of Foreign Trade, L. M. Kaganovich, the Director of the Eastern Division of the Commissariat for Foreign Trade, P. N. Kumykin, and one other, representing the Soviet Union." 1941.02.18 — The intentions of Germany and Italy toward the Nanking Government headed by Wang Ching-wei will be made known in about a month or six weeks from now, declares Chuichi Ohashi, Foreign Vice-Minister, in a statement at the committee meeting of the House of Representatives' dealing with the deficit bond bill. 1941.02.18 — Japanese forces have opened an offensive against the Shansi Army commanded by Chiao Ji-cheng, consisting of approximately 2,500 troops in Tingkaisen, north Shansi. 1941.02.19 — War between Japan and the United States can be avoided unless the United States deliberately takes the initiative, our new Ambassador to Washington, Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, declares at his first press conference in Washington. Admiral Nomura says he believes there is no problem that should bring the two countries into armed conflict. He stresses that Japan is seeking to expand southward through peaceful and economic means and is doing its utmost to avoid resorting to force. 1941.02.19 — Firm measures against Japan, including an absolute embargo on any war supplies, are urged by House members during the debate today in Washington on the $442,200,000 navy bill authorizing the development of naval bases in Guam, Samoa and the islands in the Atlantic received from Britain. Representative John D. Dingell, Michigan Democrat, accuses the House of adopting a cowardly attitude when it rejected previous proposals to build an air base at Guam. 1941.02.19 — Tnat British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden had received a European war mediation offer from Japan's Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka is announced today in the House of Commons by R. A. Bulter, Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs. In the course of his announcement Butler says: "The House is aware that recently there has been increased tension in the Far East over certain events, notably the dispute between Indo-China and Thai in which Japan is taking the part of mediator. Yesterday the Japanese official spokesman issued a statement to the press to the effect that Mr. Eden had received from Mr. Matsuoka a special message in courteous terms, which was on the same general lines as those given further by the spokesman. This communication, needless to say, is at present receiving our due attention." 1941.02.19 — Thoughts subversive of the form of government are not necessarily thoughts prejudicial to the national structure, and they are to be controlled by laws other than the Peace Law, declares Justice Minister Heisuké Yanagawa to the committee of the House of Representatives dealing with the Peace Law Revision Bill. 1941.02.19 — Passage by the House of Representatives in Washington today of the navy bill authorizing $442,000,000 for the development of naval bases in Guam, Samos and the new Atlantic island outposts received from Britain marked the first step toward carrying out the supplementary naval expansion programme requested by President Roosevelt. 1941.02.19 — No opposition is voiced in the House to either the Guam or Samoa projects when that section of the bill is read. The passage of the bill by voice vote comes after Representative Carl Vinson, chairman of the House Naval Affairs Committee, has presented a letter from the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Harold R. Stark. 1941.02.19 — The Government officially pledges itself to defray ¥50,000,000 from the second reserve fund as subsidy for increased production of rice, at today's budget committee of the House of Representatives. 1941.02.20 — The United States, in keeping with its desire to plug the cutsflow of vital war materials from Mexico to Japan, currently is making a strenuous bid to monopolize the Mexican quicksilver output by purchasing controlling rights in Mexican quicksilver mines. 1941.02.20 — Japan is undertaking one of the greatest tasks that a nation has ever been able to accomplish in pushing through the new order domestically and establishing a new order in East Asia internationally, says Walker Matheson, editor of the Living Age, one of the oldest magazines in New York, established in 1844, who sails today from Yokohama after a six months' tour of the East Asia co-prosperity sphere. 1941.02.20 — While emphasizing that it has no desire to provoke Japan into action, the British Government is sounding out the United States concerning new measures to prevent Japan from building up further strategic material supplies for possible use against the democracies, well-informed quarters in London say. 1941.02.20 — Harry Hopkins, special representative of President Roosevelt, who recently returned to the United States following a visit to London, is reported to have taken with him a list of suggestions for new restrictive steps against Japan and submitted them to the President. 1941.02.20 — Dr. Rodolfo Moreno, the first Argentine Ambassador to Japan following the elevation of the Argentine Legation in Tokyo to the status of an embassy, presents his credentials to His Majesty the Emperor. Dr. Moreno was appointed Minister to Japan in March, 1939. 1941.02.21 — Although the fortification of Guam together with the strengthening of Singapore may have come too late to offset a world-wide Axis offensive this spring, it has given Japan tangible evidence that the United States is now fully alive to the stakes at issue, the Washington Morning Post says. Japan's plan to create a "Japanized" Pacific has now become plain to the man in the street, as well as to naval quarters and Far Eastern experts, the paper says, and the prospect clearly is that the Axis Powers seek to sandwich the United States in between oceans dominated by Japan on one side and by Germany on the other. 1941.02.21 — Diet action on the bill revising the National General Mobilization Law is completed today, when the House of Peers adopts the measure without amendment, the bill having passed through the House of Representatives on February 8. 1941.02.21 — A show-down is very near and this show-down will presumably come this spring, as Germany, in order to win the war, must crush Great Britain this spring by an invasion, declared Otto D. Tolischus, at the luncheon of the Pan-Pacific Club today. 1941.02.21 — Deputy Spokesman Yasushi Ishii of the Board of Information tells foreign news correspondents that he wishes to correct any misapprehension that Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka has offered war mediation by Japan to Britain or any other country. What happened, Mr. Ishii continues, was that British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden expressed his views to Japanese Ambassador Mamoru Shigémitsu regarding Japan's mediation in the Thai-Indo-China border dispute and the situation in the Far East, to which Mr. Matsuoka replied, expressing his long-cherished views on world peace. 1941.02.22 — The ¥8,000,000 money bill for the National Service Association for the next fiscal year is adopted by the House of Representatives without amendment, although a vote for reducing it to ¥3,000,000 was submitted by disgruntled Diet members. 1941.02.22 — A reply has been received to the cable sent to America on February 15 by 193 missionaries in Japan, to the following effect: "Appreciate the cablegram signed by 193 missionaries. The Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America and the Foreign Missions Conference are both continuously working for a comprehensive settlement for restoring peace in East Asia and for the maintenance of peace between Japan and the United States." 1941.02.22 — The "war of nerves" being waged against Japan by Britain and the United States has not shaken Japan's fundamental policy of co-operating with the Axis Powers and abiding by the stipulations of the Tripartite Treaty, the new Ambassador to Italy, Zembei Horikiri, says in an interview with the Gazetta del Popolo, Turin newspaper. 1941.02.24 — The Diet Members' Club which maintains itself on the balance of various old political factions is now faced with the crisis of a split in connection with the reform of the National Service Association. 1941.02.24 — Japanese Ambassador Mamoru Shigémitsu in London calls on Prime Minister Winston Churchill and receives from him a memorandum for transmission to Tokyo after an hour's important conversation, in which the two are reported to have discussed both the European war and the Far Eastern situation. 1941.02.24 — A final plan for settlement of the border issue between Thailand and French Indo-China is believed by the Tokyo press to have been presented by the Japanese Government at the fourth informal meeting of the two nations' delegations. The Asahi says the Government's plan is believed to be as follows: (1) French Indo-China shall return Pakse and Luang-Prabang to Thailand, which the latter ceded to the former in 1904. (2) French Indo-China shall return a part of Cambodia to Thailand, which the latter ceded to the former in 1907. (3) French Indo-China shall return a part of Lao to Thailand, which the latter ceded to the former in 1893. 1941.02.24 — The Thai-French Indo-China armistice, scheduled to expire tomorrow, is extended until March 7, the Board of Information announces tonight. The fourth informal meeting is held today at the official residence of the Foreign Minister. 1941.02.24 — Three important statements dealing with the international situation surrounding the country are made by Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka in the settlements committee of the House of Representatives. One of them concerns the mediation between Thai and French Indo-China. A second deals with the Foreign Minister's memorandum to British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden that gave rise to some misunderstanding in some quarters. The third is about the coming negotiations on problems between Japan and the Soviet Union. 1941.02.24 — Reorganization of the National Service Association will be undertaken, as a result of an agreement reached between Premier Fumimaro Konoye and Count Yoriyasu Arima, its director-general, at the former's private residence. 1941.02.25 — Charges of tax evasion and the disclosure of State secrets are hurled at Commerce and Industry Minister Ichizo Kobayashi on his appearance before the Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives after recuperating from a cold for about a week. Kyo Koyama was the accuser and to him Kobayashi returned a strong denial of the charges. 1941.02.25 — The Government is not pessimistic concerning the future of Japanese diplomacy toward the United States, declares Premier Fumimaro Konoye in a reply to a written interpellation filed by Yukio Ozaki, veteran politician, on February 13. The Premier's reply covers a total of 22 items. 1941.02.25 — The Japanese Government's mediation plan for settlement of the border dispute between Thailand and French Indo-China is presented today to the Vichy Government through Ken Harada, Japanese Chargé d'Affaires, says a special Asahi dispatch from Vichy. Harada visits the French Foreign Office, now headed by Admiral Jean François Darlan, carrying with him the Japanese Government's plan to solve the dispute, which reached Vichy on the same day. 1941.02.25 — The U.S. Senate Naval Affairs Committee, in executive session today, unanimously approves the projects for Guam, Samoa and bases in the Western Hemisphere acquired from Britain mentioned in the $442,000,000 naval programme. Rear-Admiral Ben Moreel, Chief of Civil Engineers of the Bureau of Yards and Docks, testifying at the secret session, is reported to have said that the proposed improvements at Guam and Samoa, as well as the bases acquired from Britain, are "absolutely vital to the defence of the United States." 1941.02.25 — The eighth Japan-America Student Conference will be held at the University of Washington, Seattle, for 10 days, July 29 to August 8, it is made known today. About 60 students will be invited from Japan and about 100 will represent America. The students of the two countries will discuss politics, economics and social problems of the day. 1941.02.25 — Zenbei Horikiri, Japanese Ambassador to Italy, accompanied by Counsellor Yoshiro Ando, arrives in Berlin by airplane to confer with the Japanese Ambassador to Germany, Lieutenant-General Hiroshi Oshima. Horikiri will stay there for a week to discuss important instructions Ambassador Oshima has brought with him from Tokyo, says a Berlin dispatch to Domei. 1941.02.26 — The new Japanese Ambassador to Berlin, Lieutenant-General Hiroshi Oshima, will leave Berlin tomorrow for Berchtesgaden to present his credentials to Chancellor Adolph Hitler. 1941.02.27 — All Tokyo newspapers play up stories that the Japanese Government appears to have instructed American nationals in French Indo-China to make the necessary preparations for evacuation as a precaution against possible failure of the Thai-French Indo-China mediation in Tokyo. According to a report from reliable sources, the Japanese Government has given instructions to Baron Yasushi Hayashi, Consul-General at Hanoi, to take the necessary measures for this. Thai Minister Without Portfolio Luang Vichitr Vadnkarn arrives at Haneda airport, Tokyo, on an important mission. 1941.02.27 — The budget committee of the House of Peers unanimously passes a resolution calling for a substantial reformation of the much-debated National Service Association and a purge of objectionable elements in its personnel, while the two Houses of the Diet seem at loggerheads on the criminal law revision measure. 1941.02.27 — French Indo-China is massing troops along the Thailand frontier in preparation to resume hostilities, if the mediation con ference in Tokyo fails, it is authoritatively reported in Vichy, reports Domei. 1941.02.27 — Concerning the emergency conference held in Hanoi yesterday at the official residence of the Governor-General, at which the attitude of French Indo-China toward the Japanese mediation formula was discussed, the Arjo News Agency indicates the attitude of Indo-China remains unaltered, adding that the country has been prepared to face the worst if and when the negotiations come to a rupture. 1941.02.28 — The Thai-French Indo-China negotiations in Tokyo still remain seriously strained, because of the uncompromising position taken by the French Indo-China Government. Japan is prepared for the worst, while employing the utmost efforts for bridging the difficulties as far as possible, by enunciating Japan's policy and position to the French authorities concerned. 1941.02.28 — The joint conference committee of the House of Representatives and House of Peers succeeds in settling the controversy between the two Houses over amendments by the latter to the criminal law revision bill. 1941.02.28 — The Vichy Government is reported by the United Press to have transmitted a conciliatory reply to Japan's final terms in the Thailand-Indo-China mediation programme. The dispatch further says Japan is reported to have introduced some modification in its final plan, although Thailand will still get everything west of the Mekong River plus an important portion of northwest Cambodia. 1941.02.28 — Japanese nationals have not been ordered to evacuate French Indo-China, but the Japanese consuls-general there have been ordered to instruct them to get ready in evacuate in case of necessity arising, Deputy Spokesman Yasushi Ishii of the Information Board states at his interview with foreign news correspondents today. 1941.03.01 — Manchoukuo enters the 10th year of its foundation. It was on March 1, 1932, that the declaration of in dependence was proclaimed by Manchoukuo. The State revenue from taxes increases from ¥100,000,000 to ¥400,000,000 during the past nine years and the mileage of railway lines there expands nearly fourfold to some 2,400 miles during the same period. 1941.03.01 — General Shunroku Hata is appointed commander-in-chief of the Japanese Expeditionary Forces in China in succession to General Toshino Nishio, who is appointed a member of the Supreme War Council. Many other shifts of military officers are announced at the same time. 1941.03.01 — Unofficial reports reaching New York indicate the Vichy Government's acceptance of Japan's plan for settlement of the Thai-Indo-China dispute and this news is received with amazement and bitter disappointment in Saigon. 1941.03.01 — Bulgaria's adherence to the Tripartite Alliance is announced by the Board of Information concurrent with formal procedure at Vienna. Bulgaria's Prime Minister Bogdan Filov signs a protocol on Bulgarian participation at Vienna with representatives of the three principal Axis nations, Foreign. Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop, of Germany, Foreign Minister Count Galeazzo Ciano, of Italy, and the Japanese Ambassador to Berlin, Lieutenant-General Hiroshi Oshima. 1941.03.01 — A two-hour conference to discuss measures for coping with any situation which may arise as a result of French rejection of the Japanese mediation plan in the Thai-Indo-China dispute is held at the Foreign Office. The meeting is attended by Vice-Minister Chuichi Ohashi and all bureau directors. Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka joins the group at the close of the Diet session. 1941.03.02 — The Vichy Government submits its reply to the Japanese plan for mediation in the Thai-French Indo-China border dispute, according to an announcement of the Board of Information. The announcement makes no mention of whether the proposals are accepted, but Japanese papers speculate that Japan's terms will be accepted providing some revisions are made. 1941.03.02 — A great sensation is created in Saigon when it is revealed that five Japanese are pommelled by French regulars and sustain injuries which will probably take two weeks to heal at the Saigon Palace Hotel. 1941.03.03 — The United Press reports from Vichy to New York that the French Government has decided to yield broadly to Japan's proposals for settlement of the dispute between Thai and French Indo-China. The dispatch says the Vichy Government will "accept completely" the Japanese proposals, it is understood, involve five major provinces in French Indo-China. 1941.03.03 — Laucclin Currie, the emissary of President Roosevelt to the Chungking régime, has left China for the United States after completing an investigation of political and economic conditions in the areas under the influence of General Chiang Kai-shek. 1941.03.03 — Japan's armed might figures prominently in a heated Senate debate in Washington over the Lease-Lend Bill. One Senator says the United States Navy in American waters can defeat the Japanese Navy, but fighting in Japanese waters "may be suicidal." 1941.03.04 — Another half-hour meeting takes place in London between Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the Japanese Ambassador, Mamoru Shigémitsu, in which, it is understood, the two discuss the Far Eastern situation. An unconfirmed report says that Ambassador Shigémitsu hands to the Prime Minister an official communication from Japanese Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka, replying to the British memorandum sent Japan after the recent Japanese "mediation offer." 1941.03.04 — A lasting memorial to Lafcadio Hearn, one of the earliest interpreters of Japan to the Western world, will be erected at New Orleans, his birthplace, under the auspices of the Japanese Society for International Cultural Relations, it is announced in New York. The Society will present a Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Library to Tulane University, New Orleans, on March 7. 1941.03.05 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka once more emphasizes in a note to Prime Minister Winston Churchill that he has made no offer to Britain to mediate in the European war, Director Yoshinori Tashiro of the Foreign Office Publicity Bureau tells the Japanese press. 1941.03.05 — Japanese importers in French Indo-China will be entirely excluded from import business on account of the decree for control of import business promulgated by the French Indo-China Government on February 12, it is revealed, says a Domei dispatch from Hanoi. 1941.03.06 — With the mediation conference in the Thai-Indo-China border dispute still in session and the truce extension expiring, Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka calls on the French Ambassador at the latter's official residence, their second meeting of the day. 1941.03.06 — Felicitations are tendered to Her Majesty the Empress by the whole nation on the occasion of Her Majesty's 58th birthday anniversary. Highlights of events in Tokyo in honour of the Imperial birthday are a flag procession by 13,000 members of the Patriotic Women's Association and a parade by 1,300 girl students playing flutes and drums. 1941.03.06 — All the military, naval, aerial and civil forces of Britain's Far Eastern stronghold in Malaya join in their most comprehensive defence exercises extending over Singapore and adjoining territory. The drills will last for six days. 1941.03.07 — The Thai-Indo-China armistice expiring today will not be prolonged, Deputy Spokesman Yasushi Ishii tells foreign press correspondents at his interview with them, because the fact that Thailand and France have accepted the main points of Japan's mediation plan to settle their border dispute, as announced in Tokyo yesterday, is already known at the frontier. A frontier delimitation commission will be established, consisting of Thai and French members, but it has not yet been decided how Japan will participate in the work of the commission. 1941.03.07 — Seigo Nakano has resigned from the post of permanent director of the National Service Association. He has dissolved the Shintosha, his private organization, and replaced it by reviving the Tohokai, political organization. 1941.03.08 — The Tokyo mediation conference on the Thai-Indo-China border dispute is rapidly nearing a satisfactory conclusion, as considerable progress is made in that direction as a result of frequent individual negotiations among the delegates of Japan, France and Thai throughout yesterday. 1941.03.08 — The reply from the Thai Government to its plenipotentiary at the Tokyo mediation conference concerning the agreement reached between the French and Thai delegation for the settlement of the border dispute arrives at 9 o'clock tonight. 1941.03.08 — The German Ambassador, Major-General Eugen Otto, leaves Tokyo for Berlin to make a report to Chancellor Adolph Hitler on the Far Eastern situation and to receive instructions. 1941.03.08 — Kazuo Aoki, Finance Minister in the Abé Cabinet, is appointed diplomatic adviser to the Foreign Office in addition to two other advisers, Toshio Shiratori and Yoshiyé Saito. Mr. Aoki will stay in Nanking. 1941.03.09 — The 36th anniversary of the fall of Mukden in the Russo-Japanese War is observed throughout the country. 1941.03.09 — The formal reply of the Vichy Government to the Japanese mediation plan for an amicable settlement of the Thai-Indo-China border dispute is conveyed by French Ambassador Charles Arsène-Henry, under instructions from his Government, to the Japanese Foreign Minister. The interview between the two lasts about one and a half hours. 1941.03.11 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka will leave tomorrow night for a visit to Germany and Italy, it is announced officially by the Government. He plans to leave Manchuli, on the Manchoukuo-Siberia border, by the train departing from that station on March 17. The members of the suite of the Foreign Minister on his trip to Europe are: (Foreign Office), Tamao Sakamoto, Director of the Bureau of European and Asiatic Affairs; Toshikazu Kasé, Secretary to the Foreign Minister; Shinsaku Hogen, Secretary; Shin-ichi Hasegawa, Research Secretary; Yoshio Noguchi, Secretary-interpreter; Shirokichi Kusano, Chancellor; Mitsugoro Funakoshi, Chancellor; Yoshikazu Nakanishi, Secretary; Kinkara Saionji, Secretary; (War Ministry) Colonel Yatsuji Nagai; Commander Shigéru Fujii; and Niichi Okamura, special correspondent of the Domei News Agency. 1941.03.11 — Japan's efforts at mediation in the Thai-Indo-China border dispute are crowned with success as a protocol is signed between the two contending parties arranging a permanent settlement of the affair to replace the truce agreement. 1941.03.12 — President Roosevelt signs the unprecedented Lease-Lend Bill shortly after the House of Representatives passes the amended measure by a majority of 317 to 71. 1941.03.12 — Thai's Premier Luang Bipul Songgram sends a telegraphic message to Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye, expressing profound thanks for Japan's efforts in mediation of the Thai-French Indo-China border dispute, leading to a peaceful agreement. 1941.03.12 — Welcoming the news of the impending arrival of Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka, Vatican circles today express their hope that Mr. Matsuoka will visit the Pope during his stay in the Italian capital. 1941.03.12 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka leaves Tokyo tonight on his trip to Germany and Italy. Just prior to his departure he issues a statement saying he is going to Europe to cement ties with the Axis Powers and to exchange greetings in connection with the Tripartite treaty. 1941.03.12 — Official documents exchanged between Japan as mediator, and Thai and France, as parties concerned, at the final, formal session of the Tokyo mediation conference for settlement of the Thai-French Indo-China border dispute, taking the form of letters exchanged by Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka with Prince Varnvaidyakara Varavarn, chief delegate of Thai, and with Charles Arsène-Henry, chief delegate of France, have far-reaching significance, and their contents are considered indicative of the future of the projected greater East Asiatic co-prosperity sphere. 1941.03.12 — Declaring that the term of mediation in the Thai-French Indo-China border conflict achieved under Japanese auspices in Tokyo meet with the satisfaction of the entire Thai nation, the Council of Ministers in Bangkok, in today's statement, urges the people to display the Thai and Japanese flags for three days beginning today, as a token of gratitude for Japan's successful endeavours in securing justice for Thailand in connection with the frontier readjustment. 1941.03.12 — Paul V. MacNutt, Federal Security Administrator, tells 500 women in Washington that "the United States is in the Far East to stay." The Philippines, says the former Philippines High Commissioner, can be defended against Japan with the co-operation of the Filipino militia. 1941.03.13 — General Toshizo Nishio, who distinguished himself as commander-in-chief of the expeditionary forces in China for a year and a half from October 1, 1939, is accorded a popular ovation on his arrival in Kobe. 1941.03.13 — It is announced by the Navy Ministry that Captain Shinnosuké Manéyuki, Lieutenant-Commander Hikaru Mano and First Lieutenant Masaichi Okayama were killed in the northern part of Formosa on the afternoon of March 1, when a naval plane in which they were riding on a strategic mission met an accident. 1941.03.13 — A group of Formosan aborigines ran amok late on the night of March 9 and massacred five Japanese and one native in their service and injured three Japanese at a spot northwest of Taito on the eastern coast of Formosa, it is announced by the police bureau of the Formosan Government-General at 6:30 o'clock this afternoon, when the press ban on the report is lifted. 1941.03.13 — Japan's adherence to the Three-Power Pact does not constitute a threat against Australia, Japanese Minister Tatsuo Kawai tells correspondents in Sydney today. He says Japan desires to expand its activities in Australia, but only in the economic field and within the bounds of a policy of "Australia for Australians and Asia for Asiatics." 1941.03.14 — Accepting an invitation from the United States, the National Christian Council of Japan announces it will send to America a Christian fellowship deputation of nine members. The Japanese deputation will be headed by the Rev. Shirtoshi Tada, pastor of the Kochi Presbyterian Church. Dr. Toyohiko Kagawa, well-known Christian worker, is among its members. 1941.03.14 — Home Minister Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma and Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye have an important conversation concerning measures for strengthening the authority of the Cabinet as well as reform of the National Service Association, after the regular Cabinet meeting. 1941.03.14 — The House of Representatives in Washington today passes the naval appropriations bill calling for an expenditure of $1,446,585,144. The bill provides $1,500,000,000 for construction work on 729 ships, $310,000,000 for naval aircraft and $109,000,000 for increased fortification of outlying bases, mostly on the Pacific. 1941.03.15 — All the 41 members of the Shimpeitai, or God-sent Troops, are discharged from prison terms by Presiding Judge Yasuburo Uno of the Supreme Court on the charge of preparing to start a civil war, on which they have been held for trial since 1937. The accused are exempted by the judge from punishment for any of their acts which would be held criminal under the Criminal Law. 1941.03.15 — Both Houses of the Diet meet for the first time since their adjournment at the end of February to hear explanations by Foreign Vice-Minister Chuichi Ohashi on behalf of Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka, who is on his way to visit Europe, of the recent successful mediation conference on the Thai-French Indo-China border dispute. The two Houses hold their plenary sessions in camera, the House of Peers in the morning and the House of Representatives in the afternoon. 1941.03.15 — With confidence in the ultimate victory of the Democracies over the totalitarian States, the United States will send all the aid it can to Britain, Greece and China with the maximum possible speed and efficiency, President Roosevelt declares tonight in a dinner speech at the White House before correspondents attending his regular press conferences. The speech takes the place of one of the President's periodical "fireside chats" and is broadcast by radio to the whole American nation on a coast-to-coast hookup. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. X No. 5 (May 1941) --- (covers 1941.03.16 to 1941.04.20) 1941.03.16 — Japanese military units defeat Chinese forces around Nanchang, Kiangsi Province, and are about to occupy Kaoan after cutting China's first line. 1941.03.16 — Japanese-Mexican rayon agreement signed in Mexico City by Japanese Minister to Mexico, Yoshiaki Miura, and the Mexican Minister of National Economy, Francisco Javier Gaxiola. 1941.03.17 — General Toshizo Nishio, former commander-in-chief of the Japanese forces in China, returns to Tokyo. At Tokyo Station the returning general is greeted by an Imperial proxy and many distinguished military officers. Later on the same day he is received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor. 1941.03.17 — With the Kadowaki mechanized unit as the main force, the Japanese Tagawa, Tozu and Asano highspeed units surge into the walled town of Kaoan, Kiangsi Province, headquarters of the Chinese 74th Army. 1941.03.17 — The sum of 100,000 solos as part of the indemnity for losses suffered in riots against Japanese residents in Peru will be sent to the Japanese Government by the Peruvian authorities on completion of Peru's domestic procedure, it is announced by the Board of Information. 1941.03.18 — More than 20 Protestant denominations in Japan will amalgamate into the New Japan Christian Association, in April, in conformity with the Religious Organization Law. The new organization will dispatch a delegation to the United States to elucidate Japan's stand in the Far East and the circumstances of the amalgamation. 1941.03.18 — Agriculture and Forestry Minister Tadö-atsu Ishiguro tells today's Cabinet meeting of the decision to lay aside ¥30,000,000 to aid the Imperial Silk Company in the purchase of silk to maintain prices. Due to the expenditure of ¥30,000,000 to help the silk company buy raw silk, prices have been advancing. The present price is ¥1,510 per bale. 1941.03.19 — Adherence of Bulgaria to the Tripartite Alliance is approved by the Privy Council in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor, with full attendance of the members. 1941.03.19 — Japan's wartime structure will be strengthened with the coming into force today of the National General Mobilization Law, Temporary Exports and Imports Disposal Law and Criminal Law as revised in the current session of the Imperial Diet. 1941.03.20 — Leaders of guard and defence corps and other organizations for air defence will be given training for a year from April 1. The first part of the programme will be completed in September, when this year's nation-wide air raid drills will start, lasting for ten days. 1941.03.20 — Rear-Admiral John Henry Newton, commander of the American naval squadron, visiting Sydney on a goodwill tour, re-emphasizes in the strongest terms the readiness of the United States to aid Britain in its war. 1941.03.20 — The United States Senate today approves the $3,446,000,000 appropriations bill covering the navy's disbursements for the 1941–42 fiscal year which provides $3,417,000,000 in cash and $31,000,000 in contractual authorizations. The measure is returned to the House of Representatives for action on Senate amendments. 1941.03.21 — Britain will be compelled to admit defeat before the end of 1941, German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop asserts in Munich today in the course of a speech at a reception in honour of visiting Hungarian Foreign Minister Ladislas de Bardossy. 1941.03.22 — The attitude of the army toward the National Service Association is the subject of interpellation of the Government in the settlement committee of the House of Representatives. In answer to Sekijiro Fukuda, War Vice-Minister Koréchika Anami stresses that members of the Reservists' Association are free to associate themselves with the association in an individual capacity. 1941.03.23 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka arrives in Moscow to meet Viacheslav M. Molotov, chairman of the Council of Commissars, on his way to Berlin. 1941.03.23 — "Whatever President Roosevelt may say, Japan is proceeding with the settlement of the China affair under the firm conviction that we are not an aggressive nation, and we will not blench before any foreign threat," declares War Vice-Minister Koréchika Anami in reply to an interpellation by Shinzo Imai at a sitting of the account committee of the House of Representatives. 1941.03.24 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka is travelling to Berlin "full of expectations," he is alleged to have told Hermann Fiddikow, correspondent of the Angriff, in an interview shortly before Matsuoka left Moscow for Berlin. Ambassador Yoshitsugu Tatékawa to the Soviet Union also is present at the interview. The Axis Alliance, Matsuoka says, is the mightiest combination of its kind in the history of the world, adding that he is convinced now more than ever that "our decision to conclude the pact was a most fortunate one." 1941.03.24 — The spirits of 14,976 soldiers and sailors who sacrificed their lives in the China affair will be deified at an extraordinary festival to be held from April 25 to 28 at the Yasukuni Shrine, it is announced by the Government on Imperial sanction. 1941.03.24 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka today confers for an hour and a half at the Kremlin with Josef Stalin, Secretary-General of the Soviet Communist Party, and Viacheslav M. Molotov, chairman of the Council of Commissars and concurrently Foreign Commissar. Matsuoka after concluding a 52-hour stay in Moscow leaves for Berlin. 1941.03.24 — Returning Japanese emigrants and second-generation Japanese from Brazil constitute most of the passengers on the O.S.K. liner Montevideo Maru, which arrives at Yokohama from the east coast of South America via Panama and Los Angeles. 1941.03.24 — In view of the increasing frozen assets abroad consequent on the mounting tension in international relations, the Finance Ministry promulgates a decree on the basis of the Foreign Exchange Control Law, requiring all holders of such assets to submit monthly reports to the ministry to ensure the security of such assets. The decree is entitled Regulations for Investigating Frozen Assets Abroad. 1941.03.25 — The Board of Information announces: "Following the participation a short time ago of Hungary, Rumania, Slovakia and Bulgaria in the Three-Power Pact, Jugoslavia has also decided to join and the protocol concerning her participation was signed on March 25 at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna between the plenipotentiaries of Japan, Germany and Italy and the plenipotentiary of Jugoslavia." 1941.03.26 — Re-affirmation of Japanese faith in the Axis Alliance is expressed in a message to the German nation issued this morning by Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka on his arrival in Berlin. The message says he "is here to learn and profit" by his stay in Berlin as well as his impending visit to Rome, so that he can better contribute toward closer co-operation among the Axis partners. 1941.03.26 — That the recent landing operations conducted by Japanese troops in southern Kwantung Province and the subsequent fall of Swabue, Haifeng and Chaoyangbien into Japanese hands seriously effected the planned economic reconstruction of the Chungking régime through these points into the interior is stressed in a statement issued in Canton by the Japanese military spokesman. 1941.03.26 — For the first time in four years, His Majesty the Emperor attends the commencement ceremony (51st) of the Peers' School and witnesses His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince receive from the president of the school a certificate that His Imperial Highness has finished the first year course of the elementary department. 1941.03.26 — The 76th Diet session is formally closed. The session is considered epochal in the history of the Diet for its close co-operation with the Government to tide over the nation's difficulties, disposing of all business in a record short period. 1941.03.27 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka and Chancellor Adolf Hitler meet today for the first time at the Reich Chancellery for two and a half hours and discuss problems in the spirit of the cordial friendship which unites Germany and Japan. 1941.03.27 — General Dushan Simovitch, Jugoslav Premier-Designate, today forms a new national Government in which all the political parties and the various Jugoslav nationalities are said to be represented. Thousands of Jugoslavs are being rushed to the frontier defences following Berlin's urgent request for an explanation of the sudden collapse of the Tivetkovitch Government. 1941.03.27 — Six factories at Sochow, Wusih, Shanghai and other towns in the Japanese occupied areas in Cenral China, which have been under the superintendence of the Japanese army, will be returned to the Nanking régime, it is announced by the Japanese Expeditionary Forces in China. 1941.03.28 — Attended by most of the highest officials and officers of the German State, Chancellor Adolph Hitler acts as genial host at a luncheon in the Chancellery this afternoon in honour of Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka and his suite. No speeches are made. Matsuoka is seated between Chancellor Hitler and Ambassador Hiroshi Oshima, the three engaging in lively conversation. 1941.03.28 — His Majesty the Emperor visits the Military Aviation Academy in Toyooka, Saitama Prefecture, on the occasion of its commencement ceremony, remaining there for two and half hours, watching demonstration flights by cadets, listening to a lecture by the cadet graduating at the top of his class and witnessing students receiving diplomas. 1941.03.28 — Thousands of war orphans observe rites of spiritual reunion with their fathers who died gloriously on the battlefields of China, this morning at Yasukuni Shrine, where are enshrined the spirits of Japan's soldiers and sailors who have given their lives for their country. 1941.03.29 — The betrothal of His Imperial Highness Prince Mikasa, youngest brother of His Majesty the Emperor, to Miss Yuriko Takagi, second daughter of Viscount Masanari Takagi, member of the House of Peers, receives Imperial sanction today. 1941.03.29 — Premier Fumimaro Konoye, as president of the National Service Association, today appoints Justice Minister Lieutenant-General Heisuké Yanagawa and former Finance Minister Sohtaro Ishiwata vice-president and secretary-general respectively of the organization. Count Yoriyasu Arima, secretary-general, and all chiefs and vice-chiefs of the organization tender their resignations. 1941.03.29 — Their Imperial Highnesses Prince Mikasa and Field-Marshal Prince Nashimoto are present at the opening ceremony of the Italian Cultural Institute at Samban-cho, Kojimachi Ward. Others present include Italian Ambassador Mario Indelli and Baron Takaharu Mitsui, donor of the site of the institution. 1941.03.29 — Four sightseeing parties and 33 families of employees belonging to the Mitsui and Mitsubishi offices in New York are among the record-breaking list of 710 passengers on the N.Y.K. liner Asama Maru, which arrives at Yokohama today from San Francisco and Los Angeles. 1941.03.29 — Still chipper despite three days of endless receptions and conferences, Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka keeps up the dizzy pace today as he attends a third conference with Colonel Joachim von Ribbentrop, an official Berlin welcome and a luncheon with Marshal Hermann Göring. 1941.03.30 — Nanking today celebrates the first anniversary return of the Government to Nanking. A ceremony is held at the Tali Hall, where the rites for the return of the Government were held this day a year ago. President Wang Ching-wei and other high dignitaries of the Government attended. 1941.03.30 — After spending five eventful days in Berlin conferring with German leaders and attending State functions, Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka leaves by train for Rome, where he will be the national guest of the Italian Government. Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop calls on Mr. Matsuoka at Bellevue Palace and personally escorts him to Anhalter Station, where a special train is waiting to take the Matsuoka party to Brenner Pass where they will be met by an Italian delegation. 1941.03.31 — Italian officialdom and the Italian people turn out to give a rousing and vociferous welcome to Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka as he and his party arrive in Rome by special train from Brenner Pass shortly after 7 p.m. He is welcomed on his arrival on Italian soil by an Italian delegation headed by G. Butti, director-general of the European and Mediterranean Bureau of the Italian Foreign Ministry. 1941.03.31 — Masatsuné Ogura, director-general of the Sumitomo Concern, Osaka, one of the three greatest business houses in this country, has been asked by Home Minister Kiichiro Hiranuma to join the Konoye Cabinet as minister without portfolio. 1941.04.01 — While an enthusiastic crowd mills outside, Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka and Premier Benito Mussolini confer in Palazzo Venezia, Rome, for more than an hour this morning, discussing plans believed to have important bearing on the future course of the three principal Axis Powers. The meeting is attended by Italian Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano and Japanese Ambassador Zembei Horikiri. 1941.04.01 — The number of German nationals in Japan, besides diplomatic representatives, has increased to 2,688. They are expected to constitute soon the largest foreign community in Japan. At present there are 1,800 British and 2,300 American residents in this country. 1941.04.01 — The plan for reform of the National Service Association, drafted by the bureau directors of the Cabinet, is submitted today to the Cabinet and is approved with minor amendments. 1941.04.01 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka today holds an important conference with Premier Benito Mussolini and Foreign Minister Count Galeazzo Ciano. His first conference is with Count Ciano lasting for nearly an hour and then the conference with Il Duce begins, which lasts for more than two hours. Just before the conference begins, Premier Mussolini and Matsuoka appear together four times on the balcony of Palazzo Venezia to receive the ovation of a crowd of nearly a hundred thousand. 1941.04.02 — Masatsuné Ogura, chief director of the Sumitomo Concern, called on Premier Konoye last night and accepted the post of Minister without Portfolio. The investiture of Ogura is held in the Imperial Palace today. 1941.04.02 — The Japanese office at Geneva is formally closed today with the approval by the Privy Council of the Government's proposal for abolition of the regulations governing the office. 1941.04.03 — Bringing to an end his three-day visit to Rome, Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka leaves Rome this morning by special train for Berlin. He is given a warm send-off by notables. 1941.04.03 — Japanese Ambassador Mamoru Shigémitsu called on British Foreign Under-Secretary R. A. Butler and made a representation concerning remarks derogatory to Japan by R. Fletcher in the House of Commons, Deputy Spokesman Yasushi Ishii tells foreign news correspondents at his interview with them today. Mr. Butler receives the representation and recognizes that Fletcher's remarks were improper. 1941.04.04 — To strengthen the Government's wartime economic control, a re-shuffle of high officials is carried out tonight, when Commerce and Industry Minister Ichizo Kobayashi is replaced by Admiral Teijiro Toyoda and Naoki Hoshino, president of the Cabinet Planning Board, is replaced by Lieutenant-General Teiichi Suzuki. Admiral Toyoda is promoted to admiral from vice-admiral and placed on the retired list. Lieutenant-General Suzuki also is placed on the retired list. He has been acting director-general of the China Affairs Board. Both Kobayashi and Hoshino become members of the House of Peers by Imperial nomination. 1941.04.04 — All directors of the three new bureaus and one institute in the reformed National Service Association are named: Ryutaro Nagai, three times Cabinet Minister, is appointed director of the East Asia Bureau, Vice-Admiral Saburo Yasumi, retired, member of the House of Representatives, director of the Central Training Institute, Shigéhru Hasama, director of the Systematization Bureau, and Ken-ichi Kumagaya, director of the General Affairs Bureau. 1941.04.04 — Following his schedule, Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka meets Chancellor Adolph Hitler in the Reichschancellery this afternoon to put the finishing touches to his series of conversations with the Führer. In the evening Matsuoka presides over a conference of Japanese diplomatic representatives and military and naval attaches stationed in various countries of Europe. 1941.04.04 — The Afghan Economic Mission to Japan, headed by Dr. Ghulam Gahao Khan, arrives here this afternoon. The mission will inspect the country's economic condition. 1941.04.05 — Dramatically opening another chapter in the European war, Chancellor Adolf Hitler shortly after dawn today issued an order to the German forces stationed in southeastern Europe to open a simultaneous attack on Jugoslavia and Greece. 1941.04.05 — Cracking open the mystery that shrouded its policy toward the belligerents in southeastern Europe, the Kremlin today announces the signing yesterday of a five-year non-aggression pact with Axis-encircled Jugoslavia. Announcement of the treaty, which comes as a decided shock to Germany to which the Soviet Union is allied by a similar non-aggression agreement, reveals for the first time the presence in the Soviet capital of Milan Gavrilovich, Jugoslav envoy extraordinary now, and two associates. 1941.04.07 — Honoured by the presence of His Majesty the Emperor, the New Axis Equestrian Meet is opened at the Yoyogi parade ground under the joint auspices of the War and Agriculture-Forestry Ministries. His Majesty is pleased to watch 1,200 picked horses from all parts of the Empire perform various feats. 1941.04.07 — The necessity of renovation in every section of the national structure for overcoming the difficulties facing the nation is becoming more seriously felt, declares Premier Fumimaro Konoye this morning at the first day session of the annual conference of the prefectural governors. 1941.04.07 — Dr. Takénouké Miyamoto, director of the Technical Department of the China Affairs Board and concurrently professor of Tokyo Imperial University, is appointed vice-president of the Cabinet Planning Board. 1941.04.07 — Thirty men have been committed to trial for involvement in the so-called July 1 Affair, in which they plotted to bring about a "Shuwa Restoration" by eliminating a number of statesmen close to the Throne, bureaucrats, scholars and literary men, and destroying buildings, public and private. The men were rounded up as they were on the point of launching their plan, conviction of which had been timed for 7 a.m., July 1, 1940. The charges on which they will be tried include plotting murder, arson and others. Press ban on this affair is lifted by the police today. 1941.04.07 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka lunches with American Ambassador Lawrence Steinhardt in Moscow. Matsuoka and Steinhardt confer for three and a half hours. Steinhardt says that in inviting Matsuoka to lunch he is seeking to repay the courtesies shown to him during his visit to Japan last fall. 1941.04.09 — In order to advance the mechanization of the army, the War Ministry establishes an Army Mechanization Headquarters in Tokyo, it is officially announced today. The new headquarters deals with training mechanized units consisting of tanks and armoured cars and supply of tanks, tractors, motor cars and fuel, also research in the operation of mechanized units. 1941.04.09 — Foreign Ministers Yosuké Matsuoka in Moscow, this afternoon calls on Viacheslav M. Molotov, chairman of the Council of Commissars and Foreign Commissar, for the third time in three days. On April 7, he called on Molotov for the second time. 1941.04.10 — Ryutaro Nagai, new Director of the East Asia Bureau of the National Service Association, declares his bureau will proceed to unify all bodies interested in the development of East Asia, to diffuse the basic ideal of greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere among the nation. 1941.04.10 — Early conclusion of a trade pact between Japan and the Soviet Union is indicated in an address by Foreign Vice-Minister Chuichi Ohashi at the third session of the prefectural governors' conference. He exhorts his hearers to see that adequate protection is accorded law-abiding foreigners in this country, irrespective of their nationality. 1941.04.10 — Her Imperial Highness Princess Takéo Kitashirakawa, who will wed Captain Kuninada Tokugawa, second son of Prince Kuniyuki Tokugawa, on April 14, is received in audience by Their Majesties the Emperor, Empress and Empress Dowager for the last time as an Imperial princess. 1941.04.10 — Appointment of Lieutenant-General Heitaro Kimura, Chief of Staff of the Kwantung Army, as War Vice-Minister in succession to Lieutenant-General Koréchika Anami, and of Lieutenant-General Shin Yoshida, Inspector-General of Cavalry, to the new post of chief of Army Mechanization Headquarters, are features of a re-shuffle of higher army officers announced by the War Ministry. 1941.04.11 — Outlining the Government's policies toward internal administration and foreign diplomacy, Premier Fumimaro Konoye reiterates Japan's fundamental foreign policy revolves with the Axis as the centre and is unchangeable, in a press interview tonight at his official residence, the third since he formed his Cabinet in July last year. 1941.04.11 — After returning to Moscow from a two-day visit to Leningrad, Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka holds his third conference with Foreign Commissar Viacheslav M. Molotov. Ambassador Yochitsugu Tatékawa is with Matsuoka at the conference which lasts two hours and 35 minutes, in the afternoon. 1941.04.12 — The reorganized headquarters of the National Service Association starts work today when its personnel take a fresh oath to devote their efforts to the cause of aiding the Throne. The new director-general, Sohtaro Ishiwata, addresses the gathering. 1941.04.13 — An event of great significance for the future peace of East Asia as well as of the world takes place this afternoon in Moscow in the signing of a Neutrality Pact between Japan and the Soviet Union. By the treaty, the two nations mutually agree to observe strict neutrality in case either is attacked by one or more third Powers. The treaty is for five years and on expiration of that period, it will automatically be extended five years more in case neither of the parties signifies the intention of abrogating the agreement one year beforehand. Another highlight is that immediately after the signing, the two nations issue a Joint Declaration, whereby Japan agrees to respect the territorial integrity of Outer Mongolia and the Soviet Union agrees to respect the inviolability of the Manchoukuo Empire. This commitment is a virtual recognition of the latter State by the Soviet. Signing Japan are Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka and Ambassador Yoshitsugu Tatékawa, while the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, Viacheslav M. Molotov, signs for the Soviet Union. 1941.04.13 — The High Command in Berlin announces the capture of Belgrade this morning. The German News Agency reports that since the invasion of Jugoslavia started a week ago, the German forces have destroyed 14 Serbian divisions. 1941.04.13 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka in an interview with press correspondents before leaving Moscow for Tokyo, voices his conviction that the neutrality pact will serve as a cornerstone ushering in an era of sustained, improved relations between the Soviet Union and Japan. He predicts the two countries will settle pending questions in the spirit of mutual understanding which led to the conclusion of the pact. Josef Stalin, Secretary-General of the Communist Party, and Viacheslav M. Molotov, Chairman of the Council of Commissars and Foreign Commissar, are present at the station to bid farewell to the Japanese Minister. 1941.04.14 — Major-General Georges Bogdanov, new Rumanian Minister to Japan, arrives in Tokyo. He was in Japan from June, 1935, to February, 1939, as military attaché. He is well-known among students of the Forty-seven Ronin Society. His work on the Ronin will soon be published in Rumania. 1941.04.14 — Chou Tso-jen, chief of the education department of the North China Political Affairs Commission and China's greatest contemporary litterateur, arrives in Tokyo with his Japanese wife after attending a two-day East Asia Cultural Conference at Kyoto. 1941.04.15 — The Neutrality Pact between Japan and the Soviet Union is approved by the Cabinet and is submitted to the Throne for ratification. 1941.04.15 — The neutrality pact between Japan and the Soviet Union deserves the approval of the Italian Government as well as the other nations in the Axis line-up, Japanese Ambassador Zénbei Horikiri is reportedly told, in a 30-minute meeting with Premier Benito Mussolini today. 1941.04.15 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka is scheduled to arrive in Tokyo about April 22. The Japanese Government will determine a new foreign policy by Cabinet discussions after the return of Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka, the Yomiuri reports. This proposed change of policy apparently is caused by the new situation following the conclusion of the neutrality pact with the Soviet Union. 1941.04.15 — The eight-day conference of prefectural governors comes to a close with calls by Premier Fumimaro Konoye and Home Minister Kiichiro Hiranuma on the movement for popular aid to the Throne being carried on by the National Service Association. During the eight days all the Cabinet Ministers delivered speeches. 1941.04.16 — The former headquarters in Uchisaiwai-cho, Kojimachi Ward, Tokyo, of the defunct Seiyukai Party, unoccupied since the split in the party in April, 1939, will be used by the Navy. 1941.04.16 — Secretary of State Cordell Hull says at today's press conference in Washington that the Government has taken no steps to obtain clarification of Soviet policy following the signature of the Japan-Soviet Neutrality Pact on April 13. The curtness of his replies to questions on the topic is interpreted to mean that the State Department does not intend to take any initiative in the matter but will let the Kremlin do any explaining it may consider necessary. 1941.04.16 — The movement to organize a new Diet members' club embracing members of the House of Representatives and the House of Peers whose director-general would be Premier Konoye is formally launched at the Imperial Hotel. 1941.04.17 — An increase of 6,300,000 in population in five years is registered by the census taken on October 1 last year, published by the Government today. Japan's total population is 103,226,101. There are 52,896,862 males and 52,329,239 females. Japan Proper has 73,114,308. 1941.04.17 — Further extension of the forbidden area involving Hangchow Bay and waters adjacent to it as proclaimed on July 15, 1940, is announced today by the Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Fleet in China waters, Admiral Shigétaro Shimada, a communique issued today by the press section of the Japanese Naval Command states. 1941.04.18 — French Indo-China forces, availing themselves of the recent successive withdrawals of Thai troops from the front lines because of the satisfactory conclusion of the Thai-French Indo-China peace negotiations held in Tokyo, have been, reportedly, taking defiant steps against the Thai army, giving rise to a fresh crisis in the relations between the two countries, says a Domei Bangkok dispatch. Positive steps have been started by French Indo-China troops from the beginning of this week in various sectors, including Vientiang and Sisophong, resulting in clashes with Thai troops, though on a small scale. 1941.04.19 — The German economic and goodwill mission, headed by Helmuth Wohlthat, director of the Division for the Four Year-Plan and Superintendent of the Netherlands Bank, en route to Japan, arrives in Hsinking. After informal conversations with the Manchoukuo authorities, the mission will leave there on April 23. The party is scheduled to arrive in Tokyo on April 26. 1941.04.19 — The Finance Ministry decides to experiment with a system (effective from May), of paying salaries and bonuses in the form of transfer savings to high-ranking officials of the Ministry and its affiliated offices whose salaries are over ¥150. 1941.04.20 — The conclusion of the Japan-Soviet Neutrality Pact is an unexpected source of joy, says Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka to pressmen when interviewed shortly after his arrival from Moscow at Manchouli this morning. After issuing a lengthy statement on his impressions of his European trip, he leaves for Hailar, where he takes an army plane for Dairen, arriving there in the afternoon. After stopping there overnight, he will fly to Tokyo by way of Fukuoka tomorrow. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. X No. 6 (June 1941) --- (covers 1941.04.21 to 1941.05.20) 1941.04.21 — Japanese forces march around the main body of the Chinese 80th Army in the area south of Chuki in northern Chekiang Province along the Chekiang-Kiangsi Railway and complete their encirclement of the enemy. After making a triumphant entry into the walled town of Chuki, the Japanese Hattori, Kasahara and Ito units clean up Chinese remnants around the town. 1941.04.21 — German Ambassador Major-General Eugen Ott arrives at Tokyo Station at 3:25 p.m. by the Fuji express from a brief visit to Germany. He is met at the station by Mrs. and Miss Ott, members of his staff, Italian Ambassador Mario Indelli, Soviet Ambassador Constantin Smetanin, Chief Itaro Mizuno of the Foreign Office Trade Bureau, and others. The German Ambassador is accompanied by air attaché Wilhelm Nehmiz. 1941.04.21 — Owing to unfavourable weather conditions prevailing over Korea, Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka postpones his intended plane journey to Tokyo until tomorrow morning. 1941.04.21 — Knowledge of an alleged secret military and naval agreement among the United States, Britain, India, Australia, the Netherlands East Indies and Chungking, envisaging joint defence of the South Pacific against Japan, is denied by Secretary of State Cordell Hull at a press conference in Washington today. Mr. Hull tells correspondents that he had not heard of such an agreement until he read about it in this morning's press. The question is raised in connection with a New York Times dispatch from Tokyo which quoted a detailed summary of the alleged agreement sent from Shanghai to the Tokyo Nichi Nichi on April 18. 1941.04.22 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka returns to Tokyo this afternoon after an absence of 42 days during which he visited Germany, Italy and the Soviet Union, forged closer ties of co-operation between Japan and the Axis Powers, and negotiated the neutrality pact with the Soviet Union. A large crowd of distinguished persons, including Premier Konoye, greet Mr. Matsuoka when he arrives at Tachikawa airfield at 3:42 p.m. in a plane from Fukuoka. A toast is drunk for his successful trip to Europe, at the Premier's official residence, by all Cabinet Ministers attending. Later, Mr. Matsuoka proceeds to the Imperial Palace to submit a report to the Throne. 1941.04.22 — Foochow, provincial capital of Fukien, was completely occupied by Japanese forces operating in South China yesterday, according to a joint communiqué of the Japanese army and navy issued today. In close co-operation with the Japanese naval forces, the Japanese troops effected surprise landings at various points on the southern and northern banks of the lower reaches of the Min River. Sweeping the enemy before them, the Japanese troops entered Foochow in triumph yesterday. 1941.04.22 — Vice-Admiral Yorio Sawamoto, former commander-in-chief of the squadron in South China waters, arrives in the capital and is received by His Majesty the Emperor. 1941.04.22 — The Cabinet decides to spend annually ¥38,000,000 from the National Treasury for better treatment of the teachers of the national schools. The Home Ministry's plan to pay ¥25,000,000 in allowances to policemen, also from the Treasury, is adopted by the Cabinet. 1941.04.23 — Ceremony of deifying the spirits of 14,976 men who sacrificed their lives in the China affair takes place at Yasukuni Shrine tonight. Following this a five-day extraordinary grand festival of the shrine is to be held. Bereaved relatives attend the deification function. Admiral Viscount Takayoshi Kato, member of the Supreme War Council, is chairman of the festival committee. 1941.04.23 — The Japan-Soviet Neutrality Treaty, signed between Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka and Soviet Foreign Commissar Viacheslav M. Molotov, at Moscow on April 13, is approved at a plenary session of the Privy Council this afternoon. All Privy Councillors, except one, attend. The treaty is to come into effect tomorrow. Exchange of ratifications will take place shortly upon the arrival of the necessary documents from the Soviet Union. M. I. Kalinin, Chairman of the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Union, is taking charge of completing his Government's ratification of the treaty. 1941.04.24 — Concrete measures announced by the army to augment munitions production include (1) summary of army control of the munitions factory budget, (2) army's comparative summary of financial affairs of management of munition industries (3) summary of army's calculation of standard primary production costs of munitions, and others. 1941.04.25 — Prayer by His Majesty the Emperor in the innermost sanctuary of Yasukuni Shrine for the repose of the newly enshrined war-dead, as the entire nation joins in silent prayer, is the highlight of today's special festival at the shrine. 1941.04.25 — The Japan-Soviet Neutrality Treaty becomes effective today following the Imperial sanction. A formal statement to that effect is issued by the Board of Information which says both the contracting parties have completed ratification of the treaty. Mr. Matsuoka wires Ambassador Yoshitsugu Tatékawa at Moscow that the treaty has been ratified by Japan. Tonight Soviet Ambassador Constantin Smetanin communicates to the Japanese Government that the treaty has been ratified by the Soviet Central Executive Committee the same day. 1941.04.26 — The Iron and Steel Control Association, to co-ordinate the efforts of iron and steel manufacturers to extend output in line with the Government's programme for the East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere is inaugurated today. Hachisaburo Hirao is president and Naoto Kohiyama director-general. 1941.04.26 — Dr. Helmuth Wohlthat, head of the German Economic Mission to Japan, arrives in Tokyo this morning, gives first press interview at the German Embassy in the afternoon, Ambassador Eugen Ott being present. His mission in Japan, he says, is to see with his own eyes and the eyes of various experts in his party the economic conditions of wartime Japan and to ascertain in what manner the trade between Germany and Japan can be adjusted to the war situation. The means of payment and extending credit will be studied in this connection. 1941.04.28 — Lieutenant-General Yasutsugu Okamura and Lieutenant-General Kenji Dohiara, both members of the Supreme War Council, are promoted to the rank of general, on the active list. Lieutenant-General Kazumoto Machijiri is appointed Inspector-General of the Chemical Warfare Headquarters, newly founded. 1941.04.28 — Dr. Erich Kordt, new German Minister to Tokyo to serve under Ambassador Eugen Ott, arrives in Tokyo from Berlin. 1941.04.28 — The five-day extraordinary grand festival of Yasukuni Shrine closes today. The bereaved family trains start tomorrow to carry those who attended the festival to their home towns and villages. 1941.04.29 — The nation today celebrates the 40th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor. At 8 a.m. sirens sound throughout the country for the people to stop work for a full minute and bow in the direction of the Imperial Palace. The usual military review in honour of the Imperial birthday is held at the Yoyogi parade ground, about 50,000 troops participating. 1941.04.30 — The following communiqué is issued by the Board of Information: The German Economic Mission had an exchange of views with the representatives of the Japanese and Manchoukuoan Governments in a most friendly atmosphere in the Foreign Vice-Minister's official residence on the morning of April 30. They agreed upon the procedure and the principal lines of future discussions regarding the adjustment of trade relations among Japan, Manchoukuo and Germany under the present conditions. 1941.04.30 — Twenty-five independent members of the House of Peers will form, the Independent Members' Club. Matsukichi Koyama, former Justice Minister, and Masao Taki will confer with the authorities of the Upper House on the matter. 1941.04.30 — Although Australia is thankful for Japan's recent assurances of its peaceful intentions, the Commonwealth Government, in view of the European war, could act in the interests of preserving peace in the Pacific only in the rôle of a full-fledged member of the British Empire, Sir Frederick Stewart, Minister for External Affairs, declares at Sydney today. The statement is intended as a reply to the declaration made in Melbourne on April 28 by Japanese Minister Tatsuo Kawai to the effect that Japan harbours no hostile intentions toward the Commonwealth. 1941.04.30 — Four German aviators en route to Japan aboard the American President Liner President Garfield were taken off the vessel at 3:43 a.m. on April 29 about 200 miles northeast of Honolulu by the 6,892-ton Canadian auxiliary cruiser Prinze Robert, the captain of the Garfield radioes the President Lines office at Honolulu today. This is the second time a British warship has removed German passengers from trans-Pacific liners. The first seizure occurred last year when a British cruiser stopped the N.Y.K. liner Asama Maru off the coast of Japan and removed about 20 German passengers who were en route to Japan from the United States. 1941.05.01 — The reorganization of the Cabinet Planning Board in conformity with the programme of perfecting a highly organized national defence structure is announced by the Board of Information and goes into effect today. 1941.05.01 — For the first time in 13 years Her Majesty the Empress will visit the Kansai, departing from Tokyo Station on the morning of May 15, according to an official announcement. Her Majesty will be away for six days, during which Her Majesty will visit the Isé Grand Shrines, Unébi and Momoyama Imperial Mausoleums and other sacred places, returning to Tokyo on the afternoon of May 20. 1941.05.01 — For the first time in Japan the nation's financial leaders will sit with leaders of the Government at a roundtable discussion to devise ways for improving the standards of Government officials. The financiers who have been invited to the conference at the Premier's official residence in the next week were selected today. They are 16 in all, including Baron Bunkichi Ito, president of the Nippon Mining Company, Juichi Tsushima, vice-governor of the Bank of Japan, Ai-ichiro Fujiyama, president of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 1941.05.02 — Bringing an end to a 10-year old issue over the opening of Tokyo port to foreign trade, the Cabinet gives its formal approval today to the amalgamation of Yokohama port with Tokyo port. The port of Yokohama shall attach importance to trade with third countries, while the port of Tokyo will act as a subsidiary port mainly catering to trade with Manchoukuo and China. 1941.05.02 — The Government has decided to abolish all superstitions associated with the old lunar calendar, in line with the policy of rationalizing the national life which the Government has been pursuing since the international situation made it necessary for the nation to save its energy for use in the supreme task of constructing the greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere. 1941.05.03 — The new structure for newspapers whose need has been keenly felt for some time promises to be a reality soon as preparations are being pushed for organization of the Newspaper Federation. The articles of association of the federation are adopted at a meeting of representatives of the more important newspapers throughout the country today. 1941.05.03 — The Thai Government has declined the proposal made recently by Chungking to improve relations between Thailand and Chungking by an exchange of diplomats, says a dispatch from Bangkok to the Yomiuri. 1941.05.03 — The Sino-British military pact will be signed by Chungking authorities and British Ambassador Sir Archibald Clark Kerr, who arrived at Chungking from Hongkong on May 2, it is learned in Shanghai today. 1941.05.04 — Denying rumours of a visit to the United States, Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka states that he rather wishes President Roosevelt and State Secretary Hull would visit Japan in order to see the actual situation of Japan, in a press interview at a hotel on his trip in Kansai. 1941.05.05 — U. S. Representative Clyde Taylor Ellis, Arkansas Democrat and member of the House Post Office and Roads Committee, tells the House in Washington that Japan should be given just one week to decide whether or not to "quit the Axis or face war with the United States. If Japan takes no action then I am ready to start polishing her off the face of the earth," Mr. Ellis said, evidently amusing the House members. 1941.05.05 — Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress spend an hour watching army officers performing spectacular feats of horsemanship at the riding-ground in the grounds of the Imperial Palace. 1941.05.05 — Her Imperial Highness Princess Shighéko Téru, eldest daughter of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, will be betrothed to Captain His Imperial Highness Prince Morihiro Higashikuni, who rendered distinguished services in the Nomonhan battle in 1939. The engagement is still informal. 1941.05.06 — Two pacts of extreme importance are concluded between Japan and France today in Tokyo. They are the Convention of Establishment and Navigation and the Agreement concerning Customs Tariff, Trade and Method of Payment, and both relate to French Indo-China and deal with economic matters. The pacts are signed by Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka and Ambassador Hajimé Matsumiya on behalf of Japan and by Ambassador Charles Arsène-Henry and Chief Delegate René Robin, former Governor-General of Indo-China, on behalf of France. The ceremony takes place in the Foreign Minister's official residence. Following the signing, Matsuoka and Arsène-Henry deliver speeches of mutual congratulation. The two pacts are in both Japanese and French—each pact in quadruplicate in each language, so that altogether 16 documents are signed. 1941.05.06 — Following decision on the fundamental policy for the creation of the civil service inquiry commission, made at today's Cabinet meeting, Home Minister Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma clarifies his views on the new official structure. He says unnecessary revision of the civil service system should be withheld, that the commission should quickly put its decisions into practise in view of the fact that commissions are apt to waste time merely in inquiry and that the establishment of the system of sub-prefectures as liaison organizations between prefectures and cities, towns and villages is necessary. 1941.05.06 — "The United States should give real aid to China, send more bombers and allow the Chungking régime to recruit American pilots. They can make a shambles of Tokyo in a few moments. Everyone knows that Japan is waiting to attack us. We should get one up on them," declares Senator Claude Pepper of Florida, chief administration leader, in a speech in the Senate, in Washington. 1941.05.07 — Her Majesty the Empress honours the 49th plenary session of the Japan Red Cross Society in the morning and the 40th plenary session of the Patriotic Women's Association in the afternoon with her august presence. 1941.05.07 — Speculation is rife in diplomatic circles and elsewhere in Japan as to the effect of the appointment of Josef Stalin, Secretary-General of the Soviet Communist Party, as chairman of the Council of Commissars, replacing Viacheslav M. Molotov, just reported. Diplomatic commentators attach tremendous importance to the change. 1941.05.08 — The coming visit to Tokyo of Ambassador to Nanking Kumataro Honda is causing considerable interest in local circles, which see a mission of extreme importance behind the trip. The envoy is generally expected to make important arrangements with the home Government regarding strengthening of Japanese support of the Nanking Government. 1941.05.08 — Informed Japanese diplomatic quarters in Tokyo was enthusiastic over the agreement which has been concluded between Germany and the Vichy Government. These quarters are agreed that the agreement is another Nazi diplomatic triumph, that the pact has prepared the ground for the realization of the Nazi idea of a new order in Europe. 1941.05.08 — Japanese forces launch a general offensive against the Chungking Central Army in southern Shansi and northern Honan provinces. 1941.05.09 — The General Commission under the Tripartite Pact, established in Tokyo following the conclusion of the historic agreement to thrash out general problems of applying the pact, commences its labours today at a meeting held at the Foreign Minister's official residence. Economic matters are among the questions which come up for discussion at the meeting, which is under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka. German Ambassador Eugen Ott and Italian Ambassador Mario Indelli take part in the meeting. 1941.05.09 — The Convention of Peace between France, for French Indo-China, and Thailand, with three protocols annexed, the Japan-French Protocol, and the Japan-Thailand Protocol are signed in Tokyo this morning by the delegates of the three countries in the main hall of the Premier's official residence. 1941.05.10 — The third large scale bombing raid upon Chungking, capital of the Chiang Kai-shek régime, is carried out by a fleet of Japanese naval planes today, when Government offices, munitions factories and other buildings, receiving direct hits, are blown up. The weather is fine and Japanese warbirds made full use of this condition. The first formation effects bombing raids upon enemy munition factories along the northern bank of the Kialing River and sets them on fire, while the second group rains bombs upon the Chungking garrison headquarters, Government offices and headquarters of the Chungking Kuomintang Party, inflicting severe damage. 1941.05.10 — Kumataro Honda, Ambassador to Nanking, declares in Shanghai that the only road for Japan to take toward termination of the China affair is to continue vigorous support of the Nanking régime under President Wang Ching-wei, to make it a healthy and powerful State. 1941.05.10 — Completely concerned within a dragnet stretched by Japanese forces, a big force of the Chinese army under the command of Wei Li-hsiang, whose numerical strength is estimated at no less than 200,000, is destined to be annihilated, in the face of a spirited drive by the Japanese which have successively reduced various important positions in northern Honan and southern Shansi provinces, including Yuanchu, Menghsien, Tsiyuan and Tungshanchen. 1941.05.10 — The State Secret Defence Law takes effect today following promulgation of the regulations implementing it. Its primary object is not to heighten the nation's consciousness of wartime and bring about discreetness among the people about national secrets, but rather it is especially to guard against espionage. 1941.05.11 — Three formations of the Japanese army air force in low flying attacks bomb and machine-gun Chinese reinforcements numbering 2,000 which are marching northward in the direction of Loyang, capital of Honan Province, on the Lunghai Railway. Other air formations meanwhile bomb about 1,000 Chinese troops near Tsohsienchen, northwest of Mengsing, in northern Honan Province. Chinese troops 12 miles south of Kwangkow, west of Mengsing, also are heavily bombed. 1941.05.11 — Joh-ichi Yamaji, member of the House of Representatives, dies from a heart attack at New Orleans, Louisiana, during a trip in the United States. He is 59. At the instance of the Foreign Office, he was studying American-Japanese trade affairs. 1941.05.12 — A countrywide espionage prevention week starts today. The authorities of the prefectural governments, based on instructions of the Home Ministry, have issued notes to various organizations, public and private, suggesting suitable events to be staged at their headquarters for the week. 1941.05.12 — Concerning the fresh drive commenced recently by powerful land, sea and air forces in South China in order to crush the enemy forces attempting to recapture the Japanese-controlled Hongkong - Shaokwan route, the press section of the Japanese Expeditionary Forces in South China issues a communiqué. On the previous day, the Japanese Sakai detachment in close co-operation with naval units effected a surprise landing in a certain point on the western bank of the Hunghai Bay, Kwangtung Province. 1941.05.12 — The first public hearing of the case involving men accused of planning the murder of statesmen associated with pro-British statesmen, who were working for the maintenance of the existing order, is held at the Tokyo Criminal District Court. 1941.05.12 — Rudolf Hess, the Reich Führer's Deputy, who has long been suffering from illness, is believed to have met a "mishap or accident" when he stepped on Saturday, May 10, it is announced in Berlin today. A letter which Hess left behind revealed that he has been suffering from insanity, it is said. The National Socialist Party in an official statement issued today announces Hess managed to get possession of a plane at Augsburg and has not returned to date. Chancellor Hitler, it is said, immediately orders the arrest of Hess' assistants who permitted him to escape. 1941.05.12 — A dinner party is given by the Afghan Economic Mission for those who offered their good offices to facilitate the Mission's inspection tour of this country. The function is attended by Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka, Chairman Saburo Nango of the Japan Foreign Trade Council and about 30 other guests. The hosts are represented by Ghulam Ghaos Khan and other members of the mission and Afghan Minister Zul Facar Khan. The mission arrived in Japan on April 2 and is expected to leave Tokyo tomorrow. 1941.05.13 — Joseph Warren Teets Mason, known to Japanese as an ardent student of Shintoism, dies of heart failure in New York shortly before midnight today. He was author of books on Shintoism and won a large number of Japanese friends by his frequent visits here. He was given the Fourth Class Order of the Rising Sun by His Majesty the Emperor. He leaves a will, in which he expresses his wish to have his ashes taken to Japan, to be buried at a spot near a shrine for Emperor Sujin, the construction of which he was advocating during his lifetime. 1941.05.13 — Admiral Kiyoshi Haségawa, Governor-General of Taiwan, arrives in Tokyo today to submit reports on Formosa to the Throne, the Overseas Minister and others. 1941.05.14 — Three Chinese divisions, the 7th, 12th and 34th, commanded by General Tang Huai-yuan and under direct control of General Chiang Kai-shek, are trapped and completely defeated by Japanese forces in the area east of Siahsien, Shansi Province. General Tang is killed in action, the commander of the Chinese 34th Division is captured, and commanders of the 7th and 12th Divisions are wounded. Remnants of the 7th, 12th and 34th Divisions, numbering 3,000, are annihilated by the Japanese Sakurai, Nishihata and Tani units when they attempt to escape. 1941.05.14 — Twenty-one flying fortresses arrive at Hickam Field, Honolulu, this morning from March Field, near Los Angeles. The new additions to the Hawaiian air force fly from the Pacific coast in 13 hours. 1941.05.15 — German Ambassador Eugen Ott calls on Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka at his official residence to make a report on the disappearance of Deputy Führer Rudolf Hess based on information reaching the German Embassy here. Japanese newspapers are still absorbed in conjectures on Hess' mysterious flight. 1941.05.15 — Her Majesty the Empress leaves Tokyo this morning on Her Majesty's trip to the Kansai and arrives in Kyoto in the afternoon. The Kyoto Palace is made the headquarters of Her Majesty's sojourn in Kyoto for five days. 1941.05.15 — Japanese forces launch a general offensive against Chinese remnants belonging to the 22nd Group Army that enters Tanghsienchien, Suiyangtien and other towns northwest of Suihsien in northern Hupeh Province under the orders of General Li Tsung-jen. 1941.05.15 — Dr. Helmuth Wohlthat, head of the German Economic Mission to Japan, accompanied by German Ambassador Eugen Ott, is received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor at the Phoenix Hall. 1941.05.16 — Large scale Japanese military operations are now under way on all three of the North, Central and Southern China fronts. In the north, the city of Loyang, key point on the Lunghai Railway, is heavily bombed by an army squadron in preparation for a drive against the 35,000 Chinese troops stationed there under General Tang En-pai. Headquarters of the Chinese first war zone also is bombed by army fliers. In Shansi Province, the Fifth Group Army under General Tseng Wan-chung is reported on the verge of annihilation by the Japanese after 7,000 of its troops surrendered. On the central front, battles are raging in the Hupeh-Honan border region. The city of Tsaoyang has fallen to the advancing Japanese. Bombers are busy also on this front. Bases in Chekiang have been blasted for the last two days. On the South China front, the Japanese have advanced steadily in eastern Kwangtung Province as Chinese resistance crumbles. Southeast of Waichow, two Chinese divisions are reported trapped by Japanese units. 1941.05.16 — Uji-Yamada, City of Gods, is subdued this afternoon as Her Majesty the Empress worships in person the Sun Goddess, Founder of the Imperial House, at the Inner Grand Shrine of Isé. 1941.05.17 — Many high Chinese officers including Major-General Wan Kinsheng are killed in action this morning, when the Chinese 15th Army is defeated by the Japanese Kawamura unit in the vicinity of Hengliang, 14 kilometres south of Yencheng in southern Shansi Province. Meanwhile, the Chinese 169th Division is crushed by the Japanese Yasui detachment in the area north of Shangyautsun and Senior Staff Officer Ma and 12 staff officers are taken prisoner. 1941.05.17 — Official representatives of Germany, Italy and the Soviet Union gather at the Premier's official residence and sit at the same luncheon table with leaders of the Japanese Government. The function is arranged by Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye, who since the return of Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka from his tour of Europe last month had been wishing to meet the envoys of the countries visited by his Foreign Minister to tender the thanks of the Government and the nation for the good will exhibited to him by their Governments and nations and the warm reception accorded him while in their countries. The honour guests at the function are German Ambassador Eugen Ott, Italian Ambassador Mario Indelli and Soviet Ambassador Constantin Smetanin. Associate guests are Rumanian Minister Georges Baguleseo and Hungarian Chargé d'Affaires Haban. Foreign Minister Matsuoka and members of his suite also are invited. The Ambassadors and other foreign guests are accompanied by members of their staffs. 1941.05.18 — About 60,000 Chinese troops are bombed and given a fatal blow by the Japanese Shiono, Hotta, Honda, Yamamoto, Miyaké, Maruyama, Hironaka, Kono and Kawara air units in the Chuki sector. The bombers raid Pukiangchen, Iwu, Hsiaoshun, Pukiang, Yungkan, Chuhsien and Lanchi, strategic towns in central Chekiang Province, reducing enemy headquarters, cutting communications and blasting 25 military barracks. 1941.05.18 — Sian, capital of Shensi Province, is the principal target of an intensive air raid carried out by Japanese army bombers this morning. A number of military barracks and other establishments are destroyed. 1941.05.19 — Mrs. Hidéko Inouyé, president of the Japan Women's University, representing the Japan Federation of Women's Associations, Mrs. Chiyo Chikaraishi, representing the Women's Patriotic Association, and Mrs. Kikuko Ohsé, representing the Japan Women's Patriotic Association, selected to represent Japan at the women's congress of the Nazi Party in Berlin in June, are accorded a big send-off at Hibiya Public Hall. 1941.05.20 — The Japanese and Soviet Governments exchange their ratifications of the Japan-Soviet Neutrality Treaty at the official residence of the Foreign Minister this afternoon at 3:30. The exchange is performed by Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka and Soviet Ambassador Constantin Smetanin. This is the final procedute to be carried out in connection with the treaty, and as the treaty was signed on April 13, it is performed after a lapse of only 37 days, a record for speed for a treaty of such importance. Both Japan and the Soviet Union ratified the treaty on April 25. Both Matsuoka and Smetanin deliver speeches. After the function, a garden party was held at the Minister's residence, in a friendly atmosphere. 1941.05.20 — After a three months' stay in Tokyo, the Thai Peace Mission in Japan headed by His Serene Highness Prince Varnvaidyakara Varavarn, having successfully fulfilled its objective of settling the border dispute with French Indo-China, starts for home this afternoon. The mission is scheduled to fly from Taihoku, Formosa, on June 3, after inspecting various places in Kansai and Kyushu. 1941.05.20 — Her Majesty the Empress returns to Tokyo this afternoon from a six-day trip to Kansai, during which Her Majesty visited the Isé Grand Shrines and other sacred places. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. X No. 7 (July 1941) --- (covers 1941.05.21 to 1941.06.15) 1941.05.21 — Early solution of the problem of meeting the shortage of materials needed for constructing the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere looms large after the Scientific Inquiry Commission, headed by Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye, adopts the reports of its special committees which had inquired into the question of what is to be done by science to cope with the shortage. 1941.05.21 — Virginia Gayda, editor of Giornale d'Italia, Rome, emphasizes editorially that ratification in Tokyo of the Soviet-Japanese neutrality treaty reflects an identical Japanese and Italian desire to not extend the scope of international hostilities involving either nation. 1941.05.22 — The Uchida, Kondo and Ikawa units of the Japanese naval air force this afternoon fiercely bomb the Chinese military bases in Lanchow, Kansu Province, Sienyang, Shansi Province, and Liangshan, Szechwan Province, despite a sandy windstorm raging in these districts. They all return to their bases safely after dealing a serious blow to the enemy. 1941.05.22 — It was a splendid moment in the lives of the great host of Japanese youths and girls who acquire the knowledge that every subject of the Empire is expected to have by attending the young people's schools at night after their work at factories, mines and farms is over, when their representatives, 36,000 strong, shouted enthusiastic banzai for His Majesty the Emperor in the plaza fronting the Imperial Palace this morning, after they had been inspected by the Sovereign and the girls, 5,000 in number, had sung in chorus a song praising the virtue of the Ruler, composed for the occasion. 1941.05.23 — The Japan-Netherlands East Indies economic negotiations are now in a most important phase, Deputy Spokesman Yasushi Ishii of the Board of Information says at his interview with foreign news correspondents. Questioned regarding Ambassador Kumataro Honda's proposals for carrying out Japan's China policy, Ishii says the Japanese Government is in accord with his views. 1941.05.23 — A nation-wide 23-day (June 16–July 7) "cleanup" of factories and plants is decided on at today's Cabinet meeting. This means the collection of junk metal for eventual use by national defence industries. 1941.05.23 — With the United States swiftly headed toward full war partnership with Britain, Representative Samuel A. Weiss, Democrat of Pennsylvania, today introduces a four-way move to stop exports of petroleum products to Japan, the Pacific member of the Axis accord, according to a Washington dispatch. 1941.05.23 — The appeal of a retired lieutenant of the British Navy, Vincent Peters, 49, to the Japanese Supreme Court, is rejected, and his five-year sentence for infringement of the Military Secrets Protection Law is confirmed. 1941.05.23 — The 36th anniversary of the Battle of the Sea, in which the Russian Baltic Fleet was annihilated by the Japanese Navy in the Russo-Japanese War, is celebrated throughout the Empire. Navy Minister Admiral Koshiro Oikawa and Captain Hidéo Hiraidé, chief of the Navy Press Section of the Imperial Headquarters, radiate through JOAK to the nation. 1941.05.23 — The treaty of amity and friendship between Japan and Iran is formally established with exchange of ratifications at Teheran. The pact, of four articles, was signed October 18, 1939. The exchange was made between Hikotaro Ichikawa, Japanese Minister to Iran, and D. J. Ameri, acting Foreign Minister of Iran, at the Foreign Office at Teheran. 1941.05.28 — Constantin Smetanin, Soviet Ambassador to Japan, entertains at his residence Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka and War Minister Lieut.-General Tojo at lunch today, for an informal social gathering. 1941.05.29 — Trade negotiations between Japan and the Netherlands East Indies have struck a snag with little hope for a break in the deadlock. It was on December 28 last year that Kenkichi Yoshizawa arrived at Batavia as Japan's special envoy to continue trade negotiations with the N. E. I. Government, which were interrupted by the return home of the Commerce and Industry Minister Ichizo Kobayashi, who had conducted negotiations up to that time. Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka in a press interview this afternoon, says that he does not care to comment on President Roosevelt's fireside chat, nor does he see any necessity to do so. 1941.05.30 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka states that the Tripartite Pact constitutes the immutable basis of Japan's foreign policy and that he can hardly believe that the American authorities entertain misunderstanding reports of some American newspapers that Japan is becoming indifferent toward the pact. If that is any misunderstanding of this sort, he continues, it is an absurd misconception and I such erroneous views are current in the United States, they must be due to misleading rumours spread wilfully. 1941.05.30 — In view of increasing difficulties experienced by exchange banks in connection with yen-sterling exchange transactions, the Finance Ministry decides to introduce the Foreign Exchange Loss Compensation System, under which the State bears losses incurred by Japanese foreign exchange banks in connection with foreign exchange in terms of the pound sterling and other currencies linked with the British currency. 1941.05.30 — Japanese mopping-up operations against remnants of the Chungking forces along the upper Chin River, Shansi Province, continue. The number of Chungking forces surrendering to the Japanese is increasing. About 1,500 of the enemy, including several officers, surrender to the Japanese. Up to today, the number of Chinese surrendering to the Japanese forces in the above zone has reached about 2,000. 1941.05.31 — Owing to shortage of export bottoms, Philippine and United States traders have secured official American sanction to utilize Japanese ships for transporting a part of the remaining approximately 100,000 tons of sugar consigned to the United States. 1941.05.31 — The United States State Department denies the United States has concluded an agreement with Chungking whereby American aviators will be permitted to enlist with Chinese armed forces as pilots. 1941.05.31 — A group of Christian workers in Tokyo have sent out notices requesting all Tokyo Americans to join in signing a cablegram to John Flynn, Chairman of the Keep America Out of War Committee, meeting in Washington, D.C., from May 30 to June 1 under the auspices of the National Council for the Prevention of War, and several other organizations. The cable reads: Oppose America entering war approve referendum urge America promote conference for just peace and equitable world order. 1941.05.31 — The trade and payment agreements between Germany and Manchoukuo are renewed with the signing by representatives of the two countries of an accord extending the terms of conventions upon their expiration, today at Hsinking. 1941.06.01 — All Japanese residents in Baghdad are safe, according to an official telegram from the Japanese Legation in that city to the Foreign Office. 1941.06.01 — Japanese naval bombers heavily bomb Chungking, China's wartime capital, for the fifth time since the beginning of this year. 1941.06.01 — The Japanese mopping-up campaign against Chungking remnants along the upper Chin River, southern Shansi, continues. 1941.06.03 — The question of stepping up the production of iron, steel and coal, discussed by the Cabinet today, results in a decision to create a commission of inquiry under Lieutenant-General Teiichi Suzuki, President of the Cabinet Planning Board, chairman of the New York Board of Trade. 1941.06.03 — German Ambassador Eugen Ott sees Director Tamao Sakamoto of the Eurasia Bureau of the Foreign Office. Italian Ambassador Mario Indelli makes a 30-minute exchange of views with Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka and United States Ambassador Joseph C. Grew confers with Mr. Matsuoka for an hour. The nature of these conversations is not disclosed. 1941.06.03 — The Japan Tourist Bureau, or Nippon Ryoko Kyokai in Japanese, will be renamed Toa Ryoko Sha, or East Asia Travellers' Agency. 1941.06.03 — Haruhiko Nishi, Minister to Moscow under Ambassador Yoshitsugu Taékawa, returns to Tokyo. 1941.06.03 — Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka makes a speech before 250 principals of National Schools, on spiritual training. 1941.06.03 — Kenkichi Yoshizawa, chief Japanese delegate to the Japan-Netherlands East Indies trade parley, and H.J. van Mook, N.E.I. Director of Economic Affairs, are scheduled to hold their third talk tomorrow. 1941.06.03 — Prime Minister William L. Mackenzie King today tells the House of Commons at Ottawa that Canada is refusing shipments of wheat from Vancouver to Japan because the shipments were ordered before export permit regulations became effective. 1941.06.06 — Kenkichi Yoshizawa, chief Japanese delegate to the Japan-Netherlands East Indies trade conference in Batavia, expresses dissatisfaction with the attitude of the Dutch side to Japan's proposals as revealed yet seventh raid on Chungking. 1941.06.06 — Japanese naval aircraft conducted the seventh raid on Chungking, since the start of the current year, and their first night raid. 1941.06.07 — The Japanese Government has decided to recognize Croatia, newly founded kingdom in the Balkans, and notification to that effect is sent by Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka to the Croatian Government today. 1941.06.07 — Seventy-two valuable books of first editions, the complete works of Sir Walter Scott, will be given to Tokyo Imperial University Library, by Dr. John Shaw Young, National Christian Council Japan commentator, who arrived in Tokyo early this month. 1941.06.08 — The Foreign Office begins scrutiny of the long-awaited reply by the Netherlands Indies Government to Japan in regard to the current economic negotiations between the two countries. 1941.06.08 — Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire, Japanese naval planes today successfully attack the bridge on the Chungking - Kweiyang - Kunming Road across the Pehpan River. 1941.06.09 — The appointment of General Kenji Doihara, member of the Supreme War Council, as Inspector-General of Military Aviation, is announced by the War Office. Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita, retiring Inspector-General, is appointed member of the Supreme Military Council. 1941.06.09 — A joint conference of representatives of Ministries concerned deliberates on what attitude should be adopted toward the reply of the East Indies to Japan's economic proposals, the complete text of which arrived at the Foreign Office on June 3. 1941.06.10 — Commenting on the Netherlands East Indies' reply to the Japanese proposals at the Batavia conference, Deputy Spokesman Yasushi Ishii of the Board of Information says when interviewed by foreign news correspondents: "I can only say that the last reply of the Netherlands East Indies is very unsatisfactory. However, it is now under very careful consideration here." 1941.06.10 — To attend on Soviet Ambassador Constantin Smetanin, who is seriously ill, three Russian doctors, including two professors of the Habarovsk Medical College, arrive at Haneda airport by special plane through the good offices of the Japanese Foreign Office. 1941.06.10 — Creation of a central organ for co-ordination of the work of various organizations interested in the development of Greater East Asia is decided on by the Cabinet. Tentatively called Dai-Nippon East Asia League, it will be brought into being July 7. 1941.06.10 — An important step to mobilize the nation's womanhood to carry out the national policy of constructing the Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere is taken when the Cabinet today approved amalgamation of all women's organizations. Included are the three principal organizations, Women's Patriotic Association, Women's National Defence Association, and Federation of Women's Association. 1941.06.11 — Agriculture and Forestry Vice-Minister Hiroya Ino today is installed as Agriculture and Forestry Minister, succeeding Tadaatsu Ishiguro, resigned due to illness, at the Imperial Palace. 1941.06.11 — A memorial service for the late J. W. T. Mason, famous American exponent of Shintoism, who died in New York May 13, is held at Gakushi Kaikan. Eulogies from distinguished persons, including Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka are read. 1941.06.11 — The appointment of Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita as military attaché to the Japanese Embassy in Rome is announced by the War Office. 1941.06.11 — Reorganization of Japan's consular institutions, at the War Office. The Embassy in Paris on June 10 and removed it to Vichy. Since his arrival in France, Ambassador Sotomatsu Kato has been staying in Vichy. The Japanese Government also decided to open a consulate in Macao. 1941.06.13 — The press section of the Japanese fleet in China waters releases a weekly review of naval activities during the 10 days beginning June 1, during which the Japanese naval air force raided various enemy airfields to cripple the enemy's air strength, while continuing relentless bombing of Chungking to destroy the military establishments there. In the attacks on the airfields, naval fliers brought down nine enemy planes. 1941.06.14 — President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government of China and President of its Executive Yuan, sails from Shanghai by the Izumo Maru for Japan today, to return thanks for the goodwill shown by this country toward China since the founding of the new régime and to discuss with Japanese authorities co-operation between Japan and China, according to the Board of Information. His party consists of some 20 persons, including Chou Fu-hai, Vice-President of the Executive Yuan and concurrently Finance Minister, Hsu Liang, Foreign Minister, Lin Pai-sheng, Publicity Minister. 1941.06.15 — Tokyo is enthusiastically awaiting President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government of China, scheduled to arrive in Kobe tomorrow and in Tokyo June 17. The Chinese Embassy where the Chief Executive is to stay part of the time while in Tokyo has been properly renovated. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. X No. 8 (August 1941) --- (covers 1941.06.16 to 1941.07.16) 1941.06.16 — The Board of Information announces: "Although the work for demarcation of the frontier between Manchoukuo and the People's Republic of Mongolia on the spot was begun in September, 1949, in accordance with the Togo-Molotov agreement, it met technical difficulties unforeseen by both parties and the approach of severe winter left no choice but to suspend the work. However, having decided to continue the work with the coming of spring, the representatives of Manchoukuo and the Republic of Mongolia have met in conference at Chita since May 28, and succeeded in eliminating completely the above-mentioned technical difficulties. Both parties, therefore, decided to begin the work of demarcation from June 27." 1941.06.16 — President Wang Ching-wei arrives in Kobe by the N.Y.K. liner Yawata Maru today amid the welcome of many distinguished persons both of official and civilian circles. On landing, the party motors to the Kohshi-yén Hotel; the route is lined with many Japanese and Chinese welcomers. 1941.06.16 — The 212 delegates to the first general meeting of the Central Co-operative Council of the National Service Association discuss means to bring about a condition permitting all subjects to contribute toward the establishment of the highly-geared defence State. This session lasts for five days. 1941.06.17 — President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government of China arrives in Tokyo this morning. A rousing welcome is extended to the distinguished visitor from Nanking. He is welcomed on Tokyo Station platform by Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye, Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka, War Minister Hidéki Tohjo, and many other high officials. Automobiles from the Foreign Office take the visiting Chief Executive and his suite to the Chinese Embassy. In the afternoon, President Wang enters Kasumigaseki detached palace as a state guest before he meets His Majesty the Emperor. 1941.06.17 — Chikayuki Akagi, Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Shanghai Municipal Council, is shot to death by two Chinese gunmen at about 8:30 a.m. today at the corner of Yu Yuen Road and Tifeng Road, west Shanghai, while passing there in an automobile. Hit by seven bullets in his head, chest, abdomen and left arm, Akagi died at 9:40 a.m. from loss of blood. The two gunmen are caught by police. 1941.06.18 — An announcement by the Board of Information concerning the decision of the Japanese Government to discontinue negotiations with the Netherlands East Indies and to recall Special Envoy Kenkichi Yoshizawa from Batavia is released. Simultaneously Yasushi Ishii, director of the Third Department of the Board, issued a statement. 1941.06.18 — President Wang Ching-wei who spent the first night of his sojourn in Tokyo at the Kasumigaseki detached palace last night leaves there at 11:30 a.m. for the Imperial Palace in automobile. At the main portico of the Imperial Palace he is met by His Majesty the Emperor. Then, His Imperial Majesty introduced Her Majesty the Empress to President Wang. Their Imperial Majesties dine with the nation's guest in the Hoh-mei Hall. President Wang leaves the Palace at 1:20 p.m. His Imperial Majesty sends His Imperial Highness Prince Mikasa to the Kasumigaseki detached palace with an Imperial message to the head of China in the afternoon. After seeing off His Imperial Highness, President Wang leaves the detached palace for the Chinese Embassy at 4 p.m. 1941.06.18 — Despite efforts of Kenkichi Yoshizawa, chief of the Japanese economic mission, to reach an understanding with the Governor-General of the Netherlands East Indies, the negotiations finally come to a close. The failure of the parley is said to be due to differences in policy since Japan became a member of the Tripartite Pact and the Netherlands is at war with Germany. The Batavia Government emphasizes that it wishes to continue friendly relations with Japan despite the fact that the two countries are unable to reach an understanding. 1941.06.18 — Desire to thank Japan for her support and to consult with Japanese leaders on co-operation between Japan and China is the reason for the visit here of President Wang Ching-wei of China, he says in a statement issued in his capacity of President of the Executive Yuan. 1941.06.18 — Sadao Iguchi, First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy, Washington, calls on Maxwell M. Hamilton, chief of the division of Far Eastern Affairs of the State Department, and urges friendly action regarding Japan in applying the ban on oil shipments from the eastern coast. 1941.06.19 — That complete restoration of relations between Japan and China as well as establishment of general peace in China will only be possible by persistent efforts of the National Government backed by strong support of the Japanese nation is stressed by Premier Prince Fumimaro Konoye in an address he delivers at a welcome banquet given in honour of President Wang Ching-wei and his party at the Premier's official residence tonight. 1941.06.19 — Japanese are experiencing considerable inconvenience under the Foreigners' Travel Control Law issued on May 7 in Malaya. The business of Japanese commercial firms is practically suspended. Cablegrams, for instance, to Japan take two weeks. There is nothing for Japanese to do but leave there, says a cable from Bangkok. 1941.06.19 — Reaffirming Japan's foreign policy which revolves with the Three-Power Pact as its axis, Yasushi Ishii, chief of the Third Department of the Board of Information, declares Japan should proceed along the road indicated by the Imperial Rescript granted by His Majesty the Emperor on the occasion of the signing of the Tripartite Pact, in a speech at a session of the Central Co-operative Council before 207 delegates from all parts of the country, at the headquarters of the National Service Association. 1941.06.19 — A dinner given today in honour of President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government, Nanking, at Premier Konoye's official residence was most pleasing to the honour guest in that the host, Prince Konoye, is the very person whose first formal statement issued in connection with the China affair confirmed President Wang in his idea of starting a peace movement. 1941.06.20 — The Cabinet makes a move looking to the eventual incorporation of the natives of Formosa in the Japanese people. This is a decision to establish volunteer military service in the island, which entered the Japanese empire as a result of the 1894-95 Sino-Japanese War. 1941.06.20 — Reaffirming that the China policy decided on last autumn at the Imperial Conference remains unaltered, War Minister Hidéki Tohjo urges further collaboration with the Nanking Government for early restoration of peace in East Asia, in a speech at a luncheon in honour of President Wang Ching-wei, at his official residence. 1941.06.21 — The Japanese trade delegation, headed by Kenkichi Yoshizawa, who will leave Batavia next week for Japan, and the Netherlands East Indies negotiators are guests at a farewell dinner given by Governor-General A.M.L. Tjarda van Starkenborgh Stachouwer. 1941.06.21 — President Wang Ching-wei confers with Premier Prince Konoye and Foreign Minister Matsuoka for three hours on measures for Sino-Japanese collaboration. Chou Fu-hai, Finance Minister of the Chinese National Government, is present. Declaring Wang is a part of honour at a luncheon given by Admiral Koshiro Oikawa, Navy Minister, and Admiral Osami Nagano, Chief of Naval General Staff. Prior to this, President Wang calls on Home Minister Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma. He also receives Japanese and foreign newspapermen for separate interviews in the afternoon. 1941.06.21 — A Macao cable to the Asahi reveals that more than 12,000 Chinese were killed on the night of June 5, when a Japanese naval air force blasted a bomb-shelter at Chungking. 1941.06.22 — Hostilities break out between Germany and the Soviet Union. Foreign Minister Matsuoka and German Ambassador Eugen Ott meet at the Foreign Office at 7:10 p.m. The interview lasts for one hour, during which matters regarding Germany's war declaration on the Soviet Union are explained by the latter. Lieutenant-General Teiichi Suzuki, President of the Planning Board, Chief Secretary of Cabinet Kenji Tomita and President Ito of the Board of Information call on Premier Konoye to report details of the situation. 1941.06.23 — The Japanese naval air forces today carry out the first bombing of Siming, capital of Chinghai Province, otherwise known as Koko Nor, since the outbreak of the China affair. It also is a record long-distance flight for Japanese navy planes. Ten other towns in China are bombed. 1941.06.23 — A joint statement is issued by Premier Konoye and President Wang Ching-wei of China, making public the firm determination of the Governments of Japan and China to strengthen Sino-Japanese collaboration in every field toward realization of a new order in East Asia and lasting peace of the world. The statement is issued at the Premier's official residence in the presence of Dr. Ito, President of the Board of Information, and Lin Pai-sheng, Minister of Publicity at Nanking. 1941.06.23 — Premier Konoye is received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor. He makes a detailed report on general political affairs at home and abroad to the Throne. Sir Robert Craigie, British Ambassador, calls on Foreign Vice-Minister Chuichi Ohashi at the Foreign Office and talks on various problems relating to the outbreak of the German-Soviet war. Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka is visited by German Ambassador Eugen Ott. 1941.06.23 — President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government visits the graves of two deceased Japanese scholars, Dr. Kenjiro Umé, president of Hohsei University, and Baron Masa-aki Tomii, head professor of the university when President Wang studied there 38 years ago. 1941.06.24 — The Government, closely following fresh developments in the world situation, is carefully deliberating in order to leave nothing undone in coping with any emergency that may arise. 1941.06.24 — The Foreign Office instructs Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Tatékawa, Ambassador in Moscow, to take steps to withdraw all Japanese women and children residing there, via Manchuli; 11 women, including Mrs. Tatékawa, and several children are expected to leave Moscow immediately. 1941.06.25 — President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government of China after nine days' stay in Tokyo leaves for home today, having fulfilled his mission. 1941.06.25 — An extraordinary session of the Cabinet this afternoon lasts nearly an hour, whereafter Premier Konoye is received in audience by the Throne. He answered Imperial questions. The topic of discussion at the session is a question of supreme importance which has arisen from the outbreak of the German-Soviet war. Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka and War Minister Hidéki Tohjo make detailed reports on the situation. 1941.06.25 — The inauguration ceremony of the new Sociedade Luso-Niponica (Portugal-Japanese Society), established under the patronage of Baron Takaharu Mitsui and other noted persons, is held at the Peers' Club. 1941.06.26 — The German-Soviet war, which presents an issue of supreme importance to Japan, continues to dominate the attention of the Government. A regular liaison conference between the Government and the high command, held at the Premier's official residence, discussed the vital question of the attitude to be adopted by Japan. 1941.06.26 — Lin Pai-sheng, Nanking Minister of Publicity, expresses the deep appreciation of President Wang and his party of the enthusiastic welcome given them during their sojourn in this country. 1941.06.27 — Thirty-two Japanese women and children, including the wife of the Japanese Ambassador to the Soviet Union, entrained from Moscow for Manchuli last night aboard a non-express trans-Siberian train which is expected to take 10 days to arrive at Manchuli. 1941.06.27 — The new international situation which has arisen out of the German-Soviet hostilities continues to overshadow all other issues. An extraordinary liaison conference between the Government and the high command is held today. 1941.06.28 — Immediately after his return to Nanking today from Japan, President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government declares his gratitude for the courtesy shown him by the Imperial Japanese Court, as well as the Government and people of Japan, and expresses his renewed resolution concerning the vigorous activity of the peace movement in China. 1941.06.28 — An announcement is issued by the Board of Information regarding Japan's extension of a ¥300,000,000 loan to the National Government, Nanking: "In response to the desire of the National Government of China, the Japanese Government has decided to extend to them a loan to the maximum of ¥300,000,000. With regard to its execution the Yokohama Specie Bank, etc., will be in charge." 1941.06.28 — For the fourth successive day, a liaison conference between the Government and the high command is held today. Premier Konoye and War Minister Hidéki Tohjo are received in audience by the Throne. 1941.06.29 — The thirteenth air raid by squadrons of Japanese naval bombers, the Japanese Fleet in Central China Waters announces. Taking advantage of fine weather the raiders continue intensive bombing of military establishments in the city. 1941.06.30 — There was a noticeable increase in activity in Government and army circles. Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka is received in audience by the Throne in the morning, and Navy Minister Koshiro Oikawa is received in audience in the afternoon. Army members of the Supreme War Council meet. An extraordinary liaison conference between the Government and the high command is held in the evening. 1941.06.30 — Fifty-four persons are killed, 51 injured and four are missing, and some 27,700 houses are inundated in the Kyushu, Chugoku and Kinki districts in the storm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 1941.07.01 — The National Government of China in Nanking is formally recognized by Germany, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Bulgaria, Rumania, Slovakia and Croatia, it is announced by Dr. Nobumi Ito, President of the Board of Information. This makes 10 nations that have recognized the National Government, as it has already been recognized by Japan and Manchoukuo. 1941.07.02 — The nation's policy to meet the new international situation arising from the hostilities between Germany and the Soviet Union is decided, after two hours of deliberation among the leaders of the Government, Privy Council and Imperial Headquarters in the Imperial presence. The Government announces "an important national policy to meet the current trend of events is decided at an Imperial Conference today." Subsequently Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka issues a statement on the international situation. 1941.07.02 — Kunming, vital Chinese military base in Yunnan Province, is intensively bombed by three squadrons of Japanese naval aircraft. Three other Japanese naval air units attack Chanyi, enemy air base northeast of Kunming, Tungchwan, north of Kunming, and Suntien, northeast of Kunming. 1941.07.03 — Construction of State Highway No. 9 (175 miles) connecting Tokyo with Niigata, most important port in the traffic between Japan and Manchoukuo over the Japan Sea, is started. The new Tokyo-Yokohama Highway is near completion. 1941.07.03 — The corruption and financial weakness of the Chungking Government are revealed and severely criticized by A. Manuel Fox, American member of the British-American Fapi Stabilization Commission, on June 20 at the third financial conference at Chungking, according to a report from Shanghai. He also proved the falseness of its propaganda and urged honest administration. 1941.07.04 — A banking agreement between Japan and French Indo-China is signed by the Yokohama Specie Bank and the Banque de l'Indo-Chine, central banking institution in French Indo-China, today at the Tokyo office of the Yokohama Specie Bank, by President Toshikazu Okubo of the Japanese bank and General Manager Paul Guney of the French bank. The agreement establishes special accounts for yen funds and rice in the two countries. 1941.07.05 — Up to now, more than 2,000 enemy planes were shot down in aerial combat or destroyed on the ground by the Japanese naval air forces since the outbreak of the China affair four years ago, according to the Navy Ministry. 1941.07.05 — The results achieved by the Imperial Army in four years of fighting in the China affair are announced by the Army Information Department of Imperial Headquarters. Enemy casualties were in the neighbourhood of 3,800,000. Around 2,013,000 enemy bodies were counted, says the communiqué, which gives the number killed in the Japanese army as 109,250, inclusive of the Changkufeng and Nomonhan conflicts. 1941.07.05 — There is a definite improvement in the attitude of the authorities of the Netherlands East Indies toward Japan, which permits hope in any great difficulties encountered by Japan in trade relations with the Dutch colony, according to Kenkichi Yoshizawa, chief delegate to the abortive Japan-Netherlands East Indies economic conference at Batavia, in a press interview at Keelung. 1941.07.05 — Exchange of ratifications of treaties relating to the mediation conference for settlement of the Thai-French Indo-China border dispute and the economic agreement between Japan and French Indo-China was done at the Foreign Minister's official residence. Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka, French Ambassador Charles Arsène-Henry and Thai Minister Phya Sri Sena sign for their respective countries. 1941.07.07 — The fourth anniversary of the outbreak of the China affair is observed by all Japan. The entire nation at the signal of the noon siren offered silent prayers for the continued success of Japan's military campaign and for the repose of those who have fallen. 1941.07.07 — His Majesty the Emperor is pleased to grant the Order of the Golden Kite to 8,900 and 46 officers and men of the Army and Navy, respectively, as the first honour accorded to the living in connection with the current China affair. 1941.07.07 — Lieutenant-General Hayao Tada, commander of the Japanese force in North China, and Lieutenant-General Seishiro Itagaki, chief of staff of the headquarters of the Japanese Expeditionary Forces in China, are promoted to the rank of general. General Tada is made a member of the Supreme War Council and General Itagaki commander of the Japanese army in Korea, succeeding General Kohtaro Nakamura, who becomes a member of the Supreme War Council. General Yasutsugu Okamura, member of the Supreme War Council, is appointed commander of the Japanese force in North China, while Lieutenant-General Jun Ushiroku, commander of the Japanese force in South China, is appointed chief of staff of the headquarters of the Japanese Expeditionary Forces in China. 1941.07.07 — Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita, member of the Supreme War Council, returns to Tokyo from a 6-month trip of inspection in Germany and Italy. 1941.07.07 — On the fourth anniversary of the outbreak of the China affair, Japanese naval air units make the eighteenth air raid of this year on Chungking. Japanese air raiders inflict heavy damage on military headquarters at Tungcheng in Anhwei and on military establishments at Kweichow, about 100 kilometres east of Ichang, Santowping, midway between Kweichow and Ichang, and other important places. 1941.07.08 — The national budget for the 1942-43 fiscal year, which starts on April 1, will be so framed as to enable the successful execution of the national policy. This emerges from today's regular Cabinet meeting at which proposals of Finance Minister Isao Kawada for the next budget are approved. In the next fiscal year the Government will economize in everything but defence. The Cabinet also approves a plan submitted by the Finance Minister to meet needs foreseen at the time the estimates are drafted. 1941.07.08 — In continuation of their relentless bombing of the doomed city of Chungking, crack naval fliers under commanding officer Mori carry out their twentieth bombing, inflicting heavy damage on the remaining war establishments. 1941.07.09 — The Japanese Aoki and Haga detachments, engaged in a mopping-up campaign against remnants of the Chungking forces in Kwangtung Province, captured Tsunglim, an important enemy supply centre after repulsing a large body of Chungking troops. The same detachments occupied Wongkong, strategic point in Kwangtung. 1941.07.09 — A group of naval planes under Commander Funada this morning raided Kingtechen, situated 150 kilometres south of Anking, Anhwei Province, causing heavy losses to military objectives. The headquarters of the 21st Army Group in Kingtechen and other war objectives were destroyed. 1941.07.10 — Kenkichi Yoshizawa, chief of the Japanese delegation at the Japan-Netherlands East Indies economic parley at Batavia, returns to Tokyo after an absence of more than six months. He is welcomed by Foreign Minister Yosuké Matsuoka and other high officials. 1941.07.11 — The outline of a new financial setup is announced following today's Cabinet meeting, to meet the financial challenge of the new situation confronting the country. The change will be revolutionary in that all liberal elements will be eliminated from the economic structure of the nation. 1941.07.11 — British anti-Japanese military and economic operations have recently become noticeable in Malaya, Thailand, Burma and French Indo-China, according to reports to the Asahi from Bangkok, Hanoi and Nanking. The British economic and military pressure on Thailand has become positive and in the economic field Britain is trying to prevent the shipment of Thai products to Japan by securing rubber, tin and others in return for oil. 1941.07.11 — Many valuable books and scientific specimens, so far kept in the hands of the Japanese forces in North China, will be returned to the North China Political Affairs Commission — part of the aim to return as much as possible of Chinese property to the legal owners. 1941.07.12 — Final agreement concerning a British-Chungking military alliance will be made public soon, between General Chiang Kai-shek and General Richard Thornton Down, Chief of General Staff of the British Far Eastern Forces, who is expected to fly to Chungking from Singapore about the middle of this month, it is revealed today. 1941.07.12 — The Japanese Government announces its five members of the French Indo-China-Thailand Border Delimitation Commission, as provided by the Franco-Thai Peace Treaty recently concluded through Japan's mediation. The commissioners have been selected from the Foreign Office, War and Navy Ministries and are headed by former minister plenipotentiary Makoto Yano, who will be chairman of the three-power mixed commission. 1941.07.13 — The heavy rain, which started a few days ago in the region from the Kii peninsula up to Tokyo, amounted to the record figure of 376 gallons per four square yards. Minor disruption of railway communications occurred. Some houses are flooded, some swept away. 1941.07.14 — A party of 24 Japanese evacuees safely arrive in Tokyo from Moscow, including Mrs. Toshiko Tatékawa, wife of Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Tatékawa, Japanese Ambassador in Moscow. 1941.07.14 — The Japanese mopping-up campaign against guerrillas affiliated with the Chungking army and those belonging to the new 4th Army along the Han River is having satisfactory results. 1941.07.15 — An agreement concerning economy in the national budget for the fiscal year of 1942-43 is reached at today's Cabinet meeting, as follows: "In view of the current situation, the Government will effect drastic economy in the State budget in conformity with the recent compilation of the material mobilization programme for the next fiscal year and other projects. Every State Ministry, after consulting with the Finance Ministry, will frame its retrenched working budget as speedily as possible and submit it to a Cabinet conference." 1941.07.15 — The authorities concerned move to regulate surface and underground traffic in the metropolitan area. The Railway and Home Ministries issue orders to operators of underground railways in Tokyo to turn over the lines to the group of operators of high-speed underground railways which was formed on June 4 under the presidency of Kunito Hara. The action is under Article 2 of the Land Transportation Adjustment Law which was enacted in 1938. Simultaneously, the two Ministries issue orders to operators of suburban surface lines in the old city area to transfer the lines to the Tokyo municipal government. 1941.07.15 — Fifty-three German women and children from among the evacuees arriving in Japan from the Netherlands East Indies reach Tokyo tonight. They experienced about a year and a half of hardships in the Dutch East Indies. They are met at Tokyo Station by German Ambassador Ott and other Germans. 1941.07.16 — The Konoye Cabinet resigns en bloc. In announcing it, Dr. Nobumi Ito, president of the Board of Information, says: "It (the Cabinet) realized the need of perfecting and strengthening the internal structure speedily first of all to enable the vigorous execution of national polity in view of an ever-changing world situation. Realizing the great need there is of effecting sweeping reforms in the organization of the Cabinet, it decided to resign en bloc." --- Contemporary Japan Vol. X No. 9 (September 1941) --- (covers 1941.07.21 to 1941.08.20) 1941.07.21 — A liaison conference of the Government and the high command is held at 2 p.m. today at the Imperial Palace. The meeting is the first under the third Konoye Cabinet, and lasts an hour and a half. 1941.07.21 — The Japan Christian Association, founded June 24, is considering a new framework for Christian activities in Japan from a new point of view. It intends to establish autonomy for Christian activities, abandoning dependence on organizations in Great Britain and the United States. 1941.07.22 — Deputy spokesman Yasushi Ishii of the Information Board tells foreign news correspondents at his interview with them that, immediately after the formation of the new Cabinet, Foreign Minister Admiral Toyoda received German Ambassador Major-General Eugen Ott and Italian Ambassador Indelli and informed them that there would be no change whatever in Japan's foreign policy. 1941.07.22 — The Minister, Mr. Ishii adds, also tells them that the foreign policy will continue to be based on the Three-Power Treaty with Germany and Italy, which Japan will continue to observe in both spirit and aim. Asked whether the aim of the Three-Power Treaty is peace, Mr. Ishii replied in the affirmative. 1941.07.22 — Referring to the reports of the Japanese leaving South Africa, the spokesman states that altogether they number about 30, and they are leaving because there is no more business for them to do there. He added that the members of the Japanese legation are remaining. 1941.07.22 — Kumataro Honda, Ambassador to Nanking, who resigned after the resignation of the second Konoye Cabinet, decides to remain at his post at the request of the new Foreign Minister, Admiral Teijiro Toyoda, today. 1941.07.22 — Appointment of Vice-Admiral Marquis Teruhisa Komatsu as the Commander-in-Chief of the naval forces in Central China is announced by the navy press section of the Imperial Headquarters. Vice-Admiral Komatsu replaces Vice-Admiral Boshiro Hosogaya, who is scheduled to arrive in Tokyo from China tomorrow. 1941.07.22 — The Japanese Border Delimitation Commission led by Makoto Yano, who arrived at Saigon, took off for Bangkok today, to take up the duty of the frontier demarcation. After passing the night at the Continental Hotel, the commission paid a series of courtesy visits to the Governor of Cochin-China and the Commanders-in-Chief of the French Army and Navy here. At the Continental Hotel greetings were exchanged between the Japanese and French representatives. 1941.07.22 — The resignations of Toshio Shiratori and Yoshiyé Saito, advisers to the Foreign Office, are accepted by the new Foreign Minister, Admiral Teijiro Toyoda, which is officially announced. 1941.07.22 — Kumaichi Yamamoto, director of the East Asia Bureau of the Foreign Office, is appointed acting Vice-Foreign Minister. 1941.07.23 — Setting up a joint A.B.C.D. (American-British-Chungking Dutch) front, a group of democratic Powers sticking to maintenance of the status quo are aiding one another strategically to obstruct Japan's work of establishment of the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere, says a Nichi Nichi correspondent in Manila. 1941.07.23 — All Kanto and neighbouring districts in Japan proper, including Tokyo, suffer from heavy rains accompanied by a strong gale from early yesterday afternoon to early this morning. 1941.07.23 — While Japanese foreign policy is being closely watched by the world with the appointment of Admiral Teijiro Toyoda as Foreign Minister in the third Konoye Cabinet, this nation's foreign policy, based on the tripartite alliance, remains unchanged, Yasushi Ishii, spokesman of the Board of Information, declared at a press conference of foreign correspondents. 1941.07.24 — Opinion is gaining ground in the House of Representatives favouring creation of a new body. The movement is supported by renovationist members of various factions. The objectives are, first, to sweep away the so-called factionalism, which is still prevalent, and to make the political activities of Lower House members conform with the times; second, to promote the movement of the National Service Association, while unifying national power and public opinion; and third, to support the immutable national policy and its execution. 1941.07.24 — General Hayao Tada, former supreme commander of the Japanese Expeditionary Force in North China, is given audience by His Majesty the Emperor. He reports on the conditions existing in North China. 1941.07.25 — Questioned about the Welles-Nomura interview recently reported from Washington, at which the American acting Secretary of State is said to have told the Japanese Ambassador that there is some room for adjusting Japan-American relations, assistant spokesman Ishii Kishi of the Information Board, at the foreign news correspondents' interview, comments that the Japanese Government has never given up hope for adjustment of the relations between Japan and America. Such adjustment would not be contrary to Japan's treaty obligations with other countries, Mr. Kishi adds, in response to a question. Mr. Kishi is asked if the Government has received confirmation of the Japanese press reports of military pressure being exercised by certain other countries against Thailand. He replies that it is difficult to get confirmation of such reports. He says that as far as the attitude of the Thai Government is concerned, it is quite satisfactory to Japan, but adds that the activities of the de Gaullist elements are not very agreeable to the friendly relations between Japan and French Indo-China. 1941.07.25 — President Roosevelt issues an executive order freezing all Japanese assets in the United States. The order is effective tomorrow. White House officials say the freezing was the action which President Roosevelt had indicated earlier. 1941.07.25 — Simultaneously with the freezing from tomorrow of all Japanese assets in the United States, the Washington Government today also freezes all Chinese assets in the United States. The Government issues a statement that Chinese assets are included in the order freezing Japanese assets at General Chiang Kai-shek's "specific request," to help the Chungking Government. 1941.07.25 — The United States' action apparently is intended to make the American freezing order effective to the occupied portions of China. 1941.07.25 — Michiyo Iwamura, Procurator-General of the Supreme Court, is invested by His Majesty the Emperor as full-time Justice Minister at the Imperial Palace today. 1941.07.25 — Tsunéji Taniguchi, director of the Accounts Bureau of the Finance Ministry, is appointed Finance Vice-Minister. 1941.07.26 — Negotiations which have been under way between the Japanese and Vichy Governments in view of the increasing menace to mutual interests in French Indo-China, brought about by the recent Chungking-London military agreement, are brought to a successful conclusion with agreement reached by both Powers to join forces in defending that territory. 1941.07.26 — At the same time, the Foreign Office issues a long statement concerning the conclusion of the agreement with the Vichy Government for the joint defence of French Indo-China. (For the text refer Documentary Material, Contemporary Japan, August, 1941.) 1941.07.26 — Japanese Government promptly retaliates against President Roosevelt's freezing Japanese assets and credits in the United States, by enforcing restrictions on transactions of American nationals and corporations. The restrictions are under the regulations for control of transactions of foreigners and under the Foreign Exchange Control Law. 1941.07.26 — Sir Robert Craigie, British Ambassador, calls on Foreign Minister Teijiro Toyoda at 2:30 p.m., to notify him of Britain's intention to abrogate the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with Japan of April 3, 1911, the treaty concluded between Japan and India on July 12,1934, and the treaty concluded on June 7, 1937, regarding trade between Japan and Burma. 1941.07.28 — The Japanese Government today puts into practice the regulations for control of transactions connected with foreigners in this country. The regulations are applied to the nationals of the United States and the Commonwealth of the Philippines and Britain for the time being. 1941.07.28 — The Netherlands East Indies freezes all Japanese assets. 1941.07.28 — The Privy Council approves formally the Japanese-French agreement for the joint defence of French Indo-China. The Government immediately notifies the Japanese Ambassador in France, Sotomatsu Kato, of the completion of necessary procedures within the country. The agreement will become effective immediately with the formal signing. (For the text see Documentary Material, Contemporary Japan, August, 1941.) 1941.07.29 — The dispatch of additional army and naval forces to French Indo-China is announced in a statement issued jointly by the army and naval information departments of the Imperial Headquarters at 8 p.m. The move by Japan is under the Protocol between Japan and France with respect to joint defence of French Indo-China, which was concluded on July 26 and went into effect today. 1941.07.29 — The Government in retaliation for the freezing of all Japanese assets in Netherlands East Indies that colony to the list of designated nations under Article 4 of the regulations for control of transactions connected with foreigners, effective today. 1941.07.29 — Sumner Welles, acting Secretary of State, at his press conference today says the United States Government has given no assurances to Japan that licenses will be issued to permit continued trade. In clarifying his earlier statement that Japanese vessels in United States ports would be allowed to leave, Mr. Welles says that clearance papers would be given Japanese ships under present conditions. 1941.07.29 — The National Government of China at the meeting of the Executive Yuan which discusses the American and British orders to freeze the Chinese assets, formally approves the law concerning the disposal of assets of designated foreigners. The new law was put into force today. According to the law, permit must be secured from the Finance Ministry for the disposal or acquisition of real estate, valuable securities and exchange between the Chinese people and the designated foreigners. Violaters of the law will be punished by a fine of not exceeding $3,000 yuan or a penal servitude of less than one month. 1941.07.29 — Tranquillity prevails over the regions of Saigon and French Indo-China where additional Japanese troops have been peacefully dispatched with the unreserved co-operation of the authorities of French Indo-China, reports Saigon. 1941.07.30 — Signature in Vichy yesterday of the protocol between France and Japan for joint defence of French Indo-China and Japanese troop disembarkations today are unanimously welcomed by the Paris press, which, under big headlines, emphasize that Indo-China would be defended in the future jointly by France and Japan against all possible attack. 1941.07.31 — Lieutenant-General Shojiro Iida, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Force, reinforced to French Indo-China, at 10 a.m. enters Saigon port. 1941.07.31 — He is welcomed by many Japanese residents there. The Chief of Staff of the French Indo-China Force, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief, at 2 p.m. pays a courtesy call on the arriving Japanese Commander aboard the boat. A few other official representatives of French Indo-China also at the same time visit General Iida. 1941.07.31 — The Imperial Army dispatched to French Indo-China started landing at Saigon and vicinity on July 29 in co-operation with the French Indo-China army, it is announced by the Army Section of the Imperial Headquarters, also that Lieutenant-General Shojiro Iida is commanding the Japanese Army in that area. 1941.07.31 — The Foreign Vice-Minister of the Thai Government in a press interview at Bangkok emphatically declares that Thailand will observe strict neutrality to cope with the situation arising from the reinforcement of Japanese forces in French Indo-China. He categorically denies rumours, emanating from foreign sources, which are contrary to policies of Thailand. 1941.07.31 — The Office of Production Management, Washington, is expected to issue soon a priorities order curbing substantially, if not completely, flow of raw silk to hosiery mills and other civilian manufacturers, it is disclosed today. 1941.07.31 — After roaring over the Mekong River valley, a number of Japanese naval planes land at an undisclosed aerodrome in the outskirts of Saigon at 11 a.m. today. They are the first Japanese to arrive in southern French Indo-China. 1941.08.01 — Expressing firm determination to achieve the important mission of Franco-Japanese joint defence of French Indo-China, the Supreme Commander of the Japanese forces in French Indo-China now at Saigon issues the following message: "Taking the occasion of landing of the Japanese additional forces dispatched to French Indo-China, I with herewith to express thanks to the French Indo-China Government and the people for their kindness shown to the Japanese forces. Some time ago the Franco-Japanese protocol regarding their joint defence of French Indo-China was concluded and signed in a friendly spirit in Vichy while the negotiations for detailed provisions relative to the enforcement of the protocol were amicably concluded, in Hanoi. This is a matter for mutual congratulation." 1941.08.01 — Gunji Takei, Governor of Yamaguchi Prefecture, has been appointed first Director of the newly established Population Bureau of the Welfare Ministry. 1941.08.01 — Arriving by the N.Y.K. ship Asyama Maru from New York are the ashes of Joseph Warren Teets Mason, journalist, and famous authority on Shinto, whose final wish was to have his body cremated and the ashes buried in Japan. 1941.08.01 — The Japanese Yendo, Moritama, Korématsu and Katakura army units fly over to the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Szechwan Province and raided Chuntsieh today, a key point in the province, and inflicted heavy damage on arsenals and other military establishments there, it is announced by the Japanese Expeditionary Forces to China. 1941.08.01 — The Government of Burma has issued an order prohibiting all transactions with Japanese firms, says a Bombay dispatch. 1941.08.01 — President Roosevelt orders suspension of export of motor fuels and aviation oils, and simultaneously directs export of other petroleum products to be limited to usual or prewar quantities. 1941.08.02 — Sumner Welles, acting Secretary of State, today delivers a strongly worded statement, denouncing the Vichy Government's agreement with Japan as being tantamount to a virtual surrender of part of the French Empire. 1941.08.03 — Vice-Admiral Seiichi Niimi, Supreme Commander of the Japanese naval forces in South China, who arrived at Saigon after completing his important mission to escort the vessels carrying the Japanese additional troops dispatched to French Indo-China, receives today at his headquarters representatives of the Government, Army and Navy of France including, the envoy of the Governor of Cochin China. 1941.08.03 — The Ogaki unit of the Japanese forces, which landed at a certain point in south French Indo-China on August 2, starts their advance through the tableland of Cambodia and reaches a certain city, this afternoon. 1941.08.04 — Wholesale invocation of the National General Mobilization Law is now contemplated by the Government for the complete reorganization of political, economic, industrial and social structures to cope with the critical situation confronting the nation. 1941.08.04 — The United States Government is preparing to send a vessel to Japan to pick up 654 American nationals who have been virtually stranded because of the suspension of Japanese sailings to the United States, Washington correspondent of the New York Herald Tribune reports to today. 1941.08.04 — Military operations for placing in the given positions the Japanese reinforcements dispatched to French Indo-China under the provisions of the Franco-Japanese protocol regarding joint defence of French Indo-China, which commenced near Saigon on July 28, are completed today, according to a communiqué issued by the Japanese forces in French Indo-China. The operations are carried out peacefully in friendly co-operation with the French Indo-China authorities and people, the communiqué adds. 1941.08.04 — Reviewing the conclusion of the joint defence pact with Japan, a Vichy spokesman, among other things, says in his statement, "In Syria we had to deal with plain aggression by Britain without an ultimatum and without forewarning. Enemy concentrations are threatening French Indo-China and the territory is cut off from home; hence we have accepted Japanese military precautions through the Kato-Darlan agreement." The spokesman emphasized that France could not think of the British aggression on Syria being repeated on Indo-China. 1941.08.05 — "On both sides (Japan and Netherlands East Indies) we have no intention of stopping our trade," deputy spokesman Yasushi Ishi of the Information Board declares to foreign news correspondents at his interview when asked about the trade relations between Japan and N.E.I. "Because of the N.E.I. freezing of Japanese assets," he continues, "there will be some restriction, so of course we cannot expect the same amount of trade to continue as before." 1941.08.05 — The Thai Government under date of August 3 formally recognizes the State of Manchoukuo and the Government today notifies the Manchoukuo Government to that effect by cable. 1941.08.07 — The Education Ministry moves to organize the nation's students to assist in the construction of a high degree national defence structure. The Education Ministry issues instructions to prefectural governors, principals of schools under the direct supervision of the Ministry, and presidents of Government and private colleges and universities, ordering them to band students into associations for service to the State. 1941.08.07 — From today the restrictions on economic activities of nationals of the Netherlands and Netherlands East Indies in Japan under the ordinance holding up transactions of individuals and firms of designated countries will be alleviated, in the light of the fact that no restrictions are imposed by the Netherlands and Netherlands East Indies on economic activities of Japanese individuals and firms except monetary transactions. 1941.08.07 — Speaking on the international situation, Vice-Admiral Jean Decoux, Governor-General of French Indo-China, today in a press interview at Hanoi says: "We believe that by virtue of the joint defence agreement between Japan and France for French Indo-China, peace in East Asia will be greatly promoted. Although it is rumoured that Britain is sending more troops to the Burma border, we don't think that Britain will immediately start military action. Since the announcement of the Japan-France joint defence agreement for French Indo-China, the Anglo-American side has been circulating false propaganda against Japan and French Indo-China in connection with the agreement. We can't understand why they circulate such propaganda. They have directly nothing to do with the joint defence agreement which has been concluded at the free will of Japan and France." 1941.08.08 — Deputy spokesman Yasushi Ishii of the Information Board, asked whether Japan finds satisfactory the statement by British Foreign Secretary Eden in the House of Commons on August 7 that all reports of British aggressive designs against Thailand are baseless, at his interview with foreign news correspondents, replies, "Yes, if it were true." The spokesman calls attention to the various preparations or military arrangements Britain has made in Malaya. "Why," he asks, "is it necessary to make such strong military preparations, and establish such a strong British army along the frontier of Thailand?" 1941.08.08 — Policies of the wartime programmes of prices of farm products and iron products, which have a vital bearing on the Government's plan for extension of industrial output and capacity for the 1941-42 fiscal year are agreed upon at the regular Cabinet council today. They will be laid before the Price Commission before they are implemented. 1941.08.08 — Refuting Anglo-American imputations regarding the Tokyo-Vichy pact, Vice-Admiral Jean Decoux, Governor-General of French Indo-China, has declared that the United States and Britain are aiming to interfere in affairs concerning Japan and France, the official German News Agency reports from French Indo-China to Berlin. Admiral Decoux states he is convinced security of French Indo-China is best guaranteed by joint defence by Japan and France. 1941.08.08 — The Japanese Army in Central China has restored six Chinese factories in Shanghai and Wusi, which had been placed under the control of the Japanese Army, to the National Government of China this month. These plants consist of four spinning and one each oil refining and flour mill out of the 150 Chinese factories under the control of the Japanese Army, 53 plants were restored to the Chinese Government up to the end of July. With the restoration of the above six plants the total restored to the Chinese Government so far reaches 61. 1941.08.09 — The number of Japanese residents in Hainan Island has increased to 6,714, according to statistics issued by the Japanese Consulate-General at Hoihow. This is an increase of 707 compared to the preceding month. Of these 2,093 are living in this city. 1941.08.09 — In order to facilitate issuance of permits to nationals whose assets have been frozen, the Finance Ministry decides to dispatch Foreign Exchange officials to the Kobe and Osaka branches of the Bank of Japan. The handling of permits will be commenced by these officials from today in Osaka and Kobe for daily trade transactions and for daily necessities. 1941.08.09 — At the 14th meeting of the Foreign Exchange Control Commission held August 9 at the Finance Ministry it was agreed that a new department be set up in the commission to see that concrete plans for measures to cope with economic pressure by countries hostile to Japan are worked out and put into practice speedily. 1941.08.10 — To meet the hostile encirclement manoeuvres by the ABCD group against Japan, the Japanese Government decides to put all shipping under direct, rigid control. 1941.08.11 — A group of Japanese evacuees from Singapore and British Malaya arrived at Bangkok on August 9, according to a dispatch from there today. Many other Japanese evacuees from these regions are understood to be arriving here on August 13 by the international train. 1941.08.11 — "The course of events between Japan and the United States has so vital a bearing on the world situation that it is up to the authorities to proceed with the utmost caution in dealing with problems between the two countries," says Kanamé Wakasugi, Minister to the United States, who is now in Los Angeles en route home, to the Tokyo Nichi Nichi by radio telephone. 1941.08.11 — Mr. Wakasugi takes occasion to praise the policy pursued by Chancellor Hitler to the United States. He sees in Chancellor Hitler's attitude of maintaining silence toward the doings of the United States unmistakable evidence of the long range of the Fuehrer's world policy. 1941.08.11 — The existing price levels, bound to those maintained from September 18, 1939, will be kept to "toe the time being," according to a draft Imperial Decree revising the present Price Control Law which is approved by the General Mobilization Inquiry Commission. 1941.08.12 — Regarding recent anti-Japanese action in Ecuador the Foreign Office receives a report from Tsunéo Yanai, Japanese Minister to Colombia and concurrently to Ecuador, to the effect that the Ecuadorian Government after expressing apology for the recent anti-Japanese action has promised not to interfere in the future with the passage of Japanese ships in Ecuadorian waters. Mr. Yanai's report to the Foreign Office further states that for the Kiyokawa Maru incident the Ecuadorian Government has also promised to start immediately investigations and settle the matter to the satisfaction of the Japanese Government. 1941.08.12 — The Government-General of French Indo-China issues a statement announcing its decision to accept Japanese proposals for the dispatch of a special envoy to supervise Japanese consular and diplomatic authorities in the French colony. 1941.08.12 — The Publicity Section of the Japanese Fleet in South China makes public the following statement: "Naval air units under Commanding Officer Nabéta raided Kunming in a large formation and scored the following results: 1. Pouring explosives on an arsenal and its compound, the raiders caused a terrific explosion there. 2. Finding a group of automobiles and gasoline stations, the bombers heavily bombed them. A column of black smoke was observed from a height of 2,000 metres." 1941.08.13 — With their economic and daily activities drastically curtailed by the British freezing order, Japanese residents, totalling more than 400, have decided to evacuate Hongkong and already a large number of them are leaving for Canton, according to an Associated Press dispatch received at Manila from the British Colony. 1941.08.14 — The Finance Ministry announces that diplomatic representatives of the Netherlands East Indies have been exempted from application of the Foreigners' Transaction Control Regulations according to general licence No. 21. The same Ministry announces today in the Official Gazette the adding of Uganda and Kenya, British colonies in Africa, to the list of designated nations for application of the Foreigners' Transaction Control Regulations. 1941.08.14 — The Finance Ministry has decided on increased taxation to check possible vicious inflation and to absorb floating purchasing power. According to the plan now being formulated by the Finance Ministry, the increased taxation will be limited to indirect taxes including commodity consumption taxes. By carrying out the new move, the Finance Ministry expects an additional increase of at least ¥120,000,000 or ¥130,000,000 for the first half year (between October this year and March, next year), and ¥300,000,000 at least for the ensuing fiscal year. 1941.08.14 — Crack Japanese naval planes under Commanding Officer Tanaka carry out spirited raids upon Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, and blew up munitions works and machine factories there. 1941.08.14 — The Board of Trade, London, announces that all exports to Japan from tomorrow, will be banned, except those under licence and also it has revoked all outstanding licences hitherto granted for exports to Japan. The ban applies to Korea Manchoukuo, Formosa and the Kwantung leased territory as well as Japan Proper. 1941.08.14 — Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, Minister without Portfolio, is injured in the drawing-room of his residence at No. 429, Nishiokubo, Yodobashi-ku, this morning, when he is attacked by an assailant with a revolver, according to an announcement by the Tokyo Local Procurator's Office. His Majesty the Emperor graciously sends court physician Dr. Takuma Matsunaga to the private residence of Baron Hiranuma the same day. 1941.08.15 — Eiji Amau, former Ambassador to Italy, was selected at today's Cabinet meeting as Foreign Vice-Minister. Kumaichi Yamamoto, Foreign Vice-Minister pro tem, has been relieved of that duty. The new Vice-Minister is widely known to both Japanese and foreigners especially press circles, as former Foreign Office spokesman. 1941.08.15 — To enhance further the friendship and collaboration between Japan and Thailand for the establishment of the Sphere of Common Prosperity in East Asia, both the Japanese and Thai Governments today elevate their legations respectively in Tokyo and Bangkok to the status of Embassy. 1941.08.15 — Commenting on the Anglo-American joint declaration made public on August 14, the Tokyo press in unison says that it is indicative of the intention of the United States and Great Britain to form a world order of their own after the present war on the basis of the so-called status quo. Furthermore they aim at alienation of those countries, now in the Axis order, from Germany and Italy in Europe, while in the Far East they express their support to Chungking and the Netherlands East Indies and, at the same time, attempt to split public opinion in Japan, the local press continues. 1941.08.16 — Baron Matao Nagayo, former president of the Tokyo Imperial University and a famed authority on the study of cancer, dies of lingering illness complicated by pneumonia, at his residence in Azabu, Tokyo. His Majesty the Emperor on August 15 graciously created him a baron in recognition of his long services rendered in the cause of the promotion of medical studies in this country. 1941.08.16 — The condition of Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, Minister without Portfolio, who was wounded by an assailant on August 14 is progressing favourably. 1941.08.16 — Trade Associations of Japanese exporters in French Indo-China will be established in Hanoi and Saigon, comprising all Japanese exporters in French Indo-China. 1941.08.18 — Separate meetings having been completed among delegates of Japan, Thailand and French Indo-China, the initial meeting of the joint commission of the three countries regarding the demarcation of the new border between Thailand and French Indo-China is held at the headquarters of the commission at Saigon. 1941.08.18 — Vice-Admiral Yorio Sawamoto, Navy Vice-Minister, becomes concurrently Director-General of the Navy Aviation Headquarters in succession to Vice-Admiral Shigéyoshi Inouyé who is transferred to an important post at sea. 1941.08.18 — The Marechal Joffre sails from Manila for Shanghai with 377 Japanese evacuees among her passengers. 1941.08.18 — The Official Journal at Vichy today publishes a decree announcing that French Indo-China has prohibited trading with any country except Japan. 1941.08.18 — Eric John Harrison, Minister of Trade and Customs, at Melbourne today announces licences have been issued permitting shipment of a small quantity of wool to Japan. 1941.08.19 — The Cabinet moves to strengthen further the nation's wartime structure by forming a measure for state management of shipping. Under the plan, which the Government expects to put into force early next month, shipping, seamen, and shipbuilding will be brought under the control of a special corporation to be established under Article 18 of the National General Mobilization Law. 1941.08.19 — With the entry of Japanese forces into southern French Indo-China, Chinese language newspapers at Saigon, the Min Pao and Yuan Tung Jih Pao, discontinue publication. The Chon Pao also recently suspended publication. 1941.08.20 — Prime Minister Robert G. Menzies, opening a special session of Parliament at Canberra, today charges Japan with creating tension in the Far East and declares Japan has the "means of relief in her own hands." 1941.08.20 — Twenty-two Japanese residents who evacuated Singapore and British Malaya arrive at Bangkok on their way home. 1941.08.20 — The Government has plans ready for meeting any aspect of an economic war in which the nation may find itself involved. This reassuring statement is a speech by Finance Minister Masatsuné Ogura at a gathering of officers of the National Monetary Council held at the Bankers' Club. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XI No. 1 (January 1942) --- (covers 1941.11.21 to 1941.12.20) 1941.11.21 — After further demonstrating the co-operation and unity between the Government and the people, the 77th extraordinary session of the Diet is closed. In the short 5-day session, all the Government's bills and budget estimates are passed with record speed. 1941.11.21 — An Imperial Ordinance concerning national service to the State through labour which provides for service by all Japanese men (14 to 40) and unmarried women (14 to 25) for a maximum of 30 days a year is promulgated, effective December 1. 1941.11.21 — There is no cause for concern about the rice supply situation next year because the stocks of rice at the end of the 1941 rice year (October 31) were 8,350,000 koku (a koku is about five bushels) which represents 1,900,000 koku more than the ideal carry-over of 6,500,000 koku, assures Agriculture and Forestry Minister Hiroya Ino. 1941.11.22 — Following his talks with diplomatic representatives of Britain, Australia, the Netherlands and Chungking, United States Secretary of State Cordell Hull confers with Ambassadors Nomura and Kurusu, at Mr. Hull's apartment at the Wardman Park Hotel. State Department officials report that the conversations with Japanese diplomats expanded the previous discussions. 1941.11.23 — The Government re-fixes the goal of national savings for the 1941-2 fiscal year at ¥17,000,000,000 an increase of ¥3,500,000,000 over the original goal, in order to balance the greatly increased budget of the State. 1941.11.24 — A special one-day gubernatorial conference is held at the Premier's official residence for the purpose of infusing the farthest corners of the land with the spirit of complete general mobilization. At the meeting Premier General Hidéki Tohjo, expressing the irrevocable determination of the Government to achieve the goal of the current struggle, asked self-sacrificing service on the part of government officials. 1941.11.24 — The Foreign Office announces that the Tatsuta Maru, 16,975-ton N.Y.K. liner, will be sent to Los Angeles and Balboa following an understanding reached with the United States Government. The same announcement says that the number of Japanese evacuees from regions where the "freezing" order is in force runs to 10,000. 1941.11.24 — The Argentine Government rejects the request by Baron Shu Tomii, Japanese Ambassador in Buenos Aires, for extension through 1941 of the Japanese-Argentine Trade Pact. 1941.11.24 — The United States Navy Department announces that some of the gunboats patrolling the Yangtze River will be withdrawn and transferred elsewhere. Their destination is believed to be the Philippines. 1941.11.25 — A new protocol providing for extension of the Anti-Comintern Pact for another five years is signed in Berlin on the fifth anniversary of the signing of the original treaty. Seven nations,— China, Rumania, Bulgaria, Finland, Slovakia, Croatia and Denmark newly join in the pact. 1941.11.26 — The American Embassy in Tokyo advises all American residents in Japan, excluding the "Kisei" to go home, in accordance with instructions received from the State Department. The American Consulate-General in Tientsin also urges approximately 330 American residents there to return home. 1941.11.26 — A further list of Army officers and men who have been honoured for their brilliant services in the fighting at Nomonhan, the battle of Hankow and actions in other parts of the continent is made public by the War Office and Bureau of Decorations. 1941.11.26 — United States Secretary of State Cordell Hull hands a document to Ambassadors Nomura and Kurusu, when they call at the State Department. State Department officials disclose that the document represents the culmination of Japanese-American talks and rests on certain basic principles with which everyone should be familiar in the light of many repetitions. 1941.11.27 — Japanese Ambassadors Nomura and Kurusu hold a conference with President Roosevelt and Secretary of State Cordell Hull at the White House. 1941.11.28 — President Roosevelt states to the press that American vessels sailing the Pacific route will not be armed "under the existing circumstances." When asked how long he expects these circumstances to continue, the Chief Executive replies, "the answer lies in Tokyo, not in Washington." 1941.11.29 — Premier General Chang Ching-hui of Manchoukuo, on the eve of the first anniversary of the conclusion of the Japan-China-Manchoukuo Joint Declaration, says that unless anti-Axis elements are eliminated, peace and prosperity can never be established in East Asia. 1941.11.30 — Huge mass meetings to commemorate the first anniversary of the conclusion of the Japan-China-Manchoukuo Joint Declaration are held simultaneously in Tokyo, Nanking and Hsinking. Premier General Hidéki Tohjo, in his radio speech felicitating the occasion, declares that European and American countries from sheer selfish motives are pulling wires to make Chungking hamper the construction of a new order in East Asia. Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo, at a dinner party held at the Imperial Hotel in celebration of the anniversary, says that the United States is inclined to apply fanciful principles to East Asiatic nations to interfere with the new order movement. 1941.11.30 — The White House reveals secret transcripts from President Roosevelt's press conferences during 1937 and 1938 which disclose that the Chief Executive did not proclaim a state of war between Japan and Chungking because otherwise Chungking would be prevented from buying war materials from America owing to Japan's holding of a complete and free access to all United States raw materials. 1941.12.01 — A sixth Japan-American conversation is held, when Japanese Ambassadors Nomura and Kurusu call on Secretary of State Cordell Hull. The Japanese diplomatic representatives, in the course of the interview, demand an explanation of some points in Mr. Hull's note. 1941.12.01 — The War Office announces that Lieutenant-General Saburo Ando has been appointed a member of the Supreme War Council; Major-General Ken-ichiro Kyo, chief of the Soldiers' Affairs Section of the Kumamoto Division; Major-General Toyojiro Nakashiro, chief of the Soldiers' Affairs Section of the Ranan Division; Major-General Kozuyé Matsumoto, chief of the Soldiers' Affairs Section of the Imperial Guard Division. 1941.12.02 — Japanese Ambassadors Nomura and Kurusu call on Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles at the State Department at the invitation of Mr. Welles. Mr. Welles made, for President Roosevelt's information, certain inquiries of the Japanese Government. 1941.12.02 — Mr. Yoshiaki Hatta, Commerce and Industry Minister in the Hiranuma Cabinet, is appointed full-time Railways Minister and Agriculture and Forestry Minister Hiroya Ino installed concurrently as Overseas Affairs Minister. This step is expected to strengthen the position of the Tohjo Cabinet and at the same time to enable Mr. Togo to devote all his attention to foreign affairs. 1941.12.02 — The Navy Office and Bureau of Decorations release a seventh list of 87 living naval officers and men who were decorated with the Order of the Golden Kite for their distinguished services in the China affair. 1941.12.02 — The N.Y.K. liner Tatsuta Maru which is to carry back Japanese evacuees from the United States sails from Yokohama for Los Angeles in its second trans-Pacific voyage since the imposition of the freezing act. 1941.12.03 — Giving a long resumé of the Japan-American talks, Secretary of State Cordell Hull tells the press that the talks revolved around the United States Government's 14-point declaration of July, 1937, and that the policy Japan is following is diametrically opposed to the traditional American Far Eastern policy. 1941.12.04 — Finance Minister Okinori Kaya, in the first day session of the East Asia Economic Conference held at the Imperial Hotel, declares that British and American freezing order has not dealt any serious blow to the interests of Japan, Manchoukuo and China and, on the contrary, the order has spurred Japan to redouble its efforts toward the establishment of a new economic order in the East Asia co-prosperity sphere. 1941.12.05 — Japanese Ambassadors Nomura and Kurusu hand the Japanese Government's reply to President Roosevelt's inquiries, when they call on Secretary of State Cordell Hull. The White House, after the conversations, publishes the Japanese document without making any comment. 1941.12.06 — The Government-General of Malaya recalls all men in the armed services to their posts and publishes a decree prohibiting the departure from Malaya of all non-British subjects without special permission. Thai Premier Luang Pibul Songgram declares in an exclusive interview with a Bangkok Chronicle correspondent that Thailand will fight to the last ditch in case it should be involved in war. 1941.12.06 — The affairs regarding the stock exchange and the insurance business have been transferred from the Commerce and Industry Ministry to the Finance Ministry, announces the Board of Information. The jurisdiction over the matters on the People's Rehabilitation Bank, the control of foreign exchange bills, the distribution of industrial salt and camphor and the monopoly sale of alcohol have been shifted from the Finance Ministry to the Commerce and Industry Ministry. 1941.12.07 — The Hongkong Government issues mobilization orders, according to a U.P. cable, while Domei reports that General Douglas MacArthur, Commander-in-Chief of the United States and Philippine forces, will make an important announcement to his armies within the 24 hours following his scheduled conference with President Manuel Quezon of the Commonwealth. 1941.12.08 — An Imperial Rescript declaring war on the United States and Great Britain is issued and at the same time the Government announces Japan's immutable policy to insure the stability of East Asia. 1941.12.08 — Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo hands American Ambassador Joseph Clark Grew a note which says that "the Japanese Government cannot but consider, in view of the attitude of the United States, that it is impossible to reach an agreement through further negotiations." The Foreign Office publishes the summary of the Japan-U.S. talks. 1941.12.08 — United States battleships (the 31,800-ton West Virginia, the 29,000-ton Oklahoma and the 32,600-ton Arizona) are sunk, three battleships and four large-sized cruisers seriously damaged as a result of an air blitz carried out by the Imperial Navy on Hawaii. Japanese submarines torpedo the 19,900-ton American aircraft carrier Enterprise off Honolulu. 1941.12.08 — The Imperial Army and Naval Air Forces carry out lightning attacks on Davao (in the Philippines), Hongkong, Wake and Guam, while units of the Japanese Army make a landing in the face of the enemy on the Malay Peninsula, commence operations against Hongkong, march into the International Settlement of Shanghai, seize British and American interests in North China, and peacefully advance into Bangkok in accordance with the agreement between Japan and Thailand. 1941.12.08 — America, Britain, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands East Indies, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Chungking and Cuba declare war on Japan, while Egypt severs diplomatic relations with Japan. 1941.12.08 — The one-day session of the Central Co-operative Council of the National Service Association is held and President Masayuki Tani of the Board of Information clarifies Japan's war aims at the meeting. 1941.12.09 — His Imperial Highness General Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni, member of the Supreme War Council, is installed concurrently as commander-in-Chief of the General Defence Headquarters. 1941.12.09 — Mr. S.A. Lozovsky, Vice Foreign Commissar of the U.S.S.R., reaffirms at a press conference his statement of December 1, when he announced Soviet neutrality in the event of a Pacific War. 1941.12.10 — The mainstays of the British Far Eastern Fleet are practically destroyed when the Japanese Naval Air Force sinks two British battleships (the 35,000-ton Prince of Wales and the 32,000-ton Repulse) and a large-sized destroyer off Kuantan, on the eastern coast of the Malay Peninsula, while the Japanese lose only three planes. 1941.12.10 — The Japanese Army forces land at Guam in co-ordination with landing parties of the Navy which, after eliminating the enemy's fierce resistance, completely occupy important points around Agara, the capital of the island. Successful landing is also made on the northern part of the Island of Luzon in the Philippines. 1941.12.11 — Germany and Italy decide to wage war in concert with Japan against the United States and Great Britain and an agreement to this effect is signed in Berlin by representatives of the three Powers. The agreement consists of five articles including stipulations for a pledge against separate or independent peace-making and a joint action toward the goal of new order construction. 1941.12.11 — An understanding is reached between Japan and Thailand for the conclusion of a Japan-Thai Offensive and Defensive Alliance. 1941.12.11 — The greater part of the United States air force in the Philippines is crushed by the Japanese Naval Air Force when 45 American planes are shot down and 36 destroyed at Manila. A fleet of the Japanese Navy bombards Baker Island, 600 miles southwest of Hawaii. 1941.12.12 — A military agreement is concluded between Japan and French Indo-China on the basis of the Japanese-French Indo-China Joint Defense Agreement of July, 1941. 1941.12.12 — Units of the Japanese Army and Navy land on the southern part of Luzon. Navy airmen have shot down 77 American planes and destroyed 125 in the Philippines since the beginning of the war, announces the Navy Department of the Imperial Headquarters. The Japanese Army completely occupies Kowloon, situated opposite Hongkong, as well as the Island of Guam and wipes out a British mechanized division in Malaya. 1941.12.13 — Three American planes are downed and 40 destroyed in Luzon by a Japanese air blitz, while the Japanese Army forces, which have penetrated deep into British Malaya, occupy a certain important enemy base on the west coast of Malaya. 1941.12.14 — The Japanese Army land forces start a mass offensive against Hongkong in close co-operation with the air force. 1941.12.15 — The 78th extraordinary session of the Diet is convoked with the object of preparing the country and its Government for the war upon which the nation entered on December 8. 1941.12.16 — The opening ceremony of the extraordinary wartime session of the Diet is held in the House of Peers, in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor. Premier General Hidéki Tohjo, in his Diet speech, stresses his faith in Japan's final victory, declaring that the Japanese Empire will fight until the enemy is downed. 1941.12.16 — The Japanese Army and Naval units land on British Borneo. Japanese warships shell Johnston Island, 800 miles southwest of Honolulu, while the British forces in Malaya are reportedly making a general retreat. The United States Navy Department announces that Japanese warships for the last 24 hours have been shelling the Island of Maui in Hawaii. 1941.12.17 — Two hundred and five persons are killed, 259 injured and 1,341 houses completely destroyed on account of a severe earthquake in the Tainan Province, Taiwan. 1941.12.18 — The 78th extraordinary Diet session is closed with a ceremony held in the House of Peers. In the course of the session, Diet members pass all the Government's proposals and budget estimates. 1941.12.18 — Correcting previous communiqués regarding the damages inflicted upon the United States air and naval forces in the Battle of Hawaii, the Navy Department of the Imperial Headquarters announces that five capital ships, two cruisers and one oil tanker are sunk; three battleships, two light cruisers and two destroyers seriously damaged; one battleship and four cruisers partly damaged; and 464 planes destroyed. 1941.12.18 — The Japan-Germany Exchange Radio Broadcast Agreement is signed at the Foreign Vice-Minister's official residence by Shichiro Komori, president of the Broadcasting Corporation of Japan, and Dr. E. Wickert, representative of the German Broadcasting Corporation. 1941.12.18 — The British authorities have confirmed reports that Netherlands East Indies and Australian troops have landed on Timor, small Portuguese possession, says a Domei dispatch from Stockholm. 1941.12.19 — As Governor-General Young of Hongkong rejects the final Japanese advice to surrender, the Japanese Army and Naval units land on the British colony. Penang in Malaya is completely occupied by the Japanese. 1941.12.19 — Mr. Mamoru Shighémitsu, Ambassador to the Court of St. James, is appointed Ambassador to the National Government of China in succession to Kumataro Honda who is recuperating from a recent illness. 1941.12.19 — Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo sends a message of friendship to the Governments of Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru in which he emphasizes that the real aim of the war is to eradicate U.S.-Britain evils. 1941.12.20 — Japanese Army and Naval units effect landing on Minda nao in the Philippines, breaking enemy resistance. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XI No. 10 (October 1942) --- (covers 1942.08.21 to 1942.09.20) 1942.08.21 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese garrison forces on Makin Island at the northern tip of the former British-owned Gilbert Islands, despite their numerical inferiority, completely repulsed approximately 200 American soldiers who had effected a landing on the island at dawn on August 17. The Gilbert Islands were occupied by Japanese forces at the outset of the Pacific war. 1942.08.22 — The engineering units of the Japanese Army are awarded honours by the War Ministry in appreciation of the successful exploits which during the Malay campaign and this fact has come to the know- ledge of His Majesty the Emperor. 1942.08.22 — The Government of Brazil announces that Brazil has declared war on Germany and Italy. Its policy toward Japan remains neutral. 1942.08.22 — Seven more war prisoners' camps are set up in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaya, the Philippines, Java and Borneo. 1942.08.24 — Former Chief Abbot Koh-yén Ohtani of the East Honganji Temple, Kyoto, has made public his intention to visit Thailand with the Government's understanding to bring about more closer relations between Japan and Thailand through Buddhism. 1942.08.23 — For the cause of Indian independence, Thailand will do its best in close co-operation with Japan, Premier Pibul Songgram declares when interviewed by Japanese newspaper correspondents at Bangkok. 1942.08.23 — The Duke of Kent, youngest brother of King George VI of Greater Britain, is killed when a Sunderland flying-boat carrying him to Iceland from London crashes north of Scotland. All members of the crew are also killed, according to a London communiqué announcing the British royal family's first fatality since the outbreak of the war. The Duke of Kent was en route to Iceland to assume his new post as air inspector of the British expeditionary forces there. 1942.08.26 — Japanese air units continue their activity over enemy bases in Australia. In a large-scale attack launched on Port Darwin on August 24, 14 enemy planes were downed by the Japanese "wild eagles." Two days later, Broome, an important point on the northwestern coast of Australia, was subjected to a severe air attack. 1942.08.27 — Further heavy losses were suffered by the United States Navy in what has been named the second battle of the Solomons. Japanese naval units, engaging reinforcements of the American Navy to the east of the Solomons on August 24, repulsed them after inflicting heavy losses. One large American aircraft-carrier of a new type was seriously damaged and another aircraft-carrier of medium size and a battleship of the Pennsylvania class were more or less seriously disabled, according to results ascertained up to August 27 and released by the Imperial Headquarters. Japanese losses consisted of one small aircraft-carrier seriously damaged and one destroyer sunk. 1942.08.28 — Another important step in the direction of perfecting the national defence structure is taken by the Government. It comes in the form of a decision of the Cabinet to set up a corporate juridical body under the direct supervision of the Cabinet to co-ordinate the work of the more important of the inquiry associations and research institutes. It will be called the Inquiry and Research League. 1942.08.28 — The unrest in India continues unabated and the death list is mounting steadily. Many more influential Indians have been arrested and brutal attacks by the police on student demonstrators continue, but there has been no slackening in the nationalist agitation for securing political freedom. Meanwhile, Mahatma Gandhi has been prohibited to communicate with outside circles and he is not even allowed to read newspapers. 1942.08.28 — The Foreign Office announces the decision of the Government to dispatch three outstanding statesmen as special ambassadors on a mission to Nanking. They are former Premier Baron Kiichiro Hiranuma, former Foreign Minister Hachiro Arita and former Communications Minister Ryutaro Nagai. The purpose of the mission will be to return the courtesy to the Nanking Government which previously dispatched President Wang Ching-wei and Special Ambassador Chu Min-yi to this country to strengthen further the ties binding Japan and China. 1942.08.29 — Eloquent testimony of the healthy condition in which Japan's finance stands today is seen in an announcement by the Finance Ministry showing that the grand total of the revenue for the 1941-42 fiscal year increased by ¥2,156,000,000 over the revenue for the previous fiscal year. 1942.08.30 — For the purpose of combating the propaganda broadcasts by enemy organs, the Broadcasting Corporation of Japan has planned a wholesale enlargement and improvement of its international department. Efforts will be exerted to keep world listeners-in, especially, those in America, informed of actual war results. 1942.08.31 — In line with the population policy of the Government which aims at increasing the population of Japan to 100,000,000 by the thirty-fifth year of Showa (1960), the Matrimonial Consulation Office in the Welfare Ministry will be dissolved and replaced by the Dai Nippon Matrimonial Service in the near future. The headquarters will be established in the same ministry and will have branches at the seats of prefectural governments. 1942.09.01 — The Board of Information announces that the Government has decided to create a Ministry for Greater East Asia Affairs which is expected to be established on October 1, when a new minister to head it will be appointed. It will be the general organ for conducting administrative work covering the fields of politics, economy and culture within the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere excepting Japan proper, Korea, Taiwan and Karafuto. All matters of purely diplomatic nature, however, will be left to the jurisdiction of the Foreign Office. 1942.09.01 — Premier Hidéki Tohjo, concurrently War Minister, holds a third portfolio, that of Foreign Affairs. His assumption of this additional duty came as a result of Shighénori Togo's resignation as Foreign Minister. Shighénori Togo has been nominated as a member of the House of Peers following Imperial sanction. 1942.09.02 — Japanese forces have smashed approximately 2,800 Chungking troops belonging to the 31st Army commanded by General Yu Hsueh-chung, killing during the engagement their commander Pao Lai-kang and 1,229 troops and taking prisoner 194 soldiers, it is announced officially. 1942.09.02 — The anti-British movement in Egypt reached its climax today when during the celebration of the Egyptian Independence Commemoration Day masses of students clashed with British troops stationed in Cairo and Alexandria. Casualties occurred on both sides, reports reveal. Five members of the Egyptian Royal Family have been arrested and imprisoned by the British troops and the King is said to be virtually a hostage in the palace which is encircled by armed forces. 1942.09.02 — Agriculture and Forestry Minister Hiroya Ino is received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor and submits a report on this year's rice crop condition in the Empire. The situation this year is very favourable, according to Minister Ino. 1942.09.03 — Mayor Chou Hsuehchang of the Nanking Special Municipality, who arrived in Tokyo on September 2, issues a message to Tokyo citizens, in which he says that Tokyo is the nucleus of the greater East Asia emancipation drive and the movement for regenerating the races of greater East Asia. 1942.09.04 — In response to the Government policy of simplification of the administrative machinery, a drastic reform in municipal administration is decided upon by Mayor Ayao Kishimoto of Tokyo. According to the plan, which is drafted with a view to establishing the wartime structure of the city administration, six bureaus and 23 sections are to be abolished. Several new bureaus will be established. 1942.09.04 — Solemn memorial services are held in Kalgan in honour of the late His Imperial Highness Major Prince Nagahisa Kitashirakawa, who was killed in action two years ago today on the Mongolian front. Impressive memorial rites are also held at the Tokyo City Public Hall. 1942.09.04 — A shortage in steel of 5,000,000 tons of the demand for the current year is what America is facing today, according to a New York Times dispatch. Shipyards in New Orleans have been forced to suspend operations due to the acute shortage, while the Chrysler and Chevrolet factories in Detroit have had to cease building war tanks for the same reason. It is thus believed hardly likely that the United States will be able to fulfil its contracts with the Allies under the Lease-Lend Act. 1942.09.07 — In a statement issued to foreign correspondents spokesman Tomokazu Hori of the Board of Information expresses his deep sympathy with the American youths who are being sent to the fronts in the southern Pacific. He adds that these youths are going to war zones believing that they are dedicating their lives to the cause of their country, but, in reality, they are being merely utilized for the benefit of the party politics of American statesmen. 1942.09.07 — The War Ministry announces that citations have been granted by Lieutenant-General Takashi Sakai, supreme commander of the Japanese Army forces in the Hongkong area, to the following for brilliant services rendered : The Nishiyama unit, the Iwai engineering corps, Lieutenant Zempei Masujima, three members of the Tanaka unit, the Kishi engineering company, the Suzukawa engineering unit, the unit attached thereto, the unit co-operating therewith and the Takatsuki flight company. The War Ministry announces at the same time that the fact that these citations have been granted has been brought to the notice of His Majesty the Emperor. 1942.09.07 — Declaring that Japan is fully prepared for a long-drawn-out war, Captain Hidéo Hiraidé of the Navy press section of the Imperial Headquarters in a special newspaper article says that the nation will continue to fight, irrespective of time limit to realize its war aims. 1942.09.08 — President Roosevelt in his Labour Day speech says : "Today, exactly nine months after Pearl Harbour, we have sent overseas three times more men than we transported to France in the first nine months of the first World War. We have done this in spite of greater danger and fewer ships. And every week sees a gain in the actual number of American men and weapons in the fighting areas. These reinforcements in men and munitions are continuing and will continue to flow." 1942.09.09 — Proving that Japan controls the air over all occupied areas in the southern region, Japanese aerial fighting units shoot down three Blenheim and two Lockheed bombers over Akyab on the western coast of Burma. 1942.09.10 — The programme for the motion picture campaign in the southern region is mapped out at the Vice-Ministers conference. According to the programme, the existing South Seas Motion Picture Corporation will be dissolved and instead the Motion Picture Distribution Company will take charge of the distribution of moving pictures and materials for cinema production, their importation and exportation and all other incidental affairs. 1942.09.10 — It is announced that a formation of more than a dozen Manchoukuo Army planes comprising an air mission headed by Major-General Lou Wen-lin, commander of the Peace Preservation Corps, will arrive in Tokyo on September 16. The purpose of the mission is to extend gratitude to the Japanese Army and especially to aeronautical circles in Japan for assistance given in building up the Manchoukuoan Army air corps 1942.09.11 — Severely attacking the United States Government for the treatment meted out to Japanese evacuees and internees, spokesman Tomokazu Hori of the Board of Information in a statement issued to foreign correspondents terms its action as unfair, unjustifiable and inhumane. "The American Government is today writing the darkest and ugliest page of American history, thus adding an infamous chapter entitled ' Persecution in the Land of Liberty ' to the annals of human history," he avers. 1942.09.11 — Despite the enforcement of ruthless oppressive measures, the Indian masses bravely keep up their fight for national independence. Rioting continues unabated. Reports that are filtering through clearly indicate that mass demonstrations against the British Raj are causing no amount of worries to it. 1942.09.13 — The thirtieth anniversary of the death of General Count Marésuké Noghi, hero of the siege war of Port Arthur during the Russo-Japanese War, who committed suicide with Countess Shizuko Noghi, wife, following the Emperor Meiji to the grave, is commemorated at the Noghi Shrine, Tokyo. 1942.09.14 — Mahatma Gandhi, incarcerated leader of the Indian National Congress, is reported to be suffering from ill-health. 1942.09.15 — Marking the tenth anniversary of the founding of Manchoukuo, appropriate celebrations are observed in that country and Japan. Opening the 9ala fute staged at Nanling, His Majesty the Emperor of Manchoukuo reads an Imperial Rescript which His Imperial Majesty issues for the historic occasion. In Tokyo, the celebrations are highlighted by a grand gathering at the Hibiya Public Hall and a luncheon given by the Manchoukuo Embassy. 1942.09.16 — The U.S. Western Defence Command announces that the American mainland had experienced its first Japanese aerial assault when, on September 9, a Japanese seaplane dropped an incendiary bomb in the southwestern part of Oregon which caused a fire. The plane was last seen making its way seaward, the U.S. announcement states, adding that on the same day an American patrol craft had spotted a submarine of an unknown nationality at a point about 30 nautical miles off the Oregon coast. 1942.09.17 — Japan's structure for meeting the needs in the construction side of the war of greater East Asia is completed with the appointment of a regular Foreign Minister and a Minister without portfolio. Mr. Masayuki Tani, President of the Board of Information, is the new Foreign Minister. He will hold the post of President of the Board of Information concurrently. The new Minister without portfolio is Kazuo Aoki, the highest economic adviser to the Chinese National Government. Mr. Kumaichi Yamamoto, acting Foreign Vice-Minister, is appointed full-time Foreign Vice-Minister. 1942.09.18 — Belatedly admitting the loss of the 19,990-ton aircraft-carrier Yorktown in the sea battle off Midway on June 5, the United States Navy Department announces that the carrier and the 1,570-ton destroyer Hammann were sunk. On June 16, the Japanese Imperial Headquarters announced that an Enterprise-type aircraft-carrier and a Hornet-type aircraft-carrier were sunk by the Japanese Navy. The Hornet is a sister-ship of the Yorktown. 1942.09.18 — In his third public speech since his return to the United States, which he delivered at Syracuse, New York, former Ambassador to Japan Joseph C. Grew warns the American people of the mighty strength of Japan for the third time. A report received here quotes Mr. Grew as saying that " the United States can defeat Japan only by a knockout—only by a physical destruction or an utter exhaustion of her manpower as well as her material power." In conclusion, the former Ambassador remarks: "I have lived in Japan for ten years and I know the Japanese intimately. The Japanese will not crack—they will not crack morally or psychologically or economically." 1942.09.19 — An important indicator of the fact that the neutrality policy is being widely supported in Argentina is seen in the rejection of the proposal by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies to sever relations with Axis countries. The rejection is carried by a majority vote. 1942.09.20 — The whole nation observes the third Aviation Day with much enthusiasm because of the glorious victories the Japanese Army and Navy air forces have gained in every battle since the beginning of the Pacific war. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XI No. 11 (November 1942) --- (covers 1942.09.21 to 1942.10.20) 1942.09.21 — A Domei report received from a certain Japanese air base states that in a combat between a Japanese naval patrol bomber and an American "flying fortress," the first encounter of its kind to be reported in the current war, the American plane was shot down in flames after a long running fight. The engagement took place on September 9, when a Japanese aircraft ran into a Boeing B-17 somewhere over the tropical sea. 1942.09.23 — Japanese submarines operating in the Aleutians effected a surprise raid on August 31 on Nazan Bay in Atka Island and seriously damaged one American A-class cruiser of the Northampton class, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. In addition, Japanese destroyers sank two enemy submarines in the same area around the middle of September, the announcement adds. 1942.09.23 — Completing a lengthy journey from Hsinking the official Manchoukuoan goodwill air mission, composed of Manchoukuoan Army aircraft, arrives at Tachikawa near Tokyo. The goodwill flight is made in connection with the celebrations of the tenth anniversary of the founding of Manchoukuo. 1942.09.24 — Japanese forces which advanced from the east in the recent Chekiang-Kiangsi operations during the period from May 15 to August 18 engaged approximately thirty Chungking divisions over an area extending 200,000 square kilometres, annihilating five enemy divisions and inflicting severe losses to seven divisions besides routing eighteen other divisions, it is announced by the Japanese expeditionary forces in Central China. 1942.09.25 — An announcement of the Imperial Headquarters reveals that Japanese submarines have already extended their sphere of activities to the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the Japanese Navy forces is now engaged in joint operations with the Axis navies. One of the Japanese submarines recently entered a certain German base. 1942.09.25 — The Moscow mission of Wendell Willkie, President Roosevelt's special envoy, proves a complete failure. As to the question when the British-Soviet understanding concerning the formation of a second front will be reached, British and Soviet views do not agree. 1942.09.26 — A definite and important step in the direction of making the national defence structure impregnable has been taken by the Army's enactment of regulations providing for the recruiting of men for home defence. The new measure is being carried out to bring into full play the total strength of the nation. 1942.09.26 — With the satisfactory progress of the Japanese mopping-up campaign in eastern Hopeh Province, the number of Chungking troops belonging to the Eighth Route Army surrendering to the Japanese forces is fast increasing. The latest to lay down arms is Liu Fong-wu, commander of the second company of the same army, and a large number of his men. 1942.09.26 — The Pacific war has developed into an endurance contest and the secret of winning this struggle lies in uniting the nation in an indissoluble manner, Premier Hidéki Tohjo remarks in an address on the third day of the four-day session of the Central Co-operative Council of the National Service Association. Foreign Minister Masayuki Tani, Navy Minister Shighétaro Shimada, Home Minister Michio Yuzawa and other Cabinet Ministers also deliver addresses. 1942.09.27 — Leaders of Japan, representatives of Germany and Italy in Japan and foreign friends of these three countries observe in Tokyo the second anniversary of the conclusion of the Tripartite Alliance Treaty. A large meeting is held at the Hibiya Public Hall, Premier Hidéki Tohjo and Foreign Minister Masayuki Tani speak on the occasion. 1942.09.27 — Lieutenant-General Naotsugu Sakai, who had been commanding a front line Army corps in the Chekiang-Kiangsi operations, was killed on May 28 in the course of a battle near Lanchi, it is announced by the War Ministry. The lieutenant-general struck a mine and received fatal wounds. 1942.09.27 — The untold hardships experienced by Japanese internees in India at the hands of the British officials are dramatically described by the repatriates. Some aspects of the British ill-treatment of civilian Japanese internees are not made public as revelation may make it harder for those still confined. 1942.09.27 — By radiocasts in eighteen languages directed toward America, proper and effective steps are being taken to urge the American Government to reconsider its ill-treatment of Japanese internees. This announcement is made by Vice-President Kiwao Okumura of the Board of Information. 1942.09.27 — Fulfilling in a most prompt manner the ¥300,000,000 Loan Agreement concluded with the Nanking Government, Japan starts supplying war supplies, including rifles, mortars, machine - guns, grenade - throwers, motor-trucks and telephones to the Wang administration. The first delivery was effected on September 10 and the second on September 28 at the Nanking Field Warehouse. 1942.09.27 — A large-scale change is announced of the portfolios of the Manchoukuo State Council. Ambassador Li Shao-keng to Tokyo is appointed Foreign Minister and several other Ministers are newly appointed. Wang Yunching is appointed Ambassador to Tokyo. 1942.09.29 — Commenting on the "unjust and inhuman acts of physical violence, persecution and looting" unleashed by the Brazilian people and authorities against innocent Japanese residents in that country, Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, declares in a statement that Japan expects the Brazilian Government "to waste no time in rectifying their attitude and treatment of the Japanese people who live in their country." He adds that the maltreatment of the Japanese residents by the Brazilian authorities "cannot, by any means, be tolerated by the conscience of any man." 1942.09.29 — By the simplification of administration the 1942-43 fiscal year's working budget will have its expenditures reduced by more than ¥514,000,000, it is decided at a Cabinet meeting. 1942.09.29 — A definite contribution to the enhancement of marine transport capacity was assured when an oceangoing raft with a load of 6,200 koku (60,000 cubic feet) of timber in tow arrived off Tokyo on September 28 from Hokkaido, it is revealed. 1942.09.30 — Indicating that the defenders of Stalingrad are on their last legs, the Moscow Central Broadcasting Station announces that the fate of Stalingrad has come to a final stage. German reinforcements, particularly tank units, meanwhile, have arrived at the Stalingrad front and are now ready for a final attack. 1942.10.01 — Two prominent metropolitan vernaculars, the Miyako and the Kokumin, are amalgamated to form the Tokyo Shimbun. Both dailies have been playing important rôles in Japanese journalism for approximately fifty years. 1942.10.02 — Today marked the seventy-third birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. A general round-up of Indian nationalists is carried out by the British authorities in India. 1942.10.03 — Lin Pai-sheng, Publicity Minister of Nanking, is received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor. The Publicity Minister issues a statement in which he stresses the firm determination of his Government and people to stand back to back with Japan in the prosecution of the present war. 1942.10.03 — His Imperial Highness Prince Iyéhiko Kuni, second son of the late His Imperial Highness Prince Taka Kuni, proceeds to the status of a count and adopts the family name of Uji with Imperial sanction. 1942.10.06 — Strongly protesting against the cruel treatment meted out to Japanese civilians by Mexico, Peru, Panama and other Central American countries, including Nicaragua, Salvador and Costa Rica, Tomokazu Hori, Director of the Third, Division of the Board of Information, points out to these countries the invaluable contributions Japanese residents have made toward their progress and asks them to reconsider the actions in the light of international humanity and justice. 1942.10.08 — Wendelli Willkie, President Roosevelt's special envoy, while visiting Chungking, narrowly escapes death when the Japanese airmen bomb Chungking forces along a railway line in the vicinity of Loyang. Willkie who had been inspecting the front lines of the Yellow River sector was touring along the railway accompanied by Captain Chiang Wa-kuo, eldest son of General Chiang Kai-shek, when the Japanese planes released their missiles. 1942.10.09 — Carrying an undisclosed number of British war prisoners who narrowly escaped death thanks to the gallantry of Japanese rescuers when the Army transport Lisbon Maru with 1,800 British war prisoners on board was sunk in the eastern China Sea by an American submarine, an undisclosed ship arrives in Moji. 1942.10.09 — The United States and British Governments announce that their extraterritorial rights in China will be abolished. The moves come on an the eve of the Double Tenth Festival of China. Masaomi Yoshitomi, chief of the press section of the Japanese Embassy in Nanking, issues a statement in which he exposes the hollowness of the actions of America and Britain. 1942.10.10 — His Majesty the Emperor is pleased to grant the Third Class Order of the Sacred Treasure to Hans Albert Wilhelm Treu, former director of the German National Bank (Reichsbank), who is now the Director of the Dresden Bank. 1942.10.10 — The Kamakura Maru, Japanese repatriation ship, docks at Yokohama with ashes of four of the members of the second special attack submarine flotilla who died glorious deaths in the daring attack on Sydney Harbour on May 31. The ashes had been carried to Lourenço Marquez from Australia aboard the City of Canberra and then transferred to the Kamakura Maru. Mr. Tatsuo Kawai, former Minister to Australia, escorted the ashes to Japan. The Australian Government in appreciation of the heroism of the four deceased members of the flotilla held a naval funeral service in their honour on June 9. These four heroes were Lieutenant Kénshi Chuman, Lieutenant Keiu Matsuo, First Class Petty Officer Takéshi Ohmori and Second Class Petty Officer Masao Tsuzuku. 1942.10.11 — The formation of a new Japanese-Thai postal agreement is announced by the Japanese-Thai defence command. It enables Japanese residents in Thailand to receive mail from those connected with the military in China, Manchoukuo, French Indo-China, Malaya, Burma and other areas in the south, where military postal services are in operation. 1942.10.11 — A German announcement says that the strategical objective in the Stalingrad sector has been realized even without full occupation. Meanwhile furious fighting continues. 1942.10.12 — The general opinion of America on the future of the present war has assumed a definite turn for the serious, according to newspaper dispatches. The American people have emerged from their optimistic viewpoint and have realized that this is war that will be a protracted affair. 1942.10.12 — A terse statement is issued by Tomokazu Hori, Director of the Third Division of the Board of Information, taking advantage of the 430th anniversary of the discovery of the New World by Columbus. In it he calls attention of the Latin American races to assume once more to their splendour and grandeur of olden times, forsaking reliance on Anglo-Saxon culture which professes lip force and underhand ways to implant itself into the lives of the Latin people. 1942.10.13 — The first convention of the Asia development associations of Japan, Manchoukuo and China is held at the Dai Toh-a Kaikan in Tokyo with the attendance of ninety-five representatives from the three countries. Leading members of the Manchoukuo Concordia Association and the Chinese Hsin Min Society also attend. Mr. Lin Paisheng, Publicity Minister of the National Government at Nanking, is among them. General Sénjuro Hayashi, president of the Japan Asia Development Association, presides over the conference. 1942.10.13 — A large German bombing unit composed of dive-bombers and super-heavy bombers bomb Malta once more and after inflicting serious damage to military establishments return to the base safely. In the raid, the German air unit shoots down thirteen British planes. 1942.10.13 — The military administration in the southern region appointing all its officials and completing its organization enters the stage of real construction. The first conference of leading officers of the administration is held in Tokyo. Five advisers to the administration and those directly interested in it participate in the deliberations. 1942.10.14 — The Extraordinary Grand Autumnal Festival of the Yasukuni Shrine begins today lasting six days. The spirits of the 15,021 war dead in the China affair have been deified in the Shrine. On October 16 His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress are scheduled to pay Their Majesties' personal homages to the enshrined spirits. 1942.10.16 — One Army officer and sixteen Navy officers and men who died glorious deaths in the current war in greater East Asia are recipients of special honours granted as an act of grace from the Throne, it is revealed in the first conferment of posthumous honours in connection with the current war. At the Army office thus honoured was the late Major-General Tatéo Kato, hero of the air. He was decorated with the Second Class Order of the Golden Kite. The nine heroes of the Pearl Harbour attack were similarly honoured with various grades of the Order of the Golden Kite. 1942.10.17 — The French Government announced on October 16 that "warlike tension began in the Dakar area," according to reports reaching Lisbon from Vichy. It also announced that Colonel Dericre, commander of the French air base at Dakar, was killed in action on October 11 in a combat over West Africa. 1942.10.17 — The United States Army forces advanced into Liberia in West Africa, says a Reuter's dispatch from Monrovia. 1942.10.18 — In a surprise attack from the rear against the United States forces which landed on an undisclosed port of North Ireland on October 17, some fifty Irishmen armed with machine-guns and trench-mortars inflict severe damage to the American forces, states the Domei. The attack was reported to have been carried out soon after the landing of fresh troops by the United States. 1942.10.18 — Admitting the grave crisis with which Stalingrad is confronted as a result of the renewed German general offensive, a broadcast from Berlin announced on October 17 that the battle in the Stalingrad area has now entered the last stage. 1942.10.20 — Newspapers in Japanese and in the languages of the occupied regions and in European languages have been decided to be published in the Japanese-occupied southern countries at the hands of the Domei News Agency and the leading newspapers of this country under the supervision and guidance of the Army. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XI No. 12 (December 1942) --- (covers 1942.10.21 to 1942.11.20) 1942.10.21 — Cheng Yu, first Manchoukuoan Minister to Thailand, arrives in Tokyo en route to Bangkok. He is the eldest son of the late Cheng Hsiao-hsu who was first Premier of Manchoukuo. 1942.10.22 — Two hundred and forty-six out of a total of 2,145 prolific families who were officially commended last year are to be granted annual monetary gifts from the Welfare Ministry in the shape of educational gratuities. Each gift will amount to ¥200 for students attending middle schools and ¥500 for those attending higher educational institutions. 1942.10.22 — Measures for the vigorous prosecution of the war comprising twenty-nine policies of major importance, all to be carried out during the 1943-44 fiscal year, are announced by the Board of Information after they are approved by the Cabinet. These measures, which are essential for the execution of the nation's basic policy of bringing the war to a successful conclusion, fall within five categories. 1942.10.23 — In India, the Hur tribesmen are reported to have stirred up more unrest. It is said that 300 more Hur tribesmen have been arrested, thereby bringing the total number of Hurs under detention to 3,000. 1942.10.24 — It is decided by the Government that the first anniversary of the outbreak of the war of greater East Asia will be observed by the nation for seven days beginning with December 5. The first three days will be devoted to recounting the brilliant exploits of the Japanese armed forces and reaffirming the national determination to carry the war to victory. December 8, the day on which the war was declared, will be commemorated with solemn ceremonies and programmes of enlightenment. The last three days will feature a movement to strengthen further the national fighting power. 1942.10.25 — British forces in the El Alamein area commence a great offensive with numerous tanks under the protection of air units. 1942.10.26 — The Imperial Headquarters says that Japanese Army air forces on the afternoon of October 25 stormed the enemy air bases at Tinsukia and Chittagong in eastern India and confirmedly shot down three enemy planes and unconfirmedly shot down one enemy plane and also set ablaze or destroyed over thirty-nine enemy planes, including eighteen large-size craft that were on the ground. In the combat Japanese side lost one plane. 1942.10.27 — This day, America's Navy Day, the Imperial Headquarters announces the results of latest Japanese naval successes in the Solomon area. It states that a total of eighty-four enemy warships and transports, including five aircraft-carriers and one battleship were either sunk or severely damage by the Japanese forces. In addition, a total of more than 774 enemy planes were shot down or destroyed. These amazing results were scored between August 25 and October 25 in the engagement continuing from the second battle of the Solomons and from dawn to night on October 26 in what has been called the battle of the southern Pacific. Japanese losses were twenty-seven vessels sunk or damaged and 196 planes lost. 1942.10.28 — Shinrokuro Hidaka, Minister to Nanking, is appointed Ambassador to Rome succeeding Zembei Horikiri. 1942.10.28 — Another link is forged in the chain of Japanese-Thai unity with the conclusion of a new cultural agreement between the two countries. This is the fifth cultural agreement entered into by Japan, the other accords being with Germany, Italy, Austria and Brazil. The agreement is signed for Japan by Foreign Minister Masayuki Tani and for Thailand by Thai Ambassador Nai Direck Jaiyananna. 1942.10.28 — The death while on duty of Lieutenant-General Marquis Toshinari Mayéda, supreme commander of the Japanese army forces in Borneo area, is announced simultaneously with an announcement made by the War Ministry of his posthumous promotion to the rank of full general. 1942.10.29 — The British garrison authorities in India announce that Japanese machines on October 25 not only raided Tinsukia and Chittagong, but also the American air base at Dibrugarh in the northeastern part of Assam Province. 1942.10.30 — Today marks the fifty-second anniversary of the granting of the Imperial Rescript on Education and at the same time the seventieth anniversary of the establishment of Japan's educational system. His Majesty the Emperor is pleased to grant a gracious message to Education Minister Kunihiko Hashida. In Tokyo, functions are held to commemorate the occasions. 1942.10.31 — The closing ceremonies preceding the establishment of the Ministry for Greater East Asia Affairs are held at the Overseas Ministry and the China Affairs Board, which are also to be included into the new office. 1942.11.01 — The inauguration ceremony of the Ministry for Greater East Asia Affairs following the appointment of Kazuo Aoki as its chief is held. Premier Hidéki Tohjo in a statement attributes the unprecedentedly large-scale reorganization of the nation's administrative system to the Government's extraordinary determination to surmount all difficulties in these critical times. Shifts in the personnel of various ministries are made public, including appointment of Kumaichi Yamamoto, Foreign Vice-Minister, as Vice-Minister of the new Greater East Asia Ministry, and that of Shunichi Matsumoto, Director of the Treaty Bureau of the Foreign Office, as Foreign Vice-Minister. 1942.11.04 — The German forces in the Caucasus area make additional gains. Meanwhile, in the battle around Stalingrad, fierce fighting continues with German dive-bombers blasting Soviet positions. Berlin announces that during the month of October German planes sank thirty-three transports and cargo vessels and inflicted damage to thirty-two vessels and four warships in the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, the lower reaches of the Volga River and on the Lake Lagoda. 1942.11.05 — Count Keigo Kiyoura, former Premier and former President of the Privy Council, and dean of Japan's senior statesmen, passes away. Upon being informed of his death, His Majesty the Emperor graciously confers on him the Junior Grade of the First Court Rank. The day prior to the count's passing, His Imperial Majesty graciously conferred on him the Grand Order of the Chrysanthemum with the Grand Cordon. 1942.11.06 — The Foreign Office announces that the Japanese Government in October had again lodged strong protests with the Governments of the United States and Canada, vigorously demanding reconsideration of their inhuman treatment of Japanese nationals and the taking of remedial steps. The Foreign Office simultaneously issues a statement warning the British Government to reconsider its inhuman treatment of German war prisoners with the liability of the Japanese Government reconsidering its treatment hitherto of British prisoners in accordance with international law. 1942.11.07 — The eighty-first session of the Japanese Diet will be convened on December 4. An Imperial Rescript ordering the convocation of the Diet was issued on November 6 and is promulgated by the Official Gazette today. 1942.11.07 — Japanese Navy units between the latter part of July and the latter part of October sank twenty-one enemy submarines and thirty-four enemy merchantmen totalling 232,400 tons, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. It further says that during the same period the Japanese Navy lost two submarines and twenty-nine merchantmen aggregating 122,500 tons. 1942.11.07 — Lieutenant-General Sadamu Shimomura is newly appointed as supreme commander of the Japanese Army forces in the Shanghai area. He was commandant of the Tokyo Bay Fortress. 1942.11.07 — The Washington Government announces : " The United States expeditionary forces have just started to advance into the French colonies in northern and western Africa, respectively facing the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The aim of these steps is to check in advance the Axis operations in these areas. The advance was started under the command of Major-General Dwight D. Eisenhauser at 3 p.m. today. The United States has no intention to extend its territory through the present operation which is merely being carried out to forestall possible Axis occupation of these areas which would menace the Atlantic coasts of America." 1942.11.08 — At an urgent Cabinet meeting called this afternoon in Vichy, Marshal Henri Philippe Petain, Chief of State, decides to break off diplomatic relations with the United States Government in view of the United States invasion of French colonies in North Africa. Premier Pierre Laval hands to the United States Charge d'Affaires in France, S. Pinksey Tuck, the official note declaring the severance of diplomatic relations with the United States. 1942.11.08 — On the occasion of the anniversary of the historic Munich Putsch, Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler makes it clear that there is no question of a compromise or of any peace offer in deciding the outcome of the current conflict. He points out that there is only one clear issue in this war, namely, to fight until a final decision has been reached, and reveals that the total number of dead has amounted to scarcely 350,000. Referring to Japan's victory, Chancellor Hitler says : "Since Japan's entry into the war, the Japanese have taken from the Americans ninety-eight per cent. of the rubber production in addition to the largest tin production in the world. Morcover, huge oil plants and oil resources have been taken over by them." 1942.11.09 — Indignation over the latest Anglo-American invasion of French possessions in North Africa is voiced editorially by the Volonte Indo-Chinoise in Hanoi today. 1942.11.09 — Diplomatic relations with France are severed as the United States Government hands today to French Ambassador to Washington, Gaston Henri-Haye, his passport, it is revealed in a Washington dispatch to Buenos Aires. American Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau, Jr. announces that France will be treated as an enemy country under the law controlling trade and communications with wartime enemy countries. 1942.11.10 — Admiral Zémpo Yoshida, former Navy Minister and former commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet, is appointed commander-in-chief of the Japanese Fleet in China waters, while Admiral Mineichi Koga is named commander-in-chief of the Yokosuka Naval Station succeeding Vice-Admiral Noboru Hirata, who is appointed a member of the Supreme War Council. Vice-Admiral Korémochi Takahashi is appointed commander-in-chief of the Kuré Naval Station, relieving Admiral Soyému Toyoda who is appointed a member of the Supreme War Council. 1942.11.10 — The Cabinet approves a plan to speed up the operations of loading and unloading vessels in port. The measure represents another step toward perfecting the nation's wartime shipping structure. The Government would increase the nation's stevedoring capacity by at least fifty per cent. 1942.11.11 — In its special communiqué, the German High Command announces as follows : "With a view to defending French territories against the United States and British forces' attempt of imminent landing operations to be carried out in southern France, the German forces passed through the boundary line between the German-occupied and unoccupied France early this morning. The German advance there is progressing as scheduled." 1942.11.11 — Vice-Admiral Ghuichi Nagumo is appointed commander-in-chief of the Sasého Naval Station succeeding Vice-Admiral Umataro Tanimoto who passed away on the same day. 1942.11.11 — The Japanese Army and Navy units in the Aleutian area in eighty-one aerial combats between June 12 and October 31 shot down thirty-two enemy aircraft, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. It adds that the Japanese Army and Navy units in the Aleutian area in close co-operation have been holding securely the key points in the Aleutians since their occupation early last June. The damage to Japanese side was one destroyer sunk ; two transports seriously damaged; fifteen seaplanes lost and some damage to military equipment. 1942.11.11 — Today is the twenty-fourth anniversary of the Armistice of the first World War. On this occasion Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, issues a statement, in which he says that the Armistice was dictated by the Anglo-Saxons. The remapping of the globe, as a result of the Versailles Treaty, he points out, was done for selfish gains of America and Britain. 1942.11.12 — Completing the line-up for Japan's diplomatic posts in Europe is the appointment of Suyémasa Okamoto, former Consul-General at Singapore, as Minister to Sweden. Minister Okamoto was enroute home from internment in India as a result of the Anglo-Japanese arrangement for an exchange of diplomats and nationals, when he was ordered to Europe on this new assignment. 1942.11.14 — The Imperial Headquarters makes the following announcement : "Air units of the Japanese Navy at daytime on November 12 carried out an offensive against the enemy warships and transports in Guadalcanal Island. At night on the same day, a powerful attacking unit dashed into the enemy and close range destroyed more than half the enemy warships and other seacraft there. Fierce fighting is still going on. War results ascertained up to the present are as follows : 1. War results achieved by the air units during daytime: Sunk: One new-type cruiser (sank instantly), one B-class cruiser and severely damaged and set aflame three transports. Enemy aircraft shot down: 2. War results achieved by the night attacking unit: Sunk : Two new-type cruisers (instantly sunk), two large-type cruisers and one destroyer. Seriously damaged: Two cruisers and three destroyers. 3. Our damages : One battleship seriously damaged, two destroyers sunk and one aircraft have not retured yet." 1942.11.14 — In a special communiqué issued today, the German High Command announces that the Axis naval and air forces, in close collaboration, attacked the enemy convoys off French North Africa and sank or damaged twenty-two vessels aggregating 185,000 tons. Among these seacraft, fourteen cargo vessels and large-sized transports totaling 105,000 tons were sunk, one large-sized tanker of 10,000 ton class was torpedoed and seven cargo ships as well as large-sized transports totalling 71,000 tons were severely damaged. 1942.11.16 — Later reports on the naval battle of the southern Pacific on October 26 are revealed in the following communiqué issued by the Imperial Headquarters : "Investigations based on the detailed reports arriving subsequent to the last communiqué on the naval battle of the southern Pacific have disclosed the following facts : 1. Enemy losses in warships : Sunk : One battleship, aircraft-carrier Enterprise, aircraft-carrier Hornet and one large-sized aircraft-carrier, three cruisers and one destroyer. Seriously or more or less seriously damaged : Three warships of unknown types. 2. Enemy losses in aircraft : Fifty-five or more shor down on combat in enemy skies and twenty-five shot down in combat or by gunfire in our skies. Adding the enemy planes sunk with their carriers, the total numbers lost totalled 200 or more." 1942.11.16 — The French Ministry of Information at Vichy announces that Marshal Henri Philippe Petain, Chief of State, has decided to treat Admiral Jean Francois Darlan, former commander-in-chief of the French Army, Navy and air forces, as a traitor and reject him from the society of the French people and deprive him of all military and official duties. 1942.11.16 — The Italian High Command announces that German-Italian forces have landed at Tunis with the consent of the French authorities. 1942.11.17 — Another strong protest is lodged by the Japanese Government with the British and Indian Governments against improper treatment of Japanese civilians interned at New Delhi on the basis of further facts of such maltreatment learned from testimony of repatriated Japanese subjects. 1942.11.18 — The Imperial Headquarters announces the following statement involving the third battle of the Solomons : "Continuing hostilities after November 12, the Japanese Navy units, carried out fierce attacks on the enemy air base on Guadalcanal Island on the night of November 13. In the attacks the Japanese units inflicted heavy damages on the airfield and its facilities. On November 14, while escorting our transports in the face of furious counter-attacks of enemy reinforcement fleet with two battleships and more than four large-type cruisers as its mainstay at a point northwest of that island on the same night, a fierce combat ensued with the result that the Japanese units smashed the two enemy battleships and routed others toward the south. The composite war results from November 12 to 14, known thus far, and our losses and damages during the same period are as follows: 1. Enemy warships. Sunk : Eight cruisers (of which three newtype ; five were sunk instantly), four or five destroyers and one transport. Heavily damaged : Two battleships. 2. Losses of enemy aircraft : Sixty-three planes shot down and more than ten destroyed. 3. Our losses and damages : One battleship sunk, another battleship damaged, one cruiser sunk, three destroyers sunk, seven transports heavily damaged, thirty-two planes deliberately crashed head on against enemy objectives and nine planes have not returned yet." 1942.11.18 — Reich Propaganda Minister Dr. Joseph Goebbels, in his speech at Wuppertal, a key town in the Ruhr district, on November 17 declared that a prolonged war would not realize any good to the Allies as they are allegedly hoping for. He asserted that the Axis Powers cannot fail to win a final victory in the present war. 1942.11.20 — The French Government decides to lodge a strong protest with the United States Government over various outrageous acts committed by the latter in French North Africa. The United States have not only invaded French colonies in Africa, but have released the Communist elements in Algeria and Morocco and have abolished three gulations to control the Jewish population in these localities, it asserts. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XI No. 2 (February 1942) --- (covers 1941.12.21 to 1942.01.20) 1941.12.21 — The Pact of Offensive and Defensive Alliance between Japan and Thailand is signed in Bangkok by Japanese Ambassador to Bangkok Teiji Tsubokami and Thai Premier Pibul Songgram. The new treaty consists of five articles including stipulations for the mutual respect of independence and sovereignty, joint aid in warfare and no armistice without mutual consent. 1941.12.21 — The Navy Department of the Imperial Japanese Headquarters announces that a total of nine enemy submarines were sunk from December 8 to 21 and that there are many other undersea craft which were attacked but whether or not they were actually sunk is uncertain. 1941.12.22 — Large troops of the Japanese Army land at Lingayen Gulf in the Island of Luzon. The Navy Department of the Imperial Headquarters announces that during 15 days from December 8 to 22 the Japanese Navy either sank, seriously damaged or captured 47 enemy warships; either captured, sunk or damaged 450 mercantile vessels; shot down 114 airplanes and destroyed 662 planes on the ground. 1941.12.22 — British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, accompanied by Lord Beaverbrook, Deputy Prime Minister, arrives in Washington by plane and immediately plunges into a conference with the White House leaders. 1941.12.23 — The Japanese forces which landed on Wake Island on December 22 completely occupy the United States' possession. The Army Department of the Imperial Headquarters announces that Davao on the Island of Mindanao fell into the hands of the Japanese troops on December 20. Army fighting and bombing planes in close co-operation attack Rangoon airfield in Burma. General Douglas MacArthur, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Asiatic Army in the Philippines, and President Manuel Quezon of the Commonwealth jointly declare that Manila is an open city. 1941.12.24 — The 79th session of the Imperial Diet is convened and Kazutami Tago and Sakusaburo Uchigasaki are elected Speaker and Vice-Speaker respectively of the House of Representatives. 1941.12.24 — General Kotaro Nakamura, member of the Supreme War Council, is appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Army. 1941.12.24 — The Japanese Army forces make a successful landing at Lamon Bay on Luzon and proceed toward Manila, capital of the Philippine Commonwealth. 1941.12.25 — Marking the first step of retrogression of the British interests from East Asia, the Crown Colony of Hongkong falls when Governor-General Sir Mark A. Young proposes unconditional surrender to the Japanese troops. 1941.12.25 — In large formations, the Japanese Army sky fighters swarm over Rangoon in Burma, destroying a power station, downing 40 planes in a dog-fight and blasting to pieces eight craft on the ground. Successful occupation is made of Kuching, capital of Sarawak in British Borneo and a great oil producing centre. 1941.12.26 — The opening ceremony of the 79th session of the Imperial Diet is held in the House of Peers in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor. 1941.12.26 — President Manuel Quezon of the Philippine Commonwealth and the United States High Commissioner, Francis B. Sayer, flee from Manila, reportedly realizing that the fall of the capital is inevitable in the immediate future. 1941.12.26 — Air Marshal Sir Robert Brooke-Popham, Commander-in-Chief of the British Far Eastern Forces, is relieved of his command and Lieutenant-General Henry Royds Pownall is appointed his successor. 1941.12.26 — The Japanese Army and Navy forces in Hongkong, by disarming the surrendered enemy in the region, complete the occupation of the Crown Colony. About 4,000 Chungking troops are defeated by the Japanese forces at an important point in the Ordos plain in Mongolia. 1941.12.26 — Tetsuzo Uyéba, former director of the Industrial Bureau of the Overseas Affairs Ministry, is appointed Overseas Vice-Minister in succession to Kénjiro Kitajima. 1941.12.27 — Giving full accounts of the war, Premier General Hidéki Tohjo, in the capacity of War Minister, reports to the Diet that of the 110 oil fields destroyed by the enemy in British Borneo, 70 may be put back into operation within one month and that if repairs go on as successfully as expected, there will be an output of half a million tons of oil next year. Navy Minister Admiral Shighétaro Shimada declares that 893 enemy planes were destroyed since the outbreak of the war, 16 vessels sunk 457 merchantmen captured. Northern half of Perak State in Malaya by December 26 was placed under the control of the Japanese troops which, after breaking through Kedah State, pursued the fleeing British forces into Perak, announces the Army Department of the Imperial Headquarters. 1941.12.27 — Commencing from January 1, 1942, the Government decides to cut off the linkage of the Japanese yen with the pound sterling and the United States dollar and invest the Finance Minister with authority to fix the foreign exchange rates. 1941.12.28 — Tin and rubber centre in Malaya falls in Japanese hands when the Japanese Army forces take Ipoh, a strategically important point in Perak State. 1941.12.28 — Following the entry into Hongkong harbour of the Japanese Navy, a historic event of the formal entry of the Japanese Army and Navy forces into the city is staged with due celebrations. 1941.12.29 — The Navy Department of the Imperial Headquarters discloses the result of the operations of Japanese submarines along the United States Pacific coast and in the Hawaiian area, as known by December 25, and says that 10 vessels (70,000 tons) are sunk, three vessels (30,000 tons) severely damaged and five vessels (40,000 tons) slightly damaged. 1941.12.30 — During the week between December 22 and 28, 16 enemy submarines were sunk and 16 planes smashed over the South China Sea and the southwestern Pacific, announces the Navy Department of the Imperial Headquarters. Colonel Hidéo O-hira, member of the Army Department of the Imperial Headquarters, reviewing the war results for 1941, declares that 329,927 Chungking soldiers were killed, 94,826 Chungking prisoners taken, 91,386 small guns captured and 3,441 light machine-guns taken and 637 cannon seized. 1941.12.31 — The Japanese Army takes Kuantan, on the eastern coasts of the Malay Peninsula, and Brunei, key point in British Borneo. The Japanese warships launch surprise attacks on Hilo on Hawaii Island, Kahului on Maui Island and Nailiwili on Kauai Island. 1941.12.31 — Reviewing brilliant war results achieved by the Japanese Army between December 8 and 26, the Army Department of the Imperial Headquarters reveals that 541 enemy planes were shot down or destroyed and 9,000 prisoners taken. 1942.01.01 — Labuan, vantage point in Brunei Bay in British Borneo, falls in the hands of the Japanese. 1942.01.01 — The Commonwealth Government of the Philippines, faced with the crisis of the immediate fall of Manila, begins to move to Port Darwin, North Australia, says a Domei cable. 1942.01.02 — The United States, Britain, the Soviet Union, Chungking, Canada and other anti-Axis countries sign an agreement which stipulates for no separate peace with the Axis Powers without mutual consultation and economic co-operation among themselves. 1942.01.02 — The Republic of Chile announces its strict neutrality in the war of the Pacific. 1942.01.03 — All the countries which signed the Anti-Axis Pact on January 2 agree to establish a supreme unified command in the southwestern Pacific under General Sir Archibald Wavell, Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in India, reports a Domei dispatch from Buenos Aires. 1942.01.03 — The Japanese Army forces in the Philippines completely occupy Manila, capital of the Commonwealth, and start their onslaughts upon the enemy in Corregidor Island and the Bataan Peninsula, both near Manila. 1942.01.04 — After completing mopping-up operations against Chungking remnants, the Japanese Army forces take Changsha in Hunan Province, China. 1942.01.04 — The Imperial Headquarters disclose that the Navy has shot down or destroyed 306 enemy planes and sunk four destroyers, seven submarines and five merchantmen in the Philippine sector since the beginning of the war. Bismarck Archipelago, British New Guinea, is heavily bombed by Japanese planes. The United States is reported to have lost 700,000 tons of shipping since December 8. 1942.01.05 — Following negotiations with the Portuguese Government, the Communications Ministry concludes an agreement with the Marconi Wireless Company for direct wireless services between Tokyo and Lisbon. 1942.01.06 — Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, tells foreign correspondents "Soviet Russia's relations with Japan is still based on the Neutrality Pact and the negotiations for the fishery treaty is still going on in Kuibishev." 1942.01.06 — Colonel Hidéo O-hira, of the Army Department of the Imperial Headquarters, declares that Chiang Kai-shek's counter-attacks were completely shattered by the smashing onslaughts of the Japanese forces in China and adds "Chungking is now on the verge of collapse." 1942.01.07 — An agreement is reached between the Japanese forces in the Philippines and J. B. Vargas, new Mayor of Manila, regarding the execution of the military administration in the capital. In the agreement Mr. Vargas acquiesces in all demands deemed necessary for maintaining peace and order. 1942.01.07 — The tax increase plan which will bring about additional ¥1,100,000,000 of State revenues in the ordinary year is decided at the special session of the Cabinet Council. 1942.01.07 — The Imperial Headquarters disclose that the Army has, up to January 3, captured 17 planes, 206 guns, 1,165 machine-guns, 81 tanks, 2,830 automobiles, 516 rolling stocks and two torpedo boats; shot down 559 planes; sunk 54 ships; and taken 15,864 prisoners. 1942.01.08 — Japanese Army units in the Malay Peninsula pass through Tanjong Malim in Selangor State after annihilating powerful mechanized enemy units in the northern district of Trolak. The United States seaplane tender Langley is sunk by a Japanese submarine off Johnston Island. 1942.01.09 — Morib, Kuala and Lawan in Selangor State, Malaya, are taken by the Japanese forces. A landing party of the Navy lands in Masbate Island, south of Luzon and rescues approximately 94 Japanese and 15 Germans who were interned there. 1942.01.09 — The Home Ministry announces the big shake-up of prefectural governors which includes the appointment of Mitsumaro Matsumura as governor of Tokyo; Johtaro Kondo, Kanagawa; Momoji Nagayasu, Nagano; Yasuyémon Sakurai, Tochighi; Nagatoshi Fujioka, Shizuoka; Yoshitaka Namikawa, Shiga; Toshio Ohtsu, Saitama; Toshisuké Yamada, Aomori; Shighéo Miyoshi, Fukui; Yonéyuki Doi, Tottori; Toshitsugu Kosuga, Kagawa, and Goro Koizumi, Shimane. 1942.01.10 — The Imperial Headquarters disclose that up to January 8 at Hongkong the Navy sank one enemy torpedo-destroyer, four gunboats, seven torpedo-boats, one oil tanker, two minelayers and eight patrol ships. Two enemy submarines are sunk by the Imperial Navy. 1942.01.10 — In violation of treaty and in utter disregard for common humanity, an enemy submarine torpedoes and sinks the Japanese hospital ship Harbin Maru in the South China Sea. 1942.01.11 — The theatre of war in the Pacific spreads to the Netherlands East Indies when the Japanese successfully land at Tarakan in Borneo and Menado in the Island of Celebes. The enemy at Tarakan surrenders, while Menado is occupied by a special landing party of the Navy. The Japanese Government issues a statement to the effect that from January 11 a state of war exists between Japan and the N.E.I. and that the landing is made to destroy the hostile acts of the Netherlands and protect the lives and property of the Japanese nationals. 1942.01.11 — Kuala Lumpur, capital of the Federated Malay States, situated 300 kilometres north of Singapore, falls into the hands of the Japanese forces. Olangapo in the Philippines, a submarine base of the American Asiatic Fleet, is also taken. 1942.01.12 — The Government decides to submit to the current Diet session the supplementary budget estimates of the general account for the 1941-1942 fiscal year totalling ¥928,000,000. 1942.01.12 — A submarine of the Japanese Navy sinks an aircraft carrier of the Lexington class of the United States Pacific Fleet in waters west of Hawaii. 1942.01.12 — The special landing party of the Japanese Navy which occupied Menado in Island of Celebes on January 11 penetrates Tondano and in co-operation with another party which had landed at Kema captures Kakas airfield. 1942.01.13 — Japanese warships sink the 1,291-ton Prince of Oranje, a D.E.I. minelayer, off Tarakan in Borneo. 1942.01.14 — Japanese forces in the western district of Malaya, breaking through Seremban and Sepang in Negri Sembilan State, penetrate into Johore, on the southern tip of the peninsula, and Gemas, strategic outer gate to Singapore in the Negri Sembilan-Johore border, falls. 1942.01.14 — A special landing party of the Japanese Navy which landed on the Island of Celebes captures strategic points in Minahassa in the northern part of the island. 1942.01.15 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese submarines in the Netherlands East Indies areas have sunk by January 15 four enemy ships (27,000 tons) and captured three merchantmen (4,000 tons). The announcement adds that the Japanese Navy Air Force has by January 15 carried out several bombings on Babo and Sor origin the western part of New Guinea, Amboyna on Molucca Island and Rabaul on New Britain Island. 1942.01.15 — Japanese forces continuing the pincer movement against the British defence line in Malaya take the city of Malacca, capital of Malacca State. Other units make a surprise landing on the coast of Batu Pahat, Johore State. 1942.01.16 — All British air bases in the mainland of Malaya is placed under Japanese control when Japanese forces occupy an airdrome near Batu Pahat, Johore State. The city of Batu Pahat also falls. The Imperial Headquarters discloses that the Japanese Navy has by January 10 sunk 50 enemy vessels (189,000 tons) and captured 109 vessels (362,000 tons). 1942.01.16 — With a view to attaining maximum efficiency in every branch of administration, the Government, at the regular Cabinet meeting, decides to set up a system to survey and examine actual results of administrative measures and general conditions of administration. 1942.01.16 — The Commonwealth Government of Australia is reported to have sent a sort of ultimatum to British Prime Minister Churchill urging him for the immediate aid to Anzacs, implying that if he fails to accept the demand Australia will likely arrange necessary steps with the United States to seek military aid and relief. 1942.01.17 — Batu Anam, strategic point east of Gemas in western Johore, is taken by Japanese troops which on January 15 smashed approximately 1,000 troops of the Australian Eighth Division. 1942.01.17 — A tax increase plan aiming at additional State revenue of ¥1,150,000,000 in a normal year by revising income and other tax rates and instituting three new levies is approved at the regular session of the Cabinet. The new taxes include gas and electric tax, advertisement tax and patrimurtel ticket tax. 1942.01.18 — A military agreement is signed at Berlin among Japan, Germany and Italy concerning the basic principle for guidance of strategy against their common enemy. 1942.01.19 — Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, in a statement concerning the neutral countries of South America, indicates that Japan harbours no ill-feeling whatsoever toward these nations and hopes that neutral countries will refrain from picking the chestnuts out of the fire for the United States of America. 1942.01.19 — A Government-General of the Hongkong occupied area is established and Lieutenant-General Rensuké Isogai is appointed its first governor-general. 1942.01.20 — The regulations for distribution and consumption control over fibre goods are promulgated to be effective from February 1. According to the new rationing system based on the so-called "point" system, 100 points are to be allowed for big six cities and their neighbouring towns and 80 points for other districts. 1942.01.20 — Kiyoshi Ikéda, former chief of the Metropolitan Police Board, is appointed Navy civil governor, the post of which is newly created to administer the areas under the occupation of naval forces. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XI No. 3 (March 1942) --- (covers 1942.01.21 to 1942.02.20) 1942.01.21 — Explaining the guiding principle of the Pacific war, Premier General Hidéki Tohjo declares before the reconvened session of the Diet that "we will fight through until the United States and the British Empire are brought to their knees," and that "the Japanese Government will retain those areas which are absolutely necessary for defence of greater East Asia." He adds that the honour of independence will be granted to the Philippines and Burma provided they co-operate as partners in the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere. 1942.01.21 — Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo asserts in his Diet message that "it is Japan's intention to maintain, as much as possible, cordial relations with all neutral Powers in South America and Europe," and that "the relations with the Soviet Union have since witnessed no change." 1942.01.21 — Navy Minister Admiral Shighétaro Shimada, in his Diet report, reveals that Jolo in Sulu Archipelago of the Philippines was taken by the Japanese Navy forces on December 25 and Tutuila Island of the American Samoan Group is attacked by Japanese forces. 1942.01.21 — The Imperial Headquaters announces that the Japanese Army units completed on January 19 the occupation of Tavoy, on the Gulf of Martaban, Burma. 1942.01.22 — Slashing their way into Bruma through the thickly forested Shan mountain along the Thai-Burmese border, Japanese columns sweep into Kawkareik, a strategic point 70 kilometres east of Moulmein. 1942.01.23 — Premier Hidéki Tohjo, clarifies in the House of Representatives the four-point policy for the co-prosperity sphere; namely, (1) acquirement of important resources, (2) the prevention of vital resources from flowing into hostile countries, (3) insuring of the self-supply of forces in the areas where they are operating and (4) inducing established enterprises in occupied territories to collaborate with Japan. The Premier, in his speech in the same House, urges Chiang Kai-shek to reconsider his attitude, saying that China is still Japan's brother country. Foreign Minister Togo declares in the Lower House that negotiations for the conclusion of a provisional fisheries agreement between Japan and the Soviet Union will shortly be brought to a satisfactory settlement. 1942.01.23 — Imperial Army and Navy units in close co-operation land at Rabaul on New Britain and Kavieng on New Ireland. 1942.01.23 — The general assembly of the Pan-American Foreign Ministers' Conference at Rio de Janeiro approves a recommendation to sever diplomatic relations with the Axis Powers. Observers in Tokyo comment that the obvious joker in the action is the adoption of a recommendation instead of a resolution. 1942.01.23 — Jorge B. Vargas, mayor of Manila, is appointed Director of the Central Administrative Office of the Philippines by the Japanese military authorities there. 1942.01.24 — Japanese Army and Navy forces in close co-operation effect a landing at Balik Papan, an important oil center in Dutch Borneo. A successful landing is also made by special landing party of the Japanese Navy on Kendari in the island of Celebes. Other Naval units which landed at Kavieng on the Island of New Ireland on January 23, complete the occupation of the area. 1942.01.24 — The bill calling for extraordinary war expenditures for the 1942-3 fiscal year, totalling ¥18,000,000,000 is approved at a Cabinet meeting and is submitted to the House of Representatives. 1942.01.25 — The Government of Thailand declares war on the United States and Great Britain and at the same time orders several thousands of Thai troops in the Thai-Burmese border to advance into Burmese territory. 1942.01.25 — Japanese forces which landed on January 24 at Balik Papan, oil center in Dutch Borneo, completely occupy the city. 1942.01.26 — Kluang, Ayer Hitam and Rengit, all in Johore State in Malaya, are taken by the Japanese units. Kendari, on the island of Celebes, falls. 1942.01.26 — Finance Minister Okinori Kaya, in the House of Representatives, indicates that the national savings goal for the 1942 fiscal year will be fixed at above ¥22,000,000,000. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Hiroya Ino, in the same House, declares that the rice production goal for the 1942 fiscal year will be set at 70,000,000 koku (a koku is about five bushels), the same as that of the 1941 fiscal year. 1942.01.27 — The gigantic extraordinary war budget for the 1942 fiscal year amounting to ¥18,000,000,000 is approved in the House of Representatives and sent to the House of Peers. 1942.01.27 — The Foreign Office announces that Japan's interests in eleven countries will be looked after by Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal and Argentina. 1942.01.27 — Japanese forces advancing southward through the central section of Malaya takes Simpang Rengam. A powerful unit of the Japanese Army succeeds in landing at a point near Remangkat on the northern tip of the western part of Dutch Borneo. 1942.01.27 — Two Japanese destroyers sink the British destroyer Thanet, in a battle off Endau, eastern coast of Malaya, while the British destroyer Vampire escapes. The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese submarines as of January 22 have sunk 33 enemy vessels totalling 88,000 tons in the Sumatra-Java area and that Navy air units operating over the Netherlands East Indies and New Guinea since January 22 shot down or destroyed on the ground 43 enemy aircraft. 1942.01.28 — Commerce and Industry Minister Shinsuké Kishi declares in the House of Representatives that experience and ability will be utilized in the development of underground resources in the southern regions. Expressing optimistic views on the future of the silk industry, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Hiroya Ino predicts in the same house that silk demand from fellow countries of the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere will be more than enough to digest Japan's output. 1942.01.29 — Japanese columns surging southward along the west coast of Malaya capture Sedensk, 42 kilometres from the Johore causeway. Pontianak, on Dutch Borneo, completely falls into the hands of the Japanese. 1942.01.29 — The ¥18,000,000,000 extraordinary war expenditures are approved in the Upper House. 1942.01.30 — A powerful vanguard of the Japanese forces operating on the west coast of Malaya occupies Japi Api and then storms into Pontian Kechil, about 40 kilometres west of Johore Bahru. Other units takes Kulai, key enemy base northwest of Johore Bahru. 1942.01.31 — Johore Bahru which holds the key to Singapore, is completely occupied by the Japanese forces. The Japanese Army force on the Burma front, smashing through enemy defences completes the occupation of Moulmein. Japanese Army and Navy units in close co-ordination land at Amboina, a strategic point on the Banda Sea. 1942.01.31 — Viscount Tadashiro Inouyé, member of the House of Peers and former Minister of Railways, is installed as president of the Technical Board, a newly created body for administration over science and technique. 1942.01.31 — Four prominent civilians are appointed to important posts in the war areas. They are Marquis Yoshichika Tokugawa, member of the House of Peers, Hidéjiro Nagata, former Overseas Minister, Shozo Murata, former Communications Minister and Shighémasa Sunada former member of the House of Representatives. 1942.02.01 — The Foreign Office states that all Japanese internees in India are living safely and that their freedom of action is not necessarily limited. 1942.02.02 — Premier Hidéki Tohjo assures in the Lower House that the Government has no objection to persons connected with the National Service Association running for election to the House of Representatives. 1942.02.03 — The Japanese Navy air force carries out a major air raid on Sourabaya, Malang and other principal air bases on the island of Java and shoots down or destroys on the ground 83 enemy planes. 1942.02.03 — The House of Representatives passes the 1942-3 fiscal year general account budget amounting to ¥8,800,000,000. Finance Minister Okinori Kaya states in the House that Japan's industrial capacity is increasing rapidly and that the managed currency system to be adopted by the Bank of Japan will not affect the commodity price. 1942.02.04 — The mainstays of the Netherlands East Indies fleet are annihilated when the Japanese Navy air force, in a naval battle off the Java coast, sinks one Netherlands cruiser of the Java type, Netherlands cruiser De Ruyter; and seriously damages another cruiser of the Java type, one more Netherlands light cruiser of the Tromp type and an American first-class cruiser. 1942.02.05 — Squadrons of the Japanese Navy air force stage a second air raid on Sourabaya, Java Island, and shoot down or destroy on the ground 15 Netherlands planes and 11 American machines. 1942.02.06 — Five prominent civilians are appointed as advisers to the Navy Ministry. They are Ghinjiro Fujihara, former Commerce and Industry Minister, Kakichi Takéuchi, former Commerce and Industry Vice-Minister, Ryuta Ohno, former Finance Vice-Minister, Iwao Yamazaki, former chief of the Metropolitan Police Board, and Aiichiro Fujiyama, chiarman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 1942.02.07 — Large formations of the Japanese Army air force raids the Palembang airfield, Sumatra, destroying 10 enemy planes, while other Army fliers shoot down or destroy on the ground 11 enemy craft at the Mingaladon airfield, Burma. 1942.02.08 — Japanese troops successfully cross the Johore Strait and land on the island of Singapore after occupying fortified Palau Ubin Island which commands the strait. Following up their raid of the day before, Japanese Army air Force units range over the Palembang airfield, Sumatra, downing 17 enemy planes. 1942.02.09 — The Tengah airfield on the island of Singapore is occupied by Japanese forces. Crack units of the Japanese force, escorted by artillery units, successfully cross the Salween River, Burma, and effect a surprise landing on a certain point in face of the enemy. Macassar, Celebes Island, and Gasmata, New Britain Island, are taken by the Japanese Navy. Naval airmen raid Batavia, capital of Java, shooting down or destroying on the ground 20 enemy planes. 1942.02.09 — The Imperial Headquarters reveal that the supreme commander of the Japanese Army in the Malay region is Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita, former Inspector-General of the Military Aviation Department. 1942.02.09 — Takéo Haraguchi, director of the Foreign Exchange Bureau of the Finance Ministry, states in the House of Representatives that a special sort of yen is circulating in French Indo-China and that Thai-Japan exchange relations will remain unchanged. 1942.02.10 — Japanese Army forces completely occupy Banjermasin, important city on the southern coast of Borneo Island, while other forces operating in the Burma region take Martaban, important town on the right bank of the Salween River. 1942.02.10 — The House of Peers approves the ¥8,800,000,000 general account budgets for the fiscal year 1942-3. Speaking before the House of Representatives, Navy Minister Admiral Shighétaro Shimada tells that so far as the Navy is concerned the problem of oil and other vital materials has been solved. Premier Hidéki Tohjo declares in the same House that the idea of increase in Japan's population is at present higher than at the time previous to the outbreak of the China affair. 1942.02.11 — The Japanese Army units occupy Bukit Timah, nine kilometres northwest of the city Singapore, while other units penetrate into the city, breaking the stubborn resistance of the enemy. 1942.02.12 — Army airmen attack enemy warships and transports which are preparing for an evacuation from Singapore, sinking one vessel of 10,000-ton class, setting one 3,000-ton class vessel afire and scoring direct hits on nine additional ships. 1942.02.13 — A total of nine enemy aircraft is shot down or destroyed on the ground when the Japanese Army planes raid the Palembang airdrome in Sumatra. 1942.02.13 — The Government decides to create the Greater East Asia Construction Council, a powerful new body charged with the mission of planning the construction of the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere and 37 statesmen and economic leaders are selected as members of the council. 1942.02.14 — The vanguard of the Japanese naval force advances into the Selatar naval port on Singapore Island and occupies the British naval station there. Powerful parachute units of the Japanese Army make a surprise attack on Palembang, Sumatra, taking an airfield and other strategic points in and around the town. 1942.02.15 — The Japanese Army forces operating in Malaya make the enemy in the fortresses of Singapore surrender unconditionally. The Imperial Headquarters discloses that the parachute troops of the Japanese Navy took part in the offensive against Menado, Celebes Island, on January 11 and also that a total of 32 enemy warships and transports which had been trying to escape from Singapore was either sunk or destroyed by the Japanese naval fleet between February 10 and 14. 1942.02.16 — Premier General Hidéki Tohjo, in his Diet speech, declares that if the Burmese people co-operate with Japan by shaking off the shackles of the British rule, Japan will gladly extend them its positive aid for the establishment of "Burma for the Burmese," that if India wishes to restore its proper status as "India for the Indians" Japan will not stint herself in extending assistance to the patriotic efforts of the Indians, and that if the Indonesian people co-operate with Japan for the greater East Asia construction, Japan will respect their desire and emancipate them from the despotic rule of the refugee Dutch Government. 1942.02.16 — Information reaching Japan discloses that Admiral Thomas C. Hart, Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Southwestern Pacific Fleet and former Commander-in-Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet, was killed in the Battle off Java coast on February 4. 1942.02.17 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that the island and port of Singapore shall hereafter be called the island and port of "Shohnan". 1942.02.17 — Michio Yuzawa, Vice-Minister of Home Affairs, is appointed as full-time Home Minister and Iwao Yamazaki, former chief of the Metropolitan Police Board, as Vice-Minister of Home Affairs. 1942.02.18 — Premier General Hidéki Tohjo, in his speech before the national mass meeting in celebration of the fall of Singapore at Hibiya, urges the Japanese people to fulfil their duty as leaders of East Asia, saying: "New Asia has been created out of this glorious victory and a great turning-point in world history is being witnessed." Captain Hidéo Hiraidé of the Navy Department of the Imperial Headquarters declares at the meeting that the day will not be so far when the Japanese Navy will hold the mastery of the Indian Ocean. 1942.02.18 — The British concessions at Tientsin and Canton, captured by the Japanese Army at the outbreak of the war of greater East Asia, will be restored to the National Government of Nanking, announces the Board of Information. A Domei dispatch says that the National Government is preparing to establish special administrative organs for the concessions. 1942.02.18 — Japanese naval air forces make a large-scale air raid on Sourabaya, downing 13 new American planes and greatly damaging five enemy destroyers hiding in the harbour. Japanese warships arrive at Palembang, Sumatra, after steaming up the Moesi River. 1942.02.18 — Lieutenant-General Moritaké Tanabe is appointed Vice-Chief of the Army General Staff in succession to Lieutenant-General Osamu Tsukada who assumed the post of the Chief of the General Staff of the Japanese Forces in Southern Regions. 1942.02.19 — The Japanese Army air corps, operating over Sumatra and Java, bomb the Buitenzorg airfield (south of Batavia), shooting down or destroying on the ground 46 American and Dutch planes. The Japanese Navy air forces carry out extensive raids on Port Darwin, Australia, shooting down or destroying 26 planes and sinking 13 wasships and transports and severely damaging one torpedo-destroyer. 1942.02.20 — Japanese Army and Navy forces, working in close co-operation, effect successful landings in the neighbourhood of Koepang and Deli, Timor Island. The Board of Information issues a statement to the effect that the Japanese Government is prepared to assure the territorial integrity of Portuguese Timor and will withdraw the Japanese forces from the said territory on the attainment of the objective of self-defence so long as the Portuguese Government maintains neutral attitude. 1942.02.20 — Nine additional notables are appointed advisers to the Army authorities in the southern regions. They are Shighéo Ohdaté, former Home Vice-Minister, Hachiro Harta, former Governor of Shimané, Shun Kobota, former Governor of Fukui, Shinzo Kikuchi, former Governor of Akita, Manabu Kuji, former chief of the General Affairs Department of the Niigata prefectural office, Lieutenant-General Shohtaro Katayama, Major-General Masakichi Irami, Major-General Seiji Sukégawa and Major-General Yasushi Sunakawa. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XI No. 4 (April 1942) --- (covers 1942.02.21 to 1942.03.20) 1942.02.21 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese warships sank on February 17 and 18 one enemy special service ship and also captured one British submarine, one mine-sweeper, one British ship and one Dutch ship in the Sumatra area. The Headquarters also discloses that in the Singapore campaign some 73,000 enemy officers and men were taken prisoners and the spoils of war consisted of about 300 guns, 200 tanks and 100 motor cars. 1942.02.21 — Imperial Navy air forces inflict heavy damage on an enemy aircraft-carrier and shoot down 20 enemy fighter planes on the sea several hundred miles north of New Guinea. Army airmen destroy 24 enemy planes in the fourth raid on Kalidjati and Bandoeng airfields, Java Island. 1942.02.22 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese Army forces on February 15 effect a successful landing in the neighbourhood of Muntok, Banka Island, and occupy Pangkalpinang on the east coast of the island the same evening. Domei says that overcoming stubborn Australian and Dutch resistance, Japanese forces take Deli air base, Timor Island, on February 20. 1942.02.23 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Army and Navy units completely occupied Den Pasar, a key point in Bali Island, on February 19. The Headquarters also discloses that 39 enemy planes were shot down or destroyed on the ground by the Japanese Army air forces operating in Sumatra, Java and Burma in their raids on Kalidjati, Bandoeng, Toungoo and Bassein airfields on February 21 and 22. 1942.02.23 — Repulsing attack by nine enemy warships on Ohtori Island (former Wake Island), the land battery sets afire one destroyer and hits another destroyer in the stern, while Japanese Navy air forces score direct hits on the quarter-deck of a big enemy cruiser and shoot down five enemy planes. 1942.02.24 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that the Japanese Army forces occupied Tanjongkarang, Sumatra, on February 20 and that a parachute corps of the Japanese Navy made a surprise decent near Koepang, Timor Island, on February 20. Benkoelen and Suruhangun, both in Sumatra, are occupied. 1942.02.24 — A Japanese submarine shells military establishments on the coast of California. 1942.02.24 — The Finance Ministry fixes the national savings goal for the 1942 fiscal year at ¥23,000,000,000, which shows a big increase of ¥6,000,000,000 against ¥17,000,000,000 for the 1941 fiscal year. 1942.02.25 — The two-day extraordinary session of the Central Co-operative Council of the National Service Association is opened with a ceremony held at the Hall of Greater East Asia. 1942.02.25 — Thirty-seven enemy planes are either shot down or wrecked on the ground by Japanese Army air units in a heavy raid on Kalidjati Airfield in Java. Army airmen also attack airfields at Mandalay and Mingaladon, in Burma, destroying 24 enemy craft. 1942.02.26 — Emphasizing that bigger production is needed to win the war, president Teiichi Suzuki of the Planning Board states before the extraordinary session of the Central Co-operative Council of the National Service Association: "We have to produce far more rapidly than the enemy countries, materials vital to our war effort and if we do so, the ultimate victory in the conflict will be ours." 1942.02.27 — Revising the previous announcement concerning the sea battle off Bali Island, the Imperial Headquarters discloses that four enemy destroyers (two Americans and two Netherlands) were sunk, two cruisers and one destroyer severely damaged. In another communiqué the Headquarters announces that Japanese Navy airmen either shot down or destroyed on the ground 99 enemy planes since February 18 up to February 25 in the Netherlands East Indies and on New Guinea Island. 1942.02.27 — Naotaké Sato, former Foreign Minister, is appointed Ambassador to the Soviet Union to relieve Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Tatékawa who has expressed a desire to retire on account of his ill-health. 1942.02.28 — The main fleet of the Japanese naval forces operating in the Netherlands East Indies region sank one enemy cruiser and three destroyers on February 27, announces the Imperial Headquarters. 1942.02.28 — Japanese columns driving in a northwesterly direction from Palembang capture Muaretebo, 300 kilometres northeast of Palembang. 1942.03.01 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that three enemy cruisers and six destroyers were sunk and four cruisers set on fire since February 27 up to February 28 in the sea battle off Batavia and one United States heavy cruiser and one Australian cruiser were sunk in the sea battle off Sumatra. One A class British cruiser and two torpedo-destroyers are also sunk in the Java area. 1942.03.01 — Large crack contingents of the Japanese Army land at various points in the eastern, central and western parts of Java Island. 1942.03.01 — The celebration of the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Manchoukuo Empire is held in Hibiya Park with a large crowd attending. During the course of his speech, Premier General Hidéki Tohjo stresses the necessity of maintaining the closest relations between Japan and Manchoukuo in order to establish a new world order. 1942.03.02 — The Imperial Headquarters discloses the collective results achieved by the Japanese Army in the Malay campaign as follows: 95,000 enemy officers and men taken prisoners, some 35,000 enemy dead left behind, 531 planes shot down or destroyed on the ground and 101 warships and other vessels sunk or wrecked; spoils of war, 17 planes, 450 tanks, 450 heavy guns and 13,830 motor cars. 1942.03.02 — Japanese naval units in the Philippines effect a successful landing at Zamboanga, a key point at the western tip of Mindanao and occupy the city completely. Navy units in the Indian Ocean sink the British destroyer Strongkold in the sea of Tjilatjap on Java Island. A Japanese cruiser squadron sinks the United States cruiser Marblehead in the Indian Ocean west of Australia. 1942.03.02 — General Sir Archibald Wavell, Commander-in-Chief of the Allied forces in the Southwestern Pacific, is replaced by a Dutch officer, but he will remain as head of the British forces in India, reports Domei. 1942.03.03 — "We must win the war at any cost," says Premier General Hidéki Tohjo in his address at the opening session of the five-day Gubernatorial Conference. 1942.03.03 — The American gun-boat Asheville is sunk by the Japanese Navy in the sea of Tjiatjap on Java Island. Domei reports from Lisbon that fearing the imminence of Java's complete encirclement by Japanese forces, the Netherlands East Indies has completed the transfer of its administrative organs from Batavia to Bandoeng. 1942.03.03 — Revising the previous announcement concerning the sea battles off Sourabaya and Batavia, the Imperial Headquarters gives the detailed account of the results : (1) the bigger enemy warships sunk; the American A-class cruiser Houston, the British A-class cruiser Exeter, the Australian B-class cruisers Perth and Hobart and the Dutch B-class cruiser De Ruyler and Java; and (2) other enemy warships sunk comprise eight destroyers, seven submarines, one gun-boat and one mine-sweeper. 1942.03.05 — Seven of the enemy raiders on Minamitorishima Island are destroyed and the remainders chased away in one hour of fighting. Japanese Army units in the Sumatra area occupy Jambi, a key point in the central part of the Island. 1942.03.05 — Japanese Navy air forces attack Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, dropping several tons of bombs on enemy plants which are frantically engaged in reconstruction work. 1942.03.05 — Japanese Army forces operating in the Java area, continuing their advance and smashing enemy resistance at various points, completely occupy Batavia, the enemy capital. Mopping-up operations in southern Sumatra are finished. 1942.03.05 — One British mine-sweeper is sunk by the Japanese Navy in the Java area. 1942.03.05 — The Board of Information announces that a basic understanding has been reached between Japan and the United States for the mutual exchange of diplomats and nationals of the two countries, but no progress was seen in similar negotiations with Britain because the British attitude still remains unknown. 1942.03.06 — The outstanding achievements attained by the Special Attack Flotilla in the sea battle in Hawaii on December 8, 1941, have been honoured in a citation by the Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet which the Navy Minister has submitted to His Majesty the Emperor announces the Navy ministry. The Ministry also discloses that nine members of the flotilla are Commander Naoji Iwasa, Lieutenant-Commander Shighémi Furuno, Lieutenant-Commander Masaharu Yokoyama, Lieutenant Akira Hiro-o, Special Second Sub-Lieutenant Naokichi Sasaki, Special Second Sub-Lieutenant Shighénori Yokoyama, Chief Warrant Officer Kiyoshi Inagaki, Chief Warrant Officer Sadamu Kamita and Chief Warrant Officer Yoshio Katayama. 1942.03.07 — Previous to the battle of Sourabaya, Japanese Navy flying units on February 27 set ablaze an enemy aircraft-carrier and blasted 30 enemy planes in the neighbouring sea off Bali Island, it is revealed by the Imperial Headquarters. The same communiqué states that the enemy aircraft-carrier which was attacked previously off New Guinea and the sinking of which was not certain is now assured to have been sunk. 1942.03.07 — Pegu, 50 miles northeast of Rangoon in Burma, is captured by the Japanese Army. Christmas Island south of Java is shelled by Japanese warships. 1942.03.08 — Japanese Army forces operating in Burma completely take Rangoon, the enemy capital. Japanese Army and Navy units effect a successful landing on Salamaua and Lae, vantage points on the eastern coast of New Guinea. 1942.03.09 — Japanese Army forces cause about 93,000 Netherlands East Indies troops and about 5,000 American-British-Australian troops to surrender unconditionally nine days afte landing on Java. 1942.03.09 — The Supreme Commanders of the Japanese Army forces in the Burma area and the Netherlands East Indies are Lieutenant-General Shojiro Iida and Lieutenant-General Hitoshi Imamura respectively, announces the Imperial Headquarters. 1942.03.09 — The Dutch mine-sweeper Jan van Amstel is sunk by the Japanese destroyers near the Lombak Strait of Bali. The Imperial Headquarters discloses that Japanese naval units, between March 1 and 8, either sunk or destroyed 32 enemy vessels with an aggregate of about 210,000 tons in the waters surrounding Java and in the Indian Ocean. 1942.03.10 — Following collective results achieved by the Japanese Army since the beginning of the war are made public: 480 enemy planes shot down, 681 planes destroyed, 21 planes captured, 119,028 officers and men taken prisoners and 134 ships either sunk or destroyed ; and spoils of war included 392 tanks, 1, 404 guns, 16,543 automobiles, 3,110 rolling stocks and 767 ships. 1942.03.10 — For the furtherance of Japan's capacity to carry out the war through the early establishment of a new structure for the smaller manufacturers and traders, the Government decides to create within the Planning Board a committee on Policy for Medium and Small-Scale Industries, announces the Board of Information. 1942.03.11 — The losses inflicted on the enemy by the Japanese Army forces in the Java campaign are announced by the Imperial Headquarters to be as follows : war captives, 95,000 officers and men ; and spoils of war, 13 airplanes, 367 tanks and 732 guns. 1942.03.11 — Shighéo Ohdaté is appointed mayor of the Special Shonan (Singapore) Municipal Government ; Lieutenant-General Shohtaro Katayama, governor of Penang Province; Major-General Masakichi Irami, governor of Johore Province; Major-General Seiji Sukégawa, governor of Kedah-Perlis Province ; Yasushi Sunagawa, governor of Kelantan Province ; Jshun Kubota, governor of Perak Province; Saburo Harta, governor of Negri Sembilan Province ; Manabu Kuji, governor of Trengganu Province; Shinzo Kikuchi, governor of Selangor Province; and Ken Tsurumi governor of Malacca Province. 1942.03.11 — The British Government declares that it will probe closely into the question of granting a new constitution to India based on the reports to be made by Sir Stafford Cripps, Lord Privy Seal, who will shortly be dispatched to India. The Japanese press comments that this clarification may alter all prove to be another British trick to smooth over matters tentatively with makeshift measures. 1942.03.12 — In his Second Victory Day message to the Diet, Premier General Hidéki Tohjo tells Australia to reconsider its attitude before final doom, emphasizing that if Australia does not rectify its present attitude, it will inevitably follow the footsteps of the Netherlands East Indies. The Premier also stresses that "now is the time to establish India for the Indians." 1942.03.12 — Japanese forces, effecting a landing at a certain point in northern Sumatra, occupy Koetaradja, Lhokuga airfield, Sabang and Idi, all key points in the island. 1942.03.13 — The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry announces that Japan produced 55,080,000 koku of rice (a koku is about five bushels) last year, Chosen, 24,895,000 koku and Taiwan 8,410,000 koku, while the carry-over amounted to 8,310,000 koku. 1942.03.13 — Japanese Navy air forces bomb Port Moresby, New Guinea, destroying 11 enemy planes. They also raid military positions on Solomon, Florida and Wanawana Islands. 1942.03.14 — Horn Island, in the Torres Strait off the tip of Cape of York, Australia, receives its first air raid from the Japanese naval warplanes. 1942.03.15 — In a brief address on the occasion of Heroes Memorial Day, Chancellor Adolf Hitler praises Japan's smashing land, sea and air blows which are breaking up the "democratic" Powers. 1942.03.16 — General Chang Ching-hui, Premier of Manchoukuo, arrives in Tokyo as a special envoy to express thanks to Japan for aids extended since the foundation of the Manchoukuo Empire. 1942.03.16 — Japanese forces in the island of Mindoro, P.I., occupy San Jose, a strategic town in the southern part of the island. Japanese submarines operating in the west coast area of the American mainland sank a 15,000-ton tanker in the offing of San Francisco on March 1 and two 7,000-ton freighters in the neighbouring sea of Mendocino on March 2, reveals the Imperial Headquarters. 1942.03.17 — Revealing the brilliant activities of the Japanese submarines in the Indian Ocean up to March 16, the Imperial Headquarters announces that two enemy armed merchantmen (6,300 tons) and two tankers (20,000 tons) were sunk in Colombo waters, three armed merchantmen (24,000 tons) and one 7,000-ton tanker in Madras waters and two armed merchantmen (19,000 tons) and one 3,000-ton freighter in Rangoon waters. 1942.03.17 — Three outstanding civilians are appointed as highest advisers to the military administration in the Netherlands East Indies and Burma. They are Count Hidéo Kodama, former Home Minister, Hyogoro Sakurai, former Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Overseas Affairs, and Kénjiro Kitajima, former Vice-Minister of Overseas Affairs. 1942.03.17 — The United States War Department discloses that General Douglas MacArthur, Commander-in-Chief of the American and Filipino forces in the Philippines, left by air from Corregidor Island to Australia to assume the new post of the Commander-in-Chief of the Allied forces in the southwestern Pacific and Major-General Jonathan Wainright was appointed as his successor. President Roosevelt discloses that Francis B. Sayre, United States High Commissioner to the Philippines, is returning to Washington. 1942.03.18 — Domei reports that crack Japanese Army forces land on February 27 at Silonay, on the northeastern coast of Mindoro Island and occupy the city of Calspan the same day. Japanese aircraft bomb Florida Island, in the Solomon Group. 1942.03.19 — The Japanese Government on March 12 served a stiff protest to the Brazilian Government, holding the latter responsible for any developments likely to arise as an aftermath of the recent anti-Japanese riots in Brazil and recent presidential decree for confiscation of Axis assets in the country, the Foreign Office reveals. 1942.03.20 — General Shunroku Hata, General Count Hisaichi Téraùchi and Lieutenant-General Yasutsugu Okamura were decorated with the First Class Golden Kite in appreciation of their brilliant services in the China affair, announces the War Office. 1942.03.20 — The Japanese Government has decided to instruct Kiyoshi Yamagata, the Japanese Minister to Chile, to attend the ceremony of the formal installation of Juan Antonio Rios as President of Chile as Japan's Special Envoy, announces the Foreign Office. 1942.03.20 — Moving swiftly to meet the situation which finds the foes of Japan in the present war violating international law in time of war, the Government promulgates a new set of rules which will be applied to the conduct of naval warefare. 1942.03.20 — A modus vivendi to extend the validity of the existing Fisheries Convention between Japan and the Soviet Union is signed at Kuibishev between Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Tatékawa, Japanese Ambassador to the U.S.S.R., and A.J. Vyschinsky, the Soviet Acting Foreign Commissar. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XI No. 6 (June 1942) --- (covers 1942.04.21 to 1942.05.21) 1942.04.21 — Japanese Navy air forces shot down 66 enemy planes and destroyed two more planes in their attacks on Port Moresby and Port Darwin and in combats with the enemy craft which had come to attack Japanese bases since April 1 up to April 20, announces the Imperial Headquarters. 1942.04.21 — An agreement on the Yen-Baht parity accord is initialled by Foreign Vice-Minister Haruhiko Nishi of Japan and Minister without Portfolio Nai Vanich Panananda of Thailand at the Vice-Minister's official residence. 1942.04.22 — "It is only too clear that the sagacity of Soviet leaders will keep them from taking such a rash step as to 'pick the chestnut out of the fire' for America and Britain despite their machinations," says Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo at a meeting of the Japan Economic Federation. He also expresses his belief that positive actions will be seen on the part of the Axis Powers within this year. 1942.04.22 — General Sun Liang-cheng, Vice-Commander of the 39th Group Army of the Chungking régime and Commander-in-Chief of the first guerilla corps in the Chahar war zone, joins the National Government of China at Nanking together with 25,000 men. 1942.04.23 — Prisoners taken by Japanese forces in the Bataan peninsula from April 3 to April 20 total 33,400, according to Japanese headquarters in the Philippines. 1942.04.24 — The material mobilization plan for the 1942-3 fiscal year which rests on the principle of bringing the Pacific war to a victorious conclusion is approved at a Cabinet meeting. Importance is attached to the programme for the improvement of the marine transportation. 1942.04.25 — The Thai Congratulation Mission headed by H.E. Lieutenant-General Phya Phahol Pholphaynha Sena arrives at Tokyo. 1942.04.26 — The Reichstag approves the proposal to give absolute power concerning administration, justice, legislation and others to Chancellor Adolf Hitler. The Führer lauds in his Reichstag speech Japan's victory, pointing out that "Japan's historic military successes have encouraged the Germans." He promises an eventual victory over America and Britain. 1942.04.27 — At a dinner party held in honour of the members of the Thai Congratulation Mission, Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo hails intimate Japan-Thai relations, saying that the relations of the peoples of the two countries have now become indivisible in name as well as in substance. 1942.04.27 — The Imperial Headquarters discloses that Japanese naval forces commenced operations against the Moluccas and the northern half of western New Guinea on March 31 and completely occupied all strategic points in these areas on April 19. 1942.04.28 — In a frantic attempt to check the rising popular discontent against the Government's war programme, President Roosevelt in his fire-side chat appeals to the American people to submit unquestioningly to his "national policy." Referring to a seven-point anti-inflation programme which he submitted on April 27 to the Congress, the President says that the programme includes limiting of corporate and personal profits, prices and rents, stabilizing of wages and farm prices, encouraging of purchase of war bonds, discouraging of the installment and credit purchases and encouraging of payment of debts. 1942.04.29 — Crack units of the Japanese Army succeed in landing in the face of the enemy on Parang, 15 kilometres north of Cota Bato, on the island of Mindanao. Lashio in upper Burma falls. 1942.04.30 — The 21st election of members of the House of Representatives with the heaviest balloting in years is held throughout the country. Candidates total 1,079, and 466 of this number are recommended by the National Service Political Council. Out of successful candidates who won seats in the House, 381 are recommendated by the council, 85 un-recommended and 199 "new" men. 1942.05.01 — Japanese Army forces in Burma, after crushing British and Chungking allied troops, occupy Mandalay. Awang, south of Cota Bato in Mindanao, falls. 1942.05.01 — The revised Bank of Japan Law which stipulates for the increase of the bank's capital to ¥100,000,000 and the adoption of the managed currency system is put into effect. 1942.05.01 — The organization of the chartered bank's structure is designed to enable it as the central bank of the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere. 1942.05.02 — A new agreement providing for the settlement of payments between Japan and Thailand on the basis of the Japanese yen is signed in Tokyo by Finance Minister Okinori Kaya and Thai Minister without Portfolio Vanicli Pananarda. 1942.05.03 — Commenting on the result of the general election, Home Minister Michio Yuzawa remarks that the question of revising the present Election Law has to be immediately studied so that a concrete revision plan adopting a recommendation system can be formulated. 1942.05.03 — Japanese Army forces in Burma, in hot pursuit of the enemy, reduce Bhamo. 1942.05.04 — The Government decides to ask the Throne for convocation on May 25 of the extraordinary 76th session of the Diet. A Shipbuilding Bill will be submitted to the Diet. The Government will also entertain internally and externally its belief concerning the prosecution of national policies. 1942.05.04 — Japanese Army Forces operating in the Burma region completely take Akyab airfield in the neighbourhood of the Burma-India frontier. 1942.05.03 — Japanese Army and Navy forces in the Philippines effect a successful landing on the island fortress of Corregidor. The vanguard of the Japanese Army forces, further crossing the Yunnan-Burma border, occupy Lungling. Damaaban, important city in Mindanao, and Bontic in Luzon Island are reduced. 1942.05.06 — Japanese forces in Mindanao capture Tamparan and Bubung. 1942.05.07 — The much-vaunted invulnerability of Corregidor in the Philippines is proved false, as the fortress is completely reduced by the Japanese forces. 1942.05.07 — In response to the clamour of the people for the sort of political structure which is necessary to bring the Pacific war to a victorious conclusion, Premier General Hidéki Tohjo invites 70 representatives of political, financial and journalistic circles to his official residence. 1942.05.07 — President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government of the Republic of China arrives at Hsinking for the purpose of further consolidating the existing amicable bond binding Manchoukuo and China, on the one hand, and of inspecting the actual situation of Manchoukuo, on the other. The Chief Executive is treated as a guest of the Manchoukuo Imperial Household. 1942.05.08 — Japanese Navy forces on the New Guinea Island area attack powerful American-British combined forces on May 7 in the Coral Sea, sinking a U.S. battleship of the California type and seriously crippling one A-class British cruiser of the Canberra type and heavily damaging a British battleship of the Warspite type, announces the Imperial Headquarters. The communiqué adds that on May 8 two U.S. aircraft-carriers one of Saratoga type and the other of Yorktown type were sent to the bottom. 1942.05.08 — The Japanese units in Burma occupy Myitkyina, terminus of the Burma Railways, without bloodshed. Lorungau, northern tip of Manus Island of the Admiralty Group is bloodlessly taken by the Japanese bluejackets. 1942.05.09 — During the naval Battle of the Coral Sea, a cruiser and a torpedo-destroyer of the enemy were also sunk by the Japanese Navy and 89 enemy planes shot down in aerial combats, announces the Imperial Headquarters. 1942.05.09 — At the Cabinet meeting, the Government decides to apply Military Conscription Law to the people of Korea and to rush preparations with the idea of effecting the decision in 1944. The move is taken in response to rapidly increasing sentiment among the people of Korea in favour of sharing in the privilege of serving in the Army enjoyed by the people of the Japanese mainland. 1942.05.10 — Major-General William F. Sharp, Commander-in-Chief of the United States and Filipino forces in Mindanao and the Visayan islands, offers to the Japanese Army the unconditional surrender of the U.S. troops in these islands and his offer is accepted. 1942.05.10 — The Japanese Army forces which crossed the Yunnan border take Tengyueh, one of the vantage points on the second section of the Burma Road to Kunming. 1942.05.11 — Giving the collective war results achieved by the Japanese Army air forces in Burma since the outset of the war, the Imperial Headquarters discloses that 154 enemy planes were shot down or destroyed on the ground ; 1,215 motor-cars and trucks, 353 tanks and armoured cars, 1,543 railway cars destroyed, and 92 vessels sunk. 1942.05.12 — Japanese Navy air forces, in their attack on Port Moresby and Port Darwin as well as in aerial combats over Japanese bases in the South Seas shot down 112 enemy planes and destroyed 51 others on the ground between April 21 and May 10, announces the Imperial Headquarters. 1942.05.12 — The Government decides to submit to the coming extraordinary Diet session a bill regarding the planned shipbuilding which invests the Important Commodities Management Corporation with the authority to place orders for standard-type merchant vessels and handle the expansion of the nation's shipbuilding facilities. 1942.05.13 — Vice-Admiral Jean Decoux, Governor-General of French Indo-China, tells the press that F.I.C. can contribute to the economy of greater East Asia as a raw material producing country and that it must contribute to the proposed co-prosperity sphere through mutual trade. 1942.05.14 — The formation of a National Service Political Association under the leadership of General Nobuyuki Abé is decided at the second general meeting of the preparatory committee for the concentration of the nation's political power. 1942.05.15 — The Cabinet at a regular meeting approves plans for the reform of the National Service Association. Under the reform plan, steps will be taken by the Government to insure that the association makes a full display of its capacity as a central body to conduct a national movement for the establishment of a political structure which is genuinely Japanese. 1942.05.15 — An agreement concerning the delimitation of the Manchoukuo-Outer Mongolia border, the documents of which were signed on October 15, 1941, is ratified by the Governments of the two countries. 1942.05.16 — The Imperial Headquarters announces the results achieved by the Army in the campaign against Corregidor and other isles at the mouth of Manila Bay as follows: prisoners and the bodies left behind number 21,495 and 640 respectively and spoils of war include 246 guns, 685 light and heavy machine-guns and automatic rifles, 3,220 rifles and revolvers, 270 moto rcars, and eight planes. In another communiqué, the Imperial Headquarters says that Japanese submarines from the start of the war up to May 10 sank enemy vessels as follows : 15 ships (101,700 tons) in the Pacific and Hawaii areas, 15 ships (96,000 tons) in the southwestern Pacific area and 35 ships (246, 300 tons) in the Indian Ocean area. 1942.05.17 — Japanese Army forces operating on the Indo-Burmese border have crushed the main British forces numbering about 20,000 in the vicinity of Kaléwa, discloses the Imperial Headquarters. The communiqué also gives the account of the achievements of the Japanese forces as follows : 12,600 enemy bodies are left behind and spoils include 2,000 motor cars, 213 tanks, 421 guns and 722 firearms. 1942.05.21 — Fumio Goto, president of the Central Co-operative Council of the National Service Association, is appointed director-general of the association. His assumption of the new post is connected with the enlargement of the association's structure. 1942.05.19 — In view of growing importance of the rôle to be played by the air force in modern warfare, the War Office has decided to establish an army air force headquarters. 1942.05.20 — The inaugural meeting of the National Service Political Association, whose mission is to assist in the construction of the type of political structure necessary to carry the nation through the current war, is held at the Greater East Asia Hall. General Nobuyuki Abé, former Premier, is elected it's president. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XI No. 7 (July 1942) --- (covers 1942.05.21 to 1942.06.20) 1942.05.21 — Captain Hidéo Hiraidé, sectional chief of the Navy Press Section of the Imperial Headquarters, states over radio that poor strategical knowledge is the vulnerable point of the enemy fleet in the sea battle of the Coral Sea, that by the time British and American leaders realize this their countries will have become third rate sea Powers, that as long as Australia is Japan's enemy Japan's sword shall fall upon the Australians and that economic reconstruction in the south is making headway more favourably than is imagined in Japan. 1942.05.22 — Crack forces of the Japanese Army started on May 15 a general offensive against the combined 9th and 88th armies of the Chiang régime, announce the Japanese expeditionary forces in China. Colonel Harushigé Iwasaki, chief of the Press-Section of the same forces, declares that the new offensive will prove another deadly blow to Chungking which has been greatly weakened by the recent débâcle in Burma. 1942.05.23 — The vanguard of Japanese units enters Mugi, strategic point in central Chekiang, situated 20 kilometres west of Yungkong. The Asahi states that Chungking's hope of rebuilding its air power with the aid of the United States has been shattered by the successful raids conducted by the Japanese Army planes during the middle of May upon airfields in Chekiang, Kwangsi and Kwangsi Provinces. 1942.05.23 — Nine notables are newly added to the list of chief civil administrators for the Navy in occupied territories. They are Kojiro Inouyé, former Minister to Hungary, Shighéo Shimizu, former Governor of Wakayama, Tétsuomi Sudo, Governor of Gifu, Dr. Ryutaro Azuma, professor at Tokyo Imperial University, Naoto Okamoto, chief of the Supply Department of the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry, Shighéru Saméjima, technical expert of the Home Office, Tatéki Nakamura, secretary of the Finance Ministry, Ryo Mizuké, secretary of the Home Office, and Shighénari Oda, secretary of the Tokushima Prefectural Office. The Navy Office also announces the appointment of eight ordinary naval administrators. 1942.05.23 — Regarding the defence of India, Mahatma Gandhi, Indian leader, again strongly advocates the complete withdrawal of Britain and the United States from Asia, says a Domei cable from Stockholm. 1942.05.24 — Mamoru Shighémitsu, Japanese Ambassador to the National Government of China, upon his return to Nanking from Japan, states that the China policy of the Tokyo Government has undergone no change. 1942.05.25 — The 80th extraordinary Diet session is convoked and Tadahiko Okada and Sakusaburo Uchigasaki are elected Speaker and Vice-Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively. 1942.05.25 — The Imperial Headquarters adds one damaged United States battleship of the North Carolina class and one sunken United States A-class cruiser of the Portland class to the war results of the Naval Battle of the Coral Sea. The communiqué reveals that the cruiser of an unidentified class which was seriously crippled in the same battle has turned out to be of Louisville class. 1942.05.26 — To tender the nation's felicitations to His Majesty the Emperor of Manchoukuo on the 10th anniversary of the founding of Manchoukuo, His Imperial Highness Prince Takamatsu leaves Tokyo for Hsinking. 1942.05.26 — The Imperial Headquarters, on the occasion of the Navy Day, gives the account of the war results achieved by the Japanese Navy since the start of the war up to May 20 and says that 260 enemy warships including six aircraftcarriers were sunk, damaged or captured. 1942.05.27 — The 80th extraordinary Diet session is opened. Premier General Hidéki Tohjo assures in his Diet speech that the basis of self-supplying productive economy of the Japanese Empire has been perfectly consolidated and declares that India is in commotion, Chungking on the verge of collapse and Australia isolated. The general asks Australian leaders to perceive the international situation and then decide upon their most important step. He expects that the Indian leaders will expel the Anglo-American forces as well as their influence completely from India and regain the independence of their country. 1942.05.27 — In view of the continual slump of old fapi, the National Government of China has decided to eliminate the Chungking currency from central China, announces Cho Fo-hai, Finance Minister of the Nanking Government. He adds that until the new system is enforced old fapi will be exchanged for the Central Reserve Bank of China notes at the rate of two to one in Anhwei Province, Chekiang Province, Kiangsu Province, Nanking Special City and Shanghai Special City. 1942.05.28 — The Japanese forces completely occupy Kinhwa, Chekiang Province, having trapped and destroyed Chungking troops in the strongholds and natural fortresses around Kinhwa and Lanchi. 1942.05.28 — Premier Hidéki Tohjo addressing the House of Peers states that all regions in greater East Asia are requested to display their traits in man-power and resources in the broadest extent and to strengthen and replenish the economic power of greater East Asia as a whole, that the economic strength of all regions must be displayed on a comprehensive basis and through their co-operation lay the foundation necessary for autonomous defensive strength and that all inhabitants in the co-prosperity sphere are bound to share their joy and hardships. 1942.05.29 — General Kuniaki Koiso, former Overseas Minister, is appointed Governor-General of Korea in succession to General Jiro Minami who is at the same time installed as member of the Privy Council. Rokuichiro Ono, Vice-Governor-General, is named a member of the House of Peers and is succeeded by Takéo Tanaka, former Overseas Vice-Minister. 1942.05.29 — Dr. Chu Min-i, Special Envoy of the National Government of China, arrives by air at Tokyo to express the unshakable resolve of his Government to co-operate closely with Japan for ultimate victory in the war in greater East Asia. 1942.05.30 — Taking advantage of the deterioration in the power of the Chungking administration, the Chinese Communist Party is gradually intensifying its stiff attitude toward General Chiang Kai-shek, says Domei. 1942.05.31 — The Chungking Legal Tender Disposal Committee is formally established in the Shanghai branch of the Central Reserve Bank of China and immediately opens business to dispose of old fapi. 1942.05.31 — Special submarines of the Japanese Navy attack Diego Suarez in Madagascar Island, Africa, as well as the Port of Sydney on the eastern coast of Australia. A British battleship of the Queen Elizabeth class and a B-class cruiser of the Arethusa class are seriously damaged in Diego Suarea2 and one enemy warship is sunk in Sydney. 1942.06.01 — The Roosevelt Administration is continuing to deceive the American public regarding the development of the Pacific war because once it had started on its deception programme, it had to go on deceiving the public to make "both sides meet," tells Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, to foreign correspondents. 1942.06.01 — Lieutenant-General Takéo Yasuda is installed as commander of the Army Air Force Headquarters, announces the War Office. 1942.06.02 — The Government's schemes for trade and funds control for the 1942 fiscal year is approved at a Cabinet meeting. The Trade Control Scheme stipulates that the total amount of Japan's trade with the countries of greater East Asia in the current fiscal year would equal the total of the country's foreign trade, counting the trade with third countries, prior to the outbreak of the war in greater East Asia. 1942.06.03 — The continued pretense of the United States Government that it was caught unawares, every time it suffers a defeat at the hands of Japan, can no longer deceive impartial observers and even noted American writers have admitted that America has only itself to blame for its defeats, declares Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, to foreign newspapermen. He also says that "General Chiang and his followers should understand definitely that sooner they cease resistance the sooner the Chinese masses will be saved from unnecessary sufferings and enabled to have hope for the future." 1942.06.04 — Complete understanding regarding the Japan-F.I.C. economic arrangements for 1942 has been reached between the two countries, says Domei. The news agency adds that the arrangements principally provide for a supply of rice, bauxite, jute and other raw materials from French Indo-China to Japan in exchange for export of manufactures from Japan to F.I.C. 1942.06.04 — Lieutenant-General Shojiro Iida, supreme commander of the Japanese expeditionary forces in Burma, announces the prosecution of the Japanese military administration in Burma. At the same time a new preparatory committee for constructing the central administrative organ in Burma is inaugurated with nine capable Burmeses as its leaders. 1942.06.05 — Crack Japanese Army forces, smashing their way along the Fuchow River, enter Fuchow, important enemy base in the eastern part of central Kiangsi Province. 1942.06.05 — The attack by Japanese special submarines on Sydney has exposed the clumsiness of the strategy of the American Navy and that the latter has degenerated into a "funeral fleet," says Captain Hidéo Hiraidé, sectional chief of the Navy Press Department of the Imperial Headquarters, in his radio speech. He also declares : "If Australia makes up her mind to fight Japan, we have our own plan to smash her and if she intends to ask for peace, we are prepared to welcome her as a good neighbour." 1942.06.05 — The entire city of Sydney is thrown into a state of turmoil and confusion upon the announcement that Japanese submarines have attacked Sydney, according to a Canberra dispatch received in Lisbon. In the meantime, General Douglas MacArthur's Headquarters admits that Japanese submarines attacked Sydney on June 3 and sank one warship, according to a Reuter's dispatch from Melbourne received in Lisbon. 1942.06.05 — A leading Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera at Milan, highly praises the Japanese submarine attacks on Sydney and Madagascar. With the sudden expansion of the Japanese Navy's sphere of operations running from Sydney to Diego Suarez the Americans must have been shocked, says the paper. 1942.06.06 — Japanese Navy units attacked and sank four enemy submarines which had been infesting waters off Tokyo Bay, south of Cape Shionomisaki (Wakayama prefecture) and southwest of Kyushu, late in May and early in June, discloses the Imperial Headquarters. 1942.06.06 — Repulsing stubborn enemy resistance crack Japanese forces this morni g at 9:15 o'clock completely occupy Chuchow airfield in Chekiang Province. 1942.06.07 — Just half a year has elapsed since the Imperial Rescript declaring war on the United States and Britain was promulgated. Taking advantage of this occasion, the Imperial Headquarters issues a communiqué announcing the composite results of the Japanese Army and its losses in the six months' interval up to May 31. War prisoners consist of 25,000 U.S. troops 64,000 British troops, 24,000 N.E.I. troops, 44,000 Chungking troops and 183,000 others. Japanese casualties consist of 9,174 killed, and 29,720 wounded. 1942.06.08 — Japanese Naval forces operating in Visayan waters complete mopping-up operations around Bohol Island, the tenth largest in the Philippines, and its neighbouring islands. 1942.06.08 — All told, 13,320 Manchoukuoan soldiers and civilians in military service, are honoured by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan with various grades of Japanese decorations. Four full-ranking Manchoukuoan generals are invested with the First Class Order of either the Rising Sun or Sacred Treasure. 1942.06.08 — President Roosevelt's statement that the Japanese forces are using poison gas against Chungking troops is vehemently denounced as a "poppy-cock" story by Mr. Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, at his press conference. 1942.06.09 — The main forces of the Chungking 32nd division and the 94th Group Army are routed by the Japanese forces at a point southwest of Yingpanchao, 40 kilometres south of Paotow. The enemy leaves behind 400 dead, while the Japanese take a large amount of spoils of war. 1942.06.09 — Crack Japanese Army forces dashing southward in pursuit of the enemy remnants after having occupied Fuchow completely capture the walled city of Iwang. Iwang is an important fortress in Kiangsi Province. 1942.06.09 — Lieutenant-General Kisaburo Ando, Vice-President of the National Service Association, is appointed State Minister without portfolio. 1942.06.09 — A long pending question is settled when the Cabinet approves the plan for an intermediate administrative machinery. The plan calls for the setting up in each main population centre of an administrative organ to be called a Local Affairs Office, which will be under the supervision of a prefectural governor. 1942.06.10 — Two more American aircraft-carriers have fallen prey to the might of the Japanese Navy, it is announced in a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. It says that the victories were scored between June 4 and 7 in surprise attacks on Dutch Harbour in the Aleutians and on Midway Island. Thus with this epochal action, America's hopes of carrying out a successful guerilla warfare against Japan by means of planes from carriers have been definitely blasted. Apart from the aircraft-carriers, 134 enemy planes were either shot down or destroyed, one large transport was sunk and important military establishments were destroyed. Japanese losses in the present action include one aircraft-carrier lost, another severely damaged and one cruiser also severely damaged. Thirty-five planes have not yet returned, it is also announced. 1942.06.10 — The United States Navy Department announced on June 4 that Japanese air forces heavily bombed Midway Island at 9 a.m. June 4 (Midway time), says a Washington dispatch received in Lisbon today. The sama dispatch adds that the United States Navy Department announced that a Japanese unit unit attacked Dutch Harbour, Alaska, for 15 minutes on June 3. 1942.06.10 — Australians are now uneasy, as a result of the second attack on Sydney at dawn on June 8 by Japanese submarines, while other units simultaneously bombarded Newcastle, says a Batavia dispatch to the Nichi Nichi. 1942.06.10 — A wholesale reorganization of the National Service Association is announced today, the move coming close on the heels of the recent reform of the organ's objective and function. Five new bureaus are established in the association and their new directors are appointed. 1942.06.10 — The Japanese forces in Chekiang Province succeed in passing through the Chekiang-Kiangsi border after capturing Chungshan. The walled city of Nacheng, strategically important enemy position located 62 kilometres southeast of the Japanese occupied city, is brought under complete command of the Japanese forces. 1942.06.10 — Spirited Japanese outflanking operations against the 10,000 troops of the Communist forces commanded by Liu Po-chang are in full swing in the mountainous region of the Tahsing range. As a result of the successful Japanese campaigns, some 2,942 enemy troops were found dead on the battlefield and more than 1,900 prisoners were captured by the Japanese on the Shansi-Hopei-Honan border area. 1942.06.10 — The Japanese forces, driving eastward from Tungsiang in Kiangsi Province, which they captured on June 6, completely occupy Tengsu, strategic town on the Chekiang-Kiangsi border, located 25 kilometres east of Tunghsiang. 1942.06.10 — Japan's transportation system enters a new epoch when the trial operation of a train consisting of six cars is completed between Moji and Shimonoseki with the opening of the giant ¥24,000,000 Kwanmon submarine tunnel connecting Honshu and Kyushu islands. 1942.06.10 — Four Japanese submarines operating off Durban in the Union of South Africa sink four enemy merchant vessels according to an announcement made by the Union of South Africa Navy authorities, says a report reaching Lisbon. 1942.06.12 — Nine American aircraft of the Cutiss-Hawker P-40 type are downed by a Japanese air formation in a fierce combat over Kweilin airfield in Kiangsi Province. Two Japanese planes plunge themselves into the enemy camp. 1942.06.12 — Renewing their activities daily to destroy the remaining enemy facilities as well as to smash the foe's air strength the Japanese Naval air force, operating in the New Guinea area, shoot down a total of 68 enemy planes and demolish four others on the ground from May 16 to June 9. The Japanese side loses six machines, which dived headlong against the enemy targets during their operations. 1942.06.12 — In the first detailed report on the battle of the Coral Sea, which was waged early in May, the United States Navy admits the sinking of its 33,000-ton aircraft-carrier Lexington; the 1,570-ton destroyer Simms and the 16,300-ton oil tanker Neosho, according to a Washington dispatch. 1942.06.13 — Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo in receiving the group of six Chilean newspapermen, who have been visiting here since last August, at his office praises the attitude of the Republic of Chile toward the war in greater East Asia. Mr. Togo hopes that "the statesmen of Chile will continue taking pains not to have their country involved in this war." 1942.06.14 — The Japanese military authorities in Shanghai arrest three American and British ringleaders of a large scale international espionage group there. They are Henry Gorge Woodhead, British, American, publisher of the Oriental Affairs magazine, John Powell, American, editor of the China Press, and Frederick Opper, American, Shanghai correspondent for the United Press. They are placed under the court martial. 1942.06.15 — The Imperial Headquarters issues a communiqué announcing the addition of one American A-class cruiser of the San Francisco class and one American submarine to the war results of the surprise attack of Midway Island previously announced and that of 30 enemy airplanes to 120 planes previously reported to have been shot down. 1942.06.15 — Premier Hidéki Tohjo and Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo send messages to the meeting held in Bangkok by Indians to discuss practical measures for obtaining Indian independence. Rash Behari Bose, presides over the meeting. 1942.06.15 — Governor Tokiji Yoshinaga of Hiroshima prefecture is appointed Chief of the Metropolitan Police Board succeeding Yukio Toméoka who has resigned. 1942.06.15 — The Imperial Navy air units which had suspended their bombing attacks on Port Darwin, key point in northern Australia, since last May, resumed their activity on June 13, when the 16th large scale bombing was carried out jointly by Japanese bombers and fighter planes. Another surprise raid was carried out the following day. During the two days, Japanese raiders shot down 12 modernly-equipped planes. 1942.06.15 — General Chang Tso-hsiang, who once was Manchuria's second most influential warlord, arrives in Hsinking with several of his henchmen to pledge allegiance to the Manchoukuo Empire after an absence of 11 years since the outbreak of the Manchurian incident. 1942.06.17 — The Japanese Navy has decided to construct a new type of coast guard ships specially designed for the purpose. Necessary regulations pertaining to the construction of new defence ships are promulgated in today's official gazette. 1942.06.17 — For the attainment of the savings goal of ¥23,000,000,000 for the present fiscal year, a nation-wide campaign under the sponsorship of the National Service Association is started which will last for one month. 1942.06.18 — The Imperial Headquarters issues a communiqué adding to the war results of the recent attacks of Dutch Harbour reported in the communiqué of June 10. It follows: 1942.06.18 — "According to a detailed report of the surprise attacks on Dutch Harbour, previously announced, the Imperial Naval units in the face of the stormy weather characteristic of that region effected courageous attacks on Dutch Harbour on June 4 and 5. In these operations, it has been confirmed the Japanese units shot down 21 enemy planes and at the same time destroyed the major portions of important enemy military facilities." 1942.06.18 — An agreement is signed between the Bank of Japan and the Finance Ministry of Thailand under which Japan will make a loan of ¥200,000,000 to Thailand for strengthening Thailand's financial and economic position, the Board of Information announces. 1942.06.19 — The Government announces more than 5,000 Government officials throughout the central and prefectural institutions will be dismissed from their services to transfer them as administrators to the southern regions occupied by Japan. This will be carried out by next March. 1942.06.20 — Koki Hirota, former Premier, will be sent to Thailand as Japanese Grand Envoy on Special Mission of Felicitation on the Japan-Thai Alliance, it is announced by the Government. Yasukichi Yatabé, former Minister to Bangkok, and others are members of Mr. Hirota's suite. 1942.06.20 — During four days after June 15 Japanese Naval air units in their aerial raids on Port Darwin in Australia shot down 46 enemy planes and blasted military establishments, while the Japanese losses were only two airplanes, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. 1942.06.20 — The surviving 161 members of the crew of the Soviet merchant ship Angarstroy, victim of an outrageous attack by a United States submarine, safely arrive at Dairen on their way home. These Soviet sailors were rescued by a Japanese steamer. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XI No. 8 (August 1942) --- (covers 1942.06.21 to 1942.07.19) 1942.06.21 — Colonel James Layton Ralston, Canadian Minister of Defence, announces that an enemy submarine at 10:35 p.m. June 20 (3:35 p.m. Japan time) attacked important military facilities on Vancouver Island, according to a Reuter's dispatch. The commander of the Western Coastal Defence also reports to the Government at Ottawa that important military establishments on the western coast of Vancouver Island were attacked by a submarine at 10:35 p.m. June 20, says the same news agency. 1942.06.22 — The United States War Department announces that Japanese submarines attacked military facilities in the coastal zone of Oregon State on the Pacific from midnight of June 21 up to June 22, according to a Washington dispatch. The cannonading was carried out in two successive attacks, blasting military establishments and throwing the west coast of the United States into turmoil. 1942.06.25 — The Imperial Headquarters issues the following communiqué on the successful occupation of Attu and Kiska islands of the Aleutian Group by the Japanese Army and Navy forces: "The Japanese Army and Navy forces operating in the Aleutian area occupied Kiska Island on June 7 and Attu Island on June 8 and since then they have have been engaged in subjugating neighbouring islands." Kiska has just been renamed Narukami Island and Attu, Atsuta Island. 1942.06.25 — The sailing of the N.Y.K. liner Asama Maru, carrying American diplomatic and consular officials as well as American nationals to Lourenço, Marquez, is made public by the Foreign Office. Another vessel, the Italian steamer Costo Verde, has also been commissioned by the Japanese Government to take American nationals in China to the same destination to be exchanged for Japanese diplomats and Japanese nationals from American territories. The ship is scheduled to sail from Shanghai on June 29. The Grifsbolm carrying Ambassadors Kichisaburo Nomura and Saburo Kurusu and others sailed from New York for Rio de Janeiro on June 18 on her way to Lourenço Marquez. 1942.06.25 — Chinese residents in Shoh-nantoh (Singapore), who have been co-operating for the development of southern regions under Japanese control, donate ¥50,000,000 to the Japanese forces as an indication of their sincerity for further collaboration with the Japanese. 1942.06.26 — The joint American-Chinese plan to attack Japan proper by air has been totally crushed with the Japanese occupation of three key bases of Yushan, Chuchow and Lishui, on which the Chungking régime had pinned its hopes of airraiding Japan, it is announced by the Japanese expeditionary forces in central China. 1942.06.28 — Some 11 hours after effecting a landing at Patzunao on June 26, the landing party of the Japanese Navy destroyed the 147th Division of the Chungking 21st Army and on the same evening occupied Jaochow, important stronghold on Lake Poyang, Kiangsi Province, it is revealed today. 1942.06.29 — The International School-Friends Society, Tokyo, selects three Japanese students to be sent to Thailand to study Thai culture and science. Their dispatch is based on an agreement providing for the exchange of Japanese and Thai students for the study of science and culture of the two countries. 1942.06.30 — From June 11 up to June 30 a total of five raids were carried out on Port Moresby by Japanese air forces. During this period the Japanese forces shot down an aggregate of 55 enemy planes, destroyed two additional craft on the ground, sank one merchantman of 8,000 tons and set another on fire. 1942.07.01 — Telegrams to Java from Japan proper can be sent in the Japanese language for the first time beginning July 1. The telegram rate is ¥3 for five words and ¥1 is charged for every additional five words. 1942.07.01 — The Japanese Navy succeeded in capturing the Nicobar Islands, which are under direct control of the Indian Government, situated north of Sumatra, as a result of surprise attacks launched on June 13 and 14, it is made public today. 1942.07.02 — As a step toward the strengthening of the system of government officials which is absolutely necessary for the perfection of the nation's wartime structure, the Government decides to create a personnel section in the secretariat of the Cabinet. This section will look after important personnel affairs of the Government. 1942.07.02 — The evacuation ship Gripsholm which left New York on June 18, carrying 1,017 Japanese diplomats and Thailanders, arrives at Rio de Janeiro on her way to Lourenço, Marquez. 1942.07.03 — Appointment of 15 chief administrators for the occupied regions in the south is announced by the War Ministry. They include 11 retired army officers, six lieutenant-generals, five major-generals and four civil officials. 1942.07.03 — A summary of war results achieved by westward advancing units on the Chekiang-Kiangsi front during the past 50 days since the beginning of operations in this area reveals that a total of 17,031 dead soldiers of Chungking have been buried by these units. The same Japanese forces also captured 7,556 prisoners during the 50-day period. A great many spoils of war were also seized by the them. 1942.07.04 — Summarizing Japanese naval activities against Chungking during the past six months, naval quarters reveal that Japanese naval forces have either sunk or seized a large total of 1,905 Chungking vessels, including warships. Of this total, 110 Chungking war vessels and other ships have been sunk and 895 vessels seized. 1942.07.04 — Mr. Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, issues a lengthy statement taking advantage of Fourth of July, or America's Independence Day, to denounce how the present-day American statesmen are violating the sacred principles formulated by the founders of their State, including the Declaration of Independence, the Monroe Doctrine and others. 1942.07.07 — Brilliant war results attained by the Japanese Army and Navy forces in China since the outbreak of the China affair up to the middle of June are announced by the Imperial Headquarters, taking advantage of the fifth anniversary of the start of the China affair. The communiqué follows : (1) Bodies abandoned by the enemy, about 2,338,000 ; (2) Enemy vessels either sunk or damaged, cruisers 7, destroyer 1, gunboats 12, others 130; (3) Enemy planes either shot down or destroyed on the ground, about 2,800; (4) Main spoils of war include various sorts of guns, 5,000 heavy and light machine-guns, 24,300 rifles, 605,400 automobiles, including tanks, armoured cars and others, 3,000 railway carriages, 2,760; (5) Vessels, captured, about 1,480. (6) Mines, disposed, about 7,500 ; Japanese losses include the following : dead, 111,111, and planes lost, 240 (The number of planes does not include that after May, on which investigation has not yet been completed). 1942.07.07 — Premier and concurrently War Minister Hidéki Tohjo, Navy Minister Shighétaro Shimada and Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo each issues a commemorative statement in connection with the fifth anniversary of the China affair, which broke out on July 7, 1937. 1942.07.07 — The Government of Thailand extends formal recognition to the National Government of the Republic of China at Nanking and a statement to that effect is issued by the Japanese Foreign Office. 1942.07.07 — The Navy Ministry announces that the air units which took part in the Battle of Hawaii have been rewarded with a citation from Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet, and that this fact has become known to His Majesty the Emperor. Another communiqué from the same Ministry announces that three first lieutenants, Saburo Makino, Fusata Iida and Minori Suzuki, all of whom died heroic deaths in the attack on Hawaii, had been promoted by two grades to the rank of commander. 1942.07.08 — Bodies abandoned by the enemy in the Burma fighting, from December 8, 1941, to May 31, 1942, totalled 24,600, it is disclosed by reliable sources. It is also revealed that Japanese casualties totalled 1,289 killed and 3,136 wounded during the same period and in the same sphere of operations. 1942.07.09 — A new military campaign has been started on the Chekiang-Kiangsi front by Japanese forces. The objective is to reduce an undisclosed city, which is a key point in the southern district of Chekiang Province. 1942.07.10 — Agriculture and Forestry Minister Hiroya Ino submits a report to the Cabinet meeting stating that this year's rice crop condition promises a bright prospect, thanks to abundant water and continual favorable weather, adding that, if this condition lasts, this year will see a bumper crop. 1942.07.10 — Following the enthusiastic mass demonstrations of welcome by the people of Thailand on his arrival at Bangkok, Kohki Hirota, Japan's envoy on Special Mission of Felicitation on the Japanese-Thai Alliance, and his suite are staying at the Royal Guest House here. 1942.07.11 — Wenchow, strategic point in southern Chekiang Province, is reduced by Japanese forces, it is announced by the headquarters of the Japanese forces in central China. 1942.07.11 — Mr. Makoto Yano, chief Japanese delegate of the Thai-French Indo-Chinese-Japanese border demarcation commission, officiates at the signing of the new Thai-French Indo-China border agreement at Saigon. The signing has brought to a formal close the intensive border demarcation negotiations which were begun exactly one year ago from the date of signing. 1942.07.12 — Kohki Hirota, Japanese envoy to Thailand, presents to His Royal Highness Prince Aditya Dibabha, the Imperial Message of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan to His Majesty King Ananda Mahidol of Thailand. 1942.07.13 — His Majesty the Emperor is pleased to honour the Tsuchiura Navy Aviation Corps and the Kasumigaura Navy Aviation Corps with His presence. For many hours His Imperial Majesty witnesses impressive mimic aerial combats. 1942.07.13 — The crack Japanese unit which started a new operation south of Wenchow succeeds in reaching a point to kilometres north of Juian, another important base of the enemy. 1942.07.13 — Espionage Prevention Week starts throughout the nation. The event is a strong reminder to the 100,000,000 people of Japan of the fact that they must counteract espionage if there is to be a certainty of victory in the war of greater East Asia in which the foes of Japan, now routed out of East Asia, are sure to make their last efforts to retrieve their fortunes by resorting to thought warfare. 1942.07.14 — Vice-Admiral Masaichi Niimi, supreme commander of the Japanese Navy forces in South China waters, is appointed Commandant of the Maizuru Naval Station. Vice-Admiral Masukichi Matsuki is appointed director-general of the Marine Affairs Board of the Communications Ministry. 1942.07.14 — An outline of the regulations concerning the disposal of enemy-owned patents is submitted to the Cabinet meeting by the Government. The regulations are approved at the meeting. 1942.07.15 — Chou Fo-hai, Finance Minister of the Chinese National Government and concurrently Governor of the Central Reserve Bank of China, who arrived here on July 14 is received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor. He issues a statement expressing the great honour bestowed upon him by His Imperial Majesty and explains the circumstances leading up to the recent currency reform of China. 1942.07.15 — Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Kansai branch of the Japan Economic Federation, Foreign Minister Shighénori Togo discloses the plight of the Anglo-American camp as a result of the continual setbacks suffered by it since the beginning of the current war. In connection with Japan's relation with the Soviet Union, he says that a policy of strict neutrality still exists. 1942.07.17 — Crack Japanese naval units early effect a successful bloodless landing at Hwanghwatsun, situated on the estuary of the Wu River in southeastern Chekiang Province. 1942.07.18 — By virtue of the economic agreement between Japan and French Indo-China, Ambassador Kenkichi Yoshizawa and Governor-General Jean Decoux sign a new economic agreement at Saigon. The agreement provides for an ample supply of rice to Japan and of daily necessaries to French Indo-China. 1942.07.18 — The following two bulletins are issued by the Imperial Headquarters : (1) "Japanese submarines operating in the western Indian Ocean and in South African waters have succeeded in sinking 25 enemy merchantmen with an aggregate of about 200,000 tons in the one-month period between early June and early July." (2) "The aggregate of enemy merchantmen either sunk or destroyed during the period from the start of the war of greater East Asia up to July 10 is as follows : By airplanes 194 (829,000 tons), by submarines 99 (724,000 tons), by warships and others 73 (382,000 tons), total 366 (1,935,000 tons)." 1942.07.19 — The Imperial Headquarters makes the following announcement : "Enemy submarines sunk or destroyed by the Japanese Navy since the beginning of the war of greater East Asia up to July 10 are as follows : Sunk, 59 submarines ; damaged, 38 submarines." --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XI No. 9 (September 1942) --- (covers 1942.07.20 to 1942.08.20) 1942.07.20 — Reporting to today's Cabinet meeting, Lieutenant-General Tei-ichi Suzuki, president of the Planning Board, advocates that the reconstruction of the southern regions be left as much as possible to those on the spot. The reconstruction is going on satisfactorily in various regions, he says, adding that he is pleasantly surprised to note that such remarkable achievements have been made in six short months despite the ravages of war. 1942.07.21 — Japan observes its second annual Marine Day today, when 20 seamen are awarded special medals for distinguished services. Vice-Admiral Masukichi Matsuiki president of the Marine Affairs Board, issues a statement in which he stresses the importance of wartime maritime transportation. 1942.07.22 — The War Ministry in a statement discloses that the late Lieutenant-Colonel Tatéo Kato, hero of the air, is raised by two grades to the rank of major-general following his glorious death on the Burma front. A citation was issued to the hero by General Count Hisa-ichi Térauchi, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Army forces in the southern regions, on May 30, 1942. There were few air operations in the southern theatre of war in which the late air hero did not play an active rôle. 1942.07.23 — The fifth general meeting of the Greater East Asia Construction Council approves the basic policies for the construction of key industries in the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere. Construction of a system of banking, in dustry and electric power for greater East Asia are envisioned in the far-reaching scheme. 1942.07.24 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that 325 enemy planes had been shot down and 109 destroyed by the Naval air force in attacks on enemy bases in New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Horn Island off northern Australia and in battles in other regions. The actions were spread over the period from February 2 to July 20. Crack air units of the Japanese Navy have been blasting Port Moresby, the Island of Horn and even the mainland of Australia for some time lately in a consequence crippled the enemy's attempt to counter-attack. The results of raids over Port Darwin, Wyndham, Derby and other bases on the Australian continent are not accounted for in the foregoing figures. 1942.07.25 — The Navy Ministry announces that the naval air unit which took part in the battle off the coast of Malaya in which the Prinse of Wales and the Repulse were sent to the bottom, had been honoured by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, on April 15, 1942. In a citation issued to the air unit, Admiral Yamamoto mentions that fact that the unit attacked the main body of the British Far Eastern Fleet on December 10, 1941, intrepidly and determinedly, and annihilated it at a single stroke, thereby contributing greatly to the successful conduct of subsequent operations. 1942.07.26 — The two Japanese exchange ships, the Asama Maru and the Conte Verde, carrying aboard Japanese evacuees, leave Lourenço Marquez in Portuguese East Africa. They are expected to be docked at Yokohama on August 17. 1942.07.26 — As the initial step in establishing a currency system in the occupied area in Hongkong on the basis of the military scrip, the Financial Department of the Government-General issues a special decree lowering the value of the Hongkong dollar against the military scrip. The new exchange rate is four Hongkong dollars against one yen in military scrip as compared to the former rate of two to one. 1942.07.26 — Completing his important duties as Envoy on Special Mission of Felicitation to Thailand on the Japanese-Thai Alliance, Koki Hirota returns to Japan. 1942.07.26 — With the aim of serving the country as a united Christian organization, committee members of the Japan Christian Church Federation formulates guiding principles for the benefit of the ministers of various denominational churches in their evangelical work. All Christian workers have thus been mobilized in the task of strengthening the spiritual attitude of the people toward the war in greater East Asia. 1942.07.27 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that continuing their successful operations, Japanese submarines have sunk eight more enemy vessels, whose tonnage aggregates 71,000 tons. The results were achieved in the areas of Seattle, Sydney, the Aleutian Islands and Dutch Harbour over the period from June 1 to July 16. 1942.07.27 — The British Admiralty makes public that 40 officers and 455 ratings were lost in the sinking in April in the Indian Ocean off Ceylon of the Hermes, 10,000-ton aircraft-carrier and the 9,975-ton cruiser Dorsetshire. The two British warships were sunk through Japanese naval and air actions. 1942.07.27 — Premier General Hidéki Tohjo elucidates Japan's basic policy at a rally held in Osaka. The Premier's speech arouses the interest of the world in that it is the first enunciation of Japan's attitude toward the vital problem of the Mohammedan population in the southwestern regions of Asia. It is his hope, the Premier emphasizes, that the various Mohammedan races in the southwestern regions of Asia, long under British oppression, would sever their connections with Britain and rise in the glorious cause of racial rehabilitation. The Premier also takes the opportunity to reiterate that Japan, Germany and Italy are determined to fight the Anglo-America nations till they are thoroughly vanquished. 1942.07.28 — The Bank of Japan signs a contract in Tokyo with regard to a loan of ¥100,000,000 to the Central Reserve Bank of China, Nanking, in response to a request by the Nanking Government. The sound development of the note issue system of the Chinese bank is the objective of this new financial arrangement. Nanking's Finance Minister and concurrently President of the Central Reserve Bank signs the contract, while Governor Toyotaro Yuki of the Bank of Japan does the same as the representative of the Japanese Government. 1942.07.30 — In the presence of His Majesty the Emperor, solemn rites for the 30th anniversary of the demise of the Emperor Meiji are held at the Imperial Sanctuary in the Imperial Palace. At the Momoyama Mausoleum, where the August Spirit of the Emperor Meiji rests peacefully, prayer is offered by the Imperial messenger sent for the occasion. 1942.07.30 — The N.Y.K. liner Tatuta Maru carrying aboard 454 nationals of Britain, India, Australia, Egypt, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Holland, Norway, Greece and Poland, sails from Yokohama for Lourenço Marquez. Prominent among those aboard are Sir Robert Craigie, British Ambassador, and Lady Craigie, Belgian Ambassador Pierre Forthomme and Air Commodore W.E.G. Bryant, Air Attache to the British Embassy. 1942.07.30 — Continuing their successful operations on the China front, Japanese air units today carry out two heavy raids on important Chungking objectives. Changsha, Liling and Yiyang in Hunan Province are the targets of attacks. 1942.07.31 — Flying in a gigantic formation, units of the Japanese Navy's air arm on July 25, 27 and 28 conducted furious raids on Tourtsville, key point on the northeastern district of Australia, and deale severe damage to military establishments there, according to a communiqué issued by the Imperial Headquarters today. 1942.08.01 — In a consecutive two-day attack on July 30 and July 31 against the enemy's advance air base at Hengyang, Hunan Province, Japanese air units shot down 13 American planes, according to the press section of the Japanese expeditionary forces in China. The announcement also adds that as a direct result of the two-day attack, the enemy's plan for guerilla air raids on the continent has been frustrated. 1942.08.01 — In a historic ceremony held in the City Hall in Rangoon, the long-cherished ideal of "Burma for the Burmans " is finally realized, when the Central Administrative Organ of Burma is officially inaugurated in the presence of Lieutenant-General Shojiro Iida, supreme commander of the Japanese Army forces in the Burma area. Dr. Ba Maw is the Chief Administrator. 1942.08.03 — Succeeding Toméjiro Ohkubo, General Ayao Kishimoto is elected Tokyo's 19th Mayor by a overwhelming majority. The election comes in near record time, appointment being made only 12 days after Mayor Ohkubo's resignation had been accepted by the City Assembly. 1942.08.05 — Nine more American-made planes are shot down by crack Japanese fliers during a sharp 40-minute aerial duel over the strategic Chungking base of Hengyang in Hunan Province. The engagement surprises Japanese raid carried out by the units of the Japanese air forces. Heavy damage is inflicted to military facilities. 1942.08.06 — Bringing the war still closer to Australia, the Japanese Navy units on July 30 succeeded in occupying the Aru Islands, Kei Islands and Tanimber Islands in the Arafura Sea, north of Australia, it is stated by the Imperial Headquarters. 1942.08.06 — Air units of the Japanese Navy carried out relentless raids on military facilities at Port Hedland, key point on the western coast of Australia, early on the morning of July 30, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. Damage was caused to the enemy air base and various other military installations. 1942.08.06 — Speaking at the Greater East Asia Press Convention held in Hsinking, Lieutenant-Colonel Uichi Haségawa, chief of the press section of the Kwantung Army, declares that relations between Japan and the Soviet Union remain unchanged. Rumours centring around Japanese-Soviet tie, he stresses, are groundless. 1942.08.07 — In a stirring address delivered at the Osaka Central Public Hall, Colonel Nakao Yahaghi, Army spokesman of the Imperial Headquarters, declares that in the afterwar management of East Asia, Japan must exert itself for the establishment of its unique culture as leader nation of the co-prosperity sphere. Japan has already passed the first stage of the war in greater East Asia, Colonel Yahaghi says, adding that the war is not to end until the final victory is achieved. 1942.08.07 — All indications point to a bumper rice crop this year and a much better output than in average years is expected. This encouraging assurance is made by Agriculture Minister Hiroya Ino at today's regular Cabinet meeting. 1942.08.07 — The War Ministry reveals in an announcement that the Matsui and Mudaguchi units, had been awarded citations by Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita, supreme commander of the Japanese Army forces in the Malay area, in recognition of their meritorious services during the Malay campaign which culminated in the capture of Singapore. This fact has now come to the knowledge of His Majesty the Emperor. 1942.08.10 — Another Japanese exchange ship, the Kamakura Maru, leaves Yokohama for Lourenço Marquez. Included among those aboard is Tamao Sakamoto, new Japanese Minister to Switzerland. At Shanghai, 900 nationals of Britain, the Netherlands and Belgium will be taken aboard. 1942.08.10 — Denouncing Britain's wholesale arrest of Indian leaders in no uncertain terms, Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, describes the British move as a "most foolish and stupid act" in a statement. The arrest is an outright violation of the Anglo-American pledges in the Atlantic Charter respecting "the right of each people to choose their form of Government," stresses Mr. Hori. 1942.08.10 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese naval units beat off a strong enemy naval force which appeared in the Aleutian waters on August 8. 1942.08.11 — As another important step for the consolidation of the national structure which has been set up to ensure absolute victory in the war, the Government at its regular Cabinet meeting formally adopts a plan calling for a 30 per cent. reduction of the number of Government officials and employees. The new measure will go into effect on October 1. 1942.08.11 — Further honour has been granted the brave Army forces which are responsible for the success of the Malay campaign, it is announced by the War Ministry. The honours, which are issued in the form of citations, were granted by Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita, supreme commander of the Japanese Army forces in the Malay area, to the Ogaki unit and Noguchi and Shimada Tank units. The War Ministry adds that citations have also been issued by Lieutenant-General Yamashita to the Asai and Itaya sections of the Watanabé unit, which during the blitz advance on Singapore, died glorious deaths acting as " human bullets." 1942.08.12 — It has been announced that the exploits of the 1st and 2nd raiding units of the Navy's air arm, to which a citation has been issued by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, had been brought to the knowledge of His Majesty the Emperor. The citation was awarded for the great results obtained by these units in the attack on Pearl Harbour at the outbreak of the Pacific war. 1942.08.13 — The Shanghai incident of August 13, 1937, is recalled in that city, when the fifth anniversary of its outbreak is observed. The indient is considered significant as marking the "first page of the war of greater East Asia." 1942.08.14 — In a great naval battle eclipsing in magnitude all previous engagements in the war of greater East Asia, Japanese Navy forces sank a total of 23 warships and 10 transports and heavily damaged four warships and one transport of a combined Anglo-American fleet off the Solomon Islands, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. Furthermore, 58 enemy planes were shot down. The encounter started on August 7. Japanese losses were comparatively light, being 21 planes lost and two cruisers slightly damaged. The cruisers, however, are able to continue a fighting cruise. 1942.08.14 — Lieutenant-General Sei-ichi Tanaka has been appointed supreme commander of the Army forces in the Philippines succeeding Lieutenant-General Masaharu Homma. The former has already arrived at his new post, while the latter returns to Tokyo today. 1942.08.15 — Lieutenant Kazuyoshi Takahashi, hero of the Malay campaign, is posthumously honoured today when it is announced by the War Ministry that it has been brought to the knowledge of His Majesty the Emperor that the supreme commander of the Army forces in the Malay area had previously issued a citation to the officer. Lieutenant Takahashi was the third individual officer to whom a citation has been issued since the beginning of the war in greater East Asia. 1942.08.15 — The appointment of governors for the twelve districts in Burma is officially announced in the presence of Lieutenant-General Shohjiro Iida, supreme commander of the Japanese Army forces in the Burma area. All these governors are Burmans. 1942.08.17 — The Imperial Headquarters discloses that Japanese submarines operating in waters around Australia sank 10 enemy vessels totalling approximately 90,000 tons from late in July up to early in August. 1942.08.17 — The promotion of Lieutenant-General Jun Ushiroku to the rank of general and his formal installation as commander of the Central Army Headquarters are announced by the War Ministry. General Ushiroku's former post as Chief of Staff of the Japanese expeditionary forces in China is taken up by Lieutenant-General Masakazu Kawabé, who has been Assistant Inspector-General of Military Education since January, 1939. 1942.08.17 — Japanese warplanes again raid Port Moresby at night, inflicting heavy damage to military establishments and port facilities, according to information emanating from American sources. 1942.08.18 — The Government decides on the creation of a council in the Education Ministry to map out a plan to spread the knowledge of the Japanese language in the East Asia co-prosperity sphere. It is a definite advance toward the establishment of a unified, firmly knit greater East Asia, with common ideals, hopes and aspirations. The Council on the Popularization of the Japanese Language, the new organization, tentatively named, will begin its function in October. 1942.08.19 — In a significant address broadcast to the nation, spokesman Tomokazu Hori of the Board of Information declares that, if the people of India really wish to throw off the British yoke and become a free nation, the thing they should do is clear. They must resolutely oppose Britain's policy of ruling India through causing disunity among the various races, groups and religious communities. The people of India must unite and make a common effort to drive out all British power from India, he adds. 1942.08.20 — The diplomatic exchange vessels, the Asama Maru and the Conte Verde, arrive at Yokohama from Lorenço Marquez in Portuguese East Africa with 1,500 Japanese repatriates on board. The ashes of the late Ambassador Sotomatsu Kato to France were brought by the ship. 1942.08.20 — Colonel Sei-ichi Kumé and Captain Goichi Noguchi who had distinguished themselves for their gallantry and leadership in the Malayan and Palembang operations are received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor, this being exceptional honours given to officers below the high-ranking officers. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XII No. 1 (January 1943) --- (covers 1942.11.21 to 1942.12.20) 1942.11.21 — The second estimate of this year's crop in Japan proper as of October 31 stands at 67,360,900 koku, showing an increase of more than 19,000 koku over the first estimate, it is announced by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry. Compared with the actual harvest last year, an increase of 12,272,729 koku, or 22.3 per cent., is seen and compared with the average for the last five years an increase of 3,973,751 koku, or 6.2 per cent. is registered. 1942.11.21 — Exhorting the French people to exert their utmost efforts to bring about still closer ties with Germany, Premier Pierre Laval in a broadcast stresses that the Vichy Government is adopting a co-operative policy with the Third Reich for the sake of peace, according to a Vichy dispatch. 1942.11.22 — Reorganization of the British Cabinet is announced in a statement by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Secretary of State for Home Affairs Herbert S. Morrison is to be included in the War Cabinet. Lord Privy Seal Sir Stafford Cripps is appointed Minister of Airplane Production and concurrently the leader of the House of Commons. He is no longer in the War Cabinet. Secretary of State for the Colonies Lord Cranboorne is appointed Lord Privy Seal, being succeeded by Colonel Oliver Stanley. 1942.11.23 — The United States War Department States that in the first landing in the French territory in West Africa, American soldiers who were killed or unaccounted for totalled 1,910. Most of the casualties are believed to have occurred in occupying Oran and Casablanca, and those unaccounted for are believed to have been mostly drowned. 1942.11.25 — In a statement issued on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of the conclusion of the Anti-Comintern Pact, Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, declares that Japan must make every effort in co-operation with its allies to wipe out the menace of Communism "which is absolutely incompatible with Japan's national polity" in order to attain the ultimate aims of the present war. 1942.11.27 — German forces advance into Toulon under Chancellor Adolf Hitler's orders and instantly occupy the Municipal Office, the Navy Yard and other important spots. 1942.11.27 — The German High Command announces that despite the order of the Vichy Government prohibiting self-destruction, of French warships anchored at the Toulon naval base, part of the French fleet in Toulon blew themselves up and that the disarming of the French Army forces in Toulon is progressing satisfactorily. 1942.11.27 — The Vichy Government deprives Admiral Darlan and General Giraud of their French nationality. Following an urgent Cabinet meeting presided over by Premier Pierre Laval the French Government issues a statement, in which it is described that the French fleet, which once was the pride of the French nation, has perished due to treacherous actions of rebels. The Cabinet also accepts a letter addressed to the Chief of French State, Marshal Henri Philippe Petain, by Chancellor Adolf Hitler regarding the advance of the German Army into Toulon. 1942.11.28 — French Secretary of State of Colonies Jules Brevie announces that British troops unlawfully landed on French Reunion, an island in the southwestern Indian Ocean, and east of Madagascar. 1942.11.28 — The Imperial Headquarters issues the following communiqué: According to a detailed report received later, it has been ascertained that the Japanese forces have further scored the following results in the third battle of the Solomons : 1942.11.28 — 1. In the night battle of November 12 the Japanese fleet sank three enemy cruisers and damaged three destroyers. Incidentally, one destroyer which was previously announced as sunk is deleted from the casualty list. 1942.11.28 — 2. In the night battle of November 14 the Japanese fleet sank one enemy battleship and heavily damaged another battleship (the sinking of the latter being virtually verified). Incidentally, the previous report in the second battle of more than two enemy battleships were damaged is corrected as one battleship damaged. 1942.11.28 — Note : Of the composite results of the third battle of the Solomons the following revision is made with regard to the warships: 1942.11.28 — Sunk: Battleships, Two Cruisers, Eleven Destroyers, Three or Four Transport, Three 1942.11.28 — Heavily Damaged : Cruisers, Three Destroyers, Three or Four Transports, Three 1942.11.28 — Damaged : Battleship, One Destroyers, Three 1942.11.30 — In a special communiqué issued today, the German High Command announces the damages caused to the British-American fleets in the North African waters since November 7 to 25 as follows : Five cruisers and twenty-five destroyers sunk, two battleships, three aircraft-carriers, twenty-eight cruisers and other ships damaged. It is also announced that merchant ships sunk totalled twenty-three, aggregating 161,900 tons; those severely damaged and believed to have been sunk eleven, aggregating 100,000 tons, while those damaged including some which will be unnavigable for the present reach sixty-five, totalling 398,000 tons. 1942.11.30 — To celebrate the second anniversary of the conclusion of the Japan-China Basic Treaty and the issuance of the joint Japan-Manchoukuo-China declaration, a luncheon is held at the Foreign Minister's official residence under the auspices of the Greater East Asia Ministry and the Foreign Office. Premier General Hidéki Tohjo broadcasts a radio speech for the occasion in exchange for the same broadcasts by President Wang Ching-wei of China and Premier Chang Ching-hui of Manchoukou. 1942.11.30 — Japanese Navy planes intensively bomb Port Moresby and blast runways at its airfield. Great damage is dealt to the airfield and other military facilities. All the Japanese planes safely return to their base. 1942.12.01 — In the periodical shifts Vice-Admiral Nishizo Tsukahara is named director general of the Naval Aviation Headquarters, while Rear-Admiral Hidéo Yano is appointed chief of the Navy press section of the Imperial Headquarters replacing Rear-Admiral Kanji Ogawa, who is transferred to the Total War Research Institute. 1942.12.01 — The German Navy and air forces during the month of November accounted for 166 enemy merchant vessels totalling 1,033,200 tons sunk, while 102 vessels of the same category were heavily damaged, the German High Command announces. 1942.12.02 — The following announcement is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : Following the occupation of the whole of the Philippine Islands, the Japanese Army forces which have been engaged in mopping-up operations against the American-Filipino remnants holding out in the mountainous and other inaccessible parts of the islands, have already annihilated the bulk of these marauders. Outstanding among the war results achieved by the Japanese forces for three months since August until October are: 1. Enemy bodies left behind : 3,945. 2. Enemy troops taken prisoner : 2,918. 3. War trophies : thirty-three pompoms, seventy-one heavy or light machine-guns, 165 automatic rifles and other firearms totalling 7,458, one million rounds of various kinds of ammunition and forty-four motor cars. 1942.12.02 — The French régime in Africa appoints Admiral Darlan as its chief. Major-General Dwight D. Eisenhauser, commander-in-chief of the American forces in Africa, and Admiral Sir Andrew B. Cunningham, commander of the British Mediterranean fleet, confer at Algiers with Admiral Darlan. 1942.12.02 — Premier Benito Mussolini delivers an address in which he lauds the stupendous achievements made by the Japanese forces since their entry into the present world conflict. By Japan's participation in the war, declares the leader of Italy, victory has been absolutely guaranteed for the Axis. 1942.12.03 — The Impeial Headquarters issues the following communiqué: A Japanese destroyer squadron launched a furious attack on a powerful enemy naval unit off Lunga on Guadalcanal Island on the night of November 30. The war results attained are as follows: One enemy battleship sunk, one cruiser of the Augusta type sunk instantly, two destroyers sunk and two destroyers set ablaze. The only Japanese casualty was one destroyer sunk. 1942.12.03 — The enemy losses from the first battle of the Solomons up to the night battle off Lunga consist of 125 warships of various categories sunk, damaged or heavily damaged. Going into details, eighty-seven were sunk, twenty-three heavily damaged, seven damaged and eight heavily damaged or damaged. 1942.12.03 — Damages suffered by the Allied fleet at the time of the landing operation in French North Africa are disclosed by Britain and France. First Lord of the Admiralty, Capatin Albert V. Alexander, in the House of Commons, reports : "The recent landing was carried out by three groups of fighting services. One of them was transported from America to Casablanca and the other two from Britain respectively to Algiers and Oran. The transports employed in the same operations totalled 850. The small- sized aircraft-carrier Avenger, three destroyers and six other small vessels were sunk." The U.S. Navy Department reports that the President Pierce and four other transports were sunk, while three transports, one destroyer and one tanker were damaged. 1942.12.04 — A statement issued by the authorities of the Japanese Expeditionary Army in China shows that forty-four per cent. of the strength of enemy forces in China has been destroyed by the Japanese forces since the beginning of the war in greater East Asia. There was a total of 25,000 engagements throughout the period. This means that there were on an average 2,000 engagements every month and seventy every day. The enemy forces which were met by the Japanese were approximately 3,600,000 strong. A total of 280,000 dead were left on the fields of battle by the enemy. The number of prisoners taken by the Japanese was 123,000. The ratio of prisoners taken by the Japanese to the dead left by the enemy is forty-four per cent. The ratio in 1940 was twelve per cent. and that in 1941 was twenty-nine per cent. 1942.12.05 — In a broadcast to the nation, Foreign Minister Masayuki Tani declares that Japan is facing the second year of the war with a brilliant record of outstanding achievements, militarily, politically and in the construction of the projected greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere. 1942.12.05 — The German High Command announces that the Reich Expeditionary forces in Tunisia occupied Tébourba and Djedeida after a severe battle with the British First Army. 1942.12.05 — That Japan is invincible and that its entry into the current war has guaranteed victory for the Axis are reiterated by Premier Benito Mussolini of Italy in his message to the people of Japan in commemoration of the outbreak of the war in greater East Asia. 1942.12.06 — The United States Navy Department admits that severe damages were suffered at Pearl Harbour on December 7, 1941, and announces that eight battleships, including the Arizona, Oklahoma, California, Nevada, Maryland and Tennessee, as well as most of the Army and Navy airplanes at Pearl Harbour had lost their fighting power. The announcement also admits that the cruisers Helena, 10,000 tons ; Honolulu, 9,615 tons ; and Raleigh, 7,000 tons, and the hydroplane carrier, Curtis, 8,625 tons, and the repairship, Vestal, 6,625 tons, also were damaged. 1942.12.06 — A large formation of Japanese planes composed of fighters and bombers on December 5 attacked an enemy convoy of forty-eight transports escorted by cruisers and protecting aircraft off Chittagong, near the southwestern Burma-India border, scoring direct hits on many of the vessels. Chittagong harbour also was attacked by the Japanese aircraft and hits scored on port facilities. 1942.12.06 — His Majesty the Emperor sends a congratulatory telegram to President Risto Ryti of Finland on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Finnish independence. Simultaneously, His Imperial Majesty confers the Order of the Chrysanthemum with the Grand Cordon to President Ryti for contributing toward the promotion of friendly relations between Japan and Finland during the past years. Other Finnish leaders also are decorated by His Imperial Majesty. 1942.12.07 — On the eve of the first anniversary of the war in greater East Asia, the composite results obtained by the Japanese Army in one year of fighting are published by the Imperial Headquarters. The communiqué follows : The more important of the composite results which were obtained by the Japanese Army in the war in greater East Asia from the time it started till most recently and the losses sustained by us are given below : 1942.12.07 — "1. The southern area and the area of the Aleutians : a. Strength of the enemy forces engaged Approximately 600,000 b. Bodies left behind by the enemy Approximately 51,000 c. Prisoners taken Approximately 303,000 d. Trophies: Guns of various types : 3,620 Heavy and light machine-guns : 13,500 Other firearms : 206,000 Tanks : 1,440 Automobiles : 31,700 Railway carriages : 12,200 e. Planes : Shot down : 731 Destroyed : 993 Captured : 235 Total : 1,959 f. Enemy naval and merchant vessels sunk and heavily damaged : 104 1942.12.07 — 2. The China area : a. Strength of the enemy forces engaged Approximately 3,600,000 b. Number of engagements Approximately 25,000 c. Bodies left behind by the enemy Approximately 280,000 d. Prisoners taken Approximately 123,000 e. Trophies: Guns of various types : 847 Heavy and light machineguns : 3,200 Other firearms : 139,100 Automobiles : 129 Railway carriages : 208 f. Planes captured, shot down and destroyed : 119 1942.12.07 — 3. Our Losses : Killed in action : 21,170 Wounded : 42,576 Total : 63,746 Planes : 599 Merchant vessels : 62 1942.12.07 — Note: Of the results given, those concerning planes and merchant vessels are ascertained up to November 30. The others are as ascertained up to October 31. 1942.12.08 — The Japanese people at home and abroad observe the first anniversary of the war in greater East Asia. Various functions are promoted to commemorate the day in Tokyo and all other parts of the Japanese Empire. 1942.12.08 — Celebrating the first anniversary of the outbreak of the war in greater East Asia and cementing Japanese-Thai friendship, an exchange of messages by radio between Premier General Hidéki Tohjo and Premier Marshal Pibul Songgram of Thailand takes place at 9 p.m. 1942.12.08 — Manchoukuo announces the outline of its new State plan formulated with the central aim of effecting the country's closer participation in the war in greater East Asia. It is made up of four chapters, consisting of (1) fundamental principles, (2) administrative outline, (3) welfare of the people, and (4) outline of the economic system. 1942.12.09 — Premier Hidéki Tohjo receives a group of German and Italian newspaper correspondents in Tokyo in interview at his official residence. Questions and answers are exchanged between the newspapermen and the Premier. The Premier also issues a message for them. 1942.12.10 — The Investigation and Research League has been established by the Government, it is announced by the Cabinet. The mission of the league is to assist the Government in solving the problem of how best to pull the nation through the total war which it is now fighting. President Tei-ichi Suzuki of the Planning Board is chairman and Vice-President Genki Abé of the same board and Vice-President Korokn Wada of the Technical Affairs Board are vice-chairmen. 1942.12.10 — The general accounts of the State budget for the fiscal year of 1943-44 are adopted by the Cabinet. They amounted to ¥9,995,000,000, representing an increase of more than ¥1,100,000,000 over the present fiscal year. 1942.12.11 — Marking the first anniversary of the agreement signed among Japan, Germany and Italy pledging their joint conduct of the war against America and Britain and non-conclusion of a separate peace and co-operation in the construction of a new world order, a grand luncheon is held under the joint auspices of the German Ambassador to Tokyo, Major-General Eugen Ott, and Italian Ambassador Mario Indelli at the Imperial Hotel. 1942.12.11 — The German authorities announce that the vanguards of the Axis forces in the Tunisian front have pressed the retreating enemy forces westward and after occupying Tébourba, Djedeida and Mateuh, and finally taken Tabarca, ninety-six kilometres east of Tébourba, near the frontier. 1942.12.11 — The American A-class cruiser San Francisco, 9,950 tons, which was heavily damaged by Japanese Navy forces in a recent battle of the Solomons, barely manages to reach San Francisco under its own power. 1942.12.11 — The United States Navy Department announces that the auxiliary transport, Archibald, was attacked by Japanese Navy forces in the southwestern Pacific and sunk. 1942.12.12 — The United States Navy Department announces the sinking of the passenger ship President Coolidge, which ran into a mine recently in the southern Pacific Ocean while transporting 4,000 men. 1942.12.13 — His Majesty the Emperor personally visited the Grand Shrines at Isé on December 12 and, after graciously reporting the successive brilliant victories of the Japanese forces in the current war to the spirits of the Imperial Ancestors, prayed for Japan's prosecution of the war to a successful end. An announcement to this effect is made by the Imperial Household Department. 1942.12.14 — The plan for an oil monopoly bill which the Government expects to introduce in the coming regular session of the Japanese Diet is approved by the Cabinet. As a result, petroleum products are to be made a Government monopoly. 1942.12.15 — The following announcement is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : Army air forces operating in the Burma area raided the port of Chittagong on December 5 and to and caused serious damages to British planes, shipping and military equipment. Important results revealed up to the present are as follows : 1942.12.15 — 1. Damages caused to the enemy : A. Planes shot down ten. (Of this number, those uncertain 3). B. Ships sunk seven. Ships heavily or otherwise damaged ten. Ships set on fire four to five. C. Land equipment : Eight direct hits on railway stations, wharves and warehouses Railway train burned one. 1942.12.15 — 2. Our damages : Planes that have not yet returned two. 1942.12.15 — The following communiqué is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : The Japanese Navy units in the New Guinea area shot down or destroyed forty-four enemy planes near Buna in the eastern district of that island from November 24 to December 8. During the same period our units also sank two enemy patrol ships and two transports. The Japanese losses during the same period consisted of nine planes either self-blasted or not yet returned. 1942.12.15 — His Majesty the Emperor receives in audience more than 500 leaders representing the industrial, economic and financial circles of Japan proper, its overseas territories, Manchoukuo and China, all of whom attend the All-Japan Industrial and Economic Round-Table Conference held at the Premier's official residence. 1942.12.15 — A comfort and cheer party is held in the Japanese Embassy in Berlin in honour of the German war wounded numbering some 200 under the auspices of Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Ohshima. 1942.12.17 — The outlines of three important draft Imperial Ordinances dealing with patents and inventions, publication enterprises and the control of provisional salt manufacturing districts are adopted at the twenty-fourth plenary session of the National General Mobilization Investigation Commission. As a result, the Publication and Cultural Association will be dissolved to be replaced by a Japan Publication Society. 1942.12.18 — The Imperial Headquarters issues the following communiqué: The Japanese Army air units operating in the Burma area launched attacks on the Chittagong and Feni airfields on December 15 and 16 and shot down or destroyed 180 together twenty-nine enemy planes. In addition, the Japanese planes blasted important facilities in the Chittagong and Feni airfields and also at the Chittagong wharf. 1942.12.18 — 1. Damage dealt to the enemy planes : Shot down : 19 (Four of which are not verified) Set ablaze : 4 Destroyed aground : 6 1942.12.18 — 2. Japanese damages : Self-blasted against enemy position : 1 Not yet returned : 4 1942.12.18 — More than thirty sunken enemy craft including warships, passenger and freight ships and tankers, together with four floating docks of various sizes have been refloated at Surabaya up to the middle of this month. 1942.12.19 — A memorial service for war heroes of the Axis Powers, who sacrificed themselves in the cause of their respective States and for the establishment of a new order in East Asia and Europe, are held at the Kohrakuén Stadium in Tokyo. The solemn affair is held under the sponsorship of the Japanese Way Society and supported by various public organizations. 1942.12.20 — The Board of Information says that the purpose of the visit of President Wang Ching-wei of the Nanking Government, who arrived in Tokyo today, is to exchange views and opinions with the Japanese Government to tighten further the collaboration between the two administrations. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XII No. 10 (October 1943) --- (covers 1943.08.21 to 1943.09.17) 1943.08.21 — President Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King announce that the United States and Canadian forces on August 15 had landed on Kiska Island without meeting any resistance. 1943.08.22 — The withdrawal of the entire Japanese garrison from Kiska Island of the Aleutians, which had been effected late in July without any enemy obstruction, is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. The deployed units have already taken up new duties elsewhere. 1943.08.22 — The Presidium of the Soviet Union recalls Soviet Ambassador Maxim Litvinov from Washington and appoints Counsellor Andrei Gromyko at Washington as his successor. The Soviet Government also recalls Ambassador Ivan Maisky from Britain. 1943.08.23 — German forces at Kharkov withdrew from the city on September 22, the German High Command announces. 1943.08.24 — A Thai military mission headed by Lieutenant-General Pichit Krieng Sakpichit, Vice-Minister of Defence and Vice-Commander-in-Chief of the Thai Army, and composed of twelve other members arrives in Tokyo for inspection of wartime Japan. 1943.08.24 — War results obtained by the Japanese forces in China during July are revealed. Chungking soldiers killed in 1,765 engagements fought during the period numbered 9,467 and those taken prisoner and surrendered 68,565. Tremendous war trophies were secured by the Japanese forces. 1943.08.24 — The Quebec conference, which opened on August 11, ended on August 25. Upon conclusion of the conference, a joint statement was issued by President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill. 1943.08.24 — A reshuffle of the German Cabinet is announced in Berlin by which Heinrich Himmler, Reichsleader of the Storm Troopers and Chief of the German Police, is appointed Reich and Prussian Home Minister concurrently. His predecessor Wilhelm Frick is appointed Reichprotector for Bohemia and Moravia succeeding Baron Konstantin von Neurath. 1943.08.25 — The second annual East Asia cultural convention opens in Tokyo for a three-day session. Eiji Amau, President of the Board of Information, makes a stirring speech on the occasion and points out the vital rôle of literature in the construction of greater East Asia. 1943.08.25 — For the first time since the outbreak of war in greater East Asia the Japanese air forces in China attacked Chungking and Wanhsien on August 23 and pounded the military establishments with telling effect. They shot down eight enemy planes in the skies of Chungking. At Wanhsien they blasted military installations and sank several vessels on the Yangtze River. 1943.08.25 — The Japanese forces are inflicting heavy damage on the American contingents which have landed on New Georgia and Vella Lavella islands in the Solomon Group. The American side has thus far suffered no less than 10,000 in casualties in New Georgia. 1943.08.26 — The Foreign Office issues a statement regarding the second exchange of interned nationals between Japan and the United States. Negotiations having been concluded, Japanese diplomats in Chile and a portion of Japanese nationals detained in the American countries will be exchanged with officials of the United States and Chile and a portion of American nationals detained in various parts of East Asia. The number of internees to be exchanged is about 1,500 on each side. The exchange will take place at Port Mormuggo, Goa, Portuguese territory in India, through the good offices of the Government of Portugal. The Japanese exchange ship, Teia Maru, will sail from Japan about the middle of September, while the American exchange vessel, Swedish M. S. Gripsholm, will sail from an American port. 1943.08.26 — The following announcement is made public by the Imperial Headquarters : Japanese air force in the China area on August 24 advanced to the skies of Wanhsien and Santuping west of Ichang, and attacked enemy planes that attempted to raid the Wuhan district. The damage dealt to the enemy follows : (1) Blasted the wharf, supply dumps, and a group of enemy vessels at Wanhsien and set them on fire. (2) Attacked a enemy shipping on the Yangtze River near Santuping and sank one and damaged two others. (3) Attacked twenty odd enemy planes that came raiding the Wuhan district and shot down ten of them (one of which is not certain). (4) The Japanese losses consisted of one plane self-blasted and one not yet returned. 1943.08.27 — The Japanese Government will undertake the compilation of an authentic history of the Japanese Empire from the mythical age to the present day on a fifteen-year plan commencing next year, it is stated by the Education Ministry. 1943.08.28 — His Majesty King Boris iii passes away at 4 : 22 p.m. today after a serious illness of short duration, it is officially announced in Sofia. His Royal Highness Prince Simeon, Crown Prince of Bulgaria and heir to the Bulgarian Throne, ascends the Throne as King Simeon ii. 1943.08.29 — In view of the increasing activities of Anglo-American forces along the Danish coast, the commander of the German forces in Denmark declares a state of siege over the entire country. 1943.08.29 — Between August 20 and 28 the Japanese forces in China shot down a total of thirty-three planes belonging to the American air force in China and to Chungking. 1943.08.30 — Finding traces of an American attempt to use Saantao, Fukien Province, as a submarine base, units of a Japanese naval landing party moved ahead and landed there on August 28. 1943.08.30 — Chu Hsin-chi, commander of the 35th guerilla corps, surrenders to Japanese troops at Chuhsien, Shantung Province, with 800 followers. 1943.08.31 — The following communiqué is issued by the Imperial Headquarters: (1) Japanese units in the neighbourhood of Salamaua, New Guinea Island, have since June 30 attacked on the Kamitaam-Mubo-Nassau Bay line enemy forces that advanced from Nassau Bay and the vicinity of Wau under support of powerful air forces. After dealing a serious blow to them the Japanese units are now engaged in severe fighting in the area surrounding Salamaua. The damage inflicted on the enemy during the period has totalled more than 3,600 in both killed and wounded. (2) Japanese air units in the New Guinea area, too, co-operating with the ground operations, advanced and raided the enemy air bases, including Bena Bena and Fuabuba, or attacked the enemy planes that had come raiding. Severe fighting is now going on. During the period, the Japanese air units shot down 358 enemy planes (of which fifty-three are uncertain). The Japanese loss totalled 105 planes. 1943.08.31 — A total of twenty Consolidated B-24's, Bell P-39's, and Vought-Sikorsky F-4U's, were shot down by Japanese Navy fighters on August 30, when a formation of American warplanes attempted a raid on the eastern end of Bougainville Island. 1943.09.01 — According to the Imperial Headquarters, at dawn today many American planes came attacking Minami-torishima Island. American warships also bombarded the island. 1943.09.01 — German naval and air forces sank a total of two Anglo-American cruisers, six destroyers, one submarine, one mine-sweeper and five high-speed boats and in other warships. It also was announced that seventy Anglo-American merchantmen totalling 377,000 tons were sunk and 123 vessels aggregating 580,000 tons damaged. 1943.09.01 — Berlin says that, to forestall Anglo-American diversionist activities, Denmark has been placed under German military control. The remnant Danish Army has been disbanded and most of Danish warships have been taken over by German forces. The King and princes are protected at their respective palaces. All these measures were adopted following the declaration of a state of siege earlier. 1943.09.02 — According to what has been ascertained thus far on the raid on Minami-torishima Island on September 1, the American force that came attacking the island was a mobile unit with aircraft-carriers as the mainstay. With the aggregate number of about 160 fighters and bombers the raiding party attacked land installations. The damage done to it during the intervening period consisted of twelve planes shot down. Some damage was done to Japanese planes on the ground. Damage inflicted on the personnel and equipment was quite slight. 1943.09.02 — The Swedish motorship Gripsholm on her second mission of exchanging internees sets sail from New York for Mormuggo in Portuguese India. The ship will stop over at Montevideo to take on board 175 Japanese nationals from various Latin American countries and then proceed to Port Elizabeth in South Africa where she will be replenished with fuel and water. 1943.09.03 — Composite war results scored by Japanese forces for August in the Solomon area with New Georgia, Kulambangra and Vella Lavella islands as the centre of severe fightings are announced by the Imperial Headquarters. The Japanese forces sank nineteen enemy transports, severely damaged two and wrecked eleven other transports ; sank one cruiser, severely damaged three and wrecked three others ; sank two light cruisers or large destroyers ; sank three destroyers, severely damaged three, and wrecked five others ; sank twelve torpedo-boats, severely damaged two and wrecked seven others ; sank twenty-eight and wrecked sixteen landing barges ; sank one and wrecked two tug-boats ; and sank five other vessels. The Japanese forces also shot down 271 aircraft and destroyed another twenty-one. Besides, the enemy suffered casualties on land of not less than 3,000. 1943.09.03 — The Italian High Command announces that British forces have landed on the southern district of the mainland of Italy. The Fuehrer's Headquarters also announces in a communiqué that British and Canadian forces landed at the southwestern extremity of Calabria Province in Italy early this morning. 1943.09.04 — Lieutenant Count Hirohidé Fushimi of the Japanese Navy died on August 26 of severe wounds he received in an engagement with enemy planes while in action on an important strategic mission on the foremost firing line in the southwestern Pacific, it is announced by the Navy Ministry. He was the fourth son of His Imperial Highness Fleet-Admiral Prince Hiro-yasu Fushimi. 1943.09.05 — Minister for Greater East Asia Affairs Kazuo Aoki returns to Tokyo from his inspection trip to central and north China, Inner Mongolia and Manchoukuo undertaken on August 19. 1943.09.05 — At the preliminary session of the Philippine Independence Preparatory Committee, a draft constitution for the Philippines is approved and signed by the committee members. 1943.09.05 — Funeral services for His Royal Majesty the late King Boris iii are solemnly held in Sofia at the Alexander Nevsky Church. 1943.09.06 — The Imperial Headquarters says that about forty American planes which came raiding Wewak on New Guinea Island on September 2 attacked Japanese transports anchoring in the port. Japanese fighter plane units and ground batteries intercepted the raiders and shot down nineteen of them. One Japanese transport was sunk. 1943.09.06 — The following announcement is made by the Imperial Headquarters : Early in the morning of September 4 the enemy in a powerful convoy started to land near Hopoi, thirty-five kilometres east of Lae on New Guinea Island. Japanese Army and Navy air units immediately sallied forth and in close co-operation are attacking the enemy near the point of landing and on the sea. The war results known thus far follow : Sunk six enemy transports, one cruiser and a large number of barges; blasted and set afire five enemy transports and two destroyers; and shot down twenty-seven fighter planes. The Japanese damage consisted of nine planes self-blasted or not yet returned. 1943.09.06 — The Japanese military administration in Java officially announces the establishment of central and regional councils, both administrative organs, in which the indigenous people will participate. The step is welcomed by the Indonesians, who were previously given a promise by Premier General Hidéki Tohjo, when he clarified his intention to allow the inhabitants of Java participation in administrative activities. 1943.09.06 — The German forces in the Don Basin area continue withdrawal to a new line of positions which began on September 3. 1943.09.07 — A powerful formation of Anglo-American planes raids Brussels, causing many casualties among civilians when they drop explosives and incendiary bombs on densely populated areas. 1943.09.07 — The Twentieth Century Limited, de luxe train of the New York Central Railroad, is derailed near Canastota, New York. 1943.09.08 — Dispatches from Berlin confirm reports that the Italian Government has surrendered unconditionally. The Wilhelmstrasse declares that this separate move by the Italian King and Marshal Pietro Badoglio has not come as a surprise. 1943.09.08 — German forces in order to shorten the front withdraw from Stalino according to pre-arranged plans after destroying all important military facilities, the Fuehrer's Headquarters announces. 1943.09.09 — The Imperial Headquarters says that Japanese warships and naval air units in the neighbouring waters of Japan and in other operational sea areas sank thirteen enemy submarines during the months of July and August. 1943.09.09 — The Japanese Government issues an official statement in which it declares that the Badoglio Government's unconditional surrender constitutes an infringement of the Tripartite Alliance Pact. 1943.09.09 — Argentine Premier Segundo Stoni declares that the surrender of the Badoglio régime will not influence Argentina's neutral policy in the least. 1943.09.09 — The German military authorities issue a statement saying that perfect order is maintained in the Italian districts under the control of German forces, particularly in northern Italy, where German forces have taken over important military installations and public facilities. Relations between the German and Italian forces in northern Italy and other districts are friendly, it is added. 1943.09.10 — Chancellor Adolf Hitler in a speech made from his headquarters denounces the capitualtion of the Badoglio régime and declares that Germany will remain loyal to its allies. 1943.09.10 — German air units attacked Italian naval ships between Sardinia and Corsica, as they attempted to depart for Anglo-American ports on September 9, and sank one battleship and one cruiser and heavily damaged one cruiser and one destroyer. 1943.09.10 — The Italian commander of Rome surrenders to the chief of German forces following an ultimatum served on him by Field-Marshal Albert Kesselring of the German forces. Northern Italy is securely placed under the control of the German forces led by Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel. The Vatican is also put under German protection. 1943.09.10 — German mobile units enter Albania and occupy the harbour towns of Valona and Durazzo, as well as the city of El Basn. On the Adriatic coast of Croatia the harbour town of Ragusa is occupied. 1943.09.10 — Pasquale Jannelli, counsellor of the Italian Embassy in Tokyo, calls on Foreign Vice-Minister Shunichi Matsumoto and reads a telegraphic message from Marshal Badoglio. The Foreign Vice-Minister takes exception to Italy's violation of the Japan-Germany-Italy Tripartite Pact and asks the Italian counsellor to cable to his home Government a protest of the Japanese Government. 1943.09.10 — President Wang Ching-wei of China issues a declaration assailing the surrender of the Badoglio régime and states that the act will not affect China at all. 1943.09.10 — A great earthquake rocks Tottori City and its vicinity in southern Japan. Almost 6,000 houses collapse and about 900 are reported to have been killed in the calamity. 1943.09.11 — The Italian battleship Roma, 35,000 tons, was sunk by German aircraft on September 9, while it was attempting to escape into Malta, it is announced by the Anglo-American headquarters in north Africa. 1943.09.11 — The German Headquarters announces in a war communiqué that the Reich forces have occupied Tofiano and Milan in northern Italy. More than 200,000 Italian officers and men have surrendered to the Reich Army. They all are expressing their willingness to co-operate with the German forces. 1943.09.12 — The Fuehrer's Headquarters announces that Signor Benito Mussolini has been rescued by German forces, which are also releasing leaders of the Fascist Party under arrest in northern Italy. 1943.09.13 — It is officially stated that eighteen American bombers attacked Kitachishima in the Kuriles on the morning of September 12. Intercepting them, Japanese Army and Navy air units and ground units shot down nine of them (of which one is uncertain) and heavily damaged another two. It is especially noteworthy that one of the Japanese fighter planes deliberately crashed itself into an enemy plane and brought it down. Besides damage to two Japanese transports, damage on the ground was negligible. 1943.09.13 — A British convoy of forty ships heading for Murmansk was attacked by German submarines and planes in a four-day engagement, during which thirty-six vessels were sunk, reports Charles Jarman of the British Marine Association in an address before the Labour Union Conference, Southport. 1943.09.13 — The fighting in Italy switches to the Salerno area where the German forces launch attacks against American contingents. 1943.09.14 — The Japanese exchange ship Teia Maru departs from Yokohama early this morning bound for Port Murmaggo in Portuguese India via Shanghai, Hongkong, North San Fernando, Cape Saint Jacques and Singapore. 1943.09.14 — The following announcement is issued by the Imperial Headquarters concerning the steps taken by the Japanese Army and Navy on the situation following the unconditional surrender of the Badoglio régime : (1) The Japanese Army and Navy on September 9, following the separate surrender of the Badoglio Government of Italy, immediately carried out the disarming of the Italian troops and the detention of Italian warships and vessels in the various parts of East Asia. (2) The Italian rights and interests in the areas occupied by Japan have been taken over by the Japanese Army and Navy. In other regions the Army and Navy have co-operated with Japan's allies in taking over Italian rights and interests. As regards the non-combatants in the Japanese-occupied areas, they have been placed under protective surveillance. 1943.09.14 — Signor Mussolini arrives at the headquarters of Chancellor Hitler and opens an important conference with the latter. 1943.09.14 — Seven Italian warships and twelve merchantmen have been placed under Japanese detention, including a special service vessel and the passenger ship Conte Verde, which was used as the first exchange ship for Japanese and American internees. The merchantmen total 46,000 tons. The Conte Verde and a gunboat were scuttled, but they are now being hauled up. 1943.09.14 — The Italian fleet that is understood to have arrived at Anglo-American naval bases consists of seven battleships, three aircraft-carriers, ten to twelve cruisers, ten destroyers and about fifty submarines. 1943.09.14 — The United States Navy Department admits that ten American bombers were lost in the raid on Kitachishima on September 12. 1943.09.15 — The Japanese Government issues the following communiqué on the Japan-Germany joint declaration: "The Government of the Empire of Japan and the Government of Greater Germany jointly and solemnly declare as follows : The treachery of the Government of Marshal Badoglio affects in no way the Three-Power Pact, which remains in force without the slightest change. The Government of the Empire of Japan and the Government of Greater Germany are determined, jointly with all the measures at their disposal, to carry on the war to a victorious conclusion." 1943.09.15 — Simultaneous with the disarming of the Italian troops in East Asia by the Japanese forces, the Italian Embassy and consular staff members, as well as other Italians residing in Japan are placed under protective surveillance by the Japanese Government. 1943.09.15 — Signor Mussolini issues a five-article proclamation declaring the restoration of Fascism. 1943.09.16 — Marshal Ugo Cavallero, former commander of the Italian armed forces and chief of staff under Signor Mussolini, has committed suicide, it is revealed. He was arrested by the Badoglio Cabinet, but was released when the Germans occupied Rome. He killed himself as he was unable to bear the humiliation of his country. 1943.09.16 — The Yamato Maru, 9,656 tons, plying between Japan proper and Formosa, was torpedoed and sank by an enemy submarine in the eastern China Sea at 1 : 20 a.m. on September 13, according to an announcement of the Communications Ministry. The enemy submarine was sent to the bottom by Japanese warships. All the 1,092 crew and passengers were rescued with the exception of eighteen. 1943.09.17 — The Soviet Information Bureau announces that the Soviet troops occupied the Novorossisk port on September 16. German forces withdrew from there after completely destroying military installations. 1943.09.17 — Signor Mussolini in his seventh proclamation urges the officers and men of the Italian armed forces to sever their allegiance of loyalty to the King. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XII No. 11 (November 1943) --- (covers 1943.09.18 to 1943.10.20) 1943.09.18 — Three updotate types of military aircraft are made known to the public by the Japanese War Ministry. They are the scouting plane "Shitei," the fighter plane "Shoki" and the heavy bomber "Donryu." 1943.09.18 — Japanese Navy air units in concert with anti-aircraft batteries shot down altogether 130 American planes in the three successive days of September 14, 15 and 16 on Bougainville Island. 1943.09.19 — In a radio address from Rome Signor Mussolini gives a vivid description of his arrest and escape and denounces King Emmanuele for his part in the humiliation of Italy. 1943.09.20 — A lull prevails at the Salerno battlefront, as a result of the German forces' shortening of their lines of resistance. The Germans are now concentrating on the defence of Naples. The German contingents in Sardinia Island have withdrawn without opposition from Anglo-American troops. 1943.09.20 — Prime Minister Churchill returned to London on September 19 after a sojourn in the United States lasting more than a month aboard the battleship Renown. 1943.09.21 — Seaplane units of the Japanese Navy air force attacked the vicinity of Manbaul Bay, sixty kilometres southeast of Morobé in New Guinea, on the morning of September 19 and severely damaged military installations and pounded a medium-sized transport, it is disclosed. 1943.09.22 — Airfields, military facilities and shipping at various localities in the Chungking-occupied region were subjected to heavy blastings, the raid on Kunming being particularly notable, when the Japanese air units shot down eighteen planes in combat and destroyed twenty-four others on the ground during the period between September 19-20, according to an announcement of the Imperial Headquarters. The places raided were Kienow, Nanyung, Kunming, Nanning, Patung, Juyuan, Yunfu and others. 1943.09.22 — Placing of the administrative machinery on a decisive war basis, thorough undertaking of national mobilization, all-out strengthening of national defence and adjustment and non-governmental organizations, suspension of jurisprudence, literature and economy education at universities and many other important policies to be introduced in connection with the perfection of internal structure, are broadcast on a nationwide hookup by Premier General Hidéki Tohjo. 1943.09.22 — Measures that will be taken by the Japanese Government to strengthen further the country's wartime structure are outlined by the Board of Information in a statement. 1943.09.23 — President Wang Ching-wei of the Nanking Government visited Tokyo on September 22 and, after concluding a frank exchange of opinion with Premier Tohjo and other Japanese Government leaders to effect still closer the relations between Japan and China, returned to Nanking today, it is officially revealed. 1943.09.23 — The Board of Information discloses that Premier Tohjo had sent through Ambassador Hiroshi Ohshima in Berlin a congratulatory message to Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler in connection with the rescue by German soldiers of Signor Benito Mussolini and that a reply of thanks had been received by the Premier on September 22 from Fuehrer Hitler through Ambassador H. G. Stahmer in Japan. 1943.09.24 — Furious fighting lasting far into the night developed on September 23 on the Italian war theatre as strong British forces following heavy artillery barrage launched attacks on the mountain positions of Reich forces, north of the Gulf of Salerno, in order to make a break-through into the Naples depression. 1943.09.24 — The change in the lira-yen exchange rate from ¥22.35 to ¥17 for 100 liras is announced by the Finance Ministry. The mark-lira exchange rate is also lowered from 13.15 marks to 10 marks by the German Government. 1943.09.24 — Thirty-three enemy planes were either shot down or destroyed at Buin on September 23, while another plane was shot down at Car Nicobar on the previous day. 1943.09.24 — Bengal Province of India is now suffering from a famine. A number of people have succumbed to starvation. According to unconfirmed reports, famine-stricken people from the districts are filtering into Calcutta, where food shortage is being experienced. 1943.09.25 — Attacking an enemy convoy making landing operations in a sector north of Finschhafen in New Guinea, Japanese Army and Navy air units between September 22 and 23 sank three cruisers, two destroyers and one large-sized transport. The Japanese units also set ablaze two enemy cruisers and two small-sized transports, damaged by near-hits two other cruisers and shot down twenty-two planes. Japanese losses consisted of sixteen planes. 1943.09.25 — Dr. Jose P. Laurel is elected president-elect of the future Republic of the Philippines at the inaugural session of the National Assembly held at the Legislative Building in Manila. Mr. Benigno S. Aquino, Director-General of the Kalibapi, is simultaneously chosen speaker of the National Assembly. 1943.09.25 — Burma commences a seven-day celebration of its independence. The Japanese Government as a relief fund to console the Burmans who have suffered from air raids donates ¥1,000,000 in money and goods to the Burmese Government. 1943.09.25 — Thai Foreign Minister Wichit Wichit-Wathakan is appointed Ambassador to Japan. 1943.09.26 — The Board of Information issues the following notification : Negotiations have been going on for some time between Japan and Burma concerning the incorporation as territories of Burma of the Shan states, excluding the two states of Kentung and Mong Pan, whose incorporation into Thailand has previously been recognized, the Karenni states and the Wa region. Satisfactory agreement having been reached on the draft " Treaty between Japan and Burma concerning the territories of Burma in the Shan and other regions,'' the treaty was signed at Rangoon on September 25 between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, Mr. Rénzo Sawada, and the Prime Minister of Burma, Dr. Ba Maw. 1943.09.27 — Formal notice that the Fascist Republican Government of Italy has been established and that Signor Benito Mussolini has assumed duty as its head, having been received through the German diplomatic organ, the Japanese Government has notified, today, its recognition of that Government through the same German organ, it is announced by the Japanese Government. 1943.09.27 — An American B-class cruiser was torpedoed and sunk on the night of September 12 by a submarine of the Japanese Navy in waters east of the New Hebrides Islands in the southern Pacific, it is stated by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.09.27 — Japanese Army warplanes attacked Finschhafen, New Guinea, on the morning of September 26 and damaged two destroyers and two transports by near hits and also sank or damaged many barges and boats. 1943.09.27 — Signor Mussolini who returned to Italy today to head the new Fascist Republican Government declares that the Tripartite Alliance Pact will be adhered to by Fascist Republican Italy with the same faith which has inspired Italy during the past three years. 1943.09.28 — A three-day extraordinary session of the Japanese Diet will be convoked on October 25 for passage of budgetary estimates and legislative bills to keep in step with operation of State affairs under the current situation, it is announced by the Board of Information. The coming extraordinary session will be sixth since the outbreak of the China affair. 1943.09.28 — The establishment of a Munition Ministry on November 1 with a view to realizing a speedy expansion in munition production, particularly in aircraft, is made known by the Board of Information. The new Ministry will be organized by merging the Planning Board and the Commerce and Industry Ministry. 1943.09.29 — Three United States Senators, Richard B. Russell, Democrat from Georgia, James M. Mead, Democrat from New York, and Ralph Brewster, Republican from Maine, who returned to America from their inspection trips of various battlefronts, declare that they believe that the war in the Pacific would not end before 1945. 1943.09.30 — Dr. José P. Laurel, chairman of the Preparatory Commission for Philippine Independence, who has been elected president-elect of the coming Philippine Republic, arrives in Tokyo. Accompanying him are Mr. Jorge B. Vargas, chairman of the Philippine Executive Commission, and Mr. Benigno Aquino, vice-president of the Kalibapi, They have come at the invitation of the Japanese Government. 1943.10.01 — Japanese Navy air and surface units engaged in furious fighting in the Solomon area shot down 340 enemy planes and wrecked ten others, as well as sank and damaged eleven warships and four transports during September, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.10.01 — Beginning December 8, the second anniversary of the outbreak of war in greater East Asia, the indigenous inhabitants of North Borneo will be permitted to participate in local government in North Borneo, the Japanese military administration in North Borneo proclaims. 1943.10.01 — Lieutenant-General Kéngo Noda is appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Military Education. 1943.10.01 — War casualties suffered by the American armed forces to date total 115,000 men, Secretary of War Henry Stimson revealed on September 30, says a Lisbon dispatch. He claimed that Army casualties aggregate about 85,000, while figures announced by the Navy Department placed naval casualties at 30,162, including 11,258 dead, 5,505 wounded, about 9,000 missing and 4,143 taken prisoner. 1943.10.02 — The Japanese military administration in Malaya allows the indigenous inhabitants the right of participation in the conduct of local affairs. 1943.10.03 — The establishment of a Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce and a Ministry of Transportation and Communication is formally decided upon at an extraordinary Cabinet meeting. The new Ministries are to be opened on November 1. 1943.10.04 — Japanese Navy air units on October 1 attacked an enemy convoy along the sea coast of Biloa in Vella Lavella Island. They instantaneously sank two medium-sized transports, and damaged and set ablaze one cruiser, two medium-sized transports and one small-sized transport. Ten fighter planes were also shot down. Five Japanese planes were lost. 1943.10.04 — German formations in daring attacks during the morning hours on October 3 captured all important military establishments on the Island of Coo in the Dodecanese Group. The British forces, which some time ago occupied the island, situated northwest of Rhodes, were caught by surprise and suffered considerable losses. 1943.10.04 — It is officially stated that Japanese Navy warships and Army and Navy air units sank six enemy submarines during September in the neighbouring seas of Japan and other sea areas of operations. 1943.10.04 — The Japanese military administration at Batavia on October 3 issued an order instituting a Java Defence Volunteer Army system to be placed under the supervision of the supreme commander of the Japanese forces in Java. 1943.10.05 — Mr. Shozo Murata, adviser to the Japanese military administration in the Philippines, is appointed Ambassador and is ordered to the Philippines. 1943.10.06 — German forces have occupied Leros Island in the Aegean Sea and also landed on Samos Island where fighting is now going on with the British troops and Badoglio forces, according to an Ankara dispatch to Lisbon. 1943.10.06 — Japanese Navy air forces attacked airfields on Goodenough and Trobriand Islands at the eastern end of New Guinea on the evening of October 5 and, despite fierce ground fire, succeeded in bombing selected objectives and causing fires to break out at one place on each of the islands. 1943.10.06 — President-elect Jose P. Laurel in his capacity as chairman of the Preparatory Commission for Philippine Independence announces that as from October 14, 1943, the Philippines will become an independent State. 1943.10.06 — Admiral Viscount Louis Mountbatten arrives in New Delhi by air to assume his post as supreme commander of the Allied forces in southeastern Asia, according to a Lisbon dispatch. 1943.10.06 — United States Secretary of State Cordell Hull decides to attend the Three-Power Conference to be held in Moscow this month. 1943.10.08 — The Imperial Headquarter states that powerful enemy units came attacking Otorishima (Wake Island) on October 6 and 7. They bombed and bombarded the island. The Japanese Army and Naval forces in that area repulsed the enemy after a combat. 1943.10.08 — A Cabinet reshuffle is announced by the Board of Information, as a result of which State Minister and President of the Planning Board Tei-ichi Suzuki and Communications Minister Kén Térashima resigned from their posts, Premier Hidéki Tohjo concurrently assumed the portfolio of Commerce and Industry, Railway Minister Yoshiaki Hatta concurrently assumed the portfolio of Communications and Commerce and Industry Minister Nobusuké Kishi was appointed State Minister. Mr. Kishi is additionally appointed Vice-Minister of Commerce and Industry. 1943.10.08 — The Japanese forces between October 1 and 6 sank one enemy cruiser, four destroyers and three transports and damaged one transport in the Solomon area. They also shot down ten enemy planes and damaged another. These results are disclosed in a communiqué issued by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.10.10 — On a special mission to render the thanks of the Burmese nation in regaining its independence, Dr. Thein Maung, Burmese Ambassador on a special mission, arrives in Tokyo. After discharging his mission, he will assume the office of first Burmese Ambassador to Japan. 1943.10.10 — A grand total of 690 enemy warships, large and small, have been sunk or damaged by the Japanese forces since the outbreak of war in greater East Asia. The enemy up to October 6, among others, lost thirteen battleships, seventy cruisers, eleven aircraft-carriers, seventy-five destroyers and 147 submarines. 1943.10.10 — The Anglo-American forces in eastern India staged a commando attack against Maungdaw, Burma, on October 8 by mobilizing sixteen barges carrying some 200 troops. The Japanese garrison forces there at once trapped them from three directions and completely annihilated them. 1943.10.12 — Thai Maung, Burmese Ambassador on a special mission, proceeds to the Imperial Palace and is received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor, when he presents a message of thanks from the State of Burma. 1943.10.12 — The Board of Information states that the Government will carry out a general reduction in the number of Government officials and employees. The general reduction will come to twenty-five per cent., that is, out of a total of 60,613 officials and employees 15,093 are to be struck off the list. 1943.10.13 — An Imperial edict is issued for the convocation of the eighty-third extraordinary Diet session, on October 25. 1943.10.14 — With the inauguration of the Republic of the Philippines today, Dr. José P. Laurel is sworn in as its President. In recognition of the attainment of independence by the Philippines, the Japanese military administration there is dissolved. 1943.10.14 — The Philippine Declaration of Independence in part says : "The Empire of Japan, true to its sacred mission in waging the present war for the liberation of the subject peoples of greater East Asia has put an end to the Western rule of the Philippines and has made it possible for the Filipino people to realize at last their dream of freedom.'' 1943.10.14 — Immediate recognition by Japan of the new Republic of the Philippines and the signing of a Pact of Alliance with the new State are announced in a statement issued by the Japanese Government. 1943.10.15 — Japanese Navy air forces carried out surprise raids on Ceylon and Madras after crossing the Indian Ocean early on the morning of October 12. This was the first time that Japanese planes bombed Madras. 1943.10.15 — The Japanese Government instructs the Japanese Minister to Portugal, Mr. Morioto Morishima, to file a protest with Portuguese Premier Dr. Antonio de Oliveira Salazar for having permitted British forces to land on the Azores Islands and use them as military bases. 1943.10.16 — Having forestalled the move of Chungking forces which have beenn massed in southwestern China in an attempt to advance into northern Burma, Japanese Army units in the northern Burma area are now making deep thrusts into Yunnan. 1943.10.16 — German Foreign Minister Jaochim von Ribbentrop cables President Jose P. Laurel of the Republic of the Philippines and informs him that the German Government has formally recognized the new Republic. 1943.10.16 — Japanese Navy air units attacked Attu of the Aleutian Islands on the morning of October 14 and damaged and set ablaze military establishments. 1943.10.17 — General Pedro Ramirez, President of Argentina, dismisses three Cabinet Ministers who were in favour of severing diplomatic relations with the Axis nations and reiterates the Argentine Government's determination to maintain strict neutrality. 1943.10.18 — The Burmese Government dispatches a cablegram to the Philippine Government recognizing the new Republic of the Philippines. Croatia also recognizes the Republic of the Philippines. 1943.10.18 — The Pact of Alliance between Japan and the Philippines, which was signed on October 14, is unanimously approved at the special session of the Philippine National Assembly. 1943.10.19 — From late in July to early in October, Japanese Army air units shot down and damaged 134 enemy planes and blasted seventeen airfields and military establishments in fifty-three attacks against the enemy air strength in China, according to the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.10.19 — The exchange of Japanese and American nationals who were brought to Murmagao by the Tei-a Maru and the Gripsholm respectively is completed. 1943.10.19 — Japanese Army units operating in the western Yunnan area advanced into Liangshuikow on October 16. 1943.10.20 — Four large-sized four-motored American bombers attempted to attack Halmahera Island and Ternate Island in the Molucca Group on October 17. Japanese Navy ground units repulsed them after a fierce engagement. 1943.10.20 — The Philippine Government announces that Dr. Claro M. Recto has been appointed Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Philippines. 1943.10.20 — The Pact of Alliance between Japan and the Philippines is approved by the Privy Council of Japan. 1943.10.20 — Vice-Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, commander-in-chief of the Kuré Naval Station, is transferred to an important post at sea and is succeeded by Vice-Admiral Naokuni Nomura. 1943.10.20 — Field-Marshal Viscount Archibald Wavell formally replaces Lord Linlithgow as Viceroy of India at New Delhi, it is reported. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XII No. 12 (December 1943) --- (covers 1943.10.21 to 1943.11.21) 1943.10.21 — The establishment of a Provisional Government of Azad Hind (Free India) is announced by Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose, prominent Indian nationalist leader, in Shoh-nan (Singapore). The seat of the Provisional Government will be set up in Burma. It will engage in military operations against Britain to free India. 1943.10.21 — The line-up of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind is announced as follows : Head of the Government, Director of the Military Department and Director of the Foreign Department, Subhas Chandra Bose ; Director of the Finance Department, Anil Chandra Chatterji ; Director of the Publicity Department, S. Appadari Aiyer ; and Director of the Women's Department, Dr. Sreernati Swaminadhan Lakshmi. 1943.10.21 — Mr. Direk Jaiyanama, former Thai Ambassador to Japan, is appointed new Foreign Minister of Thailand replacing Mr. Wichit Wichit-Wathakan, newly-appointed Ambassador to Japan, it is officially announced by the Thai Government. 1943.10.21 — At Moscow, Soviet Premier Josef Stalin confers with British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden, while Soviet Foreign Commissar Viacheslav Molotov holds a conference with United States Secretary of State Cordell Hull. 1943.10.21 — Admiral Viscount Louis Mountbatten, commander-in-chief of the Anglo-American forces in southeastern Asia, stayed at Chungking between October 17 and 20 and conferred with General Chiang Kai-shek, says a dispatch of the Central News Agency. 1943.10.22 — In operations in the New Guinea area, Japanese Army and Navy air units from September 1 to date sank and damaged seventy-four enemy warships, including ten cruisers and eight destroyers, thirty-nine transports and many landing barges, shot down 164 aircraft and blasted five other planes, according to an announcement issued by the Imperial Headquarters. The announcement adds that the Japanese forces which were fighting in the Salamaus and Lae areas completed their shifting movement to the north of Lae after having exacted casualties numbering more than 12,000. 1943.10.22 — President Jose P. Laurel receives a message of felicitations from Count Francisco Jordana, Foreign Minister of Spain, on the attainment of independence by the Philippines. 1943.10.22 — Air units of the Japanese Army on October 20 raided Chittagong in eastern India and unloaded bombs on transports, wharves and other military installations and shot down two Hurricane fighters. 1943.10.23 — So far ten nations have extended recognition to the new Republic of the Philippines which declared independence on October 14. They are Japan, Manchoukuo, China, Germany, Thailand, Burma, Croatia, Fascist Republican Italy, Bulgaria and Slovakia. 1943.10.23 — Formal recognition by the Japanese Government of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind is announced by the Board of Information. 1943.10.23 — Jorge B. Vargas, former chairman of the Philippine Executive Commission, is appointed the first Philippine Ambassador to Japan. 1943.10.23 — The Three-Power Foreign Ministers' Conference at Moscow held another parley on October 22 at the Guest Hall of the Kremlin presided over by Soviet Foreign Commissar Viacheslav Molotov. 1943.10.24 — The Provisional Government of Azad Hind declares war on Britain and the United States. 1943.10.25 — Casualties of the United States armed forces since the outbreak of the war to date, the whole next-of-kin have been notified" total 115,883, including 23,592 dead, 35,603 wounded, 32,536 missing and 26,136 taken prisoner, according to an announcement made by the United States Office of War Information. Casualties of the Navy including the marine corps and coast guard are said to total 30,723. 1943.10.26 — His Majesty the Emperor opens the eighty-third extraordinary session of the Japanese Diet. 1943.10.26 — Premier General Hidéki Tohjo makes a long speech on administrative policy in the House of Peers and House of Representatives on the first day of the extraordinary Diet session. In the course of his speech, he makes clear that the revision of the Sino-Japanese Basic Treaty will be put in a concrete form in the near future. Premier Tohjo in the capacity of the War Minister and Navy Minister Admiral Shighétaro Shimada each submits a long report on the war situation to both the Houses. 1943.10.26 — Colonel Omero Principini, former military and air attaché to the Italian Embassy in Tokyo, is dispatched to Tokyo by the Fascist Republican Government of Italy to protect its interest in Japan. He arrives here from Nanking. 1943.10.27 — "China is being restored to the Chinese," declares Foreign Minister Mamoru Shighémitsu in the course of his reply to an interpellation on war aims at a meeting of the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives. 1943.10.28 — German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop sends a reply to the notification of the establishment of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind sent by Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose conveying to him the formal recognition of the Provisional Government by Germany. 1943.10.28 — Japanese Navy air units on October 27 sank one enemy cruiser instantaneously and damaged another near the landing point on Mono Island, south of Bougainville Island. 1943.10.28 — The three-day session of the eighty-third Japanese Diet ends with all of the three budgetary and fourteen legislative bills passed by both the Houses in their original forms. 1943.10.28 — Coo island of the Dodecanese Group has been evacuated by the R.A.F. defenders, declares the British Middle East command. 1943.10.29 — Japanese Navy planes attacked six enemy cruisers early on the morning of October 23 at a point southeast of Krechin Point, New Guinea, and damaged two cruisers and shot down two P-40 fighters. The loss on Japanese side was two planes. 1943.10.30 — The formal conclusion of a Pact of Alliance between the Japanese Government and the Nanking Government is announced by the Board of Information. The Board also releases a statement of the Japanese Government which reveals that the Basic Treaty between Japan and China and the documents attached thereto, which formally existed, have lost their validity by virtue of the coming into existence of the new pact. As a result of the latest accord, Japan agrees to withdraw its military forces from China on the return of peace. 1943.10.31 — To express his gratitude to Japan for its recognition of the Azad Hind Government, Subhas Chandra Bose arrives in Tokyo. 1943.10.31 — The Teia Maru, the Japanese exchange ship, steams into Shoh-nan with 1,500 repatriates, including Minister Kiyoshi Yamagata to Chile. 1943.11.01 — The administrative structure of the Japanese Government enters a new stage with the creation today of the new Ministries of Munition; Transportation and Communication; and Agriculture and Commerce. The appointment of Premier General Hidéki Tohjo concurrently as Munition Minister; of former Railway Minister Yoshiaki Hatta as Transportation and Communication Minister ; and of former Agriculture and Forestry Minister Tatsunosuké Yamasaki as Agriculture and Commerce Minister are announced. 1943.11.01 — With the abolition of the Planning Board, a Council of Counsellors is established in the Japanese Cabinet as an advisory organ to the Premier. 1943.11.01 — The Nanking Government extendes its recognition to the Provisional Government of Azad Hind. 1943.11.01 — Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose, Head of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind, in his first interview with foreign correspondents in Tokyo since assuming his present important post, tells that the Indian National Army is getting ready to move into India to wage the liberation battle. 1943.11.02 — Foreign Minister Mamoru Shighémitsu gives a banquet in honour of Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose, Head of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind, and pays tribute to his heroic struggle for the cause of India's freedom. 1943.11.02 — Japanese units operating in and around Finschhafen and in the area south of Madang in New Guinea Island are inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. In the fortnight period ending October 29, they caused the enemy to abandon 2,648 bodies in the Finschhafen area and blasted ten guns, ammunition dumps in two places and supply dumps in three places, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. The operations in the Chinese-Burmese border are satisfactorily progressing. The principal war results obtained since early in October up to October 27, according to the same communiqué, are : bodies abandoned 1,020, war prisoners 110 and ammunition captured about 150,000 rounds. 1943.11.03 — The enemy air force lost 504 planes out of a total of 3,589 that came attacking Japanese bases in the Solomon area in the three and a half months up to the end of October. This means that the enemy air force lost more than fourteen per cent. of the planes used in raiding operations. 1943.11.04 — The representatives of the five greater East Asiatic nations now in Tokyo to attend the Assembly of Greater East Asiatic Nations are received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor in the Imperial Palace. 1943.11.05 — Today marks the opening in Tokyo of the Assembly of Greater East Asiatic Nations. Representatives of Japan, China, Thailand, Manchoukuo, the Philippines and Burma meet for the purpose of carrying on frank discussions for the successful prosecution of the war and for the construction of a greater East Asia. Japan's representative is Premier General Hidéki Tohjo ; China's representative Mr. Wang Ching-wei, President of the Chinese Republic ; Thailand's representative, Prince Wan Waithayakon, representative of the President of the Council ; Manchoukuo's representative, Premier Chang Ching-hui ; the Philippines' representative, President Dr. Jose P. Laurel ; and Burma's representative, Dr. Ba Maw. Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose, Head of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind, attends as observer. Impressive speeches are delivered by all the representative. 1943.11.05 — Japanese forces between the night of October 31 and the morning of November 2 sank or damaged fourteen enemy warships, four transports and numerous smaller vessels off Bougainville Island and shot down 201 planes over Rabaul in New Britain Island, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. The toll exacted from the enemy fleet was : sunk : five cruisers, one of them instantaneously, one cruiser and three destroyers, two of them instantaneously, and two large-sized transports instantaneously ; and damaged : two or three large-sized cruisers, one cruiser or destroyer, two destroyers and two large-sized transports. Loss on Japanese side was one destroyer sunk and one cruiser slightly damaged. 1943.11.06 — A five-point joint declaration is adopted by the Assembly of Greater East Asiatic Nations. It clarifies the great principle of establishing a new order in greater East Asia. 1943.11.06 — Two American aircraft-carriers and four cruisers were sunk by Japanese Navy air units in waters south of Bougainville Island on the evening of November 5, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. The loss on Japanese side was only three planes. 1943.11.06 — Japan's intention shortly to place under the jurisdiction of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are now under Japanese military occupation, is announced by Premier General Hidéki Tohjo, chairman of the Assembly of Greater East Asiatic Nations, in the course of the second and concluding day's session of the Assembly. This declaration is made by the Premier after the speech delivered by Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose as observer. 1943.11.07 — Colonel Alfredo Gilbert, Foreign Minister of Argentina, again stresses the neutral stand of his Government to a special correspondent of a Chilean newspaper. 1943.11.08 — In devastating attacks on the enemy airfields of Madzab and Marawasa, New Guinea Island, on November 6 and 7, Japanese Army air units destroyed sixty-eight planes, eighteen of which were shot down in air fighting. 1943.11.09 — The following communiqué issued by the Imperial Headquarters : Japanese Navy air units have, been intensely attacking enemy convoys and their escorting fleet in the sea area south of Bougainville Island since the morning of November 8. The war results known up to the present follow : sunk : three battleships, two cruisers (instantaneously), three destroyers and four transports ; damaged : one battleship (heavily damaged and set ablaze), more than three large-sized cruisers (heavily, damaged), three cruisers or large-sized destroyers (heavily damaged and set ablaze) and one large-sized transport (heavily damaged and set ablaze) ; and shot down : more than twelve planes. The loss on Japanese side : self-blasted or not yet returned, fifteen planes. 1943.11.09 — A general assembly of the representatives of the newspapers in greater East Asia will be held for three days from November 13 to 15 in Tokyo. The Japan Press Association is sponsoring the function. 1943.11.10 — Eighty-four enemy raiders including F6F's and P-38's were shot down at Rabaul, New Britain Island, on the morning of November 5 by Japanese units, it is made known. 1943.11.10 — A communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters says that the enemy battleship reported as heavily damaged and set ablaze in the previous day's communiqué was found sunk ; that three more large-sized enemy cruisers were heavily damaged ; and that another cruiser or large-sized destroyer damaged. Three more enemy planes were shot down. The latest communiqué adds that five more Japanese planes were lost. 1943.11.10 — His Majesty the Emperor of Japan receives in audience Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose, Head of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind. 1943.11.10 — The eighty-fourth ordinary session of the Japanese Diet is fixed to be convened on December 9. 1943.11.10 — Argentine military leaders assembled at the Argentine Foreign Office on November 5 and issued a statement fully supporting the November 1 declaration by Foreign Minister Colonel Alfredo Gilbert regarding the Republic's policy of absolute neutrality in the current war, according to information received by the Japanese Foreign Office. 1943.11.11 — His Majesty the Emperor and the Chief of the Naval General Staff graciously grants the following rescript to the Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet : "The air units of the Combined Fleet fought valiantly in the Solomon sea area and dealt crushing blows to the enemy fleet. We deeply appreciate this. The war situation in this region is growing in intensity. We enjoin upon ye to exert further efforts to live up to Our expectations." 1943.11.11 — Disturbances have broken out in Lebanon as a result of the decision by the French Committee of National Liberation of the Chamber of Deputies which on November 10 unanimously passed a resolution for independence, it is reported in a message from Lisbon date-lined Beirut. 1943.11.12 — The new Thai Ambassador to Japan Wichit Wichit-Wathakan, who was formerly Foreign Minister of Thailand, arrives in Tokyo to assume his post. 1943.11.12 — A Japanese bomber-fighter plane formation surprise-raided Imphal and Parel on November 9 for the first time after the close of the rainy season. Parel is about twenty kilometres south of Imphal in Assam, eastern India. At the Imphal airfield fifteen Hurricane fighter planes were set ablaze. Seven Hurricane fighters were set ablaze at Parel. 1943.11.13 — As a result of Japanese naval airplane attacks on American positions in the northern Solomon area, one cruiser or large-sized destroyer was sunk instantaneously and one large-sized cruiser, three cruisers or large-sized destroyers and one destroyer were heavily damaged. In addition, the Japanese Navy planes damaged an enemy battleship and two large-sized aircraft-carriers in waters off Bougainville Island, it is disclosed in a communiqué issued by the Imperial Headquarters. The loss on Japanese side consisted of thirty planes either self-blasted or not yet returned. 1943.11.13 — A Japanese mission to thank Japan for granting the former Dutch colony the right to participate in the administration arrives in Tokyo. The mission is headed by Ir Soekarno, president of the Central Council of Java. 1943.11.14 — Japanese Army air units in six attacks on enemy bases in the New Guinea area between November 6 and 9 shot down fifty-nine planes and wrecked or set ablaze more than 120 machines on the ground, says an announcement of the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.11.14 — The second Japanese-American exchange boat, Teia Maru, arrives in Yokohama carrying about 1,500 Japanese nationals from various American countries. Of the 1,517 repatriates who had embarked on the ship from the Swedish exchange vessels, Gripsholm, at Murmagalo, Portuguese India, 107 landed at Shoh-nan (Singapore) on October 31 and another group of 111 left the ship at Manila on November 7 to take up their respective jobs on the spot. 1943.11.14 — The Japanese unit which carried out a mopping operation against Chungking's 79th division in the sector west of Chihchiho, Hupeh Province, at dawn of November 12 annihilated its 194th division at Wangchiafan, twenty kilometres west of Chayuansus. 1943.11.15 — French Ambassador to Japan, Charles Arsène-Henri, died of sudden heart attack at his embassy home in Tokyo at 7 p.m. on November 14. He was sixty-three years old. 1943.11.15 — Japanese Navy air units before daybreak on November 13 sank two enemy cruisers, and a destroyer and heavily damaged one battleship and a medium-sized aircraft-carrier in waters to the south of Bougainville Island, according to a communiqué issued by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.11.15 — Japanese Navy air units at dawn of November 11 and 12 raided the Port Darwin area in northern Australia. At Port Darwin military establishments in the city were damaged. At Brocks Creek, Stapleton and Bachelor military installations were demolished. 1943.11.17 — Japanese Navy air units at dawn today catch up with and attack a powerful enemy mobile force in waters south of Bougainville Island and sink three enemy aircraft-carriers, three cruisers and another large-sized warship of unidentified category, according to an announcement of the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.11.17 — The General Assembly of Greater East Asiatic Newspapers is formally opened at the Dai Toh-a Kaikan, Tokyo, attended by more than eighty-two representatives from various countries of greater East Asia. President Tokichi Tanaka of the Japan Press Association delivers the opening address followed by President Eiji Amau of the Board of Information and Minister for Greater East Asia Affairs Kazuo Aoki. Colonel Shuitsu Matsumura, chief of the Army Press Section of the Imperial Headquarters, and Commander Itaru Tashiro of the Navy Press Section of the same Headquarters, also deliver speeches. 1943.11.17 — Mr. Ginjiro Fujihara, adviser to the Japanese Cabinet, is installed as State Minister, while Lieutenant-General Tei-ichi Suzuki, former President of the Planning Board, Mr. Yoshisuké Aikawa, former president of the Manchuria Industrial Development Corporation, and Mr. Keita Goto, well versed in transportation, are appointed new Cabinet advisers. 1943.11.17 — The losses inflicted on the American forces by the Japanese forces during the period from October 27, when they landed on Mono Island, up to the last aerial battle off Bougainville Island consist of fifteen warships and transports sunk instantaneously, thirty-two warcraft sunk, thirty-two or thirty-three others damaged, and 314 planes shot down. During the period the losses on the Japanese side included two destroyers sunk, two cruisers slightly damaged and 118 planes unaccounted for. 1943.11.18 — A resolution expressing thanks to the officers and men of the Japanese fighting forces on the front line is unanimously adopted at the second day session of the General Assembly of Greater East Asiatic Newspapers. 1943.11.18 — Japanese Navy air units, swooping down on an enemy convoy off Torokina, Bougainville Island, early on the morning of November 17, sink three transports and a destroyer, states an announcement of the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.11.19 — The three-day session of the General Assembly of Greater East Asiatic Newspapers comes to a close, when a proposal to establish a greater East Asia press federation is approved. Immediately the Greater East Asia Federation is formed with President Tokichi Tanaka of the Japan Press Association as chairman and five directors, one each from China, Thailand, Manchoukuo, Burma and the Philippines. In consequence of the formation of the federation, the Japan Newspaper Association, established in April 1911, is dissolved. 1943.11.20 — Tsinhsin and Fenghsien, key positions in Hunan Province, were occupied by Japanese forces early on the morning of November 18, says a notification of the Japanese Army in China. 1943.11.21 — The eleventh conferment of posthumous honours upon Japanese naval officers and men, who laid down their lives in the war of greater East Asia, is announced by the Navy Ministry and the Bureau of Decorations. Ninety-three of them, including the late Fleet-Admiral Shinnosuké Ohta, are awarded special distinction honours. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XII No. 2 (February 1943) --- (covers 1942.12.21 to 1943.01.20) 1942.12.21 — The Imperial sanction having been granted on December 2, the Japan-Thailand Cultural Agreement is ratified and goes into effect today, the first anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Thailand Joint Offensive and Defensive Alliance, it is announced by the Board of Information. 1942.12.21 — In commemoration of the first anniversary of the conclusion of the Japan-Thailand Offensive and Defensive Alliance, various functions are held throughout Thailand, highlighted by an impressive ceremony held before the famed Emerald Buddha with the attendance of prominent Thai officials and Japanese diplomats. Before the sacred image of the Buddha, Premier Pibul Songgram and Japanese Ambassador Teiji Tsubokami exchange congratulatory messages. In Tokyo Premier General Hidéki Tohjo delivers an address celebrating the occasion before a large gathering. Foreign Minister Masayuki Tani holds a dinner for the Thai Ambassador and staff members of the Thai Embassy. 1942.12.21 — Quoting information received from the International Red Cross at Geneva, the Foreign Office today discloses that eight Japanese internees have died in Australia. It is added that fifty-three Japanese nationals are additionally interned in the United States. The Foreign Office further discloses that twenty-eight Japanese internees in the United States are freed, twenty of whom are released on oath. 1942.12.22 — His Majesty the Emperor receives President Wang Ching-wei of the Nanking Government at the Phoenix Hall. Following his return from the Imperial Palace, President Wang issues a statement in which he says that he is highly impressed by his meeting with His Imperial Majesty. His Imperial Majesty presents him with the Grand Order of the Chrysanthemum with the Grand Cordon, the highest decoration that has ever been presented to a Chinese national. 1942.12.22 — The first bombing of Calcutta in the current war was carried out by Japanese Army planes on December 20, it is known by a communiqué released by the Japanese forces in the south. Simultaneously, Chittagong was once more subjected to intensive Japanese bombing. 1942.12.23 — The inaugural ceremony of the Dai Nippon Association for Service to the State Through Speech and Press, which is organized by commentators and writers as a bulwark of ideological warfare, is held at the Greater East Asia Hall. The function is attended by 260 members and about 100 guests. Mr. Soho Tokutomi is named president and Dr. Kazunobu Kanokogi managing director of the association. 1942.12.24 — "I can't say 'Merry Christmas' to you when I think of the great number of our men who are desperately fighting on battle fronts all over the world on Christmas Day this year," is President Roosevelt's message to a crowd of citizens who gathered in front of the White House's south balcony on Christmas Eve, according to a Washington dispatch to Lisbon. 1942.12.24 — The eighty-first session of the Japanese Diet, the fourth to be called since the outbreak of war in greater East Asia, is convened with the opening ceremony scheduled to be held on December 26. 1942.12.24 — President Wang Ching-wei of the Nanking Government of China calls on Prince Fumimaro Konoye, former Premier, and Mr. Mitsuru Toyama, venerated octagenarian patriot. He also attends a dinner held under the joint sponsorship of the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Greater East Asiatic Affairs. 1942.12.25 — Admiral Jean Francois Darlan, head of the separate French régime in North Africa, was assassinated by a young man while entering the High Commissioner's Office at Algiers at 2 p.m. on December 24, it is revealed today. Admiral Darlan succumbed to his wounds while being carried to a nearby hospital. The culprit was arrested on the spot. 1942.12.25 — Four American "flying fortresses" were shot down by Japanese forces guarding Otori Island, formerly Wake, on the night of December 23, it is revealed in an announcement of the Imperial Headquarters. 1942.12.26 — The following communiqué is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : The Japanese Army air force in the Burma area is at present continuing its attacks on enemy air bases in eastern India and the main results gained since December 21 are as follows : 1942.12.26 — i. Results of our attacks. 1942.12.26 — (1) On December 22, our air units attacked the Calcutta and the Chittagong wharves and caused fire at serveral points in each place, set aflame a transport vessel and shot down one enemy plane. 1942.12.26 — (2) On December 23, one of our air units attacked the Feni airdrome and shot down three planes (one uncertain) and set aflame or severely damaged nine others. 1942.12.26 — (3) On December 24, one of our air units attacked a group of oil tanks and arms arsenals near Calcutta and caused conflagrations there. 1942.12.26 — ii. Damage inflicted on enemy air force which attempted to attack our bases. 1942.12.26 — (1) On December 21, we shot down two enemy planes at Akyab by means of gunfire from the ground. 1942.12.26 — (2) On December 23, we shot down two enemy planes (one uncertain) at Magwe by means of gunfire from the ground. 1942.12.26 — (3) On December 24, we shot down all the six planes that came attacking, in air combat or by means of gunfire from the ground, at Magwe. 1942.12.26 — iii. Damage sustained by us in that area in that period. 1942.12.26 — Two warehouses and one plane set aflame and one plane has not yet returned. 1942.12.26 — The Kotobuki Maru, a 65-ton fishing boat, was accorded a note of appreciation by supreme commander Masataka Yamawaki of the Army forces in the North Borneo area under date of October 20, 1942, for its success in hauling up the remains of the late General Marquis Toshinari Mayéda, former supreme commander of the Army forces in the North Borneo area, his aide-de-camp and others, together with the army plane on which they were travelling, from the sea bottom off the Patau Point in the South China area, it is revealed today. 1942.12.26 — The opening ceremony of the eighty-first session of the Japanese Diet is held in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor at the House of Peers. The Imperial Rescript follows : We hereby conduct the ceremony of opening the Imperial Diet and tell to each and every member of the House of Peers and the House of Representatives : Our forces campaigning over seas, overcoming manifold difficulties, have beaten and defeated the enemy at every turn over a wide area, thereby enhancing prestige and power throughout the world. And the pacts with friendly countries increase in solemnity. We are greatly pleased with all this. Now the war situation is grave. All ought to be of one mind, increase and strengthen national power further, and destroy the inordinate ambitions of the enemy countries. We have faith in and depend upon the loyalty and valour of all subjects throughout the country and expect that there will be a speedy realization of the object of the war. We cause the Ministers of State to present to the Imperial Diet the budget for the eighteenth year of Showa and estimates of extraordinary war expenditures along with various legislative bills. We hope that you all will bear Our will in mind and fulfil the duty of helping the conduct of State affairs by deliberating in harmony. 1942.12.27 — War Minister and Premier Hidéki Tohjo and Navy Minister Shigétaro Shimada each submits a report on the war situation for the past one year since the outbreak of the war in both the House of Peers and the House of Representatives. Navy Minister Shimada reports : " Our forces have sunk eleven enemy battleships, eleven aircraft-carriers including one seaplane tender, forty-six cruisers, forty-eight destroyers, ninety-three submarines, as well as other enemy naval vessels. In other words, the enemy has lost a total of approximately 1,100,9000 tons of war vessels above the submarine class. This is about thirty-eight per cent. of the combined naval strength of the United States, Britain and the Netherlands before the war. Our naval forces heavily damaged nine enemy battleships, four aircraft-carriers, nineteen cruisers, twenty-three destroyers, sixty submarines and thirty-nine other naval vessels. Our naval forces have either sunk or heavily damaged 424 merchantmen aggregating 2,270,000 tons, while capturing 403 other merchantmen aggregating 2,220,000 tons and nine naval vessels. Our naval forces either shot down or destroyed on the ground 3,842 enemy aircraft." 1942.12.27 — President Wang Ching-wei of the Nanking Government, returns to Nanking from Tokyo after staying there for a week, during which he extended his congratulations to the Japanese Army and Navy for their glorious victory in the war in greater East Asia. 1942.12.28 — The following communiqué is issued by the Imperial Headquarters: On December 23 a Japanese Navy fighter plane squadron gave fight to twenty or more enemy aircraft that came flying from the direction of the Gudalcanal area over Munda on New Georgia Island and shot down fourteen (six uncertain) of the number. The particulars of the battle results follow : Six Grumman fighters (two uncertain). Seven Curtiss carrier-borne bombers (four uncertain). One P-38. In this air engagement, we sustained a loss of two planes either damaged against the enemy or having not yet returned. 1942.12.28 — The Finance Ministry gives its approval to the decision of four leading Japanese banks, including the Mitsui, Dai-ichi, Mitsubishi and One Hundredth banks, to carry out mergers, with negotiations for concrete measures to be undertaken early next spring. 1942.12.29 — Ambassador Kénkichi Yoshizawa to French Indo-China returns to Tokyo by air from Hanoi to make arangement with the Greater East Asiatic Affairs Minister on political and economic affairs, the negotiation of which has been progressing between Mr. Yoshizawa and Governor-General Jean Decoux. 1942.12.30 — Mr. Chou Fo-hai, Vice-President of the Executive Yuan and concurrently Finance Minister of the Nanking Government, and Mr. Mei Hsu-ping, Minister of Commerce and Industry, leave Tokyo for Nanking. 1942.12.31 — A cable from an undesignated base tells another severe bombing of Japanese Army planes on enemy airfields in India. It follows : 1. Japanese Army air units carried out bombings on Chittagong wharves, Feni Airfield and facilities at Calcutta harbour before dawn of December 28 and scored the following results: (a) The attacking units against Chittagong scored direct bomb hits on two enemy ships each ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 tons and set them afire. Moreover, they blasted warehouses on the wharves, setting them ablaze. All this has been verified by our units. (2) The attacking units against Feni dropped bombs on the airfield, runways, and other facilities blasting them seriously. (c) The attacking units against Calcutta bombed the military establishments on the east side of its wharf, setting fire to them at two places. 2. During these air raids one or two enemy planes came up for fighting, but they were routed as they had no fighting spirit. All the Japanese planes returned safely. 1943.01.01 — In a New Year's message to the people of Japan and its allies, Premier and concurrently War Minister General Hidéki Tohjo declares that, with the brilliant victories won during the past year, the foundations have been laid for a certain final victory in the war of greater East Asia. In greeting the second year of the current war, he expresses his determination and that of the 100,000,000 people of Japan to overcome any and all obstacles toward the attainment of Japan's aim. 1943.01.01 — A German-Turkish pact according a loan of 100,000,000 Reichsmarks to Turkey was signed in Berlin yesterday with the completion of negotiations for agreement concerning the details of the pact, it is announced today in Berlin. 1943.01.01 — The Japan Times Advertiser, foremost of the two English dailies in Tokyo, changes its name to Nippon Times to conform to the spirit of the times in this country. 1943.01.02 — The German Foreign Office announces important changes in Germany's diplomatic services by which the present Ambassadors to Japan, Spain and Sweden will be replaced by new men. Major-General Eugen Ott, Ambassador to Japan, is recalled to occupy an important post in the Berlin Foreign Office and he is succeeded by Dr. Heinrich Georg Stahmer, Ambassador to the Nanking Government of China. 1943.01.03 — Big formations of Japanese Army bombers escorted by fighters attacked Yungan, 200 kilometres west of Foochow in Fukien Province on January 2, blasting or setting ablaze fuel and ammunition depots, as well as munition plants in the city, it is announced by the Japanese expeditionary forces in China. 1943.01.04 — The Imperial Headquarters announces: (1) Japanese Navy air units operating in the New Guinea area on December 30 and 31 launched fierce attacks on Merauke in southern New Guinea and destroyed and put out of commission an army air base under construction there. (2) Naval air units based on New Britain Island and in the Solomons repulsed a total of fifty odd enemy planes, which raided Munda, Rabaul and Sulumi in the period between December 31 and January 2. It should be noted here especially that in the course of the enemy air raid on Munda on January 2 Japanese anti-aircraft batteries shot down six out of thirty odd enemy planes by anti-aircraft gunfire (two of the enemy planes shot down are uncertain). (3) Navy air units in the Narukami Island area engaged enemy planes which came to raid the island in the period between December 30 and January 1 and shot down five enemy fighter planes in aerial combats. In the same period Japanese anti-aircraft batteries shot down one enemy B-25 plane. 1943.01.04 — Major-General Hakujiro Kato is appointed commander of the Gendarmerie Headquarters as successor to Lieutenant-General Akito Nakamura who has been shifted to an undisclosed position of importance. 1943.01.05 — The White Book published on January 3 by the Washington Government covering all its diplomatic negotiations of the past ten years simply shows that President Roosevelt is the chief figure responsible for the situation which precipitated the war in greater East Asia, it is announced by the Reich Foreign Office. 1943.01.05 — The press section of the Japanese expeditionary forces in China publishes the following war communiqué : A big combined formation of fighter and bombing planes of the Japanese Army air force attacked Kweilin on January 4 and blasted the enemy airfield and establishments attached to it. On the same day, another air unit attacked Shaokuan, 170 kilometres north of Canton, and Lochang, 50 kilometres north of Shaokuan, and destroyed or set ablaze enemy military establishments. All warplanes which took part in the raids returned safely. At both places attacked, no enemy plane offered resistance against our aircraft. 1943.01.06 — Lieutenant- General Osamu Tsukada and Colonel Takéshi Fujiwara were killed in action on December 18, 1942, on the Central China front while carrying out their official duties in a plane, according to the War Ministry which today announces their posthumous promotion to full-ranking general and major-general respectively. General Tsukada was formerly Chief of Staff to General Count Hisa-ichi Térauchi, commander-in-chief of the Army forces in the southern areas, during the early period of the current war. 1943.01.07 — Ambassador Kénkichi Yoshizawa to French Indo-China is received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor and submits a detailed report on Japan-French Indo-China relations to the Throne. 1943.01.07 — The Japanese Army air forces on January 5 detected more than a dozen large enemy vessels fully laden with war materials in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River near Santoping, 50 kilometres above Ichang, and sank thirteen of them by bombing or machine-gunning, it is revealed today. 1943.01.07 — Thirty-three editors of newspapers and magazines published in the United States, including Time, were arrested by the United States authorities on January 4 on the ground that they were exercising evil influences on social morality, it is revealed. 1943.01.08 — Japanese air forces during December scored brilliant results, shooting down 128 enemy planes in the Burma area and other districts. Details follow : (1) Eastern district of India : Thirty-four enemy planes shot down (of which eight are not certain) and twenty-five planes destroyed. (2) Yunnan-fu area: Five shot down (of which two are not certain) and thirteen destroyed. Losses inflicted on enemy air forces which raided the Burma area during the same period follow : (3) Twenty enemy planes shot down in aerial combats. (4) Thirty-one enemy planes shot down by ground gunfire. (5) Total shot down 128 (of which ten are uncertain). (6) Enemy military establishments destroyed or burned at about fifty places. (7) Twenty-six enemy ships either sunk or destroyed at Chittagong. During the period only two Japanese planes self-blasted and seven have not yet returned. 1943.01.09 — The Nanking Government of China at 10 a.m. today formally declares war against the United States and the British Empire. Its decision to participate in the war of greater East Asia was reached at 9 a.m. today in accordance with its previously published policy of "live or die with Japan" in joint effort with the Japanese Government to fight the common enemies of East Asia. The Japanese Government issues a declaration on the prosecution of the joint war against the United States and Britain. 1943.01.09 — Abolition of extra-territoriality and retrocession of concessions and international settlements in Chana by Japan is announced in Tokyo and Nanking. 1943.01.09 — In order to cope with the new situation following the formal declaration of war against the United States and Great Britain, details of the organization of the new Supreme National Defence Council are discussed and decided upon at the meeting of the Central Political Council of the Nanking Government. 1943.01.09 — About 200 enemy troops with trench mortars appeared in the neighbourhood of Rathedaung, thirty kilometres northwest of Akyab, at 5 p.m. and again at 10 p.m. on January 6, but the Japanese forces immediately repulsed them, it is revealed. The enemy left thirty bodies on the field. Again at 7 p.m. on the same day about 500 enemy troops with trench mortars, armoured cars and motor cars appeared in the neighbourhood of Daung-Baig, about four kilometres southwest of Rathedaung, but they were also defeated after two hours' fighting. Two enemy armoured cars were smashed. The enemy left twenty-two bodies. 1943.01.10 — Criticizing Anglo-American promises of returning the concessions and giving up the extraterritorial rights in China as selfish and meaningless, spokesman Tomokazu Hori of the Board of Information explains Japan's true motives in taking these epochal steps to foreign correspondents at his press interview. 1943.01.11 — President Roosevelt's decision to appoint Edward J. Flynn, a Democratic Party leader of New York, as United States Minister to Australia gives rise to widespread discussion in American political quarters. 1943.01.11 — The United States war expenditures for the 1943-44 fiscal year will amount to $109,000,000,000, it is announced by President Roosevelt in Congress this afternoon before the joint session of Senators and members of the House of Representatives. Since the Pearl Harbour débâcle America has been spending a monthly war expenditure of about $2,000,000,000,000, which figure has recently risen to $6,000,000,000. 1943.01.12 — The treaty for relinquishing extra-territorial rights and amending unequal treaties was signed between Chungking and the British Government at Chungking yesterday, it is learned. It was signed by Foreign Minister T.V. Soong and British Ambassador to Chungking Sir Horace J. Seymour. A similar treaty was also signed between Chungking and the United States Government at Washington the same day. 1943.01.12 — Japan and French Indo-China come to an agreement of views regarding export of rice and corn from French Indo-China at a conference between Secretary-General Shighéru Kuriyama of the Ambassadorial Office at Saigon and Vice-Admiral Jean Decoux, Governor-General of French Indo-China. 1943.01.13 — The United States aircraft-carrier Hornet, which was sunk by Japanese Navy units in the battle north of Santa Cruz on October 26 last year, took part in the Tokyo air raid on April 18 last year, it is reported in a New York broadcast. 1943.01.14 — The Imperial Headquarters issues the following announcement : The Japanese Army units in Central China, operating from the latter part of December last year, encircled the forces, about 30,000 men strong, under the command of General Li Sung-jen, commander of Chungking's fifth war zone in the Tapieh mountain group, and inflicted severe damages on them. They also destroyed the principal bases of the enemy forces. The results which are known to have been scored by the Japanese Army units in this campaign are : 1943.01.14 — 1. Damages inflicted on the enemy. (a) Bodies left behind—Approximately 6,500. (b) Prisoners taken—Approximately 1,500. (c) Main spoils of war: Guns—9. Heavy and light machineguns—43. Rifles—2,400. 1943.01.14 — 2. Damages sustained by our side. Casualties in dead—30. 1943.01.14 — The Italian Government issues the following announcement on its decision for the abolition of extra-territoriality in China : "The Italian Government, in accordance with the policy of friendship and understanding as clarified in the second article of the Preliminary Commerce Treaty concluded between them and the Nanking Government of China some time back have decided to relinquish all of Italy's concessions and other territorial rights of the Italian subjects in China, and have sent notification to this effect to the Nanking Government of China." 1943.01.15 — The Board of Information announces that the Japanese Government has sent to Dr. Ba Maw, chief civil administrator of Burma, a relief fund for the Burmese people who have suffered severely from the indiscriminate attacks carried out by enemy air raiders. 1943.01.16 — The Imperial Headquarters issues the following communiqué: "The war results obtained by the Japanese Navy air forces during the period from January 1 to 11 are as follows : " 1. Air duels in the Solomon Group area : Enemy planes either shot down or destroyed aground, twenty-one. Our planes which dived into enemy targets and which have not yet returned, three. 2. Aerial combats in the New Guinea area : Enemy planes either shot down or destroyed aground, twenty-one. Our planes which dived into enemy targets and which have not yet returned, six. 1943.01.16 — The Government has decided to submit a bill calling for the disposal of Japan's funded debts in the dollar and sterling currencies totaling roughly ¥3,500,000,000 to the current session of the Japanese Diet. When the bill is adopted, the Government will look after the business concerning these debts. 1943.01.16 — The Japanese expeditionary forces headquarters in North China announces its composite war results achieved during the period of one year up to the present, which comprise 140,000 enemy dead left behind, 93,000 prisoners and 70,000 enemy soldiers who surrendered. The pacified zone has been extended to two and a half times over that existing in 1941. 1943.01.17 — The Japanese air forces in a long series of aerial combats in the skies of the southern Pacific from early in August, 1942, to early in January, 1943, shot down or destroyed 1,058 enemy planes. 1943.01.17 — Details are : In the Solomons area : Enemy planes lost 915 Japanese planes lost 197 In the New Guinea area : Enemy planes lost 96 Japanese planes lost 20 In the New Britain area : Enemy planes lost 47 Japanese planes lost 2 Total of enemy planes lost 1,058 Total of Japanese planes lost 219 1943.01.18 — The Cabinet has decided to increase taxes, commencing the next fiscal year. The increased taxes will raise the revenue to the extent of ¥1,000,000,000 in the first year of the operation—1943-44 fiscal year. Today, the Finance Ministry announces a raise in tobacco prices. 1943.01.18 — Divisional Commander General Wu Hua-wen of Chungking's newly organized fourth division enters the peace camp of the Nanking Government with 40,000 men under him and pledges his support to prosecute the war in greater East Asia. 1943.01.18 — A bill investing the with a wide authority of unifying order for labour, materials, motor power and capital under him will be submitted to the present Diet session, it is announced by the Board of Information. 1943.01.19 — Laying stress on the important part China is playing in the current war, President Wang Ching-wei in his capacity as president of the Supreme National Defence Council in a statement entitled, "Know Ye Our Soldiers ", strongly urges the Nanking Government's fighting personnel to fight the war in a spirit of closest comradeship with the Japanese forces. 1943.01.19 — The Chilean Senate adopts a bill providing for the rupture of diplomatic ties with the Axis countries. Argentina, however, maintains its attitude of neutrality, says a Buenos Aires dispatch. 1943.01.20 — The Japanese Diet which was to reopen tomorrow has had its date of reopening postponed to January 28, due to unavoidable circumstances. 1943.01.20 — The Chilean Government announces today its severance of diplomatic relations with the Axis nations following approval of the bill for breaking off relations with the Axis countries by the Chilean Senate. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XII No. 3 (March 1943) --- (covers 1943.01.21 to 1943.02.20) 1943.01.21 — Two compacts—one between Japan and Germany and another between Japan and Italy—were signed on January 20 at Berlin and Rome respectively between the nations concerned in the form of Agreements on Economic Collaboration, it is announced by the Board of Information. 1943.01.21 — The Board of Information in a statement relative to the exchange of Japanese-French notes concerning settlement of accounts between Japan and French Indo-China that took place at Vichy on January 20 says that the principal point of the notes is the agreement to make settlements of accounts relating to both visible and invisible trade between French Indo China and other regions of greater East Asia on the basis of the yen. 1943.01.22 — The following announcement is made by the Imperial Headquarters : On January 13 Japanese Navy air forces shot down a total of sixteen enemy planes in aerial combats in the skies of the Solomon area. Three of our planes have not yet returned to their base. On January 17 Japanese Navy air forces attacked the Rabi airfield, enemy base in New Guinea, and obtained the following results : Enemy airplanes: shot down one; destroyed twelve (including six large ones). Enemy military establishments : blasted or set aflame ten or more places. The Japanese side suffered no damage in this operation. 1943.01.22 — The Chilean Minister to Tokyo, Armando Labra Carvajal, calls at the Foreign Office and hands to Foreign Vice-Minister Shunichi Matsumoto a notice to the effect that the Chilean Government has suspended diplomatic and consular relations with Japan, Germany and Italy as of January 20. 1943.01.23 — The Italian High Command announces that the Fascist Navy in the period of thirty months since the start of the war in June, 1940, until December, 1942, sank 322 anti-Axis warships and merchant ships with an aggregate of 1,300,000 tons. Of this total, 132 were warships including four battleships, and 190 merchant vessels and tankers. 1943.01.27 — Appropriate ceremonies commemorating the first anniversary of Thailand's participation in the war of greater East Asia are observed at Bangkok by Thai and Japanese officials. 1943.01.27 — A trade arrangement between French Indo-China and Japan for the current year based on the Franco-Japanese agreement concerning the tariff, trade and settlement of accounts is concluded. 1943.01.27 — Nothing but an empty show is the general comment on the ten-day meeting that took place recently between President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill at Casablanca in French Morocco. President Roosevelt went to Casablanca by plane and returned to Washington on January 26. The same day in a press conference at the White House he said that he saw Prime Minister Churchill in a special bomb-proof chamber and, as a result of discussions which lasted some eighteen hours a day, the two arrived at several conclusions. 1943.01.28 — Premier Hidéki Tohjo, Foreign Minister Masayuki Tani and Finance Minister Okinori Kaya deliver their respective speeches in the Diet when the eighty-first session reopens. In an impressive speech, the Premier says : " Our Empire is making a magnificent advance toward the goal of subjugating the United States and Britain." Referring to Burma, he points out that during this year at the latest Japan intends to recognize the creation of a Burmese State. Turning to the Philippines, he says : "Japan would be glad to accord them the honour of independence, if they would co-operate with Japan as a co-participant in the establishment of the greater East Asia co-prosperity sphere." 1943.01.28 — Dr. Heinrich G. Stahmer, new German Ambassador to Tokyo, succeeding Ambassador Eugen Ott, arrives at Tokyo from Nanking. 1943.01.28 — The Government at its Cabinet meeting decides on the supplementary budget to the 1943-44 fiscal year's budget and also to the 1942-43 budget. According to an announcement of the Finance Ministry, the budget for the 1943-43 fiscal year has been increased by ¥566,000,000 to ¥9,517,000,000. The budget for the 1943-94 fiscal year has been increased by ¥2,345,000,000 to ¥12,341,000,000. 1943.01.29 — An elaborate Japan-Germany-Italy meeting to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Chancellor Adolf Hitler's coming into power is held at the Gunjin Kaikan under the sponsorship of the Japan-German-Italy Goodwill Association and with the support of the National Service Association. 1943.01.29 — In a broadcast, Jorge G. Vargas, chairman of the executive commission in the Philippines, expresses his gratitude for Japan's benevolent policy as evinced by Premier Tohjo in his Diet speech and appeals to the Filipino people to do their utmost to attain independence. 1943.01.30 — "The fighting strength of the Japanese forces is really great and amazing," says Major-General Alexander Van de Kriste, commander of the American marines on Gudalcanal Island of the Solomon Group, when interviewed by American newspapermen upon his return to Washington. 1943.01.30 — Mr. Kiyoshi Yamagata, Minister to Chile, and twenty-six members of the Japanese Legation at Santiago are placed under detention in the legation compounds by the Chilean Government. 1943.01.30 — On the occasion tenth anniversary of his accession to power, Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler urges the German people to continue their crusade against Bolshevism. Reich Marshal Hermann Goering reiterates Germany's determination to crush the enemies of the Third Reiche. 1943.02.01 — The greatest war results since the attack on Pearl Harbour have been scored by Japanese Navy forces in the battle of Rennell Island, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. The official communiqué reads : Japanese Navy air forces discovered a strong navy enemy unit in waters east of Rennell Island of the Solomons on January 29 and, in the face of bad weather, caught the enemy in the area north of the island, making a surprise attack as dusk approached and inflicting severe damages on the enemy. Receiving our attack, the enemy ships turned about and tried to escape southward, but again on the following day, Japanese Navy air units attacked the enemy fleet in daylight and inflicted serious damages, completely destroying the enemy attempt at a counter-attack. The battle results and our damages known up to the date are as follows : two battleships sunk ; three cruisers sunk ; one battleship damaged; one cruiser damaged ; three fighter planes shot down. Our damages consist of seven planes self-blasted and three planes not yet returned. 1943.02.01 — Japanese Army air units in a series of raids between January 26 and February 1 on advance posts of the Chungking forces in the regions along the West River and the North River blasted military establishments and barracks and crushed concentrations of mobile forces. 1943.02.01 — The German High Command in its communiqué discloses that German troops under the command of Field-Marshal Paulus, after desperately holding their position in a southern section of Stalingrad for more than two months, have been overwhelmed by Soviet forces. 1943.02.01 — British Prime Minister Winston Churchill conferred with Turkish President Ismet Inonu at Adana Turkey, located near the Syrian frontier, on January 30 and 31, it is revealed. 1943.02.01 — The British Government announces that a new agreement has been concluded between Britain and Turkey as a result of the Adana conference. The agreement embodies four points, consisting of the promotion of friendly relations, the extension of British aid to Turkey to strengthen Turkey's defence, the British-Turkish mutual aid, and the solution of various questions after the war. 1943.02.02 — Having already reduced the southern region, Japan today is a greater "have" country than the United States and Britain, Premier Tohjo declares in the meeting of the Lower House Budget Committee in answer to an interpellation. 1943.02.02 — Excluding those captured in the China affair, the Japanese forces have taken 300,000 war prisoners since the outbreak of the war in greater East Asia, according to a revelation made in the House of Peers by Lieutenant-General Jumio Oyama, Director of the Judicial Affairs Bureau of the War Ministry. Out of the 300,000 captives, 118,000 are British, American, Dutch, Australian and Canadian prisoners and most of them are interned at the fronts with some internment in Japan proper, Korea and Formosa. 1943.02.03 — Japan's national income for 1943 is estimated at come for 1943, ¥30,000,000,000, representing an increase of ¥5,000,000,000 over the year before, and all of the increased amount should be mobilized for the national purposes in view of the fact that the requirements for war expenditures and increase in production will grow greater with the protraction of war, says Finance Minister Okinori Kaya before the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives. 1943.02.03 — Hostilities in the Stalingrad sector have ceased, announces the German High Command. It adds : "The fighting in Stalingrad has thus ended, but only after the gallant Sixth Army had witnessed the attacks of six Soviet armies for many weeks." 1943.02.04 — The Imperial Headquarters makes the following statement : A Japanese Naval air force on February 1 made contact with an enemy fleet cruising in waters south of Ysabel Island in the Solomon Group and attacked it and at the same time engaged in an air combat a strong enemy air force which challenged the Japanese over the waters around New Georgia Island and inflicted heavy damages on the enemy. The results obtained and our damage are as follows : One enemy cruiser, instantaneously sunk, one enemy cruiser damaged slightly, thirty-three enemy planes shot down, of which four were large-type bombers. Our loss consists of ten planes which bodily crashed into enemy target or which have not yet returned. Meanwhile, Japanese submarines between January 23 and 31 shelled military establishments on as well as enemy warships anchored in the offing of Canton Island in the Phoenix Group. 1943.02.04 — General Senjuro Hayashi, former Premier and president of the Asia Development League of Japan, dies at his Tokyo residence at 11 : 10 a.m. He was sixty-eight years old. 1943.02.04 — "Japan's attitude toward Manchoukuo, China, Thailand and Burma is standing proof that it holds absolutely no territorial ambitions in India," declares Premier Tohjo at the general budget meeting of the House of Representatives. 1943.02.04 — Dr. Heinrich Georg Stahmer, newly appointed German Ambassador to Tokyo, presents his credentials to His Majesty the Emperor in the Phoenix Hall of the Imperial Palace. 1943.02.05 — The Italian Government in a royal decree makes a thorough reshuffle of its Cabinet. Prominently noted in the reorganized Cabinet is the taking over of the post of Foreign Minister by Premier Mussolini. 1943.02.05 — Japanese air forces in China shot down a total of eighty-four enemy planes during the five months from September last year to January this year, it is revealed at Nanking. 1943.02.05 — Although the Chilean Government has taken the hasty step of confining the former Japanese Minister in Chile and all his staff members within the premises of the Legation, the Japanese Government is according considerate treatment to the former Chilean Minister in Tokyo and his staff members as well as Chilean residents here, spokesman Tomokazu Hori of the Board of Information declares in reply to a question raised by a foreign newspaper correspondent. 1943.02.05 — "Efforts are mutually made between Japan and Germany not to create any misunderstanding on the progress of the war situation, There is no change whatever in Japanese-Italian relations. I am confident that Italy will never depart from the Tripartite Alliance, though the enemy countries are hoping so. I believe, the Soviet Union will remain faithful to the Neutrality Pact," So declares Foreign Minister Masayuki Tani in the Diet. 1943.02.05 — A clear-cut disavowal of dictatorship by Premier Hidéki Tohjo features the session of the House of Representatives committee on the bill to invest special powers in the Premier for industrial productivity expansion. 1943.02.05 — "The population of Japan is on the increase despite the war and our military strength is more than enough," affirms Premier Tohjo before the session of the Committee for Special Wartime Administrative Bill in answer to an interpellation. 1943.02.07 — Assurance that the prevailing exchange rate of ¥18 against 100 yuan will be maintained between the Japanese military scrip and the Central Reserve Bank note is given by Kazuo Aoki, Minister of Greater Asiatic Affairs, in reply to an interpellation in the House Representatives. 1943.02.08 — Mr. Wang I-tang, chairman of the Nanking, North China Political Affairs Commission, tenders his resignation to the Government, and his post is succeeded by Mr. Chu Shen, an executive member of the commission. 1943.02.08 — During his address before the Cleveland Foreign Policy Association, Joseph C. Grew, former United States Ambassador to Tokyo, warns against Japan's "jujitsu strategy," with which he states Japan strikes when the enemy is off guard and further emphasizes that the people in Kobe are just as far from the perils of war as those in Cleveland. 1943.02.09 — The House of Representatives adopts an Extraordinary War Fund Supplementary Bill involving ¥27,000,000,000, which was presented to it on the previous day. The total amount of war funds since the outbreak of the China affair reaches the enormous figure of ¥74,128,000,000. 1943.02.09 — The Japanese Army and Navy forces operating in the southern Pacific area, especially in the Guadalcanal sector, to date have inflicted casualties of more than 25,000 on the enemy, shot down or otherwise destroyed over 250 enemy warplanes, destroyed more than thirty pieces of ordnance and wrecked or set aflame more than twenty-five tanks, according to a communiqué issued by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.02.09 — The Board of Information announces the names of four members of the Japanese committee which will deliberate and decide on the details regarding the retrocession of Japanese concessions in China to the Nanking Government. The names of the six members of the Technical Commission which will deliberate and formulate concrete plans for the relinquishment of extra-territorial rights in China an also announced. The Nanking Government reveals that it has announced the names of Chinese members on the same commissions. 1943.02.10 — Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita, who played a signal part in the reduction of Singapore, has been promoted to full-ranking general, the War Ministry announces. 1943.02.10 — Japanese Navy forces sank thirteen enemy warships, consisting of two cruisers, one destroyer and ten redo boats, and shot down eighty-six enemy warplanes over the waters of Ysabel Island of the Solomon group between February 1 and 7, according to a revised communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. The Japanese loss was three destroyers damaged and twelve planes missing. 1943.02.10 — The number of enemy warships which have been sunk or damaged by the Japanese Navy forces since August 8, 1942, up to date (February 7, 1943) in the neighbourhood of the Solomon Group totals 145. The enemy airplanes shot down or otherwise destroyed during the same period totalled more than 996. 1943.02.11 — The conclusion of an cultural agreement between Japan and Bulgaria in Tokyo for the purpose of strengthening their existing friendly relations is announced by the Board of Information. 1943.02.11 — Mahatma Gandhi, apostle of non-co-operation and civil disobedience, who has been detained at the Aga Khan Palace in Poona, Bombay, by the British authorities in India since last August, has started a twenty-one-day fast, it is learned. The Mahatma has taken this step to protest against the British policy of incarcerating a large number of Indian nationalists. 1943.02.11 — The number of dead abandoned by the Chungking forces in their engagements withe Japanese forces during 1942 reached the high number of 260,803, while those taken prisoner during the same period totalled 124,407, according to an announcement of the Army press section of the Japanese expeditionary forces in China. Chungking forces engaged aggregated 2,867,000, airplanes shot down and wrecked totalled 109, and enormous trophies were secured. The Japanese loss was 8,460 soldiers killed in action. 1943.02.12 — The following announcement is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : Submarines of the Japanese Navy sank six enemy vessels with an aggregate of 54,000 tons off the eastern coast of Australia during a period from the middle of January to the early part of February. 1943.02.13 — Japanese air forces bomb twice British positions at Rathedaung on the Burma-Indian border. One medium-sized enemy bomber appears over Rangoon for scouting, but is shot down by Japanese Army planes. A formation of enemy Hurricane planes flies over Akyab, and Japanese air forces shoot down three of them. 1943.02.13 — The ordinary budget estimates for the next fiscal year covering appropriations of ¥13,273,000,000 are passed by the House of Representatives at its plenary session. 1943.02.13 — The first anniversary of the fall of Singapore is duly observed at Singapore and other places. 1943.02.13 — The health of Mahatma Gandhi on the sixth day of his fast is said to have been deteriorated, but no fear is entertained. 1943.02.16 — In connection with the commencement of the German evacuation of Kharvok, the German High Command says that, according to a pre-arranged plan and in defience of the fierce Soviet attacks, the evacuation of German units defending Kharkov is being effected following the thoroughgoing destruction of military establishments in and around the city. 1943.02.16 — Sweeping into action on February 13 against the Chungking forces in Kiangsu Province, the Japanese forces, with the newly-organized units of the Nanking Government of China, are now smashing the enemy at every turn, according to a communiqué of the Japanese expeditionary forces in Central China. This is the first time that the Nanking Government has entered into military co-operation with Japan. 1943.02.18 — The following communiqué is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : In aerial combats that were staged in the Solomon area between February 10 and 13 Japanese Navy air units and Army and Navy anti-aircraft ground batteries shot down sixty-five enemy planes and destroyed another. In the same period the Japanese losses consisted of two planes and slight damage done to its military facilities. In aerial warfares that took place in the southwestern Pacific area between February 1 and 15 Japanese Navy air units and anti-aircraft ground batteries shot down four enemy planes and wrecked five others. No damage was done to our side during this period. In aerial duels that took place in the Aleutian area between February 5 and 13 Japanese Navy air units and Army and Navy anti-aircraft ground batteries shot down five enemy airplanes and destroyed two others. No damage was done to our side during this period. 1943.02.18 — Reich Minister for National Enlightenment and Propaganda Joseph Goebbels speaking before a mass meeting in Berlin on the setback on the eastern front declares : "A nation that possesses the strength to bear such a setback cannot be defeated." 1943.02.18 — Funing, the stronghold of the 89th Chungking Army in northern Kiangsi Province, is completely occupied by Japanese forces in the present large-scale campaign. Funing is situated fifty-five kilometres northwest of Yencheng. 1943.02.19 — After crossing an important railway line, the German-Italian spearheads in southern Tunisia reach the spurs of the Atlas Mountains southeast of Tebessa at several places and the American rearguards are partly dispersed and partly thrown back into the mountains. 1943.02.20 — Madame Chiang Kai-shek, addressed both Houses of the United States Congress on February 18 on the question of war supplies to Chungking, it is gathered today. In a press conference on February 19, in which she participated jointly with President Roosevelt, Madame Chiang urged America to speed up the sending of war materials to Chungking. 1943.02.20 — The Imperial Headquarters states that Japanese Navy air units on February 17 attacked an enemy convoy east of San Christobal Island of the Solomon Group and sank two destroyers and one large-type transport. During the operation, Japan lost three planes. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XII No. 4 (April 1943) --- (covers 1943.02.21 to 1943.03.20) 1943.02.21 — The Japanese units which had been in hot pursuit of the third division of the Fourth Army of Chungking reaches the Tunkanchen-Chitaochi line. The routed forces are being pressed to the old mouth of the Yellow River. 1943.02.21 — The director of the Production Bureau of the Department of Agriculture of the American Government announces that 10,000 American-born Japanese, or one-seventh of the total number of resident Japanese, will be assigned to compulsory farm labour. 1943.02.22 — Japanese Army units capture Tsunchinchiao bordering the French Leased Territory on Kwangchow Bay. 1943.02.22 — The advance of Japanese forces into the Kwangchow Bay area has been effected with the full understanding of the French Indo-China Government-General, and in accordance with the terms of the Japan-French Indo-China Joint Defence Alliance, it is announced by the French Indo-China Government. 1943.02.22 — The entrance of Japanese Army and Navy forces into Kwangchow Bay, the French leased territory in China, on February 21 is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. The communiqué follows : "The Japanese Army and Navy forces with the understanding of the French Government advanced into Kwangchow Bay, French leased territory, on February 21." 1943.02.23 — The French Consul at Nanking visits the Foreign Office of the Nanking Government and hands to the chief of its European and American Affairs Bureau a copy of the statement issued by the Vichy Government in connection with its decision to relinquish its extraterritorial rights in China and to retrocede the administrative rights over its concessions. 1943.02.23 — It is revealed that a Franco-Japanese agreement for the joint defence of Kwangchow Bay was signed at Siying, Leichow Peninsula, on February 21, between the commander-in-chief of the Japanese forces on Leichow Peninsula and First-Lieutenant Pierre Marie Jean Domec, chief administrator of the French Leased Territory of Kwangchow Bay, at the latter's official residence. 1943.02.24 — A large formation of Japanese warplanes consisting of bombers and fighters attacked the Tinsukia airfield on February 23, and after strafing fifteen large-sized enemy aircraft on the ground, completely burned down at least four of them and inflicted heavy damages on others. 1943.02.24 — Enemy buildings and land in the Shanghai International Settlement which had been under the control of Japanese military authorities since 1941 are transferred to the control of the Nanking Government at a ceremony held at the office of the Japanese naval resident officers. 1943.02.24 — A large formation of Japanese bombers and fighters makes sudden attacks on Liangshan airfield and Wanhsien in Szechuan Province. 1943.02.24 — Japan was polled as "America's No. 1 enemy" by a majority in the all-American survey of public opinion which was undertaken by the Gallup Institute of Public Opinion. Japan held fifty per cent., of the polls and Germany was second with thirty-four per cent. while the remaining thirteen per cent. was held in abeyance. A similar survey made by the Gallup polls in June, 1942, showed Germany in the first place with fifty per cent. of the votes against Japan's twenty-four per cent. 1943.02.25 — Germany is definitely not in difficulties, declares Lieutenant-General Ichiro Banzai, formerly military attaché to the Japanese Embassy in Berlin, who came back to Tokyo last month. 1943.02.25 — Japanese forces entrap and annihilate 3,000 remnants of the 89th Division of Chungking in the vicinity of Hsuchiuchi, twenty kilometres east of Lienshui. Booty consists of heavy and light arms and a large quantity of ammunition. 1943.02.26 — With Japanese nationals still residing in enemy countries totalling some 566,000 the Japanese Government is doing its utmost to arrange for the second and third exchange of nationals with the enemy countries through neutral Governments, it is indicated by former Minister to Egypt Tadakazu Suzuki at the budgetary committee meeting of the House of Representatives. 1943.02.26 — Exemption of Indians who understand Japan's war objectives and co-operate with it in the construction of a greater East Asia from the application of the law for control of enemy property and of the asset freezing order is announced by the Board of Information. 1943.02.27 — At a national rally held at the Kabuki-za in Tokyo under the joint sponsorship of the National Service Association, the Dai Nippon East Asia Development League and other institutions of speeches are made endorsing the stand of Mahatma Gandhi of India. 1943.02.28 — Two Chungking divisions are repulsed at Manjenkwan located northeast of Tengyueh on the Yunnan-Burmese border in engagements from the evening of February 18 to the following morning by the Japanese forces. Enemy dead abandoned totalls 416 and war prisoners twenty-three, besides many trophies captured. 1943.03.01 — Dr. W.W. Yen, Chungking's former Ambassador to the Soviet Union and one time Premier of China, Eugene Chen, Foreign Minister of the Wuhan Government now defunct, and three Chekiang financiers, Mr. Chou Tso-min, Mr. Wu Shin-hsiu and Mr. Tang Shou-min, have joined the Nanking Government, it is mentioned by Major-General Kénryo Sato, director of the Military Affairs Bureau of the War Ministry, in the House of Representatives. 1943.03.01 — The tenth anniversary of the establishment of the monarchial régime in Manchoukuo and the eleventh Manchoukuo Empire Day are observed in Tokyo and in Hsinking in a simple but solemn manner. 1943.03.01 — Major-General Su Shin-tung, commander of the Chungking Fifth Independent Brigade, offers to joint the peace movement of the Nanking Government with a force of more than 1,000 men. 1943.03.01 — A unit of Japanese fighter planes engaged enemy raiding formations of fifteen Hurricane fighters north of Akyah in the Arakan sector on the afternoon of February 28 and definitely shot down seven, while all the Japanese planes returned safely to their base, it is officially announced. 1943.03.02 — The general budget for the 1943-44 fiscal year is approved in its original form as submitted by the Government at the plenary session of the House of Peers. As a result, the large budget for this country aggregating ¥13,200,000,000 passes all needed procedures of the Diet, approval of the same by the House of Representatives having been received on February 13. 1943.03.03 — The composite results of the large-scale Hupeh campaigns in China by the Japanese Army forces, which were started on February 14, up to March 1, are released by the Japanese forces in Central China. About 7,630 enemy dead were abandoned on the battlefields, about 18,500 Chungking soldiers captured and a great many war trophies taken. During the same period the Japanese Army forces scored great results in the campaign conducted in the Su-Hwai district in Kiangsu Province, where Chungking's 89th Army and the new Fourth Army were engaged. 1943.03.03 — Mahatma Gandhi's twenty-one-day fast terminates at 8 a.m. today. Despite the ordeal, the Mahatma is reported to be in good health. 1943.03.04 — Stationing of Japanese troops in the triangular district connecting Hanli, Mienyang and Lake Pallu in the southern district of Hupeh Province is declared by the Japanese forces in Central China. The area will be speedily built into a rural pacification district. The fertile soil was occupied by the Japanese forces within only two weeks after the start of their operations. 1943.03.04 — Chungking's decision to sever diplomatic relations with the Vichy Government was recently adopted at a meeting of the Supreme Defence Council at Chungking, it is learned. Chungking is said to be taking exception to France's recent move to return its concessions in China and surrender its extra-territorial rights to Nanking. 1943.03.04 — The first joint meeting of the Japanese and Chinese commissions concerning the retrocession of Japanese concessions in China and the abolition of extra-territorial rights is held at the Nanking Government's Foreign Office. 1943.03.05 — The German forces accounted for 75,000 Soviets killed and 30,000 taken prisoner, as well as 2,500 armoured cars, 600 heavy guns and 5,000 trench mortars destroyed or captured in engagements staged against the Soviet forces during the past fourteen months, it is declared by the German High Command. 1943.03.05 — Documents relative to customs, trade and method of payment concerning exports of French Indo-China products to Japan for the current year, based on the Japanese-French agreement, were signed at Hanoi on March 4, according to an announcement of the Ministry for Great East Asia Affairs. 1943.03.06 — Thought must be used as a bullet and the pen as a bayonet in the war of greater East Asia, declares Premier General Hidéki Tohjo in a message which is read before the inaugural ceremony of the Dai Nippon Publicists' Association for National Service held at the Hibiya Public Hall. 1943.03.06 — A resolution urging the Government to exert utmost efforts toward speedily increasing and strengthening the nation's fighting power to assure complete victory against the United States and Britain is adopted unanimously by the House of Representatives at its plenary session. 1943.03.08 — The United States forces suffered 113 aircraft shot down, eleven others destroyed on the ground and four submarines sunk in engagements with the Japanese Army and Navy forces in the Solomon and New Guinea areas between February 16 and March 1, states an announcement of the Imperial Headquarters. The Japanese damage comprised of two destroyers sunk, five transports sunk and seven aircraft self-blasted or not yet returned. 1943.03.09 — The Japanese forces in Central China started their westward drive in the district south of the Yangtze River on the night of March 8, reveals the Headquarters of the Japanese forces in Central China at Hankow. 1943.03.09 — The German forces pressing on Kharkov occupy Walki, a strategic point west of that city, and also take control of all main railways and roads west of the city. 1943.03.10 — Credit to the amount of ¥200,000,000 over a period of five years has been accorded by the Bank of Japan to the Federal Reserve Bank of China, says an official notification. The agreement for the loan is signed between Governor Toyotaro Yuki of the Bank of Japan and Viscount Ki-ichi Sakatani, adviser to the Federal Reserve Bank. The credit thus established consists of a new loan of ¥100,000,000 and the renewal of the ¥100,000,000 loan previously accommodated by fifteen influential banks in Japan. 1943.03.11 — German submarine units in the Atlantic attacked an enemy convoy bound for Britain from the United States and sank thirteen transports, totalling 63,000 tons, according to the German High Command. The Anglo-American shipping sunk within the last twenty-four hours in the same area numbered thirty-six ships aggregating 207,000 tons. 1943.03.11 — The German High Command announces that German forces advancing toward Kharkov have reached the city's northern and western suburbs, where fierce fighting is now developing. 1943.03.11 — The appointment of War Vice-Minister Lieutenant-General Heitaro Kimura as member of the Supreme War Council and concurrently as director-general of the Army Ordnance Administration Headquarters is announced by the War Ministry. Named as new War Vice-Minister is Lieutenant-General Kyoji Tominaga, director of the Personnel Bureau of the same Ministry, who concurrently retains his former post. The appointment of Lieutenant-General Shozo Sakurai as director-general of the Army Mechanical Equipment Headquarters, and that of Major-General Taira Hamada as Director of the War Prisoners Information Bureau are also gazetted at the same time. 1943.03.12 — British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden arrives in America to confer with President Roosevelt and Secretary of State Cordell Hull. 1943.03.12 — German forces reached the Red Square located in the centre of Kharkov at noon today. They entered the city at several points, the German High Command clarifies. 1943.03.13 — The following announcement is made by the Imperial Headquarters: "(1) In the neighbourhood of East New Guinea, Japanese Navy forces sank one enemy transport of the 3,000-ton class and also heavily damaged another on March 8. (2) On March to about sixty enemy planes attacked our air base in the Solomons, but Japanese Navy forces shot down eleven of them by anti-aircraft fire. Our damages were very slight (3) The Japanese Navy air forces attacked the enemy air base in East New Guinea on March 11 and shot down eighteen enemy fighter planes that challenged them. Losses sustained by our side include two planes self-blasted or not yet returned. (4) The Japanese Navy air forces on March 11 shot down by anti-aircraft fire three out of thirty enemy planes that attacked Narukami Island and drove away the rest. Damages suffered by our side were slight." 1943.03.13 — A Soviet freighter was sunk in Japanese waters, it is disclosed today. A Japanese warship sailing off Amami Oshima Island on March 3 saved four Soviet seamen of the sunk frighter who were drifting in a boat. These seamen were placed under Japanese protection. On investigation it was found that these seamen were of the crew of the Soviet freighter Kokla, 6,000 tons, which while sailing in the Eastern China Sea en route from Vladivostok to Kamchatka was torpedoed by a submarine of unidentified nationality on the night of February 17 and was foundered. 1943.03.14 — The Board of Information announces the conclusion of the agreement on details concerning Japan's rendition of exclusive concessions in China to the Nanking Government and the terms of understanding attached thereto. The fulfilment of Japan's retrocession of concessions and its relinquishment of extra-territorial rights will take place on March 30, the third anniversary of the founding of the Nanking Government. 1943.03.14 — The Headquarters of Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler issues the following special communiqué: "Turning to the counter-offensive, German forces operating in the southern sector of the eastern front succeeded in driving back Soviet forces to the opposite bank of the Donetz River and achieved important war results after pitched battles for several days. Crack Reich forces in action in this sector with the support of a powerful German air force made fierce attacks on Kharkov from the east and north for several days and finally recaptured that city." 1943.03.15 — The Board of Information says : Premier General Hidéki Tohjo, concurrently War Minister, left Tokyo on March 12 for Nanking and returned on March 15 by way of Shanghai. His visit was to return the courtesy of President Wang Ching-wei of the Nanking Government and concurrently President of the Executive Yuan of the same Government, who visited Japan late last year; to pay his respects in person to China for its declaration of war on the United States and Britain; to exchange unreserved opinions with the leaders of the Nanking Government on measures concerning the prosecution of the common war to a victorious finish; and to inspect various Japanese organs on the spot. Prime Minister Tohjo's visit to Nanking marks the first time in history of Japan that a chief executive in office has paid an official visit to a foreign nation. 1943.03.15 — The Ossservatore Romano, semi-official organ of the Holy See, publishes a report on the condition of internment camps in Japan as made by the Most Reverend Paulo Marella, head of the Apostolic Delegation in Japan. His report to the Vitican declares that the living conditions of the inmates of the internment camps are perfectly satisfactory, and that their state of health excellent. 1943.03.15 — The Soviet Information Bureau announces that the Red Army has withdrawn from Kharkov at the order of the Army Headquarters after fierce fighting for several days. 1943.03.16 — The Empress of Canada, 21,517 tons, former luxury liner of the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company, was recently sunk by an Italian submarine in the Atlantic, it is revealed. 1943.03.16 — Completing his historic two-day visit to Nanking, where he conferred with President Wang Ching-wei of the Nanking Government, Premier Hidéki Tohjo returns to Tokyo. 1943.03.17 — German submarines attacked a group of anti-Axis transports heading toward Britain off Newfoundland and sank 70,000 registered tons of ships and also in other Atlantic areas sank 20,000 tons, making a total of 90,000 tons, it is disclosed by the German High Command in a special communiqué. The total enemy shipping sent to the bottom from March 1 to 16, inclusive of the above, reaches more than 600,000 tons, surpassing the total February tonnage amounting to 576,000 tons. 1943.03.18 — A Cabinet Advisers system, Wartime Economic Council and Administrative Inspection system are instituted by Imperial ordinances. Seven persons, all of high reputation in financial and industrial quarters, are appointed Cabinet Advisers. 1943.03.18 — The following announcement is made by the Imperial Headquarters : (1) Japanese Navy air units on March 15 attacked Port Darwin and inflicted heavy damage to military installations. At the same time, in air combats with more than thirty enemy planes, the Japanese forces shot down sixteen enemy planes. The Japanese loss consists of one plane which has not yet returned. (2) The Japanese Navy forces during the period between March 6 and March 11 sank six enemy submarines, losing only two vessels sunk. 1943.03.18 — The arrival in Japan of Dr. Ba Maw, chief of the administrative council of Burma, and other officials by air is announced by the Board of Information as follows : At the invitation of the Japanese Government, a party composed of Dr. Ba Maw, chief of the administrative council of Burma, and other officials has arrived in Tokyo by air today, March 18. The members of the party are: Dr. Ba Maw, chief of the administrative council of Burma, Mr. Maung Mya, secretary of internal affairs, Dr. Thein Maung, secretary of financial affairs, and Major-General Aung San, commander of the Burma defence army. 1943.03.20 — Thirty-three Chungking ships were sunk or damaged during a fierce bombardment of the Ichange gorge by Japanese troops immediately after the commencement of the artillery attack early on March 16, it is revealed. Ships sunk on that day included five ships of 700 to 1,500 tons, two ships of 500 tons and twenty small steamships and sailing craft. Those heavily damaged were ships of 700 to 1,500 tons, four ships two of 500 tons and a large number of sailing vessels. Out of these, large ships sunk totalled thirteen. Two army warehouses, one mountain artillery position, four trench mortar positions and other military equipment were entirely destroyed in the operation. 1943.03.20 — Further bolstering the execution of monetary transactions between Japan and French Indo-China, an agreement providing for the settlement of accounts by a special yen between the Yokohama Specie Bank and the Bank of French Indo-China is formally signed between the two banks at the Tokyo office of the Yokohama Specie Bank. 1943.03.20 — Lieutenant-General Takuro Matsui, military adviser to the Nanking Government, is appointed Chief of Staff of the Japanese expeditionary forces in China, succeeding, Lieutenant General Shozo Kawabé, who is transferred elsewhere. 1943.03.20 — The German forces under the command of Field Marshal Fritz Erich von Manstein, in close co-operation with strong air units, inflicted serious damages on the Soviet troops in the battles fought between the Donetz and the Dnieper Rivers, according to the German High Command. It adds that since February 15 the losses suffered by the Soviet forces have totalled 50,000 dead, and 19,594 taken prisoners in addition to 3,372 guns and 1,410 tanks, destroyed and 3,043 arms of various kinds and 1,846 motor cars captured. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XII No. 5 (May 1943) --- (covers 1943.03.21 to 1943.04.20) 1943.03.21 — In line with Japan's rendition of its concessions and relinquishment of its extra-territorial rights in China, which were recently agreed upon by the Japanese Government and the Nanking Government, a new agreement between the two Governments is announced by the Board of Information concerning the restoration to the latter of Japan's administrative rights over the Peking Legation Quarters. 1943.03.21 — Chancellor Adolf Hitler, who is now back in Berlin from his trip to the front, assures the nation that the eastern front has been solidly stabilized, in his message delivered at the commemorative ceremony for fallen heroes at the Zeughaus in Berlin, which is broadcast throughout Germany. 1943.03.21 — German land forces either destroyed or captured 946 Soviet tanks on the eastern front during the period from March 11 to 20, the German High Command announces. The same day the German High Command also reveals that German forces operating in the Kharkov and Biedgorod rectors advanced to the vast areas on the upper reaches of the Donetz River. 1943.03.22 — That a complete unanimity of opinions has been reached among the Japanese, German and Italian representatives at the Joint Technical Commission meeting held at the official residence of the Foreign Minister, is announced by the Board of Information. 1943.03.22 — His Majesty the Emperor presents high decorations to Dr. Ba Maw, chief civil administrator of Burma, and three other members of the visiting Burmese party. Dr. Ba Maw is presented with the First Class Order of the Rising Sun with the Grand Cordon and home secretary Maung Mya and finance secretary Dr. Thein Maung with the Second Class Order of the Sacred Treasure each. Major-General Aung San, commander-in-chief of the Burma defence army, is presented with the Third Class Order of the Rising Sun with the Middle Cordon. 1943.03.23 — The Imperial Headquarters issues the following statement : The Japanese Army forces operating in China which had been conducting campaigns north of Lake Tungting in Hupeh Province and in the Su-Hwai area in Kiangsu Province since the middle part of February have completed their tasks, on the whole, by the middle of March (1) In the area north of Lake Tungting, they trapped and put to rout the Kiangpei raiding force of the Chungking Army, the 118th Division and the army commanded by Wang Ching-nai. Since then the area under Japanese garrison troops has rapidly been regaining peace and order. (2) In the Su-Hwai area, the Japanese forces destroyed the base of operations of the Chungking 89th Army and the Communist New 4th Army and are now engaged in mopping-up operations against the remnants of those units. (3) The combined results of the campaigns in these areas so far known follow : (A) Enemy soldiers who have surrendered to the Japanese forces : Wang Ching-tsai, army commander ; Chin I-wu, acting commander of the raiding force, and 26,5000 other officers and men. (B) Damage to enemy : Bodies left on the field : about 10,500. Prisoners taken : about 25,500. Chief trophies : guns of various descriptions : 186 pieces, heavy and light machine-guns : 303, rifles : 12,690, ammunition : 407,000 rounds and horses : 827. (C) Japanese casualties : killed 192. 1943.03.23 — Dr. Ba Maw, chief civil administrator of Burma, home secretary Maung Mya, finance secretary Dr. Thein Maung and Major-General Aung San, commander-in-chief of the Burma defence army, are received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor in the Phoenix Hall of the Imperial Palace. The party then makes a round of calls on Japan's leaders. 1943.03.24 — Beginning with April 1, fresh issues of military scrip will be discontinued in central and south China in view of the fact that the foundation of economic autonomy has been consolidated under the wartime economic system established by the Nanking Government, it is jointly announced by the Finance Ministry and the Ministry for Greater East Asia Affairs. 1943.03.25 — Revealing the principal points of Japan's intentions in regard to the promised status as an independent State for Burma, Premier General Hidéki Tohjo re-emphasizes this decision as the immutable policy of Japan in his today's speech at the eighty-first session of the Diet, which is prorogued the following day. In regard to the territorial composition of the new State of Burma, he points out that it will include the whole territory of Burma with the exception of the Shan and Karenni areas. 1943.03.25 — The Imperial Headquarters says that Japanese Army warplanes at dawn of March 25 made a surprise raid on an airfield near Chittagong and set ablaze on the ground four planes and damaged eleven others. All Japanese planes returned safely. 1943.03.26 — Negotiations between diplomatic representatives of the Japanese Government and the Soviet Government for the conclusion of a modus vivendi to prolong the validity of the Fisheries Convention existing between the two nations terminate with the signing of a new agreement at Kuibishev, extending the compact till the end of this year. 1943.03.27 — In accordance with the treaty signed earlier between Tokyo and Nanking respecting the retrocession of concessions and relinquishment of extra-territorial rights, an agreement is concluded between the two Governments, under which Japan surrenders its administrative rights in the International Settlement of Kulangsu, Amoy, to the Nanking Government, it is revealed by the Board of Information. 1943.03.27 — Italian torpedo-planes attacked a large Anglo-American convoy off the coast of Algeria in the morning of March 27 and sank three transports of 15,000, 10,000 and 7,000 tons respectively and also set ablaze another cargo boat, the Italian High Command annnouces. 1943.03.27 — Following fierce street fighting, German forces have occupied completely Sievsk, an important town northwest of Kursk, according to the Fuehrer's Headquarters. 1943.03.29 — The Imperial Headquarters issues the following communiqué: (1) Japanese Navy air forces in their raid on Oro Bay in New Guinea on March 28 engaged a group of enemy fighter planes reconnoitering over the area and shot down nineteen of them. They also sank one enemy 8,000-ton transport, one 5,000-ton transport, one destroyer and one patrol ship. Japanese losses consisted of three planes. (2) Japanese Navy forces on March 27 discovered an enemy fleet composed of two cruisers and several destroyers in the area west of Atsuta Island. They sprang into action right away and pursued the enemy warships, dealing a heavy damage to an A-class cruiser. One B-class cruiser and one destroyer of the enemy fleet were also damaged. Japanese losses were very slight. This caused the enemy to flee eastward. (3) Japanese Navy air forces bombed Canton Island three times during the period from March 19 to 26 and inflicted considerable damage on the enemy barrack zone, airfield, sea base, hangars and other military establishments. All the Japanese planes returned safely. (4) Japanese Navy forces and Navy planes sank four enemy submarines during the period from March 15 to 27. 1943.03.29 — Dr. Ba Maw and other members of the Burmese mission leave Tokyo at 10 : 30 a.m. after a sojourn of twelve days in the capital on route to Rangoon. 1943.03.29 — The Italian Government has decided to return its interest in the Peking Legation Quarters to the Nanking Government. An agreement to this effect is signed between Nanking's Foreign Minister Dr. Chu Min-yi and Italian Ambassador Francesco Maria Marchese Taliani de Marchio at the Nanking Foreign Office. 1943.03.30 — His Majesty the Emperor presents high decofations to five noted leaders of new China, of whom four are dead, in recognition of their meritorious services toward the construction of a new order in this part of the world. They are the late Mr. Chen Lu, foreign Minister of the Reformed Government at Nanking, the late Dr. Tseng Chung-ming, assistant secretary-general of the former Central Political Council, the late Mr. Yin Tung, vice-president of the North China Railway Company, the late Mayor Fu Tsung-yao of Greater Shanghai, and General Ho Fei-jung, former chairman of the Hupeh Provincial Government. 1943.03.30 — The Imperial Headquarters states that Japanese Army air units on March 27 raided enemy vessels near Maungdaw and Cox's Bazar, 100 kilometres south of Chittagong, and scored the following results : (1) Damages inflicted on the enemy: Five 1,000-ton-class transports and six 500-ton-class transports heavily damaged by direct and near hits. Pier facilities at Cox's Bazar were also blasted and six enemy planes which tried to interfere were shot down. (2) Damage to Japanese side : Seven planes have not yet returned. 1943.03.30 — A tabulation made by the Imperial Headquarters show that composite results gained by the Japanese Army air units operating in the southern Pacific since the beginning of this year up to the middle part of March are as follows : (1) Damages inflicted on enemy aircraft : (A) In New Guinea, shot down ninety-five and destroyed on ground thirty. (B) In the Solomons, shot down sixty-two and destroyed on the ground fifteen. (2) Damages on Japanese side thirty aircraft. 1943.03.30 — British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden departs from Washington for Canada en route back to London after concluding his conversations with President Roosevelt and other administration leaders of the United States. 1943.03.31 — The Nanking Government appoints Mr. Tsai Pei as new Ambassador to Japan succeeding Dr. Hsu Liang. 1943.04.01 — The Imperial Headquarters issues the following communiqué: The Japanese Army air units are continuing to attack the enemy's air bases and military establishments in eastern India. The situation from March 26 to 30 is as follows : (1) Damage dealt to the enemy: March 26. One plane shot down and five military establishments burned down at Maungdaw. One 1,000-ton class transport sunk and four 500-ton class transports severely damaged off. Maiskhal Island, north of Cox's Bazar. March 27. The battle resulted in the attacks on Cox's Bazar and Maungdaw are as already announced. March 29. Six planes shot down at Maungdaw and Cox's Bazar. March 30. Twelve planes shot down, one destroyed on the ground and military establishments at nine places burned down at Ramu Airfield, east of Cox's Bazar. Military establishments and munitions depots blown up at Alethangyaw, south of Maungdaw. (2) No damage suffered by the Japanese side except on March 27. 1943.04.01 — The Greater East Asia Ministry establishes consulates at Kaifeng, in Honan Province, Pangfu in Anhwei Province, and Pratabon in Thailand, and elevates the status of consulates in various parts of China. 1943.04.01 — Premier General Hidéki Tohjo arrives at Hsinking on an important visit, according to the Manchoukuo Bureau of Information. The official notification says that Premier and concurrently War Minister Tohjo left Tokyo on March 31 and after stopping at Mukden arrived at Hsinking at 3:45 p.m. today. The Premier is scheduled to be received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor of Manchoukuo. He will also express congratulations to the Government and the people of Manchoukuo at the phenomenal progress made by the country and conduct a tour of inspection of important organizations. 1943.04.02 — Japanese Army air units on March 31 scored the following results in the eastern district of India and in Burmese territory: (1) The air units surprise-raided airfields near Cox's Bazar, and , in an aerial engagement with sixteen enemy fighter planes, shot down eight of them and inflicted damage on the remaining eight. All the Japanese planes returned safely. (2) The air units encountered twelve enemy planes northeast of Allannyo in Burma and shot down two of them. One Japanese plane was lost. 1943.04.03 — According to the Imperial Headquarters, Japanese Navy air units advanced to the Russell Island area of the Solomon Group on April 2 and contacting a group of enemy fighter planes shot down forty-seven of them. Losses sustained by Japanese side were nine aircraft unaccounted. 1943.04.04 — The German Government has decided to remove the persons of Edouard Daladier and Leon Blum, former French Premiers, and General Maurice Gustave Gamelin, former Commander-in-Chief of the French forces, from French territory to Germany to forestall the plots of the Anglo-American Governments to cause unrest and dissension in France utilizing these noted Frenchmen, it is announced by the German Government. 1943.04.04 — Premier General Hidéki Tohjo on his way to Tokyo arrives at Fukuoka after having completed his visit to Manchoukuo. 1943.04.06 — The American Navy authorities on April 2 announced that Brigadier-General Howard K. Ramey, commander of the Fifth Bomber Command and concurrently commander of the Fifth United States Army air force in the southwestern Pacific, was killed in action in the Pacific area, it is revealed. 1943.04.06 — The following communiqué is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : The composite war results gained by the Japanese Army air units in raids on eastern India from April 1 to April 4 are as follows : (1) Damage dealt to the enemy : Aircraft—twenty shot down, eighteen destroyed on the ground. Ships—two 300-ton class vessels sunk, three 1,000-ton class vessels and five 500-ton class vessels damaged. Military Establishments—demolished and set ablaze at more than ten places. (2) Damage sustained by Japanese side : Four planes self-blasted or not yet returned. 1943.04.07 — Mr. Chen Kung-po, President of the Legislative Yuan of the Nanking Government and concurrently Mayor of the Shanghai Special Municipality, arrives in Tokyo with his suite of four as special envoy to convey Nanking's appreciation for Japan's aid. 1943.04.07 — His Majesty the Emperor presents the First Class Order of the Rising Sun with the Grand Cordon each to Mr. Chen Kung-po, President of the Legislative Yuan of the Nanking Government, Dr. Chu Min-yi, Foreign Minister, and Mr. Chou Fu-hai, Vice-President of the Executive Yuan and concurrently Finance Minister, in recognition of their meritorious services for the promotion of Sino-Japanese amity. 1943.04.08 — The War Ministry announces the following changes in its personnel. Lieutenant-General Hikosaburo Hata is appointed Vice-Chief of the Army General Staff ; Lieutenant-General Sohsaku Suzuki appointed Chief of the Army Transportation Department ; and Major-General Yasumasa Funé appointed Chief of the Military Recruitment Department of the Nagoya Division. 1943.04.08 — The Imperial Headquarters states that Japanese Army forces, which had been operating against two divisions of the British-Indian forces in the area north of Akyab since the latter part of December last year, assumed offensive in the early part of March and in large scale encirclement operations engaged and destroyed the main force of the enemy. The Japanese forces are now carrying out a mopping-up campaign. The supreme commander of the Japanese Army forces operating in the Burma area is Lieutenant-General Masakazu Kawabé. 1943.04.08 — Mr. Chou Fu-hai, Vice-President of the Executive Yuan and concurrently Finance Minister of the Nanking Government, proceeds to Hsinking as special envoy of the same Government to the Manchoukuo Government. 1943.04.09 — The following communication is released by the Imperial Headquarters : Large formations of Japanese Naval air units on April 7 stormed an enemy fleet off Florida Island in the Solomon Group. The war results obtained and Japanese damage are as follows : War results: Sank—one cruiser, one destroyer, ten transports. Heavily damaged—two transports. Slightly damaged—one transport. Shot down—thirty-seven enemy planes. Japanese damage: Self-blasted—six planes. 1943.04.09 — The Japanese hospital ship Ural Maru was bombed by an enemy plane on April 5 off New Ireland in the Bismarck Islands in broad daylight, it is revealed. Although the hospital ship was damaged to some extent by a direct hit and near hits, the ship was able to navigate under her own power. 1943.04.09 — Spokesman Tomokazu Hori of the Board of Information states that Switzerland has also expressed willingness to relinquish its special rights in China. 1943.04.10 — The Imperial Headquater declares that the Japanese Army units which had been engaged in continual attacks on the Sixth Brigade of the Anglo-Indian forces, which they had encircled in the vicinity of Inden on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, completely annihilated the same brigade on April 8, capturing Brigadier-General Cavendish, who was later fatally hit by enemy shell splinters. 1943.04.11 — A conference between Chancellor Adolf Hitler and Premier Benito Mussolini, took place at an undisclosed place from April 7 to April 10, it is disclosed. The general situation pertaining to the joint conduct of war was the subject of discussion. A complete agreement was reached on the measures to be adopted to intensify military operations. 1943.04.12 — It is now officially said that in parallel with the campaign north of Akyab, the Japanese Army forces commenced operations against the enemy units on the northwestern Indo-Burmese border and on the border of Yunnan Province early in February, and toward the end of March they achieved their aims. They are now carrying out mopping-up operations against the remnants of those enemy units. In the period under review, the following results were obtained: (1) Damage inflicted on the enemy : About 900 dead on the field ; some 200 taken prisoner ; seven guns of various descriptions, forty-two heavy and light machine-guns, as well as large quantities of rifles, ammunition, provisions and clothing seized. (2) Killed in action on Japanese side : eighty-five. 1943.04.12 — The Japanese Army air units during the period from April 5 to April 9 raided Maungdaw, near the Indo-Burmese border, as well as Chittagong, Dhaleswari and Aka Aura in eastern India and fought against the invading enemy planes. Damage inflicted on the enemy were aircraft shot down seven, set ablaze fifteen and destroyed on the ground fourteen. Ships sunk: One 1,000-ton ship and two 500-ton ships. The Japanese side lost one plane. 1943.04.13 — The Imperial Headquarters issues the following announcement : Japanese Navy air units on April 11 raided an enemy fleet and a group of enemy airplanes in the Oro Bay area in New Guinea, sinking three enemy transports and one destroyer, shooting down twenty-one fighters and badly damaging several small war vessels. The Japanese damage consisted of six planes either self-blasted or not yet returned. The Japanese Navy air units on April 12 raided an enemy airfield and ships at Port Moresby. The war results and Japanese damage are as follows : One enemy transport sunk, twenty-eight planes shot down, several large planes and ten odd small planes destroyed on the ground, military establishments at several places blasted and twenty odd barracks destroyed. The Japanese side lost five planes. 1943.04.13 — The national savings goal for the 1942-43 fiscal year fixed at ¥23,000,000,000, was completely attained by the end of March, it is announced by Finance Minister Okinori Kaya. 1943.04.13 — The total number of enemy ships sunk by German submarines in twelve days from April 1 to 12 reached thirty-nine aggregating 240,400 tons, according to the Fuehrer's Headquarters. 1943.04.14 — The composite war results of Japanese Army operations in the sector north of Akyab including air operations up to April 10 follow : Loss and damage inflicted on the enemy : (1) Bodies abandoned on battlefield—some 4,200, of which about 2,000 were British troops. (2) Enemy troops taken prisoner—516. (3) Chief material included : various pieces of artillery, 156 ; heavy and light machine-guns, 374 ; rifles, 4,015 ; tanks and armored cars, 50 ; motor cars, 77 ; and horses 471. (4) Vessels sunk : one 1,000-ton class and four 500-ton class. (5) Vessels heavily damaged : fourteen 1,000-ton class and fifteen 500-ton class. (6) Airplanes shot down or destroyed, 265. (7) Military establishments blasted and set ablaze at fifty-two places. Japanese damage : killed 422 and forty-six airplanes lost. 1943.04.16 — The following announcement is made by the Imperial Headquarters : Japanese Navy air units on April 14 on reconnaissance discovered the arrival of an enemy transport fleet in Milne Bay, New Guinea, and mass-raided it. Another unit made a surprise attack on the Rabi airfield. The following results have been scored : Sunk, four transports. Sank after suffering heavy damage and set ablaze, seven transports, and destroyed several small warcraft. Forty-four planes were shot down. Ten odd aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Military establishments blasted and set ablaze at five places. The Japanese side lost during this period five planes. 1943.04.16 — Emergency price measures designed to boost industrial activity and to stabilize the price level are approved by the Cabinet. Their essential points, three in number, are published by the Board of Information. They are : (1) the preamble to the emergency price measures ; (2) essential points of the emergency price measures ; and (3) essential points of the price award system. 1943.04.16 — Minister for Greater East Asia Affairs Kazuo Aoki leaves Tokyo for south China and various other countries in the south for inspection. 1943.04.17 — The two-day session of the second East Asia Medical Congress opens at the Lecture Hall of the Tokyo Imperial University. About 200 medical luminaries from all parts of greater East Asia attend the function. A series of lectures are delivered by celebrated scholars, including Foreign Minister Chu Min-yi of the Nanking Government. 1943.04.17 — According to the investigation of the Foreign Office which has been made public, more than 360,000 Japanese are being subjected to inconvenient and difficult living in various enemy countries. Out of this number, about 10,300 Japanese men and women are interned. It is stated that in north America, about 4,000 Japanese are interned, about 700 in Canada, about 2,100 in India and some 3,400 in Australia. Those who are leading the so-called mass living number about 110,000 in north America, about 23,000 in Canada, about 4,000 in Mexico and some 700 in Chile. 1943.04.17 — Changes in the German diplomatic service including those of the Reich Ambassador to Nanking, Ambassador to Madrid and the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, are announced by the Fuehrer's Headquarters. Baron Ernst von Weizsacker, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, is appointed Ambassador to the Vatican. Dr. Hans Heinrich Dieckhoff, former Ambassador to the United States, is appointed Ambassador to Madrid. Dr. Ernst von Woermann, Assistant Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the political department of the Reich Foreign Office, is given the portfolio of Ambassador to Nanking. Dr. Adolf von Steengracht, liaison official of the Fuehrer's Headquarters, succeeds Baron von Weizsacker as Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs. 1943.04.18 — Lieutenant-General Carl Spaatz, American commander in north Africa, announces that since the beginning of the general attack on the Mareth line, the Anglo-American air forces have lost 175 planes in air battles and about ten on the ground. 1943.04.20 — Changes in the Tohjo Cabinet are announced by the Board of Information at 11 p.m. as follows : Mr. Mamoru Shighémitsu, Ambassador to Nanking, is appointed Foreign Minister ; Lieutenant-General Kisaburo Ando, State Minister without portfolio, appointed Home Minister ; Premier General Hidéki Tohjo, concurrently War Minister, appointed Education Minister concurrently ; Mr. Tatsunosuké Yamazaki appointed Agriculture and Forestry Minister; Mr. Tadao Ohsa appointed State Minister without portfolio ; and Mr. Eiji Amau appointed President of the Board of Information. 1943.04.20 — Reich Marshal Hermann Goering on the occasion of the fifty-fourth birthday of Chancellor Adolf Hitler reaffirms the nation's confidence in ultimate victory. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XII No. 6 (June 1943) --- (covers 1943.04.21 to 1943.05.20) 1943.04.21 — Vice-Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi is posthumously decorated with the First Class Order of the Golden Kite and First Class Order of the Rising Sun. In a battle in the eastern Pacific in June, 1942, the late vice-admiral embraced the watery grave when the warship he was commanding was fatally hit. After ordering his officers and men to take to lifeboats, he and the vice-commander shared the fate of the ship. Vice-Admiral Yamaguchi was the commander of the Japanese Navy air force which carried out the daring raid on Pearl Harbour on the first day of the war. 1943.04.22 — A joint statement confirming the need of strengthening the co-operative relations between Japan and French Indo-China is issued at Hanoi by Mr. Kazuo Aoki, Minister for Greater East Asia Affairs, who is on a visit there, and Vice-Admiral Jean Decoux, Governor-General of French Indo-China, following their several interviews. 1943.04.22 — Mr. Fumio Goto, director-general of the National Service Association, is promoted to vice-presidency succeeding Lieutenant-General Kisaburo Ando, who has been appointed Home Minister. Mr. Goto concurrently holds the presidency of the Youth Corps of the association. 1943.04.22 — Mr. Toshitatsu Karasawa is appointed Home Vice-Minister, Mr. Kingo Machimura, Governor of Toyama Prefecture, is made Director of the Police Affairs Bureau of the Home Ministry, and Mr. Yoshitomo Sunekida, Governor of Kagoshima Prefecture, is promoted to the post of Chief of the Metropolitan Police Board and Mr. Goro Murata, Governor of Gunma Prefecture, is appointed Vice-President of the Board of Information. 1943.04.23 — The Japanese expeditionary forces in north China on the midnight of April 20 started a large-scale annihilating campaign against the Chungking 24th Group Army numbering about 82,000, entrenched in the mountain fastness of the Taihang Range near the Shansi, Hopei and Honan provincial borders, it is announced. 1943.04.23 — Viscount Nagakaghé Okabé, member of the House of Peers, is invested with the office of Education Minister by His Majesty the Emperor. He succeeds Dr. Kunihiko Hashida who is accorded the title of professor emeritus of the Tokyo Imperial University. Premier Hidéki Tohjo resigns the concurrent post of Education Minister. 1943.04.24 — Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress pay homage at the Yasukuni Shrine to the newly-enshrined 19,987 souls of the gallant war dead on the second day of the Extraordinary Grand Yasukuni Shrine Festival. 1943.04.24 — General Sun Tien-ying, commander of Chungking's newly organized 5th Army of the 24th Group Army, surrenders to a certain Japanese unit operating in the Taihang mountains and later he joins the peace movement of the Nanking Government. 1943.04.24 — Linchi, an important Chungking stronghold situated in northern Honan Province, is captured by Japanese forces operating along the Peking-Hankow Railway. 1943.04.25 — A joint Japan-Thailand communiqué is issued following a series of consultations carried on between the Minister for Greater East Asia Affairs Kazuo Aoki, since his arrival in Bangkok on April 22, and Premier Phibul Songgram, Foreign Minister W. Wicht Wathakarn and other high officials of the Thai Government. 1943.04.25 — The United States aircraft-carrier Ranger, 14,500 tons, is sunk by German submarines, it is announced in a special communiqué. 1943.04.26 — The Nanking Government presents the newly created Grand Order of the Tung Kuang to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan through its Foreign Minister Chu Min-yi. 1943.04.26 — Japanese Army air units carried out large-scale bombing operations on Lingling Airfield on April 24 and shot down twenty-one enemy planes, it is revealed. Another unit on the same day raided Kienow Airfield in Fukien Province, causing severe damage to military establishments. 1943.04.26 — The large-scale campaign of annihilation started on the midnight of April 20 by the Japanese expeditionary forces in north China against the Chungking 24th Group Army has nearly ended, it is disclosed. In the campaign, besides Sun Tien-ying, commander of the Fifth Army, Hou Yu-yang, commander of the guerilla forces of the 40th Army, Wu Sutting, commander of the 24th Division, and other high officers were captured, while Hu Chang-ching, commander of the 45th Division, was killed. 1943.04.26 — "The Soviet Government will sever diplomatic relations with the Polish Government," declares Soviet Foreign Commissar Molotov to Polish Ambassador Romer to Moscow, according to a Moscow broadcast. 1943.04.27 — Due to the outbreak of the war, a number of foreign-born Japanese living or studying in this country and the families remaining here of those Japanese who are either interned or detained in enemy countries or residing in foreign countries which have severed diplomatic relations with Japan have come to feel financial difficulties because of the suspension of remittances from abroad. The Foreign Office has decided to extend them relief measures defraying ¥2,000,000 which was appropriated at the last Diet session. 1943.04.27 — Standley Melbourne Bruce, Australian High Commissioner in London, in a speech on the "Anzacs Day" at the Savoy Hotel, London, stresses the acuteness of the situation in the Pacific. 1943.04.27 — General Yeh Peng, War Minister of the Nanking Government, General Sun Liang-cheng, General Hu Ya-wei and sixteen other high officers of the Nanking Army arrive in Tokyo to inspect various conditions in Japan. 1943.04.27 — The Vichy Government approves the Japanese authorities against the crews of American planes who bombed non-military targets in Tokyo last year. It also announces that anti-Axis airmen who carry out inhuman raids on France in the future will be treated in the same manner as adopted by Japan. 1943.04.28 — The following announcement is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : Japanese Navy air forces attacked Funafuti Island in the Ellice Group on April 23 and inflicted severe damages on enemy military equipment. All Japanese planes returned safely after the attack. On April 24, Japanese Navy air forces shot down six enemy fighter planes in an air battle fought over Garukai Island of the Solomons. Japanese forces suffered no damage. 1943.04.28 — Another Japanese hospital ship, Buenos Aires Maru, while navigating in the South China Sea was attacked by an enemy submarine with a torpedo, it is made known. 1943.04.28 — The appointment of Mr. Masayuki Tani until recently Foreign Minister as Ambassador to Nanking is announced by the Government. The investiture is held at the Imperial Palace. 1943.04.29 — Cultural decorations are granted to seven of the nation's foremost scholars, scientists and artists. The persons thus honoured are : Dr. Chuta Ito, professor emeritus of the Tokyo Imperial University, and an authority on Oriental architecture ; Dr. Umétaro Suzuki, professor emeritus at the same university and an authority on vitamins and dietetics ; Dr. Yasuhiko Asada professor emeritus of the same university and an authority on the pharmacopeia of Kampo medicine ; Dr. Hidéki Yugawa, professor at Kyoto Imperial University and Tokyo Imperial University and an authority on cosmic rays and discoverer of the Yugawa particle ; Mr. Iichiro Tokutomi, veteran journalist ; Dr. Yujiro Miyaké, publicist and pioneer in the movement to preserve national culture ; and Mr. Yeisaku Wada, noted oil painter. 1943.04.29 — The Greater East Asia Affairs Ministry announces the reorganization of the South Manchuria Railway Company so as to make it fit for the wartime situation. 1943.04.30 — Fifty Japanese nationals have already died in internment camps in the United States and two of them committed suicide, the Foreign Office reveals on the basis of information received from the International Red Cross Society. 1943.05.01 — The following announcement is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : Japanese Army forces have been conducting operations since the middle part of April against the Chiang Kai-shek 24th Group Army, numbering about 83,000, entrenched on the Shansi-Honan provincial border, and the Chinese Communist troops, numbering about 15,000, active on the Shansi - Chahar - Hopei provincial border. The enemy troops have thus been crushed at every corner. The composite results realized by the Japanese forces up to April 28 follow : (1) Damage done to the enemy : About 3,000 dead bodies were abandoned and about 7,600 taken prisoners, from Sun Tien-ying, commander of the newly-organized 5th Army. The main war trophies consisted of nineteen guns of various kinds, about 200 heavy and light machine-guns and about 4,000 rifles. (2) Damage to Japanese side : ninety-six were killed in action. 1943.05.01 — The Imperial Headquarters says that Japanese air forces unleashing surprise attacks on a unit of the American air force assembled at Yunnan-fu airfield on April 26 and 28, obtained the following results : (1) enemy planes shot down : five ; (2) enemy planes destroyed or set afire on ground : forty-one ; and (3) military facilities bombed : two places. Japanese losses : one plane self-blasted and one not yet returned. 1943.05.01 — The following communiqué is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : Submarines of the Japanese Navy during the latter part of April torpedoed and sank two enemy transports, one of 12,000-ton class and the other of 6,000-ton class, in southwestern Pacific waters. 1943.05.02 — The Vichy Government issues a statement on America's severance of diplomatic relations with Martinique Island to the following effect ; "The United States used economic pressure and threatened the authorities of Martinique Island in an attempt to make them revolt against the home Government, but seeing that the loyalty of the island to Chief of State Philippe Petain could not be affected, America, in disappointment, resorted to such a step." 1943.05.02 — The Cabinet approves three more plans for the strengthening of the nation's fighting power. They are : (1) 1943 industrial productivity expansion plan ; (2) 1943 electric power mobilization plan ; and (3) plan for the enforcement of nation mobilization. The ordinances implementing these plans are to be shortly promulgated. These are supplementary to the two plans adopted by the Cabinet on April 30 on (1) 1943 material mobilization and (2) transit mobilization. 1943.05.02 — The actual enforcement of the strike of 450,000 soft coal miners in the United States is postponed for fifteen days, during which time negotiations would be conducted with the Government to reach an agreement with the operators on a new contract. 1943.05.02 — According to the Imperial Headquarters, submarines of the Japanese Navy sank one oil tanker (12,000-ton class) in the southwestern Pacific late in April, and since May 1, realized the following additional results. Sank one transport (12,000-ton class) and one freighter (8,000-ton class). Japanese Navy Air units raiding Port Darwin on May 2, inflicted heavy damages on the enemy military establishments and, in addition, shot down twenty-one enemy fighter planes. No damage was suffered on Japanese side. 1943.05.04 — In order to assure close contact with the Army and Navy, the Technical Affairs Board and other related Government offices in the efficient utilization of the various mineral and industrial resources of the south, the Commerce and Industry Ministry establishes and East Asia Resources Utilization Council to function under its jurisdiction. 1943.05.05 — The arrival in Manila on May 3 of Premier General Hidéki Tohjo for the purpose of inspecting the military situation and conditions in the military administration, as well as of holding a frank exchange of views with Mr. Jorge B. Vargas, chief of the executive commission at Manila, is announced by the Board of Information. Premier Tohjo in the course of a statement, says: "It is my earnest expectations that the whole people of the Philippines, appreciating anew the real intentions of Japan, as well as the mission of the Philippines and bearing in mind the honour and responsibility of participating in the war, will be united as one man, and that independence of the Philippines will be consummated at the earliest possible time." 1943.05.05 — "The whole material and spiritual resources of the Philippines will be placed at the disposal of Japan for the victorious prosecution and consummation of the war," declares Jorge B. Vargas, chief of the Philippine executive commission, before an assemblage of 500,000 enthusiastic Filipinos at Manila, including representatives from twenty-six provinces to welcome Premier Tohjo to the Philippines. 1943.05.07 — The unfair attitude adopted by the Peruvian Government toward the resident Japanese, manifested in the expropriation of their enterprises in Peru, is strongly assailed by Mr. Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, at the regular interview with foreign correspondents. 1943.05.08 — Renewing their operations on May 3 in the Hupeh-Hunan area, Japanese Army forces in central China completely occupy Mihsien, important stronghold of the Chungking forces in the north of Tungting Lake in Hunan Province. 1943.05.08 — An Independence Preparatory Committee to make arrangements for Burma to become independent according to the principle enunciated by Japan is organized at Rangoon with Dr. Ba Maw, chief civil adjministrator, as chairman. The committee consists of twenty-two members. 1943.05.08 — The Fuehrer's Headquarters announces that on May 7 Axis forces were deployed from Tunis and Bizerta. 1943.05.08 — Having accomplished the object of his visit to the Philippines, Premier Hidéki Tohjo arrives at Fukuoka en route to Tokyo via Formosa, where he conferred with Governor-General Kiyoshi Haségawa and commander of the Japanese Army Rikichi Ando. 1943.05.10 — The following announcement is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : Japanese Army forces at 7 p.m. on May 8 penetrated into Buthidaung in the upper reaches of the Maya River and after severe fighting occupied it. A mopping-up operation is now going on. 1943.05.10 — An enemy submarine shelled a pasture in the vicinity of Horobetsu village in Hokkaido at 11 : 40 p.m. on May 9, with no damage done to the place, according to a notification of the Northern Army Headquarters. 1943.05.11 — Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrives at Washington accompanied by leaders of the British Army, Navy and air forces to discuss war strategies following the virtual completion of the Tunisia campaign. 1943.05.11 — Crack units of Japanese forces advanced along the coast of the Bay of Bengal and occupied Alaythangyaw, an important point, it is revealed in a communiqué. 1943.05.12 — A new system for permitting the people of Korea and Formosa to volunteer in the Japanese Navy is approved by the Government. 1943.05.12 — The western Hopei operation, during which the Japanese forces encircled 20,000 Chinese Communist troops operating in Hopei, Shansi and Chahar provinces, was completed on May 11 with the enemy forces and military facilities thoroughly decimated, it is officially said. 1943.05.13 — The newly appointed Nanking Ambassador to Japan, Tsai Pei, arrives in Tokyo. 1943.05.13 — Axis forces which had been continuing stubborn resistance on the southern Tunisian front finally suspend fighting. 1943.05.14 — The following statement is made by the Imperial Headquarters : "On May 12 powerful American forces started landing on Attu Island of the Aleutian Group. The Japanese forces defending the island attacked the raiders and a severe battle is now going on." 1943.05.15 — Information disclosed today show that Japanese Navy air units attacked the enemy military establishments at Merauke, New Guinea, on May 11 and those on Guadalcanal Island on May 14 and inflicted considerable damages on them. Also Japanese air units in an aerial combat over Russell Islands on May 13 shot down thirty-eight enemy fighter planes. Japanese losses consisted of two planes having not yet returned. 1943.05.15 — Kungan, a stronghold of Chungking's 10th Army Corps located fifty kilometres northwest of Shihshou in Hunan Province, was reduced on May 14 in what has been termed the summer offensive campaign by the Japanese military authorities in China. 1943.05.15 — Dr. Hiroshi Shimomura, member of the House of Peers, is chosen president of the Broadcasting Corporation of Japan, with the resignation of Mr. Shichiro Komori, whose term of office has expired. 1943.05.17 — The surrender of General Chungking's Pang Ping-hsun, commander of 24th Army Corps in north China, to the Japanese forces to participate in the peace movement sponsored by the Nanking Government is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.05.18 — The occupation of Maungdaw, Burma, is announced by the Imperial Headquarters, which also makes public the war results in the campaign against the British forces in the Arakan area. The announcement follows : (1) The Japanese Army units at 2 p.m. on May 14 occupied Maungdaw, the enemy's key position, on the bank of the Naaf River on the India-Burma border. Preparations are going forward for operations which are to follow. (2) The composite military results obtained in the campaign in the area of Arakan from the latter part of December last year when it started till May 10 follow : (A) Bodies left behind by the enemy—6,414. (They are limited to those recovered and buried by Japanese forces). (B) Prisoners taken—174, including a fairly large number of British troops. (C) Enemy planes shot down—317, including 118 which were downed by guns on the ground. Enemy planes destroyed and set ablaze—223. (D) Guns of various sorts—207. (E) Heavy machineguns—419. (F) Rifles and revolvers —4,897. (G) Tanks and armoured cars—eighty-three. (H) Motor-trucks—255. (I) Merchant vessels sunk or damaged—thirty-nine. There were sixteen 1,000-ton class vessels among them. In addition there were large quantities of ammunition, food, clothing and implements. (3) Japanese losses in the present campaign were 714 killed, 1,364 wounded, and forty-eight planes. 1943.05.18 — The formal signing of the detailed arrangements for the carrying out of the retrocession of the exclusive French Concessions in China takes place at the Nanking Foreign Office. 1943.05.19 — The Imperial Headquarters issues the following communiqué: The number of hospital ships of the Japanese Army, which were attacked by American planes or submarines since the beginning of the present year to the end of April, totalled seven, and the attacks made were nine. Of these seven ships, three, namely, the Arabia Maru, the Ural Maru and the Buenos Aires Maru were damaged, resulting in casualties in dead and wounded. 1943.05.19 — The Japanese Government has filed a strong protest with the Governments of the United States and Britain in view of repeated attacks on Japanese hospital ships, declares Mr. Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, in an official statement. 1943.05.20 — The Arabia Maru, Japanese hospital ship, was attacked at 11 : 35 a.m. on May 19, when she was sailing in the sea off the northern end of New Ireland, north of Rabaul, it is revealed. The Arabia Maru was bombed at the port of Rangoon by an American plane on January 4 and this is the second time that she has been attacked by an American plane. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XII No. 7 (July 1943) --- (covers 1943.05.21 to 1943.06.20) 1943.05.21 — Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, died a gallant death while personally directing operations on the southern Pacific front in April, it is revealed in a communiqué released by the Imperial Headquarters at 3 p.m. The Board of Information announces that the late Fleet-Admiral was posthumously awarded high decorations by the Throne in the form of the Grand Order of the Chrysanthemum and the First Class Order of the Golden Kite. 1943.05.21 — The appointment by His Majesty the Emperor of Admiral Miné-ichi Koga, Commander-in-Chief of the Yokosuka Naval Station, as Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet in succession to the late Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. Admiral Soyému Toyoda is appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Yokosuka Naval Station, according to the Navy Ministry. 1943.05.21 — Navy Minister Admiral Shighétaro Shimada in a statement to the press eulogizes the achievements of the Late Fleet-Admiral Yamamoto, saying that his deeds will remain ever shining in the annals of naval warfare. 1943.05.22 — A total of twenty-four enemy planes were either shot down or set ablaze on the ground by Japanese air forces in their raids on Kunming airfield on May 15, it is revealed. 1943.05.23 — The Imperial Headquarters says that Japanese units operating in the Central China area following their war of annihilation in the districts around Tungting Lake attacked five enemy divisions belonging to the Chungking 10th Army Corps in the western district of Kungan and after trapping them at every corner have annihilated them. The war results realized by the Japanese forces during a week from May 12 to 18 follow: Dead bodies left by the Chungking forces, 4,595 ; war prisoners, 1,945 ; guns of various kinds, twenty-seven ; heavy and light machine-guns, sixty-seven ; and rifles, 946. The Japanese casualties are seventy killed in action. 1943.05.23 — The Executive Committee of the International Communist Party with its headquarters in Moscow on May 22 proposed the dissolution of the international organization "in view of the various circumstances attending the current war", says a Domei dispatch from Lisbon relaying a Reuter London message based on a news item of the Moscow Broadcasting Station. 1943.05.23 — The ashes of the late Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto arrive at Tokyo Station at 2:43 p.m. The ashes are deposited on an altar at the Navy Club. 1943.05.24 — The following announcement is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : Japanese Army air units made a surprise attack on Chittagong airfield on May 22 and destroyed almost all the enemy planes assembled there. The results of the raid were as follows : (1) shot down in air battle nineteen planes ; and (2) destroyed or damaged on the ground fifteen planes. Japanese loss was one plane. 1943.05.24 — His Majesty the Emperor having received telegrams of condolence on the death in action of Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto from His Majesty the Emperor of Manchoukuo and Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler graciously sends reply messages. 1943.05.24 — The Imperial Headquarters states that Japanese Navy air forces on May 23 damaged one enemy cruiser, sank one destroyer and set another warship ablaze in the neighbouring waters of Attu Island. No damage was caused to Japanese side. Japanese submarine units have been carrying on an attack on enemy warships operating in Aleutian waters up to May 24 from May 14 and heavily damaged one enemy battleship and one cruiser and damaged two enemy warships of unconfirmed types. 1943.05.24 — The Nanking Government of China confers the Grand Order of Tungkuang upon the late Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. 1943.05.25 — The Japanese forces operating in the area of Ichang occupied Changyang, Hupeh Province, thirty kilometres south of Ichang, at noon on May 24, it is revealed. 1943.05.25 — The waterway between Yochow on the northeastern tip of Tungting Lake, Hunan Province, and Shasi, southern Hupeh Province, extending for a distance of 177 nautical miles, has been reopened by the Japanese Central China Fleet, it is officially announced. This action means that the gateway to Chungking by water has been opened. 1943.05.26 — The Board of Information announces that a State funeral for the late Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto will be held on June 5 at Hibiya Park and that the ashes of the late Fleet-Admiral would be burried at the Municipal Cemetery at Tama-mura, Tokyo Prefecture. 1943.05.26 — The following announcement is issued by the Imperial Headquarters: (1) Japanese Navy forces during the period from May 1 to May 24 sank the following enemy ships. By submarines : oil tankers, two—30,000 tons; freighters, six—17,000 tons; and transport, one—1,000 tons. By airplanes: transports, four—9,400 tons. Total, 13,111,400 tons. (2) Japanese Navy forces during the period from April 1 to May 20 sank seventeen enemy submarines. 1943.05.26 — His Majesty King-Emperor Victor Emmanuel iii of Italy is pleased to confer the Grand Cross of the Military Order of Savoia, highest decoration of Italy, upon the late Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, announces the Italian Government. 1943.05.26 — Admiral Karl Doenitz, Commander-in-Chief of the German naval Forces, cables a felicitious message to the Japanese Navy commemorating the thirty-eighth Navy Day. 1943.05.26 — The principal aims of Japan's programme for the development of the southern region are to promote the welfare of the inhabitants by elevating their standard of living and to strengthen the fighting power for the successful prosecution of the war, it is declared by Mr. Kazuo Aoki, Minister for Greater East Asia Affairs, in an interview given to foreign correspondents in Tokyo. 1943.05.26 — Mr. Fumio Goto, vice-president of the National Service Association, is invested with the office of State Minister at a ceremony held at the Imperial Palace. Dr. Réntaro Mizuno is appointed director-general of the General Headquarters for East Asiatic Affairs Board newly established in the said association, replacing the East Asia Development League, which is thus dissolved. 1943.05.27 — The announcement of the fifth and sixth conferments of posthumous honours on those killed in the war in greater East Asia is announced jointly by the Navy Ministry and the Bureau of Decorations. Special distinction honours, or "Shukunko," are granted to seventy-five valiant dead, including Rear-Admiral Ryusaku Yanaghimoto, three navy warriors who discovered the British battleships Prince of Wales and Repulse, ten naval heroes who won fame as members of the Second Special Attack Flotilla which attacked Diego Suarez and Sydney, and others. 1943.05.27 — Chancellor Adolf Hitler dispatches a personal telegram of condolence to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on the recent death of Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. 1943.05.28 — Japanese Ambassador to China Masayuki Tani in a press conference at Peking promises further retrocession of Japanese rights in China after reiterating the basic Japanese policy of giving all-out aid to the growth of the Nanking Government. He indicates that the Japanese authorities are rapidly completing preparations for the retrocession of Japanese customs rights in China at the earliest possible date. 1943.05.28 — A three-day extraordinary session of the Japanese Diet will be convoked on June 15, it is announced by the Board of Information. Important fiscal bills and legislative plans, including those connected with the raising of the purchase price of rice, those related to the urgent increase in the production of foodstuffs, and others will be approved at the session. 1943.05.29 — Lieutenant-General Shighénori Kuroda is appointed supreme commander of the Japanese forces in the Philippines succeeding Lieutenant-General Shizuichi Tanaka who is transferred to a certain important post. 1943.05.30 — All officers and men of the Japanese Forces on Attu Island are believed to have died a glorious death after making a daring assault on the enemy on May 29, the Imperial Headquarters announces at 5 p.m. The Imperial Headquarters' communiqué follows : (1) The Japanese garrison which since May 12 had been continuing heroic fighting against an overwhelming number of enemy forces under extremely difficulty conditions, on the night of May 29 effected the most daring assault against the main enemy force in order to inflict the final blow on them. Since the night of May 29 all communications have been entirely cut off and it is believed that all officers and men of the Japanese garrison died a glorious death for the country. Those who were wounded and sick and could not participate in the attack are believed to have disposed themselves prior to the final assault. The Japanese garrison in Attu totalled 2,000 odd men under the command of Colonel Yasuyo Yamasaki. The enemy forces number about 20,000 and are equipped excellently. The damage inflicted on the enemy up to May 28 totalled not less than 6,000. (2) Kiska Island is held securely by the Japanese forces. 1943.05.30 — Premier Josef Stalin in his letter addressed to Harold King, Reuter's Moscow correspondent on May 28 explained the reason for the dissolution of the Third International in answer to the latter's question, it is reported. The dissolution, Premier Stalin pointed out, would facilitate the formation of the anti-Axes Powers' common front. He also itemized the reasons for the dissolution in three paragraphs. 1943.05.30 — Pienyen, one of the vantage points on the so-called Chungking Road in Hunan Province, was completely reduced by Japanese raiding forces late in the afternoon of May 23, it is revealed. 1943.05.31 — The following announcement is made by the Imperial Headquarters: Japanese Army air units raided the Chittagong airfield on May 29, shooting down fourteen of more than twenty enemy planes which were engaged in battle and setting aflame or destroying six planes which were on the ground, as well as setting ablaze and blasting a number of attached military installations. One of Japanese planes has not returned yet. 1943.06.01 — The Thai Council of Regency posthumously conferred under date of May 28 the Special Order of the Sacred Elephant to the late Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, it is made known. 1943.06.01 — The Government at the Cabinet meeting decides not to hold the elections for prefectural assemblies scheduled for this fall, in view of the fact that every effort must be concentrated on the one point of increasing war power. At the same meeting Lieutenant-General Tei-ichi Suzuki, president of the Planning Board, explains in detail the basic principles for the adjustment of enterprises for increasing war power. 1943.06.02 — German naval and air forces sank seventy-six enemy ships, totalling 430,000 tons, and damaged twenty-four others in May, the Fuehrer's Headquarters announces. Of the seventy-six ships sunk, sixty-five, aggregating 380,000 tons, were sunk by U-boats. 1943.06.02 — A total of 314,920 British officers and men have been killed, wounded, taken prisoner, or missing since the outbreak of the European hostilities three years ago, it is disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister Clement Attlee in the House of Commons. 1943.06.03 — The number of American coal miners who are participating in the general strike in the eastern states of the United States has reached 335,000. The above number includes the 450,000 anthracite coal miners and 85,000 bituminous coal miners in the Appalachian Mountains. 1943.06.03 — A message of condolence sent here by Premier Phibul Songgram of Thailand on the death in action of Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is conveyed to Premier General Hidéki Tohjo by Thai Ambassador to Tokyo Direck Jaiyanama. 1943.06.03 — German Ambassador H. G. Stahmer to Japan calls on Navy Minister Admiral Shighétaro Shimada and presents the Knight Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, which Chancellor Adolf Hitler has presented to the late Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. 1943.06.05 — The entire nation bows in silent respect to the soul of the late Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto with firm rekindled resolve to follow the spirit of the great Navy leader at 10 : 50 a.m. as Premier General Hidéki Tohjo offers prayer at the altar of the Navy hero at the State funeral service held at Hibiya Park. Throughout the country and in various parts of greater East Asia memorial services are also held for the spirit of the Fleet-Admiral. The funeral procession leaves the Navy Club at 8 : 50 a.m. Funeral service ends toward noon. Public worship ends at 1 : 30 p.m. At 2 : 50 p.m. the funeral carriage leaves the funeral hall for the Tama cemetery. The burial service ends at 6 p.m. 1943.06.05 — A Washington cable received in Lisbon on June 4 revealed that Chairman John L. Lewis of the United Mine Workers' Union 0 America has instructed all strikers to return to work. 1943.06.05 — A revolutionary movement has been launched by General Pedro Ramirez, former Argentine War Minister, according to a Lisbon dispatch. After the organization of a temporary régime, Ramirez secured the administrative rights, thereby overthrowing the Government headed by President Ramon S. Castillo. 1943.06.05 — The ceremony for the retrocession of the French Concession is held at Tientsin in the presence of Chinese and French delegates and Japanese guest delegates. 1943.06.06 — Lieutenant-General Yung Tzu-heng, commander of 20,000 Chungking troops, accompanied by Lieutenant-General Sun Meng-ti and other staff officers calls on a certain Japanese unit commander to express his determination to join the Nanking Government. 1943.06.07 — The following announcement is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : Japanese Navy air units intercepted a group of enemy planes that came raiding Shortland Island on June 5 and shot down twenty of the raiders and disabled five others. Three Japanese planes have not yet returned. 1943.06.07 — Nine Curtiss P-40s came over the Ichang area on June 5 at 1 p.m. and two of them were shot down by Japanese anti-aircraft guns it is learned. On June 6 four more Curtiss P-40s came over the same area and again two were immediately shot down, it is also revealed. 1943.06.07 — A large formation of German airplanes conducted the third air raid on the city of Gorkiy on the night of June 6 and for more than one hour bombed war industrial centres of the city inflicting severe damage, it is announced by the German High Command. 1943.06.07 — The Chilean Cabinet resigns en bloc, it is revealed by a cable from Buenos Aires. 1943.06.08 — The following announcement is issued by the Imperial Headquarters: (1) The Japanese Army air units in the China area cooperating with ground units in the present operations south of the Yangtze inflicted the following damages on the enemy air force up to June 6: Planes shot down seventeen and set ablaze on the ground twenty-two. The loss on the Japanese side as of the same date consisted of four planes which self-blasted themselves. (2) The Japanese Army air units in the Burma area are continuing advance operations toward eastern India. The damage dealt to the enemy air forces from May 1 to June 3 follows : Planes shot down sixty-three and blasted or set ablaze on the ground forty. The loss on the Japanese side during the same period consisted of nine planes self-blasted or not yet returned and twenty-four planes damaged. 1943.06.08 — Turkey will strictly maintain its neutrality in the future, Turkish President Ismet Inonu declares in his speech delivered at the mass meeting of the Turkish National Republican Party. 1943.06.08 — While playing golf at the Wak Wak Golf Club, Jose P. Laurel, commissioner of the interior of the Philippine Executive Commission, was shot from behind by an assassin with a pistol on June 5, it is revealed. His condition, however, is not serious. 1943.06.08 — Mr. Takashi Isaka, chairman of the Japan Economic Federation, is named president of the Japan Securities Exchange which will be established on July 1. 1943.06.08 — Marking a new epoch in monetary relations between Japan and Germany, the Yokohama Specie Bank and the German East Asiatic Bank sign an agreement regarding the method of payments. The agreement is extremely significant in that it has thoroughly stabilized a method for directly settling accounts through the medium of yen and mark. 1943.06.08 — The Argentine Government will hold to its policy of strict neutrality for the present, the new Argentine President, General Pedro Ramirez, declared on the night of June 7. At the same time, he completed the formation of his cabinet. 1943.06.08 — Britain in the Tunisia campaign suffered 37,000 killed, wounded or missing, the 8th Army losing 13,500 wounded since crossing the Tripoli border and advancing into Tunisia and the 1st Army about 23,500, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announces in the House of Commons. 1943.06.09 — The Tokyo metropolitan system draft plan is adopted by the plenary session of the Privy Council as submitted by the Government in accordance with the Cabinet decision of May 11. The proposed metropolitan administration will consist of a secretariat and eight bureaus. 1943.06.09 — According to the Imperial Headquarters, a large formation of fighter planes of the Japanese air forces sallied forth over the Russell Islands on June 7 and in a severe aerial combat with enemy planes shot down forty-nine of them. Six Japanese planes have not yet returned. 1943.06.09 — In the waters off the eastern coast of Azov Bay, German airplanes sank forty-seven Soviet landing boats and auxiliary ships, according to the German High Command. 1943.06.09 — Mr. Eiji Amau, President of the Board of Information, appoints nine advisers for the Council Room of the Board. His objective it to allow men of ability and experience to participate in the discussion of matters handled by the Council Room. They are chosen from among men in journalistic and other circles. 1943.06.10 — The War Ministry announces the following appointments : Lieutenant-General Tadayoshi Sano appointed Chief of Staff of the Defence Headquarters ; Lieutenant-General Sadaniichi Kuribayashi, commander of the Tokyo Division ; and Lieutenant-General Shizuo Sakaguchi, commander of the Zén-tsuji Division. 1943.06.10 — The Imperial Headquarters says that Japanese Army and Navy forces in the southern Pacific area during the period from March 1 to May 31 this year inflicted the following damage on enemy planes by anti-aircraft fire : shot down 249 and heavily damaged thirty-two. 1943.06.10 — The German, Italian, and Spanish Governments recognize the new Argentine Government under President General Pedro Ramirez, it is reported. 1943.06.11 — The Nanking Government announces through its Publicity Ministry an outline of its wartime cultural propaganda policy to eliminate all taints of Anglo-American aspects. 1943.06.12 — A party of twenty-five influential Burmese, who are to inspect the industrial, agricultural, economic and cultural activities of Japan under the present wartime condition, arrives in Tokyo. 1943.06.12 — The Japanese Government recognized on June 11 the Provisional Government of Argentina headed by Lieutenant-General Pedro Ramirez formed on June 7, the Foreign Office announces. 1943.06.12 — To contribute further to the promotion of friendly relations between Japan and Thailand and unify communications activities within greater East Asia, a Japan-Thailand Communications Agreement is signed between the two countries at Bangkok on the occasion of the third anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Thailand Agreement of Amity and Friendship. 1943.06.13 — Lack of drinking water was the main cause of the surrender of the Italian forces on Pantellaria Island on June 11, an Italian communiqué announced on June 12. As, moreover, all facilities on the island have been completed razed, it no longer has any value as a base, it was pointed out. 1943.06.14 — The supplementary budget for the general and special extraordinary account for the 1943-44 fiscal year to be presented to the eight-second extraordinary session of the Diet is decided upon by the Government at the emergency Cabinet meeting. The total amount in revenue and expenditures each is ¥620,000,000. 1943.06.14 — The Imperial Headquarters reveals that Japanese Navy air units again sweeping over the Russell Islands in a large formation on June 12 engaged several dozen enemy planes in combats and shot down thirty-three of them. The Japanese side lost five planes. 1943.06.15 — The eighty-second extraordinary session of the Diet is convoked and the House of Peers and the House of Representatives are formally organized. Dr. Gotaro Ogawa is selected chairman of the Lower House Budget Committee. 1943.06.15 — A Philippine inspection party of twenty-two members headed by Leon G. Guinto, Mayor of Manila, and including Pio Duran, secretary-general of the Kalibapi, arrives in Tokyo. 1943.06.15 — His Majesty the Emperor is pleased to present the First Class Order of the Rising Sun with the Grand Cordon to Foreign Minister W. Wichit Wathakan of Thailand in appreciation of his services rendered in promoting Japanese-Thai relations. 1943.06.16 — His Majesty the Emperor is pleased to open formally the eighty-second extraordinary session of the Diet with his personal presence in the House of Peers when he awards a gracious Imperial Message. 1943.06.16 — Independence will be accorded to the Philippines within the course of this year, it is declared by Premier General Hidéki Tohjo in his speech at the eighty-second extraordinary Diet session. 1943.06.17 — The House of Representatives at its plenary session which continues into the night adopts all the budgetary and legislative bills without dissension and turns them over to the House of Peers. 1943.06.18 — The following announcement concerning the "air battle off Lunga" is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : Air units of the Japanese Navy on June 16 with large fighter-bomber formations stormed an enemy convoy off Lunga on Guadalcanal. The battle results ascertained up till today are as follows : transports large type, four sunk; medium type, two sunk ; small type, one sunk, and large type, one damaged. One destroyer was sunk. More than thirty-two airplanes were shot down. Japanese losses were twenty planes not yet returned. 1943.06.18 — All eight legislative and three budgetary bills submitted by the Government are passed by the House of Peers without amendment, thus concluding the business of the three-day extraordinary Diet session on its final day. 1943.06.18 — Field-Marshal Sir Archibald Wavell, Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in India, has been appointed Viceroy and Governor-General of India succeeding Lord Linlithgow, and General Claude John Auchinleck, former Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in the Middle East, will assume Field-Marshal Wavell's position, it is announced in London. 1943.06.19 — Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose, prominent Indian nationalist leader, suddenly reached Tokyo in time to hear personally Premier General Hidéki Tohjo's determination "to exhaust all means in order to help expel and eleminate from India Anglo-American influences which are the enemies of the Indian people and to enable that nation to attain full independence in the true sense of the term" in the House of Peers on June 16. It is revealed that he conferred with Premier Tohjo on June 14 and had also met Foreign Minister Mamoru Shighémitsu. He also held conferences with high military officers. Today, Mr. Bose issued a statement on the objective of the Indian independence movement. 1943.06.20 — The supreme commander of the Japanese Army forces in the Philippines authorizes the establishment of a Philippine Independence Preparation Committee and orders that body to expedite the preparations for Philippine independence. The members are selected at a special convention of the Kalibapi. Mr. Jose P. Laurel, commissioner of the interior, is made chairman of the committee. 1943.06.20 — An economic mission headed by Mr. Masatsuné Ogura, former Finance Minister, and composed of other eminent businessmen, will make a tour of inspection of pacified China next month, it is announced. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XII No. 8 (August 1943) --- (covers 1943.06.21 to 1943.07.18) 1943.06.21 — His Majesty the Emperor admits into the Supreme Council of Field-Marshals and Fleet-Admirals Admiral Osami Nagano, Chief of the Navy General Staff, General Count Hisa-ichi Térauchi, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Army forces in the southern region, and General Ghén Sughiyama, Chief of the Army General Staff, in appreciation of their meritorious services for many years. 1943.06.21 — Vice-Admiral Chu-ichi Yagumo is appointed commander of the Kuré Naval Station and Vice-Admiral Marquis Téruhisa Komatsu commander of the Sasého Naval Station. 1943.06.21 — Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose, broadcasts an eighteen-minute message in English to his homeland. He says that he will do his best for the national fight for liberty from outside India and adds : "In this struggle there is no going back and there can be no faltering." 1943.06.22 — Starting with an altercation between some negroes and whites, homeward bound from an amusement locality late on the night of June 20, violent demonstrations against the coloured people raged today in every part of Detroit, centre of America's war production. On June 21, the Governor of Michigan wired President Roosevelt asking for the dispatch of military detachments to bring the situation under control. A temporary state of siege was declared in Detroit by War Secretary Stimson in accordance with a Presidential order. 1943.06.22 — Following an agreement signed today between Harold L. Ickes, Secretary of the Interior, and John Lewis, President of the Union of Mine Workers of America, the third coal miners' strike has ended. The new agreement will remain in force until October 31. 1943.06.23 — Mr. Shighéo Ohdouchi, chief civil administrator and Mayor of the Shoh-nan (Singapore) Special Municipality, has been chosen Governor of the new Tokyo Metropolis to be inaugurated on July 1. 1943.06.24 — Chancellor Adolf Hitler presents to Foreign Minister Mamoru Shighémitsu the First Class Order of the Grand Eagle Cross through German Ambassador to Tokyo Heinrich Stahmer. 1943.06.24 — In an inspiring broadcast from Radio Tokyo, his second address to the Indian people, Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose reiterates his resolve to aid the Independence movement inside India by means of outside nationalist activities. 1943.06.24 — The Kanégafuchi Spinning Company will be absorbed by its daughter company, the Kanégafuchi Jitsugyo Kabushiki Kaisha, to take the initiative in the industrial adjustment policy to be pursued in accordance with the bills enacted at the eighty-second session of the Diet, it is announced by Mr. Shingo Tsuda, president of the two concerns, at the former's general meeting of shareholders. 1943.06.24 — War casualties of the United States Army number 53,958 officers and men, who were killed, wounded, reported missing or taken prisoner, it is announced by War Secretary Henry L. Stimson. 1943.06.25 — The Cabinet adopts a draft plan for the wartime mobilization of students in industrial plants. 1943.06.25 — Final arrangements are completed at Nanking on the retrocession of the Shanghai International Settlement to the Chinese Republic. 1943.06.26 — Lieutenant-General Shighénori Kuroda, supreme commander of the Japanese Army forces in the Philippines, formally appointed on June 20 the Philippine Independence Preparatory Committee of twenty members headed by Jose P. Laurel, commissioner of interior. 1943.06.26 — The Japanese Army and Navy ground forces on June 20, 21, 23 and 25 engaged a total of 209 enemy planes that came attacking the Japanese-held Solomon area and shot down twenty-seven of them, according to a communiqué issued by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.06.26 — The approved Strike Suppression Bill vetoed by President Roosevelt is passed again by the American Congress. This is the first time that Congress has shown its disapproval of the exercise of the constitutional prerogative by the President. 1943.06.28 — United States Food Administrator Chester Davis submits his resignation to President Roosevelt because of his dissatisfaction with the presidential policy on the food price control. 1943.06.28 — The Board of Information announces a new plan for the renovation and strengthening of local administrations in Japan proper, dividing the whole district of Japan into nine regions. The new plan seeks to revamp administratively the existing local set-ups through synthetic liaison and adjustment and break down the old structure of prefectural division. 1943.06.28 — Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose, well-known nationalist leader of India, broadcasts his first message of greetings to the Japanese nation from Tokyo Radio. He speaks in Hindusthani. 1943.06.29 — Admiral Seizo Kobayashi, retired, is recommended for chairmanship of the Central Co-operative Council of the National Service Association. The council's fourth annual convention will be held for three days beginning from July 14. 1943.06.29 — A pledge expressing the firm determination of the religious bodies to play their rôle in the prosecution of the current war is taken at the first Asia Development Religious Co-operative Conference held at the Nippon Seikeikan. 1943.06.29 — Thirteen of the eighty-three enemy planes that appeared over Kulambangra Island and Munda on New Georgia Island in the Solomons on June 26 were shot down by anti-aircraft batteries of the Japanese Army and Navy forces, it is disclosed. 1943.06.30 — Fifty-three youths from various southern countries arrive in Tokyo for studying purpose. Of them, twenty-three are from Java, fifteen from Burma and fifteen from Malaya and Sumatra. 1943.06.30 — An agreement and items of understanding pertaining to the retrocession to China of the International Settlement of Shanghai are signed at Nanking between Japanese Ambassador to Nanking Masayuki Tani and Nanking's Foreign Minister Chu Min-yi. Premier General Hidéki Tohjo issues a statement on the matter. 1943.07.02 — The following announcement is made by the Imperial Headquarters : Early on the morning of June 30 a powerful enemy fleet consisting of transports, cruisers and destroyers appeared off Rendova Island in the Solomons. Part of this force effected a landing on the island. The Japanese Navy air forces launched daring attacks several times on the enemy and sank or heavily damaged six enemy transports, three enemy cruisers and one enemy destroyer and shot down more than thirty-one enemy planes. The Japanese Army and Navy forces in that area are keeping up their operations in solid co-operation. 1943.07.02 — A new chapter opens in the history of the capital of the Japanese Empire as the Tokyo Municipality becomes Tokyo Metropolis today with the amalgamation of the prefectural and municipal administrative organs into the new metropolitan system. Mr. Shighéo Ohdachi is appointed its first governor, while Mr. Mitsumaro Matsumura, former governor of Tokyo Prefecture, is appointed vice-governor. 1943.07.02 — The appointments of many prefectural governors, including four former Cabinet Ministers, are announced with the introduction of the reform in the domestic administrative system. Among them are : governor of Osaka Prefecture, Kakichi Kawanada (former Home Minister); governor of Niigata Prefecture, Tamon Mayéda (former Embassy Councillor); governor of Aichi Prefecture, Shinji Yoshino (former Commerce and Industry Minister) ; governor of Miyaghi Prefecture, Shinya Uchida (former Railway Minister); governor of Hiroshima Prefecture, Sukénari Yokoyama (former Chief of Metropolitan Police Board) ; and governor of Fukuoka Prefecture, Shighénori Yoshida (former Welfare Minister). 1943.07.02 — A total of 2,234 enemy planes have been shot down and 283 others damaged on the southern Pacific war front by the Japanese Army and Navy forces since August last year, according to figures released by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.07.02 — The Soviet forces open offensive operations in the Smolensk area. 1943.07.02 — The Japan Securities Exchange, replacing the Tokyo Stock Exchange and other similar institutions in this country, is inaugurated with due ceremony attended by Finance Minister Okinori Kaya, its new president, Mr. Takashi Isaka, and others. 1943.07.02 — The Imperial Headquarters says that the Japanese Navy air units continued to attack the enemy in the Rendova area on July 2. The comprehensive results scored by the Japanese forces on June 30 and July 2 follow : B-Class cruiser, sunk, one ; B-Class cruiser, damaged, one ; large-type destroyer, sunk, four ; destroyer, sunk one ; destroyer, damaged, one ; transports, sunk, three ; transports, damaged, three ; aircraft destroyed, seventy-seven ; and Japanese airplanes not yet returned, more than thirty-one. 1943.07.02 — The United States Government's announcement on the battle at Rendova, in gist, follows : Japanese planes of various types incessantly attacked the American forces on Wednesday from early in the morning to late in the evening. The American land and naval forces challenged the Japanese. The American transport Macaulay, 7,700 tons, suffered a direct hit from a Japanese torpedo-plane and was sunk. 1943.07.03 — Japanese submarines claimed a toll of eleven enemy vessels with an aggregate of 81,000 tons during June, it is revealed in a press note of the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.07.04 — Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose declares at Singapore that he will establish a provisional government to push the movement for independence. He is also chosen as the supreme Indian leader in greater East Asia. 1943.07.04 — Mr. Wang Keh-min, former chairman of the North China Political Council, is reinstated in the same office by the Nanking Government following the death in illness of chairman Mr. Chu Shen on July 2. 1943.07.05 — The Imperial Headquarters states that the Japanese Navy fighter squadrons on July 3 raided Rendova Island, and in an engagement with enemy fighter planes shot down nine of them. No damage was done to Japanese side. Several Japanese destroyers before dawn of July 4 stormed Rendova Harbour and attacked several places on the western side of the harbour. In this raid the Japanese destroyers sank one enemy torpedo-boat and damaged another. 1943.07.05 — Premier General Hidéki Tohjo arrived in Bangkok on July 3 and met Premier Phibul Songgram of Thailand on the following day, when the two discussed all places of Japanese-Thai relations and exchanged opinions on measures to prosecute the common war. 1943.07.05 — Agreement has been reached between Premier General Hidéki Tohjo of Japan and Premier Phibul Songgram of Thailand for including the states of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Trengganu in the northern part of Malaya and the Shan states of Kengtung and Mong Pan in Burma into Thai territory, according to a joint communiqué issued by the Japanese and Thai authorities in Bangkok. 1943.07.05 — The Board of Information says : "The Premier and concurrently War Minister, General Hidéki Tohjo, leaving Tokyo on June 30, arrived in Shoh-nan (Singapore) today, July 5. The purpose of this trip is to visit Thailand, to exchange views with Field-Marshal Premier Phibul Songgram and other Thai leaders, which he has already concluded, to inspect the various southern areas and, at the same time, to express his encouragement and appreciation for their efforts and labours to Field-Marshal Count Hisa-chii Térauchi, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Army forces in the southern region, the officers and men of the Japanese forces, as well as to the officials and private civilians who are all actively engaged in the various areas." 1943.07.05 — Premier Sikorski of the refugee Polish régime who was on his way to London after finishing his inspection trip to Syria was killed in an airplane accident on the night of July 4, it is announced in London. 1943.07.06 — The following notification is issued by the Imperial Headquarters concerning the war situation in Rendova Island : Japanese Army and Navy air forces attacked enemy transports and depots at landing places at Rendova Port on July 4, obtaining the following war results : (1) Damages inflicted on enemy : five transports and more than ten smaller vessels sunk. Depots at landing locations bombed and set on fire. Twenty-three enemy planes shot down in battle. (2) Nine Japanese planes self-blasted. 1943.07.06 — Lieutenant-General Ma Chun attached to the headquarters of the First War Zone joined the peace movement of the Nanking Government on July 2, it is revealed. 1943.07.06 — During one year up to date the Japanese Army forces in China have scored tremendous war results, it is revealed in an announcement of the Imperial Headquarters. The results show that the enemy left about 417,800 bodies, while about 149,000 were taken prisoner. Those joining the peace movement numbered about 96,000. In addition, large quantities of war trophies were seized by the Japanese forces. 1943.07.06 — The United States destroyer Strong was sunk on July 4, American Independence Day, the U.S. Navy Department announces. 1943.07.07 — The following communiqué is issued by the Imperial Headquarters on the night battle of Kula Gulf : (1) Following its partial landing on Rendova Island on June 30, the enemy in the Solomon Group in an attempt to recapture New Georgia Island, adjacent to Rendova, landed on several places on New Georgia. As a result, fighting is developing at various spots on the island. (2) The condition of battle in the Kula Gulf area in northwestern New Georgia Island up to date follows : (A) At dawn of July 5, the Japanese Army and Navy garrisons on the spot and a Japanese destroyer squadron operating in that area sank three enemy warships of unidentified types. (B) During daytime of the same day, the Japanese Navy air forces in an engagement with a group of enemy planes in the skies over Kula Gulf shot down ten of them. (C) At midnight of the same day, several Japanese destroyers attached to the destroyer squadron attacked a powerful enemy unit composed of ten odd cruisers and destroyers and immediately sank one enemy cruiser and damaged and set ablaze another, causing the enemy to flee. 1943.07.08 — The Japanese Navy units in Hainan Island scored the following war results in their raids on a stronghold of the enemy entrenched and wriggling in mountain districts in the northwest of the Island during a period from February 21 up to late June of this year : (1) Dead bodies abandoned by the enemy, 9,300 ; (2) surrendered, 3,600 ; and (3) trophies, 3,200 rifles, 132,000 rounds of ammunition, 290 machine-guns, pistols and others, 1,866 hand grenades, thirty mines and ninety junks captured. 1943.07.08 — The Japanese garrison forces in the vicinity of Salamaua in the southeastern district of New Guinea Island are engaged in offensive operation against the American forces which have been landing on Nassau Bay since June 30 and Australian forces which have advanced from the Wau area. Especially in the neighbourhood of Bobdubi, the Japanese forces stormed the rear of the enemies on July 3, causing them to be thrown into confusion. The Japanese air units also on July 1, 3 and 3 attacked the enemy forces at Nassau Bay and dealt tremendous damage to groups of enemy vessels, landing places and other military installations. 1943.07.08 — A communiqué announcing that an Indian National Army has been organized with Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose as its commander is issued at 3 p.m. by the India Independence League Headquarters in Singapore. Premier General Hidéki Tohjo visiting there in the course of his inspection tour of the southern region inspected on July 6 the Indian National Army. Mr. Bose also reviewed the army on the same occasion. 1943.07.08 — The German Government authorities will not hesitate to give fullhearted support to India's expression of firm determination to resist British pressure as evidenced in the organization of the Indian National Army, declares the German Foreign Office spokesman in Berlin. 1943.07.09 — The Japanese Navy air forces attacked Brooks Creeks, northern Australia, on July 6, 6, shooting down sixteen enemy fighter planes in combat and smashing seven heavy bombers on the ground. Military facilities were bombed and set on fire at five places. One Japanese plane was lost. 1943.07.09 — The Japanese Navy air forces on July 7 attacked enemy forces advancing to Robiana Island south of Munda on New Georgia Island and set afire the entire enemy position besides shooting down thirty-one fighter planes. Four Japanese planes have not yet returned. 1943.07.09 — The French Concession at Shanghai will be returned to the Nanking Government on August 1, as an understanding is reached between the authorities of the French and Nanking Governments. 1943.07.10 — According to detailed later reports, war results obtained in the night battles of Kula Gulf are as follows : " July 4. One B-class Santa Fé type cruiser, sunk, one large-size destroyer of the Strong type, sunk and one unidentified warship, sent to the bottom. July 5. One B-class cruiser of the Helena type, instantaneously sunk, one B-class cruiser of unidentified type, sunk and one special service ship, sunk.'' 1943.07.10 — Powerful Anglo-American Navy and air forces attack the southeastern part of Sicily and their troops land at several points. 1943.07.12 — Successfully completing his tour of inspection of Thailand and various areas in the southern region, Premier General Hidéki Tohjo returns to Tokyo. He left Tokyo on June 30. On his return, the Premier issues a statement in which he dwells on certain victory of Japan. 1943.07.12 — By way of promoting cultural exchange between Japan and Germany, arrangements were concluded on July 10 between the two countries on the basis of the Japan-German Cultural Agreement which was signed in Berlin in 1938 for simplifying copyright procedures regarding translations. In Japan, the Dai Nippon Copyright Protection League and in Germany the German Translation Rights Agency are respectively to collect and pay royalty for translation. 1943.07.13 — The following announcement is made by the Imperial Headquarters: The enemy forces which have landed on several points of New Georgia Island since July 5 are now advancing toward Munda from the south and north directions. The Japanese garrison forces are launching daring counter-attacks on the raiders. In line with the counter-attacks, Japanese destroyer squadrons, while operating in the sea area north of Kulambangra Island, engaged more than four enemy cruisers which appeared there on the night of July 12 and sank two enemy cruisers and set another on fire causing the rest to retire. The Japanese side had one cruiser heavily damaged. 1943.07.14 — The fourth general meeting of the Central Co-operative Council of the National Service Association begins its three-day session, attended by 216 representatives from all parts of the country under the chairmanship of Admiral Seizo Kobayashi. Premier Hidéki Tohjo, President Tei-ichi Suzuki of the Planning Board, and President Eiji Amau of the Board of Information are among speakers representing the Government. 1943.07.14 — Mr. Phairot Jaiyanama, chief of the Publicity Bureau of the Thai Government, and Mr. Prichanusat Panyaruchon, president of the Thai Press Association, who are to inspect wartime conditions in Japan at the invitation of Mr. Eiji Amau, President of the Board of Information, arrive in Tokyo. 1943.07.14 — Mr. Naoto Kohiyama, adviser to the Iron and Steel Control Association, is appointed President of the South Manchuria Railway Company by the Government succeeding Mr. Taku-ichi Ohmura who has tendered his resignation. 1943.07.14 — One regiment of British parachutists that landed on East Catania district, Sicily, have been caught and annihilated by German forces, it is reported. 1943.07.14 — The submission of Martinique to the United States has been brought about not through any desire on the part of the islanders to join the anti-Axis camp, but because they were given no other alternative than either to starve or surrender by the long-term American blockade of the island, the French Government announces. 1943.07.15 — Captain Hidéo Hiraidé, sectional chief of the Navy press section of the Imperial Headquarters, is transferred to become sectional chief of the Navy General Staff after serving the post for three years. He is relieved by Captain Etsuzo Kurihara, sectional chief of the Navy General Staff. 1943.07.15 — The Japanese garrison forces on New Georgia Island on July 14 attacked the American forces, which attempted to land on the eastern area of Munda in a large formation, at the seashore and sank more than twenty vessels, putting all the remaining forces to rout. Part of the American forces, which had previously been advancing to the eastern sector of Munda, came raiding, but the Japanese garrison forces immediately repulsed them. 1943.07.18 — Up to July 18, anti-Axis forces lost 214 warships and transports, totalling 863,000 tons, according to a D.N.B. war correspondent covering the Sicilian front. 1943.07.18 — With fierce fighting in the Orel-Biélgorod sector extending gradually southward, heated activities are resumed in the sector west of Krimskaia and at the Kuban bridgehead with the German and Soviet forces locked in furious engagements. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XII No. 9 (September 1943) --- (covers 1943.07.19 to 1943.08.20) 1943.07.19 — The Japanese Navy air formations on July 15, attacking the enemy positions on Robiana Island, dealt tremendous damage to them and at the same time in an engagement with about fifty planes which came attacking shot down nineteen of them. Ten Japanese planes have not yet returned. The following day, attacking Vanikoro Island, Santa Cruz Islands, Tulagi Island and Guadalcanar Island, the Japanese Navy air forces inflicted damage on enemy warships and vessels at anchor in those places. On July 17, engaging 167 enemy planes that came raiding Buin on Bougainville Island, the Japanese Navy air forces shot down fifty-eight planes. The Japanese damage consisted of nine planes. 1943.07.19 — The following announcement is made by the Imperial Headquarters : (1) Part of the Japanese garrison forces on New Georgia Island detoured to the rear to the foremost line of the enemy and attacked the spot where the American forces landed east of the Ai River on the night of July 17 and their automobile units, giving terrific damage to their landing facilities and enemy military strength there. At the same time, the Japanese forces annihilated the enemy automobile units and are now enlarging the sphere of their operation with good results. (2) The Japanese garrison forces near Munda on New Georgia Island several times repulsed the advance of the enemy forces equipped with tanks and also bombarded enemy torpedo-boat flotillas, which attempted landing operations on July 17 and put them to rout. 1943.07.19 — The United States War Department announces that American bomber plane units for the first time raided Rome this morning. Reports from Italian sources in confirming the bombing add that in the air raid the ancient San Lorenzo Church was destroyed. The air attack lasted for three hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1943.07.19 — The British Eighth Army operating along the eastern coast of Sicily reaches a bridge eight miles southeast of Catania. 1943.07.19 — Kanichi Naito, chief civil administrator, is appointed Mayor of the Shoh-nan (Singapore) Special Municipality, it is announced by the War Ministry. 1943.07.20 — The first conference of the chairmen of the nine regional administrative councils, which were recently established for making smooth the liaison of local administration in Japan, is held at the Premier's official residence. 1943.07.20 — Mr. Rénzo Sawada, former Ambassador to France, is appointed Japanese envoy to Burma. 1943.07.21 — Japanese Navy fighter plane units attacked a powerful enemy formation of more than 150 planes that came raiding Elevens near Buin on Bougainville Island of the Solomon Group on July 18 and in an engagement shot down twenty-seven of them. In addition, the Japanese Navy eagles destroyed one ship-based plane and one B-24 aircraft. The Japanese Army anti-aircraft batteries there launched intensive gunfire against the American raiding planes and shot down one B-24 bomber, one Avenger ship bomber, one Grumman fighter plane and damaged twelve B-24 bombers, thus scoring brilliant war results in concert with the air duel staged by the naval warplanes. On the same night, an enemy airplane squadron consisting of several B-17 "flying fortresses" came attacking them. One of them was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. 1943.07.21 — Air units of the Japanese Navy before dawn on July 19 hit Canton Island in the Phœnix group and inflicted heavy damage on the air base there, it is revealed. 1943.07.21 — Pope Pius xii in a letter to Cardinal Luigi Maglione, Papal Secretary of State, written simultaneously as his notes of protest to the American and British Governments, deplores the American bombing of Rome. 1943.07.22 — Mr. Hachiro Arita, former Foreign Minister, and Dr. Tadao Yamakawa, member of the House of Peers and once Director of the Treaty Bureau of the Foreign Office, are appointed advisors to the Foreign Office. 1943.07.22 — An agreement respecting the retrocession of the French Concession in Shanghai is signed at Nanking by Chinese and French delegates in the presence of Foreign Minister Dr. Chu Min-yi and the French Chargé d'Affaires. The French Concession will be handed over on August 1, when the Shanghai International Settlement will be formally restored to the Nanking Government. 1943.07.22 — In the first quarter of the current fiscal year, 1943-44, covering the three months of April, May and June, national savings reached the amount of ¥7,904,000,000, which is twenty-nine per cent. of the way to the goal of ¥27,000,000,000 set for the whole fiscal year. 1943.07.22 — In a categorical statement, the Argentine Information Bureau denies the report recently circulated in various quarters regarding the change of Argentina's foreign policy. 1943.07.22 — The United States Navy Department announces the loss of the United States submarine Triton, a new submarine of 1,450 tons, launched in 1941, as it has failed to return to its base. 1943.07.23 — General Yang Chih-yu, commander of the independent fourth corps of the 27th Chungking Army, with 500 subordinates surrenders to the Nanking Government's Lingchwan defence headquarters in Shansi Province. 1943.07.23 — The arrangement and terms of understanding concerning the surrender by Italy of its administrative rights in the International Settlement of Shanghai are signed today by the representatives of Italy and the Nanking Government. 1943.07.24 — The following announcement is made by the Imperial Headquarters : (1) The Japanese Navy air forces, which have been repeatedly attacking the enemy forces in the Solomon area, raided enemy warships in Rendova Harbour on the afternoon of July 21 and scored the following results : One medium-size transport—sunk instantaneously. Two large-type transports—damaged. One large-type destroyer—sunk. More than ten vessels for landing purposes—sunk. One Japanese plane has not yet returned. (2) Several Japanese naval special service ships, destroyers and their covering air units, which have been engaged in supplying and reinforcing operations in the Solomon area, engaged about sixty enemy planes in that area on July 23 and shot down nine of them, but one Japanese special service ship was sunk. 1943.07.24 — Nine P-38 warplanes were downed by Japanese Navy airmen in a furious air-duel staged with twenty enemy planes at a point south of Madang, New Guinea, it is revealed. During this engagement, the Japanese side suffered the loss of three planes. Furthermore, the Japanese air units raided an enemy landing place in Nassau Bay, New Guinea, and after bombing the enemy troops and causing heavy casualties, all planes returned safely to their base. 1943.07.25 — Crack ground units of the Japanese Navy at Ysabel Island engaged thirty enemy 1910 divebombers and twenty Grumman fighters that appeared over the island in a furious land-sky combat, and succeeded in downing three planes with their ground guns. 1943.07.25 — A hydroplane unit of the Japanese Navy damaged an enemy destroyer and a transport and sank more than three torpedo-boats in the Solomon area on the night of July 23. The hydroplane unit delivered an attack on several enemy ships that entered the Kula Gulf on the night of July 23 in an attempt to effect landing operations on New Georgia and inflicted damage on one destroyer and one transport. The same night the unit repelled a group of enemy torpedo-boats in the waters north of Gizo Island, northwest of New Georgia, and sank more than three of them. 1943.07.25 — A formation of eight American Consolidated B-24 bombers raided the Japanese-occupied Otorishima (Wake Island) early on the morning of July 25, with the result that a furious aerial combat followed between the Japanese and American forces. The Japanese forces shot down two American planes, damaged another and caused all the others to depart. In this aerial battle two Japanese planes self-blasted themselves. 1943.07.26 — King Vittorio Emmanuel iii has accepted the resignation of Signor Benito Mussolini from his positions as Duce and Premier, according to the Stefani News Agency. The Italian Government announces that Marshal Pietro Badoglio has been appointed Premier as successor to Signor Mussolini. Upon accepting Signor Mussolini's resignation, King Emmanuel issues a proclamation to the Italian people asking them to unite their efforts for the rise of the Italian nation. New Premier Marshal Badoglio, too, issues a similar proclamation to the people. The Italian Government announces that hereafter the Italian Army will take charge of peace and order in the entire country. 1943.07.26 — The Japanese air units in the China area during the three days, July 23, 24 and 25, made successive raids on Hengyang, Lingling, Paochsing, Chihkiang and Kienow, all of which are advance bases of the American air forces in China, and blasted their runways and attached military facilities. Moreover, the Japanese air units shot down twenty-eight enemy planes in the vicinities of Hengyang, Lingling and Kweilin. The Japanese loss consisted of eight planes destroyed. 1943.07.26 — The Italian Government announces the appointment of its Ambassador to Ankara Baron Raffaele Guariglia as Foreign Minister of the new Cabinet. 1943.07.27 — Concerning the recent Cabinet change in Italy, the Italian Government authorities explain that this change is neither a revolution nor a coup d'etat, being merely a step to overcome a constitutional crisis. According to the majority decision reached at the Grand Council meeting of the Fascist Party, Premier Benito Mussolini tendered his resignation to King Vittorio Emmanuel III and the Cabinet change was effected in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. 1943.07.27 — Italian Ambassador to Japan Mario Indelli calls on Foreign Minister Mamoru Shighémitsu and informs him under instructions of his home Government that there will be no change in the policy of Italy on the attainment of the three Power's war objective, in spite of the Italian political change. 1943.07.28 — Ten factories in central China are returned to the Nanking Government with due ceremony. Out of 140 enemy factories there placed under the control of the Japanese Army, 130 have been returned to China thus far. 1943.07.28 — The following announcement is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : A Japanese submarine on July 20 encountered an enemy naval unit composed of one cruiser of the San Francisco type and three destroyers in the sea area south of San Cristobal and, after breaking through the guard cordon of the enemy destroyers, came close to the cruiser and attacked it. The enemy cruiser was thus sunk. 1943.07.28 — The Italian Government holds its first Cabinet meeting under the chairmanship of the new Premier, Marshal Pietro Badoglio, and decides upon the dissolution of the Fascist Party. Anent this, the Stefani News Agency says : " The dissolution has been effected by the new circumstances that have arisen in the political life of the State.'' 1943.07.28 — German Ambassador to Tokyo Heinrich G. Stahmer holds a thirty-minute talk with Foreign Minister Shighémitsu at the latter's official residence. This is his second meeting with the Japanese Foreign Minister in connection with the recent political change in Italy. 1943.07.28 — The Thai Government decides to send its Foreign Minister W. Wichit-Wathakan and suite to Japan to return the courtesy of Thailand for the recent visit of Greater East Asia Affairs Minister Kazuo Aoki there. 1943.07.28 — An enemy air unit of six bombers and fighters raided Hongkong on July 27, but was immediately put to rout by the ground batteries. This was the first enemy air raid on Hongkong since November 28, last year. 1943.07.29 — The Imperial Headquarters says that Japanese Navy fighter units in the skies of Bougainville Island attacked 165 enemy planes that came raiding that island on July 25 and 26 and shot down twenty-seven of them. The Japanese units also engaged about seventy enemy planes that raided the western extremity of New Britain Island on July 28 and brought down five of them. In these two combats, Japanese side had one destroyer sunk and twelve planes lost. 1943.07.29 — The first transfer of enemy assets in south China to the Nanking Government is completed at the headquarters of the Japanese forces in south China. The Japanese supreme commander hands over a list of 220 items to Chen Yao-tzu, governor of Kwangtung Province. 1943.07.30 — The ceremony for the formal retrocession of the French Concession in Shanghai to the Nanking Government is held at the Shanghai Municipal Office within the French Concession. Present at the function are French representatives including the Consul-General at Shanghai De Marguerié and Chinese delegates, including Foreign Minister Chu Min-yi and Mayor Chen Kung-po of the Shanghai Special Municipality. 1943.07.30 — Japanese Ambassador to Berlin, Lieutenant-General Hiroshi Oshima left Berlin on July 28 to call on Chancellor Adolf Hitler and German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop and saw them the following day at the Fuehrer's Headquarters. The conference lasted for about two hours, whereafter the Japanese Ambassador returned to Berlin. The main topic of discussion was connected with the European situation centring around Italy. 1943.07.31 — The formal conclusion in Nanking of a treaty on taxation of Japanese subjects between Foreign Minister Chu Min-yi of the Nanking Government and Ambassador Masayuki Tani of the Japanese Government is announced by the Board of Information. In addition, the supplementary agreements and terms of understanding relating thereto are also signed. All this signifies the transfer of taxation rights to China by Japan. 1943.07.31 — The following communiqué is released by the Imperial Headquarters : The Japanese air forces in the China area, continuing their advance of the enemy air forces in China, scored the following results during the period from July 26 to 30 : (1) Intensively attacking Hengyang and Kienow every day, the Japanese forces blasted their airfields, railway stations and neighbouring military facilities. (2) Engaging enemy planes that came challenging them, the Japanese forces shot down sixteen of them. The Japanese damage consisted of four planes lost. 1943.08.07 — Burma declares its independence today and Dr. Ba Maw assumes the posts of Head of the State and Premier under the new independent Cabinet formed simultaneously. The reorganized Burma declares war on the United States and Britain and enters into an alliance with Japan, which nation recognizes the new State immediately, and thus the Japanese Military administration is abolished. 1943.08.07 — The Nanking Government formally recognizes the newly formed independent Government of Burma. 1943.08.07 — The military conscription system to begin from next year is enforced in Korea. At the same time the law permitting the youths of the peninsula to enlist in the Japanese Navy as volunteers, proclaimed on June 28 this year, goes into effect. 1943.08.07 — The International Settlement of Shanghai is formally returned to the Nanking Government, thus freeing China completely from the century-old extra-territorial rights. 1943.08.07 — A large formation of 215 enemy planes, consisting of ninety-nine large planes and 114 small planes, raids and bombs Ysabel island four times. Ten two-motored enemy bombers are shot down. 1943.08.02 — The Manchoukuo Government extends its recognition to Burma. The Thai Government, too, recognizes Burma. 1943.08.03 — Foreign Minister Shighémitsu cables acknowledgement stressing close and firm co-operation between Japan and Italy on receipt of a telegraphic message dated July 31 from the new Italian Foreign Minister, Baron Raffaele Guariglia. 1943.08.03 — According to the Imperial Headquarters, Japanese Navy air units attacked the enemy warships and vessels at Rendova port and its neighbouring military facilities three times on August 1 and scored the following results : (1) Sunk : one large-sized transport, four medium-sized transports, six small-sized transports, one destroyer and more than six vessels for landing purposes. (2) Damaged : one cruiser and one vessel for landing purposes. (3) Shot down : nine fighter planes. (4) Set ablaze : a torpedo-boat base, wharves and supply dumps on Bau Island outside the port. In the attacks the Japanese side lost two planes. 1943.08.03 — With the incorporation of the Fascist Army into the Italian Volunteer Army, War Minister General Antonio Sorice proclaims the prohibition of the Fascist salute, it is stated. 1943.08.03 — The United States Office of Economic Warfare notifies 16,000 exporters within the country of the cancellation of all export permits to Argentina granted up to May 1, this year. 1943.08.04 — Burma's foreign policy will be based on the principle of respect for justice and the rights of respective countries, it is clarified by Burmese Foreign Minister Thakin Nu in a press conference with Burmese and Japanese newspapermen. 1943.08.04 — Premier Field-Marshal Phibul Songgram of Thailand sends a message of felicitation over the birth of independent Burma to Foreign Minister Thakin Nu. 1943.08.04 — Another "colour riot " broke out in the United States, this time in the Harlem negro quarters of New York, on August 1 and five persons were killed, more than 500 wounded and damages totalling $5,000,000 were caused, says a Buenos Aires dispatch received in Tokyo. 1943.08.05 — The German military authorities announce that German forces on the eastern front withdrew from Orel on the night of August 4. 1943.08.05 — German units operating in Sicily withdraw from Catania City. 1943.08.05 — Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop in a telegraphic message to the Burmese Foreign Minister formally extends Germany's recognition to Burma. 1943.08.05 — Dr. Ernst von Woermann, new German Ambassador to Nanking, presents his credentials to President Wang Ching-wei. 1943.08.05 — The following announcement is made by the Imperial Headquarters : Japanese Navy air units in an engagement with about seventy American fighter planes over Munda on August 4 shot down twenty-five of them. The Japanese loss consisted of four planes. 1943.08.05 — "Thailand will closely co-operate with Japan in the successful prosecution of the war," declares Thai Foreign Minister Wichit-Wathakan in a press interview in Tokyo. He arrives in Japan to return the visit of Great East Asia Affairs Minister Aoki to Thailand. 1943.08.05 — Head of State and Premier Dr. Ba Maw of Burma decides to appoint Dr. Thein Maung, Finance Minister of his Cabinet, as the first Burmese Ambassador to Japan. 1943.08.08 — War production in Japan is progressing at a steady tempo, Premier General Hidéki Tohjo reports at the Cabinet meeting. 1943.08.08 — Slovakian Premier Vojtech Tuka sends a cable to Burmese Foreign Minister Thakin Nu recognizing Burma's independence and adds that his country is ready to commence diplomatic intercourse with Burma. 1943.08.09 — The following communiqué is issued by the Imperial Headquarters : A Japanese Navy destroyer unit gave battle to an enemy destroyer squadron supported by aircraft and torpedo-boats in the waters west of Kulambangra on the night of August 6 and sank one of the destroyers. In this engagement the Japanese unit suffered one destroyer sunk and another heavily damaged. A Japanese Navy air fighter unit on August 6 intercepted sixteen enemy fighters that came attacking Shortland Island and shot down fifteen of them. Only one plane was lost by the Japanese side. Another Navy air unit delivered an attack on the port of Rendova on August 6 and obtained the following results : Sunk : two medium-sized transports, two small-sized transports and some eight landing boats. Damaged : one medium-sized transport and one tugboat. Shot down : More than five fighters. In this attack, one Japanese plane was lost. 1943.08.09 — Admiral Nobutaké Kondo and Vice-Admiral Naokuni Nomura are appointed members of the Supreme War Council. 1943.08.09 — The Japanese forces in the vicinity of Madang, northern New Guinea, repulsed an enemy air raid on August 3 after downing three planes and capturing four enemy fliers. 1943.08.10 — The sixth British-American conference is opened at Quebec with the arrival of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The first division of the conference is intended for conference between British and Canadian representatives and the second division between Prime Minister Churchill and President Roosevelt. 1943.08.10 — Upon the order of General Aphanascenko, former commander-in-chief of Soviet forces in the Far East, is announced by the People's Defence Commissar. He was killed on the Biélgorod front. 1943.08.11 — The Nanking Government carries out a large-scale economic purge of Shanghai through the promulgation of the compulsory purchasing of cotton yarn and fabrics by the Government as the result of a decision reached at the Supreme National Defence Council. 1943.08.12 — On the morning of August 12 an American air unit composed of five Consolidated B-24 and three Boeing B-17 bombers came flying over northern Chishima (Kurile Islands). A Japanese Army air force at once gave battle and shot down three of the raiders. One of the Japanese planes has failed to return. 1943.08.13 — A squadron of American bombers, operating from a Mediterranean base, again raids Rome. This time the raiders drop incendiary bombs. 1943.08.14 — Latest informations gathered show that American warplanes in a formation of five Consolidated B-24's, and three Boeing B-17's attacked the northern Chishima (Kurile) Islands on August 12. Two Boeing B-17's and one Consolidated B-24 were shot down. The Japanese plane believed to have been lost was found to have made a forced landing on a nearby island. 1943.08.14 — The Japanese Navy air units gave battle to more than fifty-five American planes that attacked Buin on Bougainville Island on August 12 and shot down thirty-four of them. The Japanese losses in this air combat were some damage on the ground in addition to one plane which failed to return. 1943.08.14 — Rome is proclaimed an open city by the Italian Government. The belligerent nations are notified through the Vatican of this decision. 1943.08.15 — An inspection party consisting of twenty-five prominent inhabitants of Malaya and Sumatra arrives in Tokyo for a three-week tour of Japan. 1943.08.15 — The Imperial Headquarters states that Japanese Navy air units, on August 13, carried out an attack in the Lunga area and mopping-up operations against enemy planes in the Rendova area, obtaining the following results: (1) Attack in Lunga area. The Japanese air attack force, under cover of night, attacked an enemy convoy and sank three large-sized transports, while a contingent of the force attacked enemy airdromes, destroying one place and setting another on fire. (2) Mopping-up of enemy planes in Rendova area. The Japanese fighter plane unit intercepted ten enemy fighters over Munda and shot down six of them. In these operations, the loss on Japanese side was one plane which has not yet returned. 1943.08.15 — Seven enemy bombers attacked Balik Papan in Borneo at dawn on August 14. It was the first enemy air raid on Balik Papan after Japanese occupation. 1943.08.16 — The second grand convention of Japanese, Manchoukuo and Chinese organizations on the development of East Asia gets under way at the Concordia Society Hall, Hsinking. Japan is represented by Admiral Sankichi Takahashi, Premier Hidéki Tohjo and the Italian Foreign Minister, Baron Raffaele Guariglia, wire congratulations to the convention. 1943.08.17 — Japanese Navy air units, attacking enemy convoys on August 15 off Vella Lavella Island in the Solomon Group, sank four warships, including one heavy cruiser and four large-sized transports ; damaged sixteen warships, including two cruisers and four transports ; and shot down twenty-eight planes. 1943.08.17 — Both the Italian and German authorities announce in a special war report that the entire Axis forces have made an orderly withdrawal from Sicily to Calabria Province on the Italian mainland in accordance with a prearranged plan. All military facilities in the city and harbour of Messina were destroyed prior to the evacuation. 1943.08.17 — Two enemy four-engined bombers appeared over Balik Papan, Borneo, on the morning of August 16. The ground batteries shot down one of them. This was the second raid. 1943.08.18 — Air units of the Japanese Navy raided at dawn on August 17 the airfields at Port Hedland and Broome on the northwestern coast of Australia. 1943.08.18 — Premier Marshal Pietro Badoglio in his first broadcast to the Italian nation, since the formation of his Cabinet, declares that Sicily will remain a part of Italy as before and valiantly encourages the Italian to be strong against the invaders. 1943.08.19 — An enforcement agreement is signed between Mr. Kénkichi Yoshizawa, Japanese Ambassador to French Indo-China, and Vice-Admiral Jean Decoux, Governor-General of French Indo-China, regarding the supply of Japanese products to French Indo-China for the current year of 1943. 1943.08.19 — The appointment of Finance Minister Dr. Thein Maung as the first Burmese Ambassador to Japan is formally announced by the Burmese Government. 1943.08.19 — The first radio broadcast to Hungary from Japan is made today on the occasion of the celebration of the Saint Stephan's Day, national holiday of Hungary, when Baron Takaharu Mitsui, president of the Japan-Hungary Cultural Society, and the Hungarian Minister to Tokyo, Nicholas de Vegh, send their greetings from Station Tokyo. 1943.08.19 — A Consolidated B-24, bombed and machine-gunned the Japanese hospital ship Buenos Aires Maru at 3:57 a.m. on August 17, while it was cruising in the southern Pacific, it is disclosed. The same ship was subjected to a torpedo attack by a submarine in the eastern China Sea on April 23 this year. 1943.08.20 — A Japan-Thailand treaty concerning the incorporation of four Malay and two Shan states into Thailand is signed at Bangkok between Thai Premier Phibul Songgram and Japanese Ambassador Teiji Tsubokami. Article I of the treaty says : "Japan recognizes the incorporation into the territories of Thailand of the states of Kelantan, Tregganu, Kedah and Perlis and the islands belonging to those states." Article II provides : "Japan recognizes the incorporation into the territories of Thailand of the states of Kengtung and Mong Pan in the Shan region." --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XIII No. 10-12 (October-December 1944) --- (covers 1943.11.01 to 1944.10.31) 1944.08.21 — Japanese forces shot down twenty-three aircraft in intercepting about eighty China-based American bombers that raided Kyushu and the western part of the Chugoku district on the afternoon of August 20, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. The Japanese side lost three planes. 1944.08.21 — In a radio address to the peoples of greater East Asia, Foreign Minister and concurrently Minister for Greater East Asis Affairs Mamoru Shighémitsu declares that the recent change from the Tohjo Cabinet to the Koiso Cabinet means no change in Japan's foreign policy of prosecuting, under close co-operation with her allies, the war of greater East Asia. 1944.08.22 — The Soviet troops resolutely resume their extensive counter-offensive in the southern sector of the eastern front. 1944.08.23 — The Americans and de Gaulle forces on August 22 landed a small force at St. Jean de Luz near the Franco-Spanish frontier, says a press report. 1944.08.23 — The Rumanian Cabinet under General Jon Antonescue resigns en bloc and a new Cabinet is formed with General Constantine Sanetescue as Premier, Julius Mamiu, leader of the National Peasant Party, is included in the new Cabinet. At the same time King Michael in a proclamation states that he has ordered the Rumanian troops to cease fighting, and that an armistice with the Soviet Union is being arranged. 1944.08.23 — The Bank of Japan extends to the Central Reserve Bank of the Nanking Government a credit of ¥400,000,000. In July, 1942, the Bank of Japan loaned to the Central Reserve Bank a sum of ¥100,000,000. 1944.08.23 — The Koiso Cabinet decides to revive the system of appointing one parliamentary vice-minister and a parliamentary councillor in each Ministry of the Japanese Government. 1944.08.26 — The Spanish Foreign Office announces the withdrawal of its recognition to the Pétain Government of France in consideration of the present condition. 1944.08.26 — The Turkish Government suspends diplomatic relations with the Pétain Government. 1944.08.26 — The Slovakian Government enforces martial law throughout the country. 1944.08.26 — Hungary declares that "it will not yield an inch of its territory" should Rumania attempt to recapture Transylvania. 1944.08.26 — Bulgarian Foreign Minister Pervem Draganof inform the Soviet Minister to Sofia that Bulgaria has decided to observe strict neutrality toward the Soviet Union. 1944.08.26 — The total casualties of the American Army since the beginning of the war up to August 8 are 261,589, according to War Secretary Stimson. 1944.08.27 — The Anglo-American forces go all out to overwhelm Paris, but the German units continue their tenacious resistance. Meanwhile in southern France the Reich garrisons are still holding out in Toulon and Marseilles. 1944.08.28 — The Japanese units in the Shanghai area, which started operation from a point near Kinhwa on June 10 and later occupied Chuchow in the third war zone, again starting a new action on August 22 occupied Lishui on August 27. 1944.08.29 — German strongholds in Paris after days of bitter streetfighting and after fixing the last shell have succumbed to numerically superior Anglo-American forces, a German military spokesman announces in a press conference. He adds that strong Anglo-American forces pushing on from Paris have reached Marn and are attacking in the direction of Soissons. 1944.08.30 — Bomber units of the Japanese Army raided the Kweilin airfield on August 28 and destroyed and set ablaze twenty-one planes. On the same night they raided the Liuchow airfield and blew up six large planes and damaged another large machine in addition to inflicting losses on military establishments. 1944.08.30 — Lieutenant-General Kénéshiro Shibayama is appointed War Vice-Minister succeeding Lieutenant-General Kyoji Toninaga who is transferred to a certain important post. 1944.08.31 — Newly appointed Prime Minister Colonel-General Geza Lakatos of Hungary announces the national policy as continuation of the war for protection of Hungarian frontiers, maintenance of order and discipline in Hungary under all circumstances, and attainment, if possible, of an increase in the present production scale. 1944.09.01 — General Naosaburo Okabé is appointed supreme commander of the Japanese Army forces in the North China area succeeding General Yasutsugu Okamura, who is shifted to an important post. 1944.09.01 — Bulgarian Prime Minister Ivan Bagrianoff announces the resignation of his Cabinet. 1944.09.02 — Crack Japanese units at Hengyang on September 1 started a new southwestern operation, it is disclosed in press reports. 1944.09.02 — The total number of casualties sustained by the British Empire since the outbreak of the war up to August 31 reached nearly 1,000,000, including 925,963 Army casualties, of which 242,993 were killed in action, 315,500 wounded, 80,603 missing, and 290,836 prisoners. Navy casualties came up to 53,537. 1944.09.02 — General Charles de Gaulle on September 1 announced the formation of a provisional administration in Paris. 1944.09.02 — On the western front, the Anglo-American troops continue their heavy tank attacks supported by bomber formations against Le Havre, Amiens, Lyons and Verdun. 1944.09.03 — The Government of Finland decides to sever diplomatic relations with Germany and to accept the truce terms proposed by the Soviet Union. 1944.09.03 — Units of the American 1st Army yesterday finally penetrated Belgian territory and, advancing five miles beyond the border, captured the village of Tournai, forty-eight miles from Brussels. The Germans have cut open the dikes in the lowlands. In the meantime, the American 3rd Army under General Patton is heading for Thinoville. 1944.09.03 — One Rumanian fighting group which crossed into Hungarian territory after crossing the Carpathians from the south was thoroughly decimated after fierce fighting. Soviet tank formations made unsuccessful attempts to liquidate the German troops between Sereth and Pruth and west of Pruth. 1944.09.04 — The Japanese Government has lodged a strong protest with the United States Government against the desecration of fallen Japanese soldiers and civilians, reveals the Japanese Foreign Office. The protest has been delivered through the Spanish Embassy in Washington. 1944.09.04 — The Allied forces entered Lyons yesterday. 1944.09.05 — Japanese units occupied Changning in Hunan Province on the night of September 3 after routing the main force of the Chungking 37th Army. 1944.09.06 — The eighty-fifth session of the Japanese Diet is convened to transact extraordinary business. 1944.09.05 — Japanese forces reduced Chiyang, a keypoint on the Hunan-Kwangsi Railway and located about forty kilometres from Lingling, it is made public. 1944.09.05 — The Soviet Union declared war on Bulgaria yesterday. The Sofia radio announces that Bulgaria has asked the Soviet Union for an armistice. 1944.09.05 — The Chungking authorites announce that the casualties sustained by the Chinese forces since the outbreak of the China affair up to the end of June, this year, totalled 2,802,220. 1944.09.07 — At the Diet session Premier General Koiso makes a long speech emphasizing that the Japanese forces on the front are poised for resolute action. He promises that the East Indies will be granted independence in the future. 1944.09.08 — Japanese forces occupied Lingling airfield at midnight of September 6 and reduced the city of Lingling on the following morning. 1944.09.08 — The Soviet radio announces that Soviet troops have entered Bulgaria from Dorbuja without encountering any resistance, and that they are advancing toward Varna, the pivotal harbour on the Black Sea coast, and also toward Ruschuk on the opposite side of Giurgiu. 1944.09.08 — General Eisenhower's forces advance to within twenty-five miles of the German frontier at three points along the 200-mile assault line between Liege in Belgium and Metz. 1944.09.09 — Relations between Japan and the Soviet Union will be satisfactory if there is mutual trust between them, declares Foreign Minister Shighémitsu at the plenary session of the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives, replying to an interpellation. The House of Representatives unanimously approves the extraordinary supplementary bill of ¥25,000,000,000 at its plenary session. 1944.09.09 — The Soviet Government issues an order to its armed forces in Bulgaria to cease belligerent action and declares that it is drafting peace terms in co-operation with the American and British Governments. 1944.09.10 — Japanese air units shot down, damaged or set ablaze a total of forty B-29 bombers on September 8 in their intercepting operations against American planes that came attacking the districts in South Manchuria on their way to and from the raid as well as over the skies of Anshan, the Imperial Headquarters reveals. Further, Japanese air formations raided Chengtu and attacked a group of returning American aircraft. Japanese losses were six planes. 1944.09.10 — British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his party arrive in Canada to confer with President Roosevelt at Quebec, where war problems regarding Europe and East Asia are to be discussed. 1944.09.10 — Troops of the American 1st Army crossing the Luxemburg frontier have entered the country's capital, Luxemburg. 1944.09.11 — Japanese forces that commenced a new drive from the neighbourhood of Kinhwa in Chekiang Province occupied Wenchow on September 9 after advancing along both banks of the Ow River, the Imperial Headquarters announces. 1944.09.11 — The second Quebec Conference gets ready to be opened with Prime Minister Churchill and President Roosevelt exchanging talks. 1944.09.13 — The Japanese Government extends a credit of ¥200,000,000 in addition to the same amount of credit extended in March, 1943, to the Federal Reserve Bank of the Nanking Government. 1944.09.14 — Japanese Army and Navy forces shot down, damaged or set ablaze a total of 816 American planes, including thirty-one B-29 bombers in their offensive and intercepting operations during August, according to the Imperial Headquarters. During the same period, Japanese losses were twenty-seven planes in addition to thirty-three machines damaged on the ground. 1944.09.14 — In the battle for Warsaw, the Soviets troops have expanded their deep thrust southeast of the city and have entered the suburb of Praga where fierce street-fighting is going on. 1944.09.15 — Japanese forces at daybreak of September 13 captured Taohsien, a strategic point seventy kilometres south of Lingling. 1944.09.15 — Japanese forces started action from the right bank of the Pei River near Canton on September 9 and occupied Suhui on the bank of the Sui River on September 11. Another units occupied Kaiping in Kwangtung Province on September 10. 1944.09.15 — American 1st Army which captured Maastricht, a Dutch border town twenty miles north of Liege, has advanced to the sector north of Aachen, a part of the outer fortifications of the Siegfried line. 1944.09.16 — The powerful American task force that appeared in the sea area west of the western Caroline Group since September 6 has air-raided Yap Island and the Molucca Group, while a part of warships bombarded Yap Island and Palau Group and the Molucca Group on the morning of September 15, the Imperial Headquarters discloses in a communiqué. The Japanese forces in the Palau Group intercepted the American attempts to land on Perieyu Island several times. On September 15, however, American contingents finally landed on the island. Intercepting the forces that also attempted to land on Morotai Island, the Japanese units in the Molucca Group are engaged in severe fighting. 1944.09.16 — The Quebec Conference which opened on September 12 ends today. A joint statement is issued by President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill stating that the United Nations will throw their power into vast operations against Japan as soon as the war in Europe ends. 1944.09.17 — Japanese forces occupied Chaoching, an important traffic base connecting Kwangtung and Kwangsi Provinces, on September 16. 1944.09.17 — Considerable formations of Anglo-American air-borne troops are landed on the Dutch-German border at noon. The landing is made in the area of Tilburg, Eindhoven and Nijmengen. 1944.09.18 — Following the landing of American forces on Perieyu Island on September 15, Japanese forces in the short period of six days from September 12 up to the morning of September 17 destroyed five warships, including one cruiser, one destroyer, one submarine, one minesweeper and one warship of unidentified category, all of which were sunk instantaneously. During the same period more than sixty-one landing barges were sunk instantaneously, while over 150 tanks were destroyed. Moreover, thirty-three planes were either shot down or damaged. 1944.09.19 — The Moscow radio announces that an armistice with Finland has been signed. The armistice terms embody seven points, including the leasing of Porkala peninsula to the Soviet Union for fifty years, the disarming of the German troops in Finland and the payment of $300,000,000 in indemnity. 1944.09.20 — Japanese forces on the west bank of the Nu River in Burma, based at Lhameng, Tengyueh and Lungling, have been intercepting and engaging in furious battles against Chungking forces of about sixteen divisions, which since the middle of May had invaded the area crossing the Nu River in their plan to reopen the Burma road, the Imperial Headquarters announces. It is disclosed that all the officers and men at Lhameng met glorious death on September 7, while those at Tengyueh also met a gallant end on September 14. It is made known that since the middle of May up to the present the enemy suffered a loss of about 73,000 killed and wounded in these battle areas. During the same period, the Japanese losses were about 3,900 killed. Japanese units at Lungling have started an offensive following the arrival of reinforcement. 1944.09.21 — Martial law will be enforced over the entire Philippine area as from 9 a.m. tomorrow, it is announced by President Jose P. Laurel at Manila. 1944.09.21 — Japanese troops penetrated into the city of Takhinb, situated 328 kilometres west of Canton, on September 20. 1944.09.21 — German official quarters confirm the fall of Brest. 1944.09.22 — A powerful American task force on September 21 appeared in waters east of the Philippines and about 300 carrier-borne planes raided the adjacent districts planes raided the Manila on the morning and afternoon of the same day, says a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. The Japanese forces shot down thirty planes, including six probables, and damaged six others. 1944.09.22 — A Manila dispatch states that American planes numbering 200 raided the Manila districts four times between 7 : 30 and 10 a.m., and that nineteen of the raiders have been shot down or damaged. 1944.09.23 — President Jose P. Lautel of the Philippines at 10 a.m. proclaims the existence of state of war between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America and Great Britain effective immediately. The Japanese Government issues a statement assuring the Philippines Japan's help and support in the prosecution of the common war. 1944.09.23 — The Imperial Headquarters discloses that Japanese units in South China reduced Wuchow on September 22. 1944.09.24 — Foreign Vice-Minister Shunichi Matsumoto notifies Finnish Minister Charles Gustave Idman in Tokyo of the Japanese Government's decision to sever diplomatic relations with Finland. The Japanese Minister to Finland was handed a document on the severance of Finnish-Japanese relations by the Finnish Foreign Vice-Minister on September 22. 1944.09.27 — The fourth anniversary of the conclusion of the Tripartite Alliance Pact is observed in Tokyo in a befitting manner. 1944.09.27 — Japanese units marching from the Kwangtung area toward Kwangsi Province occupies Loting, 150 kilometres from the provincial border. 1944.09.27 — German sources announce that casualties inflicted on the British 1st air-borne division that descended on Arnheim ten days ago are 6,450 taken prisoner and 3,500 killed. 1944.09.28 — Japanese air units shot down, damaged or set ablaze thirty-five B-29 bombers on September 26 when an American air formation attacked southern Manchoukuo, the Imperial Headquarters reveals in a communiqué. It is added that Japanese air units on the same night raided American air bases in the neighbourhood of Chengtu and attacked the returning planes. 1944.09.28 — Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressing the House of Commons reports on the war situation since his return from the Quebec Conference and deprecates what he describes as unfounded optimism among the people that the end of the war in Europe is near, warning that the war may go well into 1945. 1944.09.29 — The Japanese forces in Central China occupied Panking, the remaining Chungking pivotal base in Hunan Province, early on September 27, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. The Japanese forces in South China occupied the Tanchuk airfield in Kwangsi Province, a base of the American air force, on the evening of September 28. 1944.09.30 — Japanese forces on Omiyajima (Guam) and Tenian Islands are believed to have finally met heroic deaths by September 27 after fighting valiantly to the last man, the Imperial Headquarters announces in a communiqué. All those Japanese residents, the communiqué continues, on the two islands who participated in the military operations from the beginning to the end also seem to have shared the fate of the officers and men of the Japanese forces. President Takétora Ogata of the Board of Information in a statement reveals that out of the total of about 15,000 residents in Tenian, about 3,300 young men between sixteen and forty-five had formed a volunteer corps, and that like the residents in Saipan these residents met glorious deaths after fighting bravely. 1944.10.01 — The Soviet forces resume attacks in the Riga sector. 1944.10.02 — American Secretary of the Navy Forrestal tells the American people that the Pacific war calls for a supply power three times larger than that of the European war and adds that the further the American forces advance the greater will become the difficulty of supplies. 1944.10.02 — Red Army troops which crossed the lower Danube River in the area of Turn Severin, south of the Iron Gate, drove twenty-two miles deeper into the old Jugoslavian soil to within forty-nine miles of the Nio-Belgrade Railway, the Soviet high command announces. 1944.10.03 — Under close co-operation between the Army and Navy, Japanese units effected a surprise landing on the beach northeast of Foochow in Fukien Province early on the morning of September 25 and are now heading for that city, it is made known by the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.10.04 — Mr. Mitsuru Toyama, well-known Japanese nationalist, succumbs to illness at the ripe age of ninety. 1944.10.06 — The Imperial Headquarters says that, since the landing of American forces on Perieyu and the areas in the vicinity of the island on September 15 up to the present, more than 18,000 enemy troops have been killed or wounded and one cruiser, two destroyers, one submarine, one mine-sweeper and one warship of unidentified category and sixty-two landing barges sunk. Four transports have been set ablaze, while two large landing barges damaged. Twenty-seven aircraft have been downed. 1944.10.07 — Japanese forces completely reduced Foochow on the morning of October 4 after smashing the Chungking 80th Division, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.10.08 — Wendell Willkie, Republican leader of the United States, passes away at the age of fifty-two. In the 1940 Presidential election he was the unsuccessful Republican candidate against President Roosevelt. 1944.10.10 — One American aircraft-carrier was sunk and another damaged by Japanese submarines in waters east of Halmahera Island on October 3, while one American destroyer was sunk and one cruiser and another destroyer were demaged by Japanese forces around Minamitorishima on October 9, according to the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.10.11 — Over 400 American carrier-borne planes appeared in four waves to attack Okinawajima, Miyakojima and Amamioshima Islands on October 10 between 7 a.m. and 3 : 30 p.m., according to an Imperial Headquarters' announcement. Japanese forces in their intercepting attacks shot down twenty-six of them. 1944.10.11 — At the request of the Philippine Republic, the Japanese Government, with a view to promoting the economic relations between the two countries, decides to extend a credit of ¥400,000,000 to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines through the Bank of Japan. 1944.10.12 — A large number of American planes came to attack Taiwan (Formosa) from about 7 a.m. today, according to the Imperial Headquarters, which further adds that the opposing forces are still fighting at about 3 p.m. and that, of the war results obtained by Japanese forces as known up to 1 p.m., are 100 planes shot down. 1944.10.12 — The battle for Aachen continues with fierceness, German forces resisting doggedly. 1944.10.13 — The Imperial Headquarters states that Japanese air units, catching up with the American task force in the sea area east of Taiwan on the night of October 12, repeatedly attacked it up to midnight, and that war results obtained up to the present are : sunk—one aircraft-carrier and one warship of unidentified category ; and damaged—one aircraft-carrier and one warship unidentified category. 1944.10.14 — In their attack operations against the American task force in waters east of Taiwan, Japanese air units have instantaneously sunk or damaged a total of nine American warships, including four aircraft-carriers, up to the present, it is announced in a communiqué by the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.10.15 — Further extending their war results in repeated attacks against the eastward-fleeing American task force, Japanese air units have blasted a total of twenty-three American warships, including nine aircraft-carriers and one battleship up to the present, according to the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.10.15 — The American raid on Naha in Okinawa Prefecture on October 10 has resulted in 7,824 houses razed to the ground and in 642 destroyed besides 145 persons killed and thirteen injured. 1944.10.15 — Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, commander of the German forces on the western front, has succumbed to the head injury which he received in a recent car accident, it is made known. 1944.10.16 — A total of forty American warships have been sunk or damaged by Japanese forces in their furious attacks against American task forces that recently penetrated the Taiwan and Philippine areas, according to two announcements issued by the Imperial Headquarters. In the first announcement, the Imperial Headquarters reveals that a total of thirty-five American warships, including thirteen aircraft-carriers, three battleships and seven cruisers, have been sunk or damaged by pursuing and attacking the task force that raided Taiwan. In the second, it is revealed that Japanese units in their attack against another American task force that invaded the Philippine area have sunk one aircraft-carrier and damaged three other carriers as well as one battleship or a cruiser. More than thirty planes have been shot down. 1944.10.16 — The Hungarian Cabinet has resigned and Regent Admiral Nicholas Szalasi has acting Regent and Prime Minister. 1944.10.17 — Japanese air force units damaged over than one American aircraft-carrier and one battleship east of Taiwan on October 16 in attacking an American task force which had newly arrived as reinforcement, it is disclosed by the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.10.18 — Japanese forces shot down eleven American planes in an engagement with eighty fighters and bombers that raided Legaspi in the Philippines on the morning of October 17. 1944.10.18 — The setting up of the Deutscher Volkssturm (German People's Storm Corps) organization, comprising all men between sixteen and sixty working on the home front, is announced by acting Reich Press Chief Helmuth Suendermann. 1944.10.19 — An American fleet escorting transport convoy penetrating Leyte Gulf on October 17 and has been bombarding and bombing the coast of the said gulf since the afternoon of October 18, according to the Imperial Headquarters. Japanese Army and Navy forces on the spot are counter-attacking. 1944.10.19 — A British task force at dawn on October 18 raided Car Nicobar in the Nicobar Group. 1944.10.19 — A total of more than fifty-seven American warships, including nineteen aircraft-carriers, four battleships and seven cruisers have been sunk or damaged by Japanese forces in day and night battles east of Taiwan and Luzon Islands during the short period of one week since October 12, reveals the Imperial Headquarters. The Japanese losses are 312 planes. 1944.10.19 — Soviet forces have crossed the border of East Prussia from Wirballen and have advanced beyond Eytaku. 1944.10.20 — Japanese air units sank one aircraft-carrier and one destroyer and damaged one battleship and one destroyer in the area shouth of Car Nicobar in the Nicobar Group on October 19, when they intercepted the British task force that attacked the island, the Imperial Headquarters announces. 1944.10.21 — Japanese forces are now engaged in counter-attacking American troops that commenced landing in the neighbourhood of Tacloban in Leyte Island in the Philippines on October 20, it is made public by the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.10.22 — Units of the Japanese air force have accounted for five American warships and two transports sunk or damaged, including one aircraft-carriers and two battleships on October 19 and 20 when they attacked an American convoy and its escort units proceeding toward the Gulf of Leyte, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.10.23 — Units of the Japanese air force on October 21 damaged two American destroyers and one aircraft-carrier and set ablaze one transport in the Leyte Gulf area. 1944.10.23 — Aachen has fallen into Anglo-American hands after a struggle lasting for six weeks, according to a German announcement. 1944.10.24 — Following slight local gains made in the area south of Tacloban in Leyte Island on October 20, fresh American forces also landed in the vicinity of Dulag, about thirty kilometers south of Tacloban, and are gradually increasing their fighting strength. 1944.10.24 — After the first success scored by the Red Army in a break-through toward Goldap on the East Prussian frontier, the Soviet drive has been checked, the German sources declare. 1944.10.25 — Units of the Japanese Navy and Army air forces have blasted a number of American task force squadrons and transport convoys in the sea area east of the Philippines since the morning of October 24. War results known up to the present follow : Sunk : four aircraft-carriers, two cruisers, one destroyer and more than four transports ; and damaged : two aircraft-carriers, one battleship and two cruisers. Losses on the Japanese side were two cruisers and one destroyer sunk, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.10.25 — Some 100 planes of the China-based United States air force attack Kyushu and Saishuto Island from about 10 a.m. to 11 : 30 a.m. 1944.10.26 — The Imperial Headquarters issues the following communiqué: "1—Our land units on Leyte Island, since October 20, are engaged in valiant counter-attacks against about three enemy divisions that landed in the area south of Tacloban and in the vicinity of Dulag. 2—Our air units, from October 19, are incessantly attacking the enemy transport convoy and its warship escort within the Gulf of Leyte and our fleet penetrating into the same gulf at dawn of October 25 also is launching a furious attack against the enemy. The confirmed composite war results obtained in the Gulf of Leyte known up to the present (excluding those achieved by Japanese planes self-blasted or not yet returned) follow : Transports : sunk five ; set ablaze eleven ; stranded four ; and damaged two. Aircraft-carriers : damaged two. Battleships : stranded two ; and damaged two. Cruisers : sunk two; and damaged three. Destroyers : sunk one; and damaged three. Large-size landing barges : sunk seventeen; and damaged or set ablaze two. Losses on our side were two battleships, either sunk of damaged, in addition to some Japanese planes self-blasted or not yet returned." 1944.10.26 — The naval and aerial battles between the opposing forces in waters east of the Philippines is still going on. The additional war results known up to the present follow : sunk two American aircraft-carriers and one cruiser ; and damaged four American aircraft-carriers. 1944.10.27 — The war results and the damage sustained by the opposing fleets in the engagement in the sea area east of the Philippines from October 24 to 26 follow, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters: Losses dealt to American —sunk, eight aircraft-carriers, three cruisers, two destroyers and more than four transports ; damaged—seven aircraft-carriers, one battleship and two cruisers ; and shot down—about 500 planes. Losses on the Japanese side : one aircraft-carrier, two cruisers and two destroyers sunk, one aircraft-carrier damaged and 126 planes not yet returned. 1944.10.27 — Another communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters follows : "Our air units are endlessly attacking the enemy warships in the Gulf of Leyte and the enemy landing troops on Leyte Island. War results obtained on the night of October 25 and the afternoon of October 26 known up to the present follow : Transports—sunk one, set ablaze six and damaged eleven. In addition, the transports that were observed burning on October 26 totalled twenty-nine. Cruisers—sunk one and damaged one. Destroyer—damaged one. Cruisers or destroyers—sunk ten. Oil Tanker—damaged one. Warships of unidentified category—damaged three. Aircraft—shot down two and set ablaze or damaged over seventy. Enemy landing points were set ablaze at seventeen places and big explosions occurred at four places." 1944.10.27 — Japanese air units in China set ablaze or damaged a total of sixty American planes, including fifty-seven B-29 bombers, in a fierce night attack on the Chentgu airfield group on October 26. 1944.10.29 — Lieutenant-General Joseph Stilwell is relieved of his command as deputy commander-in-chief of the Allied forces in southeastern Asia and recalled to Washington. 1944.10.31 — War results scored against America by the special "kamikaze" attack units of Japan since October 25 that have been confirmed up to the present in the sea area east of the Philippines, including Leyte Gulf, follow : Sunk : three aircraft-carriers, one cruiser and one transport ; and damaged : six aircraft-carriers, two battleships, two cruisers, one transport and three warships of unidentified category, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. The same communiqué reveals that the following are added to the war results of the Philippines previously announced : Sunk one cruiser and two destroyers and damaged two aircraft-carries and three cruisers or destroyers. 1943.11.01 — A Japanese torpedo-boat flotilla at dawn of October 28 surprise-attacked an American transport convoy in the sea area east of Perieyu Island and sank four transports and damaged two others. Acting in unison with this attack, a Japanese raiding unit that penetrated the northern coast of the same island also succeeded in making a surprise landing, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.11.01 — Subhas Chandza Bose, Head of the Provisional Government of Free India, arrives in Tokyo to confer with the Japanese Government and military leaders. 1943.11.01 — One B-29 bomber of the American air force in the Mariana Group appears over Tokyo for a short time. 1943.11.02 — Japanese air units have sunk or damaged seven American warships including one battleship or cruiser, three cruisers and three destroyers in an attack on American warship squadrons in the Gulf of Leyte on November 1, says the Imperial Headquarters. On October 31 Japanese planes surprise-raided the American air base at Motorai Island and set ablaze and sank four flying-boats. 1943.11.03 — Air units of the special "Kamikaze" attack corps for five American warships sunk or damaged including one cruiser, one battleship, one battleship or cruiser, one cruiser, and one destroyer on November 1 when they attacked American convoy escort forces entering the Leyte Gulf, reveals the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.11.03 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese air units blasted and set ablaze fifteen planes by carrying out raids on American airfields in Saipan and Tenian at daybreak. 1943.11.04 — The principal war results obtained by the Japanese land units in Leyte Island since the landing up to October 30 follow, according to the Imperial Headquarters : troops killed or wounded—more that 4,500 ; tanks destroyed—twelve ; damage inflicted by gunfire from land upon American warships—one cruiser damaged, one destroyer sunk and another damaged ; 135 landing barges sunk or damaged ; aircraft set ablaze or damaged—twenty. 1943.11.04 — Japanese air formations from the night of November 2 to the daybreak of the following day bombed military establishments at Tacloban and San Pablo and war vessels off Dulag and damaged more than 110 planes and one transport and caused conflagration to break out at about twenty places, losing in all five machines. 1943.11.05 — One B-29 bomber of the American air force stationed in the Marianas Islands flies over the Tohkaido district for about an hour from 10 a.m. 1943.11.06 — The special "Kamikaze" attack corps on November 5 attacked an American task force in the sea area east of the Philippines and sank one aircraft-carrier and damaged another. Attacking another task force in waters east of the Philippines, Japanese air units on November 5 damaged one aircraft-carrier. One Japanese submarine caught up with and attacked an American task force in the area east of the Philippines on the night of November 3, and sank one aircraft-carrier of the Essex type. 1943.11.06 — Marshal Josef Stalin on the eve of the Soviet Union's National Holiday reviews the general war situation and enters among others to Germany and Japan. 1943.11.07 — Japanese air units at dawn of November 7 again attacked the airfields in Saipan and Tenian. At the former place they set ablaze and damaged more than twenty aircraft besides demolishing airfield facilities, and at the latter they scored numerous direct hits on the airfield. 1943.11.07 — Two B-29 bombers based in the Mariana Group appeared over the Kwanto district at 1 p.m. and, after cruising for about an hour, flew southward. 1943.11.08 — General Tomoyuki Yamashita is the supreme commander of the Japanese Army forces in the Philippine area and the commander of the Army air forces in the same area is Lieutenant-General Kyoji Tominaga, the War Ministry announces. Vice-Admiral Dénshichi Ohkochi is the supreme commander of the Japanese naval forces in the Philippine area and the commanders of the naval land-based air forces in the same area are Vice-Admirals Shighéru Fukutomé and Takijito Onishi, it is disclosed by the Navy Ministry. 1943.11.08 — Japanese air units at daybreak of November 6 attacked the airfield on Motorai Island and set ablaze more than twenty large enemy planes, according to the Imperial Headquarters, which also adds that other Japanese air units set ablaze or damaged forty-five enemy planes in their night attack on an American airfield on Leyte Island the same day. 1943.11.10 — Japanese air units on November 8 attacked the airfield on Motorai Island and blasted and set ablaze the runway and the ground facilities, according to the Imperial Headquarters. Attacking the airfield on Los Negros Island of the Admiralty Group on the afternoon of November 9, Japanese air units blasted thirty planes. At daybreak of November 9, Japanese air units attacked the airfield at Mar on New Guinea Island. 1943.11.11 — Japanese forces which started their operations from the Central China area at the end of May and from the South China area late in June completely occupied Liuchow at 10 a.m. on November 10 and Kweilin at noon the same day, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.11.12 — President Wang Ching-wei of the Nanking Government of China passed away at 4 : 20 p.m. on November 10 in Nagoya, Japan, after long medical care at the Nagoya Imperial University Hospital since last March, it is announced by the Ministry of Publicity of the Nanking Government. Mr. Chen Kung-po is nominated acting President of the Nanking Government and President of the Executive Yuan. 1943.11.13 — The Banda air unit of the Japanese Army's special attack corps on November 12 sank one battleship and one transport in ramming actions in the Gulf of Leyte, states the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.11.13 — The "Kamikaze" special attack corps blasted nine transports, including two of the 10,000-ton class in an attack on an American transport convoy entering the Gulf of Leyte on November 12, it is made public by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.11.13 — A total of 13,151 prisoners was captured by the Japanese forces in their occupation of Kweilin, while the number of killed aggregated 5,663. In addition, a great amount of war trophies was also seized. 1943.11.14 — The Fugaku air unit of the Japanese Army's special attack corps instantaneously sank one American battleship in the sea east of Luzon Island on November 13, the Imperial Headquarters announces. 1943.11.17 — Around November 12 about two divisions of the United States forces appear to have landed on Leyte Island, it is revealed. On Perieyu Island, the Japanese forces still are engaged in fierce fighting. 1943.11.16 — His Majesty the Emperor of Japan receives Dr. Ba Maw, Head of State of Burma, in the Imperial Palace. Dr. Ba Maw arrived in Tokyo on the night of November 13. 1943.11.20 — The "Kamikaze" special attack corps and other air units of the Japanese forces blasted seven American transports, including three large-sized craft, in their attacks against a fleet of American transports off Tacloban, Leyte Island, on November 17 and 18, according to the Imperial Headquarters. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XIII No. 2 (February 1944) --- (covers 1943.12.21 to 1944.01.19) 1943.12.21 — The new Bolivian President, Major Alberto Villaroel, and members of his Cabinet, are installed in office, according to a Buenos Aires dispatch. 1943.12.21 — Vice-Admiral Rudolf von Reuter dies of heart attack at the age of seventy-five in Berlin. His scuttling of the German Fleet at Scapa Flow, British naval base, prior to transferring it to the Allies on June 19, 1919, in accordance with the stipulations of the Versailles Treaty had astounded the world. 1943.12.22 — Fifteen American planes were shot down and seventeen others were damaged on the ground when formations of Japanese Army planes on December 18 and 19 carried out raids on the air bases at Kunming and Yunnan-i, says an announcement of the Imperial Headquarters. Six Japanese planes failed to return. 1943.12.22 — Attacking an American convoy off Cape Merkus, New Britain Island, in two raids on the morning and afternoon of December 21, Japanese naval air units sank nine transports, thirty-one landing vessels, two cruisers or destroyers and two torpedo-boats, or a total of more than forty-four seacraft, and heavily damaged two destroyers, a submarine chaser and another transport as well as many landing craft, according to a communiqué issued by the Imperial Headquarters. The loss on Japanese side was ten planes unaccounted for. 1943.12.23 — The total results obtained by Japanese naval air units off Cape Merkus, New Britain, since December 15, when American machines made their first landing, up to December 21, follow : ships sunk, more than 110 ; damaged thirteen ; and planes shot down more than thirty-three. On the side of Japan twenty-two aircraft were lost. 1943.12.23 — Japanese Army planes on the afternoon of December 22 surprise-raided Kunming airfield, and destroyed forty machines in aerial combats and in attacks concentrated on the ground, states a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. Of the total, twenty-six were fighter planes. 1943.12.23 — The Imperial Headquarter discloses that Japanese naval air units at dawn of December 22 effectively bombed American bases and supply dumps in and around Cape Merkus and caused a big explosion in one place and fires in eleven other places. It also revealed that in the attack on special transports, two of them probably tugboats, were sunk instead of two special transports as stated in the previous day's announcement. The two torpedo toasts announced as sunk and the submarine chaser as heavily damaged in the previous day's announcement are deleted. 1943.12.23 — The British Air Ministry announces that the German planes again bombed London on December 22, causing damage and casualties. Reich bombers dropped bombs on Eastbourne, England, it was announced by the German military authorities. 1943.12.23 — The lowering of the military conscription age by one year to nineteen for all males in Japan proper is announced in a notification issued by the Board of Information. 1943.12.23 — Ecusdor officially recognizes the new Government of Bolivia. 1943.12.23 — The Japanese military administration in the Shan states of Burma is abolished with effect from today. The abolition is carried out in accordance with the treaty concerning the incorporation of the Shan states into the territory of Burma. 1943.12.24 — Japanese naval air units heavily damaged and set afire two American landing vessels and caused fires in eight places at dawn on December 23 in their attacks on American key positions in the vicinity of Cape Merkus, destroying about seventy-five American planes over Rabaul, Japanese planes shot down twenty-four of them (four unconfirmed) on the same day. Six Japanese planes failed to return. 1943.12.24 — The Anglo-American command in Europe has been divided into four sections and their respective commanders appointed, it is announced in London. General Dwight Eisenhower is appointed supreme commander of the Anglo-American forces for European invasion ; Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Maitland Wilson, commander-in-chief of the forces on the Mediterranean front ; Lieutenant-General Sir Harold Alexander, commander-in-chief of the forces in Italy ; General Sir Bernard Law Montgomery, British commander under General Eisenhower ; and Lieutenant-General Carl Spaatz, commander of the strategic bombing corps against Germany. 1943.12.24 — President Roosevelt in a lengthy Christmas Day message to the American people from his home at Hyde Park warns his listeners that they still have much to face in the way of "further suffering, sacrifice and personal tragedy." 1943.12.25 — Intercepting a formation of 15 American planes which came attacking Rabaul on the morning of December 24, Japanese naval air units shot down fifty-eight of them, five unconfirmed, it is officially stated. Five Japanese planes failed to return. 1943.12.26 — The opening ceremony of the eighty-fourth session of the Japanese Diet is held with the presence of His Majesty the Emperor. An Imperial Rescript is granted to the members of both Houses. 1943.12.27 — Premier General Hidéki Tohjo in the capacity of War Minister and Navy Minister Admiral Shighétaro Shimada submit reports on the recent war situation to both Houses of the Diet. Resolutions expressing thanks to the Army and Navy forces and condolence to the war dead are adopted. The Diet adjourns until January 20, 1944. 1943.12.27 — The Finance Ministry of the Japanese Government announces the raise of the prices of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco by an average of fifty per cent. 1943.12.27 — Japanese naval air units carried out attacks on American positions in the southwestern Pacific from early on the morning of December 25 up to the following morning, during which they sank one warship of unidentified category and a tugboat and heavily damaged two transports, a landing vessel and a submarine chaser, besides raided two points on Pilelo Island off New Britain, according to a communiqué released by the Imperial Headquarters. The same communiqué adds that Japanese naval air formations intercepted about seventy American machines that came attacking Rabaul on the morning of December 25 and shot down twenty of them. The Japanese side in these operations lost nine planes. 1943.12.27 — Defensive fighting continues with unremitting vigour near Vitebsk, according to a German official announcement. Reich military experts describe the strong Soviet attacks in this area as the first phase of the Soviet winter offensive. 1943.12.27 — A formation of German naval forces under the command of Rear-Admiral Bey, in the Arctic Sea attacked a British convoy bound for the Soviet Union on December 26 and inflicted heavy damage on the escort vessels. In a prolonged encounter with British naval forces the German battleship Scharnhorst commanded by Captain Hintze sank after firing the last round of ammunition. 1943.12.28 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese air units in raiding American positions in New Britain on December 26 and 27 sank two cruisers, four transports, two torpedo boats, heavily damaged three large transports and shot down sixty-one machines. Meanwhile, two large enemy cruisers and two transports were sunk when Japanese naval warplanes made a surprise attack on an American convoy in Borgen Bay at noon on December 26. They also incapacitated three other large transports, the sinking of which was believed certain, and shot down twenty aircraft, including five probables. In this engagement Japan lost seventeen planes. 1943.12.28 — A 5,000-ton transport anchored in Chittagong Harbour, eastern India, was set ablaze and harbour facilities and a group of warehouses received direct hits when planes of the Japanese Army air force in Burma in large fighter-bomber formations on December 26 carried out a raid on Chittagong. In a fierce serial engagement with more than twenty fighters, they shot down seven Spitfires and one North American P-51 to the loss of three machines. 1943.12.28 — A census of the population of Japan Proper is to be taken at midnight on February 22, 1944, in accordance with Article I of the Resources Investigation Law, it is announced by the Board of Information. 1943.12.29 — British forces in the morning of December 28 attempted an unsuccessful commando raid on the Island of Sark located in the English Channel, fifteen miles off the coast of Cherbourg, France, it is revealed. 1943.12.30 — The people throughout the Philippines greet the first Rizal Day since the attainment of independence. Solemn rites are observed before Dr. José Rizal's memorial statue at Luneta Park. 1943.12.32 — Fourteen enemy submarines lurking in waters in and around Japan and also in other areas were sunk between October and today by Japanese warships as well as by Army and Navy air units, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.01.01 — His Majesty the Emperor of Japan is occupied with affairs of State from early morning till late at night and is always thinking of the people and the war of greater East Asia, according to a statement issued by Imperial Household Minister Tsuneo Matsudaira. 1944.01.01 — "The one hundred million of Japan have assumed battle positions," declares Premier General Hidéki Tohjo in his inspiring New Year message to the nation and extends the heartfelt gratitude of Japan to its allies in Europe. 1944.01.01 — Foreign Minister Mamoru Shighémitsu in a broadcast address to the Japanese nationals remaining in enemy countries tells them that, when America and Britain are defeated, they will be rewarded for the hardships they are experiencing now. 1944.01.01 — In a New Year's message to the German people, Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler outlines the developments of the war from its start, assails Britain for instigating the war and assures his listeners that, though great trials are to be expected, he is confident of victory. 1944.01.02 — Looking back over the battle results scored by the Japanese expeditionary forces in central China during the past year, it is found that the Chungking side was caused to leave behind 104,689 bodies, and that 31,268 troops either gave themselves up or were taken prisoner. It is also found that among the principal items seized were 387 cannon and 1,638 machine-guns. 1944.01.02 — The construction of a greater East Asia does not in anyway mean the acceptance of a Monroe Doctrine for greater East Asia and naturally it does not deny and friendly collaboration of nations other than those in greater East Asia, declares Vice-President Chou Fo-hai of the Nanking Government in his New Year radio message in response to Premier General Hidéki Tohjo's radio address. 1944.01.03 — A Japanese Navy air unit in an attack on an American convoy off Cape Merkus on New Britain Island on December 31 sank a medium-sized transport and one or more small transports and shot down four planes ; and on January 1 and 2 the same unit over Kavieng, on New Ireland, and Rabaul, New Britain, destroyed scores of American aircraft, according to a communiqué issued by the Imperial Headquarters. Altogether forty-seven American planes were downed. 1944.01.03 — President Jose P. Laurel carries out reorganization of the Philippine Cabinet, as a result of which nine Ministries are created, including the Home Affairs and Education. President Laurel holds the concurrent post of Minister of Economic Affairs. 1944.01.03 — Dr. Joseph Goebbel, German Propaganda Minister, gives a special interview to Japanese correspondents in Berlin when he delivers a New Year message to the Japanese people. Dr. Goebbel assures the Japanese scribes that Germany will surely start a large-scale retaliative bombing operation against England. 1944.01.03 — In aerial operations against the enemy air bases in China and on the Burma and New Guinea fronts, approximately 470 planes were either shot down or damaged during the one-month period of December last year by the Japanese Army air units, it is disclosed by the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.01.03 — Reports that the Red Army is nearing the pre-war Polish border are causing anxiety in the United States and Britain regarding the Soviet policy toward Poland, according to reports from Buenos Aires. 1944.01.03 — Posthumous honours are granted to 5,045 fallen officers and men of the Japanese Army for their distinguished services in the Philippine, Burma and north and central China campaigns, including Lieutenant-General Yadoru Arisuyé. 1944.01.05 — Japanese Army air units are daily dealing heavy blows to the American units which landed near Cape Gumbi, New Guinea Island, early on the morning of January 2, according to a communiqué released by the Imperial Headquarters. The American strength is less than one division. The communiqué adds that Japanese units which have concentrated their forces in the area northwest of Kalasa in the vicinity of Finschhafen, New Guinea Island, are adjusting their position. Since the latter part of September of last year up to the present, the United States has suffered in the southwestern Pacific area casualties of about 16,000 men, while the killed and wounded on the Japanese side are about 3,000. 1944.01.05 — Sumner Welles, former American Undersecretary of State, in a recent issue of La Nacion, influential Argentine paper, stated that the United States diplomatic policies "are strongly coloured with imperialism." 1944.01.05 — An agreement to supply rice and its by-products to Japan by French Indo-China during 1944 is signed between Governor-General Jean Decoux of French Indo-China and Ambassador Kénkichi Yoshizawa. 1944.01.05 — The Office of War Information, Washington, announces as follows the casualties of the American fighting forces since the start of the current war : killed 30,107, wounded 40,545, missing 30,138, captured 20,993, or a total of 121,581. 1944.01.06 — Japanese Navy air units shot down twenty-one American fighter planes, including five probables, out of a formation of fifty-two that came attacking Rabaul on the mornings of January 3 and 4, while other Japanese Navy air units together with comrade destroyer squadrons destroyed twelve out of about seventy six planes which attempted to raid Kavieng on the morning of January 4, it is revealed by the Imperial Headquarters. The Japanese side in these operations lost five planes at Rabaul and one destroyer at Kavieng was slightly damaged. 1944.01.06 — President General Pedro Ramirez of Argentina, it is reported, has ordered the strengthening of press regulations. The action is viewed as aiming at the suppression of all newspapers supported by foreign capital. 1944.01.07 — Japanese ground units garrisoned at Shoreland Island shot down on American planes on the morning of January 3 when a formation of eighty-one deck-bombers attempted to attack Japanese positions, it is made known. 1944.01.07 — The promotion of Lieutenant-General Rikichi Ando, commander of the Army in Formosa, to full-ranking general is announced by the War Ministry. The appointment of Lieutenant-General Issaku Nishihara as Director-General of the Army mechanized and armoured force headquarters is also announced. 1944.01.07 — Japanese Navy air units on January 5 made night raids on the airfields and military establishments on Makin and Tarawa Islands of the Gilbert Group. All the Japanese planes returned safely. 1944.01.08 — Japanese Navy air units shot down thirty-nine American planes, including seven probables, out of a formation of more than 270 attempting to raid Rabaul on the mornings of January 6 and 7, says the Imperial Headquarters. Two Japanese planes were lost. 1944.01.08 — Subhas Chandra Bose, Head of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind, arrived in Burma by air on January 7 and there he announced the advance of his Government into Burma. 1944.01.09 — Premier General Hidzki Tohjo exchanges radio greetings with President Wang Ching-wei on the occasion of the first anniversary of China's entrance into the war of greater East Asia. 1944.01.10 — Japanese Navy air units shot down fifty-two American planes, nineteen unconfirmedly, out of a formation of more than 130 that came attacking Rabaul on the morning of January 9, according to a bulletin released by the Imperial Headquarters. Two of the intercepting Japanese planes failed to return. 1944.01.10 — Count Galeazzo Ciano, former Italian Foreign Minister, and seventeen other members of the former Fascist Grand Council have been given death sentences by a special tribunal, says a Berlin dispatch. 1944.01.10 — The offensive of the Soviet forces on the eastern front continues unaffected. The Soviet forces have made their appearance west of Sarni, Novgorod and Volinsk and are getting into a position to threaten the Rovno area. 1944.01.11 — Count Galeazzo Ciano, former Italian Foreign Minister, and three other members of the defunct Fascist Grand Council, were executed by a firing squard in Verona at 9 a.m. today, as they were found guilty of treason. 1944.01.11 — President Rossevelt in a message sent today to the opening of the second session of the seventy-eighth Congress demanded authority to introduce a general compulsory labour service as the main item of a five-point legislative programme. 1944.01.12 — The Japanese Army in Formosa announces the attack of several enemy bombers on Takao and Ensui at about 10 p.m. on January 11. 1944.01.12 — The comprehensive war results scored by the Japanese air units during December over the Burma-India border have been found on the basis of more detailed survey to be 153 planes shot down, damaged, bombed and set afire, reveals in a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.01.12 — Head of State and Premier Ba Maw of Burma announces the reform of the basic structure of the local administration. The entire territory of Burma is to be divided into four commissioners' divisions to facilitate wartime administrative control. 1944.01.13 — The new tax increase plan is made public by the Finance Ministry of Japan. The measure is intended for the absorption of purchasing power and the adjustment of consumption so as to cope with the enormous outlay of war expenses. The increase in the Government's revenue in a normal year resulting from the direct tax increase is estimated to total ¥1,692,000,000, which represents sixty-four per cent. of the entire gain in revenue amounting to ¥2,500,000,000. 1944.01.13 — During 1943 the Japanese forces in North China realized the following results against the Chinese Communist troops : number of military engagements 15,238 ; enemy strength encountered 2,034,561 ; enemy dead left behind 109,862 ; prisoners taken 74,343 ; enemy surrendered 115,721 ; military establishments destroyed 3,005 ; and an enormous amount of munition seized. 1944.01.13 — President Roosevelt submits to Congress another $100,000,000,000 wartime budget. The figure will swell the United States' total spending programme since June, 1941, to $397,000,000,000. The budget transmitted covers the fiscal year ending June 30, 1944. 1944.01.14 — Between November 19 last and January 11 Anglo-American planes raided Bangkok for four times, it is revealed. 1944.01.15 — Intercepting about 160 American planes that came attacking Rabaul on the morning of January 14, Japanese Naval air units shot down sixty-five of them, including eighteen probables, says a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. It adds that naval air units attacked the American airfields, barracks and supply dumps at Torokina and Munda from the night of January 13 to the dawn of the following day. Four Japanese planes failed to return from these raids. 1944.01.15 — The total number of American planes that came attacking Rabaul during the one month from December 11 to date reached 1,347, of which 393 were shot down. Against this, the Japanese loss was forty-six planes. 1944.01.15 — The third Japanese coast defense ship Hukaku No. 2 is launched at a certain shipyard in the Keihin district in the presence of Admiral Soyému Toyoda, commander-in-chief of the Yokosuka Naval Station. 1944.01.16 — Japanese Army air units in the New Guinea area on January 15 surprise-raided and attacked the American airfields at Madzab, Marawasa and Tenli and caused damage to the installations attached thereto and the quartering area, and obtained the following war results : shot down six planes ; damaged and set ablaze thirty-four machines. All Japanese planes returned safely. 1944.01.16 — A severe earthquake devastated the city of San Juan in Argentina today. As the earthquake occurred at night many lives were lost. The number of dead and injured is heavy. The greater part of the city was destroyed. The Government has taken prompt action to relieve the distress of the sufferers and remove the dead. 1944.01.17 — The Bolivian Government announces that all Japanese-owned commercial firms within the country will be placed under official supervision, says a report received in Buenos Aires from La Paz. 1944.01.18 — Japanese naval air units, surface units and ground units intercepted and attacked about 200 American planes that came attacking Rabaul on the morning of January 17 and shot down 102 of them, whereof seventeen unconfirmed, according to an announcement of the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.01.18 — Two emergency measures of much significance for the completion of the manpower mobilization system of Japan are adopted by the Cabinet. One is called the "emergency national work mobilization programme" and the other the "emergency students' work mobilization programme." 1944.01.18 — Supplementing the ¥1,609,000,000 direct tax plan drafted for the eight fourth session of the Diet and announced by the Finance Ministry on January 13, a ¥849,000,000 indirect tax increase plan is announced by the same Ministry. 1944.01.19 — Units of the Anglo-American forces under Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, commander-in-chief of the allied forces in southeastern Asia, are reported to have moved in a guerrilla-like advance to the Maungdaw area in Burma and engaged in intense fighting with the Japanese garrison forces. 1944.01.19 — Japanese naval air units in two surprise raids on the night of January 18 assaulted American military installations on Tarawa Island, it is disclosed. All Japanese planes returned safely. 1944.01.19 — A formation of forty-five American planes came attacking Japanese positions at Hansa located between Wewak and Madang in New Guinea on January 18, it is made known. Japanese anti-aircraft batteries shot down three B-24's and lost ten in killed and wounded. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XIII No. 7-9 (July-September 1944) --- (covers 1943.08.01 to 1944.07.30) 1944.05.21 — An American task force on May 20 appeared in waters east of the Ogasawara Group and air-raided Minamitorishima Island on that day and on the following day, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. Japanese units stationed there shot down more than thirty-two planes. Damage on the Japanese side was slight. 1944.05.23 — Mr. Kumataro Honda, former Japanese Ambassador to China, is appointed diplomatic adviser to the Foreign Office. Foreign Minister Mamoru Shighémitsu earlier enlisted the service of Mr. Toyotaro Yuki, former governor of the Bank of Japan and former Finance Minister, to act in an advisory capacity for the Foreign Office on international financial affairs. 1944.05.24 — The Japanese forces in the Honan area, in co-operation with the units that had advanced southward from the Shansi sector, have already annihilated the mainbody of the Chungking troops in the first war zone and is now continuing operations, the Imperial Headquarters reveals. The principal war results since the start of the Honan campaign up to May 21 include bodies picked up about 34,800 and about 9,400 taken prisoner, planes shot down eighteen and 11,000 rifles, 206 guns of various types, 108 automobiles, six locomotives and 123 freight cars captured. The Japanese losses are 880 killed. 1944.05.24 — Japanese advance units storm Lushih, the advance base of the American air force in China, and after a night-long battle occupies it. Lushih is located twenty-five kilometres of the Shensi-Honan border. 1944.05.25 — The complete occupation of Loyang, the vital base of Chungking's first war zone, is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. It is disclosed that the principal war results known up to the present are more than 2,000 bodies abandoned and over 4,000 prisoners taken. War trophies consist of fifteen guns and about 800 firearms. 1944.05.25 — The Japanese units stationed on Otorishima (Wake) Island shot down thirty planes and damaged two others when aircraft formations from an American task force on May 24 raided the island, it is revealed in a communiqué issued by the Imperial Headquarters. Damage on the Japanese side was negligible. An aggregate total of 280 planes attacked the island in seven waves. 1944.05.27 — In the Japanese capture of Loyang, Chungking in the first war zone suffered 4,386 in killed and lost 6,230 as prisoners, the Imperial Headquarters makes public in a supplementary check-up. The war trophies consisted of seventy-four various kinds of guns, 201 heavy and light machine-guns, 2,100 rifles and about 179,000 rounds of ammunition. The Japanese loss was eighty killed. 1944.05.29 — A final official tabulation reveals that Chungking in the Japanese capture of Loyang suffered about 4,800 in killed, while over 8,000 were taken prisoner. The loss in war accessories was quite extensive. 1944.05.30 — The Japanese units in the central China area on May 28 started offensive operations against the Chungking forces in the sixth and ninth war zones from areas on both sides of Lake Tungting in Hunan Province and are now continuing their advance, the Imperial Headquarters announces. 1944.05.31 — The Japanese air units stationed on Wiak Island, to the northwest of New Guinea, have sunk one American cruiser and one transport, as well as six or seven tug-boats and other vessels, the Imperial Headquarters makes known in a communiqué, which also reveals that the Japanese land and air units are giving battle to a powerful force that effected landing on Wiak Island on the morning of May 27. 1944.05.31 — Mahatma Gandhi is reported to have mentioned in a letter to Mr. M.R. Jayakar, leader of the non-party group in India, that "I cannot withdraw the resolution passed by the National Congress in August, 1942, calling on Britain to withdraw from India." 1944.06.02 — General Shunroku Hata, commander-in-chief of the Japanese forces in China, is made a member of the Supreme Council of Field-Marshals and Fleet-Admirals and is conferred the title of field-marshal, it is announced by the War Ministry. 1944.06.03 — The occupation of Pingkiang in Hunan Province, eighty kilometres northwest of Changsha, is admitted by Chungking. 1944.06.03 — President Wang Ching-wei of the Nanking Government, who has been recuperating in Japan following an operation in April, is now on his way to complete recovery, according to a statement issued by Nanking's Foreign Minister Chu Min-yi, who is visiting Japan for a short time. 1944.06.04 — Japanese units in concert with other units that had deployed from the area in the vicinity of Hollandia, New Guinea Island, have repeatedly launched shock attacks since May 27 against the powerful American forces that landed on the western part of the island in the middle of May, says a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. The Japanese units, the communiqué adds, are now continuing their activities. 1944.06.05 — The evacuation of Rome is ordered by the Fuehrer to spare the Eternal City from the ravages of war, and so the German forces withdraw to new positions outside of Rome. 1944.06.06 — The Anglo-American forces start landing operations at several points on the western coast of France early this morning. The German military authorities announce that the Allied troops have began landing operations at the mouth of the Seine River, and that air-borne troops have landed on the northern part of the Normandy peninsula. 1944.06.06 — King Victor Emanuele abdicates and relinquishes his position to Crown Prince Umberto, who, however, will remain as Viceroy of Italy. Marshal Pietro Badoglio tenders his resignation to Viceroy Umberto, who orders the formation of a new Cabinet. 1944.06.06 — Japanese air units at dawn on June 5 attacked a group of American warships off the southern coast of Wiak Island, New Guinea, and sank one cruiser and one destroyer. 1944.06.07 — Japanese Army and Navy units shot down or damaged a total of 908 Anglo-American planes, including gliders, in their offensive and intercepting operations against the Anglo-American air forces during May in the vast war theatre extending from south to north, the Imperial Headquarters announces. During the same period, the loss on the Japanese side was 111 planes. 1944.06.07 — The Anglo-American forces which landed on Guernsey and Jersey Islands in the English Channel have been wiped out, according to the German high command. In the area south of Cherbourg, likewise, a whole division of air-borne troops has been liquidated after several hours' fierce combat, the German high command adds. The region between the mouths of the Orne and Vire Rivers continues to be the main fighting area. 1944.06.08 — German counter-thrusts are blocking the advance of British tank formations from the beachheads to main positions of Germany on the northern French coast. The beachhead established by the Allied forces in southwestern Carentan is only six kilometres long and five kilometres deep. Bayeaux is evacuated by German forces and fierce fighting is reported west of Orne. 1944.06.09 — The firm conviction of the Japanese nation that Germany will emerge triumphant is expressed in a message sent by Premier General Hidéki Tohjo to Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler. 1944.06.10 — In compliance with orders of Viceroy Umberto, Ivanoe Bonomi, former Premier, forms a new Cabinet. Two Communist representatives are included in the Ministry, one as Agriculture Minister and the other as Minister without portfolio. 1944.06.12 — The battle on the Karelian Isthmus, which began two days ago, continues with unabating vigour with the Soviet Union throwing into the battle new divisions and tank formations in order to break through the Finnish front. 1944.06.13 — Henry Morgenthau, Jr., American Secretary of the Treasury, declares that America's total war expenditure up to the present is $250,000,000,000. In a speech delivered at Texarkana, Arkansas. 1944.06.14 — Japanese forces sank one American warship and shot down more than 121 planes and damaged three others in intercepting an American task force that appeared in the sea area east of the Mariana Group on June 11, the Imperial Headquarters announces in a communiqué. The same communiqué adds that American carrier-borne planes raided Japanese bases at Saipan, Tenian and Oniyaiima (Guam) from the afternoon of the same day up to the morning of June 13, when part of the warships of the task force carried out a bombardment. 1944.06.15 — Japanese air units in the China area shot down, damaged or set ablaze a total of 143 American-Chungking planes in the period from June 1 to 12 and sank or damaged eighty-eight vessels laden with troops and ammunition, according to the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.06.16 — Japanese forces shot down seven American planes and damaged three others in the northern Kyushu district early on the morning of June 15, states a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. The communiqué further discloses that damage to ground establishments was extremely slight, but several persons were killed or wounded. 1944.06.16 — The American forces that attacked the Mariana Group on the morning of June 15 planned to land on Saipan Island, but were attacked and repulsed twice on the beach, the Imperial Headquarters announces. It, however, adds that the American forces again attacked the island at about noon the same day and a fierce fighting is now in progress. 1944.06.16 — Japanese units shot down more than seventeen American planes in intercepting an air formation that raided Chichijima and Yiojima Islands in the Ogasawara Group on the morning of June 15, when an American task force came attacking the Ogasawara Islands, it is officially revealed. The damage on the Japanese side was slight. 1944.06.17 — One American battleship was heavily damaged off Tenian Island in the Mariana Group on June 16, when the Japanese forces there bombarded a fleet of American warships approaching the island. 1944.06.17 — London and southern England begin to be bombarded by Germany through the use of the new flying weapon known as "dynamite meteors," or V-1s. 1944.06.18 — Attacks by German "dynamite meteors" continue over London and southern England. 1944.06.20 — Japanese air forces sank five American warships, that is, one battleship, two cruisers, one destroyer and one submarine, and damaged more than seventeen additional warcraft, consisting of over four aircraft-carriers, two battleships, four cruisers, six transports and one warship of an unidentified category, in addition to shooting down more than 300 aircraft, from June 12 to date, the Imperial Headquarters announces in a communiqué. It is, at the same time, disclosed that the American forces that assaulted Saipan Island gained a foothold on one of the corners of the island on the afternoon of June 15 and later reinforced their position. The American task force which has approached the sea area near the Mariana Group is a large task force with many aircraft-carriers and battleships as its mainstay. The Japanese side has suffered damage in shipping and aircraft. 1944.06.20 — Japanese units in the Hunan area occupied Changsha and Liling on the evening of June 18, it is made public by the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.06.21 — The Japanese military authorities at Takasu, Wakamatsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, on June 19 cremated and gave fitting burial to one of the members of the crew of a B-29, which had been shot down in northern Kyushu when a formation of American planes conducted a raid on June 16. 1944.06.23 — Part of the Japanese Combined Fleet sank or damaged more than five American aircraft-carriers and one battleship and shot down over 100 planes in a forestalling attack against an American task force composed of three groups in the sea area west of the Mariana Group on June 19 and 20, the Imperial Headquarters announces. The Imperial Headquarters further states that the Japanese forces have not been able to inflict a decisive blow upon the task force. In this attack, the Japanese side lost one aircraft-carrier, two oil tankers and fifty aircraft. 1944.06.23 — An American assault on Cherbourg was begun yesterday. The American attacking divisions are commanded by General Omar Bradley. 1944.06.24 — Japanese air units shot down fifteen American ship-board planes out of a formation of about seventy early on the morning of June 23 in an intercepting attack against an American task force that assaulted Omiyajima Island (Guam). Before daybreak of June 24, a group of American planes came attacking Yiojima Island in the Ogasawara Group. Japanese units stationed there repulsed the raiders. 1944.06.25 — Japanese units sank two American warships of unidentified types in waters off Yiojima Island early on the morning of June 24 when they attacked an American task force. On the same morning, air units stationed on the island shot down more than thirty-seven planes in a fierce aerial combat with over sixty deck machines that attempted to attack the island. Part of the Japanese planes have failed to return. 1944.06.26 — The talks between Henry Wallace, United States Vice-President, and Chungking leaders have ended. They are reported to have discussed various matters of "common interest.'' 1944.06.27 — Japanese naval corps secured control of the waterway between Yochow and Changsha on June 26, according to an official announcement. 1944.06.29 — The Japanese forces operating in the Hunan area occupied the airfield at Hengyang, the vital advance base of the American air force in China, and the airfield is already being used by Japanese planes, the Imperial Headquarters discloses. The composite results obtained by the Japanese in the Honan area since the commencement of the operations up to June 20 include bodies picked up 61,862 and prisoners taken 19,777, in addition to a great amount of war trophies. The Japanese side lost 2,008 in killed. 1944.06.30 — Acting in concert with the operations in the Hunan area, the Japanese forces in the Shanghai area on June 10 started an offensive against Chungking troops in the third war zone and on June 26 reduced Chuchow, a key position, reveals the Imperial Headquarters. The offensive is continuing. 1944.06.30 — The severance of diplomatic relations between the United States and Finland is officially announced in Washington. 1944.06.30 — German troops arrive in Finland in accordance with a new agreement concluded between the two countries based on Finland's desire for German aid. 1944.07.01 — Japanese air units sank two American aircraft-carriers and two warships of unidentified category and shot down more than fifty-five planes on June 24, when they intercepted an American task force heading north at a point south of the Ogasawara Islands, according to the Imperial Headquarters. In this engagement the Japanese side lost forty-six planes. The Imperial Headquarters adds that the war results obtained by Japanese air units in the Marianas as known from June 20 up to 30 are one battleship, two cruisers, two destroyers and two transports sunk, two aircraft-carriers and five transports damaged and 211 planes shot down. 1944.07.03 — The Japanese forces in South China, in collaboration with the operations in the Hunan area, commenced an offensive against the Chungking troops in the seventh war zone on June 27 and are now advancing northward along the Canton-Hankow Railway, says the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.07.04 — The Japanese forces stationed on Yiojima and Chichijima Islands in the Ogasawara Group, engaging American deck planes, have shot down over thirty machines up to the present since yesterday, the Imperial Headquarters reveals. It is, at the same time, stated that the Japanese units on Saipan Island are fighting a strong American force along the line extending from the town of Garapan to Mount Tapocho and Donnie. 1944.07.03 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that fighting on Saipan Island has become confused. 1944.07.06 — It is made public that the American task force which appeared near Yiojima and Chichijima Islands on July 3 retired on the afternoon of the next day after losing seventy-four planes. The loss on the Japanese side was thirty planes and five vessels. 1944.07.06 — Field-Marshal Günther von Kluge assumes the command of the western front succeeding Field-Marshal Gertvon Rundstedt, who has been transferred to an important post, it is announced by the Fuehrer's headquarters. 1944.07.06 — Evacuation of all Londoners not urgently needed in the capital is requested by Prime Minister Churchill in his speech on the effects of the German secret weapon, dynamite meteor, at the House of Commons. He adds : "We do not want more people in London than are absolutely required for the conuuct of the war." 1944.07.08 — At about 2 a.m. today, more than ten American planes coming from a Chinese base attacked the western and northern districts of Kyushu, but they were promptly repulsed. 1944.07.08 — Missionaries of enemy nations in the Philippines, who in July, 1942, were temporarily released from detention through the generosity of the Japanese military authorities, have been re-detained in the Philippines, according to announcements made by the Japanese military authorities and the Philippine Government. This step has been taken, because there are among the missionaries many who have resorted to acts beneficial to the enemy nations. 1944.07.10 — Japanese air units in the Burma area destroyed and set ablaze twenty-three fighter and sixteen transport planes on the ground in their suprise attack on an American airfield at Myitkyina on July 7. All the Japanese planes returned safely to their base. 1944.07.11 — The régime of General Charles de Gaulle is recognized by the United States Government as the "actual working authority for the civilian administration of the occupied areas in France," according to a Lisbon dispatch. 1944.07.12 — The Japanese forces in the China area in the short period of nine days, from July 3 to July 11, either shot down or damaged and set ablaze more than 106 American-Chungking planes. The Japanese side in the same period lost only seven planes. 1944.07.13 — Units of the Japanese air force in China at daybreak, July 12, attacked the airfield at Chihkiang in Hunan Province, a base of the United States air force in China, and damaged or set ablaze two large-sized and forty-nine small-sized planes parked on the ground, the Imperial Headquarters announces. All the Japanese planes returned to their base safely. 1944.07.13 — Agreements are reached between Pier P. Spinelli, Italian Chargé d'Affaires to Nanking, and Dr. Chu Min-yi, Foreign Minister of the Nanking Government, concerning the relinquishment of Italian concessions and extra-territoriality and the giving up of the right to station Italian troops in Tientsin. The agreements are to take effect from July 14. 1944.07.14 — Japanese air units in China at dawn on July 13 raided the Kweilin airfield, the most powerful American air base in China, and obtained the following results: (1) set ablaze thirteen large-sized planes and forty-one small-sized planes ; (2) damaged ten large-sized planes and twenty-five small-sized planes ; (3) blasted and set ablaze air facilities on the ground at eight places. No Japa- nese plane was lost. 1944.06.17 — Japanese Army and Navy air forces shot down, damaged or set ablaze a total of more than 1,460 Anglo-American planes, including eleven B-29's, during the month of June in their offensive and intercepting operations in the various war zones extending from south to north, the Imperial Headquarters announces. In the same period, the Japanese side lost 369 planes. 1944.06.17 — Admiral Naokuni Nomura, commander-in-chief of the Kuré Naval Station, is formally installed as Minister of the Navy, in succession to Admiral Shighétaro Shimada. 1944.07.19 — Launching their final assault, the Japanese forces on Sapian Island, which had been engaged in a death struggle with the numerically superior American forces since June 15, charged into the enemy positions on the morning of July 7 and, by July 16, died gloriously in battle after inflicting enormous losses on the invaders, the Imperial Headquarters announces. The commander of the Army forces on the island was Lieutenant-General Yoshitsugu Saito, the commander of the Navy forces was Rear-Admiral Tukéhisa Tsujimura and the supreme commander of all the forces was Vice-Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, all of whom died in action. As for the Japanese residents on the island, they offered fullest co-operation to the Japanese armed forces, those able to fight actively participating in the fighting, and all seem to have shared the same fate as the armed forces. 1944.07.19 — General Yoshijiro Umézu, commander of the Kwantung Army, is appointed Chief of the Army General Staff. 1944.07.19 — Admiral Yorio Sawamoto, Navy Vice-Minister, is appointed commander-in-chief of the Kuré Naval Station, succeeding Admiral Naokuni Nomura, new Navy Minister. 1944.07.20 — His Majesty the Emperor of Japan commands General Kuniaki Koiso, Governor-General of Korea, and Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai, former Premier, to co-operate in organizing a new Cabinet following the wholesale resignation of the Tohjo Cabinet, which took place on July 18 for the reason "to infuse a new vigour into the administration in keeping with the stringent times." 1944.07.20 — An attempt was made on the life of Chancellor Adolf Hitler on July 19, but although some members of his entourage were wounded by a bomb explosion, the Fuehrer himself, aside from a few slight burns, sustained no injuries and at once resumed his work and as scheduled met Premier Benito Mussolini for a long conversation, it is announced by the Fuehrer's Headquarters. 1944.07.21 — Senator Harry S. Truman of Missouri is reported to have defeated Vice-President Henry A. Wallace and nominated the Democratic Party's vice-presidential candidate on the second ballot at the Decocratic National Convention in Chicago. 1944.07.22 — The line-up of the new Koiso-Yoani Cabinet is as follows : Premier, General Kuniaki Koiso ; Foreign Minister and concurrently Minister of Greater East Asiatic Affairs, Mamoru Shighémitsu ; Home Minister, Shighé Odachi ; Finance Minister, Sohtaro Ishiwata ; War Minister, Field-Marshal Ghén Sughiyama ; Navy Minister, Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai ; Justice Minister, Hiromasa Matsusaka ; Education Minister, Lieutenant-General Haruhighé Ninomiya ; Welfare Minister, Hisatada Hirosé ; Agriculture and Commerce Minister, Toshio Shimada; Munition Minister, Ginjiro Fujihara ; Minister of Transportation and Communications, Yonézo Mayéda ; Ministers of State without Portfolio, Chuji Machida, Count Hidéo Kodama and Takétora Ogata, the last-named concurrently assuming the Presidency of the Board of Information. 1944.07.22 — The Japanese forces on Guam Island are now fighting against an American force of about two divisions strong, which on the morning of July 21 effected landing on the western coast of the island, the Imperial Headquarters announces. 1944.07.22 — General Hidéki Tohjo, ougoing Premier, is placed on the retired list. 1944.07.23 — The new Premier General Kuniaki Koiso issues his first statement emphasizing the Government's drive for victory and asking the nation to co-operate. 1944.07.25 — Chancellor Adolf Hitler issues a decree to facilitate the all-out war effort of the area of the greater German Reich and the annexed and occupied territories. In accordance with the decree, the Fuehrer appoints Dr. Joseph Geobbels, Reich Minister of Propaganda and National Enlightenment, as Reich Commissioner for All-Out War Effort. 1944.07.26 — The Japanese garrison forces are now engaged in furious fighting with the American troops that landed on the northwestern part of Tenian Island on the afternoon of July 23, according to an announcement of the Imperial Headquarters, which also reveals that the Japanese forces from Sumatra Island sank two destroyers and one submarine and damaged another destroyer and shot down about twenty deck planes before repulsing a British task force consisting of cruisers, destroyers, submarines and aircraft-carriers that attempted to bombard Sabang on the morning of July 25. 1944.07.27 — Fierce fighting in two hemispheres has pushed the casualties of the United States past the 311,600 mark with more than 63,000 dead and exceeding the 278,828 total for the last World War, Henry Stimson, Secretary of War, reports. 1944.07.28 — The United States and Argentina recall their respective ambassadors. Argentine Foreign Minister Orlando Peluffo declares : "Our country's fundamental ideals are strict adherence to our policies and the maintenance of hemispheric solidarity." 1944.07.29 — The Phibun Songkhram Cabinet of Thailand has resigned en bloc, it is officially announced in Bangkok. The resignation is due to the refusal of the National Assembly to pass the urgent Royal ordinances for making Petchabun a special administrative district and for constructing a Buddhist city at Saraburi. 1944.07.30 — Japanese air units in China set ablaze and damaged a total of 119 planes of the China-based United States air force, besides blasting and causing fires to break out at nineteen airfield facilities in night attacks on July 27 and 28 on airfields at Liuchow and Kwelin in Kwangsi Province and Chihkiang in Hunan Province. 1944.07.30 — Premier Josef Stalin addresses a formal invitation to Premier Stanislav Mikolajczyk of the émigré Polish régime in London to come to Moscow to discuss muthal affairs. 1943.08.01 — The Japanese units in Omiyajima (Guam) are continuing their battle after shortening and adjusting their firing line in the sector north of the towns of Akashi and Showa, according to the Imperial Headquarters. The Japanese units in Tenian, the Imperial Headquarters reveals, had been fighting relentlessly, but the American forces on July 31 finally penetrated their last resistance line and, as a result, confused fighting is now taking place. 1943.08.01 — Burma today celebrates the first year of her independent career with fitting ceremonies. 1943.08.01 — The Thai Government announces the appointment of Major Khuang Abhaivongse as Premier of the new Cabinet, succeeding the Phibun Cabinet whose resignation en bloc took place late last month. 1943.08.01 — President Risto Ryti of Finland has resigned, while Field-Marshal Baron Karl von Mannerheim, commander-in-chief of the Finnish Army, has been appointed his successor, it is reported from Helsinki. 1943.08.01 — Manuel Quezon, former President of the Philippines, is reported to have died at his summer home at Saranac Lake, New York. 1943.08.02 — Admiral Koshiro Oikawa, former Navy Minister, is appointed Chief of the Naval General Staff succeeding Admiral Shighétaro Shimada, whose appointment as member of the Supreme Military Council together with Admiral Zéngo Yoshida, commander-in-chief of the Yokosuka Naval Station, is announced at the same time. Admiral Naokuni Nomura, Navy Minister in the Tohjo Cabinet, is appointed commander-in-chief of the Yokosuka Naval Station. 1943.08.02 — Prime Minister Winston Churchill speaking at the House of Commons disclosed that 4,735 persons have been killed, 14,000 more or less seriously injured by the German V-1 fire which also destroyed 17,000 and damaged 800,000 homes since the attacks began on June 15. 1943.08.03 — Japanese air units in the China area damaged and set ablaze a total of 113 planes of the China based American air force besides blasting and setting ablaze airfield installations at more than sixteen places on July 29, 31 and August 1 in their vigorous night attacks on airfields at Kweilin, Liuchow and Chihkiang in Kwangsi and Hunan Provinces, the Imperial Headquarters announces. Only one Japanese plane has failed to return. 1943.08.07 — A Supreme War Guidance and Direction Council replacing the hitherto existing liasion conference between the Imperial Headquarters and the Japanese Government has been newly established, the Board of Information reveals. 1943.08.06 — Crack Japanese units that captured the outer position of Hengyang acting in concert with the air force at 4 : 40 p.m. on August 4 launch a general attack to reduce Hengyang with the arrival of fresh reinforcements. 1943.08.07 — Japanese forces damaged one cruiser and shot down more than forty-one American aircraft on August 4 and 5 after intercepting a fleet of several cruisers and destroyers that attacked Chichijima and Yojhima Islands in the Ogasawara Group, says a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.08.08 — Japanese forces which started the general attack on Hengyang on the evening of August 4 completely reduce the walled town at 8 a.m. today after annihilating four divisions of Chungking troops that had been offering resistance in concert with American troops in China, according to the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.08.08 — Premier General Kuniaki Koiso in a radio address this morning declares that the Government is determined to bring about the stabilization of the people's livelihood, rapid expansion of the country's armed strength and attainment of final victory. 1943.08.08 — Eight officers, on being found guilty of an attempt to assassinate Fueheer Hitler on July 20 by a German People's Court, are sentenced to death. 1943.08.11 — The principal items of war results, states a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters, obtained at the time of the reduction of Hengyang known up to date follow : (1) prisoners captured 13,306, including Fang Hsien-chueh, commander of the 10th Army, and the commanders of the 3rd, 190th, and 14th divisions ; (2) enemy dead confirmed, more than 4,100 ; and (3) war trophies, guns of various calibres 101, heavy and light machine-guns 320, and rifles about 3,500. General Fang on August 10 unconditionally surrendered together with his staff officers. 1943.08.11 — Coming from a China base about twenty American planes raided the southern part of Korea, the western and northern parts of Kyushu and the Sanin district at about 1 a.m. today. 1943.08.12 — The Japanese forces in Burma are occupying the line extending from the area northeast of Buthidaung to the south of Maungdaw, while the Kaladan Valley, they are occupying the area near the Indo-Burmese border line closely facing the enemy, it is revealed in a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. The Japanese units operating in the Kohima and Imphal areas adjusted their firing lines in the neighbourhood of the Indo-Burmese border line early this month and are now making preparations for their next operations. On the nights of August 2 and 3 the Japanese units withdrew from Myitkyina to the vital point at the rear of the firing line. In the Nu River area, the Japanese units upon securing the various vital points on the west bank of the Nu River are blocking the reopening of the Ledo road. 1943.08.12 — Japanese Army and Navy air units shot down, set ablaze or damaged a total of 1,030 planes during July in their offensive and intercepting operations, according to the Imperial Headquarters. Losses on the Japanese side during the same period were thirty-four planes destroyed and 105 others damaged on the ground. 1943.08.14 — The Japanese units in the Hengyang area are now making preparations for a new operation, the Imperial Headquarters announces. It is also disclosed that the principal items in the composite war results since the commencement of the operations in the Hunan area on May 27 up to the reduction of Hengyang on August 8 are as follows : bodies picked up by the Japanese, 66,468, and troops taken prisoner, 27,467. War trophies captured include 535 guns of various calibres, 1,503 heavy and light machine guns, and 13,666 rifles. In addition, the Japanese side shot down, damaged or set ablaze a total of 869 planes in the same period. 1943.08.16 — Anglo-American troops landed at three places on the southern French coast early on the morning of August 15 from the sea and air. Landings took place first near Bormes, east of Toulon, second between Cannes and Nice and third in the area of St. Raphael. German forces are country-attacking. 1943.08.16 — The U.S. Treasury's Foreign Funds Control Division halts the withdrawal of Argentine gold from the United States. 1943.08.17 — The headquarters of the Japanese expeditionary forces in China in a statement declares that the purpose of the latest large-scale offensive operations which have been and are being carried out in North, Central and South China is to help realize the restoration of independence to China and to insure the wellbeing of the Chinese people in line with ethical principles. 1943.08.17 — President Roosevelt declares in a press interview that Allied forces will continue operations against both Japan and Germany until the two countries are completely, occupied even if they discontinue their resistance before their frontiers are reached. 1943.08.17 — Air-borne Allied troops occupy the city of Cannes in southern France. 1943.08.18 — The Allied invasion forces in northern France occupy Orleans south of Paris after a severe fighting with the German forces, according to an official communiqué of the Fuerhrer's Headquarters. 1943.08.19 — French Premier Pierre Laval is no longer staying in Paris, according to the Wilhelmstrasse spokesman, who also reveals that Otto Abetz, German Ambassador to Paris, have left Paris. The further adds that the French Government at Vichy has been contemplating on the transfer of its seat to another locality and indicates that the transfer may have already been made. 1943.08.20 — Japanese anti-aircraft units shot down more than ten planes of the China-based American air force, of which three are believed to have been rammed by Japanese planes, this afternoon when about eighty American planes in several echelon formations attacked Kyushu and the western part of the Chugoku area for about one hour from about 3 p.m., the Imperial Headquarters announces. Japanese forces captured some American airmen and crew members who had descended by parachutes from the planes which were shot down. Some damage on the ground was caused to the Japanese side. --- Contemporary Japan Vol. XIV No. 1-3 (January-March 1945) --- (covers 1944.02.01 to 1945.01.31) 1944.11.21 — Japanese air units sank two cruisers and damaged one aircraft-carrier and one battleship in waters east of Luzon Island on November 19, according to the Imperial Headquarters. Eight Japanese planes were lost. Other Japanese air units damaged four American transports on November 20, when they attacked a convoy in the sea area southeast of Guam. 1944.11.21 — Japanese forces blasted a total of thirty-two B-29 bombers in an engagement with seventy or eighty American aircraft that, coming from China, attacked the western part of Kyushu on the morning of November 21, reports the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.11.22 — Field-Marshal Shunroku Hata is appointed inspector-general of Military Education, and General Yasuji Okamura commander-in-chief of the Japanese expeditionary forces in China. 1944.11.22 — Japanese air units destroyed a total of thirteen B-29 bombers including one probable in the skies over Anhwei and Honan Provinces in a fierce pursuit operation which lasted for about two hours from 1 to 3 p.m. on November 21. 1944.11.24 — Some seventy American planes, coming from the Mariana Group, in several echelon formations appear over the skies of Tokyo shortly after noon and drop bombs. Three enemy planes are shot down. 1944.11.24 — Japanese warplanes attacked an American convoy and transport fleet in waters east of Mindanao Island from November 21 to 23 and damaged one aircraft-carrier and sunk two transports and one cruiser or destroyer, according to the Imperial Headquarters. Five Japanese planes failed to return. 1944.11.25 — Japanese air units sunk or damaged five American warships including one destroyer on November 22 and 23, says the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.11.25 — A total of fourteen American planes including those previously announced were shot down or damaged in the raid on Tokyo and its vicinity on November 24, states the Imperial Headquarters. Seven Japanese planes were lost. 1944.11.26 — Altogether eighty-nine American planes were set ablaze or damaged by Japanese air units in their two-day attack on Morotai Island on November 22 and 23, it is disclosed by the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.11.26 — Units of the Kamikazé special attack corps since the morning of November 25 have sunk two aircraft-carriers and one large cruiser in the sea east of Luzon. A Japanese submarine also sank one medium-sized carrier and one destroyer in the same area. 1944.11.26 — The decision to dispatch a diplomatic representative of the Japanese Government to the Provisional Government of Free India is announced by the Board of Information. 1944.11.27 — The occupation of Nanning, the last stronghold of the American air forces in Kwangsi province, China, by Japanese forces on November 24 is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. It is also revealed that the losses inflicted on the enemy in the present campaign since the beginning of September, including the Kweilin and Liuchow battles, totalled 39,000 in killed, and prisoners taken totalled 18,200. The Japanese killed numbered about 4,300. 1944.11.27 — Four large American warships were heavily damaged by the Yasukuni air unit of the Japanese special attack corps in the Gulf of Leyte on November 24 and 26, according to the Imperial Headquarters. It is also revealed that Japanese air units on the night of November 26 raided the Asalito airfield on Saipan Island blasting and setting ablaze several B-29 bombers. 1944.11.27 — Tokyo and other areas in Japan is bombed one and a half hours from 1 p.m. by about forty B-29 bombers coming from the Mariana Islands. 1944.11.27 — Edward Stettinius, Jr., American Under-Secretary of State, is nominated by President Roosevelt as Secretary of State in place of Cordell Hull, who has resigned his post. 1944.11.29 — The Hakko air unit of the Japanese Army's special attack corps with ten planes sank or damaged two American warships including one battleship and three heavy cruisers on November 27. 1944.11.30 — Six planes of the Yasukuni air unit of the special attack corps on November 29 attacked American warships in the Gulf of Leyte and sank one battleship and three large-sized transports besides damaging one battleship or cruiser. 1944.12.01 — Field-Marshal Rundstedt's forces in the Aachen sector opens a powerful counter-offensive against the American forces. 1944.12.02 — The Kaoru air commando of the Japanese special attack corps consisting of four transport planes made a surprise landing in the neighbourhood of the airfields at Dulag and Barnien on Leyte Island on the night of November 26, according to the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.12.03 — About seventy B-29 bombers, coming from the Mariana Islands, attack Tokyo and its vicinity from about 2 p.m. up to 3 : 30 p.m. Twenty-one planes (seven unconfirmed) are shot down. 1944.12.07 — Takachiho paratroops of the Japanese Army defected descents on various American air bases on Leyte Island on the night of December 6 and are now engaged in fighting, reveals the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.12.08 — In the past one year from December, 1943, to November this year, the United States forces lost 290 warships including seventy-seven aircraft-carriers, twenty-six battleships, sixty-five cruisers and forty destroyers either sunk or damaged in the various theatres of war in the Pacific, besides losing 4,270 planes shot down or damaged, it is made public by the Japanese authorities on the occasion of the third anniversary of the outbreak of the current war. 1944.12.08 — The approximate figures for the killed and wounded of the American and British forces accounted for by the Japanese Army and Navy in the past one year follow, according to the Imperial Headquarters : American forces 226,000 and British forces 78,000 (of which the British numbered about 20,000). The losses of the Japanese Army and Navy were about 168,000 killed and wounded. 1944.12.09 — Since the morning of December 7 an American force of about one division commenced landing in the vicinity of San Jose on the west coast of Leyte Island. 1944.12.09 — Japanese special attack corps sank one large transport, damaged and set ablaze two large transports and two warships of unidentified category, while other air units sank one transport, damaged one destroyer, one large transport and numerous landing barges, it is made known by the Imperial Headquarters. Attacking an American fleet in the Gulf of Leyte on December 7 the Kimo air unit sank one battleship and three transports. 1944.12.10 — Japanese air units on December 7 raided Calcutta and set on fire at least five B-29 bombers. 1944.12.11 — Six planes of the Tanshin air unit dashing into an American convoy in the Surigao channel southwest of Leyte Island on December 10 sunk two large transports, one cruiser or large destroyer and two large landing barges and damaged and set ablaze one large transport and one cruiser or large destroyer. 1944.12.12 — Japanese forces that have been advancing from the Hunan and French Indo-China areas effected junction at Suihsi about seventy kilometres southwest of Nanning on December 10, according to the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.12.14 — Two B-29 bombers were shot down and eight others damaged when Japanese anti-ai raid units counter-attacked a formation of about eighty Mariana-based American planes which raided Aichi and Shizuoka Prefectures on December 13. 1944.12.16 — About one division of American troops commenced landing in the vicinity of San Jose on Mindoro Island on the morning of December 15, according to the Imperial Headquarters. During the three days from December 13 to 15, Japanese warplanes sank four transports, heavily damaged and set ablaze eight transports, two battleships, three cruisers and two cruisers or destroyers and damaged six warships of unknown category. 1944.12.17 — Japanese air units on the evening of December 15 and at dawn of December 16 attacked an American fleet south of Mindoro Island in the Philippines and obtained the following results, according to the Imperial Headquarters : instantaneously sunk, one battleship or large cruiser ; and sunk, three large-sized transports and one medium transport. 1944.12.18 — About seventy B-29 bombers coming from the Mariana Islands attack Nagoya and its vicinity on the afternoon. In addition, a small number of American planes penetrate the Kinki district, but flee away without dropping bombs. In and around Nagoya seventeen machines (four unconfirmed) are shot down and several damaged. 1944.12.19 — Coming from the China area thirty or forty B-29 bombers attack Omura City and its vicinity in Kyushu in the morning. 1944.12.19 — As a result of minor reshuffling of the Koiso Cabinet, Mr. Shighéru Yoshida, former Welfare Minister, is appointed Munition Minister succeeding Mr. Ginjiro Fujihara, resigned. Admiral Seizo Kobayashi, president of the National Service Political Association, is appointed Minister without Portfolio. 1944.12.20 — German offensive operations on the western front take on added intensity. 1944.12.21 — The centre of the Anglo-American line on the western front is gashed by a huge gap, 100 kilometres wide, and the German troops cross the Liege-Bastogne-Arlon highway on a wide front, the German high command announces. 1944.12.22 — Coming from the Mariana Islands, about 100 B-29 bombers principally attack Nagoya and its vicinity in the afternoon. More than ten planes are shot down. 1944.12.23 — The Banda, Seiécho, Kokkyo, Wakazakura, Seika, and Jungi air units of the Japanese special attack corps together with other air units during three days from December 20 obtained the following war results in the vicinity of San Jose in Mindoro and in the Gulf of Leyte, the Imperial Headquarters discloses : San Jose : sunk, including those sunk instantaneously, four transports, two cruisers or destroyers ; set ablaze four transports, one cruiser, one cruiser or destroyer, two warships of unidentified category ; damaged one transport : Leyte : sunk one transport, damaged one large aircraft-carrier ; set ablaze one warship of unidentified category : Sulu Sea : sunk one transport and set ablaze one transport. 1944.12.23 — The war results achieved in the counter-attack on American planes in the skies over Nagoya on December 22, later confirmed, consist of twenty planes shot down, where of four unconfirmed, and damaged more than twenty planes, according to the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.12.23 — The Japanese Government filed on December 21 an emphatic protest with the American Government against the unlawful attack and sinking of the Japanese hospital ship Muro Maru by American aircraft on November 13, 1944, outside the Port of Manila, says the Foreign Office. 1944.12.24 — The Eisenhower headquarters issues a communiqué announcing the evacuation of the bridgehead at Ensdorf southeast of Saarlauten. 1944.12.25 — German vanguards advancing toward Sedan reach Libramont, only twenty-five kilometres from the French border. 1944.12.26 — Japanese warplanes on December 23 surprise-raided the airfield in Saipan Island and set ablaze five planes. From this attack two Japanese planes have not returned. 1944.12.27 — About fifty B-29 bombers coming from the Mariana Islands attack the Tokyo Metropolis this afternoon. War results known up to 3 p.m., according to the Imperial Headquarters, are : shot down fourteen planes (whereof five unconfirmed) and damaged twenty-seven planes. Of those shot down two were rammed. Losses on the Japanese side were four planes. 1944.12.28 — Japanese air and naval units on the night of December 26 dashed into the area off San Jose in Mindoro Island and sank four American transports and several torpedo-boats in the anchorage, it is made known by the Imperial Headquarters. One Japanese destroyer was heavily damaged. 1944.12.29 — Units of the Kamikazé special attack corps and other Japanese air formations blasted eight large transports on December 28 when they attacked an American convoy escorted by about twenty cruisers and destroyers steaming westward in the Mindanao Sea. 1944.12.30 — Japanese forces sank four large transports and one torpedoboat in addition to damaging two large transports, one cruiser and one destroyer during the period from the night of December 28 to the following morning, when they attacked an American convoy cruising westward in the Mindanao Sea. 1944.12.30 — Mr. Téruo Hachiya, former Minister to Sofia, is appointed first Minister Plenipotentiary to the Provisional Government of Free India. 1944.12.31 — Japanese special air units attacked an enemy reinforcement convoy proceeding to Mindoro Island on and after December 29 and sunk eight transports, heavily damaged five others, damaged one cruiser, and sunk instantaneously two cruisers. 1944.12.31 — General Rikichi Ando, commander of the Taiwan Army, is appointed Governor-General of Taiwan succeeding Admiral Kiyoshi Haségawa who is transferred to the Supreme Military Council. 1945.01.01 — The grand total of B-29 which have been shot down and damaged by Japanese air force from June 16, 1944, till the end of that year is approximately 330. During the same period about 4,000 men connected with these planes were killed. 1945.01.01 — Fueherer Hitler in his New Year message broadcast to the German nation declares that the German nation will not lose but win the war. 1945.01.02 — Admiral Bertram Ramsay, commander-in-chief of the United Nations invasion fleet, is killed in a plane crash over France, while on his way to Belgium for a conference. 1945.01.03 — About ninety B-29 bombers, coming from the Mariana Islands, attack Nagoya on the afternoon, while a part of them raid Osaka and Hamamatsu. The Japanese forces shoot down seventeen planes and damage twenty-five. 1945.01.04 — About 500 American planes mainly consisting of carrier-borne aircraft attacked Taiwan with their main force in several waves between 7 : 40 a.m. and 1 : 30 p.m. on January 3, while a part of them raided the Okinawa area, according to the Imperial Headquarters. Japanese forces shot down seventeen machines and damaged eight. 1945.01.07 — An American convoy early on the morning of January 4 entered San Jose Bay in Mindoro Island, while an American task force penetrated the area west of Panay Island on the same afternoon. Three planes of the Issei air unit of the Japanese special attack corps dashed against the task force on the evening of January 4 and sank instantaneously one aircraft-carrier and two battleships or cruisers, says a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. 1945.01.07 — The Japanese Government's decision to increase taxes by about ¥1,800,000,000 in a normal year is made public by the Board of Information. Emphasis will be laid on classified income tax, corporation tax and special corporation tax. 1945.01.06 — Three planes of the Shinshu air unit of the Japanese special attack corps sank one transport and set ablaze another transport and one oil tanker off San Jose on January 4. Moreover, four planes of the Issei air unit sank two aircraft-carriers and one battleship west of Luzon Island on January 5. 1945.01.07 — In an 8,000-word message sent yesterday to the newly convened seventy-ninth Congress, President Roosevelt stressed that the United Nations have reached the most critical phase of the war and demanded acceleration of America's war effort. 1945.01.07 — The American warships that appeared in waters west of Luzon Island under the protection of a task force entered Lingayen Bay on the morning of January 6 and bombarded the coast of that bay, says a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. Powerful convoys also are advancing westward in waters south of Mindoro Island as well as in the Mindanao Sea. Japanese air forces made continuous attacks and sank instantaneously three aircraft-carriers, one battleship, two battleships or cruisers, one cruiser, sank sixteen transports and damaged three aircraft-carriers, two battleships or cruisers, one large warship of unidentified category, one destroyer and two transports. 1945.01.09 — About sixty B-29 bombers, coming from the Mariana Islands, raid the Kwanto, Tokai and Kinki districts separately in the afternoon. 1945.01.09 — A total of 450 carrier-borne aircraft and a small number of large bombers from the China bases raid various parts of Taiwan in the morning and afternoon, it is announced by the Taiwan Army. Fifteen planes, of which four are unconfirmed, are shot down. 1945.01.10 — The American forces that entered Lingayen Bay on and after January 6 and have been bombarding the coastal area of the said bay commenced a landing in the vicinity of San Fabian as well as at Lingayen at about 9 : 40 a.m. on January 9. Counter-attacking the enemy troops, Japanese forces stationed in these areas are now engaged in fierce battles. 1945.01.10 — War results obtained in the intercepting battle on the afternoon of January 9 when B-29 bombers raided Japan proper follow, according to the Imperial Headquarters : shot down eleven planes, of which four were downed by ramming action, and damaged eighteen planes. Five Japanese planes were lost. 1945.01.11 — Japanese warplanes on January 9 sank one 300-ton vessel, one large cruiser and damaged two large transports in attacking a British convoy which was approaching Akyab, Burma. 1945.01.12 — The American forces that landed on the coast of Lingayen Bay in the Philippines number about two infantry and one tank divisions, according to the Imperial Headquarters. Japanese land forces are engaging them. Japanese aircraft on January 9 to 10 instantaneously sank one transport and two cruisers, sank two transports, one aircraft-carrier, one cruiser and two cruisers or destroyers, and heavily damaged and set ablaze seven transports, one aircraft-carrier, two aircraft-carriers or battleships, one battleship and two cruisers. 1945.01.13 — Japanese land forces fiercely engage the American forces that have landed in the vicinity of San Fabian and Lingayen. 1945.01.14 — Coming from the Mariana Islands, about sixty B-29 bombers attack Nagoya and vicinity in the afternoon. Several bombs are dropped in the precincts of the Isé Outer Grand Shrine, destroying two lodging mansions and five music halls. According to the Imperial Headquarters, nine planes are shot down and thirty-four damaged. 1945.01.17 — The American troops approach the area fronting the Japanese position in the mountain sector on both sides of the Pangasinan plains from Lingayen Bay. 1945.01.18 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that, since the withdrawal of Japanese units from the Akyab sector late in December last, British forces have advanced into Akyab. 1945.01.19 — The American troops in the Lingayen and Dagupan areas in the Philippines have advanced to the line along the Agno River, while part of the American forces in San Fabian has thrust into the first Japanese firing line in that sector, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. 1945.01.19 — About eighty B-29 bombers coming from the Marianas Islands attack the Osaka-Kobe district in the afternoon. Damage is inflicted on twenty-three of them. 1945.01.21 — Upon the re-opening of the Japanese Diet session Premier General Kuniaki Koiso delivers a long speech on administration, in which he squarely sees that Japan faces a serious situation in the war, but reassures final victory in Japan's favour. Foreign Minister Mamoru Shighémitsu in his speech emphasizes that Japan's ties with her allies remain firm. 1945.01.22 — Japanese forces in the Lingayen Bay area have already accounted for 6,000 American officers and men killed or wounded besides capturing or destroying fifty-nine guns, sixty-seven tanks, twenty-six automobiles and forty-two bivouacs, according to the Imperial Headquarters. 1945.01.22 — Units of the Kamikazé special attack corps blasted three American aircraft-carriers and one warship of unknown category shortly after noon on January 21 when they attacked an American task force in waters east of Taiwan, says the Imperial Headquarters. 1945.01.23 — With the new Soviet offensive started at Suwalki near the southeastern corner of East Prussia, the whole eastern front from Memel to the Carpathians is now on the move. 1945.01.24 — Japanese forces blasted sixty-three B-29 bombers in the counter-attacking operations against the seventy-odd planes that attacked the Nagoya district on January 23, the Imperial Headquarters announces. Six Japanese planes have failed to return. 1945.01.25 — About 120 British carrier-borne planes raided Palembang, Sumatra Island, on the morning of January 24. The Imperial Headquarters states that Japanese air and land forces stationed there shot down more than seventy-eight machines. 1945.01.25 — The 1945-46 fiscal year's budget of Japan is fixed at ¥26,500,000,000. 1945.01.25 — The Soviet forces have scored a break-through to the Baltic east of Elbing cutting off East Prussia from the west, while down south the Soviet spearheads have approached closer to Breslau by taking Oppeln in German Silesia and have formed a bridgehead on the Oder River, it is gathered. 1945.01.26 — Soviet tank spearheads on the eastern front advancing west and northwest from both sides of Posen and driving toward Driesen approach the vicinity of Brandenburg Province in which Berlin is situated. 1945.01.27 — About seventy B-29 bombers coming from the Marianas attack Tokyo Metropolis in several waves from 2 p.m. to about 3 p.m. They drop explosive and incendiary bombs causing damage at several places. 1945.01.28 — Twenty-two planes were shot down in counter-attacking the American air formations that attacked Tokyo Metropolis on January 27 and most of the remaining raiders were damaged, states the Imperial Headquarters. 1945.01.29 — The war situation in upper Silesia grows tense, though German resistance behind the Soviet spearheads continues furiously. 1945.01.30 — The Brandenburg rail junction of Kreuz on the Berlin-Danzig and Posen-Stettin trunk lines, approximately 173 kilometres from Berlin, is evacuated in view of strong Soviet pressure. 1945.01.30 — Fuehrer Hitler urges the German people to fight on more intensively for winning ultimate victory in an address to them on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of his assumption of the leadership of the Reich. 1945.01.31 — The Canton-Hankow Railway has been reopened with the junction effected by Japanese forces from north and south, according to the Imperial Headquarters. The junction was made at a point halfway between Lochang and Shaokwan in Kwangtung Province on January 27. The Suichwan airfield in Kiangsi Province has been occupied by Japanese forces, adds the Imperial Headquarters. 1945.01.31 — Japanese air and land forces shot down or damaged about ninety British carrier-borne planes on January 29 counter-attacking a total of about 139 aircraft of an American task force that attacked the Palembang sector in Sumatra, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1945.01.31 — An advance unit of the Soviet forces is reported to have reached a point about 100 kilometres off Berlin. 1944.02.01 — While some Soviet forces advance as far as the Sternberg-Zielenzig area, north of the Warthe River, other units reach the Küerstrin-Soldin area. 1944.02.02 — Fresh American forces on January 30 landed in the vicinity of Subic Bay, Luzon, according to the Imperial Headquarters. The war results scored by Japanese forces since the American landing on Lingayen Bay up to date are about 11,200 soldiers either killed or wounded and 114 tanks and seventy-one various kinds of guns destroyed or captured. On January 31 some American contingents also landed in the vicinity of Nasugbu, north of Manila Bay. 1944.02.03 — About 100 B-29 bombers attack Kobe and Miyé Prefecture in the afternoon. Some damage is caused. 1944.02.05 — American air-borne units, about one regiment strong, descended at Tagaytay, about fifty-five kilometres south of Manila, on February 3. On the same day part of American forces penetrated a corner of Manila. 1944.02.08 — The main body of the American invasion forces, surging into an area north of Manila after February 5, start a new offensive in an attempt to occupy Manila. In the area on the northern bank of the Pasig River heavy fighting goes on. The Nichols airfield, south of Manila, is unsuccessfully attacked by American units. 1944.02.08 — The central Oder becomes the scene of heavy fighting between German and Soviet forces. 1944.02.09 — Part of American forces in Manila started crossing the Pasig River at a point west of Malacaman Palace on February 7, reveals the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.02.10 — Count Hidéo Kodama, Minister without Portfolio in the Koiso Cabinet, is appointed Minister of Education succeeding Lieutenant-General Haruhighé Ninomiya, who resigns office on account of ill health. Katsuroku Aikawa, Welfare Vice-Minister, is appointed Welfare Minister in place of Hisatada Hirosé who is appointed Minister without Portfolio concurrently holding the post of Chief Secretary of the Cabinet. Takéo Tanaka, Chief Secretary of the Cabinet, resigns and is appointed a member of the House of Peers. 1944.02.10 — About ninety B-29 bombers attack the northern part of the Kanto district in the afternoon. Fifteen raiders are shot down. Seven Japanes planes are lost. 1944.02.11 — Japanese forces in China that have been advancing from Hengyang and Shaochow reduced the airfields at Nanyung and Kanchow one after another following the occupation of the Suichwan airfield, and on February 7 they captured the Hsincheng airfield, thereby completely reducing the American airfield group in the Suichwan-Kanchow district, it is made known by the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.02.14 — The city of Manila is literally turned into a sea of flames by the intense gunfire from the Japanese and American forces. 1944.02.15 — About sixty B-29 bombers attack Nagoya, Shizuoka and Miye Prefecture in the afternoon. 1944.02.16 — Powerful American task forces appearing in the neighbouring waters of Japan attack airfields in the Kanto district as well as in Shizuoka Prefecture with shipboard planes in waves from about 7 a.m. up to shortly after 3 in the afternoon. An American fleet comprising thirty-odd warships including battleships and aircraft-carriers bombard Iojima Island from early in the morning. 1944.02.17 — American carrier-borne planes resume attack on the Kanto district and Shizuoka Prefecture from about 6 a.m. According to the Imperial Headquarters, the results gained in counter-attacking the task forces from February 16 up to the present are 147 planes shot down, more than fifty machines damaged and one large warship heavily damaged. Sixty-one Japanese planes are lost. 1944.02.17 — American forces attempted to land on Iojima on February 17, but were repulsed. The war results obtained by Japanese air and defence forces since February 16 include : instantaneously sunk one battleship ; sunk two cruisers ; sunk two warships of unidentified category ; damaged three landing transports, and shot down ten planes. 1944.02.18 — The results gained in counter-attacking the carrier-borne planes that attacked Japan proper on February 17 follow : shot down 101 planes and damaged twenty-eight machines. Seventeen Japanese planes were lost. 1944.02.18 — Japanese submarines attacked an American task force in waters west of Lingayen on February 17 and sank one aircraft-carrier, one cruiser and one destroyer. 1944.02.19 — About 100 B-29 bombers attack Tokyo Metropolis and vicinities in the afternoon. Two raiders are shot down. 1944.02.19 — Japanese units sallying forth from the area east of Manila on February 14 attacked the flank of the American forces in the city. Fresh American contingents landed in the vicinity of the southern tip of the Bataan peninsula on February 15 and on Corregidor the following day, discloses an announcement of the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.02.20 — American forces began landing on Iojima on the morning of February 19, according to a communiqué of the Imperial Headquarters. --- The Japan Magazine v7.11 March, 1917 --- (covers January 1, 1917 to January 25, 1917) 1917.01.01 — New Year: national holiday. 1917.01.02 — Snowing. Streets and shops gaily decorated for the New Year. Shops show new goods, great quantities being piled up outside. 1917.01.03 — Miss Catherine Stinson, the American aviatrice, makes record flight at Osaka in face of strong gale, looping the loop several times. 1917.01.05 — Severe earthquake in Formosa, destroying sixty houses and killing thirty-three persons. Some 1,200 people left homeless. 1917.01.08 — The Chiyoda coast-guard ship foundered in a storm on her way from Port Arthur. 1917.01.10 — Emperor gives 30,000 yen to the fund for establishing a medical department at Keio-gijuku University. 1917.01.14 — The armoured cruiser Tsukuba blew up at Yokosuka, supposedly from spontaneous combustion, with loss of 153 lives. The cruiser was a ship of 13,750 tons, launched in 1905. The Tsukuba was the first modern warship built without a ram. 1917.01.16 — Lieutenant Yamamura, while piloting a Curtis aeroplane at Oppama, fell into the sea owing to being overturned by a gust of wind. As he was strapped to the machine he was under water 23 minutes and when rescued did not recover consciousness. 1917.01.21 — Imperial Diet reassembled after New Year holidays. Political parties hold caucus meetings and plan to move a motion of impeachment against the cabinet, the Kenseikai and the Tokuminto agreeing and the Seiyukai deciding to remain neutral. 1917.01.22 — A portion of the Koseikai party decides to join the Kenseikai and the Okuminto in moving a motion to impeach the cabinet. 1917.01.23 - Premier Count Terauchi, Viscount Motono, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Shoda, Minister of Finance, address the Upper and Lower houses of the Imperial Diet on the Government's policy. The Foreign Minister made special reference to the increasing friendship with Russia and the possibility of economic cooperation with the United States in China, with which country Japan desired cordiality. - Mr. Leo Tolstoi, son of the famous Russian author, visits Tokyo to make a study of Japanese literature and see historic places. - Lieutenant-General Ijichi died at Atami. He was a prominent officer in the wars with China and Russia, and received General Stoessel's surrender at Port Arthur, as representative of General Count Nogi. - Dr. Starr, of the University of Chicago, visits Japan for the third time, to take a long walking tour through the rural parts of the empire. 1917.01.24 — Budget Committee meets and decides to abandon establishment of a Sino-Japanese bank in Manchuria. 1917.01.25 — Motion of impeachment moved in the Imperial Diet asserting want of confidence in the Government on the score of having been formed and having acted in a matter not according to the Constitution of the empire. Before the motion was put to the House a mandate arrived from the Emperor declaring the Diet dissolved and calling for an appeal to the country. Accordingly a general election will be held on April 20th next. --- The Japan Magazine v7.12 April, 1917 --- (covers January 26, 1917 to February 23, 1917) 1917.01.26 — Suspension electric railway, the first of the kind in Japan, planned between Otawachi and Takayamachi in Gifu prefecture, a distance of over 71 miles. The new line will be a purely Japanese system, lighter in weight and less expensive than foreign systems. The South Sea Trading Company increased its capital to 3,000,000 yen and issued new shares. The company has planned a great extension of operations, with headquarters at Singapore, and new branches in Sumatra and the Philippines. 1917.01.27 — Big order for Japanese cocoons arrived from the Puhara districts of Central Asia through the Bank of Siberia, the order being necessitated by cessation of imports from Europe. Death of Count Munemoto Date, former lord of Sendai. The deceased nobleman was a descendant of the famous Date Masamune who despatched a mission to the Pope in the 17th century, with plans for Japanese expansion abroad. 1917.01.31 — Subscription to Russian 5 per cents reached 70,000,000 yen and had to close at 5 p.m. owing to large oversubscription. 1917.02.02 — A magazine in the godown of the Yokohama Warehousing Company blew up, causing a loss of 300,000 yen. 1917.02.03 — The Indian poet, Sir Rabindra Nath Tagore, arrived at Yokohama from the United States, en route to India. 1917.02.10 — Tachiyama, one of Japan's greatest champion wrestlers, planned a trip to the United States with a party of ten companions of the ring, to sail next June. 1917.02.12 — Government Commission appointed for the investigation of Finance, Trade and Diplomacy after the war, under the auspices of the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce, Finance, Communications and Foreign Affairs. Baron Hayashi, Japanese Minister to Pekin, arrived in Tokyo and reported improvement in relations with China, owing to the settlement of recent negotiations and the resolution of America and Japan to cooperate in the financing of China. Viscount Ookochi, Viscount Tsunetada Kato and Dr. Kawai were appointed to represent Japan at the International Conference to convene at Rome in April. Mr. Morisane Mita, of the Imperial Household Department and one of the leading French scholars of Japan, died. He had long been a tutor in the Imperial Family. 1917.02.15 — Department of Communications announces that since the beginning of the war 28 ships representing a tonnage of 147,500 had been sold to Foreign countries, chiefly England, Norway and Spain. 1917.02.16 — Mr. Akizuki, formerly ambassador to Vienna, was appointed head of the new investigation bureau organized on the 12th. 1917.02.17 — Mrs. Shohin Noguchi, one of the most famous painters of Japan, passed away at the age of 71. She had been art teacher to many of the members of the Imperial Family and other distinguished personages and won a high place at the art exhibitions of the nation. The annual meeting of the Bank of Japan announced that last year's transactions represented a total of 48,618,000,000 yen, which was 1,394,400,000,000 yen more than the previous year. 1917.02.19 — The Osaka Medical College and hospital were burnt with a loss of about one million yen. 1917.02.20 — Annual Meeting of the Bank of Chosen decides to increase capital to 20,000,000 yen, necessitated by expansion of business in Korea. 1917.02.21 — Resignation of Viscount Hanabusa, President of the Japan Red Cross Society, and of Baron T. Ozawa, vice-president of the Society. Surgeon-General Baron Ishiguro was appointed President and the Hon. S. Hirayama vice-president of the Society. A committee including such well-known names as Viscount Kaneko, Barons Shibusawa, Takahashi, Sakatani and Megata, Mr. Shidehara vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. J. Inouye, Dr. Takamine, Hon. Tokutaro Sakai and others, together with the American Ambassador and Dr. Teusler, were appointed for the improvement of relations with the United States. The first item on their programme is the hastening of cooperation between America and Japan in the finance and commerce of China. 1917.02.23 — Germany having determined upon a ruthless submarine warfare, Japan decided to arm merchant ships plying in waters of the war zone; and the shipping companies decided on an average 20 per cent increase in freight rates from April 1. --- The Japan Magazine v8.1 May, 1917 --- (covers February 27, 1917 to March 25, 1917) 1917.02.27 — Government permission given for professors in Imperial universities to offer themselves as candidates for election to the Imperial Diet, and due notice of such permission sent to university presidents. 1917.03.06 — Viscount Masatoshi Okoshi, Viscount Tsunetada Kato and Mr. Yabachi Kawai left as delegates to the International Conference on Commerce in Rome. 1917.03.08 — Lieutenant Sawada, one of Japan's most expert airmen, while flying in an aeroplane of his own design, fell from a height of 700 meters and was killed: cause unknown. Hon. George Wilkins Gutherie, American Ambassador to Japan, died of apoplexy in Tokyo. 1917.03.09 — Mr. Kuro Hosho, one of the foremost actors of Japan, died. 1917.03.10 — Inaugural meeting of the Japan Industry Club, comprising leading magnates of the nation. 1917.03.13 — Funeral of the late American Ambassador at Trinity Cathedral, Tokyo, attended by representatives of the Imperial Government and of his Majesty the Emperor, with a Guard of Honour from the Army. The body taken by train to Yokohama to be sent to the United States, the Imperial Government offering a warship for the purpose. 1917.03.14 — The various Chambers of Commerce of the empire met in Tokyo to discuss the problem of the British ban on exports. 1917.03.15 — Mr. Y. Yamaji, an eminent journalist and historian, died. The Exhibition commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the removal of the national capital to Tokyo opened at Uyeno Park. The Bank of Japan announced a reduction in the rate of interest on loans, owing to redundancy in the money market. With increasing income from exports, specie has accumulated until the note issue of the Bank of Japan has arisen to 410,000,000, while the legitimate margin of issue is only 105,000,000 yen. 1917.03.16 — Arrival of Mr. Wang Tah-Sieh, special envoy from Pekin, bringing the highest decoration of China to the Emperor of Japan. The Japanese Deposits Bureau accommodated France with a loan of 26,246,000 yen for one year and nine months at 6 per cent, and one per cent for underwriting. 1917.03.17 — Officials for the Chemical Industrial Exhibition were selected as follows: President, Viscount Kiyoura; vice-president, Baron Takei; Manager, Hon. S. Hirayama. The exhibition will open from Oct. 10 to November 20 and will represent Korea, Formosa, Kwantung and Saghalien as well as Japan proper. Japanese honourary consulate opened at Haifou, French Indo-China. 1917.03.19 — The one hundredth day after the death of Prince Oyama, when appropriate services were conducted at the tomb. 1917.03.20 — Dinner given by Premier Terauchi to leading political personages. Resignation of Count Yoshikawa as president of the Privy Council, Viscount Kiyoura being appointed to succeed him. 1917.03.21 — Three-million yen fund for soldiers of the Allies reached beyond the million yen mark. On account of severing diplomatic relations with Germany the Pekin Government asked permission of safe-conduct for the German Minister in Pekin while proceeding home by way of Japan and America. 1917.03.22 — Announcement by Department of Agriculture and Commerce of a tremendous increase in demand for Japanese paper in India and Australia. Exports have increased from 40,000 tons in 1915 to more than 100,000 tons this year, and will probably reach 200,000 tons before the end of the year. 1917.03.24 — Decision of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha to arm its liners proceeding to Atlantic waters, the Miyazaki Maru being the first one. 1917.03.25 — Warship Asama, which had been abroad and damaged off the American coast, returned to Japan for fuller repairs. --- The Japan Magazine v8.2 June, 1917 --- (covers March 28, 1917 to April 24, 1917) 1917.03.28 - An extraordinary Cabinet Council met to bring the budget for 1917 into final form. Revenue for the year was estimated at 608,529,641 yen and expenditure at 551,105,610 yen, the excess of revenue over expenditure to be placed as reserve. - The Imperial Privy Council issued regulations protecting the rights of Japanese and Swedish engineering firms in China. 1917.03.30 — A general meeting of the directors of the Toyo Kisen Kaisha passed resolutions disposing the profits for the last term and revising the regulations concerning warehousing and hotel management, the latter being a new department added to the company's enterprises. The total profits for the term were 3,250,099.98 yen. 1917.03.31 — Dr. S. Takezoye, formerly professor in the College of Literature in the Imperial University, Tokyo, and one-time minister to Korea, died. He was a master of the Chinese classics and an expert in the composition of Chinese odes. Among his more distinguished poems is the ode on the death of General Count Nogi. 1917.04.01 — Funeral of Lieutenant Sugino killed in an aeroplane accident in the suburbs of Tokyo, attended by leading officers of the army. 1917.04.03 — Jimmu Tenno-sai, the annual national holiday in memory of the demise of the first Emperor of Japan. The whole country a scene of beauty with cherry-blossoms, and vast crowds of people swarming everywhere to see them. 1917.04.04 — The clearing house banks give a dinner to Premier Terauchi and leading officials of the Imperial Cabinet, at which important addresses were delivered. 1917.04.06 - Vice-Admiral Murakami, Commander of the Third Squadron, was appointed Chief of Naval Education, while the former occupant of that position, Vice-Admiral Arima, was made Commander of the Third Squadron. - Matches stored in an Osaka warehouse spontaneously ignited, resulting in a 2,500,000 yen fire. 1917.04.07 — The new Asano dockyard at Tsurumi was formerly opened. The new yard has 20 docks and 20 cranes, and can accommodate ships of 700 feet, or over 30,000 tons. The capital of the company is 3,750,000 yen. 1917.04.11 - Anniversary of the death of the late Empress Dowager was duly observed with appropriate ceremonies at the Imperial Mausoleum in Momoyama, the Emperor being represented by H. I. H. Prince Kuni. - Mr. Lindsay Russell, president of the Japan Society of New York, who was staying in Tokyo, visited Premier Terauchi. - The National specie holdings reached at total of 736,000,000 yen. 1917.04.13 — The centenary of Tadataka Ino, the famous Japanese geographer who compiled the first map of the country, was commemorated at the Genkuji temple at Asakusa. A copy of this map was the first map of Japan introduced into Europe, brought thither by the famous Japanologue, Von Siebold. 1917.04.14 — Dinner given by General Oshima to patrons who support the Home for Disabled Soldiers at Koishikawa. Over 40 responded to the invitation; and Marquis Okuma made an address. 1917.04.15 — Returns from the Department of Agriculture and Commerce report a remarkable increase in the export of Japanese beer since the beginning of the war, rising from a value of 2,500,000 in 1916 to twice that amount in the succeeding year, an increase of 56 per cent. 1917.04.16 — Dr. Tanakadate, of the Engineering Department of the Tokyo Imperial University, the most noted Japanese authority on aeronautics, resigned on account of age. 1917.04.17 — The annual Imperial Cherry-blossom Garden Party was given at the Shinjuku Palace, attended by their Imperial Majesties and many distinguished Japanese and foreigners. 1917.04.18 - Imperial regulations were issued prohibiting trade with enemy nations, in accordance with the resolutions passed at the Economic Conference of the Allies held in Paris. - Professor Berry of the United States visited the Experimental Agricultural Farm and delivered a lecture on "The Land as the Basis of Civilization." 1917.04.20 — The General Election for members of the Imperial Diet was held, when the Terauchi Government was returned in triumph at the polls, with the following results: Seiyukai 111 → 159 (+48); Kenseikai 200 → 119 (−81); Kokuminto 28 → 36 (+8); Independent 42 → 67 (+25). The celebrated American aviator, Art Smith, and his mother were welcomed to Japan again with great enthusiasm. 1917.04.22 — A riding party composed of veterans of the Russo-Japanese war under the late General Count Nogi, was organized and rode to the Tamagawa river, joined by Lieutenant-General Kawai and some sixty other high officers. 1917.04.23 - The Institute of Natural Science held a meeting when Baron Kikuchi was elected president and Dr. Sakurai vice-president. - Viscount Akimoto, former lord of Tatebayashi, died at the age of sixty-one. At one time he had been an official in the French Legation and a Minister Plenipotentiary abroad. For many years he had been leader of the Seiyukai party among the peers. - The inaugural meeting of the Sakurakai, or Society of the Cherry-blossom, was held at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, when addresses were delivered by distinguished Japanese lovers of the beautiful blossom. The object of the society is to promote the planting and preservation of cherry-trees and to publish literature on the subject. - The 23rd of April, being the same as March 3rd of the old calendar, was the day of greatest ebb-tide when hundreds of Japanese turned out on the beaches clam-digging off the coasts of Shinagawa and presented a spectacle of gay and unique picturesqueness. 1917.04.24 — The Decree of the Imperial Privy Council prohibiting trade with enemy nations was formally promulgated and officially announced. --- The Japan Magazine v8.3 July, 1917 --- (covers April 25, 1917 to May 23, 1917) 1917.04.25 - General meeting of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha decided to increase the number of directors from nine to thirteen; and President Kondo reported the tonnage of the company's ships as over 500,000 valued at over 100,000,000 yen, with lines running to every part of the world. - The Oriental Tourist Company, an organization for the promotion of travel in the Orient, with a capital of 250,000 yen, held its inaugural meeting for the election of directors. The company expects to purchase a beautiful site at Hinoyama where it will erect villas and hotels for tourists to enjoy matchless views. 1917.04.26 — The Government announced a domestic loan of 40,000,000 yen at 5% for railway purposes. 1917.04.27 — General Kuroki and Vice-Admiral Ariji were appointed Privy councillors. 1917.04.28 — The body of the late American Ambassador was conveyed to the Japanese warship Azuma to be taken to the United States, all ships in Yokohama harbour showing respect by flags at half-mast. The departure of the casket was witnessed by Admiral Togo and other high officers of the navy and nation, including Viscount Motono, Foreign Minister. The Azuma weighed anchor at 3 p.m. for America. 1917.05.01 - The Japan-American Society of Tokyo held a meeting and decided to hold the inaugural meeting of the Society on the 11th, with the following officers: Honorary President, the American Ambassador; Vice-presidents honorary, Dr. Clay MacCauley, Baron Megata, Mr. L. Russell, Baron Sakatani, Consul-General Scidmore, Baron Shibusawa, Dr. Takaminé, Prince Tokugawa, Baron Takahashi, President, Viscount Kaneko; vice-presidents, Mr. B. W. Fleisher, Mr. Hioki. - Mr. Shuji Izawa, a noted philanthropist and member of the House of Peers, died. He was the inventor of a new method for the cure of stammering and established a school to teach it. 1917.05.02 — Marquis Matsukata was appointed Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, vacant since the death of Prince Oyama. 1917.05.03 — Mr. S. Tatsuké, secretary to the Japanese Embassy in Paris, was appointed Minister to Chilé. 1917.05.04 - Mrs. Gutherie, wife of the late American Ambassador, sailed for the United States. - Sir Conyngham Greene, the British Ambassador, proceeded to the Imperial Palace and presented to H. I. H. the Crown Prince, the Royal Victorian Order, conferred by H. B. M. the King of Great Britain. 1917.05.05 — An explosion at one of the warehouses of the Tokyo Warehousing Company in Osaka destroyed 140 houses and killed 46 persons and injured 200 more, with a total loss 10,000,000 yen. The accident was caused by the careless handling of a cask of chlorate of potash. 1917.05.07 — On hearing of the calamity Baron Iwasaki, president of the Tokyo Warehousing Company, proceeded to Osaka, where he visited the wounded and distributed a million yen among the sufferers. 1917.05.08 — The Asiatic Olympic Games were held in Tokyo, participated in by Chinese, Filipinos and Japanese. 1917.05.09 — The Hon. S. Hirayama and Dr. Tomii were appointed officials in connection with the reception of petitions sent in to be submitted to the Emperor. 1917.05.10 - The Railway Board issued a report of revenue for 1916, the total receipts being 134,245,000 yen, an increase of 19,920,000 over the previous year. - The Nippon Yusen Kaisha declared a dividend of 70 per cent, net profits for the term being 38,478,000 yen. 1917.05.11 — The newly organized Japan American Society held its inaugural meeting at the Bankers' Club, Viscount Kaneko presiding; when speeches were delivered by Premier Terauchi, Viscount Motono, Consul-General Scidmore, Marquis Okuma, Prince Tokugawa, Baron Shibusawa, Mr. S. S. McClure and others. 1917.05.12 - A Cabinet Council decided to summon the 39th session of the Imperial Diet on June 21 to continue for 21 days, the Speaker to be chosen by the Seiyukai, which commands a majority in the House. - The Osaka Shosen Kaisha decided to increase its capital from 24,750,000 yen to 50,000,000, and for this purpose to issue shares to the face value of 25,750,000 yen. - The Olympic Games closed with the following points: China 49, Philippines 74, Japan 123. The 25 mile Marathon race was won by Japan in 2h, 31m, and 23s. 1917.05.14 — The decree prohibiting trade with enemy nations was enforced from this date, the black list being published in the national Gazette. 1917.05.16 — Dr. Adachi was appointed Minister to Belgium. Mr. Nakamura and Mr. Arai were appointed members of the House of Peers. 1917.05.18 — A Cabinet Council decided on a supplementary Budget of 138,000,000 yen to be presented for approval at the coming session of the Imperial Diet. 1917.05.19 - Japanese steamship lines to America raised freight on tea to 30 yen per ton, but the tea men demanded that it be reduced to 15. By mediation of the Vice-Minister of Communications the figure was settled at 18 yen per ton. The ordinary rate was yen 7.50. - Mr. Terada succeeded Mr. Okazaki as chief secretary of the Imperial Diet. 1917.05.20 — Professor Tamai, of the Tokyo Aviation School, while flying with a passenger, Mr. Yugawa, plunged to the earth and both were killed. 1917.05.22 - The United Association of Russian Traders and Masters of Industry planned to organize a new shipping company for service between Japan and south Russia with a capital of 20,000,000 roubles, half to be subscribed by Japanese and half by Russians. - The city of Yonezawa in Yamagata prefecture was almost totally destroyed by fire, caused by carelessness. 1917.05.23 — Premier Terauchi called on Marquis Saionji and had a long conference that has attracted the attention of the public everywhere. --- The Japan Magazine v8.4 August, 1917 --- (covers May 25, 1917 to June 23, 1917) 1917.05.25 - G. F. Mitchell, the great American tea expert, was received in Tokyo and entertained at the Maple Club, by the Central Council of Japanese Tea Guilds. - His Majesty, the Emperor, attended the graduating exercises of the Tokyo Military Academy and presented prizes to the more distinguished graduates of the year, who were honoured by being asked to read essays before the Emperor. - A great conflagration destroyed 181 houses in the city of Fukui. - The Government announced that the total of the national specie reached 840,000,000 yen. 1917.05.26 — The Council of Prefectural Governors was held when the Premier, Count Terauchi, and Mr. Shoda, Minister of Finance, delivered addresses. Mr. T. Hayashi, a director of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, resigned office and his action received the approval of the Board of Directors. 1917.05.31 — The N. Y. K. liner, *Miyazaki Maru*, was torpedoed in the English Channel. 1917.06.02 — The Hon. T. Hara, leader of the Seiyukai party, Viscount Kato, leader of the Kenseikai party, and Mr. Inukai, leader of the Kokuminto party, were invited by the Premier to his official residence to confer regarding their acceptance of a position on the Diplomatic Advisory Board. 1917.06.03 — A special Cabinet Council at the residence of the Premier decided on the establishment of a Diplomatic Advisory Commission for the purpose of adjusting international relations, especially at the peace conference to take place after the war. 1917.06.05 — Baron Hatano, Minister of the Imperial Household, was promoted to the rank of Viscount. 1917.06.06 - The new Diplomatic Advisory Commission was formally appointed by Imperial Order, the members being Baron Goto, Minister of Home Affairs; Admiral Kato, Minister of the Navy; General Oshima, Minister of War; Viscount Motono, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Viscount Hirata, Mr. Hara, Baron Makino, Viscount Ito and Mr. Inukai. - A meeting of the Tokyo Municipal Council decided to establish a great commercial museum on the grounds of the Tokyo prefectural office, at a cost of 600,000 yen. 1917.06.10 — The buildings of the Chuo University were destroyed by fire, the loss being 200,000 yen, including the magnificent Meyer library which contained many rare volumes. 1917.06.11 — Japan's destroyer flotilla attacked enemy submarines in the Mediterranean, when the destroyer *Sakaki* was damaged by an enemy torpedo, the commander and many officers being killed. 1917.06.12 - A syndicate of Japanese bankers decided to float a French loan of 50,000,000 yen at 6 per cent, commission for underwriting to be 1 and one half per cent, and redemption to be three years hence. - His Highness Prince Li of Chosen arrived in Tokyo, his first visit to Japan. 1917.06.13 — Viscount Ishii was asked to head the Japanese Commission appointed to visit the United States to carry on negotiations with the Washington Government, the other members of the Commission being Vice-Admiral Takeshita, Major-General Sugano, with a military and a naval officer and two other officials, the party to start on July 28. 1917.06.14 — Prince Yamagata celebrated his 80th birthday by giving a party to distinguished friends at Mejiro and in honour of his removal to his new residence at Kojimachi. 1917.06.18 - The first meeting of the new Imperial Diplomatic Advisory Board met at the Imperial Palace. - According to returns from the Department of Communications the number of vessels now building in Japanese yards, of over 1,000 tons, is 111, the aggregate tonnage being 544,580. 1917.06.21 — A special session of the Imperial Diet was summoned, Mr. Oöka of the Seiyukai being elected Speaker of the House, and Mr. Hamada of the Kokuminto, Deputy Speaker. 1917.06.23 — The Emperor formally opened the Imperial Diet, making a speech from the Throne, to which representatives of the Upper and Lower House appropriately replied. --- The Japan Magazine v8.5 September, 1917 --- (covers June 27, 1917 to July 25, 1917) 1917.06.27 — Funeral obsequies of the mother of Viscount Motono, Foreign Minister, were performed at Aoyama cemetery with Buddhist rites. 1917.06.28 — A motion of impeachment was moved against the cabinet in the Imperial Diet by the Kenseikai party and a few independents, on the ground that the Government lacked the support of any political party, as constitutional government required, the motion being lost by a large majority. 1917.06.29 — In reply to interpellations in the Imperial Diet the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that an understanding had been reached with the United States concerning the Note despatched by Washington to Peking, and that the communications between the two countries would be published at the proper time. 1917.07.02 — The Government announced that the total of exports for the past six months reached a value of 708,000,000 yen and imports 448,000,000 yen, leaving a favourable balance of trade to the amount of 260,000,000 yen. Total volume of trade for the term shows an increase of 50 per cent over that of the corresponding period last year. 1917.07.04 — Certain Japanese businessmen, chiefly those connected with the Formosan Sugar Company, decided to organize a South Seas Industrial Company with a capital of 5,000,000 yen, the idea being to purchase sugar plantations in Java. 1917.07.09 — Viscount Hanabusa, a Privy Councillor, died, after long service in diplomatic life. He was at one time Minister to Russia and for a long time the president of the Japan Red Cross Society. 1917.07.11 — His Majesty the Emperor attended the graduating ceremony of the Imperial University, and conferred gifts on the most successful students. 1917.07.16 - Baron Otori, councillor to the Japanese Embassy in Paris, was appointed Minister to Mexico; and Dr. Nagaoka of the Foreign Office was appointed to succeed him in Paris. - Admiral Knight, of the American Asiatic squadron, arrived at Yokohama and proceeded to Tokyo to convey the thanks of the United States Government to the Emperor for sending the body of the late American Ambassador to Japan home in an Imperial warship. 1917.07.18 - The Minister of Foreign Affairs tendered a state dinner to Viscount Ishii about to proceed to the United States as head of the Japanese Mission to Washington. - An American architect arrived in Tokyo for the building of the new International St. Luke's hospital of which Dr. Teusler is director, and for which a million yen has been collected, the site chosen being that once occupied by the old American Legation in Tsukiji, Tokyo. 1917.07.20 - The Government announced a new invention for the improvement of the wireless telephone, by which conversation can be carried on simultaneously without one party waiting for the other to cease speaking. - The Nippon Yusen Kaisha decided to raise its freight rates on non-subsidized lines to America after August 1st to 20 dollars a ton, after Sept. 1st to 25, and October 1st to 30 dollars a ton. - Commissioners from Roumania, sent to Japan to secure physicians for army service, received the assurance of the government that 100 would be sent in detachments of ten for eight months. 1917.07.22 - A race up Fujisan was conducted, being won by a soldier named Ishikawa, who reached the summit in 2 hours, 37 minutes and 57 seconds, the 2nd place being won by a student in 2 hours, 31 minutes and 33 seconds, breaking all former records. - According to reports from the Tokyo Clearing House transactions for the last six months in deposits amounted to 2,239,314,000 yen, and loans to 2,202,210,000 yen, an increase of 685,112,000 yen in deposits and of 513,300,000 yen in loans over the corresponding period for last year. 1917.07.23 - The Association for aiding the sick and wounded soldiers of the Allies held a meeting at the Peers Club and announced that some 1,900,000 yen had been collected, and steps were taken to distribute the fund among the Allied countries. - A party of primary school teachers was formed for the purpose of making a visit to America to study educational methods, to leave Yokohama on September 18. 1917.07.25 — The funeral of the late Captain Yedo who perished when the British warship Vanguard was blown up, took place in Tokyo. --- The Japan Magazine v8.6 October, 1917 --- (covers July 28, 1917 to August 24, 1917) 1917.07.28 - Viscount Ishii sailed by the Korea Maru on a special mission to the United States. - A battalion of the 50th Infantry Regiment made a forced march up Mount Norigataké, a peak of the Japanese Alps, 9,900 feet high and noted for its steepness, reaching the top in a few hours. 1917.07.30 — Being the anniversary of the demise of the late Emperor solemn services were held at the Shrine in the Imperial Palace, and also at the Momo-yama mausoleum where Prince Kanin acted as Imperial representative. 1917.07.31 — With a view to promoting uniformity in colonial administration and especially in relations between Chosen and Manchuria a Colonial Bureau was created, with Mr. Shirani, chief of the Civil Office of the Kwantung Government-General, appointed head, and Mr. Tachibana, a councilor of the War Department, as vice chief. General Baron Y. Nakamura, president of the South Manchuria Railway, was appointed Governor-General of the province of Kwantung, while General Baron K. Nakamura relinquished that office to become a member of the General War Council. Hereafter the South Manchuria Railway will have a director instead of a president, to which post Dr. S. Kunizawa was appointed. A Colonial Investigation Committee was also organized with Baron Goto, Minister of Home Affairs, as chief. 1917.08.01 - A new rank known as juni was created in the army between that of non-commissioned officer and sub-lieutenant, to be ranked as officer's class and to be given to special non-commissioned officers who take a four months' course at the Officers' Training College. - The work of refloating the warship Otowa which went aground off Nami-kiri, had to be abandoned, leaving the ship a total wreck. 1917.08.02 - Baron Yamané, chief Aide-de-camp to the Imperial Crown Prince, passed away. - The Government decided to proceed with the construction of new buildings for the Imperial Diet at a cost of 7,500,000 yen, to be completed in eight years. - The family of the late Captain Yeto who perished when the British dreadnought Vanguard blew up, was given a donation of 4,000 yen by the Government. 1917.08.04 — Mr. K. Kumagai resigned as head of the Government Electric Bureau and was succeeded by Mr. H. Higo of the Postal Savings Department, and Mr. Amaoka, secretary of the Cabinet, was appointed head of the Postal Savings Bureau. 1917.08.06 - For purposes of information regarding South America a naval attaché was appointed to the Japanese Legation in Brazil. - The Tokyo Amalgamated Industrial Association decided to establish an office for the encouragement of Trade and Industry. 1917.08.10 - Marquis Kido, a member of the House of Peers, died. - Baron Iwasaki, the well-known financier, purchased the famous library of Oriental books owned by Dr. Morrison, adviser to the Pekin Government, for 360,000 yen. The library will be established in a suitable building in Tokyo. 1917.08.11 - According to official returns the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan during the first six months of this year was 12,657, an increase of 5,725 over the corresponding period of last year, made up as follows: British 1,435; American 2,696; Russian 3,610; Chinese 4,176; Dutch 100; French 224; Germans 3. - Dr. Baron Okuda, mayor of Tokyo, passed away, at the age of 58. The late mayor was an eminent jurist and a great leader in education, being head of the Chuo University. The municipal funeral extended him was one of the largest in modern times. 1917.08.14 — Dr. Okuda, Mayor of Tokyo, and Mr. K. Matsuoka, were created barons. Dr. Ichiki, ex-minister of Education, was made a Privy Councilor. 1917.08.15 - The Lower House of the Imperial Diet decided to despatch five members to the United States for inspection of industries, namely, Messrs. Shimada, Masao, Mochizuki, Uyehara and Yamané. - Baron Iwamura, former instructor in the Academy of Fine Arts, died at his villa in Sagami. - The Dutch warship van Tromp entered the harbour of Nagasaki, the first ship of that nation to visit Japan for 15 years. 1917.08.19 — Baron Kikuchi, professor emeritus of the Imperial University and one of the foremost of modern Japanese educationists, died at Chigasaki, his summer home, at the age of 63. 1917.08.24 — According to forecasts published by the Department of Agriculture and Commerce the prospects of the approaching rice harvest are of the best. An increase of some 50 per cent over the average year is expected. --- The Japan Magazine v8.7 November, 1917 --- (covers August 25, 1917 to September 24, 1917) 1917.08.25 — Representatives of six chambers of Commerce held a meeting in Tokyo to consider the question of the American ban on steel exports. Viscount General Oseko resigned the directorship of the Peer's School and was succeeded by Mr. T. Hojo, President of the North-Eastern University. 1917.08.26 — A Municipal funeral was given the late Baron Okuda, mayor of Tokyo, at Hibiya Park, when more than 25,000 citizens attended. Representatives of various departments of industry, such as shipbuilding, engineering and electricity, met in Tokyo to consider the best way of supplying the deficiency in steel. 1917.08.28 — The Yokohama Dock Company held a general meeting of shareholders and resolved to increase the Company's capital to 10,000,000 yen. The Mitsu Bishi Company, having recently extended its shipbuilding department, decided to make it independent of the head of office and establish a separate company to be known as the Mitsu Bishi Shipbuilding Company, Ltd., with a capital in shares of 50,000,000 yen. 1917.09.01 — The Department of Agriculture and Commerce and of Home Affairs issued a departmental ordinance prohibiting cornering of the market or raising unduly the prices of the necessities of life, appropriate penalties being appended to the regulation. The commodities first to come under the ordinance are rice, iron, coal, cotton yarn, cotton tissues, paper, dyes, drugs and chemicals. A meeting of the charter members of the Southern Pacific Sugar Manufacturing Company proposed to make the capital of the Company 6,000,000 yen, and Mr. T. Hiraoka, ex-governor of Karafuto, was appointed president of the Committee. Admiral Suzuki, vice-minister of the Navy, was transferred to the commandership of the Training Squadron, and was succeeded by Vice-admiral Tochinai. 1917.09.09 — Mr. M. Doi, president of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce, passed away at an advanced age. 1917.09.10 — Flight Lieutenant-Commander Isobé, who distinguished himself in performing great feats at the Front in France, returned to Japan to rest and recuperate. Professor Hoshino, of the Department of Literature in the Tokyo Imperial University, died at the age of 79. He was an authority on Chinese classics and philosophy and the doyen of the University staff. 1917.09.11 — Regulations for a War Insurance Bureau were published, the director of the Bureau to be Mr. Y. Katayama of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Dr. Aoyama, Dean of the Medical Faculty of the Tokyo Imperial University, resigned and was succeeded by Dr. Kumagawa. 1917.09.13 — The Government decided to send commissioners abroad for the investigation of economics and finance, and appointed the following gentlemen to act: Baron Megata; Mr. O. Matsumoto, Secretary of the Department of Finance; Mr. T. Sekiguchi, an engineer of the same department; Baron Ito, secretary of the Extraordinary Industrial Investigation Committee; Mr. S. Hishida, interpreter to the Korean Government-General; Mr. C. Koiké, manager of the head office of the Kuhara Mining Company; Mr. K. Matsumoto, vice-president of the Meiji Mining Company; Mr. Y. Yamashita, director of the Sumitomo Steel Works and Mr. U. Yoneyama, managing director of the Mitsui Bank. The Financial Commission is expected to bring about closer economic relations between Japan and the United States. 1917.09.14 — America, having transferred some of her shipping from the Pacific to the Atlantic, asked Japan to fill the deficiency, and the Nippon Yusen Kaisha decided to withdraw three of its steamers from the European line and run them between Seattle and Vladivostock for the sake of supplying Russia with munitions. 1917.09.15 — The Government issued new regulations for the conditioning of silk exports, the former regulations, which were made chiefly in connection with exports to India, having become out of date owing to the increased demand for Japanese silk in the United States. The treaty signed between Japan and Sweden regarding mutual protection of industrial property in China on August 24th, 1916 was ratified in Tokyo August 15th, 1917. 1917.09.17 — Marquis Chalfondreri, the new Italian Ambassador, was received in audience by their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, when credentials were presented and a decoration from the King of Italy handed to the Emperor for the Imperial Crown Prince. The Department of Agriculture and Commerce issued regulations prohibiting the export of matches, glass manufactures, enamelled ware and braids unless inspected and passed by the guilds or prefectural offices concerned, the standard of inspection being made uniform. The Department of Foreign Affairs decided to create a Bureau of Legal Affairs, and an Asiatic Section in the Bureau of Commercial Affairs, expenses therefor to be asked for at the next session of the Imperial Diet. 1917.09.19 — A Committee of members of the Lower House of the Imperial Diet and a number of primary school teachers proceeded to America for purposes of investigation, sailing by the Shinyo-maru on this date. Returns published by the Department of Communications show Japan's merchant marine now to number 300 with an aggregate tonnage of 805,405, of which 50 ships were under charter, representing a tonnage of 154,850, and used in foreign waters by foreigners; while 101 ships with a total tonnage of 376,015 were engaged in ocean service as follows — European: 20 ships, 69,104 tons; North American: 49, 291,059; South American: 1, 2,898; Australian: 5, 14,382; Indian: 22, 73,823; South Seas: 4, 14,753. 1917.09.20 — The Department of Education announced the organization of a High Educational Council, with Viscount Hirata as chairman and Baron Kubota vice-chairman. A Chemical Industrial Exhibition was opened at Uyeno Park to emphasize the progress of chemical industry in Japan. 1917.09.24 — The Forest School of the Japan White Cross Society was opened at Chigasaki for children of weak constitution, Hon. Ebara being appointed head of the institution and Dr. Ishikawa medical adviser. This is the first school of the kind to be opened in Japan. --- The Japan Magazine v8.8 December, 1917 --- (covers September 25, 1917 to October 23, 1917) 1917.09.25 — The new Japanese law for the control of shipping was passed by the Privy Council. This law was drafted for controlling the routes of ships, freight and charter rates and the nature and size of cargoes, in accordance with the interests of the Allies. Count Yoshinaga Kanroji, an old Court noble, passed away at his residence in Sendagaya, Tokyo. 1917.09.27 — H. I. M. the Emperor proceeded to Chiba to honour with his presence the graduation ceremony at the Cavalry School. The inaugural meeting of the Imperial Industrial Company for exploitation of Japan's new south sea islands was held at the Imperial Railway Association building, Tokyo. 1917.09.28 — A general meeting of the Toyo Kisen Kaisha for the first half of 1917 declared a dividend of 35 per cent. It was stated at the meeting that two steamers now under construction to the order of the Company had been sold to the French Government. With the 15,000,000 yen in cash now on hand the Company proposes to build two passenger boats of 25,000 tons each and 13 cargo boats. 1917.10.01 — In the early morning of October 1st a terrible typhoon passed over Japan, doing wholesale damage to property and destroying nearly one thousand lives, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto suffering most. The Military Government at Tsingtau was replaced by a Civil Administration, of which Mr. Masanosuke Akiyama, of the Korean Government-General, was appointed chief, and Admiral Yoshimatsu was appointed chief of the combined squadron. Dr. Kiichi Horiye of the Keiogijuku University, Tokyo, left for China to deliver lectures at Pekin on Economics and Finance, in response to an invitation from the Chinese Government. 1917.10.02 — His Majesty, the Emperor, despatched an Imperial Chamberlain to inspect the districts damaged by the recent typhoon and report to the Imperial Court. Their Majesties have donated large sums in aid of those suffering from the storm. Baron Megata was given a farewell dinner at the Bankers' Club before proceeding on his financial mission to the United States. 1917.10.04 — A conference of Middle School directors convened at the first Middle School, Tokyo. The forecast of crops issued by the Department of Agriculture and Commerce predicts a harvest of about 300,000,000 bushels of rice, or an increase of some 12 per cent over last year. 1917.10.05 — An association for the relief of the victims of the typhoon was organized by Tokyo capitalists, led by Baron Shibusawa, and the offering of funds was proposed. 1917.10.06 — Mrs. G. Frank Barker, of Duluth, Minn., with her husband arrived at Yokohama. Mrs. Barker is a noted enthusiast on things Japanese and will remain in Japan for some months. 1917.10.08 — His Majesty the Emperor made a donation of 100,000 yen to the Relief Fund for the victims of the typhoon. 1917.10.12 — The Imperial Government despatched Drs. Tadao and Harada, two expert engineers, to assist in the relief of those suffering from floods at Shanghai and Tientsin. 1917.10.13 — The list of pictures accepted for the annual exhibition of Art held by the Department of Education was issued. Several works were offered by foreign artists but only one was accepted, a painting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs by a Russian lady artist. Her Majesty the Empress proceeded to the Central Military Preparatory School where H. I. H. Prince Atsunomiya is a student, and inspected the institution, leaving a gift with her Imperial son. 1917.10.15 — The subject for the annual poetry symposium at the Imperial Palace was announced as "Pines on the Sea Coast." A new political party called the Ishinkai, composed of various independent members of the Imperial Diet, was formed, numbering some 54, and rules and bylaws for a constitution were adopted. 1917.10.17 — H. I. H. Prince Kitashirakawa accompanied by the Princess left Tokyo for Formosa to visit the shrine of his illustrious father who died on an expedition to Formosa some years ago. The Princess is a daughter of the late Emperor and a sister of the present Emperor. 1917.10.18 — H. I. M. the Empress visited the Tokyo School for the Deaf and Dumb, and bestowed gifts on the students. 1917.10.19 — The Department of Communications announced that its experts had invented a method of sending and receiving wireless telephone messages simultaneously, the trials having come off satisfactorily. The invention will be available to the public shortly. The inventors are Drs. Tonekawa. It was decided to build an embankment for protection against floods at Fukagawa and other wards exposed to such devastation at a cost of 4,000,000 yen. 1917.10.21 — Mrs. G. Frank Barker and her husband visited the tombs of the famous 47 Ronin at the Sengaku temple and did homage to their illustrious spirits. 1917.10.22 — The annual memorial services for those killed in war were held at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo for three days, with various entertainments such as Noh dramas, wrestling matches and religious dances. H. I. M. S. Akashi which had been operating with the Mediterranean fleet, returned to Yokosuka and was welcomed with great enthusiasm. The flagship bore the remains of the captain and 50 sailors of the destroyer Sakaki which was sunk by an enemy submarine. The Nippon Yusen Kaisha was officially requested to start a service between America and Vladivostock to carry munitions to Russia. This is the first step taken by the Government in accordance with the law for the control of shipping during the war. 1917.10.23 — H. I. M. the Emperor despatched a representative to worship at the Yasukuni Shrine in honour of those fallen in war. --- The Japan Magazine v8.9 January, 1918 --- (covers October 25, 1917 to November 20, 1917) 1917.10.25 — Mr. Roland S. Morris, the new American ambassador, and family, arrived in Tokyo. 1917.10.26 — H. I. M. the Emperor visited the annual Exhibition of Fine Art at Uyeno Park. 1917.10.29 — M. Nicholas Zenopol, envoy from Roumania, arrived in Tokyo seeking to conclude a treaty with Japan. He presented a letter from the King of Roumania and intends to establish the first Legation of his country in Tokyo. 1917.10.30 — The new American Ambassador proceeded to the Imperial Palace and presented his credentials from Washington to his Majesty, the Emperor. Frank Champion, an American aviator, was killed at Kochi by the fall of his aeroplane while performing feats before a vast throng of people. His Japanese friends are preparing to erect a monument to his memory. 1917.10.31 — A grand military review in honour of his Majesty's 39th birthday was carried out at the Yoyogi parade ground, Tokyo, attended by all the high army officers and high officials of State, as well as foreign ambassadors, whom his Majesty invited to a banquet at noon. The Foreign Minister gave a banquet in the evening. The Imperial Birthday was utilized as Flower Day to collect funds for sufferers from floods and the typhoon, large sums being realized. 1917.11.02 — H. I. M. the Empress attended the Chemical Industrial Exhibition at Ueno Park. 1917.11.03 — H. I. H. Princess Higashi Fushimi gave birth to a son. The day happened to be the anniversary of the birth of her father, the late Emperor. Baron Kubota was gazetted as a privy councillor. 1917.11.05 — Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress left by train for the Grand Army Manœuvres held near Kyoto, the occasion being taken advantage of to make an Imperial visit to the mausoleum of the late Emperor. 1917.11.07 — The new Japan-American Agreement concluded by the Ishii Mission to the United States was formally published, and favourably received in official circles of the Empire. 1917.11.08 — A great scarcity of small coins being experienced, the Department of the Treasury issued subsidiary paper money in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 sen bills. 1917.11.10 — The Shotokukyu Palace, the residence of the ex-king of Korea, was destroyed by fire, the loss being over 900,000 yen. His Majesty the Emperor gave notice that the Imperial Diet would meet on December 25. 1917.11.13 — His Majesty the Emperor visited the Grand Army Manœuvres in the south at Hikoné, attended by an official retinue and the foreign military attachés. The Department of Agriculture and Commerce issued a second forecast of the year's rice crop reducing the total to 275,000,000 bushels on account of the recent typhoon. The Nippon Yusen Kaisha announced its total revenue for the year as 69,450,000 yen, the net gain being 29,000,000 yen, the annual dividend to be about 50 per cent. 1917.11.14 — In a collision of tram cars at Tannowa 4 persons were killed and 71 injured. 1917.11.15 — Two Japanese representatives of the Young Men's Christian Association sailed for America to proceed to the Front in France to take part in Y. M. C. A. work there. The Oshima Steel Manufacturing Company was inaugurated with a capital of 6,000,000 yen, Baron Okura and Mr. Asano being the principal stockholders. The new company is expected to do much toward supplying Japan with more shipbuilding material. Owing to the increasing importance of Chemical Industries in Japan a joint meeting of all those interested in such industries was held in Tokyo to organize a Chemical Industry Association and make other important arrangements for the progress of chemistry. 1917.11.16 — The S. S. Kamakura Maru, which had been on duty in the Mediterranean Sea, returned with sailors who were to be replaced by others to be taken for service in that place. Most of the sailors brought back were either wounded or invalided home. 1917.11.17 — Mr. W. Hardy, who was a sailor on board Commodore Perry's ship, when that gallant officer first opened the doors of Japan to intercourse with the outside world, reached Japan on a visit from his home in Oregon. Though over 80 years of age Mr. Hardy still looked every inch a sailor and wore the uniform of a man-of-war's man, and remembered distinctly all the details of the negotiations carried on between Commodore Perry and the Shogun more than 60 years ago. The old sailor has been feasted and feted by the Japanese all over the Empire. The Imperial Government appointed Viscount Chinda, Japanese Ambassador in London, and M. Matsui, Japanese Ambassador in Paris, as Japanese delegates to the Allied Conference to be held in Paris. 1917.11.18 — Mr. Hardy, the American sailor, made a formal visit to the monument in memory of Commodore Perry's landing at Kurihama, where he offered a prayer and received a cordial reception from the citizens. 1917.11.20 — The Imperial Chrysanthemum Party was held at the Akasaka Palace attended by their Majesties and over 2,000 invited guests. Sailor Hardy also attended and was presented to the Emperor. --- The Japan Magazine v8.10 February, 1918 --- (covers November 26, 1917 to December 23, 1917) 1917.11.26 — Viscount Ishii and his party arrived home from America and received enthusiastic reception. In order to meet the domestic demand for wool, the supply of which from abroad has been cut off by the war, the Government decided to rear sheep in Manchuria and to have the Imperial Diet set aside the sum of 8,000,000 yen for that purpose at the next session. 1917.11.27 — The eleventh annual meeting of the Russo-Japanese Association took place in Tokyo with the President, H. I. H. Prince Kanin, in the chair. The number of members present was 120, including the Premier and the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as the Russian Ambassador. His Majesty the Emperor attended the graduation ceremony of the Higher Military College. 1917.11.29 — A dividend of 50 per cent for the term April to September was adopted at a General Meeting of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, and it was decided to increase the Company's capital from 44,000,000 to 100,000,000 yen. Since the war the Company opened new lines to South America, West Australia, Liverpool and New York, and the 99 largest steamers under the Company's auspices represent a tonnage of 450,000. The Kokugikan, a noted wrestling hall in Tokyo, was burnt down, and one of the wrestlers who held himself responsible for the fire, attempted to commit suicide by hurling himself into the flames, but was rescued. The building cost over 1,000,000 yen to erect and could accommodate 30,000 spectators. 1917.12.01 — The Kaigai Kogyo, a new immigration society for the purpose of sending Japanese to foreign lands, held its inaugural meeting and announced a capital of 10,000,000 yen. The Tobacco Monopoly Bureau decided to increase the price of cigarettes and cut tobacco by 20 per cent. Ikeda Shoin, the famous woman painter of Tokyo, passed away. 1917.12.03 — The Department of Finance announced the Budget for the coming year at total of 722,500,000 yen, which is 110,000,000 more than last year, the increase to be met by appropriating some 69,000,000 yen from last year's surplus, the remainder to be made up from increased taxation and raising the price of tobacco and postal rates. Transit tax and the consumption tax on kerosene are to be abolished. 1917.12.10 — The Nippon Yusen Kaisha decided to run a quarterly service to Port Said with a steamer of 6,000 tons. The Tokyo Stock Exchange was destroyed by fire, caused by defective insulation. 1917.12.16 — The Uraga Dock Company launched a new steamer of 10,000 tons, built for France. 1917.12.17 — Mr. Yamashita, president of the Yamashita S. S. Company, offered a donation of 1,000,000 yen toward the extension of the Government's aeroplane service. The Government carried out a general change of governors in the various prefectures, supposedly for political reasons. 1917.12.18 — Mr. Hepburn, an American banker, contributed 500,000 yen for the establishment of chair of American history and institutions in the Imperial University, Tokyo. M. Xenopol, Roumanian Minister to Japan, died in Tokyo, the funeral taking place on the 20th, and attended by high officials of State. A beautiful wreath was sent by his Majesty the Emperor. 1917.12.22 — The Government decided to open a Legation in Argentina, and a consulate-general at Chingtufu, Yunan, Petropavlovsk, Capetown and Panama. An explosion of gas at the Kirino colliery, Fukuoka, entombed 377 miners, all of whom lost their lives. 1917.12.23 — Baron Aoyama, one of the most distinguished physicians in Japan, and one time attendant on the late Emperor, died. He had for many years been dean of the medical faculty of Tokyo Imperial University. --- The Japan Magazine v8.11 March, 1918 --- (covers December 25, 1917 to January 22, 1918) 1917.12.25 — Dr. Mori, the famous novelist, better known as Mori Ogai, was appointed president of the Imperial Museum and chief librarian of the Imperial Household. 1917.12.26 — The opening ceremony of the Imperial Diet. 1917.12.27 — Heavy snow storms in Fukui, Ishikawa, Toyama and Niigata, interrupting railway traffic for several days. 1917.12.29 — The Imperial Crown Prince proceeded to the Imperial Villa at Numadzu to spend the winter months. The Hon. S. Hirayama, Imperial Court Councillor, was promoted to Shinin rank. 1917.12.30 — Baron Hayashi, Japanese Minister to Pekin, returned on a visit to Tokyo. 1918.01.01 — The Emperor held the usual New Year reception for high officials of State and foreign diplomats at the Imperial Palace. Baron Senge, of the House of Peers, died at the age of 74. He was at one time governor of Tokyo and Minister of Justice. 1918.01.04 — The committee in charge of reërecting the wrestling amphitheatre recently burnt, agreed to build a new one after the plan of the Colosseum at Rome, to cost 650,000 yen. 1918.01.05 — The annual New Year Banquet was given by His Majesty at the Homei Hall in the Imperial Palace, to which high officials of State and foreign Embassies and Legations were invited. His Majesty honoured the guests with a gracious address, to which Premier Terauchi and the British Ambassador, Sir W. Conyngham Greene, responded. 1918.01.08 — The annual New Year Army review was held in front of the Imperial Palace grounds at Nijubashi by His Majesty the Emperor, some 20,000 troops participating. 1918.01.09 — The rank of Field Marshal of the British army was conferred on his Majesty the Emperor of Japan by his Britannic Majesty, the King of England, and accepted by the Emperor, who in turn asked King George to accept the same rank from the Emperor of Japan, felicitations being mutually exchanged. 1918.01.10 — The Fujita Bank was established with a capital of 10,000,000 yen, and opened for business. 1918.01.12 — The Naval Department announced that a Japanese warship had been despatched to Vladivostock. The Yamashita S. S. Company decided to open a new line between the South Sea Islands, Port Said and the United States. The Government decided to despatch Dr. Kitajima, a medical expert, to China in connection with the outbreak of Bubonic Plague raging there. 1918.01.15 — Baron Miyahara, the famous inventor of the Miyahara boiler, and Vice-Admiral of the Imperial Navy, died. 1918.01.17 — Lieutenant Sakamoto, a military aviator, was killed by the fall of his aeroplane at Tokorozawa. 1918.01.18 — It was announced by the Imperial Household Department that the consort selected for the Imperial Crown Prince was H. I. H. Princess Nagako, eldest daughter of Prince Kuni. The annual poetry symposium was held at the Imperial Court and the best poems for the year adjudged. 1918.01.22 — The reopening of the Imperial Diet after the New Year recess. Important speeches were delivered by the Premier, Viscount Terauchi, and by Viscount Motono, Minister of Foreign Affairs. --- The Japan Magazine v8.12 April, 1918 --- (covers January 27, 1918 to February 24, 1918) 1918.01.27 - Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress repaired to the Imperial Villa at Hayama for the winter months. - Vice-admiral Oguri, who had been on important duty in the Mediterranean for some months, returned to Tokyo. 1918.01.29 - The Government decided to reconstruct the harbour works at Honto in Karafuto (Saghalien) at an outlay of 2,500,000 yen. - The beautiful Kegon waterfall at Chuzenji became a pillar of ice and so continued for some time. 1918.01.31 — An association for the development of literature and art was formed by certain leading scholars, journalists, politicians and business men, who will hold a meeting thereafter once a month. Mr. Asabuki, formerly a director of the Mitsui Company and one of the foremost business men in Japan, passed away after a short illness. 1918.02.01 — Mr. Ishibashi, a painter returned after an absence of fifteen years abroad, where he became a member of The Royal Academy of Great Britain and received a pension from the Royal Institution. Mr. A. Sato, Japanese Ambassador to Washington, returned home. 1918.02.04 - Vice-admiral Akiyama died at Odawara. He was a distinguished tactician, and was on board Admiral Togo's flagship during the war with Russia, being the writer of the famous despatches then sent out. - Mr. T. Miyaoka, a distinguished lawyer of Tokyo, was invited by the American Bar Association to deliver a lecture at the annual meeting, and accepted the invitation. 1918.02.07 — Mr. M. Munekata, formerly governor of Tokyo and a member of the House of Peers, died. 1918.02.08 — The Japan Petroleum Company at its annual general meeting decided to increase the company's capital to 50,000,000 yen. 1918.02.09 — The Japanese Financial Commission under Baron Megata returned from the United States, and reported satisfactory negotiations. 1918.02.10 - An army officer from Mexico arrived for the inspection of Japan's military system. - The Marquis Hachisuka, a noted Privy Councillor and formerly lord of Tokushima, passed away at the age of 73. He lived for seven years in England for educational purposes and was at one time Japanese ambassador to Paris, governor of Tokyo and president of the House of Peers. Marquis Hachisuka was one of the three famous daimyo who made themselves thoroughly familiar with modern learning. 1918.02.14 — Professor S. Anezaki was requested to proceed to California to represent the Imperial University of Tokyo at the semi-centenary celebration of the University of California. 1918.02.18 — Mr. N. Oshikawa, president of the Government Iron Works, for reasons not yet ascertained, committed suicide at his villa in Osaki. He was a member of the House of Peers and formerly was Vice-minister of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce. 1918.02.19 — A large steamer was launched for France at the Uraga dockyard. 1918.02.20 — The Japan Raw Silk Association held a meeting and agreed to organize an Imperial Silk Trade Association for the purpose of dealing with the situation brought about by the restrictions on imports in the United States, headquarters to be at Nagano. 1918.02.21 - Viscount Ishii was formally appointed Japanese Ambassador to the United States. - In return for 200,000 tons of steel Japanese yards have agreed to supply America with the following tonnage: Kawasaki Dockyard 72,000 tons; Nippon Kisen 30,000; Suzuki Shokai 31,000; Asano Dockyard 71,000; Uraga Dockyard 31,000; Yokohama Dockyard 22,000; Mitsubishi Dockyard 30,000; Yokohama Iron Works 16,000; Mitsui Company 20,000 — total 320,000 tons. The establishment of a great Japan-American Trust Company is contemplated by leading financiers in Japan, America and China, with a capital of some 20,000,000 yen. - According to Government investigations the total deposits in Japanese banks amounted to 2,958,851,000 yen, an increase of some 1,000,000,000 over the corresponding period of last year. 1918.02.22 — Mr. R. Fujiyama, president of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce, decided to establish a Public Library at a cost of 200,000 yen. 1918.02.24 — It was decided that the 19 new ships now building in Japanese yards would go to America, most of them being over 12,000 tons. --- The Japan Magazine v9.2 June, 1918 --- (covers March 25, 1918 to April 25, 1918) 1918.03.25 - Viscount Uchida, Japanese Ambassador to Russia, arrived in Tokyo. - A great fire at Mito destroyed over 500 houses. The fire was started by sparks from a railway locomotive. 1918.03.26 — The Japan Bankers' Association gave a farewell banquet in honour of Viscount Ishii, the new Japanese Ambassador to Washington. More than 150 guests were present, including Prince Tokugawa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the American Ambassador. The American Ambassador proposed the health of his Majesty the Emperor, and Viscount Motono that of the President of the United States. 1918.03.30 - The Yokohama Specie Bank established agencies in the Argentine republic and Java. - The association consisting of those holding the degree of LL. D. held a meeting and recommended the following gentlemen for the degree of Doctor of Laws: Viscount Suematsu; the Minister of Justice, Mr. Matsumuro; Mr. K. Makino, chief of the Tokyo District Court, and Mr. Minoru Oka, chief of the Commercial and Industrial Bureau of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce. 1918.03.31 — Viscount Tajiri was formally elected mayor of Tokyo. 1918.04.01 — The Sapporo Agricultural College was amalgamated with the Tohoku University to form the Hokkaido Imperial University, Dr. Sato being appointed president of the institution. 1918.04.04 — Viscount and Viscountess Ishii sailed for the United States, being seen off by the American Ambassador and other distinguished persons. 1918.04.07 — Dr. M. Kumagawa, head of the medical department of the Imperial University, passed away at the age of sixty one. 1918.04.11 — The Department of Agriculture and Commerce decided to establish commercial museums at Singapore and Harbin this year to introduce Japanese manufactures. 1918.04.14 — Messrs. Kitada and Asami succeeded in purchasing 17 steamers formerly plying on the Sungari river, being assisted in the transaction by the South Manchuria Railway. 1918.04.15 - Negotiations for supplying steamers to America were successfully concluded, twenty ships to be handed over by the beginning of May, namely: From the N. Y. K. the Ceylon Maru, 6,440 tons; the Tottori Maru, 9,660; the Kirin Maru, 5,500; Tosa Maru, 7,600; Penang Maru, 8,200; Jinsen Maru, 5,500; Rangoon Maru, 8,900; two others not yet named; Osaka Shosen Kaisha: Indo Maru, 7,900; Java Maru, 7,900; Malay Maru, 7,100; Toyo Kisen Kaisha: Seiyo Maru, 10,300; Persia 4,750; Mitsui Bussan Kaisha: Miyoji Maru, 4,300; Kenzan Maru, 6,170; the Yamashita S. S. Company: Komakata Maru, 4,320; Odaru Maru, 4,000; and four other ships all under 5,000 tons by other companies. - A site for the erection of a statue in memory of the first American Minister to Japan, Townsend Harris, was selected at the Honkakuji temple near Yokohama, where he first resided. 1918.04.16 — The rice exchanges of Japan were ordered to suspend transactions by the Minister of Agriculture and Commerce to check increase of price. 1918.04.18 - Tokyo city purchased 181,000 trees to be set out along streets, river banks and in parks, to take the place of those uprooted by the typhoon last autumn. - Dr. Tomii, a member of the House of Peers, was appointed a Privy Councillor. - H. I. M. the Empress inspected the first regiment of the Imperial Guards and witnessed some manoeuvres and military exercises. 1918.04.19 — The Japan Red Cross Society will despatch a mission to America, England, France and Italy, with Prince H. Tokugawa at the head. 1918.04.23 - Viscount Motono, Minister of Foreign Affairs, resigned and Baron Shimpei Goto was appointed to succeed him, the latter having had a long and distinguished career in politics. - A meeting of the Cherry Association was held at the Imperial Hotel when over 70 species of cherry blossoms were exhibited and speeches made by Baron Shibusawa and Dr. Miyoshi, and a poem composed and read by Viscount Tajiri, the new Mayor of Tokyo. 1918.04.25 — H. I. M. the Emperor proceeded to the Electrical Exhibition at Uyeno and also visited the Exhibition of Fine Art. --- The Japan Magazine v9.3 July, 1918 --- (covers April 25, 1918 to May 24, 1918) 1918.04.25 — The Imperial Government issued regulations for controlling the price of imported rice, and arranged to import rice itself for that purpose. 1918.04.26 — The Tokyo Municipal Office decided to increase the number of electric cars in the city and extend the tramway system, at an outlay of some 30,000,000 yen. 1918.04.27 - According to statistics issued by the Tokyo city authorities the number of houses in the city is now 62,076, and the population 2,349,830, of whom 1,262,373 are males and 1,087,457 females, an increase of 68,409 in the number of inhabitants in the metropolitan area. - A number of Tokyo capitalists, including Mr. S. Hayakawa and Mr. Kichibei Murai, decided to form a company to erect a beautiful hall in Japanese architecture for the use of public meetings in the capital, the site to be at Uchisaiwai-cho and the cost 1,500,000 yen. 1918.05.02 — The annual general meeting of the Japan Red Cross Society was held at Hibiya Park in Tokyo, and attended by her Imperial Majesty, the Empress. 1918.05.04 — At a convention of public school teachers held in Tokyo it was decided to extend the age of compulsory education from 6 to 8 years. 1918.05.05 — Over 1,000 delegates attended the annual meeting of Young Men's Associations convened in Tokyo. 1918.05.10 — The Japan Red Cross Society appointed as its delegates to the Red Cross Societies of the Allies the following gentlemen: Prince Yoshihisa Tokugawa, Dr. Ninakawa, Dr. Sawamura, Mr. Y. Naito, Mr. Kageyama, and Mr. Yoshida as interpreter. 1918.05.13 — Several thousand Chinese students attending colleges in Tokyo held a mass meeting to protest against the new convention between Japan and China, and about one thousand decided to leave for home to emphasise the protest. The Japanese authorities did what they could to appease the indignation of the students by assuring them that there was nothing derogatory to the dignity of China in the new treaty, but without much effect. 1918.05.14 — The Government promulgated regulations for the proper taking of an official census of the empire, the work to begin October 1, 1920. This will be the first time that such a work has been scientifically and accurately attempted in Japan. 1918.05.15 - The second agreement between Japan and the United States for exchanging steel for ships was signed by both parties at the American Embassy in Tokyo, the total ships in this case to be 28, representing a tonnage of 246,000. - Passenger rates were raised on the Imperial Government Railway throughout Japan by 25 per cent and freight rates 20 per cent, to begin from July 16. 1918.05.16 - The military Convention between Japan and China for the better policing of Manchuria, and Siberia if necessary, was signed in Pekin by representatives of both governments, the details not being made public. - Mr. Amano Kashun, one of the Legation guards who helped to save the life of the British Ambassador when the building was attacked by the Mito ronins during the last days of the shogunate, passed away at the age of eighty-three. He was the first Japanese to receive a decoration from Queen Victoria and was received in special audience by Prince Arthur of Connaught during his last visit to Japan. - Yokohama decided to erect a new Higher Technical School at a cost of 750,000 yen. 1918.05.19 — Mr. Arai Keizo, an official of the Mitsui Bank, was run over and killed by a train with which his jinrikisha collided, the two railway guards whose carelessness allowed the accident committing suicide afterwards. 1918.05.20 - The Government began the sale of foreign rice to control the price of staple food in Japan. - The Japan-American Association held its annual meeting at the Tokyo Bankers' Club with an attendance of 80 members, including the American Ambassador and Viscount Kaneko and other distinguished persons. 1918.05.21 — According to an official forecast the wheat and barley crop in Japan this year will be about 10 per cent below normal. 1918.05.22 — The Oriental Colonization Company held its annual meeting and passed a resolution to increase the Company's capital to 20,000,000 yen. 1918.05.24 — It was officially announced that Mr. Arthur E. Bryan, the new Trade Commissioner for Canada, had arrived in Japan and opened an office for the Canadian Government at Yokohama. --- The Japan Magazine v9.4 August, 1918 --- (covers May 25, 1918 to June 18, 1918) 1918.05.25 — Herr Gunther, former chief of the civil administration at Tsingtau, who had remained there under Japanese inspection since the capitulation of the fortress, was sent to Japan as a prisoner of war, and placed in the detention camp on the island of Shikoku. 1918.05.27 - Graduation ceremony at the Tokyo Military Academy, attended by H. I. M. the Emperor, who presented prizes to the honour graduates. - Count Ogimachi was appointed Lord Chamberlain to the Imperial Court in succession to the late Prince Takatsukasa. 1918.05.28 — At a conference of the chiefs of police of the Empire the Procurator-General delivered an address warning the public against dangerous thoughts and lack of harmony between rich and poor. He declared it his intention to prohibit all literature likely to influence improperly the minds of young people. 1918.05.29 - The cruiser Tatsuta was launched at Sasebo. - Princess Yasu-ko, eldest daughter of Prince Fushimi, was married to Nagataké Asano, grandson of Marquis Asano, the wedding being celebrated in the style of old Japan. 1918.06.04 — Miss Nobu Hirayama, daughter of the Hon. Shigenobu Hirayama, and Miss Sada Sato, eldest daughter of Dr. Sato, were selected as companions to the Princess Yoshiko, who has recently been betrothed to the Prince Imperial. 1918.06.06 - Lieutenant-General Akashi was appointed Governor-General of Formosa in succession to General Baron Ando, resigned. - The warship Adzuma, which had been operating in Indian waters, in conjunction with Allied fleets, returned to Maizuru naval station. 1918.06.08 — Count C. Watanabe, formerly head of the Yokohama Specie Bank in London, died, leaving a widow, who is a daughter of the late Prince Oyama. 1918.06.10 - Mr. Zenzaburo Yasuda appointed a member of the House of Peers by virtue of being the highest tax-payer in the Empire for the year. - Tokyo city decided to despatch an expert to the United States to study the management of municipal tramways, and Mr. Motosuke Masuda was appointed. - Excavation on a five-mile tunnel through Mount Itanna was commenced, which, when completed, will be the next longest tunnel to the Simplon tunnel in Switzerland. The venture will cost 10,000,000 yen and take seven years to finish. The new tunnel will shorten the Tokaido railway and lead through Atami. 1918.06.13 - It was ascertained that the management of the Imperial Railways was carrying on business at a loss of 30,000,000 yen a year, and to make good the deficit the Railway Bureau decided to raise freight and passenger rates, the new regulation to come into force July 16. - The new Bolivian Minister proceeded to the Imperial Palace and presented his credentials to the Emperor. He is the first Minister from the South American state to Japan. 1918.06.14 — Prince Tokugawa and suite left Yokohama on a Red Cross mission to Europe. Dr. Tanakadaté left with the same party to attend a meeting of British scientists in London. 1918.06.18 - His Royal Highness Prince Arthur of Connaught arrived in Japan on a mission from King George of England to present to the Emperor of Japan the baton of a Field-Marshal of the British Army. The Prince was welcomed at Yokohama by high officials and in Tokyo by His Majesty the Emperor in person. The Prince received a round of entertainments and was presented by the Imperial Court with famous gifts and by the city with swords of old Japan. - Lieutenant Sakamoto, of the naval flying corps, fell to the earth with his machine and was killed, the observation officer being only injured. --- The Japan Magazine v9.5 September, 1918 --- (covers June 25, 1918 to July 24, 1918) 1918.06.25 - Baron Sakatani, who had been on an extended trip to China for purposes of financial investigation, returned to Tokyo. - Prince Arthur of Connaught and suite visited Nikko and remained over night at the Kanaya Hotel. 1918.06.26 — The Chilian naval training ship *Baraida* reached Yokohama. 1918.06.27 — Prince Arthur of Connaught, after returning from the Nikko trip, visited the Oriental-English Girls' School in Azabu, conducted by the Canadian Methodist Mission, and then proceeded to the mansion of Marquis Inouye at Uchiyamada where he was shown valuable family treasures. 1918.06.28 — Prince Arthur proceeded to the Imperial Palace and had a farewell audience with his Majesty the Emperor, when an Imperial luncheon was given. 1918.06.29 — On this day Prince Arthur went shopping to Maruzen's Book store in the forenoon, taking a walk through Nihonbashi; and in the afternoon his Royal Highness visited the mansion of Marquis Mayeda, after which a reception was given by the British Association at Shinjuku. 1918.07.04 - The Naval Academy, which hitherto admitted no more than two hundred students annually, decided in view of naval expansion plans to admit 300. - Lieutenant-General Kolchakhoff, commander of the Russian garrison along the Chinese Eastern Railway, came to Tokyo to request Japan to despatch troops to eastern Siberia. - The Tokyo municipal Council decided to expend over one million yen in enlargement of its water system reservoir to meet increased demands for city water. 1918.07.05 - The Tokyo Municipal Education Department selected seven directors of primary schools to proceed to America to study educational methods and school management. - Some 1,500 young men graduated from Waseda University this year. 1918.07.06 — The Japanese training squadron, including the *Asama* and *Tokiwa* returned from a cruise in North and South American waters, having been absent since last March. 1918.07.09 - Premier Terauchi invited a number of business men and members of the Imperial Diet to his official residence to confer on the proposal to raise over 2,000,000 yen for the encouragement of aviation in Japan. - Mr. K. Honda was appointed Japanese minister to Switzerland in succession to Mr. Y. Miura recalled. 1918.07.12 - An unusually severe typhoon passed over Kyushu and southern Japan, causing much damage to property, especially along sea fronts. - An extraordinary cabinet council was convened in Tokyo to consider the despatch of Japanese troops to Siberia in aid of the Czechs in accordance with a proposal made by the American Government. - The super-dreadnaught *Kawachi* of over 20,800 tons was blown up while at anchor in the Inland Sea in the bay of Tokuyama and sank in four minutes with the loss of 621 lives. 1918.07.15 — At the Elder Statesmen's council met to consider the question of intervention in Siberia Prince Yamagata approved the proposal while Marquis Saionji and Marquis Matsukata were neutral, deciding to leave the matter to the Diplomatic Advisory Committee. 1918.07.16 — At the Diplomatic Advisory Committee meeting held on this day Baron Makino was decidedly opposed to sending Japanese troops to Siberia, thinking the present forces there sufficient, while Mr. K. Hara, leader of the Seiyukai party, approved the despatch of troops in cooperation with America, but was opposed to Japan's taking any initiative. The council decided to abandon intervention on a large scale. 1918.07.17 — The Diplomatic Advisory Committee held a meeting to draft an answer to the American proposal for intervention in Siberia. 1918.07.19 - The cabinet and the Privy Council held meetings to consider the proposal to intervene in Siberia. - At a riot in Shanghai there was a collision between the native and Japanese police in which some were killed and several wounded. 1918.07.22 — Viscount Uchida, Japanese ambassador to Russia, resigned on the ground that he did not approve the Government's Russian policy. 1918.07.24 - About 600 army officers were granted promotion. - The 13th anniversary of the death of the late General Count Kodama was observed at the Seishoji temple, attended by Premier Terauchi and many high persons of state. --- The Japan Magazine v9.6 October, 1918 --- (covers July 26, 1918 to August 21, 1918) 1918.07.26 — Memorial service for the 600 men who lost their lives in the dreadnought "Kawachi" was held at Yokosuka naval station under the auspices of the Admiralty. An explosion of gunpowder being transhipped at Shimonoseki station killed sixty persons, injured many others and destroyed a great deal of valuable property. 1918.07.27 — According to a report published by the Department of Finance the number of failures during the first half of the year was no less than 2,400 including banks and business companies, caused chiefly by tightness of money and keenness of competition in the economic world. 1918.07.29 — Owing to the continued drought scarcity of water was experienced in Tokyo, so that the authorities had to forbid the use of city water for irrigation purposes or for any purpose not deemed an actual necessity. It was announced by the Finance Department that the total of Japan's subscriptions to Allied bonds since the beginning of the war amounted to 477,909,000 yen. The Yokohama post office was destroyed by fire, with no serious loss of mail matter. His Excellency the new French Ambassador, M. Marcel Delanny, proceeded to the Imperial Palace and presented his credentials to the Emperor. The Department of Agriculture and Commerce established a Food Investigation Commission with a view to regulating the prices of food stuffs and the conditions of demand and supply. 1918.07.30 — Being the seventh anniversary of the demise of the late Emperor, a religious ceremony was observed at the Imperial Court and at the Imperial Mausoleum at Momoyama. 1918.08.01 — A grand exhibition was opened at Sapporo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Island of Hokkaido as a colony. A meeting of the Diplomatic Advisory Council was convened to draw up a reply to the American proposal as to intervention in Siberia. 1918.08.02 — Owing to the enormous appreciation in the cost of paper and printing materials the Government decided to raise the prices of school textbooks by from 20 to 50 per cent, the new prices being published in the Official Gazette. A syndicate of bankers met at the Bank of Japan to consider the issue of Exchequer bonds to the amount of 100,000,000 yen to furnish funds for foreign exchange. Japan issued a formal announcement as to the military expedition despatched to Siberia, according to which the troops are sent to Vladivostock to assist the Czech-Slovaks and will evacuate the territory as soon as their mission is accomplished. Regulations were promulgated for the issue of 100,000,000 yen in Exchequer bonds for purposes of providing exchange funds. The warship Kasuga which had been doing Allied service in Indian water, returned to Japan. Commander Aiba, who distinguished himself in the Russo-Japanese war by capturing Admiral Rojestvensky, passed away at his home in Tokyo. Mayor Ando of Yokohama resigned and Mr. Seishu Kubota was chosen as his successor. 1918.08.05 — The Government put on sale Korean rice with a view to regulating the price of food, through specially appointed agents. His Majesty the Emperor made a donation of 500,000 yen to the Imperial Aviation Association, and a sum of 50,000 yen to improve means of allaying the terrible dust storms of Tokyo. A collision between a cart laden with gunpowder and an electric car at Ebisu station in Tokyo caused an explosion that killed two, injured 27 and damaged the car. Among the injured were Viscountess Matsumaye and Madam Matsuda, wife of Major-General Matsuda. 1918.08.06 — Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress left Tokyo for the Imperial Villa at Nikko to spend the summer holidays. The Nippon Yusen Kaisha decided to erect its new head office opposite the Marine Insurance Company's building near Tokyo Central Station at a cost of 7,000,000 yen. The new office will take five years in construction and will be one of the largest and finest structures in the capital. Food riots began among the fisher women in Toyama ken, which extended throughout most of the empire. 1918.08.07 — The total amount of postal savings deposits was announced to be 500,630,000 yen. 1918.08.09 — General Otani was appointed of the Japanese expedition to Siberia, with Lieutenant General Yui as chief of staff and Lieutenant-General Takeuchi as Commander of the Communications brigade. 1918.08.11 — The first detachment of the Japanese army landed at Vladivostock and the officers of the division left Tokyo the next day. 1918.08.13 — Owing to the ferocity of the rice riots His Majesty the Emperor made a donation of 3,000,000 yen towards poor relief, and the Government expended 10,000,000 yen in buying up rice to be sold at low rate to the poor. To check mobs the Osaka authorities issued regulations forbidding more than five persons to be seen walking together anywhere on the street, under pain of imprisonment for 20 days or a fine of 20 yen. 1918.08.15 — The S. S. China of the China Mail S. S. Company stranded at the entrance to Tokyo bay en route from San Francisco and was taken off by a tug from the Yokosuka Admiralty. The Shunju Kai, a powerful newspaper club, passed resolutions against the Government's ban on news of the rice riots, and sent a memorial to the Home Minister asking that the ban be withdrawn, the latter consenting to the request. The Government issued emergency regulations authorizing the officials to commandeer rice at fixed rates for the relief of the poor and those in need of food. 1918.08.19 — A conflagration in Kanda, Tokyo, destroyed over seventy houses, including many schools and business companies. Baron Megata was appointed head of the Siberian Economic Commission for aiding Russia in time of emergency. Two colonels of the Czech troops arrived in Tokyo to convey thanks for the despatch of Japanese troops to Siberia. 1918.08.21 — Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress returned to Tokyo in view of the distress over food riots. General Knox, the British Commander for Siberia, arrived in Tokyo; also the new minister to Japan from Argentina, M. Pugnalin. --- The Japan Magazine v9.7 November, 1918 --- (covers August 25, 1918 to September 23, 1918) 1918.08.25 — The Imperial Government prohibited the exportation of objects made of gold or silver, as well as exports of gold and silver bullion already prohibited. 1918.08.27 — The Government fixed the price of rice at 33 yen per koku. A koku is about five bushels. 1918.08.30 — A typhoon swept over the Kwansai districts of Japan doing a great amount of damage to life and property. 1918.08.31 — The fortieth birthday of His Majesty the Emperor. 1918.09.02 — A meeting of national journalists held at the Seiyoken Hotel, Tokyo, passed a unanimous resolution to oppose the Terauchi cabinet and bring about its impeachment. 1918.09.04 - A meeting of the Diplomatic Advisory Council, decided to advise extension of Japan's military operations in Siberia and to recognize the independence of the Czeck-Slovaks. - The premier, Count Terauchi, invited to his official residence Dr. Kanasugi, leader of the Seiwa Club, to discuss the advisability of having the club unite with the Shinseikai, a government club, for the purpose of facing successfully the opposition in the Imperial Diet. 1918.09.05 — A meeting of the headmen of the various city wards in Tokyo was held to consider the necessity of supplying daily requirements of the poor at a cheap rate and the advisability of providing cheap tenements for poor citizens, to relieve the present distress. 1918.09.06 — In a public speech Mr. Hara, leader of the Seiyukai expressed divergence of opinion from the Diplomatic Advisory Council. Social and political disaffection broke out in various parts of the country owing to the government's policy, and all the political parties decided to urge the impeachment of the cabinet, the Seiyukai, however, taking an attitude of caution. It became apparent that the cabinet would soon have to resign. 1918.09.07 — In a great speech at Sapporo Viscount Takaaki Kato, leader of the Kenseikai, attacked the policy of the Terauchi cabinet and urged its impeachment on the ground that the cabinet had forfeited the confidence of the public by trying to send a larger expedition to Siberia than the Allies had advised and because the government had despatched an army to north Manchuria without explaining clearly to the nation the objective of the expedition, thus producing a misunderstanding abroad as to the military motives of Japan. He contended that the cabinet also prejudiced friendship between Japan and China by helping the northern as against the southern faction in that country. Moreover, the cabinet had made grave mistakes in managing the prices of commodities and had inflated the currency to cope with the situation, causing abnormal rise in prices. The cabinet tried to crush disaffection and to muzzle the press, causing riots. 1918.09.08 — A volcano on one of the Kurile islands erupted and a great tidal wave appeared along the coast, overwhelming 23 fishermen. 1918.09.09 — In reply to criticisms urged against the despatch of so many troops to Siberia a representative of the War Department issued a public explanation to the effect that Japan had sent only three army divisions to Siberia, together with the necessary artillery, aviation, telegraph and railway equipment. 1918.09.13 — Being the seventh anniversary of the death of General Baron Nogi, a solemn memorial service was held at the late residence of the General in Tokyo, attended by a large number of high personages and officials, including army and navy officers. 1918.09.16 — The Bank of Japan raised its discount rate by 2 rin. The Nippon Yusen Kaisha presented to the family of the late Captain Tominaga, who lost his life by suicide after the sinking of the Hitachi Maru by the Germans, the sum of 50,000 yen. 1918.09.17 - Viscount Motono, who had been eleven years Japanese Ambassador to Russia and latterly Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Terauchi cabinet, passed away at his residence in Tokyo, death being due to cancer. - Some 25 wounded Czechs from Siberia arrived at St. Luke's Red Cross Hospital in Tokyo. 1918.09.18 — The signal for a change of cabinet was given when the Emperor summoned to the Imperial Palace Prince Yamagata and Marquis Matsukata, when the formation of a new ministry was discussed. 1918.09.19 — Marquis Okuma was summoned to the Imperial Palace and conversed with the Emperor about the change of cabinet. He returned to the Palace the next day, and also Marquis Matsukata. There was a long conference on the same day between Prince Yamagata and Marquis Saionji. 1918.09.21 — Premier Terauchi proceeded to the Imperial Palace and tendered his resignation to the Emperor; and Marquis Saionji was immediately requested to undertake the formation of a new ministry. 1918.09.22 — Marquis Saionji visited Prince Yamagata and Marquis Matsukata and expressed his unwillingness to undertake the premiership, recommending Mr. Hara instead. 1918.09.23 — Mr. Hara, leader of the Seiyukai party, visited Marquis Saionji and Prince Yamagata, and finally acceded to the Imperial request to undertake the formation of a new cabinet. --- The Japan Magazine v9.8 December, 1918 --- (covers September 25, 1918 to October 24, 1918) 1918.09.25 — Marquis Saionji repaired to the Imperial Court and informed His Majesty of his inability to undertake the organization of a new coalition cabinet, advising that Mr. T. Hara be asked to form a party ministry instead. 1918.09.27 — Mr. T. Hara, leader of the Seiyukai, proceeded to the Imperial Palace and accepted the request of the Emperor to organize a new cabinet. 1918.09.29 — The new Premier was accorded an Imperial audience and intimated to His Majesty the names he had selected for the new cabinet; and upon their being approved by the Emperor the installation of the new ministers of State was at once proceeded with in the presence of the Emperor. 1918.09.30 — Viscount Oura, formerly Minister of Agriculture and Commerce, passed away at his Kamakura villa after a brief illness. 1918.10.01 — At a meeting of the Kenseikai called to discuss the new Seiyukai cabinet Viscount Takaaki Kato expressed cordial approval of the formation of a party cabinet as a sign of a nearer approach to constitutional government, but said that the conduct of the new ministry must be watched with the keenest interest and caution. 1918.10.02 — The Department of Agriculture and Commerce published a first forecast of the year's rice crop, estimating it at about 295,000,000 bushels, exclusive of Korea and Formosa, or an increase of some 9.4 per cent over the normal yield. 1918.10.03 — Mr. T. Nakamura, newly appointed Minister to the Argentine Republic, was received in a farewell audience by the Emperor, and soon afterwards left for Argentina. 1918.10.04 - The new Premier gave a luncheon to the leaders of various clubs and political parties in the House of Peers. - Prince Lvoff, a noted figure in Russian politics, visited Japan on his way to the United States. 1918.10.05 — At a meeting of the Seiyukai called to discuss the platform of the new cabinet, Premier Hara defended the decision of the cabinet not to publish any platform at present, as the policy of the ministry would be the same in office as when the party was out of office. The principles of the party were well known to the public. As for the pressing questions of the day, the cabinet would give them the most careful attention. 1918.10.07 — The Prime Minister invited representative journalists to luncheon at his official residence and asked for their support in the work of the government. Mr. Kuroiwa, editor of the Yorodzu, responded for the Japanese press men and Mr. Joseph Sharkey, of the Associated Press, for the foreign journalists. 1918.10.08 — Mr. B. Nakano, formerly president of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and a noted citizen of the empire, passed away. 1918.10.14 - Baron Ozaki, a member of the Privy Council, died. He was the father of Madam Ozaki, wife of Mr. Yukio Ozaki, formerly Mayor of Tokyo and Minister of Justice, the two families being related only by marriage. - The subject for the Imperial poetry symposium at the New Year was announced as: Snow on a Clear Morning! - Some forty more wounded Czechs arrived at St. Luke's Red Cross Hospital in Tokyo. 1918.10.18 — Mr. Akaboshi contributed 1,000,000 yen toward promoting interest in certain studies of importance to the nation; and it was decided to organize an association to carry the purpose of the donation into effect, Baron Makino being appointed adviser and Mr. S. Hirayama, Manager. 1918.10.23 - Spanish influenza invaded Tokyo and thousands of persons were soon prostrated with the sickness, which was specially rife among school children, many schools having to close until the epidemic had passed. - The French Ambassador, M. Delanney, left for Paris on receiving a cable informing him of the death of his wife. 1918.10.24 — The French General appointed to command the Czech troops in Siberia arrived in Tokyo on his way to the front. --- The Japan Magazine v9.9 January, 1919 --- (covers October 25, 1918 to November 24, 1918) 1918.10.25 — The Government issued an emergency Imperial Ordinance suspending import duty on rice to prevent continued inflation of price. H. E. the American Ambassador, Roland Morris, called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and held an important conference. The war tank presented to the Japanese army by the British Government arrived in Japan. 1918.10.26 — To replace the late Mr. H. W. Denison and the late Baron Motono as Japan's representatives on the Hague Tribunal, Baron Dr. Hodzumi and Dr. M. Tomii were appointed. 1918.10.29 — The Government recalled Mr. G. Hayashi, Minister to Pekin, and appointed Mr. T. Obata, head of the Political Affairs Bureau in the Foreign Office, to take his place. Dr. Minoru Oka, director of the Commercial and Industrial Bureau in the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, resigned and Mr. E. Okamoto, director of the Forestry Bureau, was appointed to succeed him. Cables were received announcing the safe arrival in England of H. I. H. Prince Higashi-Fushimi, Japan's Envoy to the Royal Court of England, who was received in audience by the King and Queen. Mrs. K. Mineshima who contributed 500,000 yen towards the construction of a chemical industrial school, was decorated with the Sixth Order of the Crown. Major-General Inoue, Commander of the Tsingtau garrison, was appointed Military Attaché at the Japanese Embassy in Washington. 1918.11.03 — Miss Caroline Furness, emeritus professor of Astronomy at Vassar College, was welcomed to Tokyo as a representative of American women war workers. 1918.11.05 — Count Hijikata, one of the heroes of the Meiji period, passed away at the age of eighty-six. Mr. T. Shimamura, one of the leading playwrights of Japan, and formerly professor of Dramatic Literature at Waseda University, died. 1918.11.09 — Mr. H. Motoda, a director of the Seiyukai, and Viscount Terauchi, were appointed members of the Diplomatic Advisory Council. 1918.11.12 — An Imperial Rescript was issued summoning the Imperial Diet to meet on December the 25th. 1918.11.13 — His Majesty the Emperor left Tokyo to attend the annual military maneuvers in Tochigi prefecture. The conclusion of the European Armistice was formally announced and the national flag was ordered to be flown over all residences for two days. Unofficial celebrations in honour of the return of peace were held at various places. The Tokyo Municipal Council met and decided on a formal celebration of peace at Hibiya park on the 21st. 1918.11.15 — The students of Keio University held a lantern procession in Tokyo, some 3,000 attending. Cables were received announcing that H. I. H. Prince Higashi-Fushimi had proceeded to France and Italy where great welcome was accorded to so distinguished a representative of the most distant of the Allies. 1918.11.16 — The students of Waseda University held a special meeting in celebration of the return of peace, when Marquis Okuma delivered a characteristic oration. Various schools and associations engaged daily in lantern processions in honour of peace. 1918.11.18 — On concluding the annual military manœuvres His Majesty the Emperor conferred 129 decorations on living and departed heroes, among the latter being included Ota Dokan, founder of Yedo castle, and Daté Masamune, the famous daimyo of Sendai in ancient times, who despatched the first Japanese embassy to Rome in the 16th century. Captains Tobimatsu and Takahashi were killed while flying, by the collapse of their aeroplane. 1918.11.19 — The naval and military officers to attend the Peace Conference were chosen. His Majesty returned to the capital from the annual military manœuvres. 1918.11.20 — Count Yanagisawa was appointed on the Tokyo Municipal Assembly in place of Mr. B. Nakano, deceased. His Majesty the Emperor went to view the chrysanthemums at the Akasaka Palace gardens. The Fine Arts Exhibition of the Department of Education closed, having been visited by 258,346 persons, or 15,000 more than last year. 1918.11.21 — The citizens of Tokyo formally celebrated the European Armistice, when 2,500 distinguished guests were invited to meet the city and government officials at Hibiya park and more than a million people turned out to witness the proceedings and the parade. The Mayor of Tokyo and the Premier read addresses and response was made by the British Ambassador in the name of the foreign representatives. Decorated cars, floats and other forms of demonstration were seen moving about the capital all day. At night a monster lantern procession of more than 100,000 persons marched through the main thoroughfares and visited the Imperial Palace grounds, where the procession was viewed by Their Majesties. 1918.11.24 — Viscount Chinda, Japanese Ambassador in London, and Mr. K. Matsui, Japanese Ambassador in Paris, were appointed to represent Japan at the Peace Conference. At a later date it was decided to name Marquis Saionji as Japan's chief plenipotentiary at the Peace Conference. --- The Japan Magazine v9.10 February, 1919 --- (covers November 25, 1918 to December 25, 1918) 1918.11.25 — Some 270 persons accused of riots on account of the high price of rice were brought to trial in the Tokyo District Court. 1918.11.26 — Instructions were issued by the Government to governors of prefectures that the people under them were to be warned to be frugal in habits so as to save money for after-war conditions. His Majesty the Emperor attended the graduation exercises of the Naval Staff College in Tokyo, and presented prizes to the honour students. Messrs. Shinkichi Takahashi, Kokichi Sonoda and Takashi Masuda were raised to the peerage by the Emperor, being created barons, in recognition of their services to national finance. Yokohama held grand celebration of the Allies' victory. 1918.11.27 — Marquis Kinmochi Saionji was appointed to head Japan's delegation to the European Peace Conference, to be attended by Baron Nobuaki Makino, Baron Sutemi Chinda and Mr. K. Matsui. General Oshima was appointed Commander of the Tsingtau garrison and left at once for his post. Mr. Harunobu Hayashi, professor of French in the First National College, passed away. He was the son of a French father; and his mother was the sister of Matsudaira Tadamoto. 1918.11.30 — Baron Shinkichi Takahashi died. General Akiyama, Ichinohe and Osako were decorated with Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun. 1918.12.01 — Prince Li of Korea formally proposed betrothal to Princess Masako Nashimoto-no-miya of the Imperial House of Japan. The Kawasaki Dock Yard at Kobe doubled its capital to 40,000,000 yen, owing to increase of business. According to an announcement made by the Department of Finance the Budget for 1919 will require 1,058,000,000 yen, while Revenue in sight amounts to only 1,037,000,000 yen, showing a deficit of some 21,000,000 yen, which is to be met by loans. 1918.12.04 — Princess Masako Nashimoto formally accepted the offer of marriage proposed by Prince Li of Korea. Baron Renpei Kondo and Messrs. Yeigo Fukai, Kikusaburo Fukui and Matazo Kita were appointed Finance delegates to the European Peace Conference. 1918.12.10 — Baron Makino was seen off by over 3,000 persons as he sailed from Yokohama for the Peace Conference. 1918.12.16 — Lieutenant Genshiro Nozawa and 127 others were appointed to proceed to Europe to take over the German submarines allotted to Japan. Mr. Torikichi Obata, new Japanese Minister to Pekin, left with his family for the Chinese capital. 1918.12.19 — General Uchiyama was despatched by His Majesty the Emperor to bring New Year greetings to the Japanese troops in Siberia. Premier Hara summoned representatives of the various political parties and explained to them the new Budget for the year 1919-20. The total bank deposits at the end of November in Japan amounted to 4,200,000,000 yen. It was decided to hold a grand ceremony in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the Imperial Constitution on February the 11th. 1918.12.21 — His Majesty the Emperor was pleased to confer on Marquis Saionji the Grand Cordon of the Chrysanthemum in recognition of meritorious services to the nation. The War Office announced that troops would be despatched west of Irkutsk to cooperate with the troops of the Allies in allaying strife in Russia and assisting the Omsk Government. 1918.12.22 — An important meeting of the Imperial Diplomatic Advisory Council met when Viscount Terauchi attended for the first time. Problems with reference to China, the Peace Conference and other important diplomatic subjects were discussed. Professor Nakajima, of the Department of Literature in the Imperial University, Tokyo, died of influenza. Mr. Jimbei Kawashima, the famous weaver of exquisite silk tapestries, in Kyoto, died. 1918.12.24 — Marquis Saionji came up from his villa at Okitsu to proceed to the Imperial Court to thank His Majesty for appointing him head of the Japanese delegation to the European Peace Conference. 1918.12.25 — The Imperial Diet was formally opened, when the Premier proceeded to the Imperial Palace to report the proceedings to His Majesty. The session formally commenced on the 27th. --- The Japan Magazine v9.11 March, 1919 --- (covers December 25, 1918 to January 23, 1919) 1918.12.25 — His Majesty made a gift of 10,000,000 yen to facilitate increase of schools for higher education in the Empire. The Imperial Diet was opened on this day. 1918.12.26 — Professor K. Miura, Mr. H. Saionji, Prince Konoye and Mr. S. Matsuoka were appointed in the suite of Marquis Saionji, Japan's chief envoy to the Peace Conference. 1918.12.28 — The Imperial Government appointed a commission to investigate the doings of Japanese soldiers in Siberia. A committee was also appointed on Treaty Revision. 1919.01.01 — Japan's great National Holiday. 1919.01.03 — New Year religious ceremony at the Imperial Palace. Baron Kondo, president of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, left for the European Peace Conference. 1919.01.04 — Marquis Saigo, seventh son of the famous patriot, Takamori Saigo, died at the age of fifty-four. Sumako Matsui, an actress, committed suicide because of the death of her patron, Shimamura Hogetsu. 1919.01.06 — H. I. H. Prince Higashi-Fushimi returned from a mission to England, and was welcomed by the Princess and many distinguished persons at the steamer. The Foreign Office announced that the Japan-American treaty of Arbitration was extended for a further term. 1919.01.11 — Marquis Saionji and suite left Japan for the European Peace Conference, being seen off by a large number of distinguished officials. The Bankers' Club at Osaka was destroyed by fire. 1919.01.12 — Colonel Faure, a famous French aviator, and forty others, came from France to act as flying instructors in the Japanese army, being warmly welcomed in Tokyo. 1919.01.15 — Lieutenant-General Nakashima, a high authority on Russian Affairs, was appointed to the General Staff office. Vice-admiral Baron Arichi, a privy councillor, passed away. Mrs. Asako Hiroōka, sister of Baron Mitsui, a distinguished Christian and a leader in the women's movement, died at Osaka. 1919.01.16 — Princess Yasuko, recently married to Mr. Asano, and daughter of Prince and Princess Fushimi, died of influenza. 1919.01.18 — The Reimeikai, a democratic organization composed of young men determined to modernize Japan, held a mass meeting in Tokyo. The Minister of Foreign Affairs invited distinguished financiers to confer with him in the establishment of a financial syndicate for the purpose of promoting finance in Eastern Russia. Dr. Harada, president of the Doshisha University, resigned. 1919.01.21 — Prince Yi, former Emperor of Korea, died in Seoul. Consequently the marriage of his son, Prince Yi, Jr. had to be postponed. In the Imperial Diet the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced a policy of special friendship for China which attracted considerable attention, as indicative of Japan's attitude at the European Peace Conference. 1919.01.22 — The sum of 100,000 yen was appropriated as expenses for the state funeral of Prince Yi, ex-king of Korea. 1919.01.23 — Miss Ruth Law, the noted American aviatrix, arrived in Japan. Major James Marsden, who went through the war in Gallipoli and in France, arrived in Tokyo as assistant Military Attaché at the British Embassy. --- The Japan Magazine v9.12 April, 1919 --- (covers January 25, 1919 to February 21, 1919) 1919.01.25 — It was decided to treble the capacity of military arsenals by establishing new works at Atsuta, Oji and in Korea in view of the experiences gained in the European war. 1919.01.28 — The Tokyo Road Improvement Association decided to expend a sum of 40,000,000 yen on the improvement of streets and roads. 1919.02.03 — A heavy snowfall in Tokyo, the heaviest for twelve years. 1919.02.05 - The first part of Dr. Midzukuri's History of the European war was published in a volume of some 3,000 pages. The second part will be issued as soon as the Peace Conference ends. - A meeting to pass a resolution against racial discrimination was held at the Tokyo Seiyoken Hotel, and the resolution passed unanimously. 1919.02.10 — Both houses of the Imperial Diet moved a resolution of congratulation to His Majesty the Emperor on the occasion of the Thirtieth Anniversary of the promulgation of the Imperial Constitution, and a special ceremony was conducted at a memorial hall erected for the purpose, after which distinguished statesmen visited the tomb of Prince Ito, the compiler of the national constitution. 1919.02.12 — Prince Yamagata, head of the surviving Elder Statesmen, was taken ill with influenza and remained in a precarious condition for some days, when he finally recovered to the relief of almost universal anxiety. 1919.02.14 - A meeting for the purpose of discussing how best to remove present restrictions in foreign countries caused by racial discrimination was held in the library of the Lower House of the Imperial Diet. - The Governor of Tokyo Prefecture summoned the director of the city electric bureau and cautioned him that improvements must be carried out in the city tram service, to prevent overcrowding and other intolerable conditions. - Marchioness Kuroda died from an attack of influenza. 1919.02.17 - The Japanese troops in Siberia engaged the enemy and a great battle was fought, in which one Japanese regiment, which became detached, was completely annihilated. - Princess Oyama, who was one of the first Japanese ladies to be educated in America, died of influenza. After returning to Japan she married an officer of the army who later became Prince Oyama. - Mr. T. Matsuura, a distinguished educator, was appointed tutor to the Imperial Princes. 1919.02.18 — General Baron Fukushima died of apoplexy. He was one of the most distinguished of army officers, having seen action in almost all Japan's wars since the Restoration, and had rendered the nation great service. 1919.02.21 - Kogyo Terasaki, one of the most famous of the nation's artists, passed away. - Vice-admiral Baron Ito died. --- The Japan Magazine v10.1 May, 1919 --- (covers February 26, 1919 to March 22, 1919) 1919.02.26 — The Minister of Communications departed for Korea to attend the Funeral obsequies of the late Prince Yi. 1919.02.27 - Viscount Kano, headman of the town of Ichinomiya, passed away. - There was a sudden slump in the rice market owing to imports of rice from Saigon. 1919.03.01 - The naval training fleet with Vice-admiral Nakano and 120 cadets left for a long cruise, during which they will visit Formosa, China, Manila, Singapore, and sail all round Australia, calling at the various ports, the route covering some 20,000 miles. - A great universal suffrage demonstration was held at Hibiya Park in Tokyo. - A general amnesty for political prisoners was announced in connection with the death of Prince Yi, ex-king of Korea. 1919.03.02 - The War Office officially announced that a detachment of some 200 troops under Major Tanaka in Siberia was wiped out in an encounter with the Bolshevik forces, all being killed except the wounded. - Her Majesty the Empress conferred a gift of 20,000 yen on the College for the education of peeresses at Aoyama to assist in raising the institution to the rank of a university. - A meeting comprised of over 1,200 students from Japan, China, India and Siam was held at the Seiyoken Hotel in Tokyo to organize an Asiatic League as a counter proposal to the League of Nations. - It was announced that Marquis Saionji, the chief of Japan's delegation to the Peace Conference, had arrived in Paris. 1919.03.04 — Jinzo Narusé, president of the Women's University, and one of the foremost educationists in Japan, died of cancer, after a long illness. 1919.03.05 — While engaged in bomb practice a naval aeroplane with two flying officers fell into Shimizu Bay and both occupants were drowned. Viscount T. Fukuoka died. 1919.03.07 — Death of Viscount Mishima, governor of the Bank of Japan. He was one of the leading financiers of the Empire and had been educated in the United States. At one time he was Minister of Finance. 1919.03.09 - The Revised Election Law passed in the Imperial Diet with a vote of 205 to 144. - Dr. Sanaye Takada was appointed honorary president of Waseda University. 1919.03.13 - All members of the Imperial Diet of more than ten years standing were honoured with Imperial decorations. - Marquis Inouye and Count Yoshikawa were announced as new Privy Councillors. - Mr. Junnosuke Inouye, president of the Yokohama Specie Bank, was appointed successor to the late Viscount Mishima, as governor of the Bank of Japan, and Mr. Seishiro Kimura was made vice-governor. 1919.03.17 - Mr. Yukio Ozaki and party left Yokohama on an inspection tour in America and Europe. - The Department of Foreign Affairs announced the formation of an international agreement for the management of the Siberian railway. 1919.03.20 - The bill prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors to minors passed the Lower House but was rejected by the Upper House, 135 votes to 77. - Death of Mr. Shimpei Tsunoda, manager of the Rice Exchange, and a noted politician, and also a poet of some skill. 1919.03.22 - The new State Reformatory was opened at Tokyo. - The Imperial Cherry Blossom Party was appointed to be held this year on the 17th of April at the Imperial Garden at Shinjuku, to be carried out on a grander scale than usual on account of the conclusion of peace. - Viscount Inaba, Imperial Master of Ceremonies, passed away. --- The Japan Magazine v10.2 June, 1919 --- (covers March 25, 1919 to April 22, 1919) 1919.03.25 — The House of Peers passed the revised Election Law. 1919.03.26 — Dr. Kingo Tasuno, a celebrated engineer and architect passed away. 1919.03.27 — The closing ceremony of the Imperial Diet took place, attended by His Majesty the Emperor, who delivered a speech. Baron Yujiro Nakamura, Governor-General of Kwantung, was replaced by Baron Gonsuké Hayashi, ex-minister to Pekin. 1919.03.29 — The Department of Education conferred the degree of LL. D. on Professor Kiroku Hayashi, of the Department of Diplomacy in the Keio-gijuku University, and a frequent contributor to THE JAPAN MAGAZINE. 1919.03.30 — The Diplomatic Advisory Council met at the official residence of the Premier and discussed the matter of having an anti-race-discrimination proposal presented to the Peace Conference in Paris. Instructions were at once telegraphed to the Japanese delegates attending the Conference. 1919.04.01 — A ceremony commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of local-self-government in towns and villages was held in various parts of the empire, with lectures and addresses on the subject. Lieutenant Fumio Mitsui was killed by the fall of his military aeroplane while making a cross-country flight. 1919.04.03 — Anniversary of the demise of the first Emperor of Japan, Jimmu Tenno, and a national holiday. Mrs. Kiyoko Tokonami, wife of the Minister of Home Affairs, died. 1919.04.06 — Hundreds of thousands thronged to such places as Asukayama, Uyeno, Mukojima and other places to see the cherry blossoms then in full bloom. H. I. H. Prince Nashimoto, Commander of the 16th Army Division, departed for his command of the garrison in Manchuria. 1919.04.12 — Dr. Ryutaro Nomura was appointed president of the South Manchuria Railway Company, and Mr. Seiichi Nakanishi as vice-president. 1919.04.13 — The Department of Education decided to create a Bureau of Industrial Education, for the promotion of industry. 1919.04.17 — His Majesty the Emperor honoured the Fine Art Exhibition and the Live Stock Exhibition at Uyeno with his presence. Her Majesty visited these exhibitions on the following day. 1919.04.18 — Wholesale changes were made in the governors of prefectures throughout the empire, the changes being for the first time independent of party politics. 1919.04.20 — The huge iron framework of the new wrestling hall under construction was blown down and some workmen were killed and others wounded. The Epidemic of Spanish Influenza attacked members of the families of Imperial Princes, one case proving fatal, that of H. I. H. Prince Takeda, brother-in-law of His Majesty, the Emperor. 1919.04.21 — The Advisory Board of Foreign Affairs held a meeting and decided to despatch a message to all Japanese embassies abroad requesting the respective countries to support Japan's proposal for the abolition of race-discrimination. 1919.04.22 — The Imperial Cherry Blossom Party held annually had to be abandoned owing to wet weather. --- The Japan Magazine v10.3 July, 1919 --- (covers April 25, 1919 to May 24, 1919) 1919.04.25 — The Seiyukai party published an account of the proceedings of the 41st annual session of the Imperial Diet. 1919.04.27 — Death of Baron Mitsu Mayejima. 1919.04.28 — Premier Hara addressed the Conference of Prefectural Governors in Tokyo. A fire broke out in Yokohama destroying 3,000 houses and causing a loss of 50,000,000 yen. 1919.04.30 — Funeral obsequies of H. I. H. Prince Takeda. A meeting of the Advisory Board on Diplomatic Affairs was held to discuss the Shantung question. 1919.05.01 — A meeting of the Kokuminto party decided to make certain concession on the Shantung question. 1919.05.02 — Death of Dr. Kaneji Takagi and Dr. Tai Ido. A despatch was received at the Foreign Office announcing that the Shantung question had been settled in Japan's favour. All newspapers issued extras to announce the good news. 1919.05.03 — A heavy storm of hail injured much of the crop in the Kansai region. The Minister of Foreign Affairs visited His Majesty the Emperor and reported that the Shantung question had been settled in Japan's favour by the Peace Conference in France. 1919.05.05 — The Toyo Kisen Kaisha decided to open a new route between Singapore and New Orleans in rivalry with the Osaka Shosen Kaisha's Hongkong-New Orleans line. At a great meeting of 250 newspaper men at the Imperial Hotel Premier Hara made an address. His Majesty the Emperor despatched an Imperial chamberlain to inquire into the distress caused by the great conflagration in Yokohama, bearing a gift of 5,000 yen for the destitute. 1919.05.07 — The formal ceremony in honour of the Coming of Age of the Crown Prince was celebrated at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, and great crowds witnessed the progress of the Imperial Prince along the way. Admiral Heihachiro Togo, the head of the tutors to the Crown Prince, was presented a set of gold cups in commemoration of the Majority of the Prince. 1919.05.08 — A grand banquet was given to Princes of the Blood and high naval and military officers and foreign diplomats at the Imperial Palace in celebration of the Majority of the Prince Imperial. 1919.05.09 — The fiftieth anniversary of the Imperial capital to Tokyo was celebrated by a great meeting at Uyeno Park, Tokyo, attended by their Majesties the Emperor and Empress and vast throngs of people. The occasion was marked by a daimyo procession after the ancient manner through the streets of the capital. 1919.05.10 — The thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of municipal government in Tokyo was celebrated at the City Hall, rewards being given to municipal officials and servants of long standing. The roof of the Imperial Diet buildings was damaged by fire, which caught from neighbouring houses. 1919.05.11 — It was decided to establish a great hydro-electric company on the Ujikawa with a capital of 50,000,000 yen. The Governor General of Formosa invited some sixty leading business men of Japan to discuss the possibility of establishing hydro-electric works in Formosa with a capital of 30,000,000 yen, as a joint enterprise with the Government. The annual wrestling matches of Tokyo began on this day. 1919.05.12 — Dr. Tsuyoshi Mishima, a distinguished Privy Councillor, died. He was a famous Chinese scholar and did a great work for classical Chinese education in Japan, being at one time tutor in Chinese to the present Emperor. 1919.05.13 — Her Majesty the Empress started on a southern tour to visit the Imperial Mausoleum at Momoyama and to see Kyoto. 1919.05.16 — It was decided to establish a Public Hall for the city of Tokyo at an outlay of 2,000,000 yen in commemoration of the Coming of Age of the Prince Imperial. One of the first labour meetings to be held in Japan took place at the Y. M. C. A. Hall in Kanda, Tokyo. 1919.05.20 — The Japan Bank decided to discount accepted bills taken in promotion of foreign trade, with a view to improving the money market. 1919.05.24 — Lieutenant Muramatsu was killed by the fall of his aeroplane while flying over the aerodrome at Kagamigaura. --- The Japan Magazine v10.4 August, 1919 --- (covers May 25, 1919 to June 23, 1919) 1919.05.25 — The Ceremony for awarding prizes from the Imperial Academy was held at the Tokyo College of Fine Art on this date, when five distinguished scholars received awards. 1919.05.27 - The Ceremony of raising the frame of the Meiji Shrine took place at Yoyogi, attended by the Premier and many other distinguished personages. - The Annual General Meeting of the Japan Red Cross Society took place at Hibiya Park in Tokyo, attended by Her Majesty the Empress. 1919.05.28 — The Annual Meeting of the Ladies' Patriotic Association was held at Hibiya Park, honoured with the presence of Her Majesty the Empress. 1919.05.29 - An important meeting of the Advisory Diplomatic Council considered matters relating to Japan's foreign policy. - The vernacular papers reported that His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince would visit Europe in the coming autumn. 1919.05.30 — It was officially announced that the Japanese consulates at Kirin, Tsinan, Fuchau, Singapore and Batavia were raised to consulates-general. 1919.06.01 — The Imperial Government announced its recognition of the republic of Finland. 1919.06.04 — Death of Prince Tokudaiji, formerly Grand Chamberlain of the late Emperor, and brother of Marquis Saionji, now a delegate to the Peace Conference. 1919.06.06 — Death of Dr. Enryo Inouye, a famous scholar. 1919.06.10 — Death of Governor Inouye of Tokyo, during a banquet at the Imperial Hotel. 1919.06.11 — The Tokyo prefectural assembly met and voted 50,000 yen toward the funeral expenses of the late Governor Inouye. 1919.06.15 - The 150th anniversary of the death of the noted painter, Harunobu, was commemorated at the Daiyen temple, Yanaka. - On this date Safety Week began in Tokyo, citizens wearing badges with green crosses in red circles to warn the public to avoid accidents. - The gallery of a Yokohama cinema hall was precipitated into the pit killing three and wounding several. - Funeral of the late Governor Inouye at Hibiya Park. 1919.06.20 — Mr. Hiroshi Abé was appointed to succeed the late Dr. Inouye as Governor of Tokyo. Seven German submarines surrendered to Japan arrived at Yokosuka from Malta. 1919.06.22 — Dr. Uyeda, director of the College of Literature of the Tokyo Imperial University, was appointed president of the Jingu Kogakukan at Ise. 1919.06.23 - The Japanese warships patrolling the coasts of Africa and the South Seas on behalf of the Allies returned to Kure. - Death of Mr. Tetsuzo Eto, leader of the Seiyukai party. --- The Japan Magazine v10.5 September, 1919 --- (covers June 25, 1919 to July 23, 1919) 1919.06.25 - The War Department decided to despatch part of the Fifth Army Division to Siberia owing to increasing depredations by the Bolsheviks in Maritime Russia. - This day was the 17th birthday of H. I. H. Prince Atsu. 1919.06.26 — The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the conclusions of the Peace Conference at Versailles and intimated that as a result of the conclusions reached there would be some changes necessary in the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, so as to bring it into harmony with the League of Nations Covenant. The changes, however, would but tend to make the Alliance more effective than ever. 1919.06.27 — His Majesty the Emperor despatched messages of greeting and felicitation to all the sovereigns of the Allies in regard to the signing of the Treaty of Peace. The Imperial Government decided to proclaim July 1st as a public holiday in celebration of the Peace Treaty. 1919.06.28 — Lieutenant-General Ken-ichi Oshima resigned as commander of the Tsingtau garrison and was succeeded by General Yuhi, Chief of Staff in the army in Siberia. 1919.06.30 - It was reported in the press that H. I. H. Prince Kan-in would be Japan's envoy to convey personal greeting from the Emperor of Japan to the Allied nations in connection with the conclusion of peace. - Another army officer was killed in an aeroplane flight at Tokorozawa aerodrome. - The Minister of Home Affairs issued admonitions to the municipal officials of the various towns and cities of the empire to treat those under them generously in view of the great advance in the cost of living. - His Majesty the Emperor received a message of felicitation from King George of England in regard to the signing of the Treaty of Peace. 1919.07.01 — This was a national holiday in honour of the signing of the Treaty of Peace. Government and other official celebrations were held in Tokyo and various official centers throughout Japan. 1919.07.06 - Districts in the south, especially around Okayama and Hiroshima, suffered great damage from heavy rains and consequent floods. - The Department of War announced its decision to employ female nurses in military hospitals, an innovation due to the influence of the European war. - The Japanese naval officers returning from patrol service in the Mediterranean Sea, including Vice-admiral Chisaka and Rear-admiral Sato, were banqueted by the Emperor. - Premier Hara gave a garden party at his official residence in honour of the signing of the Peace Treaty, inviting both Japanese and foreign guests. - The Minister of War gave a similar reception for the same reason, attended by about 1,000 guests. 1919.07.10 — General Hasegawa, Governor-General of Korea, arrived in Tokyo to make a special report on conditions there to his Majesty the Emperor. 1919.07.11 — Four German submarines allotted to Japan arrived off Tokyo in charge of Japanese officers from Malta, and were viewed by large numbers of people. 1919.07.12 - The placing the roof on the new Meiji Shrine was celebrated by a special ceremony. - His Majesty the Emperor gave a special banquet to civil and military officials in celebration of the signing of the Peace Treaty. 1919.07.16 — Count Taisuké Itagaki, the champion of Japanese liberalism, passed away at the age of 83. He was one of the most distinguished of the Tosa leaders in the early Meiji Restoration, and was once attacked by an assassin and severely wounded, because of his ideas on liberalism and democracy. His memorable words when the assassin attacked him still ring through the annals of Japan as a good omen for the future of constitutionalism in this country: "Itagaki may die, but liberalism shall live!" He attained to the office of a Minister of State but his principles never made him popular in official circles and he lived mostly in retirement. 1919.07.17 — Death of Dr. Kenzo Wadagaki, one of the most distinguished scholars of the empire, and a Christian, under which auspices he was buried. 1919.07.20 — Count Itagaki's funeral, which was attended by many thousands of mourners. 1919.07.21 — Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress, proceeded to the Imperial villa at Nikko for the summer months. 1919.07.23 — The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Shimamura, entertained the Commander and officers of the French warship d'Estrées and the French Ambassador, at the Naval Club, Tsukiji, in honour of their visit to Japan after the war. --- The Japan Magazine v10.6 October, 1919 --- (covers July 26, 1919 to August 23, 1919) 1919.07.26 — The Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Tokonami, invited newspaper men to his residence and discussed with them the advisability of adjusting prices of food. 1919.07.29 — Mr. Nakahashi, Minister of Education, delivered an address on the need of encouraging economy during the present high cost of living. As this was the first time a Minister of State issued an allocution in the language of the common people it caused a great degree of interest. The first snow fell on Mount Fuji, which was much earlier than usual in the season. 1919.07.31 — The typesetters of Tokyo went on strike for higher wages and 16 dailies of the capital were obliged to suspend publication, Tokyo having no newspapers for three days, when the strike was settled, wages being finally raised 30 per cent. 1919.08.03 — It was rumored in the press that Mr. Shidehara, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, would succeed Viscount Ishii as Ambassador to Washington. 1919.08.06 — The Imperial Government Railway Bureau decided to abolish first class cars on the Government railways, except on through express trains. It was announced in the Official Gazette that the Monopoly Bureau had decided to raise the price of tobacco. Dr. G. Mitsukuri, of the Tokyo Imperial University, passed away. 1919.08.11 — The Minister of War proceeded to Nikko to inform His Majesty the Emperor of the reforms that were proposed in the governments of Formosa and Korea. 1919.08.12 — The Governor-General of Korea resigned and Admiral Baron Saito was appointed in his place, with Dr. Rentaro Mizuno as Chief of the Civil Administration. Mr. Tsunetada Kato was appointed special ambassador to the Omsk Government. 1919.08.15 — At a meeting of the Diplomatic Advisory Council it was decided that Japan should not join the proposed Consortium for China unless Manchuria and Mongolia were excluded from its purview. The banking department of the Mitsu Bishi Company was made a separate institution with a capital of 50,000,000 yen, with Baron Iwasaki as governor. 1919.08.16 — A meeting was held at the Imperial Hotel to organize a Labour association for the purpose of promoting harmony between capital and labour, Baron Shibusawa being appointed president. Premier Hara made an address. 1919.08.19 — The original document of the Peace Treaty arrived from France and was conveyed to the Foreign Office. It was announced that certain changes had been made in the regulations affecting the governments of Formosa and Korea, permitting the appointment of civilians as Governors-general of these colonies. 1919.08.23 — Marquis Saionji arrived home from Versailles where he had been Japan's chief delegate to the Peace Conference. He announced that Japan had now become one of the five greater Powers of the world, participating in the same world-problems as England and America. He said Japan might not be satisfied with the outcome of the Conference and the war, but she must remember that neither was any other country. The Marquis was met at the station by many distinguished persons and afforded a hearty welcome. --- The Japan Magazine v10.7 November, 1919 --- (covers August 25, 1919 to September 24, 1919) 1919.08.25 — Marquis Saionji, head of the Japanese delegation to the Peace Conference at Versailles, was welcomed by the Imperial Cabinet and His Majesty the Emperor sent him some appropriate gifts. A farewell banquet was given by the Premier to Admiral Baron Saito, new Governor-General of Chosen, on the eve of his departure to the peninsula. Mr. Totsuke Koyama, M. P., formerly editor of the Tokyo Mainichi, died at Kamakura. 1919.08.26 — General Otani was appointed Inspector-General of military education, and Lieut-General Oi was appointed to succeed him as Commander-in-Chief of the Allied forces in Siberia. 1919.08.27 — Marquis Saionji proceeded to the Imperial Villa at Nikko to report to His Majesty in regard to the Peace Conference at Versailles. 1919.08.28 — On learning of great distress caused by typhoon damage in Formosa His Majesty despatched suitable gifts to those suffering from the storm. 1919.09.01 — Baron Saito started for Korea. The directors of the Bank of Taiwan decided to increase the capital of the institution from 30,000,000 yen to 60,000,000 yen. 1919.09.02 — As the New Governor-General of Chosen and the Chief of the Civil Administration were leaving Nandai station in Seoul for the official residence a bomb was thrown at the carriage by some miscreant, with no ill effect to the officials but causing wounds to several spectators. 1919.09.05 — Mr. Junkichi Noguchi, new chief of police affairs in Korea, on setting out for his post, was seized with illness and died. 1919.09.06 — An Imperial Academy of Fine Art was established by the Department of Education, after the manner of European countries, the purpose being to promote interest in fine art by holding annual exhibitions free from narrow views and representing the highest talent of the nation. 1919.09.08 — A banquet was tendered to Marquis Saionji, in honour of his return from the Peace Conference, by Tokyo city, the event taking place at the Imperial Hotel, Baron Shibusawa presiding. Speeches were made by the guests of honour emphasizing the importance of the public taking more interest in international affairs and in the study of foreign languages. 1919.09.09 — Admiral Baron Saito, in assuming the governor-generalship of Korea, announced that his policy would be in strict accordance with the Imperial Rescript on Korea, devoting the most careful attention to promoting good-will between Japan and Chosen and abolishing all racial discrimination and partiality. 1919.09.11 — The Yokohama Specie Bank announced a half-yearly profit of 103,696,589 yen and declared a dividend of 12 per cent. Mr. Kijuro Shidehara was appointed Japanese ambassador to the United States, to succeed Viscount Ishii, resigned. Baron Makino arrived home from the Peace Conference. 1919.09.12 — The Government published a further forecast of the rice crop, estimating it at about 280,000,000 bushels, or some 12,000,000 bushels more than last year. 1919.09.18 — Captain Burnett, new military attache to the American Embassy, and Mrs. Burnett, arrived in Tokyo. Mrs. Burnett has long had a deep interest in things Japanese, and is of considerable literary talent, having presented poems to the late Empress. 1919.09.19 — Death of Baron Vice-admiral Yamanouchi. 1919.09.22 — While flying over the aerodrome at Tokorozawa two Japanese lieutenants fell with their machine to the ground and one was killed and the other seriously injured. 1919.09.24 — The Japanese delegates to the International Labour Congress at Washington were named: Mr. Eikichi Kamada to represent the Government, Mr. Yamaji Muto to represent capitalists and Mr. Uhei Masumoto to represent labour. --- The Japan Magazine v10.8 December, 1919 --- (covers September 25, 1919 to October 24, 1919) 1919.09.25 — The Prime Minister gave a reception to Baron Makino after his return from the Peace Conference, together with Dr. Tachi, one of his suite to the Conference. 1919.09.26 — Some disturbances were reported in connection with the establishment of the new régime in Korea. 1919.09.29 — The Toyo Kisen Kaisha at its general meeting declared a half-yearly dividend of 20 per cent. 1919.10.01 — Baron Hachirojiro Mitsui, head of the great House of that name, passed away in his 71st year, mourned by a large circle of friends and by the nation at large. 1919.10.02 — A further forecast of the annual rice crop by the Department of Agriculture and Commerce estimated it at 305,000,000 bushels. 1919.10.05 — Mr. Uhei Masumoto was elected as Japan's labour delegate to the International Labour Congress at Washington, in place of Dr. Takano who resigned. 1919.10.12 — The Swiss Minister, M. de Salis, left for home, the Legation to be in charge of the secretary during the Minister's absence. 1919.10.13 — The new Japanese Ambassador to Washington, Mr. Shidehara, left for America, Mr. S. Saburi accompanying him as secretary. 1919.10.15 — The Imperial Fine Art Exhibition was formally opened to the public. The hunting season opened. 1919.10.20 — The ceremony of conferring an Imperial sword on the Field Marshall of the Japanese army for the first time was carried out with appropriate form. It was publicly announced by attending physicians that Count General Terauchi, who had been long ill, had passed away. Afterwards, however, the Count commenced to breathe again and the report had to be withdrawn and funeral preparations stopped. The Count lived for several days afterwards. 1919.10.22 — The mails were carried for the first time by aeroplane between Tokyo and Osaka, three aviators taking part, prizes being offered for record time. The flight was entirely successful both ways, the distance being covered in 3 hours and 22 minutes by the winner. 1919.10.24 — Death of General Akashi, Governor-General of Formosa at Fukuoka, while recuperating. He was fifty five years old, and was raised to the peerage by the Emperor. During the Grand Naval Manoeuvres off Boshu an explosion occurred on the battleship Hyuga in which 14 men and one officer were killed. On the same day a Captain on board the torpedo boat Hamakase was washed overboard and drowned. --- The Japan Magazine v10.9 January, 1920 --- (covers October 27, 1919 to November 24, 1919) 1919.10.27 — His Majesty the Emperor attended a meeting of the Privy Council to deliberate on the ratification of the Treaty of Peace, when the Imperial sanction was given to the Treaty. 1919.10.28 — The first Imperial Naval Review since the conclusion of the war was carried out off Yokohama, His Majesty inspecting the hundreds of warships assembled for the occasion. Owing to the high cost of living the Department of Education gave permission to students of Middle schools to wear native dress instead of foreign school uniform. 1919.10.29 — The officials of the Kawasaki Dock Yard distributed the sum of 3,750,000 yen among its employees to tide over the high cost of living. 1919.10.30 — At 11 a.m. a telegram was sent to Paris announcing Japan's ratification of the Treaty of Peace. 1919.10.31 — This being the Imperial birthday a grand ball was given by the Foreign Minister to which many high personages were invited. 1919.11.01 — The famous priest, Soen Shaku, of the Zen sect, passed away at Kamakura. 1919.11.02 — A bronze statue of the late Prince Oyama, one time Field Marshal of the Imperial Army, was unveiled at the War Office grounds. 1919.11.03 — Count Terauchi, one time Prime Minister and Governor-General of Korea, passed away at his residence in Oiso. 1919.11.09 — The giant battleship Nagato, 33,800 tons, was launched at the Kuré Navy Yard. His Majesty the Emperor left Tokyo to attend the army maneuvers near Kobe, stopping at the Nagoya palace on the way. The War Office announced that henceforth service with the colors would be only two years, except in the case of cavalry. 1919.11.12 — The Kenseikai party held a meeting in Tokyo and passed a want-of-confidence resolution against the Government of the day. 1919.11.15 — At the conclusion of the grand military maneuvers His Majesty gave a banquet to the officers of the army at Osaka. 1919.11.16 — His Majesty, while attending the grand military maneuvers, paid a visit to the mausoleum of his Imperial father at Momoyama. 1919.11.19 — A grand banquet was given by the Japan-American Association at the Tokyo Bankers' Club, when Viscount Ishii, and other distinguished persons, made speeches on the international situation. 1919.11.20 — The regulations against enemy trading were abolished. Dr. Kubara, president of Kyoto University, passed away. 1919.11.21 — The Imperial Chrysanthemum Party was held at the Akasaka Palace grounds. It was decided by the Tokyo municipal authorities to carry out a system of harbour reconstruction for the city; also to permit the construction of an underground railway for the metropolis. 1919.11.22 — On learning that the American Senate would not ratify the Treaty of Peace the Department of Foreign Affairs held a conference in regard to the matter. 1919.11.24 — The Imperial University won the annual boat race on the Sumida river. The question of despatching reinforcements to Siberia was discussed by the cabinet council and it was decided not to do so. --- The Japan Magazine v10.10 February, 1920 --- (covers November 25, 1919 to December 24, 1919) 1919.11.25 — Marquis Takamaro Nakayama, while traveling in Kyoto, was seized with fatal illness and passed away. 1919.11.26 — An Imperial Ordinance was issued exempting from import duties such necessities as eggs, beef, beans, cotton yarn and cotton cloth. The Japanese Minister to Madrid, Mr. Jujiro Sakata, died of heart failure. 1919.12.07 — It was announced that the two army divisions to be created in Chosen would be completed during the year 1920, while newspapers report that a further division will also be established. 1919.12.15 — The Department of Agriculture and Commerce announced the establishment of forest insurance, the first experiment of the kind in Japan. 1919.12.16 — It was proposed by a number of Japanese manufacturers to inaugurate a ship commercial museum to carry Japanese goods to various parts of the world for exhibition. 1919.12.17 — The new headquarters of the Seiyukai Party, to replace the building recently destroyed by fire, was opened with due ceremony. Mr. Yoshitaro Kawasaki, in commemoration of his retirement from active business, contributed a sum of 1,000,000 yen to the city of Kobé, to be used in establishing a mercantile marine school, adding an endowment of 500,000 yen. 1919.12.18 — It was decided to build a station for Nagoya larger than that of Tokyo, at an outlay of some 20,000,000 yen. Prince Kuni's mansion was destroyed by fire at a loss of 800,000 yen. The Medical School established by Aichi prefecture was raised to the rank of a university. 1919.12.20 — The Government decided to make appropriations for the establishment of new Legations in Poland and Greece and consulates in Saigon and Havana as well as in some parts of China. 1919.12.23 — It was reported in the press that Mr. Eiichi Kamada, president of the Keiogijuku University, would resign in March of 1920. A marriage ceremony was solemnized between Prince Hiroyoshi Fushimi and Miss Tomo-ko, a daughter of Prince Ichijo, at the Shrine of the Imperial Palace. 1919.12.24 — The Imperial Diet was opened with due ceremony. One of the members of the Diet, Mr. Riyo Shirakawa, passed away. He was a graduate of the Imperial University and a well known journalist. --- The Japan Magazine v10.11 March, 1920 --- (covers December 26, 1919 to January 24, 1920) 1919.12.26 — The Imperial Diet was formally opened, the Imperial address being read by the Premier in the absence of His Majesty the Emperor. An appropriate response was made to the Imperial message. Mr. Komajiro Kikuchi, Counsellor in the Department of Foreign Affairs, was appointed to the same position in the Japanese Embassy in Rome; and Mr. Chonosuke Yata was appointed Japanese Consul at Honolulu. 1919.12.27 — Dr. K. Furuichi was raised to the peerage, with the rank of Baron. 1919.12.28 — The Japan-American Raw Silk Association was incorporated with a capital of 10,000,000 yen. 1919.12.31 — Admiral Kataoka passed away. He was one of the heroes of the Russo-Japanese war, when he succeeded in decoying the Russian fleet into the Tsushima channel where it was annihilated by the Japanese fleet under Admiral Togo. 1920.01.01 — The greatest of the nation's holidays. Lieutenant-General Inouye died. 1920.01.03 — The Emperor gave the annual New Year Banquet to State Officials. 1920.01.05 — The annual Imperial Banquet was given to the Foreign Diplomatic Corps and other high personages, the guests numbering over one thousand. At Otsuna station 20 passengers were injured in a train collision. 1920.01.06 — The Tokyo fire brigades held their annual parade and exhibition of athletic feats. 1920.01.08 — Mr. Y. Takegoshi, Ex. M. P. was appointed a member of the compilation committee in the Imperial Household. Dr. Seiichi Honda, editor of the Osaka Asahi, and one of the most distinguished journalists of Japan, died of influenza. 1920.01.09 — Count Akimasa Yoshikawa passed away. 1920.01.10 — Mrs. Shinko Saionji, daughter of Marquis Saionji, passed away. 1920.01.13 — Mr. Yoshitaro Kawasaki, of the famous dockyard of that name, was raised to the peerage by His Majesty the Emperor in recognition of his invaluable services to the shipbuilding industry in Japan. Mr. Keiichiro Yasukawa, a coal magnate, was also made Baron at the same time. His Majesty the Emperor issued a Rescript on the conclusion of world Peace. The annual budget for Tokyo municipality was announced at 19,000,000 yen. 1920.01.15 — The annual ceremony of opening the great wrestling hall at Ryogoku was held, and the contests began. 1920.01.18 — Marquis Ikeda and his mother both died of influenza. 1920.01.19 — Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress repaired to the Imperial Villa at Hayama for the winter months. 1920.01.20 — Mr. Kazuyoshi Yagiu, formerly president of the Taiwan Bank, passed away. 1920.01.22 — The Imperial Diet formally resumed session after the New Year holidays, when speeches were delivered by the Premier, the Foreign Minister, the Minister of War and the Minister of Finance. 1920.01.24 — Marquis Kuniyuki Tokugawa was despatched to Switzerland to attend the International Convention of the Red Cross Society. --- The Japan Magazine v10.12 April, 1920 --- (covers January 25, 1920 to February 25, 1920) 1920.01.25 — Admiral Baron Saito, Governor-General of Korea, returned to Tokyo for the first time since assuming office. 1920.01.27 — Viscount Yoshinari Matsudaira, formerly daimyo of Takasu in Mino, passed away. 1920.01.30 — Mr. Tsunetada Kato, Japan's representative to the Omsk Government, returned to Japan. 1920.02.02 — Mr. Morinobu Hirota, new Japanese consul to Seattle, set out for that city, with his family. 1920.02.03 - Mr. Bunzo Kubota, who went with Japan's delegation to the Washington Labor Congress, was appointed chief of the Social Bureau newly established by the Tokyo municipality. - Owing to a revolution in Vladivostock the officers of the Rezanoff régime fled to Japan in a warship, under protection of a Japanese admiral, arriving at Tsuruga. 1920.02.04 — Officials of the railway department announced that steam would be supplanted by electricity on the Japanese railway as soon as possible. The annual outlay on coal is at present 62,000,000 yen, but since there is plenty of water power, electricity can be used much cheaper. 1920.02.05 — A Japan American Fishery Company was established for operations on the Pacific coast of America with a capital of 15,000,000 yen. 1920.02.07 — The Department of Agriculture and Commerce announced that the rice crop for the year would be about 305,000,000 bushels, an increase of 11 per cent. 1920.02.09 — The Continental Joint Stock Company was organized with a capital of 10,000,000 yen to open trade with Germany, importing especially medical and surgical supplies. Nearly 150 medical men are interested in the undertaking. 1920.02.11 — An aviator named Tsunetaro Oguri fell while flying at Shizuoka and sustained serious injury. He graduated from the Curtis Aviation school in 1918. 1920.02.12 - Mr. Pegler, Minister from the Czecho-Slovak Republic, arrived in Japan and presented his credentials. - The remains of the late Jujiro Sakata, Japanese Minister to Madrid, were brought home. 1920.02.17 — Baron Ishiguro, surgeon-general in the army, and Mr. Hideyoshi Arimatsu, were appointed Privy Councillors. 1920.02.18 — Memorial services for the late Admiral Kolchak were held at the Russian Cathedral in Tokyo, and attended by many high personages. 1920.02.21 — The Naval Department announced that two warships, the Mikasa and the Mishima, were despatched to Saghalien to protect Japanese citizens owing to a Bolshevik uprising. 1920.02.22 — A great mass meeting took place at Hibiya Park in favour of manhood suffrage. 1920.02.23 — Marquis and Marchioness Mayeda left on a trip to France. 1920.02.24 — Tokyo experienced the first heavy snow storm of the year. 1920.02.25 — An American company amalgamated with some Japanese Match Companies with a joint capital of 30,000,000 yen, half to be supplied by each nationality. --- The Japan Magazine v11.1 May, 1920 --- (covers February 25, 1920 to March 24, 1920) 1920.02.25 - The bill to enact universal manhood suffrage, which was presented to the Imperial Diet, was voted down after some hot discussion. - The new Minister from Finland was cordially welcomed to Japan, a banquet being given in his honour by the Esperanto Society. - Baron Shimpei Goto was appointed president of the Russo-Japanese Society, in succession to Count Terauchi, deceased. 1920.02.26 — Premier Hara explained to the members of the Imperial Diet the reason why the Government could not support the bill for universal manhood suffrage was because the nation was not ready for so radical a measure, and it would cause disturbance in the national class system by abolishing the tax qualification. 1920.02.28 — The Tokyo municipal tramway went on strike for higher wages, leaving the city without means of locomotion for many hours. After a compromise with the management the cars resumed traffic on the following day. 1920.03.01 — The largest theatre in Asakusa was burnt down with a loss of 3,000,000 yen. 1920.03.02 — The Imperial Diet was suddenly dissolved and a general election announced to take place on May 10. 1920.03.05 - The Japanese consulate at Hamburg Germany was reopened, being closed during the war. - The Sumitomo Bank decided to increase its capital from 30,000,000 yen to 70,000,000 yen. - Notice was received of the arrival of the new British Ambassador, Sir Charles Eliot. 1920.03.08 — Mr. and Mrs. Roka Tokutomi returned from their long tour of Europe. Mr. Tokutomi is one of the most distinguished novelists in Japan. 1920.03.09 - In honour of the formal opening of the new Meiji Shrine to take place in 1922, it was proposed to hold a grand Exposition in Tokyo at a site near the grounds of the Shrine. The first overseas aviation contest took place when two aviators flew from Tokyo to Korea. - It was proposed to construct a tube railway through Tokyo, the work to be finished in 1922. - The army aviators who had succeeded in crossing to Korea, returned to Tokyo. 1920.03.10 - Two delegates were appointed to attend the International Academic Convention at Brussels, Dr. Unokichi Hattori and Dr. Man Oda. - The War Department proclaimed a holiday to all military men in honour of the anniversary of the battle of Mukden, and celebrations were held all over the empire. 1920.03.12 — The question of Japan's military expedition to Siberia was discussed at a committee meeting of high officials. 1920.03.16 - Dr. Benjamin Ide Wheeler, President Emeritus of the University of California, arrived in Japan as head of a party of Americans who came to study the questions now at issue between Japan and the United States, all being cordially welcomed by Japanese officials. - Telephone charges were revised and the charge made to depend on the time consumed and the number of calls. 1920.03.17 — At the convention of prefectural governors held in Tokyo Premier Hara explained the reasons for the recent dissolution of the Imperial Diet and his policy regarding the approaching general election. 1920.03.19 — The Japan-American Society tendered a grand banquet to Mr. Thomas W. Lamont and party at the Tokyo Bankers' Club, when a warm welcome was extended to the American financiers, a large number of Japanese being present and many interesting speeches were made by both Americans and Japanese. 1920.03.20 — The Hon. Isaburo Yamagata, ex-minister of Communications, was appointed to represent Japan at the Marine Labor Convention. 1920.03.21 — Mrs. Takeko Inouye, mother of Marquis Inouye, died today. 1920.03.22 - Mr. Ryotaro Hata, Minister to Sweden, was transferred to Norway. - Princess Murakumo, a nun, and sister of Prince Kan-in, died at the Buddhist convent in Kyoto. 1920.03.23 — H. I. H. the Crown Prince started on a trip to the Kyushu. 1920.03.24 — Dr. Benjamin Ide Wheeler delivered a lecture before the law department of the Imperial University on Geographical Cogitations in Relation to the Pacific Ocean. --- The Japan Magazine v11.2 June, 1920 --- (covers April 25, 1920 to May 24, 1920) 1920.04.25 - A strike on the Tokyo tramway system held up traffic for four days, to the great inconvenience of citizens. The leaders of the strike were arrested by the police and traffic restored in due course. The cause of the strike was some dissatisfaction with the management. - The Hon. Kaichi Uchida and Dr. Kimpei Matsuoka were appointed delegates to the Conference of ship owners at Genoa, and left for that place. - Experimental races were held for the selection of candidates to attend the international Olympic meet, the record being broken by Yozo Kanaguri who ran 25 miles in 2 hrs, 29 m, 48 s. 1920.04.26 — A banquet was given at the Imperial Hotel in welcome of Mr. Charles Cheney and party who came to Japan in connection with the Silk Association. 1920.04.27 - The ban on exports of certain grades of cotton yarn was removed by the Government in order to equalize prices in which there was a slump. - A conference was opened at the Bankers Clubs by representative Americans and Japanese to discuss matters of difference between the two countries, the question of immigration first being taken up. 1920.04.28 — The nuptials of Prince Yi of Korea and Princess Nashimoto were solemnized at the temporary palace at Toriizaka, Azabu, the ceremony being in pure Japanese style. His Majesty the Emperor sent special congratulations and announced a special amnesty to prisoners in Korea in honour of the occasion. An official reception was tendered by the Premier at his residence to the party led by Mr. Vanderlip, attending the conference on Japan-American affairs. Mr. Ariyoshi, formerly the Japanese Consul-General at Shanghai was appointed new Japanese Minister to Switzerland. Mr. Tokichi Tanaka of the Foreign office was at the same time appointed Councillor to the Japanese Embassy at Rome, and Mr. S. Furuya Councillor at Washington. 1920.04.29 — Japanese troops were despatched to Nikolaivesk to inquire into the massacre of Japanese there, the division landing at Alexandrovsk, north Saghalien. 1920.04.30 — The French Ambassador gave a garden party on the Embassy grounds, inviting many distinguished Japanese officials as well as the foreign envoys. 1920.05.01 — A banquet was given at the Bankers Club in honour of Mr. Frank Vanderlip and party. 1920.05.02 — His Majesty the Emperor returned to Tokyo from Hayama where the winter months had been spent. 1920.05.03 - A military agreement was concluded between Russian army and navy commanders of the Maritime provinces of Siberia and the Japanese commanders despatched to Siberia. - The Mayor of Tokyo gave a theatre party to the Vanderlip mission. 1920.05.04 - Consul General Imai was appointed to Sydney, Australia; and Mr. Fujita to the same position in Kwantung, and Mr. Shotaro Kurino as second secretary to the Embassy at Washington. - The baseball team of the University of Chicago arrived in Japan for a series of games with Japanese universities. Bishop M. C. Harris and wife arrived by the same steamer. 1920.05.07 - The Programme of the spring meeting of the great wrestling contest was issued. - H. I. H. Prince Fushimi invited leading officials of the Government and others to a banquet at his mansion. 1920.05.10 - The General Election for members of the Imperial Diet. - The new Italian Ambassador arrived in Japan. - A conference of the Elder Statesmen was held at the Imperial palace for consultation on an important matter. - The first game of the Chicago baseball team was played against Waseda University, the game ending in a draw. 1920.05.12 - As a result of the General Election the Seiyukai, representing the Government, lost in Tokyo and some other cities, but gained in the rural districts. The results of the polls were as follows: Seiyukai 271; Kenseikai 107; Kokuminto 29; Independent 44. Thus the Government obtained an absolute majority, as was expected. - Major General Tsuno was appointed leader of the troops sent to suppress the Bolshevik forces massacring Japanese at Nicolaivsk. 1920.05.13 — The Minister of War tendered a banquet to the Admiral of the British squadron at Yokohama; and on the same evening the Admiral and officers attended a banquet given them by the British Ambassador. 1920.05.14 - The officers and men of the British squadron were taken on an excursion to Kamakura and in the evening were given a reception by Admiral Nawa, chief of the Naval Station. - The Vanderlip party left for home on the Korea Maru. - The Chicago team defeated Keio University, 1-0. 1920.05.16 - Mr. Hajime Motoda, M. P. was appointed Minister of Railways. Count Ogi was appointed Minister of Justice, reorganizing the cabinet, to counteract a movement against the cabinet in the House of Peers. - A special session of the Imperial Diet was summoned to meet on June 29. 1920.05.18 — Relaxation was permitted in examinations for entrants to service in Embassies, allowing candidates from commercial and civil organizations to apply. 1920.05.19 — A reception was given the Chicago baseball team by the Japanese Y. M. C. A. 1920.05.20 - The annual meeting of the Japan Red Cross Society was held at Hibiya Park when her Majesty the Empress honoured the occasion by an address, responded to by H. I. H. Princess Kanin. - It was announced that the submarine cable at Yap Island under Japanese mandatory will be transferred to private management. 1920.05.21 — In the second match with Keio the Chicago team met a draw, but in the third match the next day Keio won 3-1. 1920.05.24 — Baron Gonsuke Hayashi, Governor-General of Kwantung, was appointed Japanese Ambassador to London, in succession to Viscount Chinda; and the Hon. I. Yamagata, one time civil governor of Chosen, was made Governor General of Kwantung. --- The Japan Magazine v11.3 July, 1920 --- (covers May 26, 1920 to June 24, 1920) 1920.05.26 — The proposal to raise the fares on Tokyo tram cars was sanctioned by the Railway Department. As the Seventy-fourth Bank, under the management of Mr. S. Mogi, of Yokohama, had been temporarily closed and was on the point of insolvency as a result of the recent financial panic, relief measures were decided upon by the Yokohama Raw Silk Export Trade Association. 1920.05.27 — Announcement was made by the Central Government that Professor Dr. Inazo Nitobé of the Law Department of the Tokyo Imperial University, had been appointed director of the Social Department of the League of Nations. On learning that M. Deschanel, president of the French Republic, had been injured by falling from a railway train a telegraphic message of sympathy was sent from the Imperial Household to him. 1920.05.28 — The original estimated expenditure for the National Defence is not to be lessened, as some supposed, from 413 million yen, but the matter is to be brought up at the special session of the Diet if the sources for the fund appear inadequate; already the expense for shipbuilding (1920) has reached 75 million yen. The War Department has decided upon a change in the color of the military uniform, from khaki to sepia green, the latter being more in harmony with the landscape. Formerly, during the Russo-Japan War, when fighting in barren mountainous regions, our troops found the color of their khaki uniforms a protection. This would not be true to-day. 1920.05.29 — General Hyoe Ichinohe was appointed president of the Peers' School, and public procurator Torajiro Ikeda, LL. D., was sent to America to study the institutions relating to his department, especially the Juvenile Court system. It was decided to reorganize the Medical School of Aichi prefecture and elevate it to the rank of a college. 1920.05.30 — Only two of the ten flying machines that started from Rome, Italy, for Tokyo, reached Japan safely, after making 24 stops en route. Leaving Taku, Korea, at 6:30 a.m. on the 30th, the aviators reached Osaka parade ground at 10:30 and 11 a.m. respectively, having flown about ten thousand miles. This was the first time they had set foot on the soil of Japan. They were warmly welcomed by Mayor Ikegami of Osaka, Governor Ikematsu, and General Machida, Commander of the Fourth Division, together with thousands of citizens, and entertained in the city that night. The mayor of Osaka wired their safe arrival to the Mayor of Rome. 1920.05.31 — The two heroes of the Rome-Tokyo flight left Osaka at 9:55 a.m. for Tokyo, arriving at the latter city a few hours later. Lieut. Masiero reached the Yoyogi parade ground at 1:10 p.m. and Lieut. Ferrarin at 2:28. A vast crowd of people of all classes welcomed them enthusiastically, and entertained them at the Tsukiji Seiyoken hotel. This ambitious flight was first conceived by the Italian poet and leader, D'Annunzio. The trip as carried out occupied over one hundred days, the party starting February 16th. Eight of their associates having perished on the way, these two alone were able to overcome the many and fearful obstacles that met them and at last bring their machines safely through the long aërial way from the land of the lemon and the orange to that where cherry blossoms scent the air. The Italian ambassador was moved to tears when Lieut. Masiero alighted at Yoyogi and Viscount Tajiri, Mayor of Tokyo, at once sent a congratulatory message to Rome. When the dreadnought "Mutsu" was launched at the naval port of Yokosuka, the spectators were estimated at 120,000. This ship is considered one of the greatest in the Orient. It is called one of the mighty "pillars of the Navy." Its tonnage is 33,800. As to armaments, the latest devices are to be in use. The Bank of Japan has declared a disbursement of forty million yen relief capital to aid those dealing in cotton yarn who suffered in the recent financial panic. 1920.06.02 — Consul S. Ichikawa was appointed to the post at Panama, Central America. 1920.06.03 — H. I. M. the Empress granted a special audience to the two Italian aviators without waiting to be requested by the French Ambassador, to show her admiration of their wonderful prowess. This is a unique case in the annals of Japan. Sir Charles Eliot, the British ambassador who recently assumed his new post, gave a garden party at the Embassy to celebrate the King's birthday. Foreign envoys and leading representatives of Tokyo Society to the number of one or two thousand were invited to this initial function. 1920.06.04 — A session of the Paris Society was held at the Kōyōken, Shiba, Tokyo. The Society is composed of those who once lived in Paris and was started twenty years ago. The president is Count Shinichiro Kurino. Countess Takiko Terauchi died at the age of fifty-seven, at her villa in Oiso at three p.m. to-day. Professor Juntaro Takahashi, M. D. of the Imperial University, Tokyo, died to-day. He was connected with the Department of Pharmacology. His wife is of German birth, her name being Louisa Henrich. Dr. Henry Van Dyke, the eminent American author, is delivering two lectures at the Imperial University, at the request of the authorities, on the 4th and 5th inst. The subjects are "Books as Food" and "Poetry and Patriotism." 1920.06.05 — Dr. Van Dyke's lecture on "Poetry and Patriotism." A parting reception was tendered Chinese students soon to return home after a period of study in Japan. The projectors were Dr. Touru Terao and other well-known men and the place was Uyeno Seiyoken. More than three hundred were in attendance. It was finally established beyond a doubt that the Japanese residents at Nikolaievsk, Siberia, and all the defence corps were annihilated by Russian Partizans. Deepest regret is expressed by men of all shades of political belief. 1920.06.06 — The whole student body of Japan gave a reception at Hibiya Park to the Italian aviators, at 1 p.m.; about 50,000 male and female students attended. An address of welcome in Italian was delivered by a member of the Tokyo College of Foreign Languages and souvenirs were presented. Mr. Lewis L. Clarke, who was with the Vanderlip party during their stay here and afterwards visited China, returned to Japan and gave a dinner at the Imperial Hotel to which over 120 distinguished Japanese were invited. Barons Kondo and Sakatani and Viscount Kaneko responded to the speech of welcome made by Mr. Clarke. The host and hostess as well as their daughter appeared in Japanese dress, and expressed the sincerest good-will toward Japan and a desire for close relations between the two countries, Japan and America. 1920.06.09 — The Department of the Imperial Household has decided to build a hotel for foreign guests on a vacant lot containing 20,000 tsubo of land, at Shirogane, Shiba, Tokyo. The daily press reported the plan and stated that the ground was formerly the site of a daimyo's mansion. Dr. Chūta Itō is now preparing elaborate plans. Dr. Van Dyke was guest of honor at a reception given by the Tokyo Woman's College, and delivered a lecture on the subject "Woman as a Light." 1920.06.11 — The various political parties in the Lower House of the Diet elected representatives to go to Mukden and welcome the members of the U. S. Congress now on tour. The welcome committee consists of Hon. Teijiro Yamamoto and fourteen others together with Secretary of the Diet Taguchi. Dr. Yoichiro Saito, head of the Court of Appeals, Osaka, died this day. 1920.06.12 — The death of Mr. Ryōhei Toyokawa of Tosa, Kochi, is chronicled. He was one of the meritorious figures in the industrial world of Japan, having assisted the late magnate, Yataro Iwasaki, and his house in their great business enterprises. 1920.06.14 — There was an explosion at the Yubari coal mine, Hokkaido, causing the tragic death of more than two hundred miners. The President of the University of Paris arrived in Tokyo on a sight-seeing tour. 1920.06.15 — Dr. Tajiri, Mayor of Tokyo, invited the Italian aviators to a theatre party and reception at the Imperial. Hon. Sadazuchi Uchida was relieved of his office as minister plenipotentiary to Sweden. The House of Peers chose Marquis Hachisuka and fifteen others to represent them as a welcome committee to entertain the U. S. Congressmen soon to visit Japan. 1920.06.17 — The President of the University of Paris and his suite proceeded to the Imperial Palace and were received by H. I. M. the Crown Prince. Baron Chūshin Ishiguro, since he has been appointed a privy councillor, has resigned his office, the presidency of the Red Cross Society of Japan. Hon. Seishin Hirayama, vice-president, succeeded him, and ex-governor Sakamoto became vice-president. Professor Dr. Masutaro Niida, of the Law Dept. of the Imperial University and nine associates, issued a declaration against the withdrawal of troops from Siberia, and made strenuous efforts to have their views adopted. 1920.06.18 — The Minister of the Imperial Household, Takanao Hadano, resigned his position and was succeeded by Baron Yūjiro Nakamura, appointed directly by H. I. M. the Emperor. The Baron was once general superintendent of the Government iron foundry, and also governor-general of the Kanto district. 1920.06.19 — Mr. Kintomo Mushakoji, chief secretary of the Bureau of Politics, of the Department of Foreign Affairs was appointed first secretary of the Legation of Japan in Belgium. Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Commerce Tetsutaro Inuzuka, resigned his office in order to become director of the International Labor Conference, his former position being assumed by Mr. Ryuzo Tanaka. 1920.06.23 — H. R. H. Crown Prince Carol, of Rumania, arrived in Tokyo and was met by H. I. H. the Crown Prince and together the two drove to the Kasumigaseki Palace. The War Department published the truth about the Nikolaievsk massacre. 1920.06.24 — Prince Carol of Rumania was received in audience by the Empress and the Crown Prince. Prince Carol presented his credentials and decorations to the Imperial House and retired. Later he went again to court to attend a banquet in his honor at the Toyoakira Palace. A memorial service for the victims of the Nikolaievsk massacre was held at the assembly hall of the Diet by both Houses. Premier Hara read an address of condolence in which he promised to take some steps to obtain satisfaction for the barbarous deed. Many thousands heard him speak. The Japan Factors met at Hirokoji, Kyobashi, to organize a free Japanese American debating Club. Dr. Rutter and Dr. Masujiro Honda and about 60 other Japanese and American journalists were present. --- The Japan Magazine v11.4 August-September, 1920 --- (covers June 26, 1920 to August 25, 1920) 1920.06.26 — Baron N. Kanda was re-elected president of the Tokyo English-Speaking Society at the 18th meeting of the organization. The Rev. C. F. Sweet was chosen first vice-president and Mr. Midori Komatsu second vice-president. 1920.06.29 — Ferli Mansion, belonging to Marquis Paulucci, Italian Ambassador to Japan, was blown up by an anarchistic group during the recent disturbances at Ancona and other Adriatic points in Italy. 1920.07.03 — His Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince, went by motor car to the Imperial University, listened to lectures, and visited the libraries and University hospital. 1920.07.05 — A great international celebration of the American Independence Day took place in Yokohama, with elaborate lantern decorations, fireworks, etc., on the water front. 1920.07.06 — Princesses Takeda and Asaka went to Numazu to visit T. I. M. the Emperor and Empress at the Imperial villa there. 1920.07.07 — A cable message from Vladivostok says that refugees arriving from Nikolaievsk confirm the statements already made by others that a reign of terror existed in Nikolaievsk until the Japanese relief force entered the city. About 800 men, women and children were slain by Triepitsin and his followers. Dr. Niwa, professor in the Medical College of the Tokyo Imperial University and an authority on pharmacology, went to Germany to investigate poisonous gases. Mr. Hajime Motoda, Minister of Railways, was relieved of his post as member of the Diplomatic Advisory Council and Mr. Ikuzo Ooka, Seiyukai leader and former president of the house of representatives, has taken his place. Prince Yoshimaro Yamashina, who recently attained his majority, was decorated with the first order of merit and Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun and Paulownia. H. I. H. Prince Kuni, who attended the launching of the light-cruiser Kitakami at Saseho, stopped at Numazu on his way back to Tokyo and was received in audience by T. I. M. the Emperor and Empress. He reported the result of his mission. 1920.07.08 — H. I. M. the Empress returned to Tokyo for the purpose of receiving in farewell audience the Crown Prince of Rumania. 1920.07.09 — Marquis K. Tokugawa, vice-president of the Japan Red Cross Society, who went to Europe to attend the World's Red Cross Conference held in Geneva early this year, arrived home on the Atsuta Maru from Marseilles, France. Other prominent Japanese gentlemen on the same steamer were Dr. A. Ninagawa, adviser on international affairs; Mr. K. Kijima, for thirteen years Japanese Consul-General in Lyons and his family; Dr. S. Komatsu, professor in the College of Science of the Imperial University of Kyoto; Dr. S. Fujita, professor in the College of Medicine of the Imperial University, Sendai; Mr. K. Katayama, Superintendent of the Hygienic Laboratory of the Korean General Government; Mr. I. Kitawaki, of the department of Agriculture and Commerce; and Mr. S. Takayama of the Yawata Iron Foundry, Kyushu. 1920.07.11 — In the Tokyo District Court this day Bei Yei, a Chinese formerly employed at the Russian Embassy as "boy," Cho Kin Kai, a Chinese formerly employed at the Chinese Legation in Tokyo as cook and a Japanese named Sankichi Shibuya, formerly a gatekeeper at the Russian Embassy, were charged with complicity in the explosion of a bomb outside the Foreign Office, Tokyo, October 31, 1919, during the Imperial birthday celebration. All three were found guilty and the first-named Chinese was sentenced to imprisonment for 15 years, the second for 12 years and the Japanese for 7 years. 1920.07.12 — The Former Empress Eugenie of France, widow of Napoleon III, died in Madrid, Spain, to-day. The Empress Eugenie was 94 years old. 1920.07.13 — Great Britain and Japan have each formally notified the secretariat of the League of Nations that they have prolonged the term of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance for another year. 1920.07.14 — The French residents of Tokyo and Yokohama celebrated Bastille Day, the French national holiday, with a special dinner and grand ball at the Oriental Palace Hotel, Yokohama. Baron Yoshitaro Kawasaki, former vice-president of the Kawasaki Ship-Building Yards, Kobe, died in Tokyo. 1920.07.15 — Mr. H. Perez Dupuy, the first Minister from Venezuela to Japan, arrived on the Empress of Asia. Mr. Dupuy said that he was here to encourage Japanese immigration to his country as well as to establish a legation in Japan. Dr. Wu Ting Fang, leader of the Southern party, China, who has been staying in Japan for some time, left for home. The typists of Yokohama have organized a branch of the Japan Typists' Association. The initial organization was completed at Tokyo with great ceremony last month, and is called the first child of the S. M. U., or Salaried Men's Union. 1920.07.16 — According to a cable from Tacoma, Wash., U. S. A., Dr. Issi Tanimura, commissioner of agriculture of the Japanese Government, has sailed for Japan, with a number of blooded animals for presentation to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. The gifts are from the United States Government. 1920.07.17 — H. I. M. the Emperor returned to Tokyo from Numazu. Dr. Fusakichi Omori, Kamakichi Kishigami, Naokata Yamazaki and Keita Shibata, professors of the Imperial University, Tokyo, who were ordered to attend the Pan-Pacific Scientific Conference in Hawaii, left Yokohama on the Persia Maru. Dr. Kishigami, after attending the Conference, will go to America on a mission of scientific inspection under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Mr. Araji Miura, first secretary of the Legation in Madrid, Spain, has been ordered to attend the seventh International Postal Conference in Madrid as Japanese delegate. An eruption of the volcano Tarumaye in Hokkaido, not far from Lake Shikotsu, took place at about 6:30 p.m. Flames and ashes shot out of the summit of the volcano. Ashes were carried to a distance of 12 miles by the wind. The establishment of Juvenile Courts and Children's Homes throughout Japan is provided for in the House of Peers' bill passed to-day. 1920.07.18 — A mass meeting to attract public attention and sympathy toward the movement for enfranchising women was held at the Meiji public hall, Kanda. Several women speakers argued the need for the political emancipation of the women of Japan. It is understood in official circles that four new legations viz., Greece, Czecho-Slovakia, Poland and Rumania will be established by the Japanese Government within the year. In this connection the names of Mr. Fujitaro Otori and Mr. Shobu Satoh are heard. The former, it is said, will be offered the position of Minister to Greece, while the latter, who is at present Secretary of the Legation in Sweden, will be named as Minister to Poland. 1920.07.19 — At the Naval Club, Tsukiji, Tokyo, a banquet was tendered to Dr. J. Ingram Bryan, former Editor of The Japan Magazine, by high officers of the Navy, in view of his early departure for England. In proposing the health of the guest of the occasion, the president of the Naval Medical College referred very appreciatively to his efficient instruction in the Naval College, and also to his work in promoting a better understanding between Japan and English-speaking nations. Another farewell banquet will be given for Dr. Bryan by officers of the Imperial Navy, to-morrow evening. Baron G. Hayashi, New Japanese Ambassador to Great Britain, left on the Iyo Maru for London. 1920.07.20 — To the library of the late Dr. Morrison, now belonging to Baron Iwasaki, the head of the Iwasaki family, some 19,000 books have recently been added. Among these, there are three rare volumes, viz., "The Gospel as Preached in Japan," "The Essence of Christianity" and "The Guide to the Evangelical Movement in Japan." The first of these three volumes is said to have been published 250 years ago in Amakusa, Kyushu, by the Mission School there and is the work of a Spanish Catholic missionary. It is prepared in Japanese with Roman letters. It is believed that this is the only copy existent in the world now, as the work was suppressed and its further publication forbidden by the Tokugawa Shogunate. The library, with its office for Oriental investigation, will be opened to the public just as soon as the new library building is completed. Dr. D. Ebina, newly elected President of Doshisha University, Kyoto, delivered a lecture at the Hyogo Church in Kobe. His subject was "World Reconstruction and Aspiration." Nearly 1,000 persons attended. In the House of Representatives, a petition was introduced to have Article 5 of the Peace Preservation Regulations abolished. This clause prohibits women from attending or participating in any political gatherings. The gallery was filled with a large crowd of women. A Committee of nine was appointed to consider the matter. Dr. M. Itakura, legal adviser to the Peking Government, who was recalled to Tokyo by the illness of his father, arrived in Tokyo. Mr. Tetsutaro Yoshimura, a medical practitioner of Aoyama, Minamicho, Tokyo, has sent in an application to the mining office through the Mayor of Yokohama to work the rich mineral field underlying the southern section of Yokohama. 1920.07.21 — Count Tadamasa Sakai has been appointed private Secretary to Count Oki, Minister of Justice. Viscount Kikujiro Ishii, the New Japanese Ambassador to France, was invited to attend a general meeting of the League of Nations Society of Japan which was held at the Peers' Club at noon. 1920.07.22 — The Japanese Red Cross corps is bringing 25 Polish orphan children accompanied by 5 adults to Tokyo. They left Vladivostok on July 19th by the Chikuzen Maru. The annual Y. W. C. A. Conference of Japan opened at the Ferris Girls' School, Bluff, Yokohama, under the direction of Miss Jane Scott, newly appointed national secretary. Miss Scott will be assisted by Mrs. Ibuka, national president, and the secretaries from five cities and thirty students' organizations of Japan. Between three and four hundred Japanese girl students and working girls are expected to attend the conference, which will last until July 30th. 1920.07.23 — H. R. H. Prince Carol of Rumania reached Suma near Kobe from Kyoto where he will spend a few days at Baron Sumitomo's villa. Baron Sumitomo was host at a typical Japanese fishing picnic along the beach in honor of the Rumanian Prince in the afternoon. The Report of the removal by the French Government of the ban on the import of Japanese habutai, general silk tissues and silk goods is officially announced. The impressive memorial service in honor of the victims of the Nikolaievsk affair was held in the compound of the House of Parliament this day under the auspices of both Houses. Government officials and thousands of persons attended the function. A public meeting at Osaka also attracted thousands. A fund to aid the families of those killed in the massacre was started at one of the memorial services, and now all the newspapers are receiving subscriptions. 1920.07.24 — Another volcanic eruption occurred on Mt. Tarumaye, Hokkaido. Dr. Imai, Professor of Hokkaido University, has been ordered to go to the mountain to investigate. The annual river fête (Kawabiraki) takes place this evening on the Sumida river at Ryogoku bridge. It was formally announced yesterday that T. I. M. the Emperor and Empress would go to Nikko next Tuesday to spend the midsummer at the Imperial villa at Tamozawa. Mr. Kuwajina, consul from Japan to Chicago, left for his post yesterday by the N. Y. K. Katori Maru. Among the passengers sailing for America by the same ship were Dr. Hirayama, Director of the Osaka Sanitary Institute, Mr. Takazumi Mitsui, and Mr. Takaatsu Mitsui, son of Mr. Y. Mitsui, who are going to America for study; also Mr. Tadao Kamiya, President of the Nippon Trading Company. According to an announcement made yesterday in Yokohama, the famous Island of Enoshima near Kamakura will have a steel and concrete bridge to link the island to the mainland in the near future. Prince Yoshimaro, of the house of Yamashina-no-Miya, will lose his rank as Imperial Prince by his own request and be given the rank of subject, in accordance with the amended regulations governing the Princes of the Blood. Professor T. Hirose of Keio University, who has been studying philosophy and literature in France since April 1919, returned to Kobe from Marseilles on the Shizuoka Maru. Dr. G. Yamakawa, professor of the College of Engineering of the Imperial University of Tokyo, who has been touring America and Europe since last July in the study of the electrical industry, also returned. A Seashore Summer School for Yokohama children will be inaugurated next summer, according to an announcement made by Mr. K. Kozaki, Director of Education in Yokohama. The city has provided three bathing places for the Summer School pupils. An official statement was issued by the Imperial Household Department regarding the illness of H. I. M. the Emperor. The official communiqué states that owing to pressure of official business in recent years His Majesty has suffered from fatigue. Glucosuria (sugar in the urine) has been observed, and he has been subject to attacks of hip gout and nervous trouble, together with difficulty of utterance. Lately the condition of His Majesty has somewhat improved but his utterance occasionally lacks clearness and he is easily fatigued. Except for urgent affairs of state His Majesty will continue to rest and will refrain for the present from discharging all formal duties such as audience with diplomatists and other ceremonies at the Palace. 1920.07.25 — Mr. Takeo Goto, a leading member of the Tokyo Musical Society, will sail from Kobe for Marseilles on the Atsuta Maru July 31st. Mr. Goto will investigate the musical systems in different European cities, later returning home by way of the United States. 1920.07.27 — The Order of the Sacred Treasure (Sixth Class) has been conferred on Dr. J. Ingram Bryan in recognition of his long and efficient services as instructor in the Imperial Naval College. Mr. J. Okazaki, President of the Osaka Steamship Company of Kobe, has recently contributed half a million yen to the city. With a part of this money a municipal lodging house will be erected by the city of Kobe at a cost of about 220,000 yen. H. R. H. the Crown Prince Carol of Rumania, with his suite, set out on his return trip on the T. K. K. Korea Maru. A group of high officials of the Imperial Household, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Governor, the Mayor and other leading citizens went on board to bid farewell to His Highness at Yokohama. 1920.07.29 — The forty-third session of the Imperial Diet came to an end to-day. Premier Hara addressed the Diet and read the Imperial message ordering the special session closed. The Japanese minister, Mr. Obata, lodged a protest to-day with the Chinese Foreign Office, regarding the alleged firing of Chinese gunboats on the Japanese residents at Nikolaievsk. This protest was accompanied by a mass of evidence. Henry Augustus Cox, a British subject, professor in Waseda University, was granted the right to be naturalized as a subject of the Japanese Empire. Korean General Government decrees were issued for the creation of provincial and village advisory councils, as the first step toward local self-government in Korea. 1920.07.30 — The Russian Grand Concert Company will appear on the 30th and 31st at the auditorium of the Tokyo Y. M. C. A. in order to assist the families of the Nikolaievsk victims. Temporary quarters near Tamachi station, Tokyo, for the American School, are nearly completed and ¥102,740 pledged for permanent support. The Chinese Government has finally consented to the Japanese proposal that a joint investigation of the alleged bombardment of the Japanese garrison by Chinese gunboats at Nikolaievsk should be made. 1920.07.31 — It is announced that Major-General Romanov, who was a resident of Yokohama until last March when he went back to Siberia to join the forces of General Semionov, died at Chita on July 24th. His family is still in Yokohama. As a result of the recent visit of H. R. H. the Crown Prince of Rumania to Tokyo, a commercial treaty between the two countries is in process of preparation and the establishment of a Legation will be realized in Tokyo before long. 1920.08.01 — Sir Charles Eliot, the British Ambassador to Japan, who is now taking a vacation trip, arrived in Seoul on Friday evening (July 30th). The British Ambassador visited Admiral Baron Saito, the Governor-General of Korea, yesterday and attended a tea at the British Consulate the same afternoon. The Governor-General gives a luncheon in the Ambassador's honor on the 2nd. Dr. Wilhelm Solf, the German Envoy to Japan, with his family and suite arrived at Kobe on the Nanking Maru. It is said that if Japan establishes an Embassy at Berlin, he will become the new German Ambassador at Tokyo. 1920.08.02 — F. S. Kilby and A. Sunman, two British aviators exhibiting at the Susaki flying meet, were instantly killed by a fall from the sky before 30,000 spectators. Yukichi Goto, a Japanese aviator, made the altitude record of the day, as his machine for registering altitude broke when he was 5,000 meters in the air. This is believed to be a new altitude record for Japan. Among the aviators who participated in the day's events was Sha Buntatsu, a Formosan, who gave a creditable exhibition with his aeroplane. 1920.08.03 — Mr. D. Verenikis, the Greek Minister to Japan, returned to Tokyo on Saturday (July 31st) after a month's absence in China. Mr. Verenikis went to Peking to negotiate with the Chinese Foreign Office in regard to a new commercial treaty between China and Greece. He returned to Japan by way of Tsingtao and was the recipient of many courtesies from the Japanese authorities there, and was most favorably impressed with the Japanese administration of Kiauchau, China. Mr. W. R. F. Stier, honorary educational secretary, and Mr. W. S. Ryan, physical director of the Tokyo Y. M. C. A., who have been attending the Y. M. C. A. Summer School at Gotemba, are now at Karuizawa attending the Federated Missions conference. 1920.08.04 — A musical recital was given by the Meon Gruppe of the Imperial University of Tokyo at the Kobe Y. M. C. A. Hall, over 1,000 persons attending. The college musicians are about to take a summer vacation trip to Korea and Manchuria. 1920.08.05 — Dr. M. Matsuda, chief of the Treaty Bureau of the Foreign office, was appointed councillor of the Japanese Embassy in Paris, France. 1920.08.06 — Mr. F. Thiel, the former German Consul General at Yokohama, who has been appointed councillor of the German Embassy in Tokyo, with his family, has registered at the Oriental Palace Hotel, Yokohama. A monthly meeting of the directors of the Kokusai Kisen Kaisha, Japan's third biggest steamship firm, which is capitalized at ¥100,000,000, was held at Oriental Hotel on Wednesday (4th), President K. Matsukata presiding. 1920.08.07 — The Glee Club of the University of California gives an interesting program at the Tokyo Y. M. C. A., this evening and at the Kaihin Hotel, Kamakura, on Sunday, and at the Gaiety Theatre, Yokohama, on Monday. The Czecho-Slovakia Government has purchased two ships from the Uchida Kisen Kaisha, viz., the Taikai Maru, 8,000 tons; the Shunko Maru, 10,000 tons. Both are new ships and their price is ¥230 per ton. 1920.08.08 — The first prize-awarding ceremony under the auspices of the Imperial Aviation Society was held at the Kaikosha (Military Club) at Kudan. Goto, Yamagata, Sha Buntatsu (Formosan), Yasuoka and Shimoda were the respective participants. Baron Sakatani, vice-president of the Society and Major-General Yagi, chief examiner and other officers were present; also Dr. Tanakadate, Dr. Yokota, authorities on aeronautics, Inouye, chief of the Aviation Board and others interested in the enterprise. The meeting was opened with a speech by Baron Sakatani, chairman, followed by the report of Major-General Yagi. To Goto and Yamagata were awarded the first places and also gold medals donated by the Tokyo Asahi News Company. The message of H. I. H. Prince Kuni, the Honorary President of the society, was read by Baron Sakatani and the response of Marquis Okuma, president, by Major-General Yagi, followed by the response of Toyotaro Yamagata. The prizes were ¥2,800 to Y. Goto, ¥2,600 to T. Yamagata, ¥1,300 to Sha Buntatsu, ¥1,000 to K. Yasuoka, ¥800 to T. Shimada, and ¥300 to H. Takahashi. The Sendai community celebrated the 300th anniversary of the return from Rome of Rokuemon Hasekura, retainer of the lord of Sendai, Masamune Date, who was sent to the Vatican as a special envoy. The celebration took place at the Komyoji temple, Kitayama, where Hasekura's tomb is situated. The Pope's envoy, who is now in Japan, was invited to participate in the festival. 1920.08.09 — Dr. Frank L. Brown, General Secretary of the World's Sunday School Convention, with several commissioners, arrived at Yokohama. 1920.08.10 — Dr. A. Tanakadate, professor in the College of Engineering of the Imperial University, left Kobe to-day on the Shizuoka Maru to attend the International Conference of Weights and Measures to be held at Paris on September 28th. Dr. Tanakadate will make a study of Aeronautics in Europe and America also. 1920.08.12 — Viscount K. Ishii, newly appointed Ambassador to France, and his family left for Europe to-day. 1920.08.14 — Representatives from China and Japan, including Dr. Inazo Nitobe, Under-Secretary of the League of Nations, in addition to others from European countries, commenced a Quaker and all Friends Conference at London, to-day. The object of this conference is to consider the nature and basis of the Friends' peace testimony and its application to the needs of the world at present. 1920.08.15 — Miss Ise Ichinohe who has been studying foods from three points of view, viz., scientific, practical and delectable, for many years, started on a research trip to Manchuria, China. 1920.08.17 — Mr. K. Tanaka, chief of the Civil Engineering Bureau of Kanagawa prefectural government, was appointed to go to America to study metropolitan projects and residential problems. 1920.08.19 — A cable from Manila states that the Nanto Shoji Kaisha Ltd. has sold the big Payatos Estate in Rizal Province to some Filipinos for 775,000 pesos. The sale was the result of numerous protests against Japanese ownership of the property. 1920.08.21 — Dr. Tasuku Harada, former president of Doshisha University of Kyoto, and family, sailed from Kobe on the Tenyo Maru for Honolulu. Dr. Harada will teach Japanese History and Literature in the University of Hawaii and will also engage in the work of Americanizing Japanese there. Messrs. H. Akama, J. Kubota and J. Kikuchi of the Department of Education are about to leave for the United States on a tour of inquiry. 1920.08.22 — From the first of the month till now typhoons, cloud bursts and floods have occurred in various localities throughout the country. An incomplete tabulation gives 242 houses washed away, 18,910 flooded and 91 deaths. 1920.08.23 — Shigeru Kanda, M. Sc., of the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory, discovered a new star in the Milky Way at 10:35 p.m. at his private home with his younger brother's assistance. 1920.08.24 — Mr. Yotaro Suzuki, who has been appointed First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy at Washington, left for his post by the Tenyo Maru from Yokohama. The Central Meteorological Observatory which has hitherto occupied an old tower gate at Daikan-cho, Kojimachi-ku, Tokyo, for over two decades, removed to a new building situated on the site of the old Imperial bodyguards' quarters at Takebashi. 1920.08.25 — Princess Nagako Kuninomiya, who is to be the bride of the Crown Prince, returned to Tokyo from Kamakura, where she has been spending the hot season. Viscount Hatano, former Minister of the Imperial Household Department, went yesterday to Miyanoshita to pay his respects to the Crown Prince who is now spending a part of the summer there. Mr. Julius Jeppe of Cape Town, and his eldest daughter, are staying at Cherry Mount Hotel, Yokohama, and expect to remain there some time. About 1,000 Sunday School children attended the reception meeting held in honor of a party of the World's Sunday School Convention delegates at the Kobe Y. M. C. A. last Monday (25th). Professor W. G. Owens of Bucknell University and about twelve other delegates were present. Professor Ishii of the Peers' College left for Europe and America on the Tenyo Maru to study the conditions of national education in various countries. --- The Japan Magazine v11.5 October, 1920 --- (covers August 26, 1920 to September 25, 1920) 1920.08.01 — "Outline of Japanese History." By Dr. K. Hara, Professor in the Imperial University, Tokyo. The author treats of Japanese civilization with the utmost candor and clearness. Already printed by Putnam, New York. 1920.08.02 — "A Guide to old Japanese Fine Arts." By Mr. Rikichiro Fukui, Bungakushi, Mr. Seiichi Okuda, Bungakushi, and Mr. Toyozo Tanaka, Bungakushi. This is a guide to Japanese art, which has been compiled, under the supervision of Mr. Shibata, the chief of the Ecclesiastic Bureau, Mr. Nakagawa, engineer in the Department of Education, and Mr. Ogino, investigator in the Department of Home Affairs, chiefly with the intention of expounding the noted ancient works of art throughout the country. It is to be published in a handy form like Biedeker's guidebooks, and will be the first reliable guide to Japanese art written by specialists. The MS. is shortly to be completed. 1920.08.03 — "Life of Chukei Ino." By Mr. Ryokichi Otani, Rigakushi. The life of Chukei Ino, one of the greatest scientists in Japan, has already been studied by certain scholars in the same line of work and the results have appeared in book form as a publication by the Gakushi-in. The present author 1920.08.27 — The Reverend Henry Loomis, D. D., a missionary and scholar who had lived in the Orient since 1872, died at the age of 82 years at Karuizawa, Nagano, August 27, 1920. 1920.08.28 - According to a cable from Peking, the Chinese Government has decided to appoint Mr. Hei Wei-teh Minister to Japan. - Baron Hayashi is appointed Ambassador to London; Viscount Ishii, Ambassador to Paris; Viscount Mushakoji, first secretary to the Japanese Legation in Belgium; and Mr. Saito, chief of the Home Department, and also Baron Megata delegates from Japan to the League of Nations Conference at Geneva, Switzerland, the middle of November. - Viscount Chinda, the retiring Ambassador to London, sent out a farewell message to the British people, expressing his thanks for the cordiality and kindness received during his stay in England. 1920.08.29 — According to investigations concluded by the Department of Justice, the number of convicts at the end of July was 53,816. Since August 1st 6,867 have been released. As compared with the corresponding month of the preceding year, these figures show a decrease of 5,169. 1920.08.30 — Invitations have been issued to a big garden party to be given by the America-Japan Society for the American Congressional party Monday afternoon, September 6th, at Koraku-En, Koishikawa Arsenal Gardens. 1920.08.31 - A great fire occurred at Ikao, the famous hot springs, yesterday morning at 2 a.m. and was subdued at 6:10 a.m. According to investigations which were completed at 4 p.m. the same day, 97 buildings, accommodating 250 households, were burned. Except the Ikao hotel, the Chigira besso and a few others, all the hotels were destroyed. So far it is ascertained that one man, a servant at a hotel, was fatally burned and four others severely injured. The total loss is roughly estimated at ¥5,000,000, of which only ¥200,000 is covered by insurance. - Mr. Toyotaro Yamagata, a young and popular flyer who showed good results in the mail flight between Tokyo and Osaka some months ago, was killed on Sunday (the 29th). Mr. Yamagata, who was 23 years old, was flying over the Ito aviation grounds at Tsudanuma, near Chiba, on Sunday morning, in a new Gorham aeroplane. The aviator was looping the loop at a height of 600 meters when his machine was attacked by a gust of wind, and the left wing broke. The aeroplane fell on the field and was completely wrecked. His death was instantaneous. - Prince Yamagata, head of the Genro returned to Tokyo after a fortnight's visit in Kamakura. - Today being the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor, the usual ceremony was held at the Imperial Sanctuary in the morning, at which Prince Kujo, chief ritualist, officiated. - A disastrous tidal wave occurred in Saghalien. Two hundred persons were killed, 120 houses destroyed and 150 more damaged. 1920.09.01 - Mrs. Morrison, widow of the late G. E. Morrison, former adviser to the President of China, arrived at Yokohama yesterday on the Canadian Pacific liner Empress of Japan on her way to Peking. Mrs. Morrison spent yesterday in Tokyo, most of the day being passed in looking over the famous library her husband collected, now the property of Baron Iwasaki in Tokyo. To this library, the most famous collection of books on the Far East in existence, Baron Iwasaki has made several rare additions, and Mrs. Morrison spent some time going over these. - Professor F. P. Purvis, who held the chair of Marine Architecture in the Imperial University of Tokyo for the past 19 years, has resigned his post and been granted a life pension of ¥2,000 per annum. His services have been of the greatest value to this country and have been highly appreciated by the Japanese authorities. The degree of Doctor of Engineering was conferred on him by the Imperial University several years ago, and on two occasions he has been decorated by the Government. Dr. and Mrs. Purvis will continue to reside in Tokyo. - Sir Charles Eliot, the British Ambassador, who visited Korea, Tsingtao and Shanghai during his summer vacation, returned to Tokyo. - According to a cablegram from Vladivostok, the foreign consuls have sent a letter to the Japanese commander, General Oi, asking him to protect foreigners. The letter drew attention to the lawlessness that exists in Vladivostok and the surrounding districts. It also stated that the consuls had appealed to the Russians, who had promised to take measures for the protection of foreigners, which, however, had proved to be ineffective. 1920.09.02 - The Yokohama Y. W. C. A. has established a home for the foreign business and educational women of Yokohama and for the entertainment of women transients at No. 55 Bluff. - The worst typhoon that Manila has experienced since 1905 occurred last night. Many were killed, hundreds of houses were destroyed, while the tramway and lighting systems were completely paralyzed. The losses are estimated at over 3,000,000 pesos. Heavy damage has been caused in the provinces, too, and hundreds have been rendered homeless. - The American Congressmen and party arrived in Tokyo. - According to a cable from Geneva, August 29th, in conformity with the resolution adopted at the International Labor Conference at Washington, D. C., in 1919, an international commission of emigration has been constituted, one-third of the members being government delegates, and one-third workers' delegates. Brazil, Canada, China, France, Japan and India have nominated government representatives; Australia, Germany, the United States, Poland, Italy and Sweden have nominated workers' delegates; South Africa, Argentine, Spain, Greece, Czecho-Slovakia and Switzerland have nominated employers' delegates. The Presidency of the commission has been assigned to Viscount Cave, of Great Britain. - The New Minister of Switzerland to Tokyo, Mr. Charles L. E. Lardy, was the guest of honor at a reception given by the Swiss residents of Yokohama at the Oriental Palace Hotel, Yokohama. 1920.09.04 - It is understood that the Government has accepted the resignation of Baron Ishiguro, President of the Japan Red Cross Society, and has appointed Mr. Hirayama, Vice-President of the Society, as his successor. - According to a cable from Sourabaya, Java, the representatives of the Japan Petroleum Company of Tokyo, who arrived here half a year ago to make inquiries about the eventual possibility of buying oil fields for their company in the Dutch East Indies, have concluded a contract with the Colonial Petroleum Company, a Dutch company of the Standard Oil Trust. From reliable sources it is learned that this contract includes the purchase by the latter of its rather rich oil fields in the district of Samarinda of the Eastern province of Dutch-Borneo, including the establishment already existing on the grounds. - Madame Kajiko Yajima, the president of the Japan W. C. T. U., 88 years old, who went to England to attend the world's W. C. T. U. convention held in London last March, returned on the Katori Maru after an absence in England and America of 175 days. - Viscount Ishiguro retired yesterday as President of the Japan Red Cross Society, his promotion to the rank of Viscount being announced at the same time. He has served the Society over forty years. - The most severe storm for 30 years has been raging in Formosa. Heavy rains caused floods which swept away several houses, submerged others and caused three deaths. The Taihoku bridge was washed away. - A tornado of usual violence caused two deaths and the destruction of 70 buildings in Gumma prefecture yesterday. The heavy downpour accompanying the storm caused the Karasu river to rise 10 feet, flooding 800 houses. The storm covered 14 square miles and lasted about 5 hours. 1920.09.06 - Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress have been pleased to contribute ¥2,200 through the Home Office to be distributed among the relatives of those who lost their lives in the Nikolaievsk massacre. - Mr. Shigeo Mikawa, expert attached to the Samukawa sheep ranch in the Hokkaido, conducted by the Agricultural and Commercial Department, brought 106 head of sheep from America by the Arabia Maru. - According to a cablegram from Berlin, Japan is to receive one of the latest and best equipped of Germany's Zeppelins, which is to be turned over to Japan by the German Government in accordance with the terms of the treaty of Versailles. 1920.09.07 — The Yokohama Municipality announced that an industrial exhibition would be held at the Yokohama Memorial Hall, October 16-19. The exhibition will be limited to Chinaware, lacquer and photographs. 1920.09.08 — Mr. F. Romos, Consul-General in Yokohama from the Republic of Brazil, was among the passengers who sailed for Seattle on the N. Y. K. liner Kashima Maru. 1920.09.09 - Viscount Uchida, the Foreign Minister, this day tendered a welcome luncheon in honor of the U. S. Congressmen and party at his official residence and distinguished Japanese attended. After the luncheon Etsudo Otake, a Japanese artist, entertained the guests with his unique impromptu paintings. - Massacre relics will be exhibited with the double object of comforting the spirits of the Japanese massacred at Nikolaievsk and of appealing to the public sympathy for the bereaved families. This exhibition of the personal effects of these victims, of paintings of the scene of the massacre and of records of the miserable life led by the Japanese held in prison, the illustrations being by noted painters and from the record of the Department of War and of the Navy, will be held in Asakusa, commencing the 11th instant. - Yokohama tendered a welcome reception in honor of the members of the American Congressional party at Memorial Hall, at which Mayor Kubota presided, from 4-7 p.m. The Yokosuka Naval Band furnished the music for the evening entertainment. 1920.09.10 — Dr. U. Hattori, professor of the College of Literature of the Imperial University of Tokyo, is expected to reach Kobe from Marseilles on the Mishima Maru Thursday, after an extended trip through Europe and America. Dr. Hattori was exchange lecturer at Harvard University on Oriental religion and philosophy some years ago. 1920.09.11 - Today being the anniversary of the death of General Count Nogi, a memorial service was held at his residence at Shinsakamachi, Akasaka. Lectures were delivered by Professor K. Uyeda and Dr. Segawa. - Thirty-two women have been enrolled as special students in the College of Literature of the Imperial University of Tokyo, which opens today. One of them, Mrs. Chizuko Yoshimura, is 48 years old and was formerly a teacher in the Peers' School. 1920.09.12 - Lieutenant Hamada, chief gunnery officer, and three other officers were killed outright and senior officers Aoki and eight others were seriously injured in an explosion the cause of which is not known on board the Japanese battle cruiser Haruna. - Professor Dr. Sakue Takahashi, an authority on international law and a member of the House of Peers, died at 5:50 p.m. at the Sato Juntendo Hospital. His age was 54 years. 1920.09.13 - The American Congressmen left Japan on the army transport Madawaska, some members of the party remaining behind. - Marchioness Matsukata died suddenly this morning at her residence in Tokyo. The Marchioness was born in Kagoshima in 1845 and was married to Marquis Matsukata when she was 17 years old. She was the mother of nine sons and five daughters and leaves more than seventy descendants. 1920.09.14 — Mr. Hioki, Minister to Sweden, who is reported to be appointed minister to China in succession to Mr. Obata, is expected to arrive in Tokyo on Wednesday (the 15th). Professor Augustine H. Smith will lead the great Sunday School chorus. The first united chorus rehearsal for the Sunday School Convention was held at 3:30 p.m. at the Y. M. C. A. building in Kanda. 1920.09.15 - Japan's naval delegates to the International Communication Conference to be held at Washington, D. C., U. S. A., started to-day. They were Captain Junichi Kiyohara and assistants, viz., Capt. Yoshitake Kiyokawa and Commander Isoroku Yamagata. - About 120 Polish orphans are expected to arrive in Tsuruga today aboard the Karafuto Maru, Mr. Iida, Secretary of the Japanese Red Cross Society, having left Tokyo yesterday evening to meet them. - The Seiyukai Party celebrated the twentieth anniversary of its foundation. - The funeral of Marchioness Matsukata, wife of the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, took place at Aoyama Cemetery with Shinto rites. At the funeral service Princess Kitashirakawa, Prince Fushimi, Prince Kan-in, Prince Yamashina, and Prince Kuni, sent representatives, while among those present were Mr. Hara, the Premier; Baron Nakamura, Minister of the Imperial Household; Mr. Tokonami, Minister of Home Affairs; Mr. Nakabayashi, Minister of Education; Prince Tokugawa, Marquis Kuroda, Admiral Togo, Field-Marshal Kawamura, Baron Okura, Viscount Shibusawa and Baron Furukawa. 1920.09.16 — A telegraphed inquiry has been received by the Sunday School Convention's General Secretary from the Chinese Government through Mr. Charles R. Crane, United States Minister to Peking, concerning the number of delegates who will visit China after the convention at Tokyo. Plans are being made for the entertainment of the visitors. 1920.09.17 - A large brilliant assemblage of Princes and Princesses of the Imperial family, Cabinet Ministers, Privy Councillors, Field-Marshals, and other high naval and military officers and a large number of dignitaries and ladies assembled at Uyeno station this morning when their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress arrived from Nikko. The Emperor wore a military uniform while the Empress was in foreign dress. His Majesty is greatly improved in health. - Mr. John Wanamaker, joint general Chairman of the World's Sunday School Association, will not attend the convention at Tokyo, according to word received at convention headquarters. Dr. Frank L. Brown, General Secretary of the convention, cabled Mr. Wanamaker to come and Baron Shibusawa invited him to be his personal guest during the convention. A reply to both cables has been received: "Totally unfit. Resuming work. Profoundly regret losing visit to Shibusawa." This being the anniversary of the battle of the Yellow Sea in the Japan-China War, Admiral Togo, Admiral Inouye, Admiral Yamamoto and other officers attended the usual annual luncheon at the Naval Club in Tsukiji, Tokyo. 1920.09.18 — Mr. Katsutaro Inuzuka, Japan's delegate to the International Labor Council, left Tokyo for Europe by the N. Y. K. liner Kumano Maru. 1920.09.19 - Their Majesties, the Emperor and the Empress, have contributed ¥2,000 toward the relief of the sufferers from the recent floods in Kochi prefecture, and ¥500 for those in Okayama prefecture and ¥500 for those in Iwate prefecture. - It is announced that Captain J. R. Brinkley will leave for Europe within a few days on the Kumano Maru together with Baron Megata and the Japanese delegation to the first meeting of the League of Nations. Captain Brinkley will be attached to the Bureau which the Japanese War Office is opening in Paris in connection with the League. 1920.09.20 - According to an official publication, the specie in the possession of the Government in the Bank of Japan aggregated ¥2,000,000,000 on September 15th. - Announcement is made of the appointment of Dr. Saeki as President of the newly organized Institute for National Food Investigation. 1920.09.22 — An extraordinary meeting of the Diplomatic Advisory Council was held at the Premier's official residence. All the members of the Council were present. 1920.09.23 — His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince will give a luncheon at his palace at Takanawa to the Governors of the prefectures which his Imperial Highness visited after his formal installation as Crown Prince in the autumn of 1916. The Governors of Kyoto, Nagasaki, Saga, Fukuoka, Miye, Nara, and of ten other prefectures are to be invited. Mr. Kobashi, Vice-Minister of Home Affairs, and Mr. Tsukamoto, chief of the Bureau of Shrines and Temples, will also receive invitations. 1920.09.24 - Professor Ernest Wilson Clement of the First Higher School of Tokyo returned on the Manila Maru from a vacation trip to the United States. - M. Bapst, the French Ambassador to Tokyo, has been promoted to be commander by the Legion of Honor. - Dr. Masaharu Anesaki, professor of Literature, Tokyo Imperial University, has been recommended as Emeritus professor to the University of Strassburg. Dr. Anesaki went to France last year at the invitation of the French Academy to deliver lectures on Oriental religions. - A tourist party of Korean woman teachers of elementary schools, consisting of 16 members, visited the Kansai district, enjoying sightseeing at Kamakura and Enoshima and will reach Tokyo tomorrow. 1920.09.25 - Formal protest by Japanese residents in Los Angeles, members of the Japanese Association there, has been made to President Wilson, according to a semi-official dispatch reaching Tokyo. The following resolutions were submitted to the President: "The anti-Japanese referendum proposed by the Californians is a menace to the life of the Japanese residents and is against justice and humanity. - The agricultural achievements so far attained by Japanese settlers are so great and beneficent to the Californians that any attempt to exclude them cannot but be considered as the work of selfish anti-Japanese agitators. - The Japanese understand that real Americans never support any discriminatory treatment of foreigners, and therefore we hereby pass these resolutions expressing our sincere desire, and trust that we may be given most fair treatment in the name of both humanity and the American national principle of fairness and justice." Admiral Nagamatsu died at Sendagaya, Tokyo. He may rightly be described as one of the pioneers who laid the foundations of the modern Japanese Navy. Born in 1839 at Yedo, Admiral Nagamatsu studied Dutch in his early years and in 1859 he, together with Katsu (afterward count) and Buyo Enomoto (afterward viscount) went to America on board the Kanrin Maru, a warship owned by the Shogunate Government. This was the first instance of a Japanese warship's crossing the Pacific. In 1862 Admiral Nagamatsu proceeded to Holland to supervise the building of the Kaiyo Maru, a warship ordered by the Tokugawa Government. Even after the construction of the warship, Baron Nagamatsu remained in Holland for six years studying shipbuilding. On his return home, he was appointed professor of the Naval College, where he taught the art of shipbuilding. On the establishment of the Yokosuka dockyard in 1877, Admiral Nagamatsu was appointed first chief of the Dockyard and laid the foundations of the present Naval Shipbuilding Yard and Arsenal. --- The Japan Magazine v11.6 November, 1920 --- (covers September 26, 1920 to October 24, 1920) 1920.09.26 — The ceremony of unveiling the bronze statue of the late Keijiro Amenomiya, a noted business man, took place at the Sojiji Temple, Tsurumi. Mr. Noda, Minister of Communication and other friends were present. 1920.09.28 — Imperial sanction has been given for the wedding of Princess Yasuko Yamashina, niece of Her Majesty, the Empress, and Mr. Nagatake Asano, heir to Marquis Asano. The preliminary ceremony took place to-day. 1920.09.30 - The executive committee of the America-Japan Society held a conference at the Bankers' Club to discuss the California question and to consider in what manner the society could serve the best interests of the two countries. - Successive rains ending with a typhoon on Friday night (September 30th) caused much loss of life and damage to railways, tramcar lines, and bridges; many houses were destroyed by landslides or swept away by the flood and 54 persons were killed and many injured. The visitation of calamity was especially noticeable between Tokyo and Yokohama and in Kanagawa prefecture. Also in Ibaraki, Shizuoka and Atami, many persons are reported missing and many houses were swept away. 1920.10.01 — The First Official Census was taken throughout the empire. This being the thirty-fifth Anniversary of the founding of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Japan's greatest steamship line, all the steamers and launches of the firm in the port of Kobe were decorated with flags. The harbor presented a beautiful scene. 1920.10.02 - A gang of 400 bandits attacked Hunchun in Chinese territory near Korea and burned the consulate of Japan, fifteen Japanese citizens, including officials of the consulate, being killed and more than twenty others wounded early in the morning of October 2nd. Many Chinese and Koreans also were killed by the attacking gang. - Mr. Charles Francis, U. S. Labor Commissioner, who recently arrived in Tokyo in connection with the Sunday School Convention, visited Mr. Inouye, Governor of the Bank of Japan, and had a conference on the Japan-American question. 1920.10.03 - A Baby Show was opened at the Imperial Dolls' Hospital under the auspices of Mr. Nishiyama, principal of the Imperial Kindergarten and 335 babies were entered; the youngest parents are Mr. Iwao Yamamoto, 28, and Mrs. Yamamoto 17, while the oldest couple are Mr. Kinsuke Nozawa 62, and Mrs. Nozawa 37. - The autumn regatta of Keio University was held on the upper reaches of the Sumida river. Many thousands of spectators were present to witness the twenty or more events which made up the programme. 1920.10.04 — A garden party was given at the French Embassy at 2 p.m. under the auspices of the Franco-Japanese Association, which was attended by about three hundred foreign and Japanese members. H. I. H. Prince Kanin, President of the Association, honored the occasion by his presence. 1920.10.05 - At the first meeting of a newly organized Buddhist Sunday School in the Botanical Gardens, Koishikawa, Tokyo, 2,000 boys and girls attended. Its declared object is not religious, but rather moral and educational. - The T. K. K. liner Tenyo Maru arrived at Yokohama from San Francisco with a heavy shipment of gold coin and bullion valued at ¥30,000,000. - Viscount Kencho Suematsu, Privy Councillor, died. - The Jiji Shimpo, one of the leading Tokyo dailies, was legally recognized as a joint stock company. 1920.10.06 - Shuroku Kuroiwa, proprietor of the Yorozu, a leading Tokyo newspaper, died. - The International Anti-opium Association at Peking has received the gratifying intelligence in a note from the Japanese legation that, having referred the association's letter of June 10 to his Government the minister, Mr. Obata, has received word that the Japanese Government has definitely decided to abolish entirely the opium monopoly system at Tsingtao and in the Kwangtung leased territory, in the course of this year. 1920.10.07 - Bunji Suzuki, president of the Yuaikai, Japan's nearest approach to a labor union, delivered an address at a labor mass meeting at the Kobe Commercial Museum. - Mr. Hajime Hoshi, president of the Hoshi Pharmaceutical Company of Tokyo, recently decided to make a donation of 2,000,000 marks to the German Government to be distributed as that Government sees fit for the promotion of scientific research. - Baron Renpei Kondo, president of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, newly elected president of the Japan Shipowners' Association, addressed a general meeting of the Association at the Oriental Hotel, Kobe. - Count and Countess S. Chinda arrived in Tokyo after a thirteen years' absence from their homeland. During this period Count Chinda has served as Japan's representative in several of the European capitals and in Washington D. C., and most recently as ambassador to the court of St. James, in London. 1920.10.08 — Mr. Hiraoka, formerly chief of the Saghalien Civil Administration Office, has been appointed chief of the Roads Bureau in the Tokyo Municipal Office. 1920.10.09 - For the relief of the Koreans who suffered from the recent floods in Korea, His Majesty the Emperor has been pleased to contribute ¥15,000. Governor General Saito has been instructed to use this sum for the benefit of the flood victims. - A cable from San Francisco October 9th reports that Judge Maurice T. Dooling, of the United States District Court, has granted citizenship in the United States to two Japanese named Hoshino and Kodama, under the provisions of the naturalization law making persons who served in the military and naval forces during the war eligible without any previous declaration of intention. 1920.10.10 - Mrs. J. R. Wilson, wife of President Wilson's only brother, attended the sessions of the Eighth World's Sunday School Convention in Tokyo. - Over ten thousand children and adults took part in the Sunday School Rally at Hibiya Park at 1 p.m. They carried banners and sang "Stand up, stand up for Jesus." The hundreds of groups of youngsters gave an impressive demonstration of the energy and enthusiasm of Japanese youth. 1920.10.11 — The thousand delegates from the World's Sunday School Convention in Tokyo paid a visit to the seaside town of Kamakura. Children from five Sunday schools lined up on both sides of the station platform welcomed the visiting guests. 1920.10.14 — The Yokohama citizens tendered a reception in honor of the delegates to the World's S. S. Convention in the public park. 1920.10.15 — The announcement is made that Mr. Jiro Harada, a business man over 70 years old, who was until last year in the service of the Konoike House in Osaka as its managing director, had decided to donate all of the property which he had amassed in his lifetime, amounting in value to ¥10,200,000, to relief work. 1920.10.16 - Prince Tokugawa has been elected president of the Sino-Japanese Literary Association to succeed Hon. Y. Komatsubara, who died some time ago. - The second dormitory for Chinese students will be opened by the association in Hongo, Tokyo, next month. 1920.10.17 — The Art Exhibition of the Imperial Kanten Art Institute opened at Uyeno Park and will remain open for a month. 1920.10.18 — Admiral Saito, Governor General of Korea, arrived in Tokyo for a conference. 1920.10.22 - The Kozu Odawara line, which is the first section of the new Kozu-Numazu road now in course of construction by the Imperial Government Railways, was opened to the public. - The library containing about 3,000 German law books collected by Dr. Sternberg, formerly professor in the Tokyo Imperial University was purchased by the Meiji University at the price of over ¥10,000. 1920.10.23 - A cable from Seoul, Korea, October 23rd informs us that a Japanese detachment routed 400 bandits near Teutaoken, Chientao. The fleeing bandits are being pursued. Fourteen Japanese were killed and 9 wounded. The outlaws left behind 16 dead. Their casualties are thought to be heavy. Another Japanese detachment is engaging the outlaws between Paomikou and Sektaken. - A cable from Vladivostok Oct. 23rd states that the Japanese military authorities effected the evacuation from Habarovsk smoothly and without the least obstacle. 1920.10.24 - The subscription of the South Manchurian railway loan amounting to ¥15,000,000 closed. The loan was oversubscribed to nearly twice the amount required. - Mr. Henry Bowie, founder and formerly president of the Japan Society of San Francisco, who has been living in Tokyo since the autumn of 1918, left for home on the Siberia Maru. - The purchase of the Yokohama Electric Railway by the Yokohama Municipality has been ultimately concluded. The price fixed is ¥6,200,000. - The South Manchurian Railway has contributed the sum of ¥100,000 to the relief fund for the famine sufferers in North China through the Japanese Minister in Peking. The Company is conveying free of charge all provisions and other goods from Manchuria to North China for the benefit of the famine sufferers. --- The Japan Magazine v11.7 December, 1920 --- (covers October 27, 1920 to November 25, 1920) 1920.10.27 — Rev. Dr. D. C. Holtom delivered a lecture on "The Political Philosophy of Shinto" at the meeting of the Asiatic Society recently. Mr. Eki Hioki, former Minister to China and also to Sweden, has been selected to be Japan's Ambassador to Germany. 1920.10.28 — Commercial visitors from the Dutch East Indies were entertained at luncheon by Mr. J. Inouye, Governor of the Bank of Japan, and in the afternoon an elaborate garden party was given in their honor by Mr. Raita Fujiyama, president of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce, at his private residence in Shiba. 1920.10.29 — Mrs. Diana Agabeg Apcar was appointed honorary consul of the Armenian Republic, and submitted her official credentials to the Imperial Government of Japan through Mr. K. Inouye, Governor of Kanagawa prefecture. A Sunday School meeting was held in Osaka, the Reverend L. Williams Butcher, D. D. of London being chief speaker. The Pageant "From Bethlehem to Osaka" was given in the Central Public Hall; five thousand people attended. 1920.10.30 — H. I. H. Prince Kanin presented the silver watches granted by H. I. M. the Emperor to the honor graduates of the Aviation School at Tokorozawa. Dr. M. Adachi, who is Japan's Envoy in Brussels, has recently received appointment as one of the suite of plenipotentiaries of the League of Nations assembled in Geneva. 1920.10.31 — The usual Review at the Yoyogi Parade Ground and a garden party at Kasumigaseki Palace were two official functions of the celebration Sunday of the birthday of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan. H. I. H. the Crown Prince reviewed the troops at Yoyogi instead of the Emperor. The Foreign Minister and Countess Uchida received the guests in the palace from whence they proceeded to the gardens. 1920.11.02 — The official celebration of the dedication ceremony of the Meiji Shrine was observed at Hibiya Park under the auspices of the Tokyo Municipal Office. Among those present were Cabinet Ministers, Foreign Envoys and leading citizens. Mr. A. Sailinha, president of the Bank of Java, who arrived in Tokyo on October 25, to observe financial conditions and also to transact business connected with the medical conference to be held in Java next year, was decorated with the Third Order of the Sacred Treasure this day by the Imperial Court in appreciation of his efforts for the advancement of friendly relations between Japan and the Netherlands. 1920.11.03 — Mrs. Tsuneko, wife of Captain Ichijo of the Japanese Navy and heir to Prince Ichijo who is now in France, sailed from Kobe to Marseilles on the Kitano Maru this morning. This noble family is one of the oldest in this country, having an unbroken lineage of more than two thousand years. Mrs. Taneko Kuroki, wife of the heir to General Count Kuroki, sailed from Kobe on the Kitano Maru for Marseilles to join her husband who is now in France. 1920.11.04 — H. I. H. the Crown Prince left Tokyo today to attend the Military Manoeuvres at Kyushu which will commence November 8th. 1920.11.06 — An industrial exhibition of the manufactures and products of Kanagawa Prefecture opened at Yokohama Memorial Hall. 1920.11.07 — Baron Matsui, former Japanese Ambassador to France, with his family landed in Kobe this morning from the Kamo Maru. 1920.11.08 — H. I. H. Prince Higashi Fushimi entertained foreign diplomatic representatives at a garden party at his residence; those who attended included Premier Hara and other Cabinet Ministers, Court and Government Officials and many prominent business men. Viscount Shibusawa, president of the League of Nations Association in Tokyo, invited its members and friends to a dinner at the Peers' Club. According to the latest official returns, the number of foreign tourists of different nationalities who visited this country during the first half of the current year was 15,252 men and women, being 90 less than for the same period of last year. H. I. H. Princess Yasuko Yamashina and Mr. Nagatake Asano were married today. Over seventy fishing boats off Kyojun were overtaken by a sudden squall, ten of them were wrecked, twenty men were drowned and fifty are missing. 1920.11.11 — Mr. Tatsuo Morito, former assistant professor of the Tokyo Imperial University who was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for the publication of an article dealing with Kuropotkin's studies on socialism some time ago was taken to Tokyo prison. 1920.11.12 — The Japan Salvation Army celebrated its Silver Jubilee at the Tokyo headquarters. Baron Saito, Governor-General of Chosen, who was staying in Tokyo left for Seoul. 1920.11.13 — H. I. M. the Empress dispatched Baron Omori, Chief Steward of her Majesty's Household, to the Fukudenkai orphan asylum at Shimoshibuya and bestowed presents on the Polish orphans who recently arrived from Vladivostok. 1920.11.14 — Rev. Dr. Bachelor, a well-known British missionary of Hokkaido and an authority on the Ainu race, delivered a lecture entitled "Past and Present of the Ainus" under the auspices of Marquis Yoshichika Tokugawa of the Eiseikai Kan. 1920.11.15 — Dr. John C. Ballagh, educator and one of the oldest Presbyterian missionaries, died at Kamakura. 1920.11.16 — A general meeting of the Russian Society in Japan was held at the Orthodox Church, Surugadai, Tokyo. Bishop Sergi delivered a lecture on "Ninety Years' Work of the Catholics in Japan." 1920.11.17 — Sixty German aeroplanes given to Japan by the allies as war trophies were brought to Yokohama from Hamburg by the O. S. K. Steamer Havana Maru. Baron Den, Governor General of Formosa arrived in Tokyo. 1920.11.18 — Her Majesty the Empress visited the Art Exhibition in Ueno Park and also the Children's Sanitary Exhibition at Ochanomizu. 1920.11.19 — The Tokyo Asahi, one of the largest newspaper concerns in Japan, has moved into its new building, Takiyamacho, Kyobashi-ku, Tokyo. 1920.11.22 — At the joint orchestral concert given by Marquis Tokugawa in his Nanki Concert Hall, Azabu, His Highness Prince Kanin and thirty members of the Imperial family were present. Mr. Bohumil Sykora, assisted by Mrs. Hillberg, pianist, gave splendid cello solos and the great pipe organ recently imported from London was installed. 1920.11.23 — The visiting American Baseball Team played an Exhibition game at Waseda University at 2 o'clock. 1920.11.25 — Madame Masako Miwada and Madam Ayako Tanahashi were received in audience by the Empress at the Imperial Palace; and her Majesty commended them for the service rendered in the advancement of female education in Japan. --- The Japan Magazine v11.8 January, 1921 --- (covers November 27, 1920 to December 25, 1920) 1920.11.27 — Mr. Motokichi Takahashi, a member of the Japanese Imperial Diet, died in Seattle, Washington, whither he had gone to study conditions. 1920.11.29 — The N. Y. K. passenger steamer Kokura Maru, which ran aground on a reef off the Island of Yap, is a total loss but passengers, crew and mail are safe, it is announced by the Yokohama Office. 1920.11.31 — Their Excellencies Eki Hioki, Japan's Ambassador to Germany, A. Ariyoshi, the new Minister to Switzerland, and T. Kawakami, the new Minister to Poland, all left Kobe for Europe to-day on the N. Y. K. liner Kamo Maru. 1920.12.01 — His Excellency Hu-Wei-Tei, who arrived here recently as the Representative of the Peking Government, was received in audience at the Imperial Palace by His Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince, to whom he presented his credentials. 1920.12.02 — Dr. T. Fukuda, the director of the Kanagawa Prefectural Sanitary Office, arrived at Yokohama and visited the principal Japanese officials of the city and members of the consular body. The Asano cement factory at Taihoku was destroyed by fire. The loss is estimated at ¥300,000. 1920.12.03 — The throne has granted ¥40,000 toward the 1300th anniversary celebration of the death of Prince Shotoku Taishi, which will occur in April, 1921, at Horyūji Temple near Nara. Prince Sumi, fourth Imperial son, celebrated his fifth birthday. Attended by a retinue, he went to the Imperial palace and received the congratulations of his Imperial parents. The Minister of Peru and Madame de Freyer have returned from China and opened the office of the Legation at their residence, Kojimachi, Tokyo. Mr. S. Tamura, president of the Kobe Chamber of Commerce, with Messrs. Honda and Suga, vice-presidents, were decorated by the Chinese Government in appreciation of their services in promoting friendship between Japan and China. Their Imperial Majesties graciously contributed the sum of ¥10,000 a year for the next five years for the maintenance fund of the Japan Red Cross Hospital. 1920.12.04 — H. H. Prince Takehiko Yamashina, second sub-lieutenant of the Imperial Navy, has joined the Navy Aviation Corps at Yokosuka for the study of aeronautics. 1920.12.05 — The Tokyo Academy of Music gave a concert in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Beethoven. The day was celebrated at the Kanagawa Girls' School also. 1920.12.06 — The 139 Polish orphans who were being cared for at the Fukuden orphanage by the Japan Red Cross Society left for Seattle on the Suwa Maru. The third general meeting of the Tokyo Women's Club was held at the Y. W. C. A. Hall, Kanda, Tokyo. Madame de Warzee made an address on "Primitive Literature and its Relation to the Development of the Races." 1920.12.11 — In the interest of Japan-American relations, a conference was held of the combined Associations working for Peace such as The Japan Peace Society, The Japan Emigration Society, The League of Nations Association and others at the Seiyoken, Tsukiji, Tokyo. The subject was the Anti-Japanese Land Legislation in California. The speakers of the day were Marquis Okuma, Professor Dr. Anezaki, Hon. S. Ebara, M. P., Dr. J. Soeda and some others. Prizes were awarded the winners of the Osaka-Shikoku-Kyūshū flight, at the Military Club, Kudan, Tokyo. Civil aviators and members of the Imperial Aviation Association were present. The occasion was honored by the presence of His Imperial Highness Prince Kuni who delivered a short address which was responded to by Baron Sakatani on behalf of the aviation associations. 1920.12.16 — On the Island of Yap in the South Seas, by the visitation of a typhoon (N. E.) and heavy rain and a tidal wave almost all the dwelling houses, stores and officials buildings were destroyed and nine thousand natives suffered loss of food and dwelling houses; 80%-90% of cattle and poultry were destroyed, so no lives are reported lost. At almost the same time, at Menza, Argentine, a violent earthquake occurred and a certain spot in the street vomited boiling water, by which a number of persons were killed and injured. 1920.12.17 — Count Hirosawa, member of the House of Peers, was appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to Madrid, Spain. Baron Shimpei Goto accepted the Lord Mayorship of Tokyo. The Japan Red Cross Society gave a banquet at headquarters. Among the distinguished guests invited were Count Chinda, ex-Ambassador to England, and Baron Matsui, ex-Ambassador to Paris and also many prominent officials of the Foreign Office and the War Office. 1920.12.18 — General Oi, Commander of the Japanese Expeditionary Army in Vladivostok, is in Tokyo recuperating from influenza. 1920.12.21 — A cablegram from Buenos Aires states that the casualties from a violent earthquake are estimated at over 400. 1920.12.22 — H. I. M. the Emperor attended a meeting of the Privy Council in the Imperial Palace, the first such session he has been able to attend for more than a year. 1920.12.23 — The ceremony of unveiling a bronze bust of the late Dr. Tanemichi Aoyama, a noted authority on medical science, took place at the Tokyo Imperial University. 1920.12.24 — Mr. Sadazuchi Uchida the newly appointed minister plenipotentiary to Constantinople, Turkey, left Tokyo to-day. Professor Omori, the well-known authority on Seismology has visited Asama volcano several times with his assistants since the recent eruptions on the 10th, 14th, 18th and 22nd to make scientific investigation of the actual conditions. 1920.12.25 — The 44th Imperial Diet was regularly convened to-day. --- The Japan Magazine v11.9 February, 1921 --- (covers December 25, 1920 to January 25, 1921) 1920.12.25 — Their Majesties, the Emperor and the Empress have been pleased to grant the sum of ¥277,000 to soldiers and sailors' relief associations. H. I. M. the Empress has sent messages of sympathy to the invalids at the Red Cross, Relief Society and Charity hospitals and to the orphans of the Fukuden Kai, together with new year's gifts of money and cloth. 1920.12.28 — The two houses of the Imperial Diet met to-day in short sessions and then adjourned to reassemble January 21st after the holiday recess. Dr. H. Nagaoka of the Imperial University and Captain S. Hirase inspector of Navigation for the N. Y. K. returned to Japan on the *Empress of Asia*. Dr. T. Harada, former president of Doshisha University, started on the *Korea Maru* for Honolulu to take the chair of Japanese language in the University of Hawaii. 1920.12.30 — H. I. M. the Emperor has made a present worth ¥30,000 to Prince Yi, the former ruler of Korea, to commemorate the marriage of Prince Yi's son and heir to Princess Nashimoto of Japan; the present consisted of 2,800 shares in the Bank of Chosen. 1921.01.05 — The Annual Imperial New Year's banquet was held in the state room of the Imperial Palace. H. I. H. the Crown Prince attended in the absence of H. I. M. the Emperor and Princesses also. The Lord Chamberlain conveyed the Imperial greetings to the guests, to which Mr. Hara, the Premier, replied for the Japanese guests and Mr. Basil Krupensky, the Russian Ambassador, for the Foreign Envoys. Viscount Osako, formerly Chamberlain to H. I. M. the Emperor, died. 1921.01.08 — Professor Jacoulet, a veteran teacher of French in the schools of Tokyo and well known to both foreign and Japanese residents, died in the General Hospital at Yokohama. 1921.01.09 — Prince Yamagata, who had been staying in the Capital for some time, left for Odawara. 1921.01.12 — At the monthly meeting of the Imperial Academy held this afternoon, Dr. Sanji Mikami and Dr. S. Okamatsu were appointed to represent the Academy at the general meeting of the League of Academies to be held at Brussels in the middle of May, 1921. 1921.01.13 — Baron Goro Ijuin, fleet Admiral and former chief of the Naval General Staff and veteran of the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars, died in the early morning hours at his home in Tokyo at the age of seventy years. 1921.01.14 — The opening of the annual Wrestling Tournament at the Kokugikan is announced to-day. 1921.01.15 — T. I. H. Prince and Princess Higashi-Fushimi, Counts Uchida, Toda, and Ogimachi, Prince Ito and other high officials of the Court and the Foreign Office were present at a dinner given yesterday at the Imperial Palace in honor of the retiring Ambassador from Italy and Countess Paulicci. 1921.01.17 — Dr. K. Kuwada, who will represent Japan at the International Red Cross Conference at Geneva, departed for Europe. The Japanese steamer *Sakura Maru* foundered at a point 20 miles off Luzon, but 22 members of the crew have arrived at Appari, a seaport of Luzon. 1921.01.18 — The University presidents now in Tokyo for the annual conference, will be given a dinner at the Imperial Palace this evening, H. I. H. the Crown Prince attending in place of T. I. M. the Emperor and the Empress. 1921.01.19 — The first German ship *Kleist* a war prize arrived at Kobe, Captain G. W. Dring. This is one of 13 merchantmen Germany is turning over to Japan. 1921.01.21 — Mr. T. H. McConnell, general agent for the Ford Motor Car Company, New York, left Kobe to-day en route to Tokyo to present 100 reels of American educational films to the Japanese Government as the personal gift of Mr. Henry Ford as a token of the cordial relations existing between America and Japan. 1921.01.22 — A memorial festival for the famous Forty-seven Ronin was celebrated at Sengakuji, Takanawa, Tokyo. This was the 219th anniversary of the day they broke into the mansion of their master's enemy. Baron Aliotti, newly appointed Ambassador from Rome to Tokyo, arrived at Yokohama. Mrs. Tomo Matsumoto of Kodama-gun, Saitama prefecture, a graduate of the silk yarn high school here and author of a work on sericulture, has been chosen to represent the women agricultural workers of Japan at the third session of the International Labor Conference to be held in Geneva. The main building of the Court of Appeals at Taiko, Chosen (Korea), was destroyed by fire. The loss is estimated at about ¥300,000. The Ice Breaker *Baikal*, under the direction of Lieutenant Commander Mochizuki, experienced most unusual hardship and perilous struggling with icebergs, communicated with the *Chuka Maru* and was finally rescued by the *Tairei Maru* and the warship *Mikasa* and returned to Otaru, Hokkaido. 1921.01.23 — Mr. Soëtsu Yanagi, having visited Seoul, Chōsen, on important business concerning the establishment of a Korean Antique Arts Museum, returned to Tokyo and said the prized collection would be exhibited for public inspection by about April in Tokyo before said establishment shall be realized. 1921.01.24 — His Imperial Highness Prince Yi left Tokyo this evening for a visit of several days in Seoul, Chosen. 1921.01.25 — At the Annual General meeting of the Asiatic Society of Japan held at the British Embassy, Dr. Masujiro Honda delivered a lecture on Omotokyo. H. I. M. the Empress has graciously donated a substantial sum to aid the children of the pauper schools of Tokyo. The world-famed violinist, Mr. Mischa Elman, arrived at Yokohama on the *Empress of Russia*. --- The Japan Magazine v14.1 June, 1923 --- (covers May 20, 1923 to June 20, 1923) 1923.05.20 — Mr. Pinkney Tuck, and Mr. Peyton, until recently American and British Consuls respectively at Vladivostok, arrived in Tokyo. Both the British and American consulates in Vladivostok have been closed, due to demands from Moscow which the respective governments deemed impossible to fulfil. 1923.05.21 — The Far Eastern Olympic Games officials of the participating countries were received in audience by H. I. H. Prince Chichibu, the honorary president of the games, at the stadium in Osaka. 1923.05.22 — The third general meeting of the Ladies Peace Association was held at the residence of Mr. Soichiro Asano, Takanawa, Tokyo. At the meeting, Miss Mary Dingman delivered a lecture on "peace." 1923.05.24 — The Conference of provincial Governors began at the Home Department, to be held for one week. Dr. Mizuno, minister of the Department, presided at the meetings. 1923.05.29 — Mr. H. Nagata, deputy Mayor, was appointed the Mayor of Tokyo as successor to Viscount Goto. 1923.05.30 - The third memorial service for the victims of the Nikolaivsk massacre was observed at the Asakusa Honganji Temple in Tokyo. - Dr. C. C. Pierce, professor of the University of Southern California and Dr. Wm. H. Craushaw, Dean of Colgate University, N. Y. gave addresses on "Japanese-American Relations" and "League of Nations and Americans" before a large audience in Tokyo under the auspices of the League of Nations Association of Japan. 1923.05.31 - According to statistics compiled by the Foreign Affairs Bureau in the Home Department, foreigners residing in Japan, as registered at the end of last year, numbered 29,043, of whom 8,000 were women. Compared with the preceding year, the above number indicates an increase of 2,663. - These figures include 2,562 of British nationality; 2,549 citizens of the United States, 2,663 Russians, mostly refugees from Soviet Russia, and 19,635 Chinese. 1923.06.01 — Mr. A. A. Joffe, the Soviet Representative, and members of his party were honored by a dinner given by leading Japanese who are interested in the restoration of Russo-Japanese trade and political relations. Mr. Joffe was unable to attend due to illness but his secretary thanked the hosts. 1923.06.04 — Dr. Wilhelm Solf, German Ambassador in Tokyo, has been made doyen of the diplomatic corps in Tokyo during the absence of Sir Charles Eliot, British Ambassador. 1923.06.05 - Rev. Alexander D. Hail, one of the pioneer missionaries of Japan, died at his home in Osaka. He was 79 years old. - Dr. Hail, who was connected with the work of the American Presbyterian Mission in Japan, had labored in this country for forty-five years, establishing friendships throughout Central Japan and exercising an influence for good throughout many a community. He was a native of Macomb, Illinois. 1923.06.06 — Madame Solf, wife of the German Ambassador, left Tokyo for her home via the Siberian Railroad. 1923.06.07 - The Empress gave ¥5,000 to the Lighthouse Keepers' Association following a visit to the Kanonzaki lighthouse recently on her way to Tokyo from Miura. - The Imperial Court has awarded special posthumous honors to Dr. Uichi Torigata, a wireless expert, who died June 5, investing him with the Second Class Order of the Sacred Treasure and promoting his court rank to junior fourth grade. 1923.06.08 — The funeral Service for the late Prince Narihisa Kitashirakawa, who lost his life in an automobile accident in France, was held at Gokoku Temple in Koishikawa, Tokyo. 1923.06.09 — Mr. Fritz Kreisler, the world famous violinist, who has just completed a tour of the Far East, returned to the United States on the steamer Empress of Canada from Yokohama. Mr. Kreisler left Japan a few weeks ago for China, playing at important places on route. 1923.06.12 — Mr. I. Tokutomi, proprietor and editor of the Kokumin Shimbun, who was recently honored by the Imperial Academy for his work on the modern history of Japan, was the guest of honor at a dinner at the Imperial Hotel. 1923.06.14 — The members of the Belgian business mission, shortly leaving for home, were the guests at a luncheon given at the Belgian Embassy. 1923.06.15 — The 820 ton steamer Kurushima Maru sailed for the South Seas from Shibaura, Tokyo, with a party of 32 scientists and business men headed by Viscount Katagiri, amid an enthusiastic send-off. 1923.06.16 — Mr. O. Ewerlof, new minister to Japan from Sweden, presented his credentials to the Prince Regent at the Imperial Palace. He later was received in audience by the Empress. 1923.06.19 — Mr. M. Aall, professor of philosophy in the University of Christiania, Norway, gave lectures at several universities, while he stayed in Tokyo. 1923.06.20 — Mr. T. Kawakami, ex-Minister to Poland, has been appointed Japan's delegate in the Russo-Japanese negotiations and Mr. A. A. Joffe, special envoy, received the formal appointment as delegate from the Moscow Government. The Government has decided to appoint Mr. H. Nagaoka as Minister to the Netherlands, which post has been rendered vacant by the transfer of Minister Tatsuki to Brazil. Mr. Nagaoka has been Minister to Czecho-Slovakia. --- The Japan Magazine v14.2 July, 1923 --- (covers June 20, 1923 to July 20, 1923) 1923.06.20 — Mr. M. Takahashi, head of the Japanese parliamentary mission to the International Parliamentarians' Conference in Copenhagen, and his party was given a farewell dinner by Viscount Takahashi, president of the Seiyukai, at the San-entei in Shiba. 1923.06.21 — The Kobe Women's Club invites all England speaking people, both men and women, to a special meeting at the Tor Hotel to hear an address by Miss Jane Addams, well known American social worker. 1923.06.23 - Mr. Fuko Matsumoto, who was one of the best Japanese painters, died. He was 84 years old. During the Meiji revolution he espoused the cause of the royalists. He later was appointed adviser to the Japan Fine Arts' Academy and made a member of the Imperial Fine Arts' Academy. - Mr. Tazuki, the newly appointed Ambassador to Brazil, was received in a farewell audience this morning at the Imperial Palace by the Prince Regent, and the Empress. The Ambassador will leave Yokohama for his destination on June 30 on the liner Shinyo-maru. - Mr. and Mrs. Y. Tokugawa were hosts at a dinner in honor of their house guest, Prof. Joseph Hollman, the celebrated violin-cellist. The dinner was given to mark the occasion of Prof. Hollman's decoration by the Emperor with the third class order of the Rising Sun. This is the highest decoration ever conferred upon a musician, either Japanese or foreign, in this country. 1923.06.24 — A large garden party was given by Prince Yoshimitsu Tokugawa, 11 years old, grandson of the late Prince Keiki Tokugawa, the last Shogun, in celebration of his ascendancy to the title of Prince at his residence in Koishikawa. 1923.06.25 — Mrs. Joffe, wife of the Russian envoy in the Far East, addressed the Russo-Japanese Women's Association. 1923.06.26 - Commissioner and Mrs. William Eadie arrived at Yokohama on the steamer Empress of Asia. Commissioner Eadie succeeds Commissioner Duce who recently left for England. A welcome reception was given Commissioner and Mrs. Eadie next day at the Salvation Army hall in Kanda, Tokyo. - Mr. Hajime Matsushima, former consul-general in Chita, who has been appointed councillor of the Embassy in Paris, will sail for Marseilles leaving Kobe on July 5. 1923.06.27 — It is officially announced that Viscount Masatake Sengoku will be appointed President of the Imperial Board of Decoration, in succession to the late Count Ogimachi. 1923.06.28 — The Japan-Russia pourparlers began at the Tsukiji Seiyoken Hotel in Tokyo at noon. 1923.06.29 - The death of Dowager Princess Yasuko Arisugawa, fourth daughter of the late Marquis Mayeda and wife of the late Prince Takehito, at Yugawara, marked the passing of the second oldest Imperial family of Japan. The House was founded by Prince Yoshikoto, son of the 106th Emperor. The late Prince Takehito, 10th of the line, died in July, 1913, without an heir and the reigning Emperor has ordered his third son Nobuhito to become head of the House. - The ashes of the late Marchioness Namiko Mayeda, who died in Paris two months ago, arrived at Kobe accompanied by Marquis Mayeda. The funeral services will be held July 30 at the Mayeda mansion. 1923.06.30 — Major General Pabst, the newly appointed Netherlands Minister to Japan was received in audience by the Prince Regent at the Imperial Palace when the Minister presented his credentials. 1923.07.01 — A special ceremony in celebration of the sixty-fifth anniversary of the opening of the port of Yokohama to foreign trade was held July 1 at the Yokohama Memorial Hall. 1923.07.03 — Shifting of consular positions have been announced by the Cabinet. Mr. S. Morioka has been appointed consul in Ichang; Mr. S. Shimada, consul in Harbin; Mr. T. Yoshida, consul in Sourabaya; Mr. R. Kasuya, consul in Yunnan; and Mr. S. Urata consul in Hamburg. A branch consulate has been established in Rio Plata and Mr. S. Hayao has been placed in charge. 1923.07.04 — Dr. Baron Chusaburo Shiba, a member of the House of Peers and professor in the Imperial University, has been appointed president of the Government Aviation Institute. He succeeds the late Dr. S. Terano. 1923.07.06 - It is reported that the Prince Regent will be promoted to the rank of Commander of the Navy, and to that of Lieutenant-Colonel, of the Army, on the occasion of the Emperor's Birthday celebration, October 31. - Prince Yi Kon, heir of the late Emperor of Korea, now student in the military Staff College, has been promoted to a captaincy in the Imperial army. Prince Yi will be graduated from the school in November and then will proceed to European countries for study. Mr. Kenkichi Yoshizawa, new Minister to China, was received in audience by the Prince Regent. It is said that owing to the absence of President Li Yuang-hung, Mr. Yoshizawa will present his credentials to the State Council. 1923.07.07 — General Pabst, the minister for the Netherlands, presented his credentials to the Prince Regent. 1923.07.09 — Dr. Josef Svagrovsky, Minister from Czechoslovakia to Japan arrived at Yokohama on the steamer Empress of Canada and immediately took charge of the Legation in Tokyo. 1923.07.12 — The Department of Education has ordered 30 professors in various universities and higher technical schools to study in America and Europe. 1923.07.13 - Mr. Cyrus E. Woods, new American ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Woods, and Mrs. Woods' mother, Mrs. J. A. Marchand, reached Tokyo. - The Government has selected Dr. M. Adachi, Ambassador to Brussels; and Mr. T. Mayeda, former Tokyo deputy-mayor, as Government delegates to the fourth International Labor Conference in Brussels, October 22 to 29. Mr. Mayeda was recently appointed Government representative on the International Labor Directors' Commission of the League of Nations, and will leave Tokyo shortly for Europe. 1923.07.16 — Memorial services for Count Taisuke Itagaki, known as the Japanese "Father of Liberty," took place to-day at the Seisho Temple in Shiba. After the ceremony, many of those present gathered before the late Count's statue which just has been completed and which is to be sent to Kochi, Shikoku, the late Count's native place. 1923.07.20 — The Duchess d'Aosta, who is of one of the leading noble families of Italy, and her son the Duke of Spoleto arrived at Yokohama on the steamer Empress of Asia. They are on their way to Europe. They were greeted by His Excellency Nobile Giacomo de Martino, the Italian ambassador, Captain Cantele Ferrucio, Italian naval attache and Rear-Admiral Yamamoto who represented the Prince Regent. The 40th anniversary of the death of Prince Tomomi Iwakura, one of the three greatest heroes of the Meiji revolution, was celebrated to-day in Tokyo and Kyoto. Princess Dowager Higashi-Fushimi who is a daughter of the late prince attended the service held at the Iwakura home. --- The Japan Magazine v14.4 October, 1923 --- (covers September 1, 1923 to September 25, 1923) 1923.09.01 - At 11:58 a.m. a violent earthquake shook the Kanto district. Tokyo and Yokohama sustained the most severe damage. Two thirds of Tokyo and nearly the whole of Yokohama were destroyed by the earthquake and subsequent conflagrations. Tokyo burned for two days and two nights. - Tokyo and the neighbouring afflicted prefectures were placed under martial-law, and General Fukuda was appointed Commander-in-Chief. 1923.09.02 - An emergency requisition order was promulgated, to be applied in the prefectures of Tokyo, Gumma, and Kanagawa. - The Yamamoto Cabinet was formed during the conflagration, and the installation ceremony took place in the gardens of the Palace. It was constituted as follows: Count Gombei Yamamoto — Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs; Viscount Shimpei Goto — Home; Junnosuke Inouye — Finance; General Giichi Tanaka — Army; Admiral Hyo Takarabe — Navy; Baron Kenjiro Den — Agriculture and Commerce; Ki Inukai — Communications; Kazutsugu Yamanouchi — Railways; Kiichiro Hiranuma — Justice; Keijiro Okano — Education. The following appointments also were made: Judge Dr. Hideo Yokota — President of the Supreme Court; Kakichi Uchida — Governor-General of Formosa; Joji Matsumoto — President of the Bureau of Legislation. 1923.09.03 - The Bankers' Association passed a resolution for the promulgation of a moratorium, to be applied in the devastated area, and for military assistance in guarding safes and valuables left in the devastated district. - The Imperial House announced a grant of ¥10,000,000 out of the Privy Purse to the relief fund. 1923.09.04 - According to the estimate of the damage in Tokyo, by the Metropolitan Police Board, the number of destroyed houses in Tokyo is 316,087 and the number of sufferers, whose houses were destroyed, is 1,356,740, in Tokyo alone. The casualties are 130,000 in Tokyo. - Nearly all the telephone exchanges in Tokyo and Yokohama were burned. The government ordered fresh telephone equipment from America. - The American Red Cross at Manila announced a relief party, including 2 superintendents, from 10 to 25 army surgeons, and from 50 to 150 nurses would start for Tokyo with a great quantity of medicines and other relief materials. 1923.09.05 - President Coolidge sent the following message of condolence to the Emperor: "I am moved to offer you the most heartfelt sympathy and express to Your Majesty my sincere desire to be of any possible assistance in alleviating the terrible sufferings of your people." Through the Japanese Ambassador at Washington, Premier Yamamoto expressed the deep gratitude of the Emperor and the people of Japan for America's sympathy and aid, to the American Government. He said, "This precious sympathy on the part of America can not fail to draw still closer the bond of friendship and trust between the two countries and has created a profound impression in the grateful hearts suffering in Japan." Mr. Otohiko Ichiki, former Finance Minister, was appointed President of the Bank of Japan. - Mr. Kurahei Yuasa was appointed Inspector-General of the Metropolitan Police. 1923.09.06 - The Chinese Government announced that the export duty on cereals exported to Japan would not be levied. - The Library of the Tokyo Imperial University was entirely destroyed by fire. It burned for three days, and over 500,000 books were burned. The loss is estimated at ¥100,000,000. - The former Emperor of China sent a message of condolence to the Emperor through the Japanese Minister at Peking. He presented a gift of 10,000 yuan and various treasures of his dynasty to the relief fund. - The South Manchurian Railway formed a large relief party, and decided to expend ¥1,500,000 for immediate needs, sending great quantities of food, clothing, medical materials and timber by steamers at anchor at Dairen. - Out of 15,000 factories in Tokyo and suburbs about 9,000 were destroyed; 135,000 labourers are estimated to have been thrown out of work. Some perished and a large number left for the country districts. - Some 2,700 Chinese in the city and suburbs were made homeless and they are to be sent back to their country at the government's expense. - The total material loss incurred by the Imperial House is estimated at ¥20,000,000. 1923.09.07 — The government promulgated three urgency Imperial Ordinances: (1) A moratorium, an order permitting the postponement of the discharge of private debts, incurred before the disaster by those living in the devastated area, until September 30. (2) An ordinance prohibiting profiteering — prohibiting cornering, refusal to sell, or selling at excessive prices, all necessaries of life under penalty of imprisonment up to three years or a fine up to ¥3,000. The officially recognized necessaries of life are: (1) Food, (2) kitchen utensils and table-ware, (3) medicines and medical materials, (4) vessels, vehicles and other means of transportation and their accessories, (5) building materials and tools, (6) fuel and oil, (7) cotton, woolen yarn and manufactures thereof, (8) paper, (9) trunks and wrapping materials, (10) geta (clogs) shoes and cleaning materials therefor, (11) stationery. (3) An Ordinance prohibiting circulation of alarmist rumours calculated to disturb public order or instigate crimes or under penalty of imprisonment up to ten years or a fine up to ¥3,000. The transmission of electricity in Tokyo, stopped for six days, was resumed in some places from the 7th. Electric cars began to run again in the undamaged districts. Steam trains began to run between Tokyo and Yokohama. Information about the diplomatic corps in Tokyo and Yokohama was published by the Foreign Office: Germany — Ambassador, family and staff safe. Embassy partly destroyed. United States — Ambassador, wife and staff safe. Embassy entirely destroyed by fire. American Consul in Yokohama and his wife and Miss Doris Babbit were killed. Belgium — Ambassador, family and staff safe. Embassy partly destroyed. Brazil — Minister and wife safe. Legation entirely destroyed by fire. China — Chargé d'Affaires, family and staff safe. Legation entirely destroyed by fire. Denmark — Chargé d'Affaires and staff safe. France — Ambassador and family, and staff safe. Embassy entirely destroyed by fire. Consul-General in Yokohama dead. Great Britain — Chargé d'Affaires family, and staff safe. Embassy partly damaged. Consul at Yokohama safe. Italy — Ambassador and staff safe. Embassy damaged. Mexico — Minister, family and staff safe. Legation safe. Norway — Chargé d'Affaires and staff safe. Holland — Minister and staff safe. Legation damaged. Portugal — Chargé d'Affaires and staff safe. Legation safe. Siam — Minister, family, and staff safe. Legation damaged. Sweden — Minister and staff safe. Legation safe. Switzerland — Minister, family, and staff safe. Legation safe. Czechoslovakia — Minister and staff safe. Legation damaged. Argentine — Chargé d'Affaires, wife and daughter were seen at Yokohama Station when the earthquake occurred, but missing since. Chili — Chargé d'Affaires and family in Yokohama missing. Legation destroyed by fire. Spain — Minister and staff safe. Legation destroyed by fire. The military and naval attachés who were in Tokyo, are safe. Peru — Chargé d'Affaires and wife missing. Some American doctors and nurses of the Rockefeller Hospital at Peking left Tientsin for Japan on an American Red Cross vessel with large quantities of medicine and medical stores. 1923.09.08 - The American slogan for raising relief funds in New York — "Every minute means another life saved!" — was enthusiastically welcomed by the Japanese people. It was adopted as the slogan of the various relief parties which arrived from all parts of the Empire. - The Governor-General of Australia has sent £10,000, and large quantities of food and clothing amounting to £50,000 in value, to the Japanese Government. It is reported £50,000 more will be added. 1923.09.09 — The number of life insurance companies belonging to the Life Insurance Company Association was 36, of which 26 had their premises destroyed by fire. The insurance of these companies was 458,000,000 yen, in Tokyo alone. If the insurance in Yokohama is added it amounts to 700,000,000 yen. The losses these companies sustained from the catastrophe is estimated at 20 or 30 per cent. of their total insurance. 1923.09.10 — The organization of the Committee on Reconstruction was decided on by the Cabinet to-day. 1923.09.11 — The Daishinsai Zengokai (Society of Reconstruction), was formed among the leading members of the Imperial Diet and the influential business men of Tokyo. Prince Tokugawa was elected President, and Viscount Shibusawa and Mr. Kasuya, President of the House of Representatives, were elected Vice-Presidents. The Society will assist the government in relief and reconstruction work. 1923.09.12 — Imperial Edict issued. Mindful of the grand examples set by Our Imperial Ancestors, following the earthquake. The edict expresses grief at the catastrophe — describing the fires in Tokyo, Yokohama, and other cities, the obstruction of communications, the circulation of wanton rumours alarming the public, and comparing the calamity to the historic occurrence of the Ansei Era. The edict commands the Government to devise measures for quick relief, to suppress wild rumours, and establishes a special institution for the reconstruction of the Capital. The edict is countersigned by the Prime Minister and other Ministers of State. 1923.09.14 - General Read, of the U. S. Army, arrived in Japan from the Philippines, to express sympathy for the disaster to Japan. - The loss sustained by the army of Japan is estimated at ¥300,000,000. 1923.09.15 - The Prince Regent visited the scenes of the fire, to encourage the officials to do their utmost in the relief and reconstruction work. - The government announced that during 3 years to come only improvised buildings, such as barracks, will be allowed to be built in the fire devastated area of Tokyo. The government will plan the reconstruction of Tokyo and lay out the principal roads, parks, and important buildings during that time. - About fifty banks in Tokyo and suburbs re-opened business on the 10th. The result was a great increase of deposits over amounts drawn out. - The amount insured in Tokyo and Yokohama by the fire insurance companies of Japan is estimated to exceed ¥3,600,000,000. 1923.09.17 - According to the estimate made by the Metropolitan Police Board, the number of people who went out into the country from Tokyo during the period from the 1st to the 17th of September, is 626,000. - The loss sustained by the medical world in Tokyo from the earthquake and fire is estimated at seventy million yen. As most of the larger hospitals in Tokyo were destroyed, first aid to the sufferers was difficult. - Residences of the Princes of the Blood it has been decided will be used as residence for members of the diplomatic corps. The American Ambassador will occupy the residence of Prince Takeda-no-miya in Takanawa, and the French Ambassador will occupy the residence of Prince Kitashirakawa-no-miya. 1923.09.19 - Baron Hikokichi Ijuin was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. - The wedding of the Prince Regent with Princess Nagako Kuni has been postponed until early next year. The Regent wishes to show by this decision his sympathy with the people in their great trouble. 1923.09.21 - Most of the magazine companies in Tokyo sustained damage from the quake. There were about 370 magazines published in Tokyo and 70 of them will publish their October numbers. - Official wages in Tokyo are as follows: Carpenter — ¥3.50; Mason — ¥3.50; Coolie — ¥1.80–¥2.20; Navvy — ¥2.60; Fireman — ¥2.80; Woman labourer — ¥0.90; Blacksmith — ¥3.00; Sailor — ¥5.00; Drayman with wagon — ¥7.50–¥9.00; Carters with cart — ¥3.50. 1923.09.24 - Sakayé Osugi, the well-known Japanese anarchist and "two others" were killed by Captain of Gendarmerie Amakasu. Captain Amakasu was immediately arrested and is to be tried by court-martial. - Foreign relief funds as published by the Relief Commissioner's Office: London £150,000; American Silk Association, New York $400,000; Canada $245,000; Australia £60,000; Straits Settlements $40,000; French Red Cross F.50,000; Red Cross of Sweden £250 and 2,865 bales of rice; France F.1,200,000; British Government 100 tons of rice; French Indo-China 100 tons of rice and medical stores; Batavia ¥50,000; Biel & Co., Egypt ¥500; Berkshire Knitting Mills ¥30,848.32; Glasgow £10,000; Huntley & Palmers Co. London 10,000 boxes of biscuits; Japanese Societies in New York, Boston, Seattle, Singapore, Manila, India and Java ¥462,360.69; Relief Organization for the Motherland of Honolulu ¥100,000. 1923.09.25 - The main part of the United States Asiatic Squadron departed from Tokyo Bay. These vessels, under command of Admiral Anderson, rushed to the rescue as soon as the news of earthquake and fire could be flashed by wireless. The crews of some of the vessels went on half rations in order that the greater portion of their stores could be taken on shore for free distribution. - According to investigations by the police, the casualties in Yokohama were as follows: Population before disaster 438,755; Killed 23,440; Injured 42,050; Missing 3,182; Total casualties 68,675. --- The Japan Magazine v14.5 November, 1923 --- (covers September 26, 1923 to October 4, 1923) 1923.09.26 - Since the formation of the present ministry it has been busily engaged in relief work. Domestic and foreign affairs, therefore, have been neglected. However, with the establishment of the Restoration Bureau the government regained its normal condition, and to-day resumed ordinary business concerning domestic and foreign affairs. - Since the earthquake many disputes concerning leases and rented houses have sprung up. Settlements of these disputes, however, has been obstructed by the bad condition of communications. The government, therefore, decided to organize circuit courts in the district offices in the devastated area, for the prompt solution of these disputes by reconciling the parties concerned. 1923.09.27 — The restoration measures for Yokosuka include the broadening of the principal roads, the establishment of an electric-car service and the addition of the reclaimed land, which covers about 30,000 tsubo, to the city of Yokosuka. The roads will be of three widths, 90 ft., 72 ft., and 48 ft. respectively. The authorities established barrack-style buildings in which they accommodated the sufferers in the city. The primary schools in Yokosuka have been opened. The official organization of the Restoration Bureau was published in the Official Gazette to-day. The bureau is under the direct control of the Prime Minister and is responsible for the city-planning of Tokyo and Yokohama as well as general restoration. The principal officials of the bureau will be: The President; Two Vice-Presidents; One Chief-Engineer; Seven Directors; Fifteen Secretaries; Thirty administrative officials; One hundred and five engineers; One hundred and fifty subordinate officials; Three hundred and fifty assistant-engineers. The sections of the Bureau will be: President's Secretariat; Section of City-planning; Section of Land-adjustment; Section of Construction; Section of Public Works; Section of Supply; Section of Accounts. 1923.09.28 — Mr. Hoover, Secretary of Commerce of the United States, sent a message to the Japanese Government in which he says: "With friendly regard toward Japan, America will be glad to send various materials, needed in Japan, without any change in current prices, to Japan. We wish Japan to send her orders for such materials as she needs as promptly as possible." 1923.09.29 — The Home Department drafted four tentative plans for the restoration of the capital. These need ¥1,000,000,000, ¥1,500,000,000, ¥2,000,000,000 and ¥3,000,000,000, respectively. Among them the plan favored by Viscount Goto is said to be the second one. According to this plan, it is said, ¥700,000,000 will be expended for the buying up of the land which will be used for new roads. In buying up the land, it is said, the law of expropriation will not be resorted to. The remaining ¥800,000,000 will be expended for the construction of roads, bridges, ward offices, water-works, markets, and underground construction. The ¥1,500,000,000 will be expended during the next five years. The ¥700,000,000, for land, will be raised by floating domestic bonds. 1923.09.30 — Her Majesty the Empress visited the barracks for the sufferers in various parts of the city, and enquired after the health of the sick and wounded. 1923.10.01 — The bureau of educational affairs of Tokyo city has drafted a plan for the building of temporary primary schools and will present it to the municipal council. According to this draft, the number of primary schools destroyed by fire in Tokyo is 118, and the number of children attending these schools is estimated at 148,400. It is estimated that about 40 per cent. of these children went into the suburbs or into the country, and about 89,000 of them still remain in the city. The plan includes the building of 90 temporary schools to accommodate these children, and the adoption of the double teaching system. These temporary schools will be divided among the wards, and the construction is to be completed by November. 1923.10.02 - One of the greatest losses in the recent catastrophe was the destruction of various libraries. The destruction of the libraries of the Imperial University, Meiji University, Senshu University, Nihon University and the Commercial College, as well as the public libraries at Ohashi and Hitotsubashi is an irredeemable loss. The League of Nations Association of England cabled to the League of Nations Association of Japan that it will help Japan in any way possible. The latter cabled to England that Japan needs books on law, economics, sociology, politics and literature, for the restoration of her libraries. It also requested that the various peace organizations of the world supply Japan with books. - Mr. Thomas, President of the World's Educational League, cabled to the Imperial Educational Association of Japan that the World's Educational League has started a co-operative movement among the children of fifty countries in the League to help in the restoration of the primary schools in Japan. - The Japanese members of the Japan American Association expressed their gratitude to the Government and people of America at the dinner given to-day in honour of the American Ambassador, Admiral Anderson, of the American Asiatic Squadron and General McCoy. The Japan Peace Association sent messages of thanks to the various peace organizations throughout the world expressing its wish to co-operate with them in the promotion of the world's peace. 1923.10.03 - The Japan Physical Education Society has decided it is not well to give up wholly its programme fixed before the earthquake, for the sake of the national health, and also from the point of view of encouraging the nation's spirit to push on with restoration. The Society will send Japan's champions to the Eighth Olympic Games at Paris. It has announced it will hold a great athletic meeting in Tokyo in the middle of November. The provisional selection of the champions to send to Paris will be held in various parts of Japan in the middle of November and the final selection will take place in Tokyo in April. - Mr. Lowell who was sent to Japan as representative of the section of relief for the sufferers from fire and earthquake in Japan by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, arrived to-day. He came also at the request of the American Newspaper Association and the Japan Society of America. He said if there is any shortage in paper and ink he will endeavour to supply these materials. 1923.10.04 — In spite of the fact that most of the offices of the principal women's organizations in Tokyo were burnt relief work by the various women's organizations in Tokyo has been carried on actively. The League of Tokyo Women's Organizations was formed in the first days of the disaster and the devastated district was divided into several parts, each being in charge of one of these organizations. These organizations helping the municipal authorities in distributing milk and other relief materials are the Jiyu Gakuin Girls' School, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the Young Women's Christian Association of Hongo Church. The Ladies Patriotic League is supplying much clothing. The Women's Buddhist Association is collecting money and clothes from various parts of Japan. It is noteworthy that the various women's organizations are uniting in the relief work irrespective of their beliefs and principles. --- The Japan Magazine v14.6-7 December 1923-January 1924 --- (covers December 6, 1923 to January 10, 1924) 1923.12.06 — The Hochi reports that the Episcopal churches in Canada and the United States will, with the knowledge of the Japanese Government, start in their countries a subscription fund for donating 150 elementary schools to the earthquake-stricken cities of Tokyo and Yokohama. Premier Count Yamamoto invited the leading members of the political parties to an interview and conversed about the important problems of the Government; according to the papers, he denied the report that he countenanced the cause of Universal Suffrage, thereby giving a great surprise to the public. At Canton, China, foreign gunboats, seven British, two Japanese, and one French, sent ashore marines, in order to prevent Dr. Sun-yat Sen from taking possession of the Customs House. 1923.12.07 — Public interest has been attracted by the information that Mr. Karakhan, the Soviet representative in Peking, has made known to the Japanese Minister there that Russia is willing to set aside, for the earthquake-fire sufferers, seventy fisheries in Siberia and half a million dessiatinas of forest lands in Kamchatka and grant them the privilege of navigating the Amur River. In many quarters, this is believed to be Russia's "bait" for Japan to enter into negotiations with her. Mr. Wang-cheng Ting, who represents the Chinese Government in negotiations with Mr. Karakhan, arrived in Tokyo, his alleged mission being to conduct an investigation regarding the slaying of Chinese during the post-earthquake disorders; but better informed people expect China to resume the conference with Russia, upon his return to Peking. 1923.12.08 — Meiji University, of Tokyo, the winner of the baseball laurels in the Intercollegiate Contest of the season, has decided to send its players to the United States, where they will hold games with the teams of the best colleges. Vernacular papers report that the Committee on the Relief of Japan, of the Russian Government, will send a delegation to the Far East, for facilitating the realization of the proposed aid to earthquake sufferers, and that, in order to avoid a waste of time, they will take with them full data about the resources of the concessions offered. Viscount Korekiyo Takahashi, the leader of the Seiyu-kai, defined the attitude of his party toward the Government, saying that the restoration of the fire-scarred areas should be undertaken with due respect for the welfare of the rest of the country, and that the many problems of current interest (such as Universal Suffrage) should be handled soberly and with conservatism. 1923.12.10 — The Prime Minister denied the report that, in his interview with the Seiyu-kai leaders held on the 6th, he mentioned discountenancing the Universal Suffrage Bill; he declared that he reserved freedom of judgment in this respect. Press dispatches from Peking are to the effect that, in order to avoid the recurrence of cases like the Lincheng Affair, the Chinese Government will organize a body of Railway Police; that the law which will put it into effect has just been approved by the President; and that the duty of the Railway Police is to maintain order in trains and in the zones of the various lines in the country. It is reported that Russia has the intention to withdraw from Outer Mongolia, where the influence of China is too deeply rooted for her to remove it, so that she has come to recognize the advisability of giving up the country in exchange for a tighter grip on the Chinese Eastern Railway. Mr. Karakhan who is said to wish to maintain Soviet representatives at the seat of each Tuchun Government in China, has already appointed them at several places. 1923.12.11 — The convocation of the Imperial Diet in its Forty-seventh Session was held by H. I. H. the Crown Prince, who attended at the opening ceremonies and read the Imperial edict; each House passed two resolutions, one expressing grief over the occurrence of the earthquake and following disasters, and the other thanks for the sympathies of the foreign nations. The Kakushin Club, the friends and followers of Mr. Inukai (therefore the pro-Government party), met in full meeting and arrayed themselves for Parliamentary battles; the resolution they adopted is of quite a different strain to that of the Seiyu-kai. Information from Peking is to the effect that, as regards the wireless question, Washington is insisting on the establishment of an exclusively Sino-American plant and does not harbor any intention of carrying it out as a joint undertaking with Japan. The Press of China is stirred over the news about the Japan-British-French intervention regarding the Customs House at Canton, the papers fearing that it may culminate in international control of the Customs; but the foreign papers in China claim that the intervention is to limit the occurrence of such affairs to Canton only and, therefore, is for the good of the country. The return by France of Kwanchow Bay is being seriously considered in the Chinese Capital, and the Government is expected to nominate the envoy who is to carry on negotiations with the representative of the French Government. In the House of Peers, Count Yamamoto delivered a speech, expounding the need of the concerted efforts of the nation to steer the ship of state. In the House of Representatives, Viscount Goto, Home Minister, was bitterly assailed, his opponents finding in his relations with Osugi, the anarchist, a subject for attack. The Foreign Minister was nominated to preside over a committee which will study what Japan will present to China, for the general uplift of her people (a college, library, and scientific laboratory are suggested); a well-known Chinese, Mr. Chu, arrived at Shimonoseki en route to Tokyo, his mission being to make suggestions to the Foreign Minister about the matter, when here. There is every indication that the lumber market will experience a tremendous fall through overstock. 1923.12.13 — The European cable that Earl Balfour was appointed to aid in the restoration of the library of the Tokyo Imperial University by presenting European books to replace those destroyed has much impressed the public mind. 1923.12.15 — In the House of Representatives, Mr. T. Yamamoto, of the Opposition, criticized the Government as regards "the Government's proclivity to pet the city (Tokyo), by unjustifiably neglecting the interest of the country in general"; attacks on the Home Minister went on unabated; reference was made to the Suffrage Bill. The Pan-Pacific Club held a luncheon at the Imperial Hotel, Mr. Caffery the American Charge d'Affaires and Mr. Wangcheng Ting being the guests of honor. 1923.12.16 — In the House of Representatives, the Government was assailed by Mr. Nagai, of the Kensei-kai, concerning the killing of Koreans and Chinese during the earthquake days. The bill for the restoration of Tokyo and Yokohama was on the program; its author, Viscount Goto, was frequently criticized. A campaign has been started in Kobe, to induce the Government to open a silk-conditioning house there. It is reported from Shanghai that the Chinese cotton-mill owners in China, who have been curtailing the working hours of their establishments, made overtures to the British and Japanese mill-owners in China, with a view to reducing the production of cotton yarn. 1923.12.17 — In the House of Representatives, in the debate on the Restoration Bill, the Seiyu-kai held fast to its contention that the official projects would exhaust the wealth of the provinces, while the government parties maintained that the rebuilding of Tokyo is bound to bring prosperity to them, by buying up the goods they produce; the Budget was discussed, as regards which the Opposition was very critical. The Home Office officials finished their task of drafting the Suffrage Bill; it is said that this will give the vote to all the male population over twenty-five years of age. Raw cotton imports for the first ten days of December totalled 60,135 bales, in which America shared to the extent of 9,221 bales and India 40,914 bales. It is ascertained that up to this date the debentures issued by the electricity generating companies aggregate ¥109,440,000, ¥79,440,000 having been floated at home and ¥30,000,000 abroad. 1923.12.19 — The Seiyu-kai decided to cut down a considerable portion of the Budget for rebuilding Tokyo, and a mass meeting was held by irate citizens of Tokyo against the curtailment of the Budget. 1923.12.20 — The amendment of the Seiyu-kai was adopted by the lower house, and the government was bitterly criticized by the other parties for its surrender to the Seiyu-kai. 1923.12.21 — A French naval surgeon arrived with a complete tent-hospital, a present of the people of France for the earthquake sufferers. 1923.12.22 — It is reported from Peking that the French Government refused to enter into negotiation about the return of the Kwangchow Bay Colony, owing to China's refusal to pay to France the Boxer indemnity in gold. The government's bill indemnifying the fire insurance companies, allowing the latter's payment of "sympathy allowances" to the earthquake sufferers, was blocked by the Seiyu-kai. 1923.12.23 — The House of Peers passed the rebuilding bill as amended by the lower house. Baron Kenjiro Den, Minister of Agriculture and Commerce, tendered his resignation, in protest against the blocking by the Seiyu-kai of the insurance bill. The Oriental Hotel, Kobe, was badly damaged by fire shortly after midnight, the damage being estimated at ¥300,000; the manager Mr. Kent Clark, was injured. Mr. Wang-cheng Ting, representative of the Chinese Government, left Tokyo for home; it is understood that, through his visit to this country, the governments of Japan and China reached an important understanding about concerted attitude toward Russia. The American tourist's ship Franconia arrived at Yokohama; among her passengers is Mr. Vicente Blasco Ibanez, the famous Spanish author, who was given an enthusiastic reception by his Japanese admirers. 1923.12.24 — A Canton dispatch states that the people of that city are indignant about the part the United States played in the allied seizure of the customs house there and may declare a boycott against merchandise from that country. The Extraordinary Session of the Diet came to an end, and H. M. the Emperor handed to the Prime Minister an edict giving expression to his satisfaction over the work done by the Diet. The House of Peers passed a resolution, in which, to all intents and purposes, is a vote of distrust in the Cabinet. Baron Den's resignation having been accepted, Dr. Keijiro Okano, Minister of Education, was appointed to occupy the vacant portfolio while retaining that of Education. 1923.12.25 — It is announced that the Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha (electric machinery company) will promote jointly with the Westinghouse Company a large plant for the manufacture of electric machinery. H. M. the Emperor formally convoked the regular (forty-seventh) session of the Diet. A Hongkong cable states that the customs imbroglio at Canton has been satisfactorily settled, and that the warships of the nations concerned would soon leave the port. 1923.12.26 — The Mayor of Tokyo officially states that the cost of rebuilding Tokyo which will have to be defrayed by the Municipal Government will run up to ¥521,425,000; another report which gives the figures for the restoration of the damaged properties of the State, such as railways, posts, telephones and telegraphs, government offices, etc., says that they will aggregate ¥570,000,000 or thereabouts. It is reported from Bombay that, at a national mass meeting of the Indian people recently held, resolutions were adopted demanding the abolition of the discriminating treatment meted out to their compatriots who have emigrated to other lands. 1923.12.27 — It is stated that the Japanese Ambassador at Washington made some representations to his Government concerning the anti-alien land law in California. A committee of thirty members has been appointed in the Foreign Office for discussing the best way for Japan to advance civilization in China: it is said that an appropriation of one million yen will be granted for establishing laboratories and libraries in China next year. 1923.12.28 — The Yamamoto Cabinet tendered its resignation, holding itself responsible for the attempt made on the life of the Crown Prince; a band of reactionaries stormed the official residence of Viscount Goto, Home Minister, claiming that he should directly be held responsible for the event. 1923.12.29 — H. H. the Crown Prince rejected the resignation of the Cabinet. Political conversations and conferences have become very frequent, the Elder Statesmen receiving a larger number of callers than usual. 1924.01.01 — Viscount Kiyoura, President of the Privy Council, is reported to be the choice of the Throne for the Premiership. A semi-official estimate states that, since November 15, 1923, when the population of Tokyo was ascertained to be 1,529,000, some 300,000 persons have come to establish homes in Tokyo, this fact being heralded as a sign of the resurrection of Tokyo. 1924.01.02 — The choice by the Prince Regent of Viscount Kiyoura as the new Prime Minister confirmed. 1924.01.03 — The public is given to understand that Viscount Kiyoura will organize his Administration with his supporters in the House of Peers. It is announced that the Department of Communications has ordered a large quantity of automatic telephone machines from the United States. Viscount Kiyoura, seeing that his task is hindered by many difficulties, has requested the Throne to relieve him of it. 1924.01.04 — The Throne is said to have prevailed upon Viscount Kiyoura not to weaken, and he has resumed his cabinet building; the Kenkyu-kai decided to give its support to him. 1924.01.05 — The advent of Viscount Kiyoura as Prime Minister has caused much antagonism. The Kensei-kai decided to launch a national campaign against him, if he succeeds in forming a cabinet. 1924.01.06 — A Peking cable states that a Belgian missionary was killed at an out-of-way place in Kiangsu, and that the foreign Press in China is considerably wrought up. 1924.01.07 — The Kiyoura Cabinet is finally organized, the foreign portfolio being assigned to Baron Keishiro Matsui, who has been Ambassador in many foreign capitals. It is reported from New York that the outlook for the loan proposed for floatation in England and the United States is very bright. 1924.01.08 — At a political gathering held by a large number of members of the House of Representatives, a resolution was adopted, declaring that the Kiyoura Cabinet is an anachronism fathered by the privileged class and will hasten the undesirable class struggle. 1924.01.09 — It is announced that the new government will not touch the suffrage bill, which has elicited much adverse criticism against the men now in power. On the Rice Exchange, the cereal for delivery in March was quoted at ¥40 per koku, such a price not having been realized for three years past; it is regarded as a sign of the constant rise in the price of commodities and the advent of an interim boom, much dreaded by far-sighted business men. 1924.01.10 — Agitation against the Kiyoura Cabinet has grown serious, with all the parties in the lower house lining up for the campaign; Mr. Inukai and Mr. Yukio Ozaki will lead the agitators. The Asahi is authority for the statement that the Minister of Finance will have a loan of ¥250,000,000 issued at New York toward the end of January or in March. Newspapers state that the Toyo Kisen Kaisha, which operates regular liners between San Francisco and Manila, via Yokohama, Kobe and Shanghai, will be purchased by the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, and that the latter will increase its capital to ¥150,000,000. --- The Japan Magazine v14.6-7 December 1923-January 1924 --- (covers October 6, 1923 to October 28, 1923) 1923.10.06 — Dr. Beard of New York, who had assisted Viscount Goto, when mayor of Tokyo, received a telegram from Viscount Goto, now Minister of Home Affairs, and started at once for Japan. He arrived on Oct. 6. 1923.10.07 — The Society for Vocational Aid plans the training of carpenters, anticipating a shortage of carpenters in future, and has gathered 350 young men to be trained from among the sufferers. 1923.10.11 — The number of primary schools destroyed is 430. The number of their pupils are about 210,000, excepting those who removed to schools elsewhere. The cost of temporary restoration will be ¥10,000,000, and ¥100,000,000 will be needed for permanent restoration. 1923.10.12 - The draft plan for the restoration of Tokyo has been decided on and the experts are now drawing the maps. As soon as these maps are ready the plan will be discussed by the Restoration Board and the Cabinet. The Japan Fire Insurance Association announces that the amount insured in the fire-devastated districts of Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures by the fire insurance companies is about ¥2,000,000,000. Among 46 fire insurance companies belonging to the Association there are 14 companies which chiefly do re-insurance business. The total amount insured in the devastated district in Tokyo prefecture by the remaining 32 companies belonging to the Association is ¥1,018,400,961, and that in Kanagawa prefecture is ¥412,715,039. That in Chiba, Saitama, and Shizuoka prefectures is under investigation. The amount insured in the devastated districts by the foreign fire insurance companies is estimated at ¥300,000,000. The amount insured by the Japanese companies not belonging to the Association is about ¥156,000,000. The total amount insured in the devastated area therefore is about ¥1,890,000,000. - The National Treasury Department of the Bank of Japan began business from Sept. 3. There was no change in the amount of deposits at the end of September, in comparison with that of the end of August, showing the amount of ¥5,450,000. At present, this amount has increased to ¥5,900,000. There is no change in the amount of bonds deposit at the Bank. For a few days directly after the moratorium was withdrawn much money was withdrawn. The Business Department which deals with coupons and bonds, and the Issue Department have been very busy. The total amount of impaired bank-notes and coins exchanged for new ones by the Issue Department of the Bank during the period from Sept. 3 to Oct. 1 was ¥1,889,000. The amount of half-burned coupons and bonds exchanged for new ones by the Bank during the same period was ¥6,500,000. If the possessor of coupons and bonds, completely burnt, knows the numbers and symbols of his bonds, he will be paid in full. 1923.10.13 - The Social Education Bureau of the Home Office, the Social Education Bureau of the Tokyo City Office, the Metropolitan Police Board, the Music Restoration Society, the Military Band and the Naval Band have decided to hold benefit performances for the sufferers. - The Tokyo City Office sustained a loss of ¥70,000,000, in the destruction of buildings etc. Rebuilding will cost over one hundred million yen. 1923.10.14 - At the opening ceremony of the tent hospitals contributed by the United States and built on the premises of Prince Takamatsu's residence in Azabu, the Crown Prince, the American Ambassador, General McCoy, the representative of the United States Red Cross, Lieut.-Colonel Burnett, attaché of the American Embassy, Premier Yamamoto, Viscount Goto, Home Minister, Baron Ijuin, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Hirayama, President of the Red Cross Society of Japan, and other distinguished officials were present. This hospital consists of 500 tents and can take in 1,500 patients. - The last census in Japan took place on Oct. 1, of 1920. In view of the recent catastrophe however, a new census will be taken on Nov. 15. The census in the districts outside the devastated area will be limited to inquiry about refugees. The delivery of baggage from railway stations to destination hitherto has been left to private transporters. However, the damage they sustained in the recent catastrophe was so great that they cannot resume business. Therefore, the Railway Department plans to undertake the business itself. The Department has ordered 300 motor trucks from America to be used for this purpose. 1923.10.15 - The views of Dr. Beard for resuscitating Tokyo will be embodied into a plan and published in the near future. His plans cover the relation of Yokohama to Greater Tokyo. - An official investigation gives the approximate damages from the earthquake as 8,158,000,000 yen for Tokyo, 780,000,000 yen for its suburbs and 700,000,000 yen for Yokohama, which in addition to other districts visited by the earthquake makes a total of 10,150,000,000 yen, besides which the total losses of public property is placed at about 1,370,000,000 yen. The catastrophe thus deprived Japan of one-eighth of her national wealth, which was estimated at 80,000,000,000 yen in the national census taken on October 1, 1921. In addition there is the loss and damage due to the catastrophe such as suspension of factory work etc. - As soon as the Governor-general of Australia received news of Japan's disaster he appealed to the people of Australia for contributions for a relief fund, which finally reached ¥1,800,000 (¥500,000 from the government and ¥1,300,000 from the public). Several leading newspaper men of Sydney came to Japan on the Australmount with a great quantity of relief material. The 1,000,000 lbs of flour, 290,000 cans of fruit, 160,000 cans of jam, beans, sauce, milk, biscuits, and canned beef, and blankets, clothes and medical material were brought to be distributed among the sufferers. 1923.10.16 — As the result of conferences held at the Premier's official residence on the universal suffrage question, a Government bill is to be submitted in the next session of the Imperial Diet, whose attitude is looked forward to with great interest. The important points discussed at the conferences are reported to be the abolition of the existing rate qualifications, the granting of the franchise to Japanese men including students 25 years of age and over, resident in one place for six months or more, limiting election to the Lower House to them, the inclusion of Buddhist priests and primary school teachers, the exclusion of Upper House members elected by mutual vote, titled members and representatives of the highest tax payers under the present Election Law as to franchise and qualification for election to the Diet, the fixation of the voting day as a national holiday, the limitation of expenditure in an election, the restriction of canvassers, restriction of election offices, the free delivery of one announcement of candidature, the employment of public primary school buildings for election meetings, forbidding electors' resting places in the neighbourhood of the voting-place, the strict punishment of those violating these rules and the nullification of election of those whose conduct is improper. 1923.10.17 — A party of 10 Japanese musicians is to visit Honolulu and the American Continent soon and will visit important towns until March, 1924 performing Japanese music. The party includes two daughters of Mr. N. Motoori, who perform new Japanese children's songs and dancing, Mr. Seifu Yoshida, a "shakuhachi" player, Mr. M. Miyagi, a "koto" player and some vocalists. This is in acceptance of an invitation from New York musicians and to give thanks for the American people's kindness and sympathy shown in the recent earthquake. They will exhibit to Americans Japan's real music. 1923.10.18 — The national defence expenditure for the Army and Navy will have to be the principal object of a great re-adjustment in the Budget from next year as a result of the prospective great decrease in the national revenue on account of the earthquake, while the work of resuscitation will involve an enormous amount of money. Re-adjustment of the military and Naval expenditure will prove a bar to the smooth compilation of the Budget. The world's powers have not ceased to build armaments even since the conclusion of the Disarmament Treaty. The League of Nations Association of England has proposed the suspension of the plan to build a Naval base at Singapore, following the Japanese earthquake. But it cannot be expected that the Japanese disaster will stop the project from passing the British Parliament. The Japanese Navy Department considers it necessary to adjust the shortage of auxiliary warships in the fiscal year 1925-1926 in consequence of the withdrawal of obsolete ships. The plan already drafted at the Naval Staff Office has been rendered impossible by the recent earthquake. Still about 420,000,000 yen will be allotted to the Navy as continuing expenditure already fixed after disarmament. Additionally, 150,000,000 or 160,000,000 yen will have to be spent for restoring the arms, ammunition and military institutions damaged by the earthquake. 1923.10.19 — Benbodo, a Korean, who was arrested by the Senju police, was running across the Ohashi bridge in Senju on September 3, when the citizens were in great confusion after the earthquake, and came into collision with a number of the local people on guard. He dropped a parcel in the quarrel, and it was found to contain a bomb. 1923.10.20 — Mr. Bickel President of the United Press has visited Japan. He said he feels great sympathy for the Tokyo citizens especially as he was a sufferer from the earthquake in San Francisco. An inquiry has been made by the charge d'affaires of the Chinese Legation of the Japanese Government as to Chinese dead or missing due to the earthquake. 1923.10.21 — Two delegates of the American Y. M. C. A., and other American Christian Associations have come to Japan to offer to present to the Japanese Government 150 or 200 primary school buildings ready for erection in Tokyo, Kanagawa and Chiba Prefectures to replace those destroyed by the earthquake and fire. 1923.10.22 — The level of the tide in Tokyo Bay was raised 0.5-1 "shaku" by the earthquake, while the low land on Honjo and Fukagawa sank so much in many places that the tidal water flows in, compelling many residents to quit the place. There is a plan to collect the rubbish in the devastated parts of Tokyo to fill up this land. 1923.10.23 — The demand for architects, carpenters, civil engineers and other persons with occupations mostly wanted for the rebuilding of the Metropolis is unlimited, and training is being given at the Extraordinary Relief Office and the Tokyo City Labour-Exchange. A training school has been opened by the Section of School Affairs of the Tokyo City Office for graduation in six months for architectural drawing and in three months for carpentry, cycle and signboard painting work. The main roads of Tokyo are to be re-constructed based essentially on the existing highways. It is intended to remove the disordered condition of the traffic in the city before the earthquake and to re-build the roads radially. The roads contemplated have the Tokyo Station as the centre with trunk roads. It is planned to have high speed electric railways, underground and elevated. 1923.10.25 — "Kiri," Japanese "geta" wood, is best produced in the northern part of Japan. Chinese Paulownia clogs are being sold in Japan at present, and they command a very good sale, as they are look like the Japanese wood, while they are much cheaper than the latter, although lower in quality. 1923.10.26 — The new Cabinet has dismissed 12 prefectural Governors and changed 18. 1923.10.27 — The Russian Cathedral, one of the noted buildings in Tokyo, was burnt after the earthquake, and will be re-built with contributions from its 30,000 Japanese believers and those in Europe, which its chief priest will visit. 1923.10.28 — November 11, the fifth anniversary of Armistice Day is to be celebrated by a meeting of boys and girls and a lecture meeting on a large scale in Tokyo under the auspices of the Tokyo Prefectural Office, the Tokyo City Office and nine peace societies. --- The Japan Magazine v14.8 April, 1924 --- (covers January 11, 1924 to February 15, 1924) 1924.01.11 — The Asahi's Peking correspondent reports that Mr. Karakhan, the Soviet Representative, in a letter to Dr. T. C. Wang, the Chinese Plenipotentiary in the Russo-Chinese Conference, frankly deprecated the servile efforts of China to be in tune with the Russian policy of the Imperialistic Powers and dwelt upon the necessity of breaking away from their influence; he stated that the interests of the Soviet Government are merely economic, and that Russia is prepared to give recognition to the predominant position of the Chinese nation as regards the Chinese Eastern Railway. Rumors are persistent that the birth of the Kiyoura Cabinet would tear asunder the bitterly opposed factions in the Seiyu-kai, which has more than half the seats in the House of Representatives, the inevitable being the splitting up of the party; the greater number of the leaders of the party are regarded as antagonistic to the Administration. A tent hospital, the gift of the French people for the earthquake sufferers, covering a plot of 7,000 tsubo (5.5 acres), is put up on the site of an old Daimyo mansion in Shiba-ku; its advanced appointments, comprising steam-heating, electric lighting, X-ray apparatus, and so forth, have aroused the attention of the medical profession of Tokyo. 1924.01.12 — In an interview with Press representatives, Viscount Kiyoura, Premier, and Baron Mizuno, Home Minister, declared that the Cabinet decided to give its support to the Universal Suffrage Bill, which it would introduce in the forthcoming session of the Imperial Diet. But, according to the ministers' ideas, the vote should be extended to only those male subjects of the Empire who either are the heads of families, or earn their own living, and to be carried out in the General Election of 1928; these restrictions find little favor among the public. The gloom over the Cabinet due to the anti-Government agitation of the Opposition took a turn for the worse, as the younger, freer-thinking members of the three parties in the lower house — the Seiyu-kai, Kensei-kai, and Kakushin Club — held a rally with newspaper men and adopted a vote of censure against the Kiyoura Government. 1924.01.13 — Press dispatches from Shanghai report that Dr. Schurman, the American Minister to China, who arrived there on January 9, from an extensive trip in South China, declared that the administration of all the customs houses in China should be placed under single control to prevent the Military Governors from trying to seize the surplus receipts of the customs houses in their respective Provinces. The Minister of Finance gave out the statement that the gold reserves of the nation totalled ¥1,653,000,000 on December 31, 1923, which amount, compared with that of ¥1,780,000,000 on August 15, was less by ¥127,000,000. The Meteorological Observatory of Kobe ordered from England a 10-inch telescope, the best of the kind in Japan. 1924.01.14 — It is cabled from New York that the exchange value of Japanese currency dropped to $44.50 for ¥100. Seeing that the anti-Government campaign has assumed serious proportions, reports are circulated in semi-official quarters that the cabinet is prepared to dissolve the Diet. A Shanghai cable states that Dr. Sun Yatsen, who, refusing to recognize the right of the Peking Government to rule China, has raised an army at Canton in readiness for any eventuality, indignantly remarked that the Powers' intervention in the customs question was a serious violation of the agreements of the Washington Conference. Arrangements have been made to bring in the works of the prominent living painters of France, for organizing an art exhibition in Uyeno for the season. 1924.01.15 — The Prime Minister invited the leading members of the House of Peers to his official residence and explained to them the platform of his Administration: spiritual and moral uplift of the people, the adoption of better training in education and the guidance of the people's thought; economic revival, the immediate rebuilding of the cities and districts devastated by the earthquake and fire, and industrial advancement of the people of the provinces; as regards industrial advancement, the Prime Minister recounted the need of the uplift of village life and economy, development of local industries, and the extension of foreign commerce; he finally made reference to the necessity for the adoption of universal suffrage. The gap in the ranks of the Seiyu-kai, resulting from the birth of the Kiyoura Cabinet, is steadily widening, so that an open breach is believed to be imminent. A number of the younger members of the House of Representatives, irrespective of party connections, met in conference and adopted a remarkable resolution denouncing the cabinet. The public is stirred by the extraordinary news that Viscount Miura, a prominent member of the Privy Council, taking exception to the Kiyoura Cabinet as an unconstitutional organization, wishes to goad the political parties to join hands in rooting out the government and will soon come to Tokyo to seek an interview with the party leaders. At the Akasaka Imperial Palace, H. H. the Crown Prince received in audience Mr. Wang Yin-pao, the new Chinese Minister, who presented to the former his credentials, together with the recall of his predecessor. A Peking special to the Asahi is to the effect that the Chinese Foreign Minister addressed the Diplomatic Corps a note, demanding that foreign warships navigating the inland waterways of China should cease interfering in the internal affairs of the country. Another big earthquake, though not so destructive as that of September 1, rocked Tokyo, Yokohama and vicinity, Tokyo reporting the number of persons killed or injured to be more than fifty; in Matsuda completely destroyed houses run up to 337 and those partially destroyed 1,003; railway communication with Kobe was stopped for a while. 1924.01.16 — An unusual surprise for the public took place at the residence of Viscount Korekiyo Takahashi, President of the Seiyu-kai, where, at a meeting held to determine the attitude of the party toward the government, he overruled the opinion of those who wished to come to the support of Viscount Kiyoura and thus initiated war against the cabinet. After his determined pronouncement, he declared that he, being serious in what he had said, would give up his peerage honors and fight in the lower house as a representative of the common people. The course he resolved to take has elicited much eulogy in many quarters. Seeing that his path is by no means unobstructed, the Prime Minister, at a banquet attended by some members of the House of Peers, stated that he is determined to fight to the end. As will be seen from its platform, the government takes special interest in the life of village people, economic, industrial, and moral, and, therefore, may, it is said, decide to create an independent department, to which agricultural affairs now managed by the Department of Agriculture and Commerce will be transferred. 1924.01.17 — As expected, the inevitable split in the Seiyu-kai took place, when Baron Yamamoto, Mr. Nakahashi, Mr. Motoda, and Mr. Tokonami jointly notified Viscount Takahashi, President, of their decision to leave the party; it is expected that a considerable number of the members of the party will follow them. The Minister of Finance gave out a statement that, in order to relieve the one-sidedness of exchange, resulting from the unfavorable balance of trade, the government would sell whatever portion of the gold reserves are held abroad, for facilitating the importation of those articles really necessary for the requirements of Japan to-day. 1924.01.18 — A Peking cable states that the ministers of eight of the treaty nations met in conference, regarding the recent repeated maltreatment of foreigners, and agreed to take determined measures, whenever, in the future, their nationals are molested by Chinese. At a meeting attended by the Foreign Minister and some other notables, the government decided to establish libraries and institutes for the study of classics and science in Peking, Shanghai, and Canton. Viscount Shibusawa, representing the steel interests, had an interview with the Minister of Agriculture and Commerce, in an effort to cause the government to aid the privately-owned mills. 1924.01.19 — Viscount Miura, who resigned from the Privy Council, to have freedom to take part in the anti-government agitation, called the leaders of the Seiyu-kai, Kensei-kai and Kakushin Club together and prevailed on them to agree to carry on an inter-party campaign for the object in view. Emigration to South America showed a decided increase after the great earthquake; for instance, a liner recently sailed from Yokohama with 470 passengers, of whom 350 are said to belong to this class of travellers. A sumptuous tea-party was held by Dowager Princess Kaneko Higashi-fushimi, at her residence in Azabu, in honor of Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt and Mr. Kermit Roosevelt, who had arrived in Tokyo a few days before; invitations were extended to many other Americans prominent in local society. It is announced that Viscount Shibusawa will undertake a trip to the United States, to see what he can do about the anti-Japanese movements there. 1924.01.21 — The policy of the parties in opposition to the government was definitely drafted, as a result of the conference of their leading members at the Maple Club, where a resolution was carved touching upon the establishment of the regime of party cabinets beyond all hindrance, the overthrowing of the influence of the "privileged classes," the refusal to recognize the Kiyoura Cabinet as a legitimate body, and agreement to carry on a joint campaign by the parties concerned. A New York dispatch to the Asahi states that the loan which the Japanese Government contemplates issuing in London and New York will bear interest at 5 per cent. Because of the fact that the Diet is to resume its sitting on the 22nd, the political world is full of activity: all the important parties in the lower house, which are in the Opposition, held conventions and listened to the addresses of their respective leaders; Mr. Inukai, of the Kakushin Club, declared that, to-day, when the public mind is losing its balance, the organization of a government which relies on the support of the peers' party, numbering less than one thousand in membership, is a great anachronism; Viscount Takahashi, of the Seiyu-kai, spoke to the effect that it is of the utmost importance for Japan to have a government squarely based on the people and pursue policies that will promote industries, conduce to right thinking, by the people, and foster their life; Viscount Kato, of the Kensei-kai, pointed out that the Kiyoura Cabinet, being a cabinet of, by, and for the privileged people only who have nothing to do with the welfare of the general public, is utterly devoid of a constitutional character. 1924.01.22 — After a long adjournment, the Forty-eighth Session of the Imperial Diet was opened, the House of Peers resuming its proceedings in the morning; at the outset, the Peers passed a vote approving a congratulatory address to be presented to the Crown Prince as regards His Marriage to Princess Nagako Kuni; as usual, the Prime Minister was given his turn to deliver a speech to explain his policy of administration. In the House of Representatives, the meeting was uneventful, but this was the lull before the storm. An address of congratulation to be presented to the Crown Prince was read and adopted. A member of the Opposition moved that the house adjourn till the 29th, and this was passed, a piece of deeply-laid strategy of the opponents of the government. A mass meeting was convened by the three parties in the lower house at Uyeno Park, as a demonstration against the ministers, the speakers comprising the leaders of the parties and Mr. Ozaki. At the general shareholders meeting held at the Imperial Hotel, the Kanegafuchi Spinning Company declared a dividend of 60 per cent for the current term. 1924.01.23 — In the House of Peers, Baron Sakatani, Marquis Sasaki, and Marquis Tokugawa attacked the government from all angles, the last-named peer prophesying that the wrong arts of some titled men would bring the hate of the nation on the heads of the whole nobility. Baron Sakatani, who is President of the Japan Peace Society and an influential member of the Japan-American Association, candidly declared that the anti-Japanese legislation in the lower house of the American Congress would likely sow the seeds for an unfortunate event. The budget which the Kiyoura Cabinet introduced into the lower house comprises the same estimates as those that the Yamamoto Cabinet had prepared, the expenditures amounting to ¥1,409,000,000 and the sum for the repairing of Yokohama Harbor ¥6,800,000. 1924.01.24 — The parties of the Opposition agreed to introduce a bill of non-confidence against the ministers in the session of March 2. 1924.01.25 — The pretty, ancient custom of exchanging odes was followed by the Imperial Prince and Princess to be married on the 26th; first the Crown Prince wrote his inspirations on a shikishi which was placed in an artistic letter-box, and which one of his chamberlains took to the bride; the bride returned the box with hers; the proceedings were carried on as ceremoniously as in ancient times. In the House of Peers, Count Yanagisawa criticised the government as regards the manner in which the interests of the workingmen are represented in the international labor conference. A Peking cable states that the Chinese Government lodged a protest with the Japanese Minister about the alleged fact that Japanese lumbermen cut down 160,000 piculs of standing trees in Manchuria and exported them to Japan without the knowledge of the Chinese authorities. 1924.01.26 — The Imperial marriage was performed. At 7 o'clock in the morning, one of the Chamberlains of the Crown Prince officiated at a rite in the Sacred Mirror Shrine and Imperial Ancestors' Shrines in the Palace, reporting to the national deities and spirits of the past Emperors the solemnization of the Ceremony; at 9 o'clock, Viscount Iriye, Chief of the Chamberlains, was at the mansion of Prince Kuni and, in the presence of her parents, informed Princess Nagako of the readiness to begin the ceremony; at 10 minutes after 9 o'clock, the bride, accompanied by Viscount Iriye and Baroness Shimazu, left the home of her family in an automobile, escorted by a mounted guard of honor; at 10 o'clock, a rite was performed in the Sacred Mirror Shrine, and fifteen minutes later, the Prince and Princess drank cups of wine, an observance signifying that they were now man and wife; at 11 o'clock, they were ushered into the Imperial Ancestors' Shrines and introduced as such; at half past 2 p.m. they left the Palace for the Akasaka Palace; at 3 p.m. the wedding luncheon was served. The whole city of Tokyo was in gala attire for the occasion, and hundreds of thousands of country folk having come up to the capital to witness the pageantry, the streets were thronged with crowds. In commemoration of the marriage of his son, His Majesty the Emperor granted a general pardon to various classes of criminals serving their terms in penitentiary and officials who had been reprimanded or degraded through mistakes or wrong acts committed; further he granted the Prime Minister one million yen as a fund for philanthropic work, such as the care of ex-convicts, relief of paupers, etc., and another one million yen for the enhancement of elementary school education in Japan proper; the Governor-general of Korea ¥200,000 for the same educational purposes; the Governor-general of Formosa ¥60,000; the Governor-general of Kwantung ¥20,000; the Governor of Karafuto ¥8,000; the Governor of the mandate islands in Oceania ¥2,000. His Majesty also awarded honors to 258 persons for philanthropic work; fourteen of them being foreigners. 1924.01.27 — The Imperial couple went to Numazu and visited their parents, spending the winter there. 1924.01.28 — The Ibukisan Maru, a tramp-vessel of the Mitsui Bussan Kaisha, which was carrying 8,697 tons of lumber, flour, copper cable and wire, and general merchandise from a port on the Pacific Coast of the United States went aground at the entrance of Tokyo Bay and was refloated afterward; but to get free, her master had to jettison the greater part of the cargo. 1924.01.29 — Those members of the Seiyu-kai who, countenancing the Kiyoura Cabinet, severed their relations with the party, incorporated themselves as the Seiyu-honto (the Real Seiyu-kai); they take pride in being free from radical ideas, by which they mean such a movement as that for universal suffrage; Baron Tatsuo Yamamoto who, representing the leaders of the party, delivered an address at the incorporation meeting, stated that the party has bequeathed the spirit of Prince Hirobumi Ito, the founder. There are 151 names on the membership roll. The Roosevelt Steamship Company of New York and the Kokusai Steamship Company of Kobe have agreed to maintain a joint monthly service around the world, with the ports named as termini. The Crown Prince and Princess gave a formal reception to the members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Imperial Palace, in honor of their wedding. His Excellency Cyrus E. Woods, American Ambassador, accompanied by his wife and the latter's mother, Mrs. Marchand, returned to Tokyo, bringing a wedding present for the Imperial couple. The President Taft, an American liner plying to the Orient, picked up the crew of the Mary Horlock, a British steamer, loaded with a big cargo of lumber from the United States, which foundered about 700 miles off the Japanese coast on January 26. The three parties of the Opposition agreed to carry on a joint campaign, during the general election, against the candidates supporting the government. 1924.01.30 — In the House of Peers, Dr. Eigoro Kanasugi summed up the anti-Japanese bill framed in the lower house of Congress as the result of American jealousy of Japan; Mr. Mannoshin Kamiyama, a pro-Kensei-kai member of the house, assailed the government as being a plaything of some peers and therefore utterly unconstitutional. The independent members of the upper house remonstrated with the Premier as regards the latter's alleged determination to dissolve the House of Representatives. A mass meeting of the opponents of the cabinet in Osaka, styled the people's grand convention in the Kwansai, was held, the principal speakers being the leaders of the three parties of the Opposition and Mr. Ozaki. The Asahi states that arrangements have been made by some merchants to import German steel produced in the Ruhr, which may change the market conditions to some extent. 1924.01.31 — Attempts were made to derail an eastbound train, carrying the Opposition leaders who had attended the mass meeting in Osaka, at a place near Nagoya; the news caused a big stir among the public. The Diet was dissolved due to extraordinary rowdyism perpetrated in the lower house this afternoon. A member of the Opposition interpellated the government regarding the railway accident; when the Minister of Railways was about to ascend the rostrum to make answer, several ruffians effected entry into the gallery of government deputies and started to attack the occupants, the result being tremendous commotion in the house; the Speaker immediately ordered a recess; while the recess was yet in effect, the Edict of Dissolution was issued. Public opinion seems to be adverse to the cabinet, on the ground that the dissolution was declared during a recess; outside the Diet, bystanders had a free fight with the police. 1924.02.01 — The Navy Department states that, in accordance with the agreements of the Washington Disarmament Conference, Japan is at the end of the first part of her scrapping program, the warships condemned being the Asahi, Settsu, Mikasa, Aki, Satsuma, Ibuki, Shikishima, Hizen, Ikoma, Kurama, and Katori. The German-Asiatic Bank will resume its business in Japan, establishing the head office in Yokohama and branch offices in Tokyo and Kobe. A Shanghai special reports that the representatives of the commercial interests of Japan, England, France, and the United States there passed a joint resolution protesting against the alleged approval of the new Chinese Trade Mark Law by the ministers of their nations in Peking. Shipments of raw silk from Yokohama to the United States totalled 19,549 bales in January; as compared with the quantity in the preceding month, the decrease amounted to 10,704 bales. The political situation grew more uproarious, due to the fact that the unwarranted dissolution by the cabinet of the Forty-eighth Session further intensified the feeling of the Opposition; each party convened a grand meeting of its parliamentary members, where the speakers declaimed to their heart's content; at a gathering of the anti-government people in Uyeno, the police called a halt to the proceedings, culminating in a clash with the audience. 1924.02.02 — The Executive Committee of the Japan branch of the League of Nations, with Baron Shibusawa as Chairman and Baron Sakatani as his deputy, passed noteworthy resolutions; the Japan branch will formally advise the British branch that the reported establishment of a British naval base in Singapore is quite contrary to the spirit of the terms of the Washington Conference and may endanger the relations between the Powers concerned; another resolution is that the Japan branch will introduce at the international convention of the League to be held at Lyons, France, this year, topics for discussion regarding the equality of all races in commerce and trade and the possibility of eliminating racial discrimination. 1924.02.03 — The New York correspondent of the Asahi sends a cable, stating that the Japanese loan, the negotiation for which has been going on for some time past, will see the light within a few days, and that the American bankers wish to obtain terms more remunerative than the representatives of the Yokohama Specie Bank had been offering. 1924.02.04 — The Minister of Finance made public a bulletin that, during the month of January, imports amounted to ¥210,137,000 and exports ¥110,158,000, showing the total to be ¥320,295,000 and the excess of imports ¥99,979,000. 1924.02.05 — A Peking cable to the Asahi states that, on January 2, at Fentai, Pechili, a Chinese army officer, commanding a squad of soldiers, assaulted a Briton, employed in a local railway, who refused to allow the Chinese to hitch their car to a train about to start; the British Minister lodged a vigorous protest with the Chinese Government about the affair. A bulletin of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce announces that the rice crop of 1923 was 55,466,154 koku, which quantity, as compared with the record of the previous year, was less by 5,227,696 koku. Madam K. Yajima, organizer of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in Japan and one of the best known social service workers in the Far East, is reported to be critically ill. The West Camerun, a cargo boat of the Admiral Line, which made Yokohama early in the morning of the 5th, was caught in a dense fog and went aground off Tsurumi. Dr. J. M. Coulter, head of the department of biology in the University of Chicago, is in Tokyo, to give a series of lectures in the various educational institutes in Japan. Lieutenant C. Nutt of the United States Air Service, arrived at Tokyo from Manila, to make arrangements for the world flight of American war aeroplanes. 1924.02.06 — Nearly 100 enthusiastic members of the Tokyo-Yokohama post of the American Legion gave the retiring American military attache, Lieut-Colonel Charles Burnett, a rousing send-off at a farewell dinner held at the Imperial Hotel. Viscount Kiyoura and Baron Matsui, Foreign Minister, held a conference to determine what attitude Japan should take toward Russia. The German Ambassador Dr. Solf, accompanied by his wife and daughter, left on a trip home via Siberia. An international medical association for the study of diseases in the torrid zones will meet in Tokyo in the fall, it being believed that some twenty-three countries, represented by about 300 scientists, will participate in the meeting. 1924.02.08 — Dr. Henry C. Emery, the representative of the Guaranty Trust Company, formerly professor of economy at Yale and chairman of the United States Tariff Board, died aboard the President Lincoln, between Shanghai and Kobe on January 6. The Foreign Minister, in a statement to the Japan Advertiser, declared that land laws affecting emigrants to California and Washington are unfair discrimination. The cabinet decided that the general election is to be held on May 10. Many efforts are being made to induce the government to put an end to the emergency tariff. 1924.02.09 — Dispatches from Peking are to the effect that Germany and China have concluded a new agreement, for the payment by the former to the latter of an indemnity of ¥100,000,000. 1924.02.11 — To-day being the anniversary of the founding by Emperor Jimmu of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor presented decorations or material gifts to those persons who performed meritorious services for the country; among the foreigners so distinguished were Dr. R. B. Teusler, head of St. Luke's International Hospital, Bishop John McKim, of the Episcopal Mission in Japan, Rev. David Bowman Schneder, head of the Tohoku Gakuin, Miss Hannah Riddell, head of a lepers' home at Kumamoto, Miss A. Caroline Macdonald, and William Wheeler. Some 5,000 adherents of the Opposition held a meeting at a park in Tokyo, this being followed by a melee with the police. 1924.02.13 — It is reported that, as a memorial of American sympathy for the earthquake sufferers, the authorities contemplate establishing a hospital with the sum of six million yen, surplus of the funds given by the American Red Cross; the Asahi states that the government has obtained the consent of the Americans. The Gubernatorial Conference opened and the Premier asked the governors to defend the position of the cabinet. Dowager Princess Kitashirakawa and Dowager Princess Takeda returned from France, where they have been several years; Prince Kitashirakawa, the consort of the former, was killed in an automobile accident near Paris last year. Because of the eagerness of importers to get in their goods while the emergency tariff is in force (it will come to an end on March 31), there is extraordinary congestion in the port at Yokohama. Mr. Karakhan, the Soviet Representative in Peking, is reported to be endeavoring to obtain China's consent to the proclamation of an independent Mongolian Republic. The Minister of Finance gave out that the loan which had been under negotiation in New York and London was successfully issued, the American bankers undertaking to subscribe $150,000,000 and the British bankers £25,000,000. 1924.02.14 — A dispatch from Vladivostock states that the Soviet authorities there delivered a note to the acting Japanese Consul, that they would hereafter not recognize his authority. This is taken as an attempt to force Japan to open a conference with the Soviet representative in Peking. 1924.02.15 — Admiral Takarabe, ex-Minister of the Navy, regarding the reported discontinuation of the Singapore naval base, declared that the announcement is welcome news to all who are interested in the promotion of world peace and showed that Great Britain does not entertain any prospect of hostilities with her former ally. --- The Japan Magazine v14.9 May, 1924 --- (covers February 16, 1924 to March 15, 1924) 1924.02.16 - The authorities of Vladivostock formally prohibited the exchange of mails between Japan and Russia with a note sent on the previous day, so that the mail which included the note itself would be the last batch from Russia. - The officials of a law court here made public that some thirty radicals, who had been subjected to a preliminary examination since May, 1923, are incriminated by their efforts to open in Japan a branch of an international communists' organization, to cooperate with the radicals of Russia, and establish what they would call the Soviet Republic of Japan. - The Navy made manifest its readiness to uphold the cause of international peace, and faithfully put into practice the terms of the Washington conference, by completing the first period of warship scrapping today, the warships condemned being the Hizen, Mikasa, Kashima, Katori, Satsuma, Aki, Settsu, Ikoma, Ibuki, and Kurama. - Mr. Shoda, the Minister of Finance, at a banquet given by the Prime Minister for Privy Councillors, said that only a part of the money obtained by loans floated in London and New York should be spent abroad, and that the policy of the Government would be to encourage the use of home-made materials wherever possible, in the reconstruction of the quake-wrecked cities of Tokyo and Yokohama. 1924.02.17 - Press dispatches from Warsaw are to the effect that the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between Poland and Japan was approved by the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Polish parliament. - The political agitation against the Cabinet is still red-hot; more than 20,000 people took part in a demonstration at Uyeno Park and paraded the streets, frequently clashing with the police. - The Tokyo Rotary Club celebrated the nineteenth anniversary of the International Rotary at the Bankers' Club and listened to addresses by Baron Matsui, Bishop Herbert Welch, Viscount Shibusawa, Mr. Miyaoka and Mr. Yoneyama. 1924.02.18 - The Laconia, a Cunarder on a round-the-world trip, with 723 passengers, berthed alongside the Customs Quay at Yokohama in the afternoon. Many of the passengers are prominent citizens of the United States. - Announcement was made that the flight over Japan by American aeroplanes will commence on May 1st, when they are expected to alight on Little Shumushu, the northernmost island of the Japanese Empire, and end by a start from Kagoshima for Shanghai on the 18th; the route is along the eastern coast of the islands; there will be five stops, including one week at the Naval Aerodrome at Kasumigaura, near Tokyo; the flyers will be received by the Army and Navy as guests of honor. - The business of Tokyo curio dealers and silk merchants picked up due to the visit of the Laconia. A large amount of money is said to have been spent by the American visitors. - The medical profession of Tokyo strongly condemns the proposed establishment of a hospital with six million yen, from the funds collected by the American Red Cross for the relief of earthquake-sufferers, on the ground that it would be a waste of money. - A dedication service was held at Kobe opening the new Central Methodist Church erected as a memorial to the late Bishop Walter R. Lambuth, of the Southern Methodist Church. - On behalf of the South Manchuria Railway, the Syndicate Banks decided to float a loan of fifteen million yen, the issue price being 95 yen and interest 7 per cent. 1924.02.19 - It is announced that Professor Robert Nichols, of the department of English Literature of the Imperial University of Tokyo, accompanied by his wife, will soon leave for Hollywood, Cal., where he will interest himself in motion picture scenarios. - At a banquet at the Bankers' Club, Mr. Shoda, the Minister of Finance, defended his policy regarding the loan issued in London and New York. He said it was impossible for the government to stay away from the world's monetary centers, in order to obtain better terms; that the reconstruction of Tokyo and Yokohama had to be rushed, ¥700,000,000 being needed up to the end of 1925. - It is reported from Moscow that the Soviet Government contemplates asking Japanese press correspondents in Russia to leave immediately, as a result of the refusal to admit a certain Russian journalist into Japan. - A Peking dispatch to the Asahi is to the effect that Mr. Karakhan, the representative of the Soviet signified Russia's willingness to recognize China's sovereign power over Mongolia and withdraw troops therefrom, renounce Russian extra-territorial rights and all special privileges in China, and to have an equal share in the control of the Eastern Chinese Railway. 1924.02.20 - At the instance of Premier Viscount Kiyoura, a conference of the dignitaries of the various religions in Japan was held in Tokyo, for the inculcation of sane and sound thoughts in the minds of people. He deplored the fact that the public mind is prone to frivolity, to take moral life as a thing of little worth, to blindly pursue the attainment of material ends, to allow public order and social discipline to slack, and ruin the unique constitution of the nation. - Press cables from Moscow are to the effect that the supreme committee of the Soviet has decided to retract the lumber concessions in Siberia which Russia offered to Japan for the relief of earthquake sufferers, on the alleged ground that the relief proposed is impracticable. 1924.02.21 — According to a Shanghai cable, an English electrical engineer, who had charge of the erection of a wireless station in the interior of China, discovered in Sinkiang, a province lying partly in Mongolia, oil-fields, which, measuring from one end to the other several thousand miles, he believes are the largest and richest in the world; he had conversations with the managers of the local branches of the oil companies of England and the United States, who sent cables to their home offices, requesting the dispatch of experts to investigate. Parties interested include the Mitsui Company, of Japan, and a New York firm. A Dairen message states that, under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce (Japanese) there, a conference will be held by representatives of the chambers at home and those of the Chinese chambers of Mukden, Yinkow, Liaoyang, Tieling, etc., and points in Shantung, in April. It is announced that thirteen delegates will represent Japan at the Ninth World Sunday Convention in Glasgow, which will convene for one week in the middle of June. 1924.02.22 - The Asahi attributes to a well-known official of the Foreign Office the statement that Japan's position in the matter of giving recognition to Soviet Russia stands by itself and, therefore, is different from those of England, France or Italy, with the consequence that Japan does not feel obliged to act in concert with other nations; that she may give up her claims against Russia as regards the payment of the cost of supplies she furnished to the Russian Army during the World War; and that what she cares for is that Moscow should respect the concessions the Imperial government of Russia gave to Japan in Siberia as a result of the Japan-Russia War and treat Japan with fairness concerning Saghalien. - A Vladivostock dispatch reports that the postal authorities of Vladivostock, giving way to appeals of the Japanese bankers and business men there, have relaxed the severity of the anti-Japanese postal regulations and will admit commercial mail in unsealed envelopes. - A semi-official report is being circulated that economic cooperation with China is the only solution of the food situation and industrial problems of Japan, and that an investigating organ will be established by bureau heads of departments concerned, to study methods for its realization. 1924.02.23 — It is cabled from Peking that in the parley between Dr. T. C. Wang and Mr. Karakhan on the 22nd, the terms of China and Russia greatly approximated, and that it was decided to hold a preliminary conference, upon the success of which the final, formal conference will be convened. The French Minister, in an interview with Mr. Koo, Foreign Minister of China, regarding the question of the payment of the outstanding sum of the Boxer Indemnity in gold, pressed the Chinese Government to carry out the assurances of Huang-hu. According to an authentic estimate, despite the nominal amount of ¥550,000,000 of the loan floated in New York and London, the Imperial Government will not be able to get hold of more than about ¥470,000,000, as something like ¥80,000,000 will have to be spent for services of the underwriters and the conversion of old debts. Due to the efforts of Mr. Hua, Director of the Hang-ye-ping Iron and Coal Company, who has been in Japan for some time past, the Yokohama Specie Bank has decided to make a loan of one million and a half yen to the Chinese firm. Fishery concessions in Siberian waters will be exploited by Japanese fishermen on the strength of a provisional contract covering three years, based on the Portsmouth Peace Treaty; the fees that they will have to pay to the Siberian Government will amount to ¥1,750,000. The Methodist Episcopal Mission of Japan will spend ¥3,200,000 for rehabilitation work in the quake-rocked districts. 1924.02.24 — Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Princess, who have been making a tour in the West, visited the Grand Shrines of Ise and performed the prescribed rite for the worship of the Ancestral Spirits. It is announced that the Governor-general of French Indo-China will come to Japan, as the envoy of the French Government for the Imperial Wedding and some other missions. 1924.02.25 — Baron Matsui, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, transmitted through the American Embassy an expression of his appreciation for the rescue by the President McKinley of the crew of the Kyosei Maru on January 6th. The Minister of Home Affairs gave out an ordinance, announcing that the Reconstruction Board would be abolished and followed by the establishment of a bureau which will be subject to his jurisdiction. Decision to advance to fire insurance companies eighty million yen at 4 per cent interest to be paid back in fifty years was reached by the Cabinet; on the other hand, the underwriters are ordered to indemnify the losses of their policy-holders to the extent of 10 per cent of the properties lost, provided the insured value of these properties does not exceed five thousand yen. The anti-Government parties in the lower house issued a joint statement, proclaiming that the Seiyu-honto is their common enemy, whose sole object is to enslave them to the Kiyoura Government and that they will make their best efforts to defeat the Seiyu-honto in the forthcoming General Election. The Budget of the fiscal year 1924-1925 includes appropriations of ¥133,000,000 for the Government-general of Korea, ¥90,370,000 for the Government-general of Formosa, ¥15,000,000 for the Government-general of Kwantung Peninsula, and ¥4,190,000 for the Government of the mandated islands in Oceania. 1924.03.08 — Peking dispatches state that Karakhan, Soviet representative, in an interview with the Japanese Minister, handed to the latter the reply of the Moscow Government concerning the demand of Tokyo for the reopening of the Japanese Consulate in Vladivostock and exchange of mails between Tsuruga and Vladivostock; the reply is said to be a flat refusal and that the Soviet Government has decided not to make such arrangements with any nation which has not yet established formal relations with Russia. In an interview with Press representatives, the Foreign Minister said it is a mistake to expect that so weighty a problem as the recognition of Soviet Russia could be settled overnight, and that the Tokyo Government has full confidence in the ability of the United States Government to solve the anti-Japanese Question. 1924.03.09 - The Toyo Taku-shoku Kabushiki Kaisha (The Oriental Development Company), which was organized to work for the commercial and industrial development of Korea will be empowered to extend its operations to Manchuria. - The Police of the Government-general of Korea will hold a conference, to which invitations have been extended to the consular police in Manchuria, to discuss measures dealing with the maintenance of peace and order on the Manchurian borders of the peninsula. 1924.03.10 — Premier Viscount Kiyoura, in an official statement to an American paper, expressed the confidence of the Japanese nation in "America's sense of justice" and her "consideration for the sensibilities of others" regarding the anti-Japanese bill. A Shanghai cable states that the agitation of the anti-Japanese Chinese there will be revived again. Mr. Bunji Suzuki, the labor leader, often called the Gompers of Japan, has declined the offer of the Soviet representative Karakhan who intimated to him that Russia is willing to confer some forest and fishery concessions in Siberia on those working people who suffered from the disaster of September. 1924.03.11 — A new treaty of commerce and navigation was signed between Japan and Siam; throughout the negotiations, Japan showed the utmost friendship to the Siamese Kingdom, and Baron Matsui, Foreign Minister, sent a congratulatory cablegram to the King when the treaty was signed. 1924.03.12 — A Kokusai cable from Peking states that Dr. C. T. Wang reported to the Cabinet that he and Karakhan have come to the following understanding: 1. Russia agrees to the abolition of all former treaties and to the conclusion of a new and satisfactory treaty. 2. A formal conference shall be convoked immediately. 3. China agrees to formal recognition of the Soviet Government of Russia before such negotiations are begun. It is learned here that the Foreign Minister of China recently addressed a note to the representatives of the powers in Peking, requesting that the latter consent to the opening of the special customs conference, as agreed upon at the Washington Conference. Many leading members of the Emergency Relief Society headed by Prince Tokugawa visited St. Luke's International Hospital, for an inspection. A baseball stand having a seating capacity of 50,000 will be erected at Edagawa, Osaka, by the Hanshin Electric Railway Company, which has set aside ¥850,000 for the purpose. An organization, the object of which is to foster friendship between Japan and France, will soon be set on foot by Viscount Shibusawa, Dr. Takuma Dan, Mr. Kintaro Hattori, and many other notables; it proposes to bring French scholars to Japan, at a cost of 300,000 francs annually, to deliver lectures and teach French. 1924.03.13 - Ambassador Cyrus E. Woods called at the Foreign Office this afternoon and delivered to Baron Matsui, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the American Red Cross check for $3,000,000 to be turned over to a committee for the erection and endowment of a charity hospital. - President Byram of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad, expressed faith in the possibilities of the trans-Pacific trade. - The three largest labor organizations in Japan — the Japan Federation of Labor, the General Federation of Workers in the Government Factories, and the Mariners' Association of Japan — have agreed to support Mr. Bunji Suzuki, President of the Japan Federation of Labor, as the chief delegate to the International Labor Conference. 1924.03.14 - The Earthquake Relief Society, of which Prince I. Tokugawa is the president, gave St. Luke's International Hospital ¥25,000 today in recognition of the charity work done by this institution. - Dr. R. B. Teusler, of St. Luke's International Hospital, declared that Japan should make official efforts to encourage post-graduate work among the promising students in universities and hospitals in the United States. - The Yen-Dollar exchange has had an alarming decline. To-day, it was quoted at 41⅛ cents. - Peking cables report that the French Minister delivered a warning to the Chinese Government as regards the disposal of the Chinese Eastern Railway; he pointed out that the greater part of the railway is owned by French shareholders. 1924.03.15 — The Home Minister, in connection with the establishment of a charity hospital with the donation of ¥3,000,000 from the American Red Cross, appointed a number of eminent persons as the board which will have charge of its affairs. About 100 labor unions in Korea have agreed to incorporate themselves into a federation and to unionize Korean labor in Japan, by establishing a branch office in Tokyo. The Fishery Commissioner of the Government at Chita has demanded that the Japanese owning the concessionary rights on the Siberian coasts, if they desire to renew them, pay a rental of ¥550,000 for arrears, and further to draw drafts for ¥1,200,000. A Peking special to the Tokyo papers reports that the Wang-Karakhan negotiations on March 13th went on for more than twenty hours setting a record. --- The Japan Magazine v14.10 June, 1924 --- (covers March 16, 1924 to April 10, 1924) 1924.03.16 — An official statement given out at the Secretariat of the Minister of the Imperial Household states that the condition of His Majesty the Emperor who has been ill from a malady of a chronic sort for many months past, is showing general improvement, except in his speech and memory. A Moscow special to the Tokyo papers reports that the Foreign Department of the Soviet Government of Russia has just made the announcement that the formal conference between Russia and China has been started. The representative of the Chinese Eastern Railway at Peking delivered a protest to the Foreign Minister of China on the ground that the reported agreement about the retrocession by Russia to China of the Chinese Eastern Railway, as arrived at between Karakhan and Dr. C. T. Wang, is a flagrant violation of the treaty of 1896 and therefore null. On March 14th, the British Minister to China obtained an interview with Mr. Wellington Koo, Foreign Minister, and insisted on giving immediate signature to the pact for the retrocession of Weihaiwei; but Mr. Koo, refusing, pointed out that the public in China is dissatisfied with the terms, adding that the only possible way of a speedy settlement of the matter is for Britain to make further concessions to China. The Department of Communications has received a report from the Chief of the Wireless Station at Choshi that he was successful in exchanging telephonic conversations with a steamer 3,500 miles away from the coast of Japan: a record-breaking achievement in the field of radiography. The Osaka Rotary Club, which was formally admitted as a member of the International Rotary Club in February, 1923, has launched a new campaign for promoting international friendship both at home and abroad; the membership numbers 1,349. 1924.03.17 — Replying to a delegation of Japanese who called at the Embassy, Hon. Cyrus E. Woods, American Ambassador, enlisted himself in their movement to preserve the Mikasa, Admiral Togo's flagship in the Battle of the Japan Sea, which had been condemned to the scrap heap at the Washington Disarmament Conference; the movement is being carried on with much ardor in some quarters. M. Paul Claudel, French Ambassador, who had audience with the Crown Prince this morning, presented to the latter the wedding present from the President of France. Despite sanguine reports the Wang-Karakhan parley has come to a standstill; it is reported from Peking that the Soviet representative of Russia in the Chinese capital, irritated by the Chinese government's hesitancy to sign the draft formulated by him and Dr. C. T. Wang, served upon the Chinese authorities an ultimatum, declaring that Russia would invalidate the terms, if China should not sign within three days from March 16th; Dr. C. T. Wang, who represented China during the negotiations, left Peking for Taitung-fu, Shanghai, in fear of being made the scape goat of the affair; a foreign paper published in Peking has attributed the faltering of the Chinese Government to adverse influences exerted by Tokyo and Washington. 1924.03.18 — After a consultation of some length, the Army and Navy and the Japan Red Cross have come to an agreement about the appointment of a delegation to the international Red Cross convention which will meet in Paris between April 28th and May 2nd; the delegation will be headed by Dr. Kageyama, Chief of the medical staff of the Red Cross, assisted by Mr. Sugiyama of the Japanese Embassy in Paris and Mr. Kagata of the Japanese Embassy in Berlin. It is cabled from Peking that, when M. Karakhan's note was considered at the Cabinet meeting on March 17th, many officials condemned Russia as having violated international rules of courtesy, with the result that China would return the note of Karakhan with an answer that, while the Chinese Government is giving its utmost consideration of every clause of the Wang Karakhan agreements, the attitude that Russia has suddenly assumed is exceedingly regrettable. An importers' organization of Tokyo sent a cable to the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, asking them to exert their influence with the Admiral Line for gaining a day in the President Jefferson's passage to Yokohama, which was scheduled to arrive April 1st; seeing that a number of imported articles will become dutiable on April 1st, consignees in Tokyo urgently desire to have all their goods in before that date. 1924.03.19 — Prince Hirotada Kachono-miya, son of Prince Hiroyasu Fushimi, a lieutenant in the Navy, died of illness at the Naval Hospital in Sasebo. At a point three miles off Fukase, a fishing-village ten miles from Sasebo, a naval base, Submarine No. 43 collided with a cruiser and immediately sank with all hands; she had a crew of forty-two. At Tsuchi-ura, Ibaraki Prefecture, Dirigible No. 3 caught fire and fell to the ground a mass of burning, tangled wreckage; her crew, two officers and three sailors, met with instantaneous death, their charred bodies being found in a grove. The airship was making a flight from Yokosuka to Tsuchi-ura, where the naval aerodrome is located. The Asahi printed a Peking special that, at an interview with Wang on the 18th, Karakhan stated that unless China signed the agreement by 2 o'clock in the afternoon on March 19th, Russia would regard all their past efforts as having come to nothing and refuse to carry on the negotiations. The Privy Council which is giving its deliberation to the Treaty of Lausanne, is reported to have criticized the Cabinet concerning the latter's alleged tendency to servilely follow in the footsteps of other governments in international affairs. 1924.03.20 — The Soviet representative of Russia, having received definite instructions from his home government as regards the sudden breach of his parley with Dr. Wang, delivered to Mr. Wellington Koo a note embodying five points: 1. Russia will consider the negotiations between Karakhan and Dr. C. T. Wang as having been completely and lawfully brought to an end. 2. Russia will refuse to go into another conference, concerning the agreements which have just been agreed on. 3. Russia will not give her consent to anything which it is believed will seriously and adversely affect the future relations between herself and China. 4. Unless the draft of the Wang-Karakhan text should receive immediate signature, Russia is at liberty to assume an entirely free position in discussing any treaty or agreement which may come up between China and Russia. 5. Unless China signs the Wang-Karakhan draft within the time limit set forth, China must first recognize the Soviet Republic of Russia unconditionally before establishing any connection with the latter. The Chinese Government holds that Wang simply put his name to the document as an indication of the fact that the conferences he had been carrying on with M. Leon Karakhan were successfully brought to an end, while Karakhan maintains that Wang was the accredited representative of China and that his signature should bind her as such. Seeing that his activities with the Chinese Government have come to nothing, Mr. Karakhan is turning his attention to Japan; it is reported from Peking that he paid a call on Mr. Yoshizawa, the Japanese Minister, today and exchanged views with the latter about many things. Three Japanese consular officers, including Mr. Gunji, Vice-Consul, who had been in prison at Vladivostock, were deported by order of the Moscow Government; Mr. Gunji, being too weak to stop at his home, was taken direct from the prison to the wharf, where a steamer was waiting to take him to Japan. 1924.03.21 — It is stated that the note of the Chinese Government demanding the payment of indemnities to the relatives of the Chinese who were killed during the excitement of the earthquake period has been delivered to the Foreign Minister, who however is not expected to comply with the demands; spokesmen of the Foreign Office declare that Peking has failed to obtain even the release of several Japanese who have fallen into the hands of Chinese bandits. The unsuccessful issue of the Sino-Russian pourparlers continues to engross the attention of the press; Dr. C. T. Wang, who held himself responsible for the recent diplomatic fiasco, tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the President of China; from now on negotiations between China and Russia, if any, will be in the hands of Mr. Wellington Koo, Foreign Minister. 1924.03.22 — Mr. Stanislas Patek, Polish Minister, was received this morning in audience by the Prince Regent and presented to the latter the Insignia of the Order of the White Eagle, which is the highest decoration of the Republic of Poland. The Kyoto Industrial Exposition was formally opened this morning at the Municipal Office of Kyoto, in the presence of some 1,000 notable persons, Mayor Mabuchi presiding over the proceedings. Mr. Gunji, Vice-Consul at Vladivostock, who returned to Tokyo a few days ago, gave a surprise to Tokyo officialdom with the statements that Vladivostock today is not much worse than what it was under the Imperial regime, and that Japan should recognize the Moscow Government. 1924.03.23 - Mr. Wellington Koo, in a note to Karakhan informing the latter that he had been appointed successor to Dr. C. T. Wang, requested him to fix a date for resuming the informal conference. - Announcement is made that Prince Higashi-kuni, who is in Paris prosecuting certain studies, has been appointed envoy to Rumania to return the visit of Prince Carol to Japan some time ago. - The Privy Council has passed the bill authorizing the existing provisional treaty between Japan and Peru to further remain in effect, the term being from April 1st to December 31st. 1924.03.24 - "Save the Mikasa" (Admiral Togo's flagship) movement being sponsored by Baron Shiba, Baron Togo, Dr. Yamada of the Imperial Tokyo University, and some other gentlemen, for the purpose of preserving the famous warship, they approached the American Ambassador and he has promised to make a favorable recommendation to the United States Government. - An Asahi special from Peking is to the effect that, judging from the frequent exchange of calls between Mr. Karakhan and Mr. Yoshizawa, negotiations about the proposed conference of Japan and Russia have made favorable progress. - The Department of Railways has decided to carry out its plan of electrifying the portion of the Tokaido Line between Tokyo and Odawara; the actual work will be commenced in November. 1924.03.25 — The Metropolitan Police which has been carrying out an investigation about the number of voters eligible for the forthcoming General Election estimates that there are 180,197 persons having such qualifications. The Cabinet decided to leave beef, eggs, and rice out of the Emergency Free List which expires at midnight, March 31st. The Cabinet approved the budget estimates for the fiscal year 1924-25, the items of expenditure being ¥1,347,173,000 and revenue ¥1,320,793,000; the deficit will be defrayed with the reserve carried forward from the current fiscal year. Mr. Bunji Suzuki, President of the General Federation of Labor of Japan, is elected candidate for the office of delegate to the International Labor Conference to be held in Geneva in June; his competitor was Mr. Yozo Nagato, of the General Federation of Naval Plant Workers, who was defeated by a vote of 71 to 65. Leaders of Catholic churches in Japan are collecting materials relating to Buddhism, Shintoism, and Mohammedanism, for placing them on display at the International Religious Exposition to be held in Rome at the Vatican next year. 1924.03.26 — Dispatches from Peking state that Mr. Wellington Koo made several approaches to Mr. Karakhan for the resumption of the conference between China and Russia; but the latter has been refusing to say anything definite other than that he is awaiting instructions from Moscow. The new French Embassy will be erected on the site of the old structure which was destroyed in the earthquake conflagration; M. Paul Claudel hopes to have the work started during the forthcoming visit of Governor-General Merlin of Indo-China. As a result of the retrenchment policy, the Navy has decided to reduce the number of arsenal workers by 10,000 in May and make a sweeping readjustment in the working plan of all arsenals in Japan. In opposition to the radical movement in Korea, thirty-three leaders of some eleven organizations have formed a federation to urge members of their organizations to cooperate with the public in support of the government. 1924.03.27 - Mr. Soho Tokutomi, the famous editor of the Kokumin Shimbun, publishes a book dealing with the Pacific war; his theme is that the Washington Conference has added nothing to the permanency of peace in the Pacific Ocean, so that there is every necessity for Japan to be prepared for any eventuality. - Permission has been given to U. S. destroyers to enter two closed ports in the Kurile Islands — Kashiwabara Bay in Paramushiru and Bettobi in Yetorofu, to allow them to meet the round-the-world airplanes of the U. S. Army. - What will be called the Fabian Society of Japan will soon be organized in Tokyo by Professor Isoo Abe of Waseda University and some other socialist thinkers; the aim of the society is to make a systematic study of various phases of politics, economics, and social problems in general on the basis of science. - It is learned that a conversation between the representatives of Japan and Russia took place in Peking yesterday, due to the fact that M. Karakhan received instructions from Moscow, whose attitude toward Japan is said to have become conciliatory. 1924.03.28 - The Chinese Government has decided, it is stated, that, as regards the pourparlers with Leon Karakhan, any amount of formal negotiation would not attain the end, with the result that the matter would be taken up with him in private. - The American destroyers which will be sent to the Kurile Islands to carry supplies to the American aviators on their round the world flight, will take on board Japanese officers who will assist in guiding them through the straits between the islands. - Dr. Kiyosue Inui, lecturer at the University of Southern California, delivered a significant speech at the Pan-Pacific Club luncheon held at the Imperial Hotel. Cables from the Chinese capital report that, in a conversation which he had with Mr. Karakhan on March 28th, the Japanese Minister made further representations to the former concerning the many complications at Vladivostock; that Karakhan filed with Yoshizawa a plain-spoken protest as regards the reported signature of Japan to the protocol allowing Rumania to annex Bessarabia. 1924.03.29 — Mrs. Cyrus E. Woods, the wife of the American Ambassador, delivered a speech before a gathering of the Tokyo Women's Club, at a meeting at the Imperial Hotel; in paying tributes to the Japanese people, she said in part, that "in America many of my friends wondered at what they called my fortitude during the disaster, and admired what they named bravery in wanting to return to Japan — on the contrary, it was only a desire to return to the land where I could enjoy new inspirations and new friendships." A naval committee has been appointed for carrying on investigations about the further curtailment of naval strength of the world, for which purpose a second disarmament conference is being proposed. 1924.03.30 - A Paris dispatch says that the French Government has decided to recall M. Paul Claudel, Ambassador to Japan, whose term will soon expire. - The foregoing report has aroused the large circle of Japanese friends of the ambassador, including many well-known writers and literary critics, to adopt a resolution requesting the authorities at Paris to leave him at this post. - It is reported from Peking that a considerable number of Chinese students there have started to organize a movement to cause the Chinese Government to lose no time in giving recognition to the Soviet Government of Russia. 1924.03.31 — Funeral services for Prince Kwacho, whose death took place at Sasebo two weeks ago, were held at the Imperial Cemetery at Koishikawa, Prince Chichibu, the second son of the Emperor, being present. The Asahi's Peking correspondent cables that, in the ten sittings of the Yoshizawa-Karakhan pourparlers, the question of opening a formal conference between Russia and Japan was brought out on some occasions; but Japan insisted on solving the complications in Vladivostock first, particularly the arrest of an army officer and a naval officer who had been sent there to learn the Russian language; on the contrary M. Leon Karakhan is instructed to maintain an unamenable attitude against the Japanese claims with the result that even the most discerning find it difficult to say, how soon the conference will materialize into fact. 1924.04.01 - A Peking cable states that the sensational charge is being made against the Soviet envoy that he has been distributing Russian gold among the educational bodies and students, in order to form Chinese public opinion favorable to Russia. - It is stated on good authority that, at the meeting between Karakhan and Yoshizawa on March 29th, which was devoted to the latter's demand for the immediate release of the Japanese prisoners in Vladivostock, Karakhan did not give full consent to Yoshizawa's proposal to re-establish consular representation in each country; the Japanese Minister grew quite firm and frankly told the Soviet envoy that it would be no longer useful for them to hold further conversations; the Japanese Minister will soon start on a trip to the South. - The treaty with Turkey was taken under deliberation by the Privy Council. - It is cabled from Canton that fighting was resumed between Dr. Sun Yat-sen, southern President, and General Cheng Chiung-ming, rebel commander, on the East River, in the Province of Kwantung; Sun's troops are claiming victory. - The Emergency Free List which has been admitting a large number of foreign-produced commodities duty-free passed out of existence at midnight, March 31st. - Both official and open market rates on yen-dollar exchange in Tokyo are identical for the first time in many weeks, the quotation being forty-two cents. - At the weekly meeting held yesterday, the Cabinet took into consideration the bill for universal suffrage; the ministers are inclined to favor restricting the proposed extension of the franchise to male citizens possessing certain financial qualifications. - The French Ambassador Paul Claudel and Madame Claudel were hosts last night at a brilliant ball in the Imperial Hotel in honor of Admiral Frochot of the French Battleship Jules Ferry, now in Yokohama harbor, and members of his staff. 1924.04.02 — It is learned here that tenders were invited by the Government of Vladivostock on April 1st, for granting rights to exploit the Siberian fisheries, without participation of Japanese fishermen. A Peking dispatch to the Asahi states that Mr. Wellington Koo, Foreign Minister of the Chinese Government, in a note addressed to the Soviet representative late in the night of April 1st, signified China's willingness to sign the terms of the Wang-Karakhan convention without any alteration whatever, provided Russia agrees to reserve the "three affairs" for settlement in a separate protocol in future; the "three affairs" mean the nullification of the treaty between Russia and Mongolia, the withdrawal of the Russian troops from Outer Mongolia, and the disposal of the landed properties of the Russian Orthodox Church in China. With reference to the reported invitation of the officials at Vladivostock calling for tenders for fishery rights (which fact constitutes a grave violation of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty against the interests of Japan), a spokesman of the Foreign Office declares that Japan should be prepared to resort to measures vigorous enough to meet the attitude of the Russians. What may be translated as the Imperial Economic Council (Teikoku Keizai Kaigi) is set up by the Cabinet, so that affairs closely bearing on the economic development of Japan might be radically investigated; it will be an organ immediately subordinate to the Prime Minister and comprises 110 persons, prominent in all walks of life. 1924.04.03 - A press message from Vladivostock says that the pending fishery question, though it was adversely settled for Japan, may yet have another chance for settlement. - It is reported from Peking that M. Leon Karakhan, when he received the second note of the Chinese Government, immediately sent a cable to Moscow, asking for instructions about the matter. - M. Albert de Bassompierre, Belgian Minister, declares that his work of relief for the earthquake refugees with funds and supplies amounting to 2,000,000 francs will come to an end by April 15. - The steamer Resolute, bringing 270 tourists on the Raymond & Whitcomb round-the-world tour, will arrive in Kobe today from Shanghai, remaining in the Western Japan port four days and sailing for Yokohama April 7th. 1924.04.04 - It is reported in official quarters that what will be considered the counterpart of the recently-established Imperial Economic Council is now contemplated by the ministers; as the Economic Council was set on foot for studying the nation's needs in material life, so the proposed organ will have for its field the investigation of affairs relating to the spiritual and moral uplift of the people. - Press dispatches from Peking state that the French Minister there served upon the Chinese Government a note, warning that the restoration of the Russian Exclusive Concession in Hankow, China, as proposed by M. Karakhan, would be a flagrant violation of the Franco-Chinese protocol governing the concession. - M. Leon Karakhan has just given out that citizens or subjects of a nation which has not yet established diplomatic connections with the Soviet Republic shall hereafter be prohibited from entering Russia; this is believed to be another attempt of the Soviet to force Japan into giving recognition to their country. - After a long preliminary hearing, the Tokyo District Court has delivered a verdict of robbery and murder against a gang of thirty-seven pirates headed by one called Ezure; the charge against them was that they killed twenty-one Russians on the Amur in 1922 and robbed their victims of goods valued at ¥100,000. 1924.04.05 — The Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps of Peking, representing the ministers of all the nations concerned in the Lincheng Affair, delivered to the Chinese Foreign Minister a request for payment of an indemnity for those foreigners who suffered maltreatment at the hands of the bandits at Lincheng, Honan; the indemnity is fixed at 354,220 yuan. The Diplomatic Corps at Peking entered a protest with the Chinese Government as regards the Trade Mark Law. M. Leon Karakhan, the Soviet envoy, has received instructions from his home government that Russia refuses to resume the conference halted by the rupture of the Wang-Karakhan pourparlers. The authorities of the Home Office decided to check the growing vogue of employing air planes in political propaganda in the General Election. The number of candidates seeking election to the House of Representatives reached 612, of which 131 belong to the Seiyu-kai, 152 to the Seiyu-honto, and 148 to the Kensei-kai. The Bureau of Social Affairs has given out a plan for building 8,000 small dwelling-houses, at a cost of ¥10,000,000, for those homeless people who are now living in relief barracks. 1924.04.07 — With reference to the abolition of the Mixed Courts in Shanghai, the Diplomatic Corps recently announced that the nations concerned are willing to assent if the Chinese courts should not fail in upholding the legal rights of foreign subjects and if China assents to extending the foreign concessions in Shanghai. At its Convention at Okayama the National Women's Christian Temperance Union declared in favor of prohibition, the abolition of licensed prostitution, and suffrage for women. Sonosuke, the famous actor of the Imperial Theater died on the stage at a theater in Shinjuku, near Tokyo, where he was playing in the drama "Mercy of Tsubosaka Kwannon." 1924.04.08 - M. Leon Karakhan is reported to have asked the permission of the Chinese Government to establish a trade agency in Shanghai for the Soviet Government of Russia. - The Chinese Government is reported to have informed the French Minister that, in the light of treaties which China under the Manchu Dynasty concluded with Russia, the disposal of affairs relating to the Chinese Eastern Railway rests with China and Russia only. - A business commission from China now on tour in this country was received in audience by the Prince Regent. - A medical commission to which has been entrusted the investigation of beri-beri, under the auspices of the War Minister, is in session. 1924.04.09 - It is confirmed here that the French Government has no intention of recalling M. Claudel, the ambassador. - It is stated that the Tokyo Rotary Club will be represented at the International Rotary convention in Toronto this summer by Mr. Tsunejiro Miyaoka. - The Cabinet approved a law governing the organization of the Bunsei-shingi-kai, an advisory organ to the Prime Minister, for formulating policies about the moral, spiritual, and intellectual education of the public; it is to be organized with fifty members, from the various classes of the nation. - The T. K. K. steamer Siberia Maru arrived at Yokohama from San Francisco this morning, with four Japanese fishermen who were picked up by a Norwegian steamer, after they had been adrift for forty-five days clinging to the wreck of their fishing boat which had been wrecked off Hakodate, Hokkaido. - The Japanese fishing companies, who are vitally concerned in the solution of the Siberian Fishery Question, have given expression to their grievances; they allege that the rent is too high, the area leased is too small, and there are too many unnecessary limitations imposed on their fishing activities. 1924.04.10 — It is learned here that an official of the Section of the Far East, of the Foreign Office of Russia, who it is believed is conveying important instructions to the Soviet representative in Peking, has passed through Changchun, Manchuria, en route to the Chinese capital. Peking dispatches are to the effect that the Yoshizawa-Karakhan conversations were held on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of April, showing that some progress has been made. --- The Japan Magazine v14.11 July, 1924 --- (covers April 11, 1924 to April 14, 1924) 1924.04.11 — The first session of the Imperial Economic Council was held this afternoon; the important feature of the proceedings was the speech of Viscount Kiyoura, Prime Minister, who stated the raison d'etre of the organ; some of the members attacked the government as regards the official ruling to carry on the debates behind closed door; ten bills were introduced into the council, dealing with all the aspects of the economic life of Japan; Baron Sakatani was elected Manager of the section of finance. The Suffrage Committee of the Privy Council is reported to have had an acrimonious debate with the Home Minister Dr. Midzuno, the representative of the Cabinet; the privy councillors found fault with the government's idea of restricting the suffrage to male persons earning their own living. Dispatches from Peking say that the negotiations between Karakhan and Yoshizawa made no progress on April 10th, due to the firmness of both envoys in holding to their respective claims. The Municipal authorities of Tokyo carried on street demonstrations for the adoption of the Metric System for the everyday use of the people. Arrangements have been completed by the Department of Railways and the Nippon Yusen Kaisha for the sale of through tickets between Shanghai and all the important railway stations in Japan. 1924.04.12 — According to a Moscow dispatch, steps are being taken by the governments of Mongolia and Russia to establish a bank which will be operated under their joint management. The Imperial Government has given out that Mr. Tamon Maeda is appointed chief delegate of the government for the International Labor Conference to be held at Geneva this summer. The convening of a scientists' conference of the Pacific nations in Tokyo in 1926 came up for deliberation at the Department of Education today; invitations will be sent to some 200 scientists in the twenty-two nations bordering on the Pacific Ocean next spring; the proposed gathering is to be held at the Tokyo Imperial University in November. The reduction of money for warship-building to the amount of ¥88,000,000 may possibly put the Navy to the necessity of carrying out another "adjustment" in its various shipyards; as these shipyards employ about 55,000 mechanics, the first thing to be done in this direction will be to discharge about 9,000 men. Three Japanese destroyers left Ominato this morning for the Kurile Islands to meet the American world-fliers. It is announced that the Missionary Association of Japan will meet for the spring session in the new Y. M. C. A. building near Umeda Station in Osaka on May 13th. The Admiral Oriental Line will reduce the time of its southbound schedule from Hongkong to Seattle one day beginning May 30 by limiting the stay of its steamers in Hongkong to one instead of two days. 1924.04.13 — A Washington dispatch saying that the House of Representatives passed the new Immigration Bill which will debar Japanese subjects from the United States, is received. Nine athletes holding national records in various field sports and six champion swimmers were chosen to represent Japan in the Olympic Games in France this year. They leave from Kobe by the N. Y. K. steamer, Katori Maru, on April 27th, reaching Marseilles on June 4th. Word has been received that the Suzuki Shoten, of Kobe, entered into an agreement with the Soviet Government of Russia to purchase the output of the zinc mine at Tutuhe, near Vladivostock; shipments already completed amounted to about 6,000 tons, while ores which are yet to be sent to Japan are estimated at 7,000 tons. 1924.04.14 — In the Korean Imperial university which will be on the same footing as those in Japan colleges of Law, Literature, and Medicine will be created and the Preparatory School is to be established this year. Both Viscount Shibusawa and Baron Sakatani, in an interview with the representative of a foreign paper in Tokyo, were quite frank in denouncing the American politicians for the passage of the anti-Japanese Bill. Five Japanese who performed conspicuous services for British subjects in the period following the September earthquake were awarded decorations at the British Embassy. A Shanghai cable states that Rabindranath Tagore, the well-known Indian poet and philosopher, has arrived there on his way to Peking, where he will deliver a series of lectures on philosophy. Press dispatches from Hitokappu Bay, Yetorofu, which was almost unknown to the Japanese public before arrangements were made to greet the American fliers, report that the U. S. destroyers Pope and John D. Ford safely reached there. Laws pertaining to the adoption of the Metric System for weights and measures in this country will come into operation in July. M. Leon Karakhan gave out through the Rosta News Agency that the parley is discontinued till the Tokyo Government has made up its mind about the matters they have taken up. The eyes of the Japanese nation are centered on Washington and the American legislation which Japanese consider involves their national pride and honor. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Baron Matsui, appealed through the American correspondents in Tokyo "against the final passage of the proposal designed to exclude Japanese" from the United States. The U. S. destroyers Truxton, Pillsbury, and Paul Jones of the American Asiatic Fleet arrived at Yokohama; after a few days' stay there, they will leave for their respective destinations, where they will await the arrival of the American world-fliers. The Spanish Minister to Japan, Don Jose Caro, sailed from Kobe on the President Lincoln en route to Madrid via San Francisco and New York on a temporary leave of absence. It is cabled from Seoul that Lieutenant-Commander Minotsuma and Captain Matsui who have been undergoing preliminary hearings at the hands of the Soviet authorities in Vladivostock were found guilty and will soon be sent to Moscow for formal trial. A Hongkong cable reports that arrangements have been made there for putting in commission several armed launches to escort steamers on the Hongkong-Kongmoon run, to safeguard the steamers from attacks by pirates. --- The Japan Magazine v14.12 August, 1924 --- (covers May 15, 1924 to August 12, 1924) 1924.05.15 — The Japanese exclusion measure passed both houses of Congress in the U. S. A. to take effect on July 1. 1924.05.17 — One of the American world fliers arrived at Kashiwabara Bay and another at Kataoka Bay, Chishima. 1924.05.19 — Baron Saito, the Governor-General of Chosen, with his suite of over 30 persons, was steaming down the Yalu River on a tour of inspection of the frontier, when, at a point near Kozanchin, Heian-Hokudo, shortly after 9 o'clock, over 10 bandits appeared from the hills on the Chinese side and fired at the boats of the Baron and his suite. The latter returned the rifle fire and succeeded in driving away the would-be assassins, who hurt no one. 1924.05.20 — The American Ambassador, Mr. Woods is reported to have tendered his resignation to President Coolidge. 1924.05.21 — A New York despatch reports the acceptance of the resignation of Mr. Woods by the President. 1924.05.22 — The three American world-fliers reached Kasumigaura at 5:25 p.m. amidst the enthusiastic welcome of many Japanese Government officials and private persons. 1924.05.24 — The basic terms of the Russo-Japanese negotiations were drafted. 1924.05.25 — A union of ex-soldiers in Tokyo held a meeting at the Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo to pass a resolution against the anti-Japanese bill in the United States. In the north of Chichibu, Saitama-ken, a hail-storm occurred that lasted over an hour, inflicting severe damage on the mulberry crop. 1924.05.28 — A Washington despatch reports the signing of the immigration law by President Coolidge on the 26th. The Japanese Government decided at an extraordinary cabinet meeting held on the 28th to lodge a protest with the United States. The protest was telegraphically sent by the Foreign Minister Baron Matsui to Ambassador Hanihara. 1924.05.31 — A series of Imperial banquets will be held in the Homei Hall of the Imperial Palace from to-day to June 4th in celebration of the marriage of H. I. H. the Crown Prince with H. I. H. Princess Nagako. At the first dinner given to-night, about 300 foreign and Japanese officers and officials were invited. A man was found dead in the grounds of Viscount Inouye's mansion, Enokizaka-machi, Akasaka, Tokyo. He committed suicide in his indignation over the Japanese exclusion bill in the United States. He had three letters in his pocket. One was addressed to Ambassador Woods. His name is unknown. Mr. Woods, with his wife and her mother, is to leave Tokyo for home on the morning of June 5th and will embark on the President McKinley which sails from Yokohama at 3 p.m. on the 6th. 1924.06.05 — This morning the Tokyo Municipal celebration of the Imperial wedding was held in the Imperial Palace grounds. Their Highnesses appeared in the pavilion at 10:20 a.m., when tens of thousands of citizens gathered in front of the pavilion and cheered "banzai." Mayor Nagata read a congratulatory address, which was followed by an Imperial message read by His Highness in a loud and clear voice, which was distinctly heard in every corner of the grounds. The whole city celebrated the occasion. Various entertainments were held everywhere, all the streets were beautifully decorated with flags and paper lanterns. At 1 p.m., a national meeting was held over the American question, at the Kokugi-kwan, Ryogoku, when all the political parties, 18 unions formed on account of the American question, students', labour and other unions were represented. Every orator spoke with fervency, calling upon the Americans to reconsider. 1924.06.07 — Premier Viscount Kiyoura proceeded to the Akasaka Palace at 4:03 p.m. and presented the resignation of his cabinet to the Prince Regent, as he saw the impossibility of remaining in office with the result of the general election which went against the Government. The Prince Regent then summoned Count Hirata, the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, and questioned him on the matter. Consequently, Marquis Tokugawa, the Grand Chamberlain, was sent to consult Prince Saionji in Kyoto. The ladies and gentlemen in the dancing hall of the Imperial Hotel were taken by surprise by the raid of 17 members of the Taikosha, advocating nationalism, who performed sword-dances before them. The intrusion was caused by indignation over the American exclusion bill, and some Japanese young men and women's indulgence in dancing, apparently indifferent to the national peril which confronts Japan. Mr. Rabindranath Tagore, a famous Indian poet, arrived in Tokyo at 8:45 p.m. from Western Japan, after visiting Nara and Osaka. It is eight years since he last came to this country. 1924.06.08 — Captain D'Oisy, a French round-the-world flier, reached Hiroshima at 10:07 a.m. from Taikyu, Korea, which he left at 6:20 a.m. 1924.06.09 — Viscount Kato, the leader of the Kensei-kai, repaired to the Akasaka Palace at 11:24 a.m., summoned by the Prince Regent, and was commanded to organize a new Cabinet. He left the palace at 11:40 a.m. Captain D'Oisy left the Osaka Parade Ground at 8:34 a.m. and reached Tokorozawa at 11:50 a.m., where he was welcomed by many Japanese Government officers and officials and private people. Mr. R. Tagore lectured at the Tokyo Imperial University at 3:30 p.m. In the course of his speech, he alluded to a great affront recently received by Japan from another country, stating that he and all his countrymen in India were indignant at it. 1924.06.11 — Viscount Kato, the leader of the Kensei-kai, proceeded to the Akasaka Imperial Palace at 9:55 a.m. and presented the Prince Regent with a list of the names of the new Cabinet. The list was approved by the Prince Regent. At 1:30 p.m., he again repaired to the Imperial Palace, accompanied by the Cabinet ministers-elect. Immediately, the installation ceremony took place. The members of the new Cabinet are: Viscount Kato, Premier; Baron K. Shidehara, Minister of Foreign Affairs; R. Wakatsuki, Minister of Home Affairs; Y. Hamaguchi, Minister of Finance; General K. Ugaki, Minister of Army; Admiral Takarabe, Minister of Navy; S. Yokota, Minister of Justice; R. Okada, Minister of Education; K. Takahashi, Minister of Agriculture and Commerce; T. Inukai, Minister of Communications; M. Sengoku, Minister of Railways. At the same time the resignation of the Kiyoura Cabinet was accepted. 1924.06.19 — The reply to the protest presented against the Japanese exclusion bill by the Japanese Government to the American Government was handed by the latter to the Japanese Ambassador, Mr. Hanihara by the Secretary of State on the 16th. The text of this reply was published by the Foreign Office. 1924.06.20 — Mr. Yoshizawa, the Japanese Minister at Peking, who was conducting the Russo-Japanese negotiations reached Tokyo at 8:45 p.m., summoned by the Foreign Minister, to talk over the question. Five persons at Higashi-Hamana-mura, Shizuoka-ken, found to be infected with pest. 1924.06.21 — The question of the leadership of the Seiyu-honto was concluded by the acceptance of the post by Mr. Tokonami. 1924.06.22 — Mr. R. Tagore left Japan for home by the "Suwa-Maru." Captain D'Oisy, the French flier, who was decorated with the fifth order of the Rising Sun, sailed for home, promising to come again in January next. 1924.06.25 — The 49th session of the Imperial Diet was convoked. 1924.06.26 — Mr. Roy Chapman Andrews, at the head of an American Mongolian scientific expedition reached Yokohama by the "President Cleveland." He said he was going to Peking to set about preparations there for the expedition to Mongolia to be made next year. 1924.06.27 — The Japan Christian Association held a general meeting and carried a resolution by a great majority to decline receiving the donation of 2,000,000 yen, which it has received yearly from America, upon the expiration of the present term in September next. 1924.06.28 — The opening ceremony of the special session of the Imperial Diet was held in the House of Peers in the presence of the Prince Regent. 1924.06.30 — Mr. Alexander A. I. Mosjuhin, a leading Russian musician, arrived at Tokyo Station at 9:20 a.m., to give concerts at the Hochi Auditorium. 1924.07.01 — It being the day fixed for the enforcement of the new American immigration act, the nation was much perturbed. A national meeting was held at the Zojo Temple, Shiba and a big oratorial meeting on Sanno Hill, Akasaka, on the American question. Similar meetings were held in other places in the country. Resolutions were passed at the meetings calling for the provision of discrimination against the Japanese in the law to be abolished; and it was telegraphically conveyed to the President and both houses of Congress of the United States. The Imperial Diet was opened. Both houses took up at first the American question and adopted resolutions deploring the new law. At about 12:30 p.m., a young man entered the American Embassy grounds and tore down the American flag and fled with it. A policeman pursued him but could not arrest him. The matter was much regretted by the Japanese Government, and the offender was thoroughly searched for by the police. At 4 p.m., Mr. Jefferson Caffery, charge d'Affaires at the American Embassy, visited the Foreign Minister, Baron Shidehara, at the Foreign Office, and inquired about the affair. The Cabinet held an extraordinary meeting to discuss the steps to be adopted. At 6:50 p.m., Baron Shidehara visited Mr. Caffery at the Imperial Hotel and apologized for the incident. The metric system was put into operation. 1924.07.02 — The offender in the American flag affair was arrested in Osaka, and the flag carried away by him was delivered to the American Embassy. A Washington despatch states that the State Department declared that responsibility for the attack against the American flag in Tokyo lies upon "irresponsible individuals" and that the Government attaches no more importance to the incident than to others of similar nature which have been reported since the immigration law was passed. At 10:40 p.m., Prince Matsukata died. Sub-Lieutenant C. Ura was killed at the Kagamigahara Aviation School. He was descending from a height of 300 metres, when the machine suddenly crashed. 1924.07.05 — The Lower House approved the appropriation of 40,000 yen for the state funeral of the late Prince Matsukata. Major Maclaren, a British flier, left Shanghai at 9 a.m. and reached Kagoshima at 5 p.m. after flying the distance of 870 kilometres in seven hours. He and Flying Officer Plenderleith were welcomed by 50,000 people who gathered on the shore waving the British flag. 1924.07.07 — Major Maclaren left Kushimoto at 9 a.m. and reached Tsuchiura at 2:48 p.m. The state funeral of the late Prince Matsukata took place at the Matsukata residence at 8 a.m. The Chamberlains to the Emperor, the Empress and the Crown Prince and Prince and Princess Kan-in worshipped at the altar. The ceremony ended at 1 p.m. The coffin left for the Aoyama Cemetery at 2 p.m. After the interment ceremony, the veteran statesman of the Meiji Restoration was laid eternally to rest in the bosom of the earth, at 5 p.m. 1924.07.13 — The first Feast of Lanterns (O-Bon) was held on the former site of the Military Clothing Office, where about 35,000 persons were burnt to death in last year's earthquake. At the repository of ashes there was offered incense and flowers by the Tokyo Municipality and there was worship by an endless number of the bereaved families amid the chanting of the Buddhist sacred books. 1924.07.15 — Viscount K. Kuroda, the first Japanese artist in foreign style painting, died of illness at his residence, Kogai-cho, Azabu, Tokyo. He was a great benefactor of the Japanese artistic world, which was led by him to its present prosperity. 1924.07.16 — The British round-the-world fliers were missing after leaving Toshimoe at 5:30 a.m. The Hamakaze and Isokaze, Japanese destroyers, were searching their whereabouts. 1924.07.18 — The missing British fliers were found to have taken to the water at Tokoton Bay on the west coast of Urufsupu Island, Chishima. 1924.07.20 — The special session of the Imperial Diet was closed on the 18th and its closing ceremony was held in the House of Peers on the 19th. The kawabiraki (the opening of the river season) festival was held at Ryogoku on the Sumida as usual this evening. It has been an annual function in Tokyo since the Tokugawa period. Thousands of set and other fireworks were sent up late into the night. The visitors were unusually few. 1924.07.27 — The Tairei-Maru, a steamer of 1,256 tons belonging to the Kita-Nippon Kisen Kaisha, Otaru on her way from Osaka to Otaru collided with the Shinpo-Maru, a steamer of 4,736 tons owned by the Kishimoto Kisen Kaisha, Kobe, at a point 3 miles off the Note Light House at 8:20 p.m., and sank in 25 minutes. Only 25 persons were rescued out of 145 passengers and 42 crew. 1924.07.29 — Mr. Yoshizawa, the Japanese Minister to China, left Tokyo for Peking at 8:30 p.m. He returned here on the 20th ult. to report on and arrange for the Russo-Japanese negotiations. 1924.07.31 — The Law Raising the Import Duty on Luxurious Articles was promulgated and put in force at once in Japan and her territories. 1924.08.03 — Mr. Hanihara, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, came back by the Korea-Maru at 8 a.m. 1924.08.04 — The first meeting of the Russo-Japanese Conference was held at Peking at 4 p.m., when Mr. Yoshizawa, the Japanese Minister to Peking, handed to Mr. Karakhan an important note frankly stating Japan's demands. 1924.08.09 — Gas exploded in the Iriyama Colliery, Fukushima-ken, suffocating to death about 70 miners working in the pits. 1924.08.12 — An Imperial ordinance relating to undersecretaries and political Councillors was issued. The nominees to the posts were accepted by the Cabinet Council held to-day. They were later sanctioned by the Prince Regent and were publicly announced. --- The Japan Magazine v15.1 September, 1924 --- (covers August 21, 1924 to September 13, 1924) 1924.08.21 — The instructions of the Ministers of the Interior and Finance regarding the retrenchment in local budgets was forwarded to the prefectural governors with the joint signature of the two Ministers. 1924.08.22 — The result of the investigations of the Statistical Section of the Tokyo Municipality with reference to the extent of the losses sustained in the earthquake and fire was made public, as follows: City of Tokyo ¥3,732,228,107; Suburbs of Tokyo ¥83,688,698; City of Yokohama ¥1,180,969,767; Elsewhere in Kanagawa Prefecture ¥279,366,992; Total Loss of All the Departments of the Cabinet ¥107,229,558; Loss of the Household Department ¥2,000,000; Prefectural Districts, except Tokyo and Kanagawa ¥126,009,151; Total ¥5,501,512,273. A mixed train on the Uyetsu Line after having left Sakata was derailed between Atsumi and Nedzu-ga-seki at about 3 p.m., on account of the track being destroyed by a storm, and one locomotive and six freight cars fell into the sea, with a number of casualties. The line is a new one, opened on the 31st July. 1924.08.24 — In Kagawa, Okayama, Shimane, and most recently in Toyama and Ishikawa Prefectures, especially in the first named prefecture, narcotic phrenitis has been very virulent, with a high death-rate. Experts have been despatched to those districts by the Hygienic Bureau of the Home Department. 1924.08.27 — Viscount Ishii, Japanese Ambassador to France; Mr. Adachi, Japanese Ambassador to Belgium; and Mr. Matsuda, Japanese Minister to Switzerland, were appointed Japanese representatives at the Fifth Assembly of the League of Nations at Geneva, Switzerland. 1924.08.31 — According to a report published by the Central Meteorological Observatory, the earthquakes perceptible to human beings from September 1st last year to August 31st this year numbered 1,441 in Tokyo and 2,756 throughout the country, 7 and a half per day average. 1924.09.01 - This being the first anniversary of the great earthquake and fire of last year, the Tokyo people observed the day by eating unhulled-rice as they did in the days of the disaster. At 11:58 a.m., when the shock occurred last year all the temples in the city tolled their bells, the factories' whistles sounded and the tramcars stopped for a minute. Services for the victims were held at the leading temples; especially at the charnel erected on the site of the military clothing department, Honjo, where over 32,000 persons were killed by the fire on the day of the catastrophe, a service was held in memory of the dead. The mourners who worshipped at the charnel numbered about 500,000 people up to noon. At the Zojoji Temple in Shiba Park and the Sensoji in Asakusa Park memorial services attracted many. The Prince Regent graciously made inquiry about the present state of the restoration program for the devastated area, and Mr. Wakatsuki, Minister of the Interior proceeded to the Akasaka Palace at 10 a.m. and was granted an audience by the Regent to whom he reported in detail the progress of the restoration work. - At about 6 p.m. General G. Fukuda, while on his way to the Chosenji Temple where a lecture meeting in memory of the catastrophe was to be held, had just got out of his motor in front of the Enrakuken Restaurant, Hongo, when he was shot at in the back by a would-be assassin, but he was not injured. The offender was arrested on the spot and found to be a socialist. - He confessed that he attempted to kill the general to take revenge in connexion with the death of Osugi, one of his comrades, on the occasion of last year's disaster, for which he thought General Fukuda was responsible as Commander enforcing Martial Law in the Kanto District. 1924.09.05 — Owing to the defeat of the candidate he recommended for Director of the Electric Bureau of the Tokyo Municipality, in the Tokyo Municipal Council, Mr. H. Nagata, Mayor of Tokyo, tendered his resignation to the Governor of Tokyo Prefecture, also those of the three deputy mayors. 1924.09.06 — At a little past 9 a.m. Sub-Lieutenant Tanno of the Navy, a Tenth Course student of the Kagamigaura Hydroplane Corps, fell from a height of 50 meters to the water and was seriously wounded. The machine was smashed. 1924.09.07 — The extent of the damages caused by the storm in Northern Formosa was larger than imagined. According to various reports there were casualties of over three hundred, and more than seventeen thousand houses were wrecked. 1924.09.12 — At 7:30 a.m. a launch and a vedette-boat both belonging to the battleship Nagato came into collision in the Yokosuka Naval Port. The launch sank immediately, and seventeen were drowned. An express train for Tokyo was approaching Kusatsu-machi, in Hiroshima Prefecture, on the Sanyo line, on its way to Hiroshima when it ran into a landslide caused by a storm. The locomotive, mail car and one passenger-coach were upset, which caused seventy casualties. 1924.09.13 — Narcotic phrenitis invaded Tokyo. According to the investigation by the Medical Section of the Metropolitan Police, there were ten cases up to today. A scout-aeroplane of the 6th battalion of the Flying Corps at Heijo, Korea, crashed at Heiko, while engaged in maneuvers. Sergeant Ebine, pilot, and Lieutenant Moriwaki observers were killed. They are the first victims since the establishment of the flying corps in Korea. 1924.09.22 — In a speech delivered before the Imperial Diet in its last session, the Foreign Minister explicity stated that Japan has adopted and will follow a policy of absolute --- The Japan Magazine v15.2 October, 1924 --- (covers September 16, 1924 to October 14, 1924) 1924.09.16 - It was officially announced that the Tenancy Adjustment Law will go into operation from December 1, 1924. - The Russo-Japanese Conference reached a deadlock through Mr. Karakhan's opposition to new instructions to the Japanese delegate. - A storm occurred in Tokyo and vicinity at about 6 p.m. and flooded the city, submerging about 40,000 houses. In Yokohama, about 8,000 houses were submerged. The districts adjoining Tokyo and Yokohama suffered severe damage. 1924.09.18 — A rather severe earthquake was felt at about 10 a.m. The affected area extended from Sendai in the North-East to Nagoya in Western Japan. In Tokyo, a number of houses were demolished. 1924.09.20 — Dr. H. Nagaoka of the Scientific Laboratory having made researches to discover a method to take gold from mercury, for the past twelve years, has succeeded and has made public details concerning his discovery. 1924.09.24 — The B-type scouting aeroplane No. 270 fell from a height of 100 metres in a trial at the Kagamigahara Airdrome. Two military officers were killed. 1924.09.30 — Dr. Saito, Chief Surgeon of the Aichi Medical College Hospital, operated on a youth aged 25, an epileptic, and succeeded in removing a tumor by cutting the cerebrum. This was the first surgical operation of the kind in Japan. The patient is in a satisfactory condition. 1924.10.04 — General Li Lie-chung, special emissary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen to Japan, arrived at Yokohama on the 3rd and at once came to Tokyo, where he put up at the Imperial Hotel. He will stay in Tokyo for about a week. 1924.10.05 — The coaster "Toyokawa-Maru," 600 tons, ran on a sunken rock off the west coast of Karafuto on account of a storm, and sank. Nine of her crew were saved and 14 are missing. 1924.10.06 — Tokyo was without a mayor for a long time after the resignation of Mr. Nagata. The Municipal Council selected three nominees for the Mayoralty. Viscount Goto, formerly Mayor of Tokyo, declined the offer. Mr. Z. Nakamura subsequently was offered the position, and he accepted. 1924.10.09 - The appointment of Mr. Z. Nakamura as Mayor of Tokyo received the Imperial sanction. - At 4:10 p.m., Major Petro Zanni, the Argentine world-flyer, arrived in good spirits at Kagoshima from Shanghai. 1924.10.10 — Dr. Ku Hung-Min, a Chinese scholar, arrived at Tokyo, where he will stay for about 10 days, in which he will speak before the Daito Culture Association, etc. 1924.10.11 — A labour census was taken throughout Japan. Major Petro Zanni, the Argentine world-flyer, reached Kasumigaura at noon. 1924.10.12 — Dr. Nagaoka published the results of his successful studies of methods of the extraction of platinum and tin by the electrification of gold at a meeting of the Imperial Academy. Mr. Wang Yung-pao, the Chinese Minister to Japan, arrived at Moji and at once left for Tokyo. 1924.10.14 - The Japanese Government decided to make a statement to the Peking Government and Chang Tso-lin protecting Japan's special rights and interests in the Three Eastern Provinces of China in connection with the Chinese disturbances; and it telegraphically instructed Mr. Yoshizawa, the Japanese Minister at Peking and Mr. Funatsu, the Japanese Consul-General at Mukden, accordingly. - General Lu Yung-hsiang, the Commander of the Chekiang forces, and General Ho Feng-lin, now fugitives, arrived at Nagasaki by the Shanghai-Maru and left there for Beppu at once. --- The Japan Magazine v15.3 November, 1924 --- (covers October 16, 1924 to November 14, 1924) 1924.10.16 - Violent storms occurred in Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture on July 11, August 9, and October 6, blowing down 6,000 houses. - The draft Metric Treaty was adopted to-day by the Cabinet and immediate steps were taken for the Imperial sanction and promulgation. 1924.10.17 — It snowed in Asahigawa and Yubari, Hokkaido and in Niigata Prefecture for the first time this season. 1924.10.18 - Professor Goldschmit, an authority on physiology and dean of the science department of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute in Berlin, engaged by the Agricultural College of the Tokyo Imperial University, arrived in Tokyo, accompanied by his wife. - The re-opening of the Japanese-Russian Conference was proposed by M. Karakhan to the Japanese Minister in Peking, Mr. Yoshizawa, after being suspended since the 6th. 1924.10.24 - It was announced by the Military Department that a force of about one infantry battalion will be despatched from the Japanese Garrison in Manchuria to Chinwangtao to join the Japanese army in China to protect Japanese residents in North China, in view of the war situation in the neighbourhood of Shanhai-kwan. - The Japanese-Russian Conference was re-opened at 4 p.m. to-day at the Japanese Legation. 1924.10.28 — The census taken in Tokyo on the 1st shows that the population of Tokyo is 1,917,308 with 375,511 houses and 418,354 families, as against the pre-quake number of 2,550,000. 1924.10.30 - Fire broke out in one of the barracks in the Shiba Palace grounds, and fanned by a violent wind the flames reduced to ashes 690 houses, whose 4,000 occupants had been burnt out in the conflagration following the earthquake on September 1, 1923. - The Aviation Corps of the Japanese Army made a non-stop flight between Tokorozawa and Seoul. 1924.10.31 - The 45th birthday of H. I. M. the Emperor was celebrated in the Homei Hall of the Imperial Palace at noon, where a banquet was given to over 1,000 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps and Government officers and officials. The military review was held as usual at Yoyogi. - Dr. Kusama, the Chief of the Department of Bacteriology of the Kitazato Laboratory, succeeded in discovering a new pathogene of eruptive typhus after elaborate research for 10 years. He lectured on the subject to university professors and other scholars in the hall of the laboratory. - It is reported that a great eruption occurred in the sea bottom near Hatoma Island. The sea was seen boiling furiously. It was muddy, and the surface was strewn with pumice stone. 1924.11.03 — Grand military manoeuvres were held for three days from to-day. 1924.11.08 — Air manoeuvres were held for the first time in Japan by the Naval Flying Corps at Kasumigaura. 1924.11.10 — A "thrift week" was started to-day throughout the country under the auspices of the Central Thrift Encouragement Commission, holding lectures and cinematograph shows, distributing posters and circulars and taking other means on a large scale to encourage thrift and savings. 1924.11.11 - It was decided to convoke the 50th session of the Imperial Diet on December 24, as announced in the Official Gazette to-day. - M. Karakhan rejected all the proposals of Japan at the Japanese-Russian Conference. The Japanese Minister, Mr. Yoshizawa, consequently asked the Tokyo Government for final directions as to whether to terminate the negotiations or not. 1924.11.14 — Fire in Iriya-machi, Shitaya, Tokyo, destroyed about 180 houses. Land of an area of about 100,000 tsubo, on the right bank of the Shinano River, at Nishi-Kanbara-gori, Niigata Prefecture, slipped with a great noise. --- The Japan Magazine v15.4 December, 1924 --- (covers November 15, 1924 to December 15, 1924) 1924.11.15 - A plan is being drafted by the Osaka Municipality for holding a big exhibition in the city in the spring of 1929. The fair will be on an international scale and will occupy an area of 10,000,000 square metres in the suburbs of Osaka. The Municipal Assembly has been asked to approve the cost of investigations concerning the scheme. - The Osaka Hotel was destroyed by fire on the 13th. The loss is estimated at 1,000,000 yen, of which 360,000 yen is covered by insurance. 1924.11.17 — It has been informally decided that H. I. H. Prince Chichibu, a younger brother of the Prince Regent, will take a trip abroad, leaving Japan in June next. He will visit at first England and will stay there for about two years, and in the interval he will visit France, Germany and other countries. It will be his principal object to see the relations between the rulers and the ruled in Europe. He will take the incognito of a Marquis throughout his visit abroad. Mr. Edgar A. Bancroft, the new American Ambassador to Japan, arrived to-day. 1924.11.18 — A scheme is under progress to relieve the Koreans in Manchuria, who are unable to support themselves and join bands of ruffians simply for bread, by giving them sufficient work to lead a proper life. They are to be employed on farms in Kirin by a certain influential Chinese in North Manchuria. The plan is being given substantial support by the Japanese Government and Korean Government General. 1924.11.19 — The Home Department intends starting health insurance. It asked for an appropriation for carrying out the project in the next fiscal year but the cabinet has decided to put off the undertaking to the fiscal year 1926-1927, under the retrenchment policy. 1924.11.20 — The Finance Department has made public the next fiscal year's revenue and expenditure, as adopted at the Cabinet meeting on the 19th, to be 1,445,850,000 yen revenue, including 1,291,670,000 yen ordinary revenue and 154,180,000 yen extraordinary revenue, and 1,533,300,000 yen expenditure, consisting of 1,009,210,000 yen ordinary expenditure and 524,090,000 yen extraordinary expenditure, there being a shortage of 87,450,000 yen not covered by revenue. 1924.11.21 — The Education Department has forwarded to Italy a part of the Japanese exhibits at the Religious Propaganda Exhibition to be held for a year at Rome from the end of December. Much more will be forwarded towards the beginning of December. The exhibits will number about 350, not a few of which are interesting photographs, etc. 1924.11.22 — The 6th meeting of the Far Eastern Tropical Medical Society will be held in Tokyo on October 18, 1925. The arrangement committee met on the 20th. Over 10 countries will be represented at the meeting: Australia, British-India, North Borneo, Ceylon, China, Cuba, French-Indo-China, Macao, Dutch-East Indies, Sumatra, Philippines, Siam, Straits Settlements, Malay States, the United States and Japan. The invitations will be sent to these countries early in January next. 1924.11.23 — Music broadcast by the K. G. O. Wireless Station, San Francisco, for a few hours from 6 p.m. on the 22nd was heard at the Electric Experimental Station of the Communications Department at Osaki in the suburbs of Tokyo. This is the first American music transmitted to Japan over radio-telephony. The Siamese Crown Prince arrived at Yokohama by the Taiyo-Maru at noon on the 22nd, accompanied by his consort and suite. The Prince told the pressmen that he would not be able to stay long in Japan and wishes to come again in the spring to view the natural beauties of this country. An old tofu-ya (bean-curd) dealer in Fukushima picked up a piece of stone 25 years ago. It was taken to the Tokyo Imperial University for examination and was found by a certain English expert, who happened to be in Japan, to be worth 1,700,000 yen. While seeking a buyer secretly, the man died in November, 1923. A legal dispute occurred over the ownership of the treasure among the relatives of the deceased, and it was settled amicably by the arrangement that the stone will be held in custody by the lawyer. It is like a piece of soap in size. 1924.11.26 - The Imperial Academy has been asked to accept 50,000 yen as a scholarship fund, by Mr. Henry Robinson on behalf of the late Dr. Mendenhall of America, his friend, in compliance with his will. The Academy is considering whether to accept or not. Dr. Mendenhall was a teacher of some leading mathematicians of Japan. - The Imperial Household Department is reported to have been informally notified by the Italian Embassy that the Crown Prince of Italy will visit Japan in April next by way of returning the visit to Italy by the Prince Imperial of Japan some years ago. The Kasumigaseki Palace will be occupied by the Prince of Piedmont during his stay in Tokyo, and the necessary arrangements will be completed by the end of March next. - As wireless telephone communication will be officially permitted within 10 days, Mr. Iwahara and other directors of the Tokyo Hosokyoku, just established with a capital of 300,000 yen, met to-day and considered the question. - It seems to be the official desire to promote the Japanese Legation in China to an Embassy, within this year, as the Japanese Government is reported to be communicating about it with the English, American and other Governments desiring to carry out the plan ahead of others. The Foreign Office has obtained the approval of the Finance Department for the necessary cost. - The Institute of Physical Education of the Department of Education, erected recently at Yoyohata in the suburbs of Tokyo, is claimed to be unequalled in the world, practically and scientifically. Under Dr. Kita, its President, the details of its operations have just been drafted. 1924.12.02 - The Yokohama Municipal plan to greatly extend the harbour of Yokohama is being materialized. The Municipal authorities have been considering means to realize it without any additional burden on the Municipal finances, and have found the plan to reclaim the foreshore of Yokohama best for the purpose. The reclaimed ground will extend over 1,100,000 tsubo as far as the mouth of the Tsurumi River, as the basis of the extended Yokohama harbour, in which 53 steamers of 15,000 tons may berth along quays. - Mr. H. Shimoi who has been teaching in the Oriental Languages School, at Naples for the past ten years, left Marseilles for Japan on November 2nd, accompanied by his family. 1924.12.03 — An air monster, a monohydroplane for bombarding and scouting, purchased recently from Germany by the Kawasaki Shipbuilding Yard, was to visit the Kasumigaura Naval Aerodrome to-day, leaving Kobe at 8 a.m. and flying over the Enshunada and Beshu, with a German engineer as a pilot. She has a speed of 110 miles with a cruising speed of 90 miles per hour. 1924.12.05 — The official consideration of the proposed labour union law is not progressing satisfactorily, and doubt is even held as to the possibility of the bill being presented to the next session of the Imperial Diet. 1924.12.06 — An official investigation gives the yearly consumption of rice in Japan as 56,890,278 koku, which works out at 1.71 koku per capita. 1924.12.07 — On the 6th, a representative of the Dutch Fokker Aeroplane Co. visited a Japanese air officer in Osaka to seek an understanding regarding the intended round-the-world trip by Portuguese Naval officers in the spring of next year. Two hydroplanes will leave the base of the Portuguese Naval Flying Corps in April and take a westward course. It is intended to cover the world in four months as against the half year, which was taken by the American round-the-world flyers this year. 1924.12.09 — The Army Department is said to have decided to abolish four divisions at the end of May next. These divisions will be the 13th (Takata), 15th (Toyohashi), 17th (Okayama) and 18th (Kurume) involving 16 infantry regiments, 4 cavalry regiments, 4 artillery regiments, 4 engineering battalions and 4 transport battalions. 1924.12.10 — The draft Universal Suffrage Law was considered at the Cabinet conference on the 9th. It was mainly approved, although the final decision was not arrived at. 1924.12.11 — The Communications Department obtained the Cabinet's approval of raising the registration fee of letters from 7 sen to 10 sen and to apply the sum of 1,460,000 yen produced thereby to improving the treatment of its employees. 1924.12.12 — The draft Universal Suffrage Law, at to-day's Cabinet conference, after careful consideration of the amended part of the draft, was at last adopted. 1924.12.13 — The Kwanto, a Naval special service boat, stranded off the coast of Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, on the 12th. 1924.12.14 — In the fatal accident to the Kwanto, 98 men are missing, while 116 men were rescued. Captain Torino was taken into a lifeboat and arrived at Maizuru with other survivors on the evening of the 13th. 1924.12.15 — The ceremony of opening the Japan-France Association was held on the 14th, between H. I. H. Prince Kan-in, the Honorary President, of the Japan-France Society, Cabinet Ministers and many other distinguished personages were present. --- The Japan Magazine v15.5 January, 1925 --- (covers December 16, 1924 to January 15, 1925) 1924.12.16 — The engagement of Miss Kikuko Sakai, the younger sister of Count T. Sakai, with Lieutenant-Colonel Marquis Mayeda has been announced. She is a tennis enthusiast and is noted for her beauty. The first sanatorium on a plateau in Japan is projected at Ochiai-muta, Suwa-gori, Shinshu, where Mr. S. Yonezawa and other chief residents are taking interest in it as a semi-public enterprise under the direction of Professor Uyematsu of the Tokyo Medical College. The sanatorium will be put up by June, 1926, with a capital of 1,000,000 yen. It is being planned after the model of similar establishments in Italy and Switzerland. The Japan Aerial Navigation Co. plans starting a regular daily aerial passenger and mail service between Osaka and Fukuoka from April 1, 1925, and has applied for permission to the Government. At first, 4 hydroplanes will be used, and 6 will be added by the end of August. 1924.12.17 — It is understood that the Government has at last decided to promote the Japanese Legation at Peking to an Embassy in April. Mr. Yoshizawa, the present Minister, will probably be the first Ambassador. The highest priced land in Tokyo is in a section lying in the neighbourhood of the first Mutual Building, Kyobashi, Tokyo, where it is estimated at 1,500-1,700 yen per tsubo. The lowest priced land in the capital is at Senda-machi, Honjo, where it is 62 yen per tsubo. 1924.12.19 — Mr. T. Matsudaira, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, has been appointed Japanese Ambassador at Washington, and on the 18th, the installation ceremony took place at the Akasaka Palace. The Choshi Meteorological Station reports the total number of earthquakes this year as 1,067. 1924.12.20 — 500 articles will be sent from Japan to the International Decorative Art Exhibition to be held at Paris in April next. 1924.12.21 — One labour deputy and two advisors will be appointed to represent Japan at the 7th International Conference from among candidates recommended by the six large Chambers of Commerce, by February 15. At an extraordinary Cabinet conference held on the 20th, it was decided to keep up the existence of the Port Arthur Engineering College. Dr. S. Kobayashi of the Korean Government Hospital, a student of flies, has announced his discovery that the fly absolutely cannot grow in excrement and dirt more than 3½ inches from the surface. 1924.12.23 — A big society to promote Japanese and Russian friendship is reported as privately in course of formation to comprise about 8,000 noted politicians, business men and others. A memorandum was exchanged between the projectors and the Soviet Government as to friendly relations between the two countries. As a first step to cultivate friendship between the two countries, the society will hold an exhibition of Japanese pictures at Moscow in September next. The society has as its principal purposes the encouragement of colonization, business enterprises and trade. It has also the plan to erect a Japanese-Russian Hall. Mr. C. Takeuchi, proprietor of leper hospitals, is said to have discovered a medicine, which is a herb essence. He speaks of its great efficacy, as he has injected it into 1,000 patients with successful results. 1924.12.24 — The population of Japan on October 1, 1924 is estimated by the Statistics Bureau of the Cabinet at 59,138,900, including 29,622,200 males and 29,516,700 females. England will hold an international conference in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the opening of railways in the world, in London in June next, and has recently requested Japan to send a number of railwaymen as deputies. The 50th session of the Imperial Diet was convoked to-day. 1924.12.25 — The Government has a plan under consideration to form a food stuff investigation committee as a means to solve the burning question of food by finding a fundamental policy. The committee will be formed of producers, consumers and importers. On October 1st, the population of Osaka Prefecture stood at 2,996,500, according to a census taken by the Statistics Bureau. Of this number, 1,561,600 were males and 1,434,900 females. Osaka city had a population of 1,431,500, of which 773,300 were males and 658,200 females. 1924.12.26 — The opening ceremony of the Imperial Diet was held in the House of Peers at 11 a.m. to-day in the presence of the Prince Regent. 1924.12.28 — At 1:30 p.m. on the 27th, powder exploded, while it was being carried from the Otaru waterfront to Temiya Station, with the result that a few small boats were sunk, nearly all godowns at the station collapsed, 120 persons were killed and 300 persons were wounded. Fires occurred in several places on the waterfront. The well-known library of the late Lafcadio Hearn will be opened to the public next year. Some years ago, it passed into the possession of the Toyama High School, which has decided to erect a building for it early next year. 1925.01.02 — The Tokyo Asahi announces its plan to carry out a grand flight to Europe this spring, with the support of the Aviation Bureau and the Military and Naval Aviation Offices. Tomioka Tessai, a leading artist of the nanga school in Kyoto, died on December 31 at the age of 89. 1925.01.03 — T. I. M. the Emperor and Empress will celebrate their silver wedding this year. 1925.01.05 — The engagement has been announced of H. I. H. Prince Kuni Jr. and Princess Tomoko, the third daughter of H. I. H. Prince Fushimi, Sr. On October 1, 1925, a national census will be taken, for which 250,000 yen has been earmarked in this fiscal year's Budget. 1925.01.07 — The New Year's parade of the fire brigades was held to-day in front of the Imperial Palace. 1925.01.08 — Mr. Tamotsu Murata, who rendered valuable services to the fisheries of Japan, died on the 7th at the age of 84. The New Year's military parade was held to-day in the presence of the Prince Regent, who reviewed the troops. 1925.01.09 — Prince George, the fourth son of the King of England, is coming to Japan in the spring on board the Hawkins, the flagship of the British Oriental fleet. He will meet the Prince Regent, with whom he became acquainted when the latter visited England. 1925.01.10 — Rev. M. Uyemura, of the Fujimi-cho Church, Tokyo, an elder of the Japanese Christian world, died of apoplexy on the 8th. He was 69 years of age. 1925.01.11 — It snowed in Tokyo to-day. The snow fell to the depth of 1.3 sun, the first deep snow of the year. 1925.01.12 — Abbot Otani Koyen of the East Hongwan Temple intends travelling in Europe and America, accompanied by his third daughter Tadako. In an interview with a press representative, he signified his wish to meet men in the political and economic centres in America and to try to moderate the anti-Japanese sentiment there. 1925.01.13 — It is proposed in Tokyo to hold a great exhibition in May next in commemoration of the silver wedding of T. I. M. the Emperor and Empress and of the resuscitation of the capital, under the auspices of the Government and the Municipal authorities. 1925.01.14 — St. Luke's Hospital, Tsukiji, Tokyo, took fire at 2:05 p.m. on the 13th. Fanned by a strong northerly wind, the flames threatened to spread to all the buildings, but they were fortunately put out in thirty minutes, after destroying the main building entirely and other buildings in part, thanks to the efforts of the fire brigades, helped by soldiers, students and others. 1925.01.15 — Mr. K. Yamamoto of Osaka and Mr. K. Akita of Kyoto made an ascent of Mount Fuji on the 4th and came back to Osaka on the 6th. It is stated by Mr. Yamamoto that at the summit, the temperature was 12° below zero. The first communistic industrial village in Japan is making its appearance in Haneda-mura in the suburbs of Tokyo, where 22 medical instrument and other special glassware manufacturers, whose works were destroyed by the conflagration after the earthquake, intend building their factories there, which will be operated for the joint account of the villagers. The Government is interested in the attempt and has decided to loan 500,000 yen for capital out of the commercial and industrial resuscitation fund. --- The Japan Magazine v15.6 February, 1925 --- (covers January 16, 1925 to February 13, 1925) 1925.01.16 — The Tokyo Imperial University lost many buildings and much equipment, never to be replaced, in the earthquake. Above all, the destruction of its library of 700,000 books aroused the world's sympathy, and about 250,000 books have so far been presented to it by foreign Governments, educational institutions and individuals, besides the Japanese. Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., of New York has contributed 4,000,000 yen towards the cost of building the University library and the University has gratefully accepted the offer. The recent census taken in Yokohama gives its population as 389,700, including 207,000 men and 182,700 women. 1925.01.17 - Returns of the Tokyo Municipal Social Bureau show that in August, 1924, the total number of working women in Japan amounted to something like 3,600,000, about 13 per cent of the total population of women in the country, including 1,300,000 farmers, 1,000,000 miners, 400,000 mental workers and 400,000 business women. - The first foreign school has been established in Yokohama since the earthquake at the instance of some foreign Consuls. It is named the Yokohama International School. - Professor Narusawa of the Hamamatsu Normal School is reported to have invented a silencer for airplane motors, and to have got a patent for it, after hard toil and application for ten years. 1925.01.18 — The Military Artillery and Engineering School was destroyed by fire to-day at about 1 a.m. 1925.01.19 — A purely Japanese house of present day style is to be erected in the grounds of the International Decorative Fine Arts Exhibition to be held in Paris from April 15th, in which Japanese exhibits are to be properly arranged. 1925.01.20 — The building of the widest Japanese national road is nearly completed in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is about 60 feet in width. 1925.01.22 — Death is reported of Mr. S. Kubota, the President of the Oriental Colonization Co. Ltd., at 4:15 a.m. to-day. A man of exceptional ability, he was the Mayor of Yokohama before he took the presidency of the above company. He was a man of bright future. The Metropolitan Police Office has given out a table showing the principal causes of fires occurring in Tokyo in the past three years. According to it, the fusing of electric wires stands at the head of the list, being followed by chimney sparks, cigarette stubs, incendiarism and oil in the order named. 1925.01.23 — The Asuka-Maru, the first heavy oil motor boat of the 10,000 ton class, will arrive at Yokohama shortly from Scotland to the order of the N. Y. K. She is of the up-to-date system with 8 motors of 6 cylinders, 4,000 H. P. Her sistership Atago-Maru is being built. The much-talked-of Japanese-Russian Convention was at last signed at Peking at 2 a.m. on the 21st. It is projected officially to build a large old people's home at a cost of about 4,000,000 yen at Tsurumi, near Yokohama. 1925.01.24 — Post office insurance shows a marked increase. At the beginning of this year, it stood at 6,109,487, representing the value of 764,697,074 yen, an increase of 1,274,587 policies and 189,626,635 yen in value over the same date, 1924. The authorities are intent upon increasing the total value to 1,000,000,000 yen by October, 1926, the tenth anniversary of the creation of the system. 1925.01.25 — It has been arranged between the Russo-Japanese Mutual Aid Society and the Russian Government to hold fine arts exhibition in Moscow this year and in Tokyo, in May, next year, about 150 pictures and engravings by first rate Japanese artists being sent to Russia and a number of those by prominent contemporary Russian artists to Tokyo. The projectors hope to cultivate friendship between the two countries, taking advantage of the resumption of their diplomatic relations. Kan-o Fujima, one of the greatest dancers in Japan, died at the age of 86 on the 23rd. Matsumoto Koshiro, one of the most famous actors in Japan, is his adopted son. 1925.01.26 — A fire broke out at Senju, near Tokyo at 1:50 a.m. on the 25th. A gale prevailing, the flames soon spread in all directions. It was brought under control at 4:30 a.m. after destroying 121 houses. The total loss is estimated at about one million yen. 1925.01.27 — The Home Department has decided to build a typical sanitary village after a model in America, the cost being estimated at about 200,000 yen, to be defrayed over five consecutive years. 1925.01.28 - A big band-stand is being erected in Asakusa Park, Tokyo at a cost of 60,000 yen. The first concert will be held in the spring of next year. - The European and Asiatic transcontinental connection via Siberia is being re-opened in March next as a result of the Russo-Japanese Convention. Preparations are being made by the railway authorities here for facilitating foreign visitors by that route, most of whom will land at Shimonoseki via Manchuria. - The bridges destroyed by the earthquake fire have been rebuilt more quickly than other works of reconstruction. It is said that the Nihom-bashi and the Kyo-bashi will be left in their present condition with the parapets damaged to commemorate the catastrophe and as a reminder in the centre of the Metropolis. 1925.01.29 — The text of the new Japanese-Russian treaty was carried to Tokyo by Mr. Iijima, a diplomatic probationer, from Peking, at 12:15 p.m. on the 28th. It is in English and covers about 30 pages. 1925.01.30 — The Foreign Office and the Russo-Japanese Association are studying means for emigration to Siberia, dealing with the question of the overpopulation of Japan, as an outcome of the Russo-Japanese entente. The Russians and Chinese are not suitable for the cultivation of Siberia, for they cannot work in water, while the land easily may be made into good paddy fields, with an abundant supply of water. For this, the Japanese are thought to be best suited. 1925.01.31 — It snowed on the 30th. The snow fell to a depth of about a foot, breaking the record for the past forty years for that date. 1925.02.01 — This morning the temperature was the lowest experienced in the past several years, registering 8.6° below zero in Tokyo. 1925.02.02 — It has been decided to preserve the Mikasa in the harbour of Yokosuka. The Japan Women Pharmacists' Association met on the 1st and discussed the proposal to memorialize the Government for controlling by law the selling of dry milk, on the ground that some dry milk in the market is so bad and has so little nutritive value that it is believed to be partly responsible for the increased death rate of infants. 1925.02.04 — The Koreya-Maru struck her bow against the end of No. 6 quay of the Yokohama Customs at 1:30 p.m. on the 3rd while she was being brought alongside with the result that the bow was bent in over an area of 6 feet by 20 feet. The damage is estimated at about 150,000 yen and it will take about a month to repair it. The passengers and cargo were transferred to other steamers. Mr. Matsudaira, the new Japanese Ambassador at Washington, who was booked by the steamer, has had to put off his departure. 1925.02.05 — Mr. S. Yokota, the Minister of Justice, died at 5:55 p.m. on the 4th. He took cold at the end of January. A man of strong will, the deceased was apprenticed to a dry-goods store in his boyhood in Ashikaga, his native place. Later, he came to Tokyo with the ambitious desire to study, and attended a law school while he acted as a newsboy early in the morning. Soon, he got employment in the office of Mr. Toru Hoshi, an influential member of the Liberal Party, which was the ladder to his success. He gradually rose to prominence as a politician and became a leading member of the Seiyu-kai, until he took the portfolio of Minister of Justice. Mr. Takahashi, the Minister of Agriculture and Commerce, was appointed the interim Minister of Justice, in succession to Mr. Yokota. The number of private aviators in Japan is increasing yearly and amounts at present to 161, of which about 50 are actually engaged in regular aviation, in the inspection of machines and in the training of aviators, the remainder being idle without regular work to do. 1925.02.06 — It is announced that the Japanese-Russian mail service has been re-established. 1925.02.07 — Messrs. Y. Muto, G. Masuda and S. Yoshiuye, M. Ps., have introduced in the Diet a resolution in favour of the prompt lifting of the export ban on gold. 1925.02.08 — The funeral of the late Mr. S. Yokota, the Minister of Justice, was held to-day at the Aoyama Cemetery. It was attended by about 3,000 mourners, including the Cabinet ministers and other dignitaries. 1925.02.10 — The scrapped warship Tosa was sunk off the Mizunokoshima Light House at 7 a.m. on the 9th. 1925.02.11 — It has been decided to erect a public hall in Hibiya Park at a cost of 3,000,000 yen. It will begin to be built this autumn and will be completed in the summer of 1927. It will cover an area of 880 tsubo. Its basement will be used as a cinematograph-hall, a swimming bath and a restaurant under Municipal management, its first floor will be rented to firms as show-rooms and its second floor will be used as a public hall, capable of accommodating 2,500 men. 1925.02.13 — Japan in the winter is being photographed by the Imperial Government Railway for the purpose of sending the films to the principal European and American railways and steamship companies and attracting foreign tourists to this country. The pictures represent winter views of Mount Fuji, other mountains, lakes, skiing, snow-ploughing on railway lines, etc. Mr. Bancroft, the new American Ambassador, worshipped at the Meiji Shrine yesterday, accompanied by an interpreter. Led into the inner shrine, by the Shinto priests, he stood uncovered in front of it, and bowed gravely just as the Japanese do, apparently praying in silence for a while. He told a newspaper man that he was glad to worship at the great shrine as a representative of the United States on the Kigensetsu (the Anniversary of the Accession of the Emperor Jimmu). 1925.02.15 — The agitation for woman suffrage is growing heated. There are three women's societies agitating for it. --- The Japan Magazine v15.7 March, 1925 --- (covers February 16, 1925 to March 15, 1925) 1925.02.16 — The ex-Emperor of China, who lives a lonely life in a humble house beside the Japanese Legation, Peking under the care of the Japanese Minister, expresses the desire to visit Japan and to see the Prince Regent. 1925.02.17 — The Imperial Household Department has decided to purchase 15 Imperial and other state carriages from England, for use in Imperial processions of the first order, as most of the gilded carriages formerly in use were destroyed in the earthquake and automobiles only have been employed in Imperial cortèges since then. The total cost of the carriages is estimated at 300,000 yen. 1925.02.18 — The battleship Kaga will be remodelled into a seaplane tender of up-to-date type by the summer of 1926 at the latest. She will be fitted with equipment designed on the basis of practical knowledge. 1925.02.19 — Mr. W. Seki, the Parliamentary Undersecretary of War, died of illness on the 18th. He rose from a school teacher and studied in universities in America, receiving the degree of M. A. 1925.02.20 — The Privy Council on the 20th passed the universal suffrage law. 1925.02.21 — Viscount Makino was chosen the Keeper of the Privy Seal in succession to Viscount Hirata, and he will be succeeded by Dr. T. Ikki as the Minister of the Imperial Household. 1925.02.23 — The cause of the explosion of No. 3 SS Naval airship on March 15th has been inquired into carefully by a committee for the past year, and Dr. Terada, a member of the committee, has discovered it to have been a transmitted electric wave. 1925.02.24 — The Universal Suffrage Bill was introduced in the Lower House on the 21st. 1925.02.25 — The Statistical Section of the Tokyo Municipality has given out returns of the earthquake in September, 1923. According to them, the total losses are estimated at 5,500,000,000 yen, of which 3,662,160,000 yen, or 66 per cent, belongs to Tokyo and the rest Yokohama and other districts. The total number of the killed or wounded in the catastrophe amounted to 156,693, nearly equal to the total number of the killed and wounded in the Japan-Russian War. Of the above losses of property, merchandise amounted to 2,030,090,000 yen, buildings to 1,874,710,000 yen, household furniture and utensils to 869,460,000 yen and articles in storage to 106,630,000 yen. 1925.02.26 — Dr. Sata of the Tokyo Tubercular Laboratory, Osaka has published a report of the study of the existence of tubercular bacilli in the open air, detailing how their survival varies by month and temperature of direct sunlight. 1925.02.27 — The basic treaty between Japan and Russia was approved by the Privy Council on the 25th, when the Cabinet met and held the last conference on the question. Later, the Premier repaired to the Palace and obtained Imperial sanction to ratify the treaty. 1925.02.28 — A memorial proposing the abolition of the system of licensed prostitution was discussed by a committee of the Lower House on the 27th. Mr. Kataoka, the Parliamentary Undersecretary of Home Affairs, opposed the proposal, stating that the Government has no intention to restrict or abolish the system. The memorial was rejected. 1925.03.01 — Mr. B. Suzuki, the leader of the Japan Labour Federation, has been chosen the first candidate as deputy of labourers at the 7th International Labour Conference to be held at Geneva in May next. 1925.03.02 — Mr. K. Koike, the President of the Tokyo Gas Works and the Koike Bank, Ltd., died of lymphadenitis of an acute nature on March 1st. His heir is at Oxford University. 1925.03.03 - The Universal Suffrage Bill passed the Lower House on the 2nd. - Professor Mukoyama of the Osaka Higher Technical School will go to Europe and America this spring to prosecute his studies regarding his peculiar method of artificial silk manufacturing, in which he has been interested for the past ten years, the only student of the subject in Japan. 1925.03.04 - The House of Representatives has passed a resolution expressing congratulations on the recovery of friendship between Japan and Russia. - Marquis Kuni came back from England on the 3rd by the Kashima-Maru. He went there in May, 1924 and studied principally military science and languages. 1925.03.05 - The Cabinet has decided to introduce a bill concerning the law of the Japan Wireless Telegraph Company. The bill provides for the establishment of the company with a capital of 20,000,000 yen for the purpose of making equipment for wireless telegraphy and accessories for use by the Government. - General Iguchi on the second reserved list died on the 4th at the age of 71, with the relapse of kidney-disease. In the war with Russia, he distinguished himself as a staff officer attached to the general headquarters of the Manchurian army. 1925.03.07 — No through railway service between Japan and European Russia will be resumed as a result of the new Russo-Japanese entente until about September next, for there is much to be arranged between the railways concerned. 1925.03.09 — The Federation of Athletic Sports of All Japan has been organized, its foundation meeting having been held in Tokyo on the 8th and Mr. R. Hiranuma, M. P., being selected the Managing Director. 1925.03.10 - Arrangements have been concluded for starting work on the first underground line between Uyeno and Tokyo of the Tokyo Underground Railway Co., under the control of Okura & Co. early in April. The cost of construction is estimated at 6,000,000 yen for the distance of 1.6 miles between the two places and it will take about two years to complete the work. This is to be the first underground railway service in Japan. - The Aviation Bureau of the Department of Communications has decided to start a regular air mail service between Tokyo and Osaka in this fiscal year, accomplishing the project long pending in the Japanese aerial and communications world. 1925.03.11 - The Live-Stock Exhibition has been opened at Uyeno, Tokyo. It will be held from March 10 to May 18. - Countess Mutsu, accompanied by her son, is sailing for England, her native country. She has been teaching foreign languages to H. I. H. Prince Chichibu and will act as his guide in England, which he is to visit shortly. 1925.03.12 — The silver wedding of T. I. M. the Emperor and Empress has been officially announced to be held on May 10. 1925.03.13 — The Tokyo Municipal Statistical Bureau has published returns concerning suicide. It is shown by them that during 1924, there were 1,220 suicides in Tokyo, consisting of 664 men and 556 women. The latter is 45.57 per cent of the total, much greater than in Europe and America. Suicides were committed mostly in May and least in February. The most popular methods were the taking of rat-poison, followed by hanging, drowning, cutting by edged-tools, jumping in front of trains and taking poison in the order named. The suicides were mostly of 21-30 years of age in both sexes. Those afflicted with incurable diseases form most of the suicides, and mental derangement, family discord and misfortune were other reasons. 1925.03.14 — The Imperial Aviation Association has offered to the Tokyo Asahi 50,000 yen as prizes to the aviators participating in the paper's undertaking of a flight to Europe. 1925.03.15 — The total military expenditure defrayed by Japan during the ten years since the Tsingtau Battle reached something like 900,000,000 yen. --- The Japan Magazine v15.8 April, 1925 --- (covers March 16, 1925 to April 10, 1925) 1925.03.16 — The anniversary of the death of Julius Caesar was celebrated on March 15th in the green-room of the Kabuki Theatre, where "Julius Caesar" was played. It was attended by the Italian Ambassador and the Italian Embassy staff. Matsumoto Koshiro represented Caesar, Ichikawa Sadanji, Antony; and Ichikawa Sumizo, Brutus. The ceremony was held before a bust of Caesar. 1925.03.17 — The Russian Embassy buildings in Tokyo, which have been unoccupied since Mr. Kroupensky, the last Ambassador of the Russian Empire, quitted them about five years ago, were transferred to-day by the Tokyo Prefectural Office to Secretaries of Embassy appointed by the Soviet Government, who preceded the arrival of the new Ambassador. 1925.03.18 — An Atami despatch states that General Miura, a veteran statesman, who was in a critical condition on the 16th, is rallying miraculously. 1925.03.21 — The project is being considered by the Governor and people of Yamanashi Prefecture to develop the northern part of Mt. Fuji's base for a pleasure resort and villas. Governor Homma met 10 prominent business men in Tokyo on the 20th and talked over the scheme, which is taking concrete form. 1925.03.22 — It is understood that this summer the Prince Regent will visit Saghalien, where he will go by warship, sailing from Yokosuka, at the beginning of August. The journey will be about two weeks. 1925.03.23 — It has been decided by the Tokyo Municipal Social Educational Section to establish a night school for labourers, giving them education for citizenship and social training. There will be three courses, preparatory, main and post-graduate. In the main course, lessons will be given in sociological ethics, jurisprudence, politics, economics, psychology, sociology, philosophy, foreign literature, astronomy, physiography, social politics and English. Men and women labourers not younger than 18, who can understand the lessons in the preparatory course, will be admitted. This is the first school of the kind as a Municipal enterprise in this country. 1925.03.24 — It is reported from Dairen that Dr. Omi and two other physicians of the Dairen Hospital, Manchuria have succeeded after two years' experiments in finding that man without gastric juice can keep in health and can work as usual, digesting completely ordinarily cooked grain, beef, fish, etc. and absorbing nutrition. This is a new record in the world's medical science. The same physicians have also succeeded in finding a process of curing cancer of the stomach by a major operation, solving one of the most difficult medical questions. These discoveries will be announced by the physicians at a national meeting of medical men to be held shortly at the Fukuoka Medical College. 1925.03.25 — Another medical discovery is regarding pleurisy. This stands at the head of military disease problems. The key has now been found for the solution of this great question by Surgeon-Captain Kamibayashi, whose researches for the prevention of the disease have met with recognition by the Medical Department of the Tokyo Imperial University, which has decided to confer a degree on him. 1925.03.27 — Viscount Goto and his suite left Tokyo for Harbin on the evening of the 26th amidst the cheers of a crowd assembled at Tokyo Station. The Viscount will stay about five days in Harbin and come back to Tokyo about April 17th. 1925.03.28 — As a result of the readjustment of armaments, it has been finally decided to abolish the 13th (Takata), 15th (Toyohashi), 17th (Okayama) and 18th (Kurume) Divisions. 1925.03.29 — The reconstruction of the Yokohama harbour work, totally wrecked by the great earthquake, has been completed, and was celebrated on a large scale on the 28th, when all the ships in the harbour were fully dressed and fireworks were sent up from the morning. The celebration at the hatoba was attended by thousands of notables, including Princesses of the Blood. The reconstruction cost 10,000,000 yen, defrayed by the Home Department, under the supervision of Dr. Aki. 1925.03.30 — After stormy debates the Manhood Suffrage Bill has at last passed both houses of the Diet. 1925.03.31 - The Department of Agriculture and Commerce has been divided into the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and the Department of Commerce and Industry, with the approval of the Diet. The new organization will come into force on April 1st. - Mr. T. Ichiki has been appointed the Minister of the Imperial Household and Count Makino the Keeper of the Privy Seal. The installation ceremony was held in the Palace on the 30th. - The railway authorities have decided to stop all trains, except the special expresses, at Shimbashi Station from the summer in accordance with the request of a society for the welfare of the Ginza. 1925.04.01 - A young school clerk in Korea, Tatsuji Oshimi, aged 34, made desperate by his dismissal went out in a small boat with his wife and four children to the offing, where they threw themselves into the sea. The boat, which drifted ashore, contained two pairs of clogs and two pairs of small rubber shoes. A letter left behind in the house expressed the wish to go to the resting place of the father. - On the 31st, the closing ceremony of the Diet was held after dealing with many epoch-making bills, covering administrative and financial readjustment, the reformation of military administration, the change in the upper house system and manhood suffrage. 1925.04.02 - H. M. the Emperor will bestow wooden cups on persons of not less than 90 years of age throughout Japan and her territories in commemoration of his silver wedding on May 10th. The recipients of the cups are estimated to total about 26,000. - On April 1st Mr. K. Takahashi was appointed ad interim Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. - A French economic mission sent with the support of the French Government to inspect tradal relations between Japan and France arrived by a French mail steamer at Yokohama on the 1st. The same steamer carried also the first Brazilian minister accredited to Japan. 1925.04.03 - The military authorities are considering a further reformation of the military administration and means for national mobilization. The greatest lesson learned from the World War was the progress of arms and national mobilization, in both of which Japan is behind the Western powers. - Joint Grand Naval and Military manoeuvres will be held in the middle of October in Ise Bay and along the Tokaido. A big combined fleet under Admiral Yamashita, the Chief of the Naval General Staff, and the Third Division under General Inouye, will participate in the manoeuvres. - The Army is effecting the independence of the aviation corps on May 1st next as a solution of a long standing question, by which the aerial fighting force in this country will be improved completely from its present inferior position compared with those of other powers. 1925.04.04 - On the 3rd inst., Mr. Takahashi, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and of Commerce and Industry, visited the Premier Viscount Kato, to whom he stated his desire to resign the leadership of the Seiyu-kai and his portfolios as nearly all important questions, which he had supported in the past, had been satisfactorily solved. - After this interview, Mr. Takahashi met Mr. Inukai, the Minister of Communications, to whom he stated his desire. 1925.04.05 — The Government has decided to thoroughly readjust the national and local taxes as declared in the Diet, and will shortly appoint an investigation committee. There are said to be two opinions held among the financial authorities, one of which is to fundamentally reform the taxation system by localizing the land and business taxes and creating the property tax as a national tax in their place, while the other opinion is for improving the present methods of taxation and for creating a capital tax, the land and business taxes to be reduced. 1925.04.06 — Mr. Takahashi has signified his intention to recommend General Baron Tanaka to be Seiyukai president believing that the Baron is an able statesman of wide knowledge and good administrative capacity. This recommendation has been approved at a recent meeting of the Seiyu Party's management. 1925.04.08 - In connection with the resuscitation of Yokohama, no concrete plans have been decided on as yet for inducing foreigners to come to Yokohama and settle there. First of all, hotels and facilities for the re-establishment of business must be provided for. There are already projects for the object under consideration, including the building of a theater with a capital of about 500,000 yen to be invested in by foreign and Japanese subscribers. - At a regular Cabinet meeting held on the 7th, the resignation of Mr. Takahashi was discussed. The Cabinet members all regretted it, but had to admit it as unavoidable in the existing circumstances. - The Government is taking a national census on October 1st, five years since the previous census in 1920. This census will have a particular significance, as the new voters' register will be prepared on its basis, necessitated by the advent of manhood suffrage. At the same time, unemployment will be investigated among the labouring and intellectual classes. - H. I. H. Prince Chichibu is busy preparing for his foreign tour which will start at the end of May, when he will sail from Yokohama by the Hakozaki-Maru. 1925.04.09 — The Akagi, a naval tender, will be launched at Kure on the 22nd. She will have a displacement of about 25,000 tons and is the most powerful of her type of ship in the world. 1925.04.10 — On the 9th, the ceremony of promoting the peerage rank of Viscount Makino, former Minister of the Imperial Household and now Keeper of the Privy Seal, and Admiral Baron Saito, the Governor of Korea, was held in the presence of the Prince Regent in recognition of their meritorious services to the state. The former became a Count and the latter a Viscount. 1925.04.11 — Baron Tanaka, who was asked to preside over the Seiyu Party in succession to Mr. Takahashi, visited the latter on the 10th and gave his consent to the request. 1925.04.12 — A large pier will be built at Shibaura, Tokyo, in June next. It will accomodate four 3,000 ton steamers. 1925.04.13 — Baron Tanaka has been earnestly desired by the Premier to enter the Ministry, but in consultation with the President and Vice-President of the Seiyu has decided not to do so, as it is considered more advisable to chose another representative of the party to enter the Cabinet. 1925.04.14 — On the 13th, the Board of Councillors of the Seiyu Party met and unanimously approved the change in its presidency. 1925.04.15 — Count Hirata having been long ill at his villa at Dzushi, passed away at 2 A. M. on the 14th at the age of 77. Having filled important official positions consecutively, he held the portfolio of Agriculture and Commerce in 1901 and was created a Baron in 1902. Later, he was Minister of Home Affairs and was created a Viscount in 1911. In September, 1922, he was appointed Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal and was made a Count. On March 30 1925, he resigned the post. --- The Japan Magazine v15.9 May, 1925 --- (covers April 16, 1925 to May 6, 1925) 1925.04.16 — There has been a great change in the personnel of high Naval officers. Admiral K. Suzuki, High Military Councillor, was appointed Chief of the Naval Staff Office, Admiral G. Yamashita, the Chief of the Naval Staff Office, a High Military Councillor, Vice-Admiral K. Yasuho the Commander-in-Chief of the Kure Admiralty and Vice-Admiral S. Momotake the Commander-in-Chief of the Sasebo Admiralty, to succeed Admiral Y. Takeshita and Admiral H. I. H. Prince Hiroyasu respectively, who were appointed High Military Councillors, and Vice-Admiral Osumi was appointed the Vice-Minister of the Navy. 1925.04.17 - Mr. S. Nishimura, an expert swimmer, will sail soon from Kobe for London for the purpose of swimming the Dover Strait. - The installation ceremony took place in the Imperial Palace before the Prince Regent of Mr. U. Noda, and Mr. K. Okazaki, appointed Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry respectively, in the place of Mr. K. Takahashi. 1925.04.19 — Increased sun-spots are feared to be an ill omen of a great crop failure this year. Professor Dr. Nakamura of the Tohoku university states that the crop failed in 1909 and 1917 for the same reason as above, when the North-Eastern District suffered most severely. This year, too, the same district will perhaps have the worst crop. 1925.04.20 - The first air-mail service in Japan was started to-day from Tachikawa near Tokyo to Osaka and from Osaka to Fukuoka. The Asahi No. 31 taking mail, sent to Tachikawa by an automobile from the Tokyo Central Office, started for Osaka shortly after noon in the face of a strong westerly wind and reached Osaka at 3 p.m. The flight was successful and took only 2 hours and 40 minutes between the two places. A similarly successful result was obtained by the aviator from Osaka to Fukuoka. Taking mail from Osaka, he left the place at 11:10 a.m. and arrived at Fukuoka at 2:50 p.m., the time taken being only 3 hours and 40 minutes. - H. I. H. Prince Chichibu leaving Japan shortly for foreign travel, members of the sporting and athletic societies in Tokyo assembled at the Meiji Shrine Stadium to bid farewell to the Prince. There were 5,000 school children and members of young men's associations and boy-scouts. Each body marched past the Prince. 1925.04.22 - The weavers are said to be hard hit by the general tradal dullness and to be producing only common patterns for this summer season, refraining from putting out novel patterns. - The Akagi, a seaplane-tender, was launched at the Kure Admiralty's dock today. 1925.04.24 — Mr. T. Tanaka, formerly the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, has been chosen as the new Japanese Ambassador to Russia. It was previously decided to appoint Mr. Yoshizawa, now Minister in Peking, but the result of Dr. Omi's medical examination of his sprain compelled the Japanese Government to give up the appointment. The Japanese Navy is extending its aviation corps under a plan to have 17 corps by 1929 as against the present 12 corps. 1925.04.25 — Mr. Coupe the new Russian Ambassador, and his suite arrived at Tokyo Station on the 24th. They were very strictly guarded by the police at the station. 1925.04.26 — The Mayor Selection Committee of the Yokohama Municipal Council unanimously decided to recommend Mr. Ariyoshi as a candidate for the Mayorship at a general meeting of the Council to be held early in May. Mr. Ariyoshi was formerly the Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture. He is considered to be a man of ability with a clear head. 1925.04.27 — The biggest submarine boat in Japan had been built at the Kure Naval Arsenal. This boat, No. 52, has a displacement of 1,700 tons. She has been specially designed by the Imperial Navy. 1925.04.28 — Mr. R. Uchida, President of the Kokuryu-kai, has been prosecuted in connection with a plot to assassinate the Premier. 1925.04.29 — The Japan Aerial Transportation Research Institute has decided to start an air-mail service between Osaka and Shikoku on May 20th. The Chinese Legation is to be promoted shortly to an Embassy with Mr. Yoshizawa, the present Minister in Peking, as the first Ambassador. At the same time, the Chinese Legation in Tokyo will be made an Embassy. 1925.04.30 — In connection with the proposed construction of a large theatre in Yokohama for the foreign and Japanese residents, the Yokohama Fukko-kai has decided to adopt the type of the Kabuki Theatre, Tokyo, in accordance with the desire of the resident foreigners, who support the idea of the purely Japanese style much more than the Western style. 1925.05.01 — A great change is reported in the personnel of high military officers. 10 Major-Generals were promoted to Lieutenant-Generals and 20 Colonels to Major-Generals. Lieutenant-Generals Morioka and Muto were appointed High Military Councillors, Lieutenant-General Kanaya the Vice-Chief of the Military Staff Office, Lieutenant-General Tanaka the Commander of the Guard Division, Lieutenant-General Wada the Commander of the First Division, Lieutenant-General Itami the Commander of the 9th Division, and Lieutenant-General Watanabe the Director of the Military College. 1925.05.02 — It is understood that an Imperial grant of 1,000,000 yen will be made to the young men's and women's associations, religious associations and other public bodies throughout the country, out of the cost of the celebration of the Imperial Silver Wedding, which will be carried out in the simplest possible way. 1925.05.03 — In connection with an Imperial gift to be made to persons of advanced age on the occasion of the Imperial Silver Wedding, the total number of those not less than ninety years stood at 17,500 throughout Japan on May 2nd, of whom those of not less than 110 years numbered 11, headed by Mrs. Ishi Shiraishi in Nagasaki Prefecture, who is aged 114. It is noteworthy that 9 of these most aged persons are women. 1925.05.04 — Negotiations have been progressing for the combination of three political parties, the Seiyu-kai, the Kakushin Club and the Chusei Club and they are said to have been concluded nearly successfully. 1925.05.05 — The Manhood Suffrage Law was promulgated in to-day's "Official Gazette." 1925.05.06 — A celebration of the promulgation of the Manhood Suffrage Law was held to-day at the Seiyo-ken Restaurant, Uyeno. About 5,000 persons attended it, including the Cabinet Ministers and parliamentary and non-parliamentary members of the Government parties. 1925.05.08 — It is officially announced that H. H. the Crown Princess seems to be pregnant. The building cost of the proposed Tokyo Municipal underground railway is estimated at 187,020,000 yen, which works out at 4,500,000 yen per mile. The work of construction will be started by the end of this ye.ir. 1925.05.09 — Mr. K. Mushakoji, Embassy Councillor, has been decided to be the Envy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Roumania. --- The Japan Magazine v15.10 June, 1925 --- (covers May 9, 1925 to May 31, 1925) 1925.05.09 - It is understood that the military authorities are setting about the preparations for the national mobilization plan. - Viscount Goto visited the Premier and is said to have laid before him a project to organize a joint-stock company with a capital of 200,000,000 yen for the object of developing the resources of Siberia, getting 7 per cent subsidiary interest from the Japanese Government on the capital in lieu of the expenditure for the despatch of troops to the place. The Premier said he would carefully consider the matter and give a reply. 1925.05.11 - The Imperial Silver Wedding was celebrated throughout the country. In the Imperial Palace, a luncheon was given by the Prince Regent to about 200 civil and military functionaries. The whole city of Tokyo was in gala attire. - H. I. H. Prince Chichibu was promoted to Lieutenant. 1925.05.12 — The Premier invited to-day the private projectors of the proposed Japan Wireless Telegram Co., Ltd. to a luncheon at his official residence. The guests listened to the Premier's speech and to the Communication Minister Mr. Inukai's detailed explanation of the company's organization. 1925.05.13 — In the small hours of to-day, fire broke out in the town of Kumagaya, Saitama-ken. Fanned by a gale, the flames spread rapidly in all directions and burnt down over 700 houses, devastating one-sixth of the town, until they were checked at 5:30 a.m. 1925.05.14 - The regimental colours of the 16 infantry and 4 cavalry regiments, which were abolished on account of armament reduction, will be returned with ceremonies to the Prince Regent on the 25th, when they will be taken by their bearers to the Imperial Palace. - An extraordinary general meeting of the Seiyu-kai was held at which the installation of Baron Tanaka as the President and the celebration of the combination of the three political parties took place. About 2,000 persons were present. 1925.05.16 - H. I. H. Prince Chichibu is leaving Japan for England shortly. Before his departure, it has been earnestly desired by his parents and dignitaries of the Imperial Household to select his fiancée, but no suitable one seems to have been found for the past few months. - About 60,000 freight cars of the nationalized railways and the railways connected with them are to be equipped with an automatic coupler for the three days beginning July 17th. - In a trial run, the Tokyo Asahi aviator, which is to shortly visit Europe, made a non-stop flight over a distance of 1,500 metres between Tachiarai and Morioka on the 12th, piloted by Captain Abe, breaking the record in Japan. 1925.05.17 — After an amount of difficulty, the Tokyo Municipal project for the building of the underground railway lines in the city of Tokyo and environs has at last been approved conditionally by the competent authorities. 1925.05.18 — The Communications authorities are said to have decided on a fundamental policy for the encouragement of private aviation on a very comprehensive plan from next fiscal year. 1925.05.19 — The Seiyu Party is thinking of new platforms to be announced as a means to extend its influence by taking advantage of its fusion with two other parties. Its executives are almost at one as to a revision of the import tariff as most urgent of what to be adopted as a platform, as it is thought to be easy to procure an additional revenue of 100,000,000 yen by it. 1925.05.20 — The educational authorities are said to have decided to revise considerably the present primary school text books in consideration of the progress of the times and to use the revised books from the beginning of next school year. 1925.05.21 — Baron Tanaka, the new President of the Seiyu Party, is said to have a new Chinese policy for the permanent welfare of Japan and the co-existence and co-prosperity of the two countries, which he wishes to accomplish by having China abolish the likin and all other taxes on merchandise, for the object of insuring the liberty and development of trade in the interior, to have a gold exchange system established in China, in addition to the existing silver exchange system, to develop traffic and communications and to readjust the finances of the central Government, to fix its financial sources and to stabilize the political situation in the country. 1925.05.22 — The establishment of the Japanese Embassies in China and Turkey has not been realized in the past under various circumstances. It is said negotiations will be started formally within a few days. The Turkish Embassy will be placed in Constantinople, Mr. Obata being its first head. 1925.05.23 — The military authorities are said to have finished investigations concerning a revision in the Conscription Law and to have decided to present the bill to the next session of the Imperial Diet after considering it at a conference of the Military, Naval, Educational, Home, Foreign and Judicial Departments. 1925.05.24 - A severe earthquake visited Tajima Province shortly after 11 a.m. on the 23rd, destroying completely Toyooka-machi and Kinosaki-machi, the latter of which was known as a famous hot spring place. - The two Tokyo Asahi aviators Hatsukaze and Kochikaze will leave Japan for Europe over Siberia in the middle of July. The Russian Government has approved the passage of the aviators over Siberia. 1925.05.25 — H. I. H. Prince Chichibu left Yokohama for England by the warship Izumo at noon on the 24th. The Prince Regent and other Imperial Princes and Princesses, high dignitaries, the corps diplomatique, members of both Houses and others, together with thousands of school pupils and people sent him off enthusiastically at the Yokohama hatoba. 1925.05.26 — The ceremony of returning the colours of the 16 infantry and 4 cavalry regiments, which were abolished recently on account of the armaments readjustment was held in the Imperial Palace at 10:30 a.m. on the 25th. 1925.05.27 — On the 26th, 180 military officers were put in the first reserve list, including Generals Fukuda, Yamanashi, Ono and Machida and eight Lieutenant-Generals. 1925.05.28 — It has been officially announced that H. I. H. Crown Princess had been examined and found by the court physicians to be pregnant and to be in the fourth month. She is doing well. 1925.05.29 — Mr. Inukai, the Minister of Communications, has decided to resign the post and to retire from the political world, in which he has taken an active part for the past forty years or so. He is also resigning membership of the House of Representatives. Mr. Kojima, the Vice-Minister of Communications, is following the step. On the 27th, Mr. Inukai visited Baron Tanaka, the President of the Seiyu-kai and Mr. Takahashi, its former President, to whom he submitted his decision for approval. In a statement made by him concerning the above course, he gives the reason for his resignation as his ardent wish to devote himself hereafter to the spreading of the purpose of the manhood suffrage, piloting, if he can, the youths, newly enfranchised, as their adviser, for the remnant of his active life, which will be only five or six years. 1925.05.30 — On the 29th, a regular Cabinet conference was held, and it considered and accepted formally the resignation of Mr. Inukai. 1925.05.31 — Mr. K. Adachi the manager of the Kensei-kai was appointed the Minister of Communications in succession to Mr. Inukai and the installation ceremony took place to-day in the Akasaka Palace. 1925.06.01 — The Home Department is considering the second colonization program of the Hokkaido. 1925.06.02 — The Government wishes to appropriate an amount for the formation of a fuel research system in next fiscal year, in realization of its cherished desire in the past several years, as the fuel question has grown more important now. The exact amount of petroleum oil in deposit in Japan has not yet been mentioned. The deposit of coal was estimated to be 8,792,000,000 tons in 1911, but the estimate was unreliable. 1925.06.03 — The South Sea Office of Japan is said to have decided on an adventurous visit to the mandate South Sea Islands from Japan by an oil engined boat of 30 tons, as a trial of its plan to open a new route between the two places. 1925.06.04 — Dr. Gejo, a great bacteriologist in the Tokyo Municipal Hygienic Laboratory, has recently discovered that the typhoid bacillus has eight species, each of which has a different nature. This discovery is considered epoch-making in the treatment of typhoid fever. 1925.06.06 — At the Cabinet conference held on the 5th, it is said to have been decided to make next fiscal year's estimates under a retrenchment policy as for this fiscal year, admitting no new demands but of urgent nature, but including 20,000,000 yen to be additionally paid by the Treasury as primary school teachers' salaries, in preference to all other demands. 1925.06.07 — Yokohama has a plan of a big hotel building under the direction of the Mayor Mr. Ariyoshi. The hotel will be placed on the Bund and will be a four storied ferro-concrete building, covering an area of 2,000 tsubo and having about 100 rooms. It will be built and managed by a joint-stock company with a capital of 1,500,000 yen. The object is to facilitate the sojown of foreign business men and others in Yokohama. 1925.06.09 — The Biwa Lake Association has been formed recently under the presidency of Mr. Suyematsu, the Governor of Shiga Prefecture, for the purpose of planning and managing public enterprises for developing Biwa Lake and other places of scenic beauty in the neighbourhood, which will be finally made into a national park. 1925.06.10 — The recent earthquake in San-in District has brought many examples of how some animals are sensitive to natural disasters as the earthquake in Kwanto District did. In this connection. Mr. Hayashi, the Chief of the Tennoji Zoological Garden, Osaka, has stated that the macaw is exceedingly susceptible to such things, but none excels the crocodile and one in the Osaka garden made an unusually big roar just before the severe shock was felt. 1925.06.11 — The Naval authorities seem to be inclined to shorten the term of service if the Military authorities decide on it. The term to be shortened will be one year. 1925.06.13 — The unemployment is increasing more and more among the school graduates, there being over 30 per cent. of this year's graduates of 51 Government and private academies being still unable to find employment as against the average rate of 23 per cent. in the previous two years. These unemployed graduates are most of the law, economic and literary courses and partly of the 1925.06.14 — The Conscription Law Revision Commission in the Army Department met for the first time on the 8th and will meet on every Monday from the 1925.06.15 — The exploration of the Canadian Rockies is planned by the Nippon Sangaku-kai with the support of the Osaka Mainichi and the Tokyo Nichi Nichi. The explorers, Mr. A. Maki and six others, will leave Japan for America on the 19th. The jubilant tiffin to which the Tokyo citizens were invited at the passage of the Universal Suffrage Bill. --- The Japan Magazine v15.11 July, 1925 --- (covers June 16, 1925 to July 16, 1925) 1925.06.16 — The Department of Communications is said to have informally decided to include in next fiscal year's Budget 23,000,000 yen for creating an international line of flight and for encouraging private aerial transport services. Mr. Hatano, the Director of the Aviation Bureau, denies the above information regarding at least the budget. As to the creation of an international line of flight, he confirms the report, saying that Mr. Adachi, the Minister of Communications, will perhaps not be opposed to it. He is desirous of having at first a line from Tokyo to Shanghai via Osaka, Shimonoseki, Phyongyang and Dairen and is thinking of demanding an appropriation of 15,000,000 yen or 20,000,000 yen consecutively in three or five years. 1925.06.17 — Mrs. K. Yajima, a famous Christian and formerly the President of the Japan Women's Christian Temperance Union, died at the age of 93 on the 16th. She travelled three times in foreign lands, her second foreign tour being made at the age of 88 and the third one at the age of 90, on the latter occasion of which she went as a peace messenger at the end of 1921, when the Washington Conference was held. Being solid and self-possessed, she was full of overflowing affection. She will be remembered forever as a benefactor of the women's reform and social works in Japan. 1925.06.18 — With regard to the expected accouchement of the Crown Princess, it is understood that the ceremony of wearing a band will be held on July 1st, the day of the dog, according to the old custom. 1925.06.19 — The Pan-Pacific Scientific Conference, formed for the object of studying and discussing scientific questions concerning the Pacific and the Pacific Coast and of promoting the happiness and peace of the Pacific races, first met in Honolulu in 1920 and then in Melbourne and Sydney, with a considerable effect produced. It is understood that its third general meeting will be held in Tokyo from October 27th to November 9th, 1926, the countries interested, England, America, Russia, France, Chili, Mexico, Holland and China having already been invited to it formally through the Foreign Department. 1925.06.20 — A meeting of the board of directors of the Keio University held on the 17th is reported to have approved formally and unanimously a proposal to resume baseball matches between the University and Waseda University teams. Consequently, Mr. T. Itakura, Director of the Physical Educational Department of the Keio University, visited the Waseda University and met Mr. Tanaka, its Managing Director, and Mr. Takata, its President, with whom the necessary arrangements were concluded. The two baseball teams will match at the end of September next for the first time in the past twenty years, as eagerly wished for by fans for many years. 1925.06.21 — A scheme to exchange students between the Tokyo Commercial College and the Hanoi College in French-Indo-China it is said will be realized this summer, when about three students of the Japanese college will visit French-Indo-China to study her commercial, economic and tradal affairs and conditions for about two months. The scheme was started at the instance of Governor Merlin of French-Indo-China on his recent visit to Japan. 1925.06.22 — In consideration of the present unemployment question and the yearly growth of the population by hundreds of thousands in Japan, the Government is said to have decided to firmly establish a population policy, under which emigrants will be sent to foreign lands on a large scale and settlement in Japanese districts, led by Hokkaido and Miyazaki and Iwate Prefectures, will be greatly encouraged. Settlement in these Japanese districts will be protected directly by the state, involving a cost of about 700,000,000 yen, and the work will be accomplished consecutively in several years. 1925.06.23 — It is understood that the Department of Education is making energetic efforts to quickly solve the question of night middle schools, which has stood for many years past. Its plan may be outlined that the term will be six years, the graduates from the first rate night schools will be accorded the same treatment as ordinary middle school graduates in regard to the qualifications for entering high technical schools and will be allowed to enter without examination. 1925.06.24 — A number of skeletons were found under the castle-tower of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo, when the coolies engaged in repairing the damage in the earthquake unearthed the foundation. Some of them were standing and each had an ancient coin on the head or the shoulder. There are different opinions stated by scholars as to their origin, and that of hito-bashira (human pillars), men buried alive as sacrifice to the God protecting the building seems to be most favoured. 1925.06.25 — A splendid lecture-hall is nearing completion at the Tokyo Imperial University at a cost of 1,000,000 yen contributed by the Yasuda family. It will seat 1,700 persons. It is a four-storied iron reinforced concrete building covering an area of 519 tsubo. 1925.06.26 — Yokohama is being reconstructed with much tardiness, there being still vestiges of the disaster found everywhere. There are different reasons; one is thought to be the very small number of foreigners coming back and trading or settling in the port, owing to barrack building not having been allowed in the former settlement through the necessity to readjust land. This being feared to ill affect the prosperity of the city, the authorities concerned are said to have decided to grant the building of barracks in the settlement. 1925.06.27 — In connection with the military training of boys, the abolition of the one year's volunteer system has been earnestly discussed by the military authorities, most of whom seem to be in favour of its abolition from the year after next, in order to make military training at schools significant. 1925.06.28 — It is understood that the financial authorities are considering amendments in the direct and indirect national tax law, partly in pursuance of a social policy, the principal points of amendment being the raising of the lowest taxable income, a change in the progressive rates of the income tax, the enhancement of the succession duty, the abolition of the cotton textile consumption duty, the soy tax and the medicine stamp duty, the imposition of a heavy tax on interest on capital and the creation of a toilet goods tax and a beverage tax. It is desired to fix the lowest taxable income at 1,000 yen and to make the progressive rates of the income tax per millage instead of percent at present. 1925.06.29 — The Mikasa, the flag-ship in the Battle of the Sea of Japan, will be kept as a memorial on the Shirahama Coast, Yokosuka. On the 26th, Admiral Takarabe, the Naval Minister, invited the officials of the Mikasa Preservation Society to a dinner, when Baron Sakatani, the President of the society, said that it was quite reasonable to keep the Mikasa, which is a relic of the war waged when the national fortunes were at stake and that it was the national duty to keep her, the Japanese nation being under obligation to join in the work. The warship will be used as a summer college or a place for lecture-meetings with a lecture-hall arranged for seating about 1,000 persons. 1925.06.30 — Human bones were discovered in a shell-mound at Koyasu-machi on the outskirts of Yokohama by professors and students of the Keio University. The skeleton lay on the back and measured about 5 feet 4 inches. It is presumed to belong to a man of about 60 years of age from the worn teeth and the shape of the skull. There were many shell ornaments, stone arrow-heads, etc. beside the skull. Professor Masaki of the University says that shell-mounds and skeletons have hitherto been considered nearly unconnected, but the recent discoveries of human bones in shell-mounds in Miyazaki Prefecture and other places have furnished a new question to the scientific world. If the present discovery was directly connected with the shell-mound, the bones were perhaps of a man existing in the prehistoric age, or about 3,000 years ago. 1925.07.01 — The ceremony of wearing the maternity belt by the Crown Princess was held to-day in the Akasaka Palace. The belt was of pure white silk about 12 feet long, which was doubled over and wrapped double by red torinoko paper. 1925.07.02 — It is understood that the Department of Home Affairs has drafted a plan for improving the most important roads in the country, the total length of which amounts to 1,500 ri at a cost of 150,000,000 yen, or 100,000 yen per ri, to be appropriated in ten consecutive years. 1925.07.03 — A meeting of projectors of a big hotel in Yokohama was held on the 2nd, when Mr. Ariyoshi, the Mayor, spoke in outline of the project. According to the speech, the hotel is to be built by the Municipality for facilitating the residence of foreigners in the city and to be managed by a company. The meeting then selected the foundation committee of the hotel company, including Mr. T. Isaka as the Chairman and many distinguished businessmen in Yokohama as the members. 1925.07.04 — It is said that an international Buddhist conference will be held in Tokyo for the first time in this country. It will sit for three days commencing November 1st, 1925. 1925.07.05 — An electric exhibition will be held in Osaka under the auspices of the Electrical Association, commencing from March 20th and ending May 31st, 1926. The cost is put at 2,000,000 yen and the scale will be the biggest of the fairs concerning electricity, hitherto held in Japan. 1925.07.06 — It is said that the Bureau of Imperial Mews intends buying from England studs at 70,000 yen per head in the next fiscal year. 1925.07.07 — A big Buddhistic exhibition is planned by Mr. T. Yamada, a noted explorer of the South Sea Islands, by collecting about 5,000 Buddhistic national treasures and semi-treasures and other fine art products of note in Japan in commemoration of the third anniversary of the disastrous earthquake on September 1st, 1923. It will be held in Tokyo in August and September. There are many prominent persons supporting the plan. 1925.07.08 — Baron Goto is said to have recently visited the Premier and stated in particular his project to establish a big Japanese-Russian company for the purpose of developing resources in Siberia, Manchuria and Mongolia, asking for consideration of it by the Government. 1925.07.09 — It is understood that the educational authorities have decided to mutograph general scenes in the Japan Alps. 1925.07.10 — On the 9th, the Prince Regent gave audience to the four pilots and engineers of the two airplanes of the Tokyo Asahi, which are to shortly start on a journey to Europe. This is thought to be a great and unprecedented honour bestowed on private aviators. 1925.07.11 — At a regular meeting of the Vice-Ministers held on the 9th, the proposed lowering of the postage of letters and post-cards by the countries joining the Postal Union was discussed. Finally, it was decided to act in concert with these countries under the International Postal Treaty. 1925.07.12 — In connection with the establishment of a Japanese Embassy in Turkey this fiscal year, it is stated that Mr. Obata, the Ambassador, Mr. Ashida, the First Secretary, and other officials of the Embassy will leave Japan for the post towards the beginning of September. Men of good ability have been chosen for the staff, in order to carry out successfully a Japanese scheme to make economic development on the Mediterranean Coast and Asiatic countries, as one step of which a system of travelling commercial attache will be adopted to cultivate commercial relations between Japan and Balkan States and West Asiatic countries, until finally diplomatic as well as commercial relations will be established with Persia. 1925.07.13 — Before the World War, the remittances from the Japanese settlers in foreign lands amounted yearly to 25,000,000–27,000,000 yen, and the amount once increased to about 70,000,000 yen in 1919 or 1920. The world's economic dulness diminished the figure later, and the latest amount is reported to be about 52,000,000 yen, against which there is the yearly amount of 3,000,000 or 4,000,000 yen from the foreigners in Japan to their respective home lands, the balance left amounting to about 50,000,000 yen in favour of Japan. 1925.07.14 — The national road over Hakone, which was greatly damaged by the earthquake, has been completely repaired now and the opening ceremony of the reconstructed road was held at the Fuji-ya Hotel, Miyanoshita on the 11th. The road is from Yumoto-mura to Onsen-mura and is 2 ri in length, it being nearly twice the width of that before the earthquake. 1925.07.16 — The establishment of a museum is being proposed among the people of Kamakura, for the purpose of exhibiting about 1,000 national and other treasures held in many Buddhist temples in the place, some of which were destroyed or burnt in the earthquake and have no suitable places to keep the treasures. --- The Japan Magazine v15.12 August-September, 1925 --- (covers July 16, 1925 to August 15, 1925) 1925.07.16 — The Government has decided to start the work of spreading political education among the nation, which it considers as urgently necessary in connection with the operation of manhood suffrage, and is studying means to carry out the decision. 1925.07.17 — The amount of new appropriations asked for to the Finance Department by the various departments for the fiscal year of 1926–1927 is said to be about 400,000,000 yen, of which 140,000,000 yen is demanded by the Navy, against which there will be no good source of revenue but to the amount of about 60,000,000 yen. With such a poor source of revenue, the financial authorities are said to be determined not to accept the demands but for enterprises which are most imperative. 1925.07.18 — The holding of an exhibition of home products is proposed officially to show how these products are equally good as the imported goods and to imbue the idea how it is important to use home products instead of the imported among the people. The exhibition will be held on a large scale in Tokyo or Osaka. 1925.07.19 — Heavy rains fell in Seoul, Korea since the 17th, and many houses in it and vicinity were inundated. 1925.07.20 - According to a later report, the floods inundated 15,000 houses in Seoul and vicinity, there being 20,000 refugees. - The Imperial Navy has a plan to build four 10,000 ton cruisers, four 1,500 ton destroyers and six 1,500 ton submarine boats as successors to certain superannuated auxiliary ships. 1925.07.21 — A remarkable invention of making charcoal from rubbish was thought out by a workman and has been completed by Dr. Kawai of the Agricultural College of the Tokyo Imperial University, it being thought to revolutionize the charcoal industry in the country. Tokyo has daily 200,000 kwamme of rubbish, 10 per cent of which, or 20,000 kwamme can be made into 2,000 or 3,000 kwamme of charcoal of good quality, according to the method. The rebuilding of the Yokohama pier, which was destroyed in the earthquake, has been under way since February last and will be completed by September 1st, 1925, as it is being hurried up. Sesshu Hayakawa, who is now in Germany, will come back to Japan early next year in order to make himself purely Japanese films and to export them to the world. He will be accompanied by about ten foreign actors and actresses. 1925.07.22 - H. I. M. the Emperor is announced to be much improving in health at the Imperial Tamozawa Villa, Nikko. - At the Budget conference of the Home Department, held on the 21st, it is said to have been decided to approve the building of the Tokyo-Yokohama canal and the Tokyo harbour as originally proposed. - The project to build a big hotel for foreigners in Yokohama is making substantial progress. The standing foundation committee has been selected, consisting of certain five young millionaire Japanese businessmen and two foreign businessmen, Messrs. D. H. Blake and Marshal Martin. The hotel is to be erected by the Municipality at a cost of 1,000,000 yen and to be let to the hotel company, which will have a capital of 1,000,000 yen. 1925.07.23 — The price of rice has been soaring sharply, and has reached the exorbitantly high level of 48 yen for first grade rice, at 45 yen for second grade rice and at 43 yen for third grade rice per koku which correspond to 60 sen, 58 sen and 56 sen per sho respectively. The prices are little lower in prospect and are even expected to run up much in addition, making the prices per sho about 1 yen, breaking the past high record. 1925.07.24 — The Imperial Navy has decided to send the warship Tama to San Francisco to attend the celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the independence of California, which will be held on September 5th to 12th. 1925.07.25 — The Home Department has decided to build charity hospitals in Tokyo and Yokohama with the fund of 8,000,000 yen kindly collected by the American Red Cross Society on the occasion of the earthquake and sent to us. In Tokyo, the hospital will be constructed at Yokoami-cho, Honjo, Tokyo, and Dr. Miura will be appointed its President. 1925.07.26 - Two airplanes of the Asahi left Yoyogi for Europe via Siberia this morning amidst the enthusiastic cheers of banzai of about 200,000 persons assembled at the parade ground to see off the brave pilots and engineers, including princes of blood, ministers and other high dignitaries. - The Japan Tourist Bureau announces that American tourist parties consisting of 3,000 persons will visit Japan from this autumn to the end of the year. 1925.07.27 - Dr. Kusama of the Medical College of the Keio University is reported to have succeeded in discovering the germ of the measles. He has recently spoken of his many years' research and its results at a meeting of the Japan Pathological Institute. - Baron Matsui is spoken of as likely to be appointed the Ambassador to London in succession to Baron Hayashi, who is to leave London for Japan at an early date. Baron Matsui is considered a most suitable diplomatist to serve in England. 1925.07.28 — An agitation has been started by religionists for having Art. 5 Clause 1 No. 3 of the Peace Police Law abolished. Shinto and Buddhist priests and other religionists are prohibited to join political parties under this article, while they are given the same right as the common people to be elected, besides to elect, by the Manhood Suffrage Law. As long as the above provision is in force, they will have to be independent members of the Diet, even though they should be returned, without being able to join powerful parties and practically apply politics. This the agitators cry as a restraint on the religionist members of the Diet and a grave insult to religionists. 1925.07.29 — The 6th grand aerial meeting will be held on October 1st on the shore of Lake Biwa under the auspices of the Imperial Aviation Association. 1925.07.30 — Mr. E. A. Bancroft, the American Ambassador to Japan, died at 9.50 P.M. on the 28th in Karuizawa. He had been seriously ill with an ulcer of the stomach since about the 15th while in the villa of Dr. Nitobe, Karuizawa avoiding the heat of summer. He was 69 years of age. On November 1st, 1924, he left San Francisco for Japan and was in office only for full nine months. He told a newspaper man that friendship between Japan and America must be promoted quietly and practically. 1925.08.01 — The Kato Cabinet tendered its resignation on July 31st, owing to dissension among its members. 1925.08.02 - The resignation of the Kato Cabinet was accepted by the Prince Regent on August 1st. At the same time, Viscount Kato was asked by His Highness to form another Cabinet. - On the evening of the 1st, it was decided to form the second Kato Cabinet with the members, Viscount Kato, Premier; Baron Shidehara, Foreign Minister; Mr. R. Wakatsuki, Home Minister; Mr. Y. Hamaguchi, Finance Minister; General Ugaki, War Minister; Admiral Takarabe, Naval Minister; Mr. Y. Egi, Minister of Justice, Mr. R. Okada, Minister of Education, Mr. S. Hayami, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. N. Kataoka, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. K. Adachi, Minister of Communications; and Mr. M. Sengoku, Minister of Railway. This is a pure Kensei-kai Cabinet. 1925.08.03 - The installation ceremony of the new Cabinet took place on the 2nd. - It has been arranged that the Prince Regent will leave Yokosuka for Karafuto by the warship Nagato on the 5th. The departure of His Highness has been put off by the Cabinet crisis. - The two Asahi airplanes arrived at Harbin on the 2nd, when there were 100,000 Japanese, Chinese and Russian people welcoming them with cheers on the field. 1925.08.04 — The opening ceremony of the Tokyo-Yokohama national road No. 1 was held in Kawasaki on the 3rd. The road was built at a cost of 3,500,000 yen and in a period of eight years. 1925.08.05 - At a regular Cabinet conference held on the 4th, the taxation adjustment bill, which led to the recent political change, was passed unanimously. - A quay at Shibaura, a first step towards the building of the Tokyo harbour, is nearing completion at a cost of 2,000,000 yen. When completed, steamers up to 3,000 tons will be brought alongside the quay, although no foreign vessels can enter the harbour, which is not an open port. 1925.08.06 - It rained heavily in Tokyo and vicinity this morning and later it developed an electric storm. A large number of houses was inundated and the tramcar service was interrupted on a few sections. - The Government has started the discussion of the draft labour law, which has been deferred on account of the political change. 1925.08.07 - It is understood that the Post Insurance Bureau has decided to raise the present maximum amount of policy of 350 yen to 500 yen, considering the present amount to be too small in the existing social and economic conditions. There is opposition raised by life insurance companies to the decision, but the opposition is officially thought to be unreasonable. - The farewell service for the late Ambassador Bancroft was held on the 6th at the St. Andrews Church, Shiba, Tokyo. The Ambassadors and Ministers, state ministers and other high dignitaries and proxies of Princes and Princesses of the Blood attended it. After that, the coffin was carried to Tokyo Station, escorted by cavalry, where it was received by two infantry regiments, and was taken to Yokohama by a special train. At the Yokohama pier, it was removed to the warship Tama, which weighed anchor for America at 1.45 P.M. 1925.08.08 — The new Italian Ambassador to Japan, accompanied by a secretary, arrived at Shimonoseki at 7 A.M. on the 8th and put up at the Sanyo Hotel. Interviewed by press representatives, he told them that the first thing that pleased him on setting foot in Japan was that everything he had met gave him a feeling as if he were in his second home and he was taught on landing at Shimonoseki the reason why Japanese and Italian friendship was naturally growing in intimacy. 1925.08.09 - The long standing question of concentrating the offices of the various Government departments in one place has been nearly decided. It is planned to build these offices around a lot of ground outside the Sakurada Gate, where the Department of Justice stands at present. - The warship bearing the Prince Regent entered the Port of Wakkanai at noon on the 8th. The port was crowded with a large number of visitors welcoming His Highness. 1925.08.10 - Military education at universities, academies and middle schools has been pretty successful, despite a very short period having elapsed since its commencement. Encouraged by this, the Educational Department has decided to appropriate 1,000,000 yen yearly from next fiscal year for the more satisfactory accomplishment of the purpose, distributing it among these schools pro rata. - The two Asahi airplanes arrived at Irkutsk on the 8th after flying over the Lake of Baikal successfully. 1925.08.11 - The Naval authorities are said to have two plans for the building of auxiliary warships to serve as successors to certain old ships, one being to construct four 10,000 ton cruisers and 10 big submarine boats in three consecutive years from the fiscal year beginning 1926–1927 at a cost of 158,000,000 yen and 20 first class destroyers, 2 special service ships and 3 gun-boats in three consecutive years from the fiscal year beginning 1928–1929 at a cost of 162,000,000 yen and another being to build four 10,000 ton cruisers, 20 first class destroyers, 10 big submarine boats, 2 special service ships and 3 gun-boats in five consecutive years beginning 1926–1927 at a cost of 320,000,000 yen. - The Home Department is said to have at last decided to abolish the system of district offices. 1925.08.12 — The Yokohama Municipality has a project under contemplation to extend its water-works system. At the end of 1924, Yokohama had a population of 475,228 and according to the past ratio of increase, the number is calculated to reach 703,000 in 1934, 951,000 in 1939 and 1,391,000 in 1944, and it is necessary to extend the water-works system to meet this increased population. 1925.08.13 — The 6th general meeting of the Far Eastern Tropical Medical Association will be held in Tokyo from October 11th next. There will be twenty-two countries represented at it and 150 foreign scholars coming to attend it. The Reception Committee is drawing up an elaborate programme for the reception of the foreign visitors, who will be shown Japanese plays. Dr. Nagayo, one of the Japanese delegates at the meeting, wishes the Tokyo citizens to give the most cordial reception to the visitors, for the meeting has great international significance in that it will do much towards the promotion of friendship between the foreigners and Japanese who attend, contributing something to international peace. 1925.08.14 — With reference to the unemployment question, the Social Bureau is said to have decided to encourage enterprises among the six principal cities so that those unemployed people, who are in very straitened circumstances, can be given employment and relieved. For this, the above cities will be allowed to float bonds. 1925.08.15 — Prince George, the third son of King George, who is on the flagship Hawkins of the British Oriental Fleet, will visit Japan towards the end of September, accompanying the Commander in Chief of his fleet. The Prince is to be received formally by the Japanese Court and he will stay probably at the Kasumigaseki Palace. --- The Japan Magazine v16.1 October, 1925 --- (covers August 16, 1925 to September 15, 1925) 1925.08.16 — Next fiscal year's new appropriations asked from the Department of Finance by the various other departments amount to 228,028,000 yen, and when the amount is added to the previously estimated general expenditure, the total Budget for the fiscal year will reach about 1,600,000,000 yen. 1925.08.17 — The Prince Regent arrived at Yokohama after visiting Karafuto, and will stay at the Hayama Villa for some days. His Highness will then visit his parents at Nikko in a few days. 1925.08.18 — The Naval authorities have decided on the building of warships to take the place of the present old auxiliary ships at a cost of 320,000,000 yen to be defrayed consecutively in the five years beginning the fiscal year 1926–1927. The ships to be built will be 4 10,000 ton cruisers, 20 first class destroyers, 10 big submarine boats, 3 special service ships and 3 gun-boats, numbering 40 in all. 1925.08.19 - The period of suspension of the import duty on foreign rice was extended from August 31st to October 31st, 1925 by Imperial Ordinance No. 4. - The Yokohama Municipality plans enlarging its water-works system by 50 per cent at a cost of 7,000,000 yen, getting the fresh supply of water perhaps from the Sagami River. 1925.08.20 - An epidemic of cholera broke out in Kobe, the patient being a Chinese sailor on a French mail steamer. - Mr. S. Tsukiyama, a noted sword maker, has had the honour of receiving an official order for a sword to be given by H. I. M. the Emperor to the grandchild to be born to H. I. H. the Crown Princess towards the end of November next, known as the mamori-gatana (the sword for self protection). 1925.08.21 - Dr. Takakusu projects setting up a Women's University in the suburbs of Tokyo, where a lot of land has already been acquired for the university buildings. The Musashino Joshi-Gakuin, Tsukiji, Tokyo will be transferred to the above place and promoted eventually to the rank of a university. - The funeral service of Miss Hisako Kuno, a noted pianist who committed suicide in Vienna, was held today. There were about 200 mourners. 1925.08.22 - The great Buddhist image at Uyeno, Tokyo is to be replaced by one to be cast by Dr. C. Ito, as the old one lost its head on the occasion of the great earthquake. The new image will be about 15 shaku in height. - A prisoner is reported to have invented a cloth made of feathers. The process is to break feathers into fibres, which are used as the woof in weaving. The cloth resembles woolen cloth and is very strong and light, shedding water well. A patent is to be applied for. - Revised Telegraph Regulations were announced in the Official Gazette today, to be put into operation on November 1st. - The Ochiishi Wireless Telegraph Station, Nemuro, Hokkaido was burnt down this morning. It was the oldest station in Japan, and communicated with ships in the Pacific. Its business will be temporarily taken charge of by the Choshi and Odomari (Karafuto) stations. - One of the important reconstruction works in Yokohama is the laying out of Nogeyama Park. It is planned for the park to cover a total area of 23,000 tsubo, consisting of 10,000 tsubo of water reservoir, 10,000 tsubo of the former site of the Mogi Villa and 2,000 tsubo of the former site of the Mayor's official residence. It will be opened early next year. - A similar project is in progress in Tokyo. The Tokyo Municipality was given Uyeno and Inokashira Parks and the Hama Imperial Palace ground by the Imperial court on the occasion of the Imperial wedding in January, 1924. A committee of scholars and officials has been considering means to make the places attractive to the citizens. Uyeno Park will be the first to benefit by the elaborate plans of the committee and work will begin early next fiscal year at a cost of 1,000,000 yen. 1925.08.23 - Representatives of the six largest Municipalities in Japan met and decided as a means to relieve unemployed labourers to quicken the carrying out of already fixed enterprises and to commence certain new works such as the rebuilding of roads, bridges, etc. The Municipalities are officially allowed to raise public loans for the above object. - The educational authorities are said to have decided on a project to establish a women's fine art school next fiscal year. - The two Asahi fliers reached Moscow today. 1925.08.24 - Mr. I. Kuwana, the Chief of the Plant Inspection Section of the Yokohama Customs, is reported to have found seven new species of scale-insects. He is to report it to the world's learned societies. He is widely known as a student of insects noxious to ornamental plants and fruit trees. - It has been decided to erect a seismologic laboratory in the Tokyo Imperial University at a cost of 600,000 yen to be defrayed in three consecutive years. The foundation work has been started and the building of the laboratory is to be completed in 1927. - The Communication authorities are said to have nearly decided to lay out a grand aviation field by reclaiming 120,000 or 130,000 tsubo of the foreshore of Tokyo Bay as the first step in the establishment of an airline, provided the estimated cost of the latter is approved by the Diet. Aviation fields also will be established in Osaka, Shimonoseki, Kyushu, Seoul and Dairen. 1925.08.26 — The time taken by the two Asahi fliers from Tokyo to Moscow is given by the Tokyo Asahi as 66 hours 30 minutes for the Hatsukaze and 67 hours 54 minutes for the Kochikaze. 1925.08.27 — The Government has nearly decided to raise the maximum amount of post insurance policies from 350 yen to 500 yen, subject to the approval of the next session of the Imperial Diet. Official consideration is being given to the possibilities of child insurance, with the hope of submitting a bill regarding it to the Diet. 1925.08.28 - The proposed Italian fine art exhibition in Tokyo it is reported will not be held this year for the reason that the Italian fine art critic, who had been expected to come as the chief of the committee of arrangements, fell ill, and also other circumstances retarded the progress of the preliminaries. The exhibition is expected will be held in October, 1926. - Today the temperature was unusually hot, the thermometer having registered 92.1° F., which broke the record this summer. 1925.08.30 — The educational authorities plan a law concerning kindergartens with a view to improving the present unsystematic state of affairs, and establishing a united system as a part of primary education. 1925.08.31 — The gratifying news is published that H. I. M. the Emperor, who celebrates his 47th birthday to-day, at the Nikko palace, looks much better, being able to walk and talk without difficulty. 1925.09.01 - The French Exhibition will be held at Uyeno from September 3rd. - Two cases of cholera have occurred in Kanagawa and Negishi, Yokohama. One of the patients is a boatman and the other a cargo coolie. A preventive injection is being given to those living at sea, fisher folk, lightermen, etc. - It being the second anniversary of the great earthquake to-day, grand memorial services were held in Tokyo and Yokohama for the dead, which renewed the deep sorrow of those who lost their families in the catastrophe. - The 210th day, one of the critical days for the rice crop, passed peacefully today. 1925.09.02 - The British Prince George will visit Japan on the flagship Hawkins of the British Far Eastern Squadron about September 15th. - Two Russian aviators have reached Japan. One of them was compelled to make a stop in the Shimonoseki strategic zone and to give up further flying, while the other reached Tokorozawa safely today. 1925.09.04 — Grand manoeuvres will be held by the aviation service from September 21st to 29th on the Kwanto plain extending over Tokyo, Saitama and Chiba Prefectures, in commemoration of the independence of the service. This is the first of such manoeuvres in Japan. 1925.09.05 — A conference on railway and steamship connections between Japan and Russia is to be held in Moscow at the beginning of October, when details concerning the matter are to be arranged between the Railway Department of Japan and the Russian authorities. The Japanese commissioners, including officials of the Railway Department, the S. M. R. and the Korean Railway, are to leave Japan for Moscow shortly. It is stated by a commissioner that when the traffic connection is arranged it will open a route from Japan to Europe, which can be covered in one-third of the time and one-half the cost compared with what it is at present. 1925.09.06 — In the cholera epidemic in Yokohama 18 cases have been reported since the first. Suspected cases are reported from Tokyo and Kobe. 1925.09.07 — Cholera has appeared in Tokyo and is spreading in various directions. There have been 44 true and suspected cases in the city. The sanitary police are taking every means to nip the epidemic in the bud. 1925.09.08 — It has been decided to present a set of silver cups with the Imperial crest to each of the four Russian aviators, who have made a successful flight from Russia to Japan, which the Japanese Government considers to have done much for the development of aviation and the cultivation of friendship between Japan and Russia. This is unprecedented special official treatment accorded to foreign aviators. 1925.09.09 - The Yokohama Municipality is taking a positive way of encouraging the residence of foreign traders and other foreigners, who left Yokohama for Kobe and other places at the time of the earthquake, by building them dwelling houses on the Bluff, each of which will cover an area of 35 tsubo and have a lawn of 80 tsubo. The design has been drawn up by a specialist in foreign dwelling houses and is thought to be ideal, each house costing about 5,000 yen. - Fire broke out in the hygiene room of the Medical College of the Kyushu University at 8.20 P.M. today, and after destroying several rooms, 715 tsubo in total area, it was extinguished at 10.20 P.M. This is the second fire recently occurring in the Medical College. 1925.09.11 — A clinical thermometer has been invented by Mr. Hori of the Ito Aeroplane Works. It resembles a watch in shape, which is connected with a copper tank of small finger size by a copper wire. No longer than 40 seconds is necessary for taking the temperature with it. Another thermometer made by Mr. Hori has a device, by which temperature is recorded automatically on the chart. The medical professors who were shown the thermometers and who experimented with them have spoken of them admiringly. The 220th day, the second critical day for the rice crop, passed quietly today. 1925.09.13 — The population of Yokohama is estimated approximately at about 385,000 as against 441,000 existing in 1922 and 313,000 soon after the earthquake. It is learned that the Crown Princess will care herself for her expected infant giving it her own breast. This is a departure from past usage, by which all Imperial infants have been put under the care of nurses soon after birth. 1925.09.14 — Mr. A. Maki and six other explorers have come back to Yokohama after their successful exploration of unexplored Canadian Rockies. 1925.09.15 — Prince George of England arrived at Yokohama this morning on board the Hawkins. He was welcomed by Masters of Ceremonies, Naval officers, the Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture and many other persons. At 2 P.M., he left for Tokyo. --- The Japan Magazine v16.2 November, 1925 --- (covers September 15, 1925 to October 15, 1925) 1925.09.15 — Dr. T. Terao died at 10.30 p.m. in his villa at Gotemba, where he had been recuperating since January, 1923. He was the first scholar of political science in Japan. He was one of the seven professors of the Tokyo Imperial University advocating war with Russia before the Japan-Russia War. In the first revolution of China, he helped largely in the building up of the revolutionary Government and acted as advisor to it for a time, contributing much towards the cultivation of friendship between Japan and China. 1925.09.16 — Prince George of England arrived at Tokyo Station, where he was received by Prince Takamatsu. He drove straight to the British Embassy. After a short recess there, he made visits to the Imperial family. He paid homage at the Meiji Shrine, after which he went to the Imperial Palace, where he was warmly received by H. M. the Empress, and the Prince Regent. He was given a banquet in the Homei Hall. 1925.09.17 - There has been a great change in the personnel of local Governors as a result of the establishment of the Kensei-Kai Cabinet. - The King and Queen of the Belgians after travelling in India will leave Colombo for home in October by an N. Y. K. steamer. Their preference for a Japanese steamer is appreciated here as an honour to the Japanese shipping world. - The Hatsukaze, one of the Asahi airplanes, reached Berlin to-day. The Kochikaze, her companion, had to go back to Koenigsberg on account of motor trouble. - Abbot Koen Otani of the East Hongwan Temple has retired on account of a heavy debt, privately contracted. 1925.09.18 - At 3.25 p.m. the House of Peers took fire. The flames soon spread to the whole building and to the House of Representatives near by. The fire was extinguished at 5 p.m. after destroying the main buildings of both houses. - General Yui, reserve, died of cancer of the stomach at 7.30 p.m. at the age of 66. He was an able officer and was once looked upon as a possibility for the position of Chief of General Staff. 1925.09.19 - At an extraordinary Cabinet meeting it was decided to build semi-permanent wooden buildings for the Diet to be ready for use by January 20. - Mr. C. Ninomiya of Osaka has been officially commended on account of his designing a good model of a flying machine thirty-two years ago, when no flying-machines had yet been invented. 1925.09.20 — At 1.45 a.m. the house of Prince Tokugawa at Sendagaya, Tokyo caught fire. The whole building was soon ablaze, as the fire was discovered too late and there was insufficient water. The flames were subdued at 3.15 a.m. after destroying seven buildings covering an area of 900 tsubo. Prince and Princess Tokugawa were at their Dzushi villa. The total loss is estimated at 1,000,000 yen, of which 350,000 yen is covered by insurance. 1925.09.22 — The Post Office Insurance Bureau of the Communications Department plans operating earthquake insurance, for which it has nearly concluded the necessary investigations. There is some opposition raised by private fire insurance companies, but this will be disregarded, according to the authorities. 1925.09.23 — Desirous to establish a permanent national food policy solving a long standing question of great importance in connection with the problem of population, the Agriculture and Forestry Minister is consulting with the Korean Government-General. The latter has a plan to increase the rice crop in Korea by 8,000,000 koku in a decade, with which she will be able to supply annually 9,000,000 koku to Japan proper, including 4,000,000 koku as supplied at present. This would be sufficient to obviate foreign rice importation and insure the self-supply of food by Japan. 1925.09.24 - In connection with the official project for aerial navigation lines, it is understood that if the estimated expenditure of about 2,500,000 yen for the fiscal year of 1926–1927 is approved by the Diet, a weekly service between Tokyo and Dairen and a tri-weekly service between Osaka and Shanghai will be started. - Viscount Hamao, President of the Privy Council, met with an accident at his residence in Tokyo. While taking a walk he fell into a hole in which fallen leaves and sticks were being burnt. He was badly burnt about the head, breast, feet and hands and became unconscious. It was some time before he was discovered by the family. - The opening of the Tokyo-Uyeno section on the Government electric railway lines is expected on November 1. 1925.09.25 — Viscount Hamao died at 3.40 p.m. in the Tokyo Imperial University hospital. He was 77 years of age. Viscount Hamao was a man of the greatest sincerity, pure and noble, says Premier Viscount Kato, and it is a great national loss that he died without being able to further devote himself to national affairs. 1925.09.26 - The Italian flier de Pinedo reached Kasumigaura at 5.51 p.m. after travelling a distance of 36,000 kilometers. - Baron Matsui was invested as Ambassador to the Court of St. James's at the Akasaka Palace. 1925.09.27 — Mr. Y. Kataoka, who won an international reputation for his recovery of gold worth £100,000 from the Yasaka-maru lying at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea, returned to Tokyo to-day, accompanied by Captain I. Hamada. 1925.09.28 — It is officially announced that from October 1st, foreign postage rates will be lowered to 10 sen for letters not exceeding 20 grams in weight, with 6 sen for each additional 20 grams, to 6 sen for post cards, to 12 sen for return post cards, to 2 sen for printed matter to 50 grams, to 10 sen for business papers not exceeding 150 grams in weight, with 2 sen for each additional 50 grams and to 4 sen for commercial samples not exceeding 100 grams in weight, with 2 sen for each additional 50 grams. 1925.09.29 — The funeral service of the late Viscount Hamao was held in the Tokyo Imperial University Hall. 1925.09.30 - Baron C. Hozumi and Dr. K. Okano have been appointed the President and Vice-President of the Privy Council respectively as recommended by Prince Saionji, their installation ceremony being held on the 30th in the Akasaka Palace before the Prince Regent. - The Asahi fliers entered Paris on the 28th, finishing the second part of the flight from Japan to Europe. 1925.10.01 — A big meeting of noted Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Formosan Buddhists will be held in Tokyo on November 1st. 1925.10.02 — There was a heavy downpour of rain from the 29th to the 1st, the heaviest recorded in 50 years, causing extensive damage to the Kwanto District. In Tokyo alone, 42,332 houses were flooded. Everywhere in the district there were casualties and means of communications were interrupted. 1925.10.03 — A national census was taken at 12 a.m. on the 1st. At the same time, an unemployment census was also taken. 1925.10.04 - The rice crop of this year is officially estimated at 61,494,210 koku, based on the conditions existing on September 20th, an increase of 4,323,797 koku, or 7.6 per cent over the actual harvest in 1924 and of 3,154,738 koku, or 5.4 per cent over the average yield for the past five years. - Dr. G. Yamawaki, Member of the House of Peers, while walking in the street at Tamachi, Akasaka, Tokyo, collided with a quickly moving bicycle. He fell on his back and struck his head on the concrete pavement, sustaining a severe wound. He was taken to the Keio University Hospital, where he is lying in a serious condition. 1925.10.05 — The ceremony of placing a band or sash around the body of the Crown Princess, who is enceinte, was held in the Akasaka Palace. 1925.10.06 — The executives of the Seiyu Party have published the principal planks of its policy. 1925.10.07 — According to the unemployment census taken by the Tokyo Municipality on the 1st, there were 10,544 unemployed persons in Tokyo, 25.8 per cent of the employed. 1925.10.08 - Mr. H. Arimatsu, a member of the Privy Council, suffered a stroke of apoplexy at his home on the morning of the 6th. He was the President of the Bureau of Legislation in 1916, after which he was appointed a member of the Privy Council. - Dr. Yamawaki died at 8.30 p.m. in the Keio Hospital. He was 77 years of age. 1925.10.09 - The Government has decided on its policy in connection with the Chinese Customs Tariff Conference, proposing the adjustment of unsecured loans by additional Customs income to be levied. - As a result of the national census taken on the 1st instant, it has been ascertained that Tokyo has a population of 2,080,000. As compared with the number before the earthquake, the figure shows a decrease of 100,000. 1925.10.10 — The Electrical Exhibition was opened at Uyeno to-day. 1925.10.12 - Returns of the Statistical Bureau of the Cabinet, just published, show that during 1924, there were 2,041,106 births in Japan, 1,041,723 males and 999,383 females, a decrease of 42,985 from 1923, and 1,273,720 deaths, 653,577 males and 620,143 females, a decrease of 77,099 from 1923. Still births numbered 125,839. Births were thus greater by 743,574 than deaths, being 12.57 per 1,000 population, which is .41 larger than in 1923. - The Sixth Congress of the Far Eastern Association of Tropical Medicine was opened in the Tokyo Imperial University Hall at 9 a.m. to-day. Premier Viscount Kato delivered a speech of welcome. 1925.10.13 — At a Cabinet conference held to-day, Japan's general policy respecting the Chinese Customs Tariff Conference was decided. 1925.10.15 — A baseball match will be held on the 17th between the Keio and Waseda teams on the Waseda ground. It has created a sensation among the fans throughout Japan, as it is twenty years since there has been a baseball game between these universities. --- The Japan Magazine v16.3 December, 1925 --- (covers October 16, 1925 to November 15, 1925) 1925.10.16 — Mr. M. Hioki, Japanese Deputy at the Chinese Customs Tariff Conference, left Tokyo for Peking on the morning of the 15th. In the train, he published a statement, declaring that he was not pessimistic as to the success of the conference, which depends upon the Chinese attitude towards the Powers, which were joining the Conference with the same sympathy towards China as signified at the Washington Conference. 1925.10.17 - The Trappist monastery near Hakodate, Hokkaido was nearly destroyed by fire on the morning of the 16th. - Cholera has been stamped out in Tokyo. On the 16th, the Metropolitan Police removed the prohibition on fishing along the coast of Tokyo Bay. 1925.10.18 - Dr. K. Tanaka and Dr. T. Koyama have been chosen as court physicians for the expected Imperial grandchild. - The former is the Chief of the Pediatry Dept. of the Japan Red Cross Hospital and the latter a professor in the Chiba Medical College, both having high ability and character. - The Italian flier de Pinedo left Japan on the morning of the 18th, from Kagoshima for Shanghai. 1925.10.19 — The big pier at Yokohama has been nearly completed, at a cost of 1,660,000 yen. Its completion will be celebrated on the 28th inst. 1925.10.20 — The baseball match between the Keio and Waseda teams, eagerly looked forward to by the fans, was held on the 19th, when the Keio was beaten with a score of 0 to 11. 1925.10.21 — The projectors of the big hotel company in Yokohama have adopted the name Hotel New Grand for the hotel and will set to work organizing the company at once. 1925.10.22 — The father of photography in Japan has been ascertained from old records to have been Toshinojo Uyeno, who took a photograph of Lord Nariaki Shimazu in the 12th year of Tenpo (1841). 1925.10.23 — The Tokyo Municipal Social Bureau announces that of the university, college and middle school graduates, about 18,000 this year, about 60 per cent are unemployed. 1925.10.24 — Baron Matsui, the new Japanese Ambassador to the Court of St. James, left Tokyo for Yokohama to embark on the Empress of Asia bound for Vancouver at 3 p.m. 1925.10.25 — The Financial Bureau has decided to issue bonds of 150,000,000 yen for next fiscal year, of which 100,000,000 yen will be for reconstruction after the earthquake, 40,000,000 yen Railway Bonds and 10,000,000 yen Korean Industrial Bonds. 1925.10.26 — The Government has decided to give military training to boys for four years before joining the army, the total number of hours being 800, a yearly average of 200 hours. 1925.10.27 — The Kure Admiralty has succeeded in sending carrier pigeon messages from a submarine under water by shooting a tube up to the surface with a time-stop device, in which is put a pigeon. The tube came to the surface in 2.8 seconds, when it opened, letting the pigeon free to carry a message to its destination. 1925.10.28 — Fire broke out at the Shibaura Works of the Tokyo Municipal Electric Bureau at about 6 p.m. and reduced to ashes most of the works and 42 electric cars under repair, inflicting damage of about 2,000,000 yen. 1925.10.30 - Mr. H. Doke, member of the House of Peers, died of inflammation of the lungs at 3.45 p.m. He was 65 years of age. He was once Director of the Agricultural Bureau of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce. - The first general meeting of the Japan Scientific Association was held in the Tokyo Imperial University hall. The association was formed to serve nationally as a means of friendship and union of Japanese scholars and internationally as a representative body. 1925.10.31 — The Tokyo Municipality has drawn up a plan for an underground railway to be built in the capital in 13 consecutive years at a cost of 187,000,000 yen. The work of construction will be started next fiscal year. 1925.11.01 — A grand meeting of Buddhists of East Asia was held at 9 a.m. in the hall of the Zojo Temple, Shiba, Tokyo, priests attending from China, Korea and Formosa. 1925.11.02 — H. M. the Emperor will decorate General Drummond, who is taking care of Prince Chichibu in England, with the Second Order of the Rising Sun, and H. M. the Empress will present Lady Drummond with a fine gold lacquered case. They will be carried by Baron Hayashi, who is shortly leaving for England to attend the young Imperial Prince. 1925.11.03 — The Old People's Home at Takinogawa, Tokyo is starting a new system of caring for old people in general. In the home, there are at present about 250 poor and helpless aged persons. Besides, it is planned to receive in the home those who are not so poor, but are in circumstances compelling them to live separate from their family. 1925.11.04 — The Tokyo Prefectural Office has decided to abolish some impositions on the poor from a social point of view. These impositions include taxes on rikishas for public service, on doss-houses and patent medicine peddlers. 1925.11.05 — Dr. Kishi, who has been devoting himself to a scientific study of the soil of Tokyo, is said to have discovered that the earth is of a nature unique in the world. 1925.11.06 — The total amount of post life insurances is estimated to reach over 1,000,000,000 yen by the end of this month. The Post Insurance Bureau has drawn up a plan for increasing the amount to 10,000,000,000 yen and the number of policy-holders to about 30,000,000 in the next ten years. 1925.11.07 — The Tobacco Monopoly Bureau has raised the prices of cigars, cigarettes and other tobacco by 20 per cent. 1925.11.08 — As a result of the national census taken on October 1st, the population of Tokyo has been ascertained to be a little over 1,995,000. 1925.11.09 — The Yokohama Municipality has decided to purchase perpetual leases in the former settlement in Yokohama in order to hasten the reconstruction of the foreign business quarters by giving capital to the leaseholders, for which a loan of 3,000,000 yen will be raised by the Municipality. 1925.11.10 — The jury system is expected to go into force in Japan three years hence and the authorities have decided to spread knowledge about it among the people at a yearly cost of 200,000 yen from the end of this month. 1925.11.11 — The Japanese Government has decided to participate in an international exhibition to be held in Philadelphia, in June next in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of American independence. A Japanese village will be built in the exhibition grounds, in which Japanese tea-houses will be set up, Japanese products will be sold and Japanese entertainments will be given. Marquis Komura of the Foreign Office is said to desire to send leading Japanese actors, actresses and dancers to the exhibition. 1925.11.12 — Dr. Okano has been chosen President of the Imperial Academy. 1925.11.13 — Certain French scholars are visiting Japan one after another next year to give lectures to Japanese students of France, and in exchange Japanese scholars are to visit France. 1925.11.14 — An unemployment census taken on October 1st shows that there were in Tokyo 385,300 persons earning less than 200 yen a month, of which 18,000 were unemployed, which works out at 4.68 persons per 100 employed persons. 1925.11.15 — The second census taken by the Osaka Prefectural Office gives the population of Osaka as 2,115,000, a yearly increase of 68,000 on an average since 1920. --- The Japan Magazine v16.4 January, 1926 --- (covers November 16, 1925 to December 15, 1925) 1925.11.16 — At the inaugural meeting of a union of 20,000 chauffeurs, a photograph was presented by the Chief Secretary Mr. Sumitani, of the late Prince Arisugawa, Prince Li and the late Prince Ito in an automobile, driven by Mr. K. Okura. The photograph was taken in about 1909, when the automobile was run to the Okinoshima Villa of the late Imperial Prince, in Aizu, by Mr. Okura to show that it was suitable for use by the Imperial court. 1925.11.18 — The Government has decided to grant a loan of 120,000,000 yen to the Korean Government in 12 yearly instalments for the realization of the latter's plan to increase the yield of rice in the peninsula. 1925.11.19 — At a Cabinet conference, the next fiscal year's general Budget was decided as 1,598,235,000 yen, including ordinary expenditure of 1,078,859,000 yen and extraordinary expenditure of 519,376,000 yen. The revenue is 1,529,026,000 yen, leaving a shortage of 69,209,000 yen, which is to be met by the surplus brought over from the present fiscal year. 1925.11.20 — At the second national meeting of teachers of English held for three days from the 19th, under the auspices of the Society for the Study of English Teaching in the Department of Education, Professor Minamiishi of the Doshisha College proposed oral examination in English at examinations for entrance to the High and Technical Schools, in order to reform the present system of English teaching in the middle schools, which is too much inclined towards writing and reading and not towards speaking. 1925.11.21 — The Municipalization of perpetual leases in the former settlement of Yokohama is progressing satisfactorily. The total area purchased, to be purchased soon and applications for selling amounts to 90,600 tsubo, the purchasing price being 35 yen on the Bluff and 130 yen in Yamashita-cho, maximum. 1925.11.22 — The Yokohama Municipal Council passed the estimated cost of 1,000,000 yen for the New Grand Hotel building, which will begin to be erected in January, 1926 and will be completed in 1927. Mr. C. Shimooka, the Chief of the Civil Administration of Korea, died this morning in his Tokyo residence at the age of 56. Graduated from the Tokyo Imperial University, he entered the official world and served successively as the Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Commerce and Home Affairs and the Chief Secretary of the Privy Council, until he was appointed Chief of the Korean Civil Administration upon the formation of the first Kato Cabinet. 1925.11.24 — A project is being promoted for the annual celebration of the foundation of the state with the object of arousing the national attention to the ideal of the state's foundation and the national spirit and love of peace. Mr. H. Nagata, ex-Mayor of Tokyo, is Chairman of the Arrangements Committee. The first celebration will be held on February 11, 1926. 1925.11.25 — As a result of the unemployment census taken recently, Yokohama and neighbourhood were found to have 9,043 unemployed persons out of 494,195 on the census register. 1925.11.26 — November 29th is the fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of the Doshisha University, Kyoto, and its students decided to create a pension fund of 50,000 yen for their teachers by paying 50 sen every school term for 15 years. This is an unprecedented project in schools in Japan. The university has hitherto been financially unable to allow pensions to its professors. 1925.11.27 — It has been officially decided to give certain railway men police power, perhaps from March 1, 1926, the men to be so authorized being station masters, assistant station-masters and conductors in charge of passenger trains. 1925.11.28 — Plans are being made for erecting a monument for Mr. Richardson, an Englishman, who was killed at Namamugi in August, 1862 by a retainer of the Satsuma clan, which event is known as the Namamugi affair, by the local district chief and other persons, including the mayor of Tsurumi. 1925.11.29 — The Toho Electric Power Co. plans to run a regular passenger motor car service between Tokyo and Yokohama along the newly built national road, using the storage battery system, storing electricity unused in the night. 1925.11.30 — An investigation made by the Tokyo Municipal Social Bureau at 184 works in Tokyo shows that out of the 93,574 workmen investigated, over 40 per cent finished the ordinary elementary course, dyers being mostly uneducated and mechanics being mostly educated. Of the works investigated, 19 had schools of their own, 14 held lecture meetings, 5 gave education to their men outside and 8 otherwise educated them, an exceptional fact being that one machine factory had a middle school for its men. 1925.12.01 — The new American Ambassador, Mr. MacVeagh arrived by the President Taft. 1925.12.02 — The peasant labour political party inaugurated on the 1st was prohibited by the Minister of Home Affairs on the night of the same day, under Art. 8 Clause 2 of the Police Regulations for the Maintenance of the Public Peace. 1925.12.03 — Mr. B. Yasuda, formerly Vice-Minister of Home Affairs, accepted the position of Chief of the Korean Civil Administration. 1925.12.04 — The second national census taken in 1925 shows there are in Japan 22 cities, each of which has a population of not less than 100,000, led by Osaka with a population of 2,114,809 followed by Tokyo with 1,995,303. Nagoya comes third with 768,560, Kyoto fourth with 679,976, Kobe fifth with 644,212 and Yokohama sixth with 405,888. These are the six largest cities in Japan. On October 1, 1925, Japan had a population of 59,736,704. Compared with the first census taken five years ago, the population shows an increase of 3,773,651 or 6.7 per cent. 1925.12.06 — The Crown Princess gave birth to a princess at 8.30 p.m. 1925.12.07 — At 3.30 a.m. a fire occurred in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, destroying 200 houses in the busiest quarter of the city. 1925.12.08 — Mr. H. Kubota of the Chiba Medical College hospital is reported to have found a radical cure for cancer and to be presenting a thesis for a doctor's degree. 1925.12.09 — The railway authorities have decided to run electric trains on the Tokyo-Odawara section of the Tokaido line only after sufficient trial. It may not be until March that the section is entirely electrified. 1925.12.10 — The Korean census shows the population to be 19,519,903, an increase of 1,451,787 over the figure at the end of 1914. 1925.12.11 — Prince and Princess Asaka returned to Japan from Europe and America, where the Prince had travelled for three years. 1925.12.12 — The Yokohama Municipality plans establishing an industrial laboratory in the Yokohama Commercial and Industrial School, for silk research and for making industrial tests for the public. The naming ceremony for the Imperial Princess, born on December 6, was held in the Akasaka Palace. She was named Princess Terunomiya. 1925.12.14 — The new building of the Imperial Diet has been completed in 90 days after the old buildings were destroyed by fire on September 18. This is a record in the architectural world of Japan. 1925.12.15 — About 25,000 odes have been presented to the Imperial Court from Japan and foreign lands from which will be chosen those to be recited at the Imperial poetry party at the New Year. The subject given was "clear river-water." --- The Japan Magazine v16.5 February, 1926 --- (covers December 15, 1925 to January 14, 1926) 1925.12.15 — The Manchurian situation having grown serious, the Cabinet decided to reinforce the Japanese army stationed in South Manchuria to preserve the peace and to protect Japanese rights there. 1925.12.17 — A mixed brigade has been organized from the 12th division at Kurume, Kyushu for despatch to South Manchuria. Dr. John R. Mott, President of the International Y. M. C. A., accompanied by Mrs. Mott and Mr. Frederick Mott, his son, arrived at Yokohama. Dr. Mott, who collected large contributions in America for the Japanese sufferers from the earthquake, told a press representative in his opinion America must have friendly sentiments towards Japan and that his many Japanese friends know that he has not the least sympathy with America in her attitude to Japanese immigrants. 1925.12.19 — Mr. U. Isakura, a lacquer ware merchant, in the city of Kure, is said to have succeeded in inventing a process for rescuing submarine boats from disaster. H. I. M. the Emperor had cerebral anaemia of a slight nature this evening, but soon recovered. 1925.12.21 — The Finance Minister, Mr. Hamaguchi made an informal announcement of the Budget for the next fiscal year. The expenditure for the fiscal year will amount to 1,598,291,785 yen, comprising 1,075,470,376 yen ordinary expenses and 522,821,409 yen extraordinary expenses. 1925.12.22 — Baron Okano, Vice-President of the Privy Council, died at his Oiso villa. 1925.12.23 — 51 educational bodies in Tokyo Prefecture passed a resolution calling for the abolition of the entrance examination to middle schools. This resolution and a memorial concerning the question have been presented by their representatives to the prefectural and municipal educational authorities. 1925.12.24 — H. I. H. the Crown Princess and her recently born daughter are reported to be in very good health. 1925.12.26 — The opening ceremony of the Imperial Diet for the 51st session was held in the House of Peers. H. I. H. the Prince Regent honoured it with his presence and read the Imperial rescript opening the parliament. Viscount Okabe, a court councillor, died of hemorrhage of the brain at the age of 72. When young, he studied at Cambridge University. He was Minister of Justice, when Prince Katsura formed his second cabinet, in 1908. 1925.12.28 — The Tokyo Imperial University hospital will start night consultations from about January 20, as the consultation office which has been under construction for some time has been completed, in order to meet increased requirements by consultation at night. 1925.12.29 — A labour club has been formed by university and college students in Tokyo, with the object of reforming habits of luxury and indolence among the student class. The members of the club will do farming, while attending school. A farm has been acquired in the suburbs of Tokyo. 1926.01.01 — The Prince Regent is said to have nearly decided to visit the South Sea islands in the spring or autumn of this year. The Prince has a great liking for the study of biology. Mr. R. Matsushita, Managing Director of the Maruzen Co., the largest foreign book store in Japan, was killed by a taxi-cab while waiting for a tram car. Mr. K. Murai, President of the Murai Bank and Director of the Murai Trading Co. and other companies, died of heart failure at the age of 63. He was once known as the Tobacco King before the nationalization of the tobacco business, and was a multi-millionaire. 1926.01.04 — Arrangements have been made to put in force the Railway Police Law, which was promulgated by an Imperial ordinance on December 29, 1923, during this spring, investing railway station masters and conductors with police power in stations and trains. At 8 p.m. the Nikko Hotel took fire, and the whole building was destroyed. 33 American tourists had put up at the hotel just before the outbreak of the fire, and they lost the bulk of their effects and souvenirs. 1926.01.08 — The New Year military review was held as usual at the Yoyogi parade ground before the Prince Regent. 1926.01.09 — The exhibition building of treasures at Kamakura is nearly completed, and Mr. R. Sei, the town chief of Kamakura, will be appointed its President it is reported. Treasures held in the various Buddhist temples and shrines in the town are to be shown. 1926.01.10 — The cities of Tokyo and London have arranged for exchanging and planting trees respectively through the medium of Mr. K. Inouye, the Chief of the Public Garden Section of the Tokyo Municipality, sent in 1925 to inspect the world's public gardens. The Tokyo Municipal authorities selected and sent to the Mayor of London on the 8th seedlings of the best species of the Yoshino cherry, plum and other trees and different seeds, in exchange for which seedlings and seeds have been forwarded from London to Japan. Mr. Inouye has been asked to get for the city of Paris seedlings of cherry trees, and a similar request has been received from Ohio, U.S.A. In this way, Japanese cherry trees are being transplanted in various parts of the world. 1926.01.11 — A hospital plane of the Japan Red Cross Hospital has been completed and has undergone successful trial runs. The plane has three suspended beds and light chairs for carrying patients with the greatest ease. Mrs. Kakei Atomi died at the age of 87. She was President Emeritus of the Atomi Girls' School, the oldest girls' high school in Japan, which has contributed much towards the development of feminine education in this country by producing thousands of graduates, including several princesses of the blood, including Princess Kan-in. Mrs. Atomi was a good artist and often painted in the Imperial presence and also in the presence of high foreign personages visiting Japan. 1926.01.13 — Princess Shigeko, the Imperial grandchild, who was born on December 6th, is enjoying good health. 1926.01.14 — Captain Abe and three other aviators of the Asahi planes who came back after a successful flight to Europe and arrived at Tokyo on the 10th amidst the enthusiastic welcome of the citizens and many aeroplanes were received in audience by the Prince Regent today. --- The Japan Magazine v16.10-11 July-August, 1926 --- (covers July 18, 1926 to July 1926) 1926.07.18 — Extraordinary mob riots broke out in Nagano city. About 2,000 people from Iwamurata, Nakano, Yashiro and other towns and villages invaded the prefectural capital, assaulted the residence of the governor, threw Governor Umeya from the second story balcony and kicked and beat him with geta, and similarly attacked the prefectural chief of police Mr. Takeshita and prominent members of the assembly. The cause was that the governor, with the consent of the assembly called in extraordinary session in June, had abolished three police stations and fourteen police sub-stations in as many towns and villages, which the affected communities strongly resented. The police of Nagano city were powerless to stop the riot. 1926.07.20 — A fresh outbreak occurred in the town of Nakano, where a mob of several hundred, shortly after midnight, attacked the police station and smashed up parts of the building and furniture, by way of protest against the arrests of those suspected of having taken part in the Nagano rioting. The central government ordered a strict investigation and drastic punishment of the leaders. Governor Umeya and his subordinates tendered their resignations. A number of local police chiefs in the prefecture also resigned in protest against the governor's policy of police curtailment. Karuizawa, the internationally known summer resort in Nagano prefecture, was one of the places that had its police station reduced to the status of an inferior sub-station, just as the resort was entering the height of the season. - **1926.06** - Little rain fell during June when it was most needed for the rice crop, causing great distress among farmers in many parts of the country. Disputes over water led to disturbances in several prefectures. An old dispute about the control of a river dam in Yamagata prefecture led to a fight with stones, sticks and other weapons between several hundred farmers from opposing villages. Similar outbreaks occurred between villagers in Niigata prefecture and in Gumma prefecture. A mob of 2,500 farmers entered Kumamoto city and marched to the governor's official residence, demanding an investigation of the alleged unfair distribution of irrigation water. A riot over the removal of a school building broke out in Ehime prefecture in Shikoku, with a battle among the people of five villages. - **1926.07** - Landowner's associations in the country districts have been increasing rapidly, from 225 at the end of 1918 to 534 at present. They have been organized partly to improve methods of agriculture, but more especially to counter the great spread of tenant's unions. There are two federations of these associations, with a plan to combine them into a national federation. Disputes between owners and their tenants have grown greatly in number and severity in recent years, over questions of rentals, land-holding, and related matters, constituting one of the most serious problems Japan faces today. - **1926.07** - The bribery scandals over the proposed removal of the Matsushima licensed quarters in Osaka continue under investigation. Mr. Tokonami, president of the Seiyu-honto political party, was summoned to Osaka and underwent an examination of many hours in the Osaka courthouse. A few days later, Mrs. Tokonami was summoned for a similar purpose. - **1926.07** - Miss Kinue Hitomi of Osaka, a member of the staff of the Osaka Mainichi, departed to take part in the Swedish sports carnival. Miss Hitomi holds the record of 11.626 meters in the hop, step and jump and has made notable achievements in other track sports. She travelled via Siberia. - **1926.07** - The government has decided to withdraw old coins from circulation within a period of four years from August this year. There are at present 24 kinds of coins in circulation, and the total number of old coins in the hands of the people is estimated at 911,000,000. Uniform coinage of 50 sen silver, 10 and 5 sen nickel, and 1 and half-sen copper will be made standard. - **1926.07** - Plans are under way for a great exhibition to be held in Osaka in 1929, in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the signing of peace after the world war. The exhibition is to be under the auspices jointly of the city and prefecture of Osaka, with expenditure calculated at 26,000,000 yen and covering an area of 400,000 tsubo. --- The Japan Magazine v17.6 March, 1927 --- (covers January 16, 1927 to February 14, 1927) 1927.01.16 — With a view to making Japanese children's real feelings of international friendship widely known to the children of the world as a step in training them in the conception of internationalism, the Juvenile Department of the Japan League of Nations Association has decided on distributing throughout the world thousands of copies of a declaration written by themselves. The latter is to be selected from among those written competitively by school-children, by a boy and a girl from the three thousand primary schools of the country. The girl's letter will be despatched on March 3, the Dolls' Feast Day, and the boy's on May 5, the Boys' Festival Day. 1927.01.17 - H. I. H. Prince Chichibu, younger brother of the Emperor, arrived at Yokohama today on the Siberia-Maru. He left Japan for study abroad on May 24, 1925. On receipt of the report of his father's precarious condition, he hurried home. - By the same steamer arrived three thousand dolls sent to Japanese school-children by the Children's Friendship Association organized by Dr. Gulick and others in America. More dolls will continue to arrive until May 3, the Fete of Peachblossoms or the Dolls' Feast. The Education Department has decided to hold a welcome meeting for the dolls. 1927.01.18 — The 52nd Session of the Diet re-opened today. Premier Wakatsuki and the Foreign Minister, Baron Shidehara, each delivered a speech concerning the Government policy. Mr. Kataoka, Finance Minister, made an address on the financial policy in the House of Representatives. The Government and Opposition Parties' relations became quite strained. 1927.01.19 — According to investigation by the Industrial Bank of Japan, the issue of public loans and debentures last year amounted to 1,231,577,000 yen, and those refunded reached 641,329,000 yen. 1927.01.20 - The Official Gazette announced the posthumous name of the deceased Emperor to be "Taisho Tenno." In the Imperial Court the ceremony of the formal report of the posthumous name was solemnly performed. The name of the Mausoleum, "Tama-no-Misasagi," was also made known today unofficially by the Household Department. - As a result of the decision to introduce in the Diet a non-confidence bill against the Cabinet by the two Opposition parties, the Seiyukai and Seiyu Honto, the Government caused the Diet to be prorogued for three days. - Prof. Keiichi Shimada of the Kiryu Higher Technological College has invented a method of making kerosene oil from rubber refuse. After having obtained a patent in Japan, he applied for it in England, France and United States. 1927.01.21 - At the Waichiaoapu, Peking, the Sino-Japanese Commercial Treaty Revision Conference was opened. Dr. Wellington Koo, representing China, delivered an opening address which was followed by a reply by Mr. Yoshizawa, the Japanese Minister. - The Finance Department announces that the exports during the earlier part of January amounted to 54,143,000 yen and the imports to 75,065,000 yen, showing an excess of imports of 20,922,000 yen. 1927.01.23 — While the 52nd session of the Diet was prorogued Premier Wakatsuki invited the leaders of the Seiyu-kai and Seiyu Honto, the Opposition parties, to a conference. As a result, the motion of non-confidence in the Cabinet was withdrawn by the Opposition. 1927.01.24 — Early this morning the Tokyo people experienced the coldest winter day on record for many years. The thermometer dropped to 7.8 degrees below zero at 6 a.m., the lowest in the neighbourhood of Tokyo since the Central Meteorological Observatory's establishment. Soon it fell again to 8.6 degrees below zero, 0.4 degree lower than on January 9, 1918, the coldest day until today. 1927.01.25 — Mr. H. Fukuwara and his party of the Kanegafuchi Spinning Mills, Ltd., who had been despatched to Brazil for colonial investigation, returned to Yokohama. Their trip was a result of the Para State authorities of Brazil having offered to the spinning mill a new colony having an area of about 500,000 square cho in that country. 1927.01.26 — The Dai-Nippon Aquatic Sports League which had long contemplated holding a grand Pan-Pacific meeting of aquatic sports, inviting champions from America, Hawaii, Australia, the Philippines, etc., has decided to hold its first meeting at the end of August this year. 1927.01.29 — After seven years' absence from Japan H. I. H. Prince Higashi-Kuni returned home, arriving at Yokohama on board the President McKinley from France via America. Besides studying military science in France he devoted himself to other researches. The Prince was received by H. I. H. Prince Chichibu and other Princes of the Blood. 1927.01.31 — Japan welcomed Dr. Theodor Kalmann, Head Professor of the Aeronautic Department, Aachen University, who arrived at Yokohama. He is an atmospherologist, being an authority on the resistance of air-currents to airplanes. Dr. Kalmann has come to Japan for the purpose of helping install an aeroplane research institute and will stay for about half a year. Mr. Heijiro Sasaki, M.P., a prominent fishery magnate in Hokkaido, was appointed head adviser to the Japanese Delegation to the Russo-Japanese fishery negotiations and returned to Hokkaido to prepare for his departure for Moscow. The Japanese delegates to the 10th International Labour Conference at Geneva were nominated: Mr. R. Nagaoka, Director of the Social Bureau (Government); Mr. K. Inabata, President of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce (Capitalists); Mr. B. Suzuki, Leader of the Japan Labour Federation (Labourers). 1927.02.01 — The Finance Department published the Budget for the 2nd year of Showa (1927): total net revenue 3,684,428,000 yen; total net expenditure 3,601,369,000 yen, showing an increase of 315,036,000 yen in revenue and of 255,073,000 yen in expenditure compared with the preceding year. 1927.02.02 — The Government, considering it necessary to augment the import of foreign rice to about 4,070,000 koku, has decided to exempt the import duty from March 1 to October 31 this year, under Art. 2 of the Rice and Cereals Law. 1927.02.03 — The settled accounts apart from foreign trade for last year were: 811,000,000 yen receipts and 600,000,000 yen payments; the excess of receipts thus amounted to 211,000,000 yen. The total amount of Japan's export trade for January was 141,154,000 yen; imports 192,098,000 yen, showing an excess of imports of 50,944,000 yen. 1927.02.05 — In consideration of the condition in China, the Navy Department ordered the cruiser Tenryu and the destroyers Tokitsukaze, Amatsukaze, Hamakaze and Isokaze, all belonging to the 18th flotilla, with 300 marines on board, to the Sasebo Naval Station to await further orders. 1927.02.07 — The Funeral of the late Emperor Taisho was solemnly held. An Act of Amnesty was promulgated, also an Imperial Rescript announcing a donation of 1,500,000 yen, to be distributed among all the prefectures in Japan Proper, Chosen, Formosa, Karafuto, Kuantung Leased Territory and the South Sea Mandate Islands. 1927.02.08 - The Mausoleum Ceremonies for the late Emperor Taisho were performed with solemn rites. In accordance with the Imperial Mourning Act, Imperial Court affairs were suspended for two days. - The latest investigation shows that the total number of labour controversies reached 1,155 last year, an increase of 343 over the preceding year, the greater part due to the general depression of business. 1927.02.09 — Nagano, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa and Fukui Prefectures in North Japan experienced the heaviest snowfall in several decades. In some districts snow fell over 25 feet deep, causing many deaths and other casualties, and great damage to property. Train service was suspended for several days on the Shinyetsu, Fuchoku and Hokuriku railway lines, where the snow was over 10 feet deep, burying trains in some instances. 1927.02.10 — The House of Representatives passed the Budget for 1927 and extraordinary accounts for the same year as introduced by the Government after a short debate, without amendment. 1927.02.11 — Mr. McVeagh, the United States Ambassador in Tokyo, announced the proposal of President Coolidge suggesting the convocation of a second Naval Disarmament Conference by Japan, Great Britain, the United States, France and Italy at Geneva. 1927.02.12 — President Coolidge's proposal was considered today at an extraordinary cabinet meeting. 1927.02.14 — The snow storm in North Japan, especially in Nagano and Niigata Prefectures, continues to rage, claiming scores of victims. In certain places the inhabitants are threatened with starvation on account of a shortage of food the result of the entire suspension of railway traffic. A great snowslide at one point destroyed twenty-one houses. A large number of people were buried alive, and when twenty-four of them were uncovered ten were found already dead. --- The Japan Magazine v17.7 April, 1927 --- (covers February 16, 1927 to March 15, 1927) 1927.02.16 — M. Paul Claudel, French Ambassador at Tokyo, having been appointed to the United States, is leaving Japan Feb. 17. To-day he said farewell over the radio to his Japanese friends. 1927.02.17 — The Metropolitan Police report that in 1926, there were 80,998 deaths in Tokyo and its suburban districts, showing a decrease from 87,576 recorded for 1925. The list of diseases which proved fatal is headed by phthisis with 7,423 cases, besides which there were 3,030 other tuberculous cases. Next comes apoplexy with 6,216 cases. Pneumonia is very close to apoplexy with 6,201 cases. 1927.02.18 — At 3 p.m. the Japan-Russian treaty regarding petroleum mining concessions in North Saghalien was formally signed at Moscow. 1927.02.20 — The reply of the Japanese Government to the United States Government concerning the latter's proposal to convene the second international disarmament conference was made public at 5 p.m. in Tokyo by the Foreign Office. The note set forth Japan's willingness to partake in the proposed conference. 1927.02.21 — A telegram received by the Foreign Office from Japanese Ambassador Matsudaira at Washington reports that the American Government was highly satisfied with the Japanese reply regarding the proposed second international disarmament conference. 1927.02.22 — H. M. the Emperor entertained at dinner at the Akasaka Palace the Papal Legate who had attended the Imperial funeral as the representative of the Pope. 1927.02.23 — Mr. U. Noda, Vice-President of the Seiyu Kai Party, died at 4.48 a.m. at the age of 75. He was a self-made man, having risen from obscurity, and had held the cabinet portfolios of Communications, and Commerce and Industry. 1927.02.24 - During January, there passed through the national clearing houses 2,857,300 bills, valued at 6,527,388,993 yen. - The Finance Department reports that at the end of January, 1927, the total specie held by Japan amounted to 1,346,000,000 yen, 11,000,000 yen less than the figure at the end of 1926. 1927.02.25 — Mr. Tai Ten-kyu, a prominent figure in the Chinese National Party, arrived in Tokyo. He came with the mission of seeking an understanding with the Japanese Government and people. 1927.02.26 — A milch-cow in Hachijo Island, Izu Province is reported to give daily 18.835 gallons of milk. 1927.02.27 — During 1926, there were in the districts under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Police, Tokyo 16,282 traffic accidents which injured 9,781 persons and killed 234 persons, a daily average of 44 persons. 1927.02.28 — The Lower House of the Diet has been quiet since an understanding was reached between the leaders of the three biggest political parties. The Kensei Kai the government party has now entered into an agreement with the Seiyuhonto, one of the non-Government parties. This is believed to be the first step to provide for the political situation in the event of the present Ministry being obliged to resign. 1927.03.01 - For the last ten days of February, the foreign trade of Japan increased 8,686,000 yen in exports and decreased 9,788,000 yen in imports, as compared with the same period in 1926. - Mr. Z. Nakamura, ex-Mayor of Tokyo, died. He was 61 years of age. 1927.03.02 — The Lower House unanimously passed a resolution of thanks to the British and Belgian Diets for their sympathy with the Japanese nation regarding the demise of the late Emperor. 1927.03.03 - In the Official Gazette, an Imperial rescript was promulgated, making November 3, anniversary of the birth of the Emperor Meiji, a national holiday in remembrance of the virtues of the great emperor and the glorious age of Meiji. The day will be known as the Meiji-setsu. - The Imperial Navy announces the despatch of the warship Isuzu and Kawachi to Shanghai, with a landing party of 500 men, to protect Japanese residents. - A welcome meeting for the dolls presented by American girls to Japanese girls was held in the Japan Youngmen's Hall outside the Meiji Shrine. Education Minister Okada, Foreign Minister Baron Shidehara, American Ambassador MacVeagh and other guests were deeply impressed. 1927.03.04 — H. M. the Empress is announced officially to be enceinte. 1927.03.05 — Baron Omori, Lord Steward to H. M. the Empress, died at the age of 72 on March 3. 1927.03.06 - Professor S. Honda of the Agricultural College of the Tokyo Imperial University, an authority on forestry, will retire soon, as he has reached the age-limit of 60. - A class room of the Doshisha Girls' School in Kyoto caught fire, destroying the whole building of the General Department of the school. The damage is estimated at 120,000 yen. - At 6.28 p.m., a severe earthquake occurred in Osaka, Kyoto and vicinity. The northern part of the Province of Tango was the centre. - The earthquake was felt severely in Kobe. In the harbour, a tragedy occurred on the California, which was leaving the port that night with an American tourist party. Several persons were going up the gangway when the earthquake threw them off. One woman passenger was killed, and others were seriously injured. 1927.03.09 — The Bank of Japan made another reduction of its rates, making the daily discount rate of commercial bills 1.6 sen. 1927.03.10 - The Cabinet met to consider the American proposal for a 3-power disarmament conference. Foreign Minister Baron Shidehara expressed his view supporting the proposal. Navy Minister Admiral Takarabe desired more consideration of the question. - Dr. K. Yamagiwa of the Imperial Tokyo University is said to have invented a method of curing cancer after long study. He will make public a report on his experiments at a national meeting of pathologists in April. 1927.03.11 — Another Cabinet conference was held on the question of the disarmament conference. 1927.03.13 - The Government submitted an additional general budget of 28,975,000 yen for the fiscal year 1927–1928 to the Diet, and when added to the previously presented main account, the total makes 1,759,000,000 yen, the most expensive Budget ever submitted to the Diet. - The national bonds of Japan are officially reported to be 5,193,413,000 yen as on February 28, 1927, consisting of 3,615,550,000 yen issued in Japan and 1,477,861,000 yen floated in foreign lands. 1927.03.14 — Mr. Armour, Counsellor of the American Embassy, visited Foreign Minister Baron Shidehara at the Foreign Office and handed him a copy of the American Government's formal invitation to a 3-power disarmament conference. 1927.03.15 — Vice-Minister Kawasaki of the Home Department came back from a tour of inspection in the Province of Tango, the scene of the recent disastrous earthquake. He said the shock was more serious than that of the earthquake which visited Tokyo and vicinity in 1923. --- The Japan Magazine v17.8 May, 1927 --- (covers March 16, 1927 to April 7, 1927) 1927.03.16 — The fine appearance of the dolls recently sent by American girls to their Japanese friends struck the educational authorities with such admiration that they have decided to introduce improvements in the design of Japanese toys and picture-books, and have telegraphically asked their officials studying in England, America, Germany and France to send specimens of toys and picture-books. 1927.03.17 — The crews of the Japanese warships Kasuga and Urakaze and the Japanese steamer Chefoo Maru, who saved the men of the City of Naples, a British steamer which met disaster off the coast of Izu in June, 1926, were presented with silver medals by the British King and souvenirs and prizes by the ship-owners and the insurance company concerned. The British Ambassador, Sir John Tilley, sent them to the recipients. 1927.03.18 — The Cabinet adopted a draft Imperial ordinance allowing an extension to August, 1928 of the period of existence of the so-called barracks in the earthquake zone of Tokyo, Yokohama and neighbouring towns and villages. 1927.03.19 — A representation was introduced in the Lower House of the Diet by members of the Seiyu-kai, censuring the Finance Minister, Mr. Kataoka, for his ignorance of responsibility as a State Minister for the present disturbances of the money market. It was rejected by 200 votes to 113. 1927.03.20 — The Finance Department reports that for the middle ten days of March, the foreign trade of Japan amounted to 41,102,000 yen in exports and to 62,616,000 yen in imports, showing a balance of 21,514,000 yen against Japan. As compared with the same period in 1926, exports lost 16,920,000 yen and imports 39,066,000 yen, the excess of imports over exports also showing a decrease of 22,146,000 yen. In the total since January 1, the balance of foreign trade against Japan shows a falling off of 46,199,000 yen from the same interval, 1926. 1927.03.21 — The Wakamiya-Maru of the Kamiya-Shimaya Steamship Co., laden with 4,000 tons of lumber, encountered dense fog and a heavy storm at sea, lost her course, and ran aground in the Sea of Kashima. Her crew of 37 men was rescued. 1927.03.22 — Following the suspension of payment of the Tokyo Watanabe Bank and its affiliated Akaji Savings Bank, the Nakai Bank closed its doors. The depositors became nervous and made runs on other banks, compelling the 84th, Nakazawa, Soda and Murai Banks to suspend payment. The Bank of Japan has been called upon for accommodation of funds, and its advances made to banks since March 15 reached 111,000,000 yen. 1927.03.23 — The Government Bill relating to the issue of bonds for compensation for losses on earthquake notes passed the House of Peers. Representatives of the Kensei-kai, the Seiyu-Honto and the Shinsei Club have filed a complaint with the Tokyo District Court against sixteen members of the Seiyu-kai, who did violence to certain Shinsei Club men in the Lower House on March 24. 1927.03.24 - Mr. I. Kiyose of the Shinsei Club, in a discussion of the Government accounts settled for the fiscal year 1925–1926 in the Lower House, criticised an extraordinary military expenditure defrayed in connection with the despatch of troops to Siberia. About ten members of the Seiyu-kai became excited, assaulted and injured Mr. S. Tazaki of the Shinsei Club, then attacked the speaker Mr. Kiyose on the platform and injured him. The President and Vice-President of the Lower House presented their resignations, holding themselves responsible for the occurrence which was unprecedented in the history of the Japanese Parliament. - While 150 men of the Fourth Company of the Training Regiment of the Chiba Infantry School were at work on the barrack ground, shells for use in manoeuvres exploded, killing one man and injuring 17 men more or less seriously. 1927.03.25 — A special despatch from Shanghai reports that on the morning of March 24, the Japanese Consulate at Nanking was looted by Southerners, who committed every sort of outrage. 1927.03.26 — The Imperial Government has decided to despatch a part of the First Standing Squadron to Tsingtau and eight destroyers to Shanghai to protect the Japanese residents in Shanghai, Nanking and vicinity. 1927.03.27 — About noon one of the Iwaki Collieries took fire and was soon ablaze. Being a holiday, no miners were in it, but about 200 mechanics, carpenters, etc. were at work repairing galleries. Of these about 100 could not escape and were burnt to death. A pitiful scene was enacted when the corpses were brought out from the pit by their wives and children. 1927.03.28 — The Finance Department reports that on February 28, the specie held amounted to 1,337,000,000 yen, 9,000,000 yen less than on January 31, due to money having been paid on account of some foreign bonds, principal and interest. 1927.03.29 — Lieutenant Araki, who was on duty protecting the Japanese residents at Nanking in the recent outrages by the Southerners, attempted suicide after sending the Japanese sufferers to the Japanese warships and himself coming back to Shanghai by the Tenryu, holding himself responsible for the event. He is seriously hurt but will probably be saved from death. 1927.03.30 — Japanese Consul-General Yada visited General Chiang Kai-shek and questioned him closely about the Nanking affair. In reply, the Chinese general declared that he will bear the whole responsibility for the affair. He at once started investigations. 1927.04.01 — The Cabinet considered measures to be taken in connection with the South China disturbances and decided to adhere to a peaceful policy towards China and to take every possible means for the protection of the Japanese residents, in concert with England and America. 1927.04.02 — It has been decided to appoint Viscount K. Ishii, the Japanese Ambassador in France, as the second chief of the Japanese delegation at the Naval Limitation Conference. For first chief, Governor-General Viscount Saito of Korea accepted the post. 1927.04.03 — A special despatch from Shanghai states that Chinese rioters rushed to the Japanese settlement in Hankow, shouting for its recovery. They destroyed Japanese houses and offices there and looted their property. They also shot at Japanese in the streets. A company of Japanese marines landed and guarded the settlement. All the Japanese residents were taken to the Japanese destroyer. 1927.04.04 — The Finance Department reports that for March, 1927, the foreign trade of Japan amounted to 153,957,000 yen for exports and to 229,343,000 yen for imports, the balance standing at 76,386,000 yen against Japan. 1927.04.05 — The Savings Bureau of the Communications Department reports that the outstanding amount of postal savings increased 19,000,000 yen since the middle of March as against a decrease of 3,500,000 to 10,000,000 yen in March in the past six or seven years. This phenomenon is believed to be an outcome of public apprehensions about private banks. 1927.04.06 — Prosecution was started against eleven Seiyu-kai members of the Lower House of the Diet for disorderly conduct. 1927.04.07 — The completion of the framework of the new Imperial Diet buildings was celebrated at 10 a.m. The ceremony was held with ancient rite before 2,000 persons present. --- The Japan Magazine v17.9 June, 1927 --- (covers April 9, 1927 to May 9, 1927) 1927.04.09 — Dr. Shimojo is said to be engaged in research concerning the transplantation of human hair, and he hopes to succeed in transplanting hair from the head of one man to another. 1927.04.10 — In the first ten days of April, the foreign trade of Japan amounted to 53,365,000 yen in exports and to 87,061,000 yen in imports, the balance standing at 33,696,000 yen against Japan, the largest figure recorded for any single ten days since last January, due mainly to the growth of raw cotton imports which amounted to 34,793,000 yen. 1927.04.11 — The naval authorities have decided to hold grand manoeuvres in the middle of October under the personal supervision of the Emperor. The scene of battle will extend from Formosa in the south to Saghalien in the north. 1927.04.12 — The Finance Department reports that in the fiscal year 1926–1927, 55,833,000 yen worth of National Bonds were repaid, consisting of 37,711,000 yen of domestic bonds and 18,122,000 yen of foreign bonds. 1927.04.14 — In the trial of university and college students charged with radicalism the Chief Public Procurator demanded imprisonment for periods ranging one to three years under Art. 2 of the Law for the Maintenance of Peace. 1927.04.15 — The Bank of Taiwan having fallen into financial difficulties in consequence of large loans to Suzuki & Co., Kobe, the Government decided to relieve it through the Bank of Japan loaning it 200,000,000 yen by means of an urgent Imperial ordinance, subject to the approval of the Privy Council. The latter's committee rejected the scheme. 1927.04.16 — The Directors of the Bank of Japan decided not to advance money to the Bank of Taiwan on and after the 16th, expecting the proposed urgent Imperial ordinance for the relief of the latter bank to be rejected by the Privy Council. 1927.04.17 — At 2 p.m. the Privy Council met in the Imperial palace in the presence of the Emperor to make their final decision as to the Government proposal to relieve the Bank of Taiwan by issuing an urgent Imperial ordinance. After a warm debate, the proposal was rejected. In consequence, Premier Wakatsuki proceeded to the Akasaka Palace and presented his and his Cabinet's resignations. The Directors of the Bank of Japan met to consider means to meet the emergency in the financial world. 1927.04.18 — The Bank of Taiwan decided to close for three weeks all offices home and abroad, except in Formosa. This threw the financial world into a panic, compelling some more banks to suspend payment. 1927.04.19 - The Imperial command was given to Baron Tanaka, President of the Seiyu Party, to form the succeeding Cabinet. - Since the beginning of the financial disturbances, the Bank of Japan advanced money up to date to the total of 870,000,000 yen to various banks in anticipation of runs. 1927.04.20 - Baron Tanaka proceeded to the Imperial palace and presented to the Throne the names of his Cabinet. - Later, the ceremony of installation of the Premier and his Cabinet was held in the presence of the Emperor. At the same time, the Emperor granted the resignation of the Wakatsuki Cabinet. 1927.04.21 - The 15th Bank, one of the most important banks in Japan and a depository of the Imperial Household Department, announced suspension of payments for three weeks. The bank is popularly known as the Peers' Bank and has an immense amount of deposits by peers; its shares are their hereditary property. It has a capital of 100,000,000 yen, of which 49,750,000 yen is paid up, loans of 350,000,000 yen and deposits of 368,000,000 yen. - A conflagration broke out in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, destroying wholly or partially 610 houses. 1927.04.22 - The Privy Council gave approval to the Government's proposal to enforce a moratorium throughout Japan by issuing an urgent Imperial ordinance, as a means to relieve the financial world from the existing panic. - All banks throughout the country closed for two days, the 22nd and 23rd. Viscount Saito, Japanese Chief Delegate to the Three-Power Naval Disarmament Conference, and his party sailed from Kobe by the Awa-Maru of the N.Y.K. 1927.04.23 — The Kensei Party, the Seiyu-Honto and the Shinsei Club agreed to amalgamate. 1927.04.24 — In the Official Gazette, it was announced that two new notes, 50 yen and 200 yen, will be issued by the Bank of Japan under the Bank Issue Law, to facilitate note making at the present moment. These notes will be called in as soon as possible. 1927.04.25 — The money market was quiet in Tokyo and elsewhere on the general resumption of business by the banks after closing for the preceding two days, contrary to some public apprehension, although a few savings banks had somewhat unusual withdrawals of deposits. 1927.04.26 — Mayor Nishikubo of Tokyo recently laid the actual condition of the municipal administration before the Emperor. It has been arranged for a day when the citizens may write anything they wish to request or suggest to the Mayor in regard to the Municipal administration. 1927.04.27 — The Government having considered changes in the personnel of prefectural Governors, preliminary to the next general election which is expected before long, decided to release from office or transfer thirty Governors. 1927.04.28 — The Cabinet council adopted the Finance Department draft Law for Loss Indemnity to the Bank of Japan, which is to be presented to the extraordinary session of the Diet to be convened soon. 1927.04.29 — Today was the first celebration of the Emperor's birthday since he ascended the throne, but the court being in mourning, the usual ceremonies of congratulation, banquet and military review were not held, although rites were observed in the Imperial Sanctuary. 1927.04.30 — Mr. H. Motoda, advisor to the Seiyu-Honto, opposing the joining of his party with the Kensei Party, signified his intention to leave the party on the coalition assuming concrete form. 1927.05.01 — May Day was celebrated in Tokyo by 15,000 labourers. They assembled at Arimaga-hara and paraded through the city. The procession occupied two miles. At 4 p.m. they reached Uyeno Park, cheered and dispersed. The Metropolitan police watched them strictly. The demonstration was eventless and only 145 men were restrained. 1927.05.02 — A social meeting was held by members of the proposed coalition party at the Tokyo Kai-kwan. About 500 persons were present, including Mr. Wakatsuki, President of the Kensei Party, Mr. Tokonami, President of the Seiyu-Honto, and other members of the two parties and the Shinsei Club. 1927.05.03 - An extraordinary session of the Diet was convened to consider measures for dealing with the grave situation in the money market. - The Finance Department reports an excess of imports over exports of 72,201,000 yen for April. 1927.05.04 — The ceremony of opening the extraordinary session of the Diet was held in the House of Peers. H. M. the Emperor, in the full dress of Generalissimo, personally read his message opening the Diet. 1927.05.05 - The Boys' Festival was celebrated with displays of doll soldiers in the houses and outside streamers of paper fish flying high above the roofs. - In the Diet, the Government Financial Stabilization Bills were discussed and searching questions were put by the Opposition. 1927.05.06 — The new political party decided to submit to the Diet a resolution considering it unjust that the preceding Cabinet's request for an urgent Imperial ordinance for preventing further financial disturbances was opposed by the Privy Council, giving rise to the subsequent unprecedented financial agitation. 1927.05.07 — Mr. K. Nezu and some other prominent business men project a rapid transit electric railway between Tokyo and Osaka with a capital of 250,000,000 yen, connecting the two places in six hours. 1927.05.08 — The Government bills for financial relief passed the Diet with slight amendments. 1927.05.09 - In the Official Gazette, the Law for indemnity of losses to the Bank of Japan was promulgated as approved by the Diet, taking effect immediately. - The extraordinary session of the Diet closed. - The Bank of Taiwan re-opened business in Japan proper and abroad. --- The Japan Magazine v17.10 July, 1927 --- (covers May 10, 1927 to June 10, 1927) 1927.05.10 — The cabinet decided on the appointment of Mr. Junnosuke Inouye to the Governorship of the Bank of Japan in place of Mr. Otohiko Ichiki. 1927.05.11 — According to statistics published by the Government Bureau of Monopolies, the proceeds from the sale of tobacco, cigars and cigarettes for the fiscal year 1926 amounted to 265,300,000 yen, an increase of 17,000,000 yen over the preceding year. 1927.05.13 — Following the moratorium, the financial condition of the country was quiet. 1927.05.14 — The newly organized political party decided on taking the name Rikken Minseito or Constitutional Democratic Party. 1927.05.15 — Tokyo experienced a severe hail-storm, as well as all the Kwanto or Eastern Japan. 1927.05.17 — A sweeping change in prefectural governorships notified today was unprecedented in the administrative history of Japan, about half of all the governors being changed, those placed on the reserved list numbering twenty-two. 1927.05.18 — An attempt at the completion of all the reconstruction undertakings of Tokyo in consequence of the great earthquake of 1923, which was scheduled for March, 1930, by 1929, will be made by Mr. Suzuki, the new Minister for Home Affairs. 1927.05.19 — The Statistical Bureau of the Cabinet published a report to the effect that the increase of the population in 1926 was 940,000. 1927.05.20 — According to the Department of Finance the general and special budget accounts for the fiscal year of 1927 are 3,714,724,000 yen revenue and 3,630,668,000 yen expenditure. 1927.05.21 — In order to investigate the readjustment of the existing tax system, including partial transfer of the income from the land-tax from the central government to the prefectural offices, the government decided to organize a Committee for the Investigation of the Readjustment of the Taxation System. 1927.05.22 — T. I. H. Prince and Princess Yi leave Japan for an extensive trip in Europe, incognito as Count and Countess Yi Kun, and made a formal farewell call on Their Majesties. 1927.05.23 — In accordance with the Act for Compensation of Loss from Earthquake Bills passed at the 52nd session of the Imperial Diet, the government decided upon a new Earthquake Bills Inquiry Committee. The Finance Minister takes the chairmanship. 1927.05.24 — Profoundly concerned at the situation in North China, which is threatening Japanese subjects, the government decided on steps for their protection by despatching a mixed brigade to Tsinan and its neighbourhood if necessary. 1927.05.25 — Premier Baron Tanaka who holds the portfolio of Foreign Affairs called an emergency conference at Kasumigaseki, summoning high officials of the Foreign Office, and discussed the question of the defence of Japanese interests in North China. 1927.05.26 — The Agricultural and Forestry Department announced their decision to immediately enforce transactions in raw silk by net weight notwithstanding petitions for putting it off. 1927.05.27 — Investigation of the damage caused by the recent hail-storm shows that the loss in the prefecture of Tokyo was some 1,500,000 yen. The Home Department is expected to accommodate the sufferers with more than 1,320,000 yen at low interest. 1927.05.28 — In view of the situation in Shantung the government decided upon despatching troops. Baron Tanaka went to the Akasaka Palace and obtained Imperial sanction for sending two thousand men from the Tenth Army Division of Himeji, from Dairen. The Foreign Office issued a statement in connection with the matter. 1927.05.29 — The Rikken Minseito finally decided on Mr. Yuko Hamaguchi, Home Minister in the last Kensekai Cabinet, for President. Mr. Hamaguchi was persuaded to accept the post. 1927.05.30 — With a view to making known the customs and habits of Japan in Italy, Premier Mussolini has recently made a request to Mr. Harukichi Shimoi, who resided long in Italy. Mr. Shimoi has started making films of Japanese life with the aid of the railway authorities. 1927.05.31 — Japan's foreign trade during the latter half of May is reported to be 68,040,000 yen exports and 63,178,000 imports, showing the unusual excess of exports to an amount of 4,862,000 yen. 1927.06.01 — The Rikken Minseito celebrated its inauguration at the Seiyo-ken Hotel, Ueno. The new party has a membership of 226, giving it a majority in the Diet. 1927.06.02 — The financial crisis having been passed thanks to the policy of Mr. Takahashi, Minister of Finance, he decided to withdraw from the Ministry. Mr. C. Mitsuchi, Minister of Education, was transferred to the portfolio of Finance, while Dr. Rentaro Midzuno becomes Minister of Education. 1927.06.03 — Mr. Tani and other officials of the Foreign Office returned from South China where they had been making an extensive tour of investigation. General Yamanashi, formerly Minister of War, was despatched to China to study present day conditions. 1927.06.04 — With reference to the problem of the fishery rights in Russian waters allotted to Japanese fishermen, Mr. Tanaka, the Japanese Ambassador to the U.S.S.R., has been in repeated negotiation with the Soviet authorities. All the Japanese propositions regarding the fishing leases have been consented to by the Russian Government. 1927.06.05 — The Sino-Japanese negotiation on the basis of the four proposals made by the Japanese Government in connection with the events at Hankow on April 3 have been brought to a conclusion, all the Japanese propositions being accepted by the Chinese Government which recognized its full responsibility for the affair. 1927.06.06 — A sweeping change has been made in the personnel of the chiefs of the police stations in Tokyo. Eleven were discharged; one was placed on the reserve list; four police inspectors were dismissed; and one police inspector was placed on the reserve list, numbering seventeen in all. 1927.06.07 — The Finance Ministry announces that Japan's China trade during the month of May was 39,806,000 yen exports and 20,249,000 yen imports showing an excess of exports of 19,557,000 yen. 1927.06.08 — Mr. Ikki, Minister of the Imperial Household, received the Throne's sanction of the date of the Coronation of the Emperor. The date of the Imperial Coronation and that of the Daijosai have been fixed unofficially for certain days between autumn and winter in the 3rd year of Showa (1928). 1927.06.09 — The appropriation for Tokyo reconstruction was found deficient to the extent of about 130,000,000 yen. It was decided that 78,000,000 yen should be saved by economizing, while the remaining 52,000,000 yen would be claimed from the coming session of the Imperial Diet. 1927.06.10 — Today is observed as "Accurate Time Day." Posters and small banners with slogans such as "accurate time" and "encourage punctuality" are put up in Tokyo. At noon sharp, some temples, factories, etc., sounded bells, whistles, etc. --- The Japan Magazine v17.11 August, 1927 --- (covers June 11, 1927 to July 9, 1927) 1927.06.11 — For the purpose of setting aside national parks, the Home Department has completed a survey of places of natural beauty and decided unofficially on sixteen places: Kamikochi (Nagano), Nikko (Tochigi), Mt. Unzen (Nagasaki), Mt. Aso (Kumamoto), Mt. Fuji (Shizuoka and Yamanashi), Odai-gahara Plateau (Nara), Mt. Bandai (Fukushima), Akan Lake (Hokkaido), Mt. Kirishima (Miyazaki), Shodoshima Isle (Kagawa), Mt. Oyama (Tottori), Towada Lake (Akita), Mt. Tateyama (Toyama), Onuma Park (Hokkaido), Noboribetsu (Hokkaido), and Mt. Hakuba (Toyama, Nagano, and Niigata). 1927.06.12 — Mr. M. Kamiyama, Governor-General of Formosa, whose resignation has been rumoured in consequence of the recent ministerial change, has decided to remain at his post. 1927.06.14 — His Majesty the Emperor who sowed rice seeds with his own hands in the garden of the Akasaka Palace on the 9th ult., was again in the paddy-field today accompanied by many court chamberlains, and personally transplanted rice plants for half an hour. Her Majesty the Empress was an interested spectator. 1927.06.15 — Tenancy conflicts have greatly increased of late due to increasing activities of organized movements of tenant-farmers and the counter-activities of landlords' unions, particularly reaching their climax in the rice-planting season every year. The Home Minister has issued a communication to all prefectural governors instructing them to take drastic measures if necessary for the maintenance of order. 1927.06.16 — The Agriculture and Forestry Department having decided upon carrying into force the regulation pertaining to net weight transactions in raw silk on and after July 1, issued today regulations reorganizing the Raw Silk Conditioning Office. 1927.06.17 — The war situation in various parts of Shantung Province has undergone a striking change threatening public order. General Shirakawa, War Minister, sent telegraphic instructions to Major-General Goda, Commander of the 33rd Infantry Brigade at Tsingtao, that expedient measures should be taken in the event of danger to Japanese residents. 1927.06.18 — The Yokohama Municipal Council passed a resolution dividing the administrative quarters of Greater Yokohama into five wards: Naka, Isogo, Kanagawa, Tsurumi, and Hodogaya. 1927.06.19 — Over thirty Japanese civilian airmen who propose to carry out a trans-Pacific flight on a Japanese machine have organized a league to prepare for the flight. 1927.06.20 - The Tripartite Naval Conference among Great Britain, the United States and Japan opened at Geneva. - Capt. Roald Amundsen who succeeded in reaching the North Pole by airship arrived in Japan today. - Mr. McVeagh, the United States Ambassador to Japan, who has been home on furlough, came back to Japan today. 1927.06.21 — The Finance Ministry announces that Japan's foreign trade during the middle part of June amounted to 52,009,000 yen exports and 57,260,000 yen imports. The total of the import excess since January reaches 305,083,000 yen. 1927.06.22 — A wave-shaped Nautiloidea, more than ten inches long and over one kwamme in weight, was uncovered among sandy rocks about twenty feet above the sea-level on the beach of Mei-ga-hama in Western Japan. This is the fourth shell of this kind discovered in this country. 1927.06.24 — Continued lack of rain has caused much damage to the crops. The farmers are offering prayers for rain. 1927.06.26 — Mr. Jotaro Yamamoto, Chief Secretary of the Seiyukai, called upon Premier Baron Tanaka and reported that opinions were agreed in the party that Mr. Kamiyama, Governor-General of Formosa, and other heads of colonies should be replaced. 1927.06.27 — The China conference aiming at the reorganization of Japan's China policy, including the chief officials of the Foreign, War, Navy, and Finance Departments and the colonial governments concerned held its first sitting at the Foreign Minister's official residence in Kasumigaseki. 1927.06.28 — The officials of the Tokyo Exhibition for encouragement of national industries under the auspices of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce, postponed on account of the national mourning, met and decided to open the exhibition March next year. 1927.06.29 — His Majesty the Emperor commanded the governors of forty-six prefectures to lunch with him in the Homeiden Hall in the Imperial Palace. After lunch, His Majesty questioned each of them regarding the administrative condition in the prefectures. 1927.06.30 — The Department of Finance reports that Japan's foreign trade shows an excess of imports from January up to the end of June of 289,000,000 yen, a decrease of 112,000,000 yen compared with the equivalent period of last year. 1927.07.01 — M. Silvain Levi, Professor in the College de France of Paris and Director of the Maison Franco-Japonaise has started the compilation of a Buddhist encyclopaedia in English and French. 1927.07.03 — H. I. H. Prince Takamatsu, brother of His Majesty the Emperor, has joined temporarily the Naval Aviation Corps at Kasumigaura as a student of the Naval Gunnery School. 1927.07.04 - The Tokyo District Court which has been examining the eleven Seiyukai members of the Diet charged with assault in the House of Representatives has finished its preliminary examination. One was acquitted while ten were found guilty and held for public trial. - Rain fell in torrents this afternoon. 1927.07.05 — The sum of 700,000 yen will be asked in this year's budget by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry for the new establishment of a national poultry breeding station and for encouraging poultry-farming. 1927.07.06 — The Foreign Office published a statement that there was no other motive than the protection of Japanese residents in the recent despatch of troops to Tsinan in Shantung Province. 1927.07.07 — The organization and personnel of the Population and Food Problems Investigation Commission was made public. Premier Baron Tanaka takes the presidency, while Mr. Suzuki, Home Minister, and Mr. Yamamoto, Agriculture and Forestry Minister, were appointed vice-presidents. 1927.07.08 — In view of the situation in Shantung, the Japanese government has decided on despatching small forces from the Chiba Railway Regiment and the Nakano Telegraph Corps to Tsingtao, also the Eighth Infantry Brigade from Dairen. 1927.07.09 — Japan's foreign trade in the earlier part of July showed an excess of imports of 13,218,000 yen, principally caused by a decrease of over 10,000,000 yen in the export of raw silk and an increase of 14,000,000 yen in the import of cotton. --- The Japan Magazine v18.1 October, 1927 --- (covers August 11, 1927 to September 10, 1927) 1927.08.11 — Vice-President Lieutenant-General Nagaoka of the Imperial Aviation Association tendered his resignation to open the way for the promotion of younger men. Since 1918, he has been holding the position contributing much towards development of the aviation world in Japan. 1927.08.12 — The Finance Department reports that the number of banks in Japan is about 1,500, of which many are suspending business owing to the financial depression. It is becoming a tendency to combine banks, and requests have been made to the Finance Department for assisting in arranging for their amalgamation. 1927.08.13 — The factory labourer hitherto has had no time to exercise the right of vote in elections. The Home Department has drafted a plan to remove this defect, to be notified shortly to the prefectural governors. 1927.08.15 — Gold and silver wares have hitherto been stamped in carats by their makers, but the system having been often taken advantage of by dishonest traders, the Government has granted an application by makers for official stamping. An official die will hereafter be stamped on gold and silver wares in Japan. 1927.08.16 — Mr. Y. Kataoka, President of the Shinkai Kogyo Company, has been engaged with his divers in salving at the request of the Russian Government 140,000,000 yen worth of gold specie, which sank sixty-three years ago in the Black Sea with a British warship in the Crimean War. A telegram says that the work is progressing very well and has every prospect of success. 1927.08.17 — The Fair Festival was held on Mount Fuji for about an hour from 8 p.m. The divine fires on the top of the rocks of Komaga-take on the summit of the mountain were seen at far distant places. 1927.08.18 — The Finance Department reports for the first seven months of 1927: Japan proper had 1,120,773,000 yen of exports and 1,411,819,000 yen of imports, the import balance being 291,046,000 yen. The total excess of imports over exports stands at 371,156,000 yen, a decrease of 138,425,000 yen from the same period, 1926. 1927.08.19 — Director S. Yoshida of the Shrine Bureau of the Home Department has been appointed government delegate at the International Copyright Conference to be held at Rome. 1927.08.20 — A Moscow despatch states that the Russian aviator, Shestakov, left the Moscow suburban aviation field for Japan. 1927.08.21 — In Tokyo a meeting was held in favour of having the lives of Sacco and Vanzetti, prisoners under death sentence, spared. It was strictly watched by the police. S. Ishikawa's and other anarchists' speeches were stopped. A protest to the American Embassy was read and passed. After the meeting closed, skirmishes took place between the audience and the police. 1927.08.22 — General S. Kikuchi, Inspector-General of Military Education, died at the age of 62 of cancer of the stomach. He was a self-made man having risen from a common soldier. 1927.08.24 — At about 11:20 p.m. the Jintsu, a warship of the Fifth Squadron, collided with No. 27 destroyer Warabi of the First Torpedo Flotilla, while engaged in night battle practice off the coast of Mihogaseki, with the result that the Warabi sank in about 15 minutes. At the same time, the Naka collided with the destroyer Ashi, cutting off its after part. The losses of the two destroyers were 117 officers and men. 1927.08.25 — On July 31, the national clearing banks' accounts were 5,157,554,000 yen deposits and 5,120,406,000 yen loans, decreasing from June 167,492,000 yen for deposits and 91,114,000 yen for loans. 1927.08.26 — As it will be 30 years since the Tokyo municipality adopted the self-government system on October 2, 1898, the municipal authorities have decided to issue a Municipal paper, a long standing question. 1927.08.27 — The Department of Agriculture and Forestry reports that the rice crop in Japan on August 15 was better than the normal crop. If 5 per cent over the normal crop, the actual yield will be about 60,000,000 koku, and if the weather is favourable, 62,000,000 or 63,000,000 koku may be obtained. 1927.08.28 — Kochi Prefecture had unusually heavy rains and in the northern part of Kagawa District 25 houses were swept away, 35 persons killed, many persons wounded, and 954 houses were flooded. In Nagasaki Prefecture, many persons were killed. 1927.08.30 — Premier Baron Tanaka obtained Imperial assent for the evacuation of the Japanese troops in China, which had been made unnecessary for protecting the Japanese residents there by the restoration of order. The military authorities ordered the troops in Shantung to evacuate and the Foreign Department instructed the Japanese Minister at Peking to notify the Peking Government. 1927.08.31 — The committee for effecting the maintenance of the market price of silk-yarn organized by the Central Silk Association succeeded in persuading the authorities to introduce a compensation act in the next session of the Diet and agreed upon founding a third Imperial Silk-yarn Manufacturing Company. 1927.09.01 — In memory of the great earthquake of 1923, various services were held throughout the city of Tokyo. The Soviet airplane arrived safely at the Tachikawa Military Aerodrome. Both Mr. Chestakov, the pilot, and Mr. Fufaiev, the mechanic, were enthusiastically welcomed by the Soviet Charge d'Affaires and many prominent Japanese. 1927.09.02 — The leading tea merchants of Shizuoka Prefecture have concluded a contract with the Soviet Government for exporting their product to Russia. They are ready to ship about 800,000 kin of green tea to the value of about 700,000 yen. 1927.09.03 — The United States Government which has concluded treaties with other powers for enforcing its Prohibition Law is reported to be negotiating a similar treaty with Japan. 1927.09.04 — The Czecho-Slovak aeroplane left Osaka and safely arrived at Tokorozawa. Both Lieut.-Col. Skala, the pilot, and Corporal Taufer, the mechanic, received a warm welcome. 1927.09.05 — The Education Department decided on the abolition of the regulation in effect since 1913 that primary school buildings should not be used for religious and political purposes, issuing a notification that under unavoidable circumstances primary school buildings might be used for holding meetings regardless of their nature. 1927.09.06 — The grand naval manoeuvres this year will take place on the Pacific Ocean from off the Tsugaru Strait in the north to the Southwestern Archipelagos in the south, between October 11 and 30. 1927.09.07 — In view of the anti-Japanese movement increasing in Mukden, Premier Baron Tanaka instructed Mr. Yoshizawa, the Japanese Minister at Peking, to open direct negotiations with Chang Tso-lin. Mr. Yoshizawa paid an official visit to the Chinese Generalissimo and protested against the movement. 1927.09.08 — The Meiji-Setsu or the Emperor Meiji Birthday anniversary, newly added to the Japanese national holidays, is to be observed for the first time this year on November 3. 1927.09.09 — In response to the protest by Mr. Yoshizawa against the anti-Japanese movement in Mukden, Yang Yu-ting, Chief Aide-de-Camp to Chang Tso-lin, called upon the Japanese Minister and expressed regret, promising to stamp out the agitation. 1927.09.10 — Her Majesty the Empress gave birth to a princess early this morning. Both mother and daughter are in good health. --- The Japan Magazine v18.2 November, 1927 --- (covers September 11, 1927 to October 10, 1927) 1927.09.11 — The "Pride of Detroit," the round-the-world airplane, alighted at the Omura Naval aerodrome in Nagasaki Prefecture. The Russian flying machine visiting Japan left the Tachikawa military aerodrome for Osaka on its way home. 1927.09.12 — The Czecho-Slovakian aeroplane which had been visiting Japan departed from Tokorozawa for home. 1927.09.13 — Hotaku-gun district in Kumamoto Prefecture was attacked by the raging waves of Ariake Bay stirred up by a violent typhoon. Tidal waves more than 15 shaku in height ravaged almost the whole district. Over 400 people were drowned and more than 2,300 houses were washed away or smashed. 1927.09.14 — The typhoon which was raging in Western Kyushu reached Tokyo district, submerging more than 17,000 houses in the city, while in Yokohama a violent hurricane caused numerous casualties. 1927.09.15 — The navigators of the round-the-world aeroplane "Pride of Detroit" which landed at Kasumigaura on the 14th were forced to give up the trans-Pacific flight, considered the most difficult voyage in its programme. The machine was to be conveyed to America by steamer from Yokohama. 1927.09.16 — The Imperial Household Department announced that the princess born to Their Majesties on the 10th was christened Sachiko and would be known as Hisa-no-miya. 1927.09.17 — The German aviator, Koenneck, departed from the Cologne Aerodrome for Japan. 1927.09.18 — On the night of his meeting with his elder brother, Mr. Iichiro Tokutomi, proprietor and editor of the Kokumin, after a fifteen years' estrangement, Mr. Kenjiro Tokutomi, a noted contemporary man of letters widely known by his nom-de-plume Roka, passed away at the Ikao Hot-spring resort. 1927.09.19 — Mr. Umeshiro Suzuki, a leading business man, states he has succeeded in inventing a process of making paper from the residue of sugar-cane. He is contemplating founding a paper-mill to develop the newly invented method. 1927.09.20 — In compliance with H. M. the Emperor's desire, the Justice Department has decided to mitigate the punishment of aged convicts. The first experiment is being carried out by the Hamamatsu branch of the Shizuoka Prison. 1927.09.21 — The first general election of the prefectural assemblies since the enforcement of the universal suffrage took place, watched by the people with keen attention as a skirmish preceding the forthcoming general election for the Diet. 1927.09.22 — According to an investigation by the Education Department, out of youths of conscription age numbering 514,364, 54,092 did not undergo compulsory education. 1927.09.23 — Following the achievement of its aborigine pacification policy, the Formosan Government-General has decided on carrying out the exploration of Honroku and Dainansha District in the jurisdiction of Taito Prefecture, hitherto recognized as dangerous zones. 1927.09.24 — Today being the Feast of the Autumnal Equinox, a fete was conducted in the Sacred Hall of the Imperial Ancestral Shrine at the Palace. 1927.09.25 — The special service vessel of the Japanese Navy, Koshu (2,270 tons), which has been on duty near Yalut island in the South Seas for surveying purposes stranded today near Dongrat, owing to the high seas. Commander Kita sent a wireless to the Yokosuka Admiralty asking for help. 1927.09.26 — The previous two days being consecutive holidays, over 1,017,600 passengers passed through Tokyo Station on the first day and 1,306,300 on the second day, bringing in to the Railway Ministry incomes of 260,000 yen and 232,000 yen respectively. 1927.09.27 — Viscount Saito, Governor-General of Korea, who represented Japan at the Geneva Naval Limitation Conference, arrived at Tokyo Station with his suite after five months' absence from home. He was welcomed by Premier Baron Tanaka, Fleet Admirals Togo and Inoue, the British and American Embassy staffs and many dignitaries. 1927.09.28 — The special service vessel Koshu which had run aground near Yalut Island got off the rocks on the evening of the preceding day. 1927.09.29 — Gen. Chiang Kai-shek, ex-Commander-in-Chief of the Nationalist Army of China, arrived at Nagasaki and registered at the Kyushu Hotel, Unzen. 1927.09.29 — Gen. Chiang Kai shek, exCommander-in-Chief of the Nationalist Army of China, arrived at Nagasaki in company with Gen. Chang chun, Dr. 1927.10.01 — The unveiling ceremony of the monument marking the landing of Townsend Harris, the first American Consul-General to Japan, on August 6, 1856, erected within the precincts of the Gyokusenji Temple at Kakizaki, Shimoda, Izu Province, took place. Viscount Shibusawa, Mr. McVeagh, American Ambassador to Japan, Prince Tokugawa and other notable persons participated. 1927.10.02 — The Agricultural and Forestry Department estimates the crop of rice for this year at 61,492,850 koku or an increase by 5,910,218 koku (16 per cent) as compared with last year's crop. 1927.10.03 - Mr. Thomas W. Lamont, of J. P. Morgan & Company, arrived in Japan with four other business men at the invitation of Mr. Kengo Mori, Mr. Junnosuke Inoue, Governor of the Bank of Japan, and other financial magnates. - Admiral Okada, Minister of the Navy, invited to a banquet the officers of the Spanish cruiser Blas de Lezo which entered Yokohama on Oct. 1. 1927.10.04 — Rear-Admiral Steck, Commander-in-Chief of the French Far-Eastern Squadron, paid a formal visit to Minister Okada of the Navy and Admiral Suzuki, Chief of the Naval Staff. The Throne honoured Messrs. J. P. Morgan, Thomas W. Lamont and others of J. P. Morgan and Company and Kuhn Loeb & Co. with decorations in recognition of their good offices in connection with the post-earthquake finance of Japan. Mr. J. P. Morgan received the First Order of the Sacred Treasure and Mr. Lamont the Second Order of the Rising Sun with Double Rays. 1927.10.05 — H. I. H. Prince Chichibu, younger brother of His Majesty the Emperor, removed to his new Omotemachi Palace. 1927.10.06 — The Jules Michelet, flag-ship of the French Far-Eastern Squadron, arrived in Yokohama. 1927.10.07 — Mr. Kumejiro Tagi, prominent fertilizer manufacturer and member of the House of Peers, offered 100,000 yen as a prize for the first trans-Pacific aviator and mechanic of Japan. M. Nikolai Conrad, Professor in the Leningrad Oriental Language School, arrived in Japan for study of Japanese literature. Admiral Takarabe, Chairman of the Investigation Commission of the Mihogaseki naval disaster, issued a statement declaring that neither incompetence nor negligence of duty on the part of the destroyer Warabi or the cruiser Jintsu was responsible for the disaster. 1927.10.08 - The Bank of Japan announced a reduction of rates of interest by one rin, the fourth reduction since April, 1925. - Mr. Ogawa, Minister of Railways, said the Government would hurry the completion of nine Seiyukai railway lines in Hokkaido while postponing work on six lines projected by the former cabinet. - The result of the election for the Prefectural Assemblies: - Seiyukai 656, Minseito 540, Neutral 112, Proletariat 26, Jitsugyo-Doshikai 6, Kakushin Club 8, Total 1,348. 1927.10.09 — Viscount Goto has decided to put off his tour to Russia pending the complete recovery of his health. 117 sculptures were selected from among 198 for display at the Imperial Art Gallery. 1927.10.10 — Viscount Kikujiro Ishii, Japanese Ambassador to France, arrived in Kobe with his family after four years' absence from home. He is expected to retire from the diplomatic field in which he has served for thirty-eight years. --- The Japan Magazine v18.3 December, 1927 --- (covers October 11, 1927 to November 10, 1927) 1927.10.11 — The grand naval manoeuvres formally opened in Ariake and Tokuyama Bays. The Red and the Blue fleets are respectively commanded by Admirals E. Yamamoto and K. Kato. The Natural Resources Bureau completed a draft plan entering into every possible detail about the administration of resources. Mr. Kihachiro Okura, retired baron and multi-millionaire, left Tokyo for Korea for the unveiling ceremony of his own monument at the Seoul Commercial School, which he founded. 1927.10.12 - Mt. Asama in Shinano Province began to rumble violently and emit smoke, with falling of ashes continuing until noon, caused by an earthquake along the Sagami Valley. - Mr. Manuel Quezon, President of the Philippine Senate, in company with Senator Sergio Osmena, Dr. M. Cazanares, Mr. A. N. Lux and Mr. S. Conception arrived in Tokyo this morning on the way to Washington for a conference with President Coolidge. 1927.10.13 — Mehandra Pratup arrived at Yokohama on his way to Shanghai to attend the Pan-Asiatic Conference. General K. Kusunose, formerly War Minister, died at the age of 71. Mr. K. Minoura, ex-Minister of Commerce and Industry, and three others tried in connection with the notorious Matsushima brothel quarter scandal were acquitted. 1927.10.14 — The total volume of imports and exports of Japan and her territories from January to September reached 3,390,055,000 yen; imports 1,845,879,000 yen and exports 1,544,176,000 yen, the former exceeding the latter by 301,703,000 yen. 1927.10.15 — While engaging in aerial manoeuvres at Kagamigahara at the height of 850 meters, two military planes collided causing the immediate death of Sub-Lieut. Hattori and the fatal injury of Sergeant Takahara. 1927.10.16 — In the naval manoeuvres off Ariake Bay a seaplane piloted by 1st class seaman Ishii fell into the sea. The whereabouts of the sailor and his companion, First Lieut. Tsuye, are unknown. 1927.10.17 — Mr. Vincent Richards, the American professional tennis champion, arrived in Japan with Mr. Harada, the well known Japanese champion. Mr. Richards has been invited by the Tokyo Nichi-Nichi. 1927.10.19 — Mr. Lamont and his party who had been staying in Japan left Yokohama for home. 1927.10.20 — His Majesty the Emperor left Tokyo Station for Western Japan to supervise the grand naval manoeuvres. On his arrival at Yokosuka, he boarded the battleship Mutsu. Mr. Chiang Kai-shek went to Atami for a short stay. 1927.10.21 - M. Zdarikov, President of the Far Eastern National Economic Conference of the Soviet Government, heading an inspection party of seventeen Russian economic experts, arrived in the capital. - The succession ceremony of the new Abbot Kosho Otani of the West Honganji Temple was performed. 1927.10.22 — Mr. Fusanosuke Kuhara, asked by the Japanese Government to go to Russia and Germany on an economic mission, left Tokyo. 1927.10.23 - Mr. Chiang Kai-shek came to the capital and is staying at the residence of Mr. Mitsuru Toyama. - The naval airship N-3 participating in the naval manoeuvres with Lieut. Fujiyoshi and six others on board was destroyed about 50 miles off Izu Peninsula as a result of the explosion of the envelope. The crew had a narrow escape except one who was seriously hurt while trying to alight on the cliff of Kotsujima Island. 1927.10.24 - The grand naval manoeuvres ended. - H. I. H. Princess Toshiko Fushimi, wife of the late Marshal Prince Fushimi, died at the age of seventy. 1927.10.25 — His Majesty the Emperor returned to the capital after supervising the naval manoeuvres in Western Japan, arriving at Tokyo Station at 4:40 p.m. He was welcomed by all the princes of the blood and many dignitaries. 1927.10.26 — The budget for next year is estimated at 1,760,000,000 yen. 1927.10.27 — Responding to an invitation by the Scientific Institute of Japan, Dr. August Sommel, Professor of Physics in Gottingen University, arrived in Japan. 1927.10.28 - The Fourth Athletic Meeting of the Meiji Shrine opened. - M. Ivan Bachiwitch, Professor in the Far Eastern University, M. Victor Abranowitch and other Russian scientists arrived to investigate the educational system and conditions in Japan. 1927.10.29 — It is officially announced that the Coronation Ceremony will be held on November, 1928. 1927.10.30 — For the first time since his accession His Majesty reviewed the fighting craft of the Japanese Navy in Tokyo Bay; 170 warships, 80 aeroplanes and over 30,000 men took part. 1927.10.31 — From the viewpoint of national defence and the bitter experience of the 1923 earthquake, the Japan Army has decided to disperse the military arsenals throughout the country. The old arsenal in Tokyo has been divided among Oji, Atsuta in Aichi Prefecture and Phyongyang in Korea, with others to be installed in Kokura in Fukuoka Prefecture and in Hiroshima Prefecture. 1927.11.01 — The Privy Council approved the establishment of the Meiji Festival as a national holiday on the same basis as the existing three great national holidays. Four airmen have been selected as the first Japanese fliers to try to cross the Pacific: Mr. Yukichi Goto (Superintendent), Mr. Teruo Fujimoto and Mr. Nobutake Kaieda (First Pilots), and Mr. Uichi Suwa (Reserve Pilot). 1927.11.02 — Ex-Abbot Koen Otani of the East Honganji Temple has been adjudged bankrupt by the Kyoto District Court. 1927.11.03 - The first Meiji Festival holiday was observed since its official establishment as a grand national commemoration day. At the Imperial Court solemn services were held. His Majesty worshipped in the Hall of the late Emperor Taisho. - The Meiji Shrine Athletic Games closed with H. I. H. Prince Chichibu present. 1927.11.04 — It was officially announced that the 54th session of the Diet would be convoked on December 24 with the opening ceremony on December 26. 1927.11.05 — The solemn reception ceremony for the image of Sakya, a gift of the King of Siam to the Nissenji Temple, Nagoya, was held at the Zojoji Temple, Shiba Park, Tokyo. 1927.11.06 — Chief Abbot Koyei Umetani of the Myohoin Temple, Kyoto, has accepted the offer to be the 244th chief priest of the Tendai Sect. 1927.11.07 — Anti-Communist bodies chose this day, the 10th anniversary of the Russian Revolution, for demonstrating against the Communists. They distributed hand-bills and posters throughout Tokyo, and some attacked the headquarters of the Labour-Peasant Party. Viscount Goto has decided to leave Tokyo on the 19th or 20th for his visit to the Soviet capital. 1927.11.08 — Mr. Chiang Kai-shek, ex-Commander of the Chinese Nationalist Army, left Kobe for home. 1927.11.09 - The question as to whether the Government would carry out the transfer of land taxes to local governments in 1929 or postpone it until 1930 was debated at Cabinet meeting but no decision was reached. - M. Vassiliu, the new Rumanian Minister to Japan, was received in audience by the Emperor. 1927.11.10 — Fifty-eight dolls representing all the prefectures of Japan and her colonies were sent to American girls in return for American dolls, leaving Yokohama by the Tenyo-maru, headed by the largest, named Miss Hideko Yamato, representing Japan. Over 2,000 school-girls went to the wharf to see them off. --- The Japan Magazine v18.4 January, 1928 --- (covers November 11, 1927 to December 10, 1927) 1927.11.11 — According to an announcement published by the Agriculture and Forestry Department, the estimated crop of rice at the end of October this year was 60,810,180 koku, showing a decrease by 682,670 koku as compared with the first estimate on September 20. However, in comparison with the crop last year, it exceeded it by 5,227,548 koku, namely 9.4 per cent. 1927.11.12 — A gas explosion took place at the Mitsubishi coal-pit in Sorachigun, Ishikari Province, Hokkaido, causing scores of casualties. M. Vassiliu, the new Roumanian Minister to Tokyo, made a formal call on Premier Tanaka at the latter's official residence. 1927.11.13 — His Majesty the Emperor left Tokyo for Nagoya to supervise the extraordinary grand military maneuvers in Mikawa and Owari Provinces. According to a report made by the Finance Department today, Japan's foreign trade from January up to October this year, including Japan Proper, Korea and Formosa, was 1,723,800,000 yen in export and 1,992,396,000 yen in import; the import exceeding the export by 208,596,000 yen. 1927.11.14 — Mr. Henry Eicheim, the veteran American violinist, with his wife arrived at Yokohama this morning. Mr. Shikai Kitamura, the well-known veteran sculptor, died today. He was fifty-seven years old. 1927.11.15 — Admiral K. Murakami, formerly Minister of the Navy, passed away at his villa at Dzushi. 1927.11.17 — Detailed regulations for the enforcement of the Banking Law which is to be in force from January 1 next year were promulgated. 1927.11.18 — Mr. Tang Sheng-chi, one of the leading figures of the Chinese Nationalists, who encountered a political set-back at Wuhan, fled to Japan with seven of his staff-officers and arrived at Kagoshima this morning. 1927.11.19 — M. Dovgarevsky, Soviet Ambassador to Japan, who was transferred to Paris, started on his way home with his wife and children, leaving Tokyo Station this morning. 1927.11.20 — Messrs. Y. Goto, U. Suwa, T. Fujumoto and N. Kaieda, selected as airmen for the trans-Pacific flight, were ordered today to practice at the Kasumigaura Naval Flying Corps from the 29th. 1927.11.21 — The Labour and Peasant Party set about organizing a coalition with the Social Popular Party, the Japan Peasant Party and other proletarian parties for the purpose of forming a unified political front in the coming campaign. 1927.11.22 — Today the suspension by the authorities of the publication of the incident of a direct appeal to the Emperor was lifted. On the 19th, while His Majesty was receiving the troops on the Nagoya Parade Grounds at the conclusion of the grand military maneuvers, Taisaku Kitahara, second class private belonging to the 68th Infantry Regiment, broke from the line and attempted to make a direct appeal to His Majesty. He was immediately arrested. The purport of the appeal was a protest against discriminatory treatment of soldiers of the so-called shin-heimin class in the Army. His Majesty the Emperor who had completed his supervision of the military maneuvers returned to the capital today. 1927.11.23 — M. Zimbalist, the noted violinist, who arrived at Moji this morning, was at first refused entry on account of lack of the regulation amount of cash. 1927.11.24 — The launching ceremony of first class destroyer/No. 4,31,700 tons displacement, constructed at the Uraga Dockyard, took place today. 1927.11.26 — Taisaku Kitahara, 2nd class private, who had attempted a direct appeal to His Majesty the Emperor in Nagoya during the military review, was found guilty of infringement of the Petition Law and sentenced to one year imprisonment by the Military Court of the Third Army Division. 1927.11.27 — The unveiling ceremony of a monument to Dutch-Japanese friendly relationship on Tanegashima Island, know as the first place in Japan where gunnery was introduced, by the Dutch, was held today. 1927.11.29 — Prince Iwao Matsukata, formerly President of the closed Fifteenth Bank, in order to help to reestablish the bank announced his decision to surrender all his private fortune toward the readjustment. To the Imperial Household Department he has made the request to be divested of his title. 1927.11.30 — Mr. Yoshizawa, Japanese Minister to China, made a protest in a private letter to Mr. Yang Wu-ting, High Commissioner of Marshal Chang Tso-lin's Government at Peking, against the latter's expression of anti-Japanese feeling in criticizing the raising of loans in America for the South Manchuria Railway Company, on the occasion of an interview given to American and British journalists at Peking. 1927.12.01 — The Showa Bank, founded for the rescue of the several banks which had been compelled to close on account of the financial panic since this spring, was opened to business this morning. 1927.12.02 — As the Ueno-Asakusa line of the underground railway, the first in this country, has been completed, a trial run was made today. It was successful. The line will be opened to traffic on the 25th. 1927.12.03 — With a view to giving relief to labourers threatened with unemployment this winter, the Home Department has decided that Tokyo and five other large cities shall carry out public works for that purpose and to pay half the amount of their wages from the National Treasury. 1927.12.05 — Viscount Goto left Tokyo today on a visit to Russia. 1927.12.06 — Some 6,000,000 American lobsters from the Gulf of Mexico, were imported into Japan and delivered at the Tsukiji fish-market, Tokyo today. It is the first such importation. 1927.12.07 — Admiral Viscount Saito whose resignation from the post of Governor-General of Chosen has been rumoured for some time, called on Premier Baron Tanaka this afternoon, to whom he tendered his formal resignation. 1927.12.08 — The Tokyo Municipal Assembly in which the two opposing parties have been in conflict in connection with the question of confidence in Mr. Nishikubo, Mayor of Tokyo, passed a non-confidence resolution at today's sitting by a majority of only 8 votes. Prior to this, many of the Tokyo citizens had felt indignation against the majority in the Assembly, whose agitation against the mayor, they thought, was simply due to factional strife and without any rational basis. Their dissatisfaction culminated today in a mass meeting at Shiba Park. A resolution in favour of Mr. Nishikubow as passed and handed to the mayor, who maintained that the passing of the non-confidence resolution by the Assembly had no justifiable reason and he considered it as an act trespassing on the executive rights. Mr. Nishikubo presented his view to the Home Minister, expressing his desire for the dissolution of the Municipal Assembly. 1927.12.09 — The dissolution of the Tokyo Municipal Assembly having been refused by the Home Department, Mayor Nishikubo decided upon his resignation, with the three deputy-mayors. The Finance Department has drawn up the Coronation Budget. The amount totals 16,780,000 Yen. 1927.12.10 — The successor to Admiral Viscount Saito as Governor-General of Chosen is General Yamanashi. The installation ceremony for the governor-general was held today at the Akasaka Detached Palace. --- The Japan Magazine v18.5 February, 1928 --- (covers December 12, 1927 to January 9, 1928) 1927.12.12 — The Tokyo Municipal Assembly, for the acceptance of Mayor Nishikubo and the three Deputy-Mayors' resignation, met this evening and the resignation waa approved by a vote of 48 against 25. 1927.12.13 — Mr. Kozan Kawakami, a Buddhist monk in Kyoto Prefecture, who has devoted himself wholly for thirty years since twenty.four years of age to the work of compiling an index to the Daizodyo Scripture, has finished it. Today under the auspices of the Federated Buddhists' Association, a meeting in his honour was held in Tokyo with brilliant success. 1927.12.14 — According to investigations made by the Finance Ministry, the national loans of Japan amounted to Yen 5,268,166,000 at the end of November, 1927, including Yen 3,807,933,000 domestic loans and Yen 1,460,233,000 foreign loans. 1927.12.15 — The coronation program as published by the Coronation Commission will be as follows:- Nov. 6, 1928: His Majesty the Emperor goes to Kyoto where the coronation will take place. Nov. 10: The coronation takes place. Nov. 26: His Majesty returns to Tokyo. Dec. 4: A grand naval review will be held off Tokyo Bay. 1927.12.16 — With reference to the case of misconduct in the 52nd session of the Diet, which has been under public trial since October 12, the following sentences were passed: Out of the ten accused parliamentarians, one was acquitted; six were fined; one was sentenced to imprisonment (with suspension of enforcement); the remaining two to imprisonment with hard labour (also with suspension of enforcement). 1927.12.17 — Count H. Kodama, Govenor of the Kuantung Leased Territory, has resigned, being succeeded by Mr. Kenjiro Kinoshita, known as a leader in the Government Party. Gen. Yamanashi, Govenor-General of Chosen, left Tokyo this morning for his new post. 1927.12.19 — About three hundred Koreans belonging to the Soai-kai, a body for maintaining Korean interests in Tokyo, who were indignant at the oppression of their compatriots by the Chinese authorities in Manchuria, have drafted a lengthy statement and declaration urging the Chinese Government's careful reflection on the question, and handed it this morning to Mr. Wang Yung-pao, the Chinese Minister to Tokyo. Prince Iwao Matsukata who requested the Household Department to divest him of his title, holding himself responsible of the bankruptcy of the Fifteenth Bank, of which he was president, had his request accepted today. 1927.12.20 — According to a Navy Department communiqué, the Japanese Navy is prepared to despatch the man-of-war Nagara from Saseho with about 200 marines aboad to Shantung for the purpose: of protecting the lives and properties of the Japanese residents in Tsingtao District in the event of any sudden change in the situation so as to necessitate such an emergency measure. 1927.12.21 — The year's volume of Japanese raw silk exported up to the middle of December reached 393,527 piculs. By the middle of December the export had exceeded by 31,471 piculs the total for last year, showing an increase by 26,872 piculs as compared with the total of 366,650 piculs in 1925, the highest figure in record. However, in view of the decline in the price of raw silk, there was a decrease of Yen 190,000,000 this year in comparison with 1925, in value. Cardinal Champon, the new Catholic Bishop of Japan, arrived in Tokyo amidst an enthusiastic welcome. 1927.12.23 — Following the change of the Governor-General, Mr. K. Yuasa, Chief Civil Administrator of Chosen, was relieved of his post. The installation of his successor, Mr. Shiro Ikegami, ex-Mayor of Osaka, took place at the Akasaka Detached Palace this morning. The construction of the Tama Mausoleum of the late Emperor Taisho was completed, and an official report ceremony was solemnly conducted this morning at the Mausoleum. 1927.12.24 — The 54th Session of the Imperial Diet was formally convoked today. 1927.12.25 — It is today one year since the demise of the Emperor Taisho. At the Imperial Palace as well as the newly completed Tama Mausoleum solemn services were held in presence of the reigning Emperor and Empress. 1927.12.26 — The opening ceremonny of the 54th Session of the Imperial Diet took place 10:20 a.m. today at the House of Peers. His Majesty the Emperor arrived at the House of Peers at 11 a.m. After giving an Imperial rescript to the diet His Majesty returned to the Palace. Captain Keiji Midzuki, Commander of the warship Jintsu, which collided with the destroyer Warabi while engaging in the grand naval maneuvers off Mihonoseki on August 24, causing many casualties, committed suicide at his home this morning at 3 on the outskirts of Tokyo, holding himself responsible for the accident. He had been under trial by the Naval Court. 1927.12.27 — The ceremony of transferring the Spirit of the late Emperor Taisho, the last of the Imperial Funeral Sarvices, was performed today. 1927.12.28 — The Metropolitan Police Board has mobilized the whole police force of Tokyo from this night up to the dawn of New Year's Day, placing on duty 12,000 men of all the seventy-three police stations, so as to guard against year end crime. 1927.12.30 — The official organization of the coronation commission personnel was published today. 1927.12.31 — Mr. F. Kuhara, who had been specially aommissioned by the Government to Russia and Germany for economic investigations, returned to Japan arriving at Shimonoseki today. 1928.01.01 — This being the New Year Day immediately following the expiration of the national mouring, an atmosphere of happiness was apparent throughout the country. The Imperial new year services were performed in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. 1928.01.03 — Tokyo citizens, who were surprised by an earthquake shock on the afternoon of the first day of the year were startled by another shock this afternoon. 1928.01.04 — The ceremony of opening the Court, one of the usual annual services at the Imperial Court, was conducted this morning. Tho first meeting of the Cabinet were held. 1928.01.05 — The first New Year Imperial Banquet in the new reign of Showa was given today at the Homeiden Hall in the Imperial Palace. A cordial Imperial rescript was given to the Princes and Princesses of the Blood, foreign envoys accredited to the Imperial Court, all the cabinet ministers and many other high dignitaries. Premier Baron Tanaka representing the people of the country replied to the Imperial rescript, while Dr. Solf, the German Ambassador to Tokyo, Doyen of the Corps Diplomatique, represented the foreign envoys in responding to the Imperial words. 1928.01.06 — One of Tokyo's annual function, the New Year's Parade of the metropolitan fire-brigades, was performed today on the grounds in front of the Imperial Palace, and 3,300 city firemen and 84 motor fire engines participated in the review. The spectators at the scene reached 120,000. 1928.01.07 — The Municipal Assembly of Tokyo, has chosen to succeed Mr. Nishikubo as mayor, Mr. Otohiko Ichiki formerly Governor of the Bank of Japan and Minister of Finance. The new mayor is fifty-six years old and well known in the financial and political worlds. M. Shvagrovsky, the Czecho-Slovakian Minister, left Japan today on the expiration of his tenure of office. 1928.01.08 — The New Year Military Review, on the first occassion in the new era of Showa, was held this morning on tho Yoyogi Parade Ground. His Majesty the Emperor, on his white charger Fubuki, viewed 15,000 officers and men. 1928.01.09 — The Finance Ministry announces that the foreign trade of Japan Proper during the last year 1927 was Yen 1,992,086,000 exports and Yen 2,177,325,000 imports thus showing an excess of imports reaching Yen 185,239,000. --- The Japan Magazine v18.6 March, 1928 --- (covers January 11, 1928 to February 10, 1928) 1928.01.11 — Brigadier-General Ainsworth of the International Headquarters of the Salvation Army in England arrived in Japan today as General Booth's representative. 1928.01.12 — The Grand Spring Wrestling Contast a national sport of Japan, eleven days from today at the Ryogoku bagen for Wrestling Amphitheatre, Tokyo. 1928.01.13 — According to investigations made by the Financial Department, the total amount of deposits in all the banks throughout the country during November last year reached Yen 11,550,576,000, which was an increase of Yen 13,659,- 000 as compared with the preceding month. It is reported also that the total amount of loans made by all the banks during the same period was Yen 12,155,- 423,000, being a decrease of Yen 20,- 126,000 in comparison with October, the same year. 1928.01.14 — H.I.H. Prince Yamashina Hagimaro who is studing aviation at the Kasumigaura Naval Flying Corps went to the balloon squad of the corps this morning and made his first trial flight for about twenty minutes on a machine piloted by a naval officer. 1928.01.16 — Mr. John Russell Kennedy, a veteran journalist widely known in Japan and a benefactor of journalism in this country, died at his residence in Tokyo, this morning. He was sixty- seven years of age. 1928.01.17 — The executive committee of the associated Chambers of Commerce of Japan today passed a resolution recommending Mr. K. Fujita, Chairman of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce, as delegate representing Japanese capitalists at the forthcoming International Labour Conference this year, at Geneva. 1928.01.18 — The engagement of Miss Setsu-ko, niece of Rear-Admiral Viscount Yasuo Matsudaira, to H.I.H. Prince Chichibu, brother of His Majesty the Emperor, was officially sanctioned today and formally announced by the Household Department. It has been unofficially decided that the wedding ceremony shall take place in September this year. Her father is Mr. T. Matsudaira, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States. 1928.01.20 — Although regulations binding owners of mines and factories to give relief to their employes becoming sick or injured in the course of the execution of their duties already are in force, their application has not so far been extended to other employers. The Home Department has decided to introduce a bill holding employers in general responsible for such relief, in the coming session of the Diet. The Cabinet has given consent to this proposal. 1928.01.21 - The Diet reopened after adjournment. The atmosphere was strained and dissolution was universally anticipated. At one o'clock in the afternoon when Mr. Mitsuchi, Minister of Finance, came to the conclusion of his speech on the Government's financial policy, following Baron Tanaka, Premier, in the Lower House, an Imperial Rescript ordering the dissolution of the House was read prior to a non-confidence bill being introduced by the Opposition. In the meanwhile, the Upper House was ordered suspeneded. This was the last session of the Imperial Diet under the system of limited franchise, and the first general election under universal suffrage in Japan is to be held. - The new Soviet Ambassador to Japan arrived at Tokyo Station today. 1928.01.22 — The Japan Tennis Association today decided to send Japanese players to the American Zone for this year's Davis Cup Contest. 1928.01.23 — It was officially announced today that the general election of members of the House of Representatives would take place on February 20. 1928.01.24 — It was wired from Moscow that the intricate problem of fisheries pending between Soviet Russia and Japan for over two years was at last solved, the Russo-Japanese Fishery Treaty being formally signed at Moscow by Mr. Tanaka, the Japanese Ambassador to Soviet, M. Chicherin, Commissar for Foreign Affairs, and M. Karakhan, Vice- Commissar, at 8:30 on the preceding night. 1928.01.25 — According to a report by the Department of Finance, the total amount of convertible notes issued by the end of 1927 reached Yen 1,679,206,570. 1928.01.26 — The Japanese Government has decided on exchanging envoys with Canada, and has so intimated to the British Government. 1928.01.27 — The Department of Agriculture and Forestry announces that despite the increase in the production of cocoons during 1927 by 5.1 per cent as compared with the preceding year, the decline in their market price caused the total income from them to be reduced 25 per cent; viz. by more than 160,000,000 yen. 1928.01.28 — The election campaign for the Lower House is becoming active. The Minseito, the Opposition Party, has decided to organize an "election purifying commission" and send its memebers throughout the country in order to watch the Government's way of controlling the election. Mr. Hara, Minister for Justice, has decided to send the Supreme Court procurators and secretaries all over the country, in order to guard the independence of judicial power, maintain its dignity and carry out fair dealing, so that universal suffrage may be efficiently carried into effect. These judicial officers will be sent to all prefectures at the rate of one to three prefectures. They will stand aloof from the struggles of the campaign and supervise it in a fair manner. 1928.01.30 — Today being the Emperor Komei's anniversary, His Majesty the Emperor attended the memorial ceremony in the Imperial Palace. 1928.01.31 — Count G. Della Torre di Lavagna, the Italian Ambassador to Japan, is leaving this country in April or May this year, and Baron Pompeio Alloissi has been appointed his successor. 1928.02.01 — M. Alexander Trojanovsky, the new Russian Ambassador to Japan, accompanied by eight officials, proceeded to the Akasaka Detached Palace and was received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor, to whom he presented his credentials. 1928.02.02 - The anti-fire water system at the Horyuji Temple, in Yamato Province, one of the national treasures, which has been going on since 1922 at the expense of Yen 95,000, has been completed, and a trial made today was a complete success. - The labour dispute at the Nada Soy factory in Chiba Prefecture which has been unsolved for about half a year has reached a climax. The strikers have spent about 200,000 yen since the outbreak of the trouble and their union has been strengthened. However, the employers' attitude was so stubborn that they were at last compelled to withdraw the eight conditions they had proposed and began to nogotiate with the employers for unconditionally returning to work. The strikers numbered more than 1,300, and their loss in wages amounted to over 420,000 yen. 1928.02.03 — To the application made by the Kobe Exchange for opening an exchange for raw silk, the Commerce and Industry Department replied that the matter would be taken into consideration provided that the application were inade in accordance with the terms specified by the Department. Prior to this, the Yokohama Exchange which considered the question as very grave having much to do with the destiny of the raw silk market in Yokohama is strongly opposing the Kobe proposition. However, informal sanction has been given by the Commerce and Industry Department. 1928.02.04 — Mr. M. Itagaki, grandson of the late Count Itagaki, the founder of the Jiyuto or Liberal Party, the forerunner of the Seiyukai Party, declared he would join the Minseito Party, opposing the the Seiyukai, on the ground that the latter has lost the true spirit of the old jiyuto-to which it ought to have succeeded, thus necessitating him to join the Minseito so that he might uphold his deceased grandfather's doctrines. This statement was followed by speeches throughout the country in aid of the Minseito, which caused a great sensation. 1928.02.05 — Today the rite of selecting the sacred paddy-fields for growing rice to be offered on the occasion of the Corona- tion, one of the mystic ceremonies, was performed at the Imperial Palace. These fields are two, Yuki and Suki. The Yuki field is to be in Shiga Prefecture and the Suki field in Fukuoka Prefecture. 1928.02.06 — Prof. George Comstock, Pre- sident of the American Astronomical As- sociation, with his wife, arrived at Yoko- hama this morning. 1928.02.07 - The Naruto, a vessel belonging to the Yokosuka Admiralty, while on her way to Saseho with fuel, stranded in the Shimonoseki Strait today. The Hayatomo, sister vessel of the Naruto, also grounded on the 3rd inst. at the same place. - Viscount Goto who has been on a trip in Russia for two months, returned home today. - A heavy snow storm has ravaged several districts in Hokkaido, continuing until today. Many fishing boats were wrecked and sixteen fishermen were drowned. 1928.02.10 — There is an epidemic of scarlet fever, and according to statistics made by the Infectious Diseases Preven- tion Section of the Metropolitan Police Board, there have been 214 cases in the city of Tokyo and 142 in the suburbs, of which 22 have died, since the beginning of this year. There were 143 cases in the city and 74 cases in the suburbs, of which 6 lost their lives, last year, in the same perced. --- The Japan Magazine v18.7 April, 1928 --- (covers February 11, 1928 to March 10, 1928) 1928.02.11 — The Kigen-setsu, the Anniversary of the Accession of the first Emperor, Jimmu Tenno, was solemnly celebrated at the Imperial Palace this morning. The third celebration of Kenkoku-sai, the National Foundation Fête, was held this morning in spite of a snow storm at six places in Tokyo: Kudan, the Outer Grounds of the Meiji Shrine, Shiba, Ueno, Asakusa and Fukagawa Parks. Over fifty thousand citizens participated. After the ceremony was over, they marched to the front of the Imperial Palace where they worshipped and shouted Banzai. 1928.02.13 — Candidates for election to the Diet, today, the final day of registration, totalled 969. The candidates include 343 of the Seiyukai or Goverment Party, 345 of the Kenseikai or Opposition Party, 31 of the Jitsugyo-Doshikai, 16 of the Kakushinto Party, 40 of the Labour and Peasantry Party, 19 of the Social Popular Party, 14 of the Japan Labour and Peasantry Party, 10 of the Japan Peasantry Party, 2 local proletarians, and 145 independents. 1928.02.14 — The Imperial Military Academy has had on an average only thirty Chinese applicants for admission each year, but this year they number 483, those sent by Gen. Chiang Kai-shek heading the list with 173, while the rest were recommended by Field-Marshal Chang Tso-lin, Generals Wu Chi-ming, Chang Shuch-liang, son of Chang Tso-lin, Chen Chi-ming, and Tang Sheng-chi. 1928.02.15 — An extension of the building of the Tokyo Prefectural Fine Art Gallery has been decided on. A twostoried annex covering a building area of 800 tsubo is to be erected at a cost estimated at Yen 400,000. 1928.02.16 - The Labour and Peasantry Party today filed a suit against Mr. Suzuki, Minister for Home Affairs, with the Tokyo District Court, charging interference with its election compaign, the chief secretary of the party alleging 80 instances up to Feb. 15. - An American steamer (7,355 tons) sank at 9:40 a.m. yesterday about 100 miles south-east of Cape Nojima, Chiba Prefecture, while bound for Yokohama from America with a cargo of petroleum. The captain and 15 of the crew were drowned. Twenty-one other seamen were discovered and rescued at 11 a.m. to-day, drifting while grasping floating wood, by the small Japanese fishing boat Matsusen-maru (21 tons) owned by Denjiro Sugiyama of the town of Odawara. 1928.02.18 — The Labour-Peasantry Party today presented a complaint to the Tokyo District Court against Premier Baron Tanaka, Minister Mitsuchi of Finance, and Minister Ogawa of Railways, alleging interference with the election campaign. 1928.02.20 - The first general election under universal suffrage was held today. All the voting booths throughout the country were opened at 7 a.m. About - 13,000,000 voters exercised their right by 6 p.m. 1928.02.23 — The result of the general election became known today as follows: Seiyukai 218; Minseito 217; JitsugyoDoshikai 4; Kakushinto 3; Social Popular Party 4; Japan Labour-Peasantry Party 1; Labour-Peasantry Party 2: Independents and others 2; 466 total. 1928.02.24 — Big forest fires broke out today in Kagawa and Tokushima Prefectures in the former of which a fine forest covering more than 1,000 square cho was devastated, while in the latter a forest area of over 1,500 square cho was reduced to ashes. In Tokushima Prefecture the fire destroyed some fifty houses. 1928.02.25 — One of the trial flights to prepare for the trans-Pacific flight was started this morning. At 8 a.m. Mr. Kaieda, one of the participants left Omura in West Japan on a machine, as pilot, with two passengers. He made a 600 mile flight in 5 hours and 55 minutes, and safely arrived at the Kasumigaura naval aerodrome in Chiba, north east of Tokyo. 1928.02.26 — The Election Reform Commission organized by politicians belonging to the Opposition with a view to watching the Government's attitude in the election campaign held a meeting in Tokyo today, when reports were made on what had been observed in various districts. They alleged: (1) In the election the Government's control of the campaign was inclined to be partial; that is, the authorities were generous to their supporters while too strict with the Opposition and the proletarians. (2) In certain prefectures the Government restricted public speeches unlawfully. 1928.02.27 — Election campaign offences have been numerous. According to what has so far been published by the Criminal Affairs Bureau in the Ministry of Justice, two candidates in Tokyo, two in Osaka and one in Morioka Prefecture, have been prosecuted, charged with infringement of the Election Law, up to Feb. 25. Throughout the country 1,227 persons have been indicted. 1928.02.28 — The Cabinet today informally decided that the extraordinary session of the Imperial Diet shall be convoked on April 20 for two weeks. 1928.02.29 — A trial flight preparing for the trans-Pacific flight, the second Kasumigaura-Omura non-stop flight covering 600 miles which was started today ended in a fatal accident. The machine was piloted by Mr. Suwa, with Mr. Goto and First Lieutenant Okamura of the Navy as passengers. Both Suwa and Goto were to participate in the Pacific flight. The airplane left Omura in Kyushu at 8.05 a.m. direct for Kasumigaura. When in the air above Furudera-mura, Fujitsu-gun, Saga Prefecture, about twenty minutes later, it came into collision with a tree while descending in order to avoid the clouds. The machine immediately capsized and fell to the ground. It was burnt following the explosion of the gasoline tank, killing Mr. Goto, while Mr. Suwa and Lieutenant Okamoto were seriously hurt. Mr. Goto was one of the foremost airmen in civilian flying circles in Japan. He held a First Class Flying diploma. 1928.03.01 - An Imperial Rescript ordering the convocation of the Diet was promulgated. - It was announced by the Imperial Household Department that H. I. H. Princess Hisa-no-miya, the infant second daughter of Their Majesties, was taken ill. 1928.03.02 — As the naval airplane carrier Akagi has been completed, it was decided that on April 1 a new flying squadron would be organized and join the Combined Fleet. Hitherto no flying squadron has been included in the fleet organization as an independent unit as in England and America. 1928.03.05 — According to an announcement of the Household Departinent, H. I. H. Princess Hisa-no-miya's disease was diagnosed as septicaemia. 1928.03.06 - Today is the 26th anniversary of the birthday of Her Majesty the Empress, but as Princess Hisa-no-miya is in a serious condition, Her Majesty refrains from formally celebrating the occasion. - Three cases of small-pox broke out in the city of Tokyo. 1928.03.07 — At the general meeting of the Dai-Nippon Hotel Association held yesterday and today at the Tokyo Station Hotel, they unanimously passed a resolution for hospitably welcoming tourists from the United States and giving them more facilities and comforts. 1928.03.08 — The Imperial Household Department announced that H.I.H. Hisano-miya passed away this morning. She was born on September 10 last year. 1928.03.09 — The total amount of Japan's specie deposited abroad was reduced by some 10,000,000 yen during the past two months, reaching about 170,000,000 yen at the end of last year. This decrease is principally due to the payment of interest on foreign loans. 1928.03.10 — Mr. Seijiro Tanaka, exDirector of the South Manchuria Railway Company, who accompanied Viscount Goto on his recent visit to Russia, has decided to visit Moscow again, leaving the capital in a few days. It is said that the principal object of his second visit is to enter into negotiations with the Soviet authorities for an economic convention between the two Powers. --- The Japan Magazine v18.8 May, 1928 --- (covers March 11, 1928 to April 10, 1928) 1928.03.11 — Around Cape Inubo in the Sea of Kajima there was a furious tempest, in which several vessels were wrecked, especially off Choshi where the Koryo-mura (5,227 tons) broke into two and immediately sank, though all the crew safely landed. The Utagami-mura No. 23 (2,428 tons) belonging to the Hokkaido Colliery Company which went to the rescue of the Koryu-maru met the same fate. The Banyei-maru No. 6 (1,887 tons) owned by the same company which went to the rescue of the two ill-fated vessels had her rudder broken off Cape Inubo, and was adrift for many hours. The Etorou Maru (3,022 tons) of the Kobe Mercantile Steamship Company was wrecked off the cape, while the Muroran-maru No. 1 belonging to the Kuribayashi Steamship Company of Hokkaido drifted about until she was at last saved. On receipt of these reports, the Yokosuka Admiralty despatched a destroyer and a mine-dredger to the rescue. In the meantime the Kasumigaura Naval Flying Cops sent hydroplanes. It was later reported that the Benyei-maru No. 6 made a narrow escape. 1928.03.12 — The Etorou-maru, was able to make her escape, though the whereabouts of both the Muroran-maru and the Utagami-maru are unknown. In spite of the custom hitherto of the Department of Railways purchasing the smaller part of rails and accessories from the Yawata Government Iron Foundry and importing the greater part from abroad, the Department has decided to buy all the rails used by it from the Yawata Foundry from this year, because the Iron Foundry has succeeded in manufacturing one hundred pound rails. An order for about 6,000,000 tons of such rails has been sent to the Yawata Ironworks for the first fiscal half-year of 1928. 1928.03.13 — Six days have elapsed since the passing away of the infant Princess Hisa-no-Miya. Today services were solemnly conducted at the Imperial Household Cemetery at Toshimagaoka, Koishikawa, Tokyo. As it was concluded that both the Muroran-maru and the Utagami-maru were lost in the storm off Cape Inubo search for them was abandoned. 1928.03.14 — The Government, which has been making careful investigation for more than a month selecting the Yuki Suki paddy-fields in which are to be planted the new rice to be dedicated to the Imperial Ancestors on the occasion of the Daijo Festival (the ceremony of the first offering of rice by the Emperor to the Gods after his accession) in the Coronation this fall has decided upon a farm at Mikami-muro, Nosu-gun, Shiga Prefecture as the Sacred Yuki Field and one at Wakiyama-mura, Hayara-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture as the Sacred Suki Field. 1928.03.15 — A fireworks factory at Mikawashima in the suburbs of Tokyo exploded today, many houses in the neighbourhood were wrecked or damaged. Two men were killed and four were fatally wounded while scores were slightly wounded. 1928.03.16 — The Tokyo Nichi Nichi is preparing exhibits to be displayed at the the International Journalistic Exposition in Germany, this summer. The paper will contribute 10,000 yen towards the Köln University fund for establishing a Japan Laboratory and opening a chair for the study of things Japanese. 1928.03.17 — Mr. Yung Yu-hung, special envoy to Japan from the Nationalist Government of China, arrived at Tokyo today. 1928.03.19 — In memory of her deceased daughter Princess Hisa-no-Miya, Her Majesty the Empress donated 50,000 yen to the Keifeku-kai, an Imperial bounty foundation, as a fund for the protection of children. 1928.03.20 — While the Imperial cortège was passing the Marunouchi Building this morning on Their Majesties' way to Tokyo Station, a young man, dashed out and attempted to make a direct appeal to the Emperor. He was immediately captured by the police and gendarmes. On examination it was found that he was a deputy leader of the Noda Soy strikers and he attempted to make a direct complaint to the Emperor as a final step for the solution of the dispute. 1928.03.21 — Owing to the violent gale many fires broke out in Tokyo. Particularly, in Wada-Horiuchi-machi on the outskirts of Tokyo several hundred houses were burnt. 1928.03.22 — As he has recently found his health greatly impaired by overwork, Dr. Y. Kozai, President of the Tokyo Imperial University, has retired and Dr. Kiheiji Onodzuka, Professor in the Faculty of Law, succeeds him temporarily. 1928.03.23 — Small-pox in the city of Tokyo is increasing, twenty-two cases having occurred. 1928.03.24 — The Tokyo Coronation Commemoration Exhibition for Encouraging National Industries was opened this morning in Ueno Park in the presence of H.I.H. Prince Kanin, Honorary President. 1928.03.25 — The public was admitted to the Tokyo Coronation Exposition from 1 p.m. yesterday. The visitors reached over 18,000 five o'clock in the evening. 1928.03.26 — Premier Baron Tanaka in his capacity of Foreign Minister invited leading business men in Tokyo and Osaka to his official residence and discussed the problem of cotton cultivation in Brazil and of establishing a corporation there for the purpose. 1928.03.27 — The small-pox cases in Tokyo reached thirty-two by yesterday. 1928.03.28 — The Association of Imperial Princes is issuing a periodical, and the junior princes are editing it. It is named "Magaki no Kiku." 1928.03.29 — Bishop Hisanosuké Hayasaka, the first Japanese who was annointed a Roman Catholic bishop by the Pope, returned to Japan today. This afternoon Uzaemon Ichimura, one of the foremost figures in Japan's kabuki theatre, accompanied by his wife, left Yokohama for the United States and Europe. 1928.03.30 — It was informally decided that Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will hold the customary cherry blossom garden party at the Shinjuku Imperial Garden on April 16. The function has been abandoned in recent years on account of the poor health and death of the late Emperor. 1928.03.31 — Two renowned French aviators, M. Le Brix and Costes arrived at Yokohama today as did also Col. Goebel, the American bird-man who won the first prize in the Dole Flight from San Francisco to Honolulu. 1928.04.01 — The fifth memorial service for H.I.H. Prince Kitashirakawa, who was killed in an automobile accident in France in 1923, was conducted today at the Kitashirakawa mansion in Tokyo. 1928.04.02 — The Department of Finance states that on March 31, the end of the fiscal year 1927, the national loan totalled Yen 5,360,000,000 as compared with Yen 5,171,000,000 at the end of the previous fiscal year. 1928.04.03 — Today being the anniversary of the Emperor Jimmu, founder of the Empire, late Emperor Taisho was opened to the public. 1928.04.04 — Foreign trade statistics for the quarter ending March 31 show exports to have amounted to Yen 474,298,000 and imports Yen 611,630,000. The excess of imports, Yen 137,332,000, is Yen 48,663,000 less than in the same period last year, exports having increased by Yen 44,029,000, though imports also increased by Yen 4,634,000. 1928.04.05 — It is announced that Mr. Tsuneo Matsudaira, Japanese Ambassador to the United States, and his daughter, Miss Setsu-ko, bride-elect of H. I. H. Prince Chichibu, will return to Japan on June 22. The airplane intended for the Japanese trans-Pacific flight has been named Sakura, or Cherry. 1928.04.06 — The east-bound competitor, Mr. Araki, in a round-the-world race organized by the Jiji Shimpo newspaper, left Tokyo this morning. The westbound contestant, Mr. Matsui is expected to start on April 11. 1928.04.08 — The well-known French aviators, Costes and Le Brix, left Tachikawa airdrome, near Tokyo, today, on their flight to France via Hanoi and India. Today being Sunday and fine spring weather, tremendous crowds left Tokyo for country disiricts, to enjoy flowerviewing and other outdoor pleasures. 1928.04.09 — In recognition of his contribution in promoting the friendly relations between Poland and Japan, H. M. the Emperor today conferred, through the Foreign Office, the Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun with Paulownia, on the famous Polish statesman, Marshal Pilsudski. T. I. H. Prince and Princess Yi returned to Tokyo today after an extended world tour. The Russian ambassador entertained at a banquet the famous Japanese actor, Sadanji Ichikawa, and members of his party, who are leaving for a tour of Russia. 1928.04.10 — The ban on publication having been lifted, it was today publishde that on March 15 the police arrested over 1,000 alleged communists, in Tokyo and elsewhere, including 34 prefectures throughout Japan, claiming that a communist plot on a wide scale had been in formation. At the same time a large number of documents, etc., were seized. It is alleged that the plot was more farreaching and better organized than the similar affair of 1923. The cabinet to day decided to order the dissolution of the Labor-Peasant Party, with 25,000 members, the All Japan Proletarian Youth's Union, with 4,000 members, and the Japan Labour Union Council with 15,000members, on the ground that they were closely connected with the plot, and thus endangered the social order of the nation. --- The Japan Magazine v18.9 June, 1928 --- (covers April 11, 1928 to May 6, 1928) 1928.04.11 — With reference to the communist plot recently disclosed and published in the vernacular press, Baron Tanaka, Premier, issued today a statement calling for careful consideration by the public from the viewpoint of upholding the national polity. The Liberal Lawyers' Association brought action against Dr. Suzuki, Home Minister, charging illegal dissolution of the alleged communist bodies, the Labour-Peasant Party, the All-Japan Proletarian Youth's Confederation, and the Japan Labour Union Council. 1928.04.12 — As Major Jean de Hermitte, the French aviator, who has long served the Akenogahara Military Aviation School as instructor and greatly contributed to the development of Japan's æronautic skill, is leaving for home on the expiration of his term His Majesty the Emperor made a gift to him in recognition of his valuable services. The Imperial Aviation Association also conferred on him a prize medal; the presentation ceremony was performed today. 1928.04.13 — The Manchurian and Mongolian riding party consisting of two Japanese, one Chinese and one Mongolian arrived at Tokyo early this morning, finishing its scheduled three-thousand-mile trip from Mandjuli to Tokyo. The party was enthusiastically welcomed. 1928.04.14 — The Jugo Ginko, the so-called Peers' Bank, which has been closed to business since last spring, has effected a readjustment and will open by the 25th inst. 1928.04.15 — The last Sunday in this cherry season, huge cherry-viewing crowds visited Ueno Park, Asukayama Hill, Arakawa Embankment, the Tama Mausoleum of the late Emperor Taisho, Koganei, Narita, Mt. Tsukuba, Sanrizuka and other noted places. 1928.04.16 — Among passengers who arrived this morning aboard the N.Y.K. steamer Shunyo-maru were H. R. H. Prince Rabibong, nephew of the reigning King of Siam, and Captain Robert Dollar, owner of the Dollar Line, on his thirty-seventh trip. 1928.04.17 - The first Imperial Cherry-viewing Party of the present reign was held today at the Shinjuku Imperial Garden, in the presence of Their Majesties. Nearly all the Princes and Princesses of the Blood, the foreign ambassadors and ministers as well as their wives and daughters, Fleet Admiral Count Togo, Premier Baron Tanaka, Viscount Makino, Keeper of the Privy Seal and some six thousand others were present. - According to investigations made by the Secretariat of the Lower House, the members of the House are classified as follows in accordance with their parties: Seiyukai (Government) 219 Minseito (Opposition) 218 Meiseikai (Independent) 6 Kakushinto 3 Jitsugyo-Doshi-kai 3 Proletarians 8 Neutral 8 Vacant 1 1928.04.18 - In view of the menacing situation in Tsingtao, Shantung Province, the Japanese Government has decided upon despatching warships to the seat of war for the purpose of protecting the lives and properties of the Japanese residents in that district. The Second Squadron stationed at Port Arthur was ordered to hurry to Tsingtao, while the Keyaki of the Ninth Destroyer Flottila went on April 17 and the destroyer Tsubaki of the same flotilla on April 18. The flagship Kuma of the Squadron also went. The destroyer Kotaka belonging to the Second Squadron which was on her way from Dairen to Chmulpo was ordered to hurry to Tsingtao. - A large fire broke out in the city of Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture, Northeastern Japan. One-fifth of the city was destroyed, 1,200 houses being reduced to ashes. 1928.04.19 - As the situation in Shantung is getting worse, the Japanese Government has decided to send the Sixth Army Division of Kumamoto, the Chiba Railway Battalion, and the Nakano Telegraphic Corps to the neighbourhood of Tsingtao for the protection of the Japanese residents and interests rights. - The dispute between the employers of the Noda Soy Brewery Company in Chiba Prefecture and their workers which has been going on since September 16 last year, for eight months, culminating in a direct complaint to His Majesty the Emperor by one of the strikers has at last been compromised on the following conditions. (1) 342 workers out of 1,046 return to their work. ( - 2) The Company to pay Yen 380,000 as compensation for discharge and Yen 70,000 for wages during the dispute and expenses while on strike. 1928.04.20 - The 55th session of the Imperial Diet was convoked today. - In connection with the despatch of Japanese troops to the war zone in Shantung, the Japanese Government published today a statement in effect that the present step was forced to be taken for the protection of the Japanese residents in Shantung Province, and not from any unfriendly feeling towards China and her people nor for intervening in the military actions either by the Northern or Southern forces. 1928.04.21 - The 55th session of the Imperial Diet was formally constituted today. - A detachment from the Chiba Railway Regiment left Tokyo Station this morning for Shantung. 1928.04.22 - The Sixth Army Division under the command of Lieut.-General Fukuda, 1,355 men in all, left Kumamoto today. A part of the Nakano Telegraphic Corps also started from Tokyo to Tsinan. - Mr. Kihachiro Okura, multi-milionaire, who made a great fortune after starting as a poor boy, passed away this afternoon at the age of ninety-two. 1928.04.23 - The opening ceremony of the 55th session of the Imperial Diet, the first sitting since the enforcement of manhood-suffrage was held this morning at 11 at the Upper House in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor. - A method of transportation of Japanese ayu fish (Plecoglossus altivelis) to the United States which has long been a pending question has at length been found. Therefore it has been decided to export 10,000 from Lake Biwa to Seattle on the 26th inst. by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. This is the first trial exportation of Japanese ayu to America. - H. I. H. Prince Takamatsu, a midshipman and second younger brother of His Majesty the Emperor, left Yokosuka Admiralty on board the cruiser Yakumo this morning for Australian waters. 1928.04.24 - A big land-slide occurred today in Niigata Prafecture, resulting in the sinking of paddy-fields over an area of 4 square cho, farms covering and area of 1 square cho, and forest 6 tan in area. - Examination of the cases of infringement of the universal suffrage law in the general election, according to statistics published by the Ministry for Justice, shows that 8,873 men were prosecuted, including 4,370 men of the Seiyukai or the Government party, 2,853 men of the Minseito or the Opposition, and 1,650 others. - In the rush hour this morning at Tabata Station, five cars of an electric train were derailed, causing injury to over fifty passengers. 1928.04.25 - This morning brought a cold wave, and in some districts there was frost and thin ice. Much damage to crops occurred. - Mr. Kenichi Fujita, Chairman of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who represents the Japanese capitalists at the forthcoming International Labour Conference at Geneva left Tokyo Station this morning in company with his daughter who is to act as his interpreter in Europe. 1928.04.26 - Mr. Phya Chamnong Dithaker, Siamese Minister in Tokyo, who has been transferred to Rome in the same capacity, left Tokyo this morning. He has been in Japan for eighteen years as Minister. He was given a beautiful flowervase by the Emperor of Japan. - Mr. D. H. Buchanan, formerly Professor in Keio University, was authorized by the Ministry of Education to assume the title of doctor of political economy for his thesis presented to Keio University. - Sir Charles Eliot, former British Ambassador to Japan, who has been studying Buddhism in Nara, sails today from Kobe for home. He will return to Japan after a year's sojourn in Europe. 1928.04.27 — The twenty-five Chinese students at the Tokyo Military Academy, belonging to the Nationalist Party, who have been busying themselves in movements against Japan's despatch of forces to Shantung have been expelled from the institute for disturbing school discipline. 1928.04.28 — In the Lower House a Bill impeaching the Home Minister was introduced by the four opposing parties, Minseito, Kakushinto, Meiseikai, and Proletarians. The veteran politician, Mr. Yukio Ozaki, of the Kakushinto, spoke supporting it. Then an Imperial Rescript ordering a suspension of the sitting for three days was read. 1928.04.29 — Today the 27th birthday anniversary of H. M. the Emperor was celebrated at the Imperial Court. After the ceremony a banquet was given in the Homeiden Hall in the Imperial Palace to foreign representatives as well as Japanese dignitaries. A military review was held at the Yoyogi Parade Ground. At night a banquet was given by Premier Baron Tanaka, Foreign Minister ad interim, at the Kasumigaseki Detached Palace. 1928.05.01 - The Lower House was suspended for another three days. - In the Ninth May Day labor celebrations, 33 labour bodies including over 15,000 workmen assembled at Shiba Park, and marched along the streets of Tokyo, flying red flags and singing the Labour song 1928.05.02 — According to statistics published by the Tokyo Municipality, the municipal tax and revenues other than taxes in arrears in Tokyo amount to more than yen 8,358,000. 1928.05.03 - On receiving an official communiqué from Tsinan to the effect that as a result of the Southern troops' looting of the Japanese stores in that city the Japanese detachment was compelled to fight them, the Government decided to despatch more troops in order to protect the Japanese residents. - Mr. Wakun Ishibashi, member of the Imperial Art Academy and also of the Royal Academy of England, a renowned portrait-painter, died. He was in the course of finishing the fresco of the Emperor Meiji Memorial Hall. His widow is an English lady. 1928.05.04 - As a result of the resignation of the Home Minister Dr. Suzuki, the portfolio of Home Affairs has been assumed by Premier Baron Tanaka pro tem. - A passenger-plane ordered by the Government Aviation Bureau, while on trial flight this morning, crashed with Mr. Kanichiro Kato, 1st-class aviator, and seven apprentice, passengers, in Gumma Prefecture, and all eight men were burnt to death. - According to official communiqués published by the War Office, collisions between the Japanese troops and China's Southern Army still continue in the commercial quarters of the city of Tsinan. - It is reported from Tientsin that in consequence of the outbreak at Tsinan the exchange rate of taels suddenly fell by two taels: that is, 68 taels for 100 yen. 1928.05.05 - The first communiqué from Lieut.-General Fukuda, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Expeditionary Army in Tsinan, reached the War Office today. According to it, it is obvious that the Southern Army's looting of the Japanese shops was carefully planned, parties being organized for the purpose backed by large forces. A considerable number of Japanese civilians are reported massacred by them in a most cruel manner. Fighting has taken place in the zones defended by the infantry under the command of Major-General Koizumi from the Tientsin Emergency Corps and the 47th infantry regiment. - According to what has been published by the headquarters of the Sixth Army Division of Kumamoto, casualties of the Japanese forces despatched to Tsinan from that Division are 12 killed and 35 wounded. - The tension was relieved in the Lower House following the resignation of Dr. Suzuki, Home Minister Almost all supplementary estimates were passed. 1928.05.06 - In connection with the Tsinan outrage, the Cabinet has decided: (1) One division to be despatched as early as possible. ( - 2) With a view to controlling disorderly Chinese soldiers not only in Shantung but in some other districts in China, a fourth expedition is to be prepared for. --- The Japan Magazine v18.10 July, 1928 --- (covers May 7, 1928 to June 10, 1928) 1928.05.07 - The closing ceremony of the 55th session of the Imperial Diet took place today in the Upper House. - Government published a statement that "this mobilization is only for the purpose of protecting the Japanese residents in the disturbed region in China and as soon as it is found unnecessary to keep them in Shantung they will be withdrawn at once." 1928.05.08 - At a council held at the War Minister's official residence today, it was agreed that Tsinan should be occupied for the time being by Japanese forces pending a proper solution of the Tsinan atrocity question and as a protective measure; that the 3rd Army Division at Nagoya be despatched and stationed for some time to hold control of the Kiaochow-Tsinan Railway; and that decisive measures be taken to defend the Japanese residents in South China, particularly in various districts along the Yangtsze Valley, in the event of any anti-Japanese agitation breaking out. - As the Southern Army, which evacuated the commercial quarters of Tsinan in conformity with the convention started a fresh attack on the Japanese troops, shouting "Down with all Japanese,” Lieut.-General Fukuda, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Expeditionary Army, took decisive action. - Gen. Viola, a Fascisti leader and aide of Premier Mussolini who was instructed by the latter to bring Italian art masterpieces to Japan to exhibit them, arrived in Tokyo today with 250 pictures. General Viola will hold an Italian Art Exhibition in the Mitsukoshi Gallery for eight days from today. 1928.05.09 — The Third Army Division at Nagoya was mobilized today. The Tsinan Castle was besieged by the Japanese expeditionary troops, and after several hours' fighting some 4,000. men under the command of General Fang Tsin-wu were disarmed by Koizumi's force. 1928.05.10 — Mr. T. Araki, the eastbound competitor in the round-the-world race promoted by the Jiji Shimpo, who started from Tokyo on April 6, arrived this morning at Tokyo Station at 6:25 by train. Thirty-three days, sixteen hours, thirty-three minutes and twenty seconds were taken by him in circling the world, said to be a world's record for public means of transport. 1928.05.11 — After a fierce bombardment of the Tsinan Citadel by the Japanese Army, at 2 a. m. it was captured by them, and the Rising Sun flag was hoisted. 1928.05.12 - In view of the distress of the Japanese residents in Tsinan, the commander of the Japanese 6th Army Division provided 2,000 of them with food for five days. - It is reported that national life insurance policies of the Department of Communications at the end of last year reached 11,678,384, the total amount insured being Yen 1,488,103,549.60. It shows, as compared with the preceding year, an increase of 1,627,257 policies and Yen 199,340,737.10 insured. 1928.05.13 — According to investigations made by the police attached to the Japanese Consulate-General at Tsinan, 114 Japanese houses were looted, the larger part of which were deprived even of floorplanks, there remaining almost nothing. The damages amount to over Yen 600,000, while fourteen persons were cruelly killed and more than twenty are missing. As for the casualties of the Japanese Army, forty-six were killed and one hundred and ninety-five wounded. 1928.05.14 - Prof. William Montague of Columbia University sent by the Carnegie Peace Endowment arrived at Tokyo in company with his seventy-one year old mother. - The estimated crop of rice for this year on May 1 amounts to 3,349,991 koku, excluding the crop in Okinawa Prefecture, whence reports have not so far come. In comparison with the equivalent period in the preceding year, which showed 29,925,485 kuko, there is an increase of 11.4% viz., 3,424,506 koku. 1928.05.15 — Her Majesty the Empress, deeply concerned about the Tsinan affair sent a gracious message to the War Office that she will provide the wounded soldiers with bandages personally prepared by her. 1928.05.16 — A touring party consisting of 52 Formosan aborigine men and women, guided by officials of the Aborigine Admistration Section of the Formosan Government-General, arrived at Moji this morning. 1928.05.17 — Premier Baron Tanaka, Foreign Minister ad interim, transmitted a statement regarding the maintenance of Japan's rights and interests in China and of the security of the life and property of the Japanese residents, in accordance with the settled policy of the Government, to Gen. Chiang Kai-shek, Commander of the Nationalist Army, and Generalissimo Chang Tso-lin, leader of the Northern Forces, through Consul-General Yada at Shanghai and Minister Yoshizawa to Peking. Simultaneously he invited to the Foreign Office the United States, British, French, and Italian Ambassadors to Japan, to whom he explained the purport of the above statement, for their information. 1928.05.19 — The fiftieth birthday of two foremost poets of Japan, Sadashiro Irako and Yau Yokosé, whs celebrated today in Tokyo. 1928.05.20 — The inauguration ceremony of the 10 kilowatt Broadcasting Station at Shingo, of the Tokyo Radio Broadcasting station, was held today. 1928.05.21 — At 1:30 a.m. the Tokyo citizens were startled by a strong earthquake. Household articles were thrown down, and minor damage was caused here and there. People were much alarmed, and many ran out into the streets. According to a report of the Tokyo Central Meteorological Observatory, the maximum amplitude was 18 millimetres, the length of shock some 9 minutes, and the seismic centre was off the mouth of the Yedo River, about 15 kilometres southeast of the city of Tokyo. 1928.05.21 — The No. 1 aeroplane built in connection with the proposed trans-Pacific flight, had a trial flight today. Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, world renowned Japanese bacteriologist, who was sent to West Africa by the Rockefeller Institute for yellow fever research, is reported to have succumbed to that disease as a result of having been infected during the course of his researches. 1928.05.22 — Baron Keishiro Matsui, the retiring Japanese Ambassador to the Court of St. James', accompanied by the Baroness and their daughter, arrived at Tokyo this morning. 1928.05.23 - The reorganization of the Tanaka Cabinet has at length been carried out. This afternoon at the Akasaka Detached Palace in the presence of His Majesty the installation ceremony of two new ministers was held. Mr. K. Mochizuki, hitherto Minister of Communications, becomes head of the Home Department, and his old portfolio is succeeded to by Mr. F. Kuhara, M.P. and wellknown millionaire. - The Statistical Bureau of the Cabinet published statistics estimating that at the end of 1924 the national wealth of Japan totalled Yen 102,300,000,000 that is, Yen 1,730 per capita. 1928.05.25 - In connection with the recent reorganization of the Tanaka Ministry, Dr. R. Mizuno, Minister of Education, holding himself responsible for certain complications, surrendered his office. He is succeeded by Mr. K. Shoda, once Minister of Finance. - Mr. Ryukichi Matsui, the west-bound participant in the round-the-world trip promoted by the Tokyo newspaper Jiji Shimpo, returned to Tokyo today. He took 43 days, 13 hours, 54 minutes, and 48 seconds, going by public modes of conveyance. 1928.05.26 — Imperial sanction was given to the donation of condolence finds from the Household Treasury to the bereaved families of the soldiers killed in Shantung. 1928.05.27 - Today being Navy Day for Japan, commemorating the decisive victory of the Battle of the Japan Sea, in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor a celebration was held at the Suikosha Naval Club at Tsukiji, Tokyo. - Under the auspices of the Educational Section of the Tokyo Municipality a children's movie day was held today. For two hours from 9 a.m. twenty-nine movie halls were opened for school boys and girls to enjoy many interesting pictures regarding education. 1928.05.28 - An Animal Protection Week was started today. - The Japanese Government presented a detailed declaration to the council of the League of Nations in reply to China's complaint regarding the Tsinan affair. 1928.05.29 — According to investigations made by the Agricultural and Forestry Ministry, rice spoiled or leaking from bags due to imperfect packing annually reaches over 3,000,000 koku, and the Government is contemplating thoroughgoing remedial measures. It has been decided to found a national rice laboratory, the budget for which is to be introduced in the next session of the Diet. 1928.05.30 - While in aerial maneuvers practising sudden turns, two aeroplanes, piloted by Lieut. J. Sasai and Sub-lieut. H. Ozawa respectively, of the Kagamigahara 1st Flying Corps collided and crashed, causing the immediate death of both pilots. - The Ministry of Finance announces that the specie held by it amounted to Yen 1,246,000,000 at the end of February. 1928.05.31 — It is announced that the military maneuvers this fall will take place in Iwaté Prefecture from October 4 to 9. 1928.06.01 — Owing to imperfect coupling, a mixed train on the Sanin line was detailed between Iwami-Masuda and Yokota Stations, and four passengers were killed, and six seriously and ten slightly hurt. 1928.06.02 — A liquor prohibition treaty has been signed by Secretary of State Kellogg ad Mr. Matsudaira, Japanese Ambassador to the United States. 1928.06.03 — Eleven swimming champions to represent Japan in the forthcoming Olympiad at Amsterdam were selected today. 1928.06.04 — In view of the recent rapid increase of traffic accidents in Tokyo, owing to the increase of motor cars, the Metropolitan Police Board has decided to keep a record of the fingerprints of those holding driving licenses. 1928.06.05 — The Commerce and Industry Ministry estimates Yen 220,000 for establishing an overseas industrial investigation institute in the next fiscal year. Twelve officials, including four industrial attachés, four industrial deputy-attachés and four industrial elève-attachés are to be stationed at Berlin, New York, Shanghai, and Batavia. 1928.06.06 — A joint conference of the Foreign, War, and Navy Offices and the Military General Staff was held this morning for deliberating on steps to be taken for the replenishment of guard forces along the Peking-Tientsin line. It was decided that as an emergency measure part of the Nagoya Army Division now at Tsingtao shall be transferred to the vicinity of Peking and Mukden for the protection of the life and property of the Japanese residents there. 1928.06.07 - M. Z. Okencki, new Polish Minister to Japan, arrived at Shimonoseki this morning. - Generalissimo Chang Tso-lin, having been wounded on his train in an explosion at Mukden, the Cabinet today decided to despatch a special envoy to express its sympathy. 1928.06.08 — When Premier Baron Tanaka was approaching the reception room in Ueno Station at 9:30 a.m., after arriving by motor car, and being escorted by many policemen and members of the Seiyukai, on his way to Utsunomiya to attend a meeting of the Shimotsuké Branch of the Seiyukai Party, he was suddenly attacked by a consumptive looking man with a dagger in his hand. The Premier had a narrow escape, owing to the quick action of the police, who captured the miscreant. 1928.06.09 — According to the Ministry of Finance, the value of the May import trade exceeded that of exports by Yen 220,789,000. 1928.06.10 — As a result of the election of 85 members, in 24 districts, for the Tokyo prefectural assembly, the anti-government parties have captured a majority of the seats. --- The Japan Magazine v18.11 August, 1928 --- (covers June 11, 1928 to July 10, 1928) 1928.06.11 — Mr. Shoda, Education Minister, gave a farewell dinner in honour of the Japanese sport champions who are to participate in the Ninth Olympic Games to be held in Amsterdam. 1928.06.12 — Mr. Junnosuke Inoue has resigned the Governorship of the Bank of Japan. He is succeeded by Mr. Kyuchô Hijikata, Vice-Governor. 1928.06.13 — M. Z. Okencki, new Polish Minister to Japan, who arrived at Tokyo on June 8, was received in audience today by His Majesty the Emperor, to whom he presented his credentials. 1928.06.14 — Mr. McVeagh, United States Ambassador to Japan, who is leaving for home on furlough, paid a farewell visit, at the Foreign Office, to Baron Tanaka, Foreign Minister. 1928.06.15 — The elder Umegatani, Tôtaro Koé by real name, regarded as the Father of Wrestling, the Japanese national athletic sport is dead at the age of eighty-five. 1928.06.16 - In succession to Mr. M. Kamiyama, who has recently been relieved of his office on request, Mr. Takeji Kawamura, formerly President of the South Manchuria Railway Company, has been appointed Governor of Formosa. The installation ceremony took place today in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor. - For the first time in Japan the Chinese national flag of the White Sun in the Blue Sky was hoisted at the Chinese Legation in Tokyo. 1928.06.17 — The Marine Products Experimental Station of Shizuoka Prefecture which has lately devised the discovery of schools of fish by hydroplane has been presented by the Ministry of Communication with a machine. 1928.06.18 - The new barracks of the Azabu 3rd Infantry Regiment having been completed, the opening ceremony was held today. The building is thoroughly up-to-date in its equipment and a model of its kind. - The Japanese swimming champions taking part in the Ninth Olympic Meeting at Amsterdam left Tokyo tonight. They were enthusiastically sent off. 1928.06.19 — According to what is published by the Trust Association of Japan, the assets of all the trust corporations throughout the country totalled Yen 1,098,000,000 at the end of May of the current year, which shows an increase of Yen 350,000,000 as compared with the corresponding period of last year. 1928.06.20 — M. Phya Subarn Sompapi, new Siamese Minister to Tokyo, arrived at the capital today. 1928.06.21 - Mr. McVeagh, American Ambassador to Japan, left for home with his wife and son on furlough. - The Nationalist Government of the Chinese Republic has telegraphed to the Japanese Foreign Office that Mr. Wang Tah-ting has been formally appointed its envoy ad interim to Japan. 1928.06.22 - Miss Setsuko Matsudaira, who is engaged to H. I. H. Prince Chichibu, returned home today after three years' absence in company with her father, Mr. Tsuneo Matsudaira, Japanese Ambassador to the United States, her mother, younger sister Masa-ko, and younger brother Jiro. She arrived at Tokyo Station at 11:30 a.m. Despite pouring rain from early morning, the station was crowded with people, who welcomed her with enthusiasm. - While several hydroplanes of the Omura Flying Corps in Nagasaki Prefecture were in maneuvers above the town of Omura, machines piloted by Sub-Lieut. Kurioka and Sub-Lieut. Taira, at the height of 500 meters, collided and crashed, killing the two officers. 1928.06.23 — Dr. of Literature Takami Mozumé, patron of the study of classics in Japan and authority on Japanese ancient literature, passed away today. Among his many works, an index to the Gunsho, in the Kobunsho Series, is most famous for its exhaustiveness. 1928.06.24 — The first-period rehabilitation work on the Russian Cathedral in Kanda, Tokyo, has been completed. The solemn ceremony of erecting the golden cross on the dome was conducted today by Archibishop Sergii. 1928.06.25 - The United States Chargé d'Affaires called on Mr. Debuchi, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, and requested a formal reply to the second proposition made by the United States in connection with the Anti-War Treaty. - The Finance Ministry announces that according to its investigations the total sum of the Japanese national debts reaches Yen 5,674,770,000, which comes to Yen 93 per capita. 1928.06.26 — Dr. Mineichiro Adachi, Japanese Ambassador to France, Mr. Matsuzo Nagai, Japanese Ambassador to Belgium, and Baron Yoshiro Fujimura, member of the Upper House, will be Japanese delegates at the ninth assembly of the League of Nations at Geneva. 1928.06.27 — The plenary meeting of the Privy Council for discussing the question of asking the Throne for an emergency Imperial Ordinance for the revision of the National Peace Preservation Law was held today. The debate lasted from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but no conclusion was reached, and after a hot discussion the meeting was adjourned. 1928.06.28 — At the plenary meeting of the Privy Council continued from yesterday, the request for an emergency Imperial Ordinance, as desired by the Government, was approved by a majority. 1928.06.29 — The Imperial sanction being obtained for an emergency ordinance for the partial revision of the National Peace Preservation Law, the Government has promulgated the ordinance in an extra issue of the Official Gazette. 1928.06.30 — According to investigations made by the Finance Ministry, the total amount of exports in the first half year of 1928 reached Yen 941,800,000, while that of imports was Yen 1,172,768,000, which shows an excess of imports over exports by Yen 230,968,000. In comparison with the corresponding period of the preceding year imports decreased by Yen 59,000,000. 1928.07.01 - From today the Tokyo Rice Retailers' Guild adopts selling by the metric system of measure. - Mr. T. Kawamura, new Governor-General of Formosa, left Tokyo for his post today. 1928.07.02 — A silver model of the Matterhorn, famous peak of the Swiss Alps, which is to be presented by the Swiss residents in Japan to H. I. H. Prince Chichibu in congratulation of his coming wedding, arrived from Switzerland today. 1928.07.03 — This morning a tram car collided with another at Omagari in Keishikawa Ward, Tokyo, causing two deaths and thirty-three wounded. 1928.07.04 - The change to the status of subject of T. I. H. Prince Fujimaro and Prince Hagimaro Yamashina, upon their own request, was approved by the Imperial Family and formally recognised at today's meeting of the Privy Council. - Baron Aloisi, new Italian Ambassador to Japan, with his wife arrived at Tokyo today. 1928.07.05 — An aerial raid and defence maneuvers, the first experiment of the kind in this country, took place today in Osaka. At night the citizens were drilled in putting out all lights. 1928.07.06 - After flying at night above Yokosuka, No.-F I hydroplane belonging to the Yokosuka Naval Flying Corps was wrecked on alighting on the water and of the crew four were killed, one seriously injured and two rescued. - Dr. Walter Williams, Dean of the School of Journalism in Missouri University, arrived in Japan today with his wife. 1928.07.07 - At today's meeting of the General Executive Committee of the Imperial Aviation Association, the "Sakura," newly built aeroplane for the trans-Pacific flight, was declared unfit for the flight. - The Festival of the Star Vega, an annual function in Japan, anciently celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, was observed today. 1928.07.08 — An emergency amendment of the regulations controlling staple exports, which has been long a pending question, was published in today's Official Gazette. 1928.07.09 - As a result of researches made by Dr. Okochi's Laboratory at the Chemical and Physical Laboratory, a practical process of taking magnesium from magnesite ores in veins in the neighbourhood of Tahsichiao in South Manchuria has been invented. - Miss Mahon, a well-known American educationist of Seattle, where she has had charge of over two thousand American born Japanese children during eighteen years, by whom she is affectionately esteemed, arrived at Tokyo today. 1928.07.10 - His Majesty has sanctioned recalling the troops despatched to Shantung belonging to the Nagoya Third Army Division. - Mr. R. O. Matheson, Tokyo correspondent of the Chicago Tribune, and other leading papers, died at Karuizawa. He was fifty-five years old, and very popular in Japan's journalistic circles. --- The Japan Magazine v18.12 September, 1928 --- (covers July 11, 1928 to August 10, 1928) 1928.07.11 — The Imperial Family Council, at its first meeting since His Majesty the Emperor ascended the Throne, sanctioned H.I.H. Prince Fujimaro Yamashina and H.I.H. Prince Hagimaro Yamashina changing their status to that of subjects. The former will became Marquis Tsukuba, and the latter Count Kashima. 1928.07.12 - Messrs. Myers and Collier, the American round-the-world record-breakers, with their airplane City of New York, left Yokohama today by the Empress of Russia for Vancouver. - Sadanji Ichikawa, one of Japan's foremost actors, left today for Russia, where he and his followers will present the "Kabuki" drama of Japan's theatrical art. 1928.07.13 — Admiral Yoshikawa, with a fleet of 15 airplanes, flew from the Yokosuka naval station, of which he is commander, to the naval aerodrome on the Kasumigaura lagoon. 1928.07.14 — Eleven persons were killed or injured in an electrical storm in several prefectures adjacent to Tokyo. 1928.07.16 — According to official statistics, rice stocks on July 1 amounted to 23,550,000 koku, 2,801,000 koku more than at the same date last year. 1928.07.16 — The government has decided to extend from August 31 to December 31 of this year, the regulation restricting the import of rice. 1928.07.19 — The government issued a formal statement of its position respecting the Tsinan affair, in China, and the return home of Japanese troops in Shantung. The Chinese minister, visiting the Foreign Office, communicated the Nationalist government's desire to have a provisional treaty take the place of the present Japan-China commercial treaty, until a new treaty can be negotiated. The Foreign Office, however, rejected this proposal, declaring that the treaty hitherto in force is valid for ten years more. 1928.07.20 — The government formally communicated its adherence to the Kellogg-Briand anti-war treaty, to the American chargé d'affaires. 1928.07.21 — The Chinese Nationalist government has delivered to the Japanese minister in China, Mr. Yoshizawa, a note declaring the Japan-China commercial and navigation treaty to be void. 1928.07.22 - Marking an extraordinary cool, rainy spell, the average temperature today was slightly over 19 degs. C., whereas the annual average at this time is 27 degs. C. This is the coolest summer season since that of 1907. - A new proletarian political party, called Musan-Taishu-to, was inaugurated today. 1928.07.23 - The various parties in the House of Peers have decided to form a China policy committee, to support the government in a correct attitude toward China. - Fire destroyed 400 houses in the town of Piuka, Hokkaido. 1928.07.24 — Mr. Yoshida, minister to Sweden, becomes Vice-Foreign Minister, in succession to Mr. Debuchi, new ambassador to the United States. Viscount Mushakoji, minister to Rumania, will be transferred to Stockholm, while Mr. Tsuneo Matsudaira, hitherto ambassador at Washington, becomes ambassador to Great Britain. 1928.07.25 — Mr. Tao, representing General Chang Hsueh-liang, of Mukden, and Mr. Wang, representative of the Chinese Nationalist government, have arrived in Tokyo to confer with the foreign office. 1928.07.26 — H.I.H. Prince Chichibu has agreed to be honorary president of the International Industrial Conference to be held in Tokyo next year. 1928.07.28 - Baron Hayashi, formerly ambassador to Great Britain, left Tokyo today to attend the funeral of the late Generalissimo Chang Tso-lin, at Mukden, and also, it is reported, charged with an important diplomatic mission. - The Kawabiraki, or annual "opening" of the Sumida River in Tokyo, with its attendant fireworks display, was held today on an unusually large scale. 1928.07.30 — The unexpectedly early conclusion of a new commercial treaty between the United States and the Chinese Nationalist government is attracting keen attention at the Foreign Office today. 1928.07.31 — It has been ascertained that in Tokyo prefecture there are 12,500 persons over 80 years of age, of whom seven are over 100 years, and they will be accorded, by the Imperial Household, cups in commemoration of the Imperial Enthronement this year. 1928.08.01 - The Japanese minister to China, Mr. Yoshizawa, informed the Nationalist government of Japan's rejection of the Chinese contention that the commercial treaty between the two countries has become void. - Mr. Tokonami, one of the leaders of the Minseito, the principal opposition party in the Imperial Diet, suddenly seceded from the party, giving as his main reason his objection to the Minseito's China policy, and at the same time intimating his intention to form a separate party. The Minseito is a new party, a merger of the former Kenseikai and Seiyu-Honto parties, under the presidency of Mr. Yuko Hamaguchi, leader of the Kenseikai, while Mr. Tokonami was president of the Seiyu-Honto. 1928.08.02 — Floods, the worst recorded since 1912, the result of the recent heavy rains, unusual at this season, have caused much damage in eastern Japan. 1928.08.04 — Former Seiyu-Honto adherents of Mr. Tokonami are holding meetings to decide whether they should follow the latter in his bolt from the Minseito party. 1928.08.05 - A remarkable memorial service was held today at the village of Oshima, on the coast of Wakayama prefecture, near Osaka, in memory of the victims of the Turkish warship Ertoghroul, which was wrecked in that vicinity many years ago. The service was attended by the Turkish chargé d'affaires, Fuad Bey, the Mayor of Osaka, the governors of Osaka and Wakayama prefectures, and members of the Japan-Turkish Society. - The Home Office is putting the final touches to the present ministry's elaborate plan for a fundamental reorganization of prefectural, city, town and village administration, involving considerable decentralization of power, for presentation to the next session of the Diet. 1928.08.06 - Mons. Giardini, Papal Nuncio in Tokyo for seven years, left Tokyo for Rome today. - Mr Yuko Hamaguchi, president of the Minseito, opposition party, has rejected Premier Baron Tanaka's proposal that he join the advisory council that the government plans to form of prominent men, for consultation regarding affairs in China, and national thought. 1928.08.07 - Honors for distinguished service, during the recent conflict in Shantung, have been announced for over 50 officers and men of the Japanese army who were killed or injured there. - It is announced that Japan will be represented at the signing of the anti-war treaty at Paris by Count Uchida, who held the post of foreign minister for many years, and is at present a member of the Privy Council. 1928.08.08 — It is announced that Mr. Nagaoka, ambassador to Germany, will also hold the post of minister to Latvia. 1928.08.09 - The Ministry of Education has proposed to the Bureau of Decorations to create a new medal, to be called "Bunko-sho," to be conferred on persons who have distinguished themselves in art and literature. Honors of a similar nature are planned for merit in education, journalism, and religion. - Count Uchida left for Paris to sign the anti-war treaty on behalf of Japan. 1928.08.10 — The Tokyo waterworks bureau has formulated a plan for the adequate supply of water for the population of the Greater Tokyo of the future, estimated at 7,000,000. --- The Japan Magazine v19.1 October, 1928 --- (covers August 11, 1928 to September 10, 1928) 1928.08.11 — In connection with the imperial gift of wooden cups and entertainment money to men and women throughout the country above eighty years of age at the time of the Coronation, the Home Affairs Department has received the following reports dated July 31 from all the prefectural governors, except from Wakayama Prefecture, who were instructed to make investigations regarding them:- Over one hundred years... 253 persons From ninety to one hundred years ........19,569 " From eight to one hundred years.............301,069 " They total 410,891 1928.08.12 - Lieut. - Gen. Minami, Vice-Chief of the General Staff, who was travelling in Shantung Province on an important mission, returned home today. - The heavy rains which had continued for a fortnight ceased today. 1928.08.13 - The draft of the seamen's insurance bill which the Home Office will introduce in the forthcoming session of the Imperial Diet has been completed. - M. de Billy, French Ambassador to Japan, called on Mr. Yoshida, new Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, this morning and informed him regarding the Franco-Chinese convention regarding the Nanking Affair. 1928.08.14 — Baron Tanaka, Premier and Foreign Minister had interviews with the British, American, French and Russian envoys to Japan, to interchange views regarding the China problem, and to inform them of the Japanese Government's position. 1928.08.15 — The American charge d'affaires in Tokyo advised the Japanese Foreign Office that toward the end of this month about fifteen warships of the United States fleet will call at Yokohama, Kobe, Tsuruga and Hakodate separately. 1928.08.16 - Baron Gonsuke Hayashi, who went to Manchuria on a special mission and to attend Chang Tso-lin's funeral, returned to Tokyo today. - Mr. Wang Yung-pao, Chinese Minister to Japan, called upon Mr. H. Arita, Director of the Asiatic Affairs Bureau of the Foreign Office, this morning, to hand him a copy of the second note of the Chinese Nationalist Government in connection with the Sino-Japanese commercial treaty, which was transmitted to Mr. Okamoto, Japanese Consul at Nanking. 1928.08.17 — Baron Tanaka, Premier and Foreign Minister called in three veteran statesmen, Viscounts Kiyoura, Goto and Kaneko, for a conference with them with reference to the recent problems arising in China. 1928.08.18 - Baron Tanaka had a conversation today with Baron Alliosi, Italian Ambassador to Japan, relative to the Chinese Nationalist Government's proposed abrogation of the Sino-Japanese commercial navigation treaty and other important Chinese questions. - According to investigations made by the Social Affairs Bureau of the Home Affairs Department, labour disputes which occurred this year, from January to June, numbered 371 cases in all prefectures. It is said 39,217 persons participated in those troubles. Labour disturbances which have shown a tendency to increase since 1919-20, a turning point in national thought in this country, showed a decrease last year for the first time, numbering 562 cases with 47,002 participants during the former half of 1927. The former half of this year saw a still further decrease, the cases being reduced by some 30 per cent., viz. 191. 1928.08.20 - In answer to the summons of the Foreign Office, Mr. Shichitaro Yada, Japanese Consul-Genetal at Shanghai, arrived at Tokyo today. - Thirty-eight members of the American Shriners' Lodge who are making a tour of the Orient, from San Francisco, arrived at Yokohama today. 1928.08.21 — A graft scandal in connection with the removal of the Tokyo fish-market and the extension of a suburban tramway has involved many members of the Tokyo Municipal Assembly. Among those examined by the procurators are two members of the House of Representatives. They are charged with accepting bribes. 1928.08.22 - Bishop U. Ottama, a prominent figure in the independence movement in India and one of the influential leaders in the National congress of that country, who has been studying Buddhism in Nara since his arrival at Kobe from Burma on July 29, came to Tokyo today and went to the home of Mr. Bose, one of his friends. - Fire in Teshio, Hokkaido destroyed eight hundred out of the one thousand houses of the town. 1928.08.23 — One hundred and seventy-nine preachers and adherents of the Tenri Kenkyujo, a religious body formed on Shintoist lines, with headquarters at Iwaki village in Nara Prefecture, have been arrested, charged with lèse majesté. 1928.08.24 — Baron Gonsuké Hayashi, a veteran diplomat on the waiting list, formerly ambassador in London, has decided to retire from the diplomatic service. 1928.08.25 — Mr. Kenichi Fujita, President of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who represented Japanese capitalists at the last international Labour Conference at Geneva, returned home today. 1928.08.26 — According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, despite the anticipation of a bad crop of rice this year owing to the unseasonable weather, the condition of the crop as a whole on Aug. 15, was declared to be "normal." Aug. 27. All this summer fine days were very few, and according to an announcement made today by the Central Meteorological Observatory of Tokyo, only 15 days were fine between June 11 and Aug. 27, while 6 days were cloudy, rain falling on all the others. 1928.08.28 - Dr. Solf, German Ambassador to Tokyo, just returned from an extensive trip in Formosa, called on Baron Tanaka, to confer with him in regard to the Japan-German Customs Tariff Treaty now in course of negotiation between the two Governments. - The second note regarding the Sino-Japanese Commercial and Navigation Treaty, was handed to Mr. Yoshizawa, Japanese Minister at Peking, by the Nationalist Government, was published today. 1928.08.29 — The following days will be national holidays on the occasion of the Imperial Enthronement this fall:- Nov. 10, Coronation Day; Nov. 14, Daijo-sai Day on which the Emperor offers rice to the Ancestral Gods for the first time since his accession to the Throne; Nov. 16 Grand Gala Day. Out of the forty Communists in Western Japan who were prosecuted following the third nation-wide arrests in March last and who have since been under preliminary examination at the Fukuoka District Court, thirty-five have been charged with infringing the Public Peace Preservation Law and will undergo public trial in the same court, the remaining five being set free on account of lack of evidence. 1928.08.30 — The number of members of the newly formed political party, the Shinto Club, under the leadership of Mr. T. Tokonami, who recently deserted the Minseito, of which he was an important member, has reached twenty-five, the number which entitles a political body to the right of negotiation in the Diet. 1928.08.31 — On the invitation of Keio University, the baseball team of Illinois University arrived at Tokyo today. 1928.09.01 - This being the fifth anniversary of the disastrous earthquake and fire of 1923, solemn memorial services were conducted with Shintoist and Buddhist rituals on the old site of the Military Clothing Department in Honjo, Tokyo, where over 30,000 lives were lost in the calamity. - At 11:58, the moment at which the catastrophe overtook the capital and its vicinity, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, at the Nasu Detached Palace, offered silent prayers for the victims. 1928.09.02 — The marriage of Miss Setsu-ko Matsudaira to Prince Chichibu, which was sanctioned by the Imperial Court on January 18, is announced by the Imperial Household Department to be held at the sanctuary at the Imperial Palace on September 28, which will be preceded by the ceremony of exchanging betrothal presents on September 16 and the formal notification of the date of the wedding to the Grand Shrines of Isé on September 20. 1928.09.03 — A number of the Japanese athletes who took part in the Ninth Olympic Games at Amsterdam returned home today. 1928.09.04 — The membership of the Economic Commission instituted by the Tanaka Cabinet was selected today at a Cabinet Meeting. 1928.09.05 — The Tokyo Municipality which has been carrying on the dredging of the River Sumida and canal cutting since 1922 as a preliminary undertaking for the harbour of Greater Tokyo, has decided to begin the harbour work itself, which has been pending for several years. The undertaking which will take ten years' work, will be started next year. The expenditure for the first period is estimated at Yen 27,900,000. 1928.09.06 - In connection with the Coronation ceremony this fall those employed by the War, Navy, Railways, Commerce and Industry, and Finance Departments will observe the three national holidays The question has arisen if they will be paid wages for those three days, which has now been decided on the affirmative. - From a legal viewpoint, the Government is not bound to pay wages but it is said that only for the reason of the workers' spontaneous expression of congratulation to the Imperial House, they will be fully paid. 1928.09.07 — A movement has been started by influential persons, official and private, for restoring, in commemoration of the Imperial Enthronement, the public Museum at Ueno belonging to the Imperial Household, which will be transformed into a museum of old Oriental fine art. The first meeting of the promoters was held today. Prince Tokugawa was nominated President and Marquis Hosokawa and Viscount Shibusawa, Vice-Presidents, while Premier Baron Tanaka and Mr. Hamaguchi, Leader of the Minseito, are to be advisers. 1928.09.08 — In view of the existence of questionable insurance companies, the Commerce and Industry Department will prepare a revision of the Insurance Law now in force, which is found to have some defects. 1928.09.09 — Some members of the Minseito Party who have been discontented with its policies have formed a new body called the "Constitutional Politics Innovation Society." They have been expelled from the Minseito which is suffering from grave internal dissensions. 1928.09.10 — On December 12 this year a grand municipal celebration of the Imperial Enthronement will be held in Tokyo. --- The Japan Magazine v19.2 November, 1928 --- (covers September 11, 1928 to October 10, 1928) 1928.09.11 — A reconnaissance plane piloted by Lieut. Shichiro Nishimura of the Kagamigahara 2nd Flying Regiment, with probation officer Masayoshi Shinoda on board, crashed and both officers were killed. 1928.09.12 — A floral zone was discovered on the sea bottom in Ishishiro County in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan. The zone which contains a tabu forest will be preserved as a national natural monument. 1928.09.13 — The pro-Japanese Brazilian Professor Juliano Moleira, of Rio de Janeiro University, arrived at Yokohama with his wife. 1928.09.14 — Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress who had been spending the summer at the Nasu Detached Villa returned to Tokyo today, with Princess Teru. 1928.09.16 — To show consideration to those advanced in age on the occasion of the Coronation, the Imperial Court will grant sake cups and entertainment money to men and women above eighty years of age. The announcement has been transmitted by the Imperial Household Department to the Home Office and the Governors of all the colonies. The kinds of cups and the amounts of entertainment money are as below:- To those over 80 years: One cinnabarvarnished wooden cup with 50 sen entertainment money. To those over 90 years: One cinnabarvarnished wooden cup with 1 yen entertainment money. To those over 100 years: One set of three cinnabar-varnished wooden cups with 1.50 yen entertainment money. 1928.09.17 — Dr. Larnett, Professor of Doshisha University, Kyoto, who is returning to America for his wife's health was today given the 3rd order of the Sacred Treasure in recognition of his contribution to Japan's education. Mr. Sun Ho, the eldest son of the late Dr. Sun Yat-sen of China and now Chief of the Reconstruction Department of the Central Executive Committee of the Canton Government, who has been staying in the United States, arrived at Yokohama on his way home. 1928.09.18 — In regard to the wording, "in the name of the peoples" of the Anti-war Pact recently signed by the Japanese Government at Paris, declared to be inconsistent with the supreme authority of the Emperor, the Minseito, the Opposition political party, has published a protest. The Japanese swimming champions who participated in the International Olympic Games at Amsterdam returned home. 1928.09.19 — The style of the Imperial equipage on the occasion of the Coronation was announced today. 1928.09.20 — The Himeji Castle in the City of Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, has been specified by the Home Affairs Department as a national monument. 1928.09.21 — The Odawara Penitentiary has purchased the superannuated warship "Musashi." It will be anchored in Uraga Harbour and utilized for the detention of juvenile prisoners who will be engaged in taking care of fishing implements and ship's fittings, oceanological observation, studies of currents and weather, navigation and marine mechanics, so that a maritime spirit may be fostered among them. This undertaking is the first of its kind in this country. Mr. Ting Kung-pu, one of the foremost scholars in China and ex-tutor to the former Emperor of the Ching Dynasty, is visting Japan. 1928.09.22 — The column presented to the City of Aidzu by Premier Mussolini, the Italian Dictator, in memory of the tragic end of the Byakko band of young lads during the Restoration period Campaign, by whose deed he was deeply moved, will soon arrive in Japan. The column is an old granite pillar excavated from the ruins of Rome. It is said to be over 2,000 years old, 8.35 meters in height and 25 tons in weight. The pedestal is 2.50 meters high, 2 meters square, and on one side is inscribed: "This ancient pillar is given to the City of Aidzu in memory of the courageous deed of the young Byakko band by the people of Rome who love heroic spirit." On the top of the column is a bronze eagle with outstretched wings, the symbol of Rome. 1928.09.24 — The American Chargé d'Affaires to Japan announced today that an artistically bound album of views of Washington from President and Mrs. Coolidge and a handsome desk clock from Secretary of State Kellogg and Mrs. Kellogg will be presented to Miss Setsu-ko Matsudaira, on the occasion of her wedding to H. I. H. Prince Chichibu. Lieut.-General Fukuda, Commander of the 6th Division of Kumamoto, which went to Shantung as an expeditionary force and returned recently, arrived at Tokyo Station early this morning with his staff. A carriage sent by the Imperial Household Department took him to the Chiyoda Palace, where he was granted audience by His Majesty the Emperor to whom he made a report in detail. The Corps Diplomatique gave a farewell lunch at the German Embassy in honour of Mr. K. Debuchi, newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Washington who is leaving soon for his new post. Dr. Solf, German Ambassador, Doyen of the Corps, presented the envoy with a souvenir on behalf of the corps. 1928.09.25 — A set of lacquer inlaid bookshelves and alcove ornaments, a present to Their Majesties the Emperor Taisho and his consort from all the functionaries, civil and military, in token of congratulation upon the celebration of the 25th anniversary of their wedding in May, 1925, which has been in course of preparation by more than a hundred contemporary artizans of prominence, at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, has been completed, and will be presented to the Imperial Household before the Coronation Ceremonies. 1928.09.27 — Among the aged persons to be honoured with an Imperial gift in commemoration of the Enthronement is Uhei Takama a man living in Hiroshima, western Japnn, who is one hundred and thirteen years old. 1928.09.28 — Today H. I. H. Prince Chichibu and Miss Setsu-ko Matsudaira were married. Mr. K. Debuchi, new Japanese Ambassador to the United States, left for his post, with his wife and children by the liner Shunyo Maru. 1928.09.29 — To attend the grand military maneuvers to be held in north-eastern Japan, Gen. Chang Shun, Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese Nationalist Army, arrived at Tokyo this morning. French athletic champions under the leadership of Dr. Minelle, arrived to participate in All-Japan Athletic Sports in Tokyo and Osaka. 1928.09.30 — Tokyo the semi-centennial anniversary of the foundation of the Tokyo Stock Exchange was celebrated. Prof. Petzold a German scholar and follower of the Tendai Sect, has been appointed prelate of that sect at a solemn ceremony at the Kaneiji Temple in Ueno Park. 1928.10.01 — The jury system went into effect today. His Majesty the Emperor visited the Supreme Court in Tokyo in commemoration of the event. The thirtieth anniversary of the inauguration of the Municipal Administration of Tokyo also was celebrated today. The eighty-eighth birthday of Viscount Shibusawa, grand old man of Japan's business and industrial world, was celebrated today at the Imperial Theatre. After the ceremony a magnificent banquet was held at the Tokyo Kaikan, attended by Premier Baron Tanaka and some 1,200 other guests. 1928.10.02 — According to a report published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the rice crop this year is forecast at 61,296,260 koku which shows a decrease by 809,406 koku or 1.3 per cent., compared with the previous year, but an increase of 3,292,906 koku, or 5.7 per cent., compared with the average year, 1928.10.03 — H. I. H. Prince Takamatsu, second younger brother of His Majesty, who has been absent on an ocean training voyage for half a year, as a sub-lieutenant, returned to the Yokosuka Admiralty. He immediately came to the Takanawa Palace, Tokyo. 1928.10.04 — His Majesty the Emperor left Tokyo for the north-eastern districts to command the grand military maneuvers there with Iwate Prefecture as the centre. Gen. Chang Shun, Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese Republic, who had come to Japan to attend the military maneuvers, hurriedly started for home today, on receipt of a telegram from the Nationalist Goverment. 1928.10.05 — The Government has agreed to the request for Yen 4,000,000 for the War Office and Yen 2,300,000 for the Navy Department, to increase the wages of the rank and file. By this a private will be paid Yen 1.50 more per month than at present. 1928.10.06 — The flag-ship Trenton of the light cruiser squadron of the American Eastern Fleet and two other American warships arrived at Yokohama. 1928.10.07 — The new Czecho-Slovakian Minister to Tokyo, arrived at Shimonoseki with his wife and daughters on his way to his post. The French athletic champions lost by a small margin at the meeting in the Meiji Shrine stadium, the score being 77½ against 77½ marks. 1928.10.18 — The grand military maneuvers ended today. Mr. McVeagh, the United States Ambassador, and Sir John Tilley, the British Ambassador, returned today by the Empress of Asia. Signor Enrico San Martino, Italian Special Envoy, arrived in Tokyo with a gift of King Emmanuel to the Emperor of Japan in congratulation of his coming Enthronement. The next budget which has been formulated by the Finance Department totals Yen 1,710,000,000, which includes 110,000,000 for new undertakings. 1928.10.09 — The post of Chilian Minister to Japan which has been vacant for some time has now been filled by the former Minister to the Netherlands. Geological experts estimate that a fossilized lobster lately excavated in Iwate Prefecture is 4,000,000 years old, while a fossil plant also discovered may be over 5,000,000 years of age. A kitten born in a certain household in Tokyo has four ears, and the little animal is attracting much attention among curiosity-seekers. 1928.10.10 — The Finance Ministry reports that the nationl loans of this country totalled Yen 5,766,170,000 at the end of September this year, Yen 4,312,942,000 being domestic loans and the remaining Yen 1,453,227,000, foreign loans. --- The Japan Magazine v19.3 December, 1928 --- (covers October 11, 1928 to November 10, 1928) 1928.10.11 — His Majesty the Emperor who left Tokyo on Oct. 4 for Iwate Prefecture to supervise the grand military maneuvers held there for the following three days left the city of Morioka on Oct. 10, and after stopping in Sendai for the night, today returned to the Imperial Palace after eight days' absence. 1928.10.12 — The first conference of the Tokyo Municipality met today in connection with the notorious scandal case of many members of the Municipal Assembly who have been arrested and taken to prison charged with graft. They discussed the question, "Whether the Tokyo Municipal Assembly should be dissolved or not," and the majority of them upheld the affirmative. 1928.10.13 — The international swimming contest under the auspices of the Tokyo Asashi Shimbun was opened today. 1928.10.14 — Investigations made by the prefectural governors into the number of people entitled to participate in the celebration dinner on the day of the Grand Banquets at Kyoto has resulted in deciding on 385, 621 in all. 1928.10.15 — Dr. Clifford Clamp, director of the Perkins Astronomical Observatory in Ohio, U. S. A., arrived today a Tokyo. 1928.10.16 — The 9th Tei-ten or Imperial Fine Art Exhibition was opene today. 1928.10.17 — The Kanname-sai or Harvest Festival for offering the year's new rice and vegetables to the Imperial ancestral spirits was solemnly conducted today before the Kashiko-dokoro, or Imperial Sanctuary, in the Tokyo Imperial Palace. 1928.10.18 — The Japan-visiting aeroplane, "Europa," piloted by Baron von Huenefeldt of Germany, which left Shanghai on the night of Oct. 17 and passed over the city of Osaka at 8:15 a.m. today, made its appearance at 1:30 p.m. above Tsukishima, Kyobashi Ward, in Tokyo. While, however, it was making its way to Tachikawa, it took a wrong course on account of the dense fog and was forced to land near the river Tamagawa. Baron von Huenefeldt and two companions were quite safe. This night fire broke out at Ryotsumachi, Sado Island, in Niigata Prefecture, destroying 800 houses. 1928.10.19 — The first meeting of Mr. S. Yata, Japanese Consul-General at Shanghai, and Mr. C. T. Wang, Foreign Minister of the Nationalist Government of China, a curtain-raiser to formal negotiations between Japan and China, was held today at the latter's official residence in Nanking. Baron von Huenefeldt, the German airman visiting Japan, this morning called at the Ministry of Communications, War and Navy Offices, and on General Prince Kuni, Honorary President of the Imperial Aviation Association. At noon he was invited to lunch by Mr. Kuhara, Minister of Communications. 1928.10.20 — M. Emile Travelsinis, the newly-appointed Swiss Minister to Japan, who had been hurrying to his new post so that he might be in time to attend the Enthronement Ceremony, arrived at Tokyo today. M. Louis Brangain, Professor of Botany in Paris University, recently nominated director of la Maison Franco-Japonaise, also arrived at Tokyo. According to investigation made by the Statistical Bureau of the Cabinet for 1925, the income of all the Japanese people aggregated more than Yen 13,300,000, viz, Yen 224 per capita. 1928.10.21 — Word received from Nanking reports that the third meeting between Mr. Yata, Japanese Consul-General at Shanghai, and Mr. C. T. Wang, Chinese Foreign Minister, in connection with Sino-Japanese formal negotiations was wholly occupied with the Tsinan Affair, being concluded in an almost head-on collision as had been anticipated. The negotiations, therefore, are said to be at a standstill. 1928.10.22 — With a view to giving relief to labourers unemployed this winter, the Tokyo Municipal Office has decided on an extraordinary out-of-employment relief undertaking. The Labour Exchange of the city, accordingly, had the names of those labourers within the city registered, and their number reached 19,175. The Municipal authorities are seriously concerned about how to effectively rescue such a large number. Both the Tokyo and Osaka Clearing Houses passed a resolution that the ban on the export of gold should be immediately lifted, and made a proposal to that effect to the Ministry of Finance. 1928.10.23 — Today the autumn festival of the Yasukuni Shrine, one of the important Tokyo annual functions, was performed, and His Majesty the Emperor despatched an Imperial messenger to the Shrine. 1928.10.24 — No accord has so far been reached with respect to the Tsinan Affair in the Sino-Japanese negotiations now going on in Nanking between ConsulGeneral Yata, and Minister Wang for Foreign Affairs of China, and it was decided to stop the negotiations for the time being. 1928.10.25 — The final meeting between the Japanese and Chinese representatives came to a conclusion today. Mr. Yata and Minister Wang published a simultaneous statement, in effect that they had reached an accord of views in the main. It has been decided that the grand naval review in celebration of the Enthronement Ceremony will take place off Yokohama harbour on December 4. The military review will be held on December 2. Fire reduced more than 700 houses to ashes at Wakkanai, Kitami Province, Hokkaido. Count Uchida who went to Paris in August to represent Japan at the signature of the War Outlaw Pact and then visited the United States returned home today. Han Hsi-chang, a foremost Chinese actor, arrived at Tokyo. 1928.10.27 — To Yen 1,732,900,000, appropriated by the Finance Ministry for the budget for next year has been added some Yen 10,000,000, a net increase revived by the Cabinet for the budget, thus reaching Yen 1,742,900,000 total. The new Chilian Minister accredited to the Japanese court, arrived to Tokyo today. Master Wu Tsing-yuen, noted Chinese juvenile chess champion, also came to this country. 1928.10.28 — Marquis N. Okuma, whose political activities have long been rumoured, expressedly stated that he was ready to enter upon political life at a meeting of former and present members of the Diet, who are graduates of Waseda University, held today. 1928.10.29 — Mr. H. Arita, Director of the Asiatic Affairs Bureau in the Foreign Office, invested with an important mission in connection with the solution of the Tsinan question, left Tokyo today and hurried to Shanghai. 1928.10.30 — The twenty-five foreign Ambassadors and Ministers, who are to attend the Enthronement Ceremony representing the rulers and presidents of the twenty-six countries on friendly terms with Japan (Austria is represented by the Swedish Minister), were received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor in the Phoenix Hall in the Imperial Palace this morning. The Chilian Minister who arrived at his new post three days ago will go to the Imperial Palace very soon and present his credentials to His Majesty. He is to attend the Grand Ceremony of Enthronement as special envoy for Chile. On the occasion of the above audience decorations were conferred upon the foreign representatives as follow:— Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun with Paulonia:—to Sir John Tilley, British Ambassador. Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun:—to Messrs. Wang Yung-pao, Chinese Minister; Pedro S. Cabaiello, Spanish Ambassador; José V. Scafino, Mexican Ambassador; Manuel E. Bonnemaison, Peruvian Ambassador; E. C. Bapst, Netherlands Minister; Johann W. Michelet, Norwegian Minister; José da Costa Carneillo, Portuguese Minister. Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun (newly ranked as holder of first order): —to Messrs. A. D. Prienne Feitoza, Brazilian Ambassador; Robert de Billy, French Ambassador; Pompeio Alloisi, Italian Ambassador. Grand Cordon of the Sacred Treasure (newly ranked as holder of first order): to Messrs. Henrik de Kaufmann, Danish Minister; Z. Okentsky, Polish Minister; Aurel J. Vassiliu, Rumanian Minister; Karl Halla, Czecho-Slovakian Minister. Second Order of the Sacred Treasure (newly ranked as holder of second order): —to Dr. Gustaf J. Ramstedt, Finnish Minister. Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun:—to Dr. Mario Louis de L. Lianos. To the other envoys not included in the above list were granted beautiful gifts instead of decorations, as follows:— Gold-lacquered toilet-case with the Imperial Crest:—to Dr. Wilhelm Solf, German Ambassador. Cloisonné flower-vase:—to M. Bassompierre, Belgian Ambassador; Fuad Bey, Turkish Chargé d'Affaires. Gold-lacquered toilet-case with the Imperial crest:—to Mrs. MacVeagh, wife of the American Ambassador; Messrs. Trojanovsky, Soviet Ambassador; and E. Roeff, Swedish Minister. 1928.10.21 — The subject for the New Year Poetry Party next year, one of the annual functions of the Imperial Court, selected by the Imperial Household is announced today to be “Morning at a Farmhouse.” 1928.11.01 — An Imperial Rescript issued today announced that the date of the convocation of the 56th session of the Imperial Diet has been fixed for December 24. 1928.11.02 — Mr. Ty Cobb well-known American baseball champion, and his party who were jointly invited by the University teams of Keio, Meiji and Waseda arrived at Tokyo today. 1928.11.03 — Today, the birthday of the late Emperor Meiji, which was established as one of the National Holidays as Meiji Setsu, which is to be observed in order to recall the great virtues of that sovereign as well as the achievements of his reign, was celebrated today, officially for the first time. At the Imperial Court solemn rituals were conducted, and foreign envoys accredited to this country and civil and military high functionaries were invited to lunch in the Homeiden Hall of the Imperial Palace. 1928.11.04 — At the intercollegiate baseball contest for this autumn among the six universities Keio University gained the victory, with possession of the Prince Regent Cup. 1928.11.06 — To perform the most important ceremony of his reign, the Enthronement at Kyoto, His Majesty the Emperor with Her Majesty the Empress H. I. H. Prince Kanin, Commissioner of the Grand Ceremony, T. I. H. Prince and Princess Chichibu, and H. I. H. Prince Fushimi, Premier Baron Tanaka and other members of the suite, being preceded by a palanquin carrying the Imperial Sanctuary, left Tokyo Station by Imperial train at 8 o'clock this morning. He arrived at Nagoya Station at 3:30 p.m., and proceeded to the Detached Palace in that city, where he spent that night. 1928.11.07 — Similar to the previous day, being preceded in the procession by the Imperial Sanctuary palanquin, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress left Nagoya Station at 11 this morning. Kyoto was reached at 2 p.m. and Their Majesties proceeded to the Palace. 1928.11.08 — The foreign envoys to attend the Grand Ceremony representing twentysix countries, with their wives, left Tokyo Station this morning by special train reserved for them, for Kyoto. 1928.11.09 — The Grand Ceremony of Enthronement taking place tomorrow, a festive atmosphere enveloped the country, there being profuse decorations of towers, arches, flags, lanterns, and bunting. 1928.11.10 — The day for the arrival of which all the people of Japan were waiting with impatience, the day of the Enthronement Ceremony, at last came. In the forenoon the ritual before the Imperial Sanctuary was held, and in the afternoon the Shishinden ceremony was performed. At three o'clock when, leading the nation, Premier Tanaka shouted three Banzais in the presence of His Majesty at the Shishinden, the 80,000,000 subjects of the sovereign were in harmony in echoing the cry, in celebration of this most happy event. --- The Japan Magazine v19.5 February, 1929 --- (covers December 11, 1928 to January 1, 1929) 1928.12.11 — Guided by officials of the Social Bureau of the Tokyo Municipal Office, M. Albert Thomas, Director of the International Labour Bureau of Geneva, visited the Tokyo slums to acquaint himself with the life of the poor. 1928.12.12 — A grand banquet in celebra- tion of the Imperial Enthronement was given by Baron Tanaka, Prime Minister, at his new official residence. Over 3,000 persons attended. 1928.12.13 — Under the auspices of the Tokyo Municipality a celebration was held at Ueno Park in commemoration of the Imperial Ascension of the Throne. Their Majesties the Emperor and Em- press honoured the meeting with their presence, the former reading an Imperial Rescript. 1928.12.14 — It is announced that Dr. Wilhelm Solf, German Ambassador, who is soon leaving for home, will be suc- ceeded by Baron Albert de Bossompierre, Belgian Ambassador, as Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps. In honour of M. Albert Thomas, Di- rector of the International Labour Bureau, Premier Baron Tanaka gave a dinner at the Foreign Minister's official residence. 1928.12.15 — In the outer palace grounds His Majesty the Emperor reviewed groups of students, young men's associa- tions and ex-service men, numbering more than 80,000, representing Tokyo, Kana- gawa, Yamanashi, Chiba and Saitama Prefectures. H. E. the Siamese Minister was re- ceived in audience this morning by His Majesty the Emperor, to whom he pre- sented a gift of an alcove ornament, a silver elephant elaborately carved, in celebration of the Imperial Enthronement. In honour of Dr. Solf, German Am- bassador, Premier Baron Tanaka held a farewell dinner at the Foreign Minister's official residence. 1928.12.16 — Dr. Solf, German Ambas- sador, and M. Feitosa, Brazilian Ambas- sador, both of whom are leaving for home, were invited by His Majesty the Emperor to a farewell lunch. Premier Baron Tanaka attended the dinner. 1928.12.17 — The Brazilian Ambassador to Japan and his wife in company with Dr. Moleira, a pro-Japanese Brazilian scholar, and his wife, left Tokyo for home. 1928.12.18 — Dr. Solf, German Ambas- sador, with his family, left Tokyo for home. The farewell scene at the station was a dramatic one. Premier Baron Tanaka in the capacity of Minister for Foreign Affairs gave a grand banquet at the Kasumigaseki Im- perial Detached Palace. 1928.12.19 — M. Albert Thomas, Di- rector of the International Labour Bureau, went to Saitama Prefecture to view the peasants' life there. 1928.12.20 — The Government made an informal announcement of the budget for 1929 at the Prime Minister's official re- sidence to the negotiating delegates of the House of Peers in the forenoon and to those of the House of Representatives in the afternoon. A meeting for amalgamating the Japan Labour and Peasantry Party, the Prole- tarian Party and other five neutral bodies was held today. The newly organized party is to be named Japan Taishu (Grand Mass) Party, and Dr. Iwasaburo Kono is to be chief of the Central Executive Committee. 1928.12.21 — The Home Minister has ordered the Tokyo Municipal Assembly dissolved. The reason is that out of 88 members, 25 are in custody charged with misconduct in office, while six seats are vacant, and the Assembly must be con- sidered as lacking the citizens' confi- dence. 1928.12.22 — The Labour and Peasantry Party which has been preparing to re- organize since it was ordered by the Government to dissolve simultaneously with the unearthing last spring of the communist plot, in which it was alleged to be involved, plans its formal reorga- nization under the name of Labourers and Farmers' Party. M. Albert Thomas, Director of the International Labour Bureau, left today for Kyoto. After sightseeing in the old capital he will go to Osaka on Dec. 24 and inspect various factories. 1928.12.24 — The 56th session of the Imperial Diet was formally convened. When the Labour and Peasantry Party opened its reorganization preparatory meeting, the Home Minister ordered it to be dissolved under Article 8 of the peace preservation police law. 1928.12.25 — The second anniversary of the demise of the Emperor Taisho was solemnly observed at the Imperial Court. Mr. T. Tokonami, leader of the Shinto Club, who has been making a tour in China, returned to Tokyo this evening. 1928.12.26 — The opening ceremony of the 56th ordinary session of the Imperial Diet was held in the Upper House by His Majesty the Emperor. 1928.12.27 — Some 400 officials connected with the Enthronement Commission were decorated in recognition of their services. 1928.12.28 — Mr. T. Tokonami, leader of the Shinto Club, had an interview with Premier Baron Tanaka. The meeting is regarded as having an important influence on the future political situation. Mr. T. Matsudaira, new Ambassador to the Court of St. James, left Tokyo for his post. 1928.12.29 — H. I. H. Col. Prince Higashikuni, accompanied by Major Yasuda, aide-de-camp, made a visit in- cognito to the slums in Honjo and Fuka- gawa Wards in Tokyo, to acquaint him- self with the lives of the poor classes at the year end. He is the first Prince of the Blood to visit these quarters and it created a sensation there. 1928.12.30 — Dr. Ernst Arthur Vorezsch, the new German Ambassador to Japan, with his wife, son, and daughter arrived at Tokyo this morning. 1928.12.31 — The New Year's mail handled at the post offices in the nine prefectures in the jurisdiction of the Tokyo Bureau of Post Office Superinten- dence totalled 79,418,111, an increase by 25.7 per cent. compared with the preceding year. 1929.01.01 — 1929.—This is the first New Year Day since the Emperor's formal enthronement. His Majesty is 29 years --- The Japan Magazine v19.7 April, 1929 --- (covers February 11, 1929 to March 10, 1929) 1929.02.11 — The Kigensetsu or National Foundation Festival for the first time since the reigning Emperor's accession to the Throne was formally conducted at the Imperial Court this morning. The 4th Kenkoku-sai (Nation's Establishment Fête) was performed, over 100,000 citizens of Tokyo assembling in front of the Imperial Palace and shouting three banzais. 1929.02.12 — H.R.H. Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, who is going to visit Japan to present to H.M. the Emperor the Order of the Garter will leave London on March 26, arriving at Hongkong on April 24. At that port he will board a British man-of-war and is scheduled to arrive at Yokohoma early on the morning of May 2. During his three weeks sojourn in Japan H.I.H. Prince Chichibu, his intimate friend, will accompany the visitor, who is to see the sights at Nikko, Nara and Kyoto. 1929.02.13 — As the first experiment in this country the Government has decided upon 'National Mobilization' maneuvers in Central Japan with Osaka as the centre toward the latter part of June this year under auspices of the National Resources Board. 1929.02.14 — The Tokyo Municipal Council held a meeting this morning to decide the number of the members of the Municipal Assembly after its recent dissolution and the agreement was reached that it be 84. 1929.02.15 — The All-Japan Agricultural Society passed a motion calling for drastic measures for raising the price of rice, for the reason that farmers can hardly live if it continues to be so low as 29 yen per koku. 1929.02.17 — Mr. T. Tokonami, leader of the Shinto Club, published a statement in effect that he is absolutely opposed to the bill for transferring taxes from the Central Government to local authorities. 1929.02.18 — Tokyo and its vicinity today had rain after a dry period of 54 days. 1929.02.19 — The election which was going on for the successor to Dr. Torasaburo Araki, President of the Kyoto Imperial University, ended in assigning the post to Prof. Shinzo Shinjo, Dean of the Science Faculty of the University. Dr. Shinjo is a noted physicist. 1929.02.20 — It has been decided that the election of the members of the Tokyo Municipal Assembly will take place on March 16. 1929.02.21 — The Taxation Readjustment Bill for the transfer of the land tax and business profit tax passed the House of Representatives today, by 232 votes against 217. 1929.02.22 — The House of Peers discussed today the resolution censuring Premier Baron Tanaka for his action in connection with the Imperial message regarding the resignation of Dr. Mizuno, Minister of Education. After a hot debate it was passed by 172 votes against 149. 1929.02.23 — According to an announcement made by the Ministry of Finance, the increase of the national assets in 1927 amounted to 246,162,973 yen. 1929.02.24 — A large conflagration took place at Kisenuma Town in Miyaki Prefecture, destroying 1,400 houses. In view of the marked increase of foreign tourists' parties visiting this country these few years, the Department of Railways, for the purpose of encouraging further visits, has decided to send to the Japanese consulates in the United States, France, and Germany a movie film "Sakura Saku Nippon" or "Cherry Blossom Japan," consisting of two reels, 2,000 feet in length. 1929.02.26 — In view of the scarcity of water in Tokyo resulting from the consecutive fine weather for more than two months the citizens are being urged to economize in its use. 1929.02.27 — At the invitation of Keio University Dr. A. M. Pearce, Head Professor of Zoology in Duke University, of the United States, has arrived, as an exchange professor of the Rockefeller Foundation. Seven sisters of charity, headed by Rosa Crus of Spain arrived at Tokyo this morning. The re-erection of the Nambanji Temple which was destroyed under the Tokugawa Shogunate's administration over 400 years ago is said to be the object of their visit. 1929.02.28 — A slight shower fell today after 54 days' dry weather. Up to nine at night it had rained only 0.3 milligrams per tsubo. 1929.03.01 — Baron de Bassompierre, Belgian Ambassador, left Tokyo this morning for home on furlough Mr. Seishichi Iwasaki, a prominent flour-mill owner, departed from Tokyo for Geneva to represent the Japanese capitalists at the forthcoming International Labour Conference. 1929.03.02 — Countess Loschi, a noted woman suffragette of Italy, came to Japan today. 1929.03.03 — Today it is Momo-no-Sekku or Doll's Festival Day for girls. People enjoyed the fête, decorating their sitting rooms with dolls and taking Shirozaké (white wine). Nine years have elapsed today since His Majesty the Emperor started on his trip to Europe, an unprecedented event in the history of Japan's Imperial Household. His Majesty invited to a tea party H.I.H. Marshal Prince Kanin, who headed his suite, and some 90 others, to celebrate the occasion. 1929.03.04 — As Mr. Herbert Hoover was formally inaugurated as President of the United States today His Majesty the Emperor sent a telegram of congratulation to the White House. Mr. Stimson, new Secretary of State, and his wife and party arrived at Tokyo, and, in company with his wife, younger sister, and aide-de-camp, were entertained at dinner by Baron Tanaka, Premier and Foreign Minister. 1929.03.05 — The operatives of the Yokohama Municipal Electric Bureau went on strike, resulting in the wholesale suspension of the tramway traffic throughout the city. Mr. Senji Yamamoto, proletarian member of the Lower House, from the defunct Ronoto Party, was stabbed to death by a reactionary at his hotel in Kanda, Tokyo. 1929.03.06 — The plenary meeting of the House of Representatives passed a resolution of condolence for the late Mr. Yamamoto. 1929.03.07 — A motion of censure against Mr. F. Kuhara, Minister of Communications, was introduced in the Lower House today by the Minseito, but it was rejected. 1929.03.08 — A welcome dinner in honour of Dr. Vorezsch, the new German Ambassador to Tokyo, was given at the Industrial Club, Tokyo, this evening under the auspices of the Japan-German Association. 1929.03.09 — A bill for reviving the small constituency system was introduced in the House of Representatives today, by pro-Government parties. The Minseito and other opposition parties strongly opposed it, taking every means to delay proceedings on the bill, but in vain. In consequence the House was thrown into a turmoil, and was compelled to adjourn three times. 1929.03.10 — Army Day, today, is the 25th anniversary of the brilliant victory of the Japanese forces at Mukden during the Russo-Japanese War. His Majesty the Emperor visited the Kaiko-sha Military Club at Kudan. --- The Japan Magazine v19.8 May, 1929 --- (covers March 11, 1929 to April 10, 1929) 1929.03.11 — Program of the visit of H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester who will present to His Majesty the Emperor the Order of the Garter was informally announced today by the Board of Ceremonies of the Imperial Household Department. 1929.03.12 — Holding himself responsible for being unable to control the Lower House during discussion of the small electral district system, Mr. Hajime Motoda, Speaker of the House, tendered to Premier Baron Tanaka his resignation. 1929.03.13 — The bill for the small electoral district system after continuous disturbances, was at length submitted to a committee of the House of Representatives today. M. Joseph Avenol, Deputy Chief of the Secretariat, League of Nations, arrived at Tokyo. 1929.03.14 — Election of the successor to Mr. Motoda, Speaker of the Lower House, resulted in the choice of Mr. Mosuke Kawahara of the Seiyukai Party. On account of violent wind, many conflagrations occurred. The most serious was that at Ishioka, Ibaraki Prefecture, where more than 1,200 houses were destroyed, followed by a fire in Yokohama reducing to ashes over 70 houses, one at Omori in the outskirts of Tokyo, destroying more than 50 houses, thus one in Fukagawa Ward, Tokyo, where 20 odd houses were burnt, and on Oshima Island, Izu Prefecture, 46 houses were burnt. 1929.03.15 — The election of members of the Tokyo Municipal Assembly taking place tomorrow, the electoral campaign has reached its climax, meetings numbering more than 360 throughout Tokyo. 1929.03.16 — Election held of the members of the Tokyo Municipal Assembly. 1929.03.17 — The election of the Tokyo Municipal Assembly resulted in the Minseito gaining 38 seats, 19 for the Seiyukai, and the Proletarian Party 6 seats, 19 neutrals, and two Kakushin Club men. 1929.03.18 — M. Joseph Avenol, Deputy Chief of the Secretariat, League of Nations, attended a lecture meeting under the auspices of the Japan League of Nations Association. 1929.03.19 — The blue ribbon medal was conferred today on Miss Clara A. Camsbels, of the Soshin Girls' High School, Yokohama, who has devoted over forty years to efforts in educational and religious undertakings in this country. Messrs. Dorset and Morse, technologists of the Agricultural Department of the United States, reached Japan today for the purpose of investigating the manufacture of persimmons dried on skewers and soy brewing, industries peculiar to this country. 1929.03.20 — The plenary meeting of the House of Representatives in a debate on the small electoral district system was thrown into such confusion that four recesses were necessary. Upon resumption of the debate after the fourth adjournment, there was still greater turmoil, and the Seiyukai Party and Shinto Club lodged complaints against Minseito members with the Public Procurator of the Tokyo District Court, charging them with assault and interruption of official duties, 1929.03.21 — A compromise was reached between the Government and Opposition parties in connection with the small electoral district system bill. 1929.03.22 — The Lower House passed the bill for small electoral districts. Fleet-Admiral Viscount Yoshika Inouye, a veteran of the Satsuma Clan, passed away at the age of eighty-five. 1929.03.23 — Dr. Katsusaburo Yamagiwa, Emeritus Professor of the Tokyo Imperial University, who has long devoted himself to cancer research has been awarded recognition by the Cancer Research Laboratory in Muenchen, Germany. The award was remitted to Dr. Vorezsch, German Ambassador, and presented to the German Embassy today. Mr. Teiichi Sugita, noted veteran politician since the days of the Jiyuto (Liberal Party), precursor of the Seiyukai, passed away at the age of 79. 1929.03.24 — A boy was born to T.I. H. Prince and Princess Higashikuni. The Sino-Japanese negotiations concerning the Tsinan incident have at last been concluded, and the settlement was provisionally signed by the Japanese and Chinese delegates at Nanking. 1929.03.25 — On hearing of the death of Marshal Foch, His Majesty the Emperor of Japan sent a personal telegram of condolence to his family. His Majesty commanded that on the occasion of the Marshal's funeral, Dr. Adachi, Japanese Ambassador to France, attend as Imperial Messenger and present wreath. The 56th session of the Imperial Diet ended today. 1929.03.26 — The 56th session of the Imperial Diet was formally closed at the House of Peers in the presence of His Majesty. Dr. Rabindranath Tagore, prominent Indian poet and philosopher, arrived at Tokyo. 1929.03.27 — Mr. Gengetsu Yazawa, leading artist of the Japanese school, member of the display committee of the forthcoming Japanese Fine Arts Exhibition is Paris, left Tokyo this morning for France. 1929.03.28 — The settlement of the Tsinan affair was formally signed this morning by Mr. K. Yoshizawa, Japanese Minister, and Dr. C. T. Wang, Foreign Secretary of the nationalist Government, at Nanking. General Suzuki, Chief of the General Staff, proceeded to the Imperial Palace this afternoon and asked His Majesty for the Imperial sanction for issuing a formal command in regard to the evacuation of the Japanese forces in Shantung. The sanction was immediately obtained. Dr. Rabindranath Tagore, and M. Avenol, Vice-Chief of the Secretariat of the League of Nations, left Tokyo today. Prof. Disberg, the renowned German inventor of aspirin, arrived at Tokyo today. 1929.03.29 — The Imperial Household Department today announced that Her Majesty the Empress is enceinte. 1929.03.31 — The first son of H.I.H.. Prince Asaakira Kuni, heir of H.I.H.., the late Prince Kuniyoshi Kuni,.. was christened today, as Prince Kuniaki. 1929.04.01 — The Aerial Transportation Co. started today conveyance of mail. 1929.04.02 — The various provisions regarding the organization of the Colonial Department, which were submitted to the Throne for sanction on April 1, were referred to the Privy Council for deliberation. 1929.04.04 — Mr. Shiro Ikegami, Civil Administrator of the Government General of Chosen, highly reputed for his ability in colonial administration, died today. 1929.04.05 — Word was received from Moscow that an understanding has been reached between Japan and Russia with reference to Japanese fishery in Russian waters. Prof. Rader, Oriental scholar, has arrived from France, to be Head of the Maison Franco-Japonaise. He is to aid in the completion of a great Buddhist dictionary, of which compilation is now going on. 1929.04.06 — H. I. H. Colonel Prince Higashikuni listened to lectures in connection with various social problems, by officials of the Tokyo Prefectural and Municipal Boards of Social Affairs. Prof. Shinkichi Uesugi, eminent scholar of constitutional law, died today. He long taught constitutional law at the Tokyo Imperial University. 1929.04.07 — The new Turkish Ambassador to Japan, with his wife, arrived at Yokohama today. 1929.04.08 — The steward of H.I.H. Prince Takamatsu, brother of the Emperor, called at the residence of Prince Yoshimitsu Tokugawa, to ask for the hand of Prince Tokugawa's elder sister Miss Kiku-ko, on behalf of the Prince. Mr. Komakichi Matsuoka, Japanese Labour representative at the International Labour Conference at Geneva, left Tokyo today.. 1929.04.09 — Dr. John R. Mott, Chairman of the International Y.M.C.A., visiting this country, proceeded to the Imperial Palace this morning where His Majesty received him in audience. Dr. Mott was accompanied by Mr. Neville, American Charge d'Affaires. 1929.04.10 — Preliminary negotiations regarding the exchange of documents in connection with the Nanking and Hankow incidents took place today between Secretary Horiuchi, Mr. Kamimura Consul at Shanghai, and Secretary-Interpreter Arino, on the Japanese side, and Mr. Chow Lung-kuang, of China, in Nanking. --- The Japan Magazine v19.9 June, 1929 --- (covers April 11, 1929 to May 10, 1929) 1929.04.11 - A mine on a mine-layer, with students of the Naval Torpedo School aboard, exploded near the Third Fort in Tokyo Bay, resulting in seven being killed and some 30 others being more or less seriously injured. - Prof. William Barr, formerly of Columbia University, an authority on railway and civil engineering, arrived at Kobe with Mrs. Barr on a round-the-world trip by the Dollar Liner President Wilson. He was welcomed by many Japanese railway officials who are indebted to him for his valuable services in the development of Japanese railways in earlier days. - Early this morning in a head-on collision at Yamakita Station on the Tokaido Line over 30 persons were injured. - The enshrinement of the spirit of Tokugawa Yoshimuné, the eighth Tokugawa Shogun, with that of the first Shogun Ieyasu, at the Toshogu Shrine, Ueno Park, Tokyo, was conducted this morning. 1929.04.12 - The Imperial Household Department announced the Imperial sanction of the betrothal of H.I. H. Prince Takamatsu and Miss Kiku-ko Tokugawa, daughter of the late Prince Yoshihisa Tokugawa. - Mr. Fultman, the new Swedish Minister to Japan, proceeded to the Imperial Palace and was received in audience in the Phoenix Hall by His Majesty the Emperor to whom he presented his credentials together with the letter of recall for the former Minister. 1929.04.13 — Count Shimpei Goto, who had been suddenly attacked by cerebral hemorrhage while on a train near Maibara Station on his way to Okayama where he was to make a lecture, died at the hospital of the Kyoto Prefectural Medical University at 5:30 a.m this morning. He was 73 years of age. His Majesty the Emperor, on hearing of his critical condition, raised his Court rank to the senior second grade. He was a holder of the Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun with Paulownia Flower. 1929.04.14 — This being the first Sunday of the month with cherries in full bloom and with fine weather after a succession of many gloomy days, hundreds of thousands of Tokyo people went out to suburban districts, holiday making. 1929.04.15 — At the Tokyo Municipal Office the heads of the various departments and sections assembled to confer about how to welcome H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester. 1929.04.16 - Djavid Bey, the newly appointed Turkish Ambassador to Tokyo, was received in audience this morning by His Majesty the Emperor in the Phoenix Hall of the Imperial Palace. His credentials, as well as the letter of recall of the former Ambassador, were presented to His Majesty. - The Sino-Japanese Conventions regarding the Hankow and Nanking incidents were provisionally signed by the representatives of both countries, at Shanghai. 1929.04.17 - The death of Mr. Jukichi Inoué, a recognized authority on the English language, and noted for his English dictionaries, who passed away on April 7, was formally announced today. He was 68 years old. - The celebrated German meteorologist, Dr. Schott of Hamburg University, who has been studying biology and currents in the South Atlantic continuously for five years, arrived in Japan today. 1929.04.18 - His Majesty the Emperor held a cherry-viewing party, one of the annual functions, at the Imperial Garden at Shinjuku. The Ambassadors and Ministers and their families and staffs, Premier Baron Tanaka, and some 7,000 others attended. - Premier Baron Tanaka, Foreign Minister, entertained at dinner at his official residence in Kasumigaseki Sir John Tilley, British Ambassador and the embassy staff, and members of the reception committee for H.R.H the Duke of Gloucester. After dinner they consulted on preparations for the welcome of the Royal guest. 1929.04.19 - The Higashi-Honganji Temple, Kyoto, has expelled Mr. Koen Otani, former Chief Abbot, from holy orders. This being an unprecedented event in the history of that noted temple, it has created a great sensation not only among its adherents, but also in all other Buddhist organizations in the country. - Lieutenant Ukyo Ito, attached to the 68th Infantry Regiment, among the Japanese forces stationed at Tsinan, was shot to death by plain-clothed Chinese soldiers. On the lower Yangtze River, near Shasi, the Nisshin Kisen Kaisha river steamer Mai-Liang Maru was suddenly fired on by men under the command of General Tao Chin. Chief Engineer Ono, Chief Warrant Officer Toyoda and a Chinese sailor on board were killed, while four others were more or less badly wounded. 1929.04.20 — Mr. Zenjiro Horikiri, Director of the Tokyo Reconstruction Board, gave formal consent to became Mayor of Tokyo. 1929.04.21 — A high gale of wind swept over Tokyo, causing considerable damage. 1929.04.22 — The Swedish Minister to Japan, representing Austrian interests in this country, proceeded this morning to the Imperial Palace and presented to His Majesty the Emperor the highest decoration of Austria. 1929.04.23 - His Majesty the Emperor, appreciating the untiring efforts of the Yokohama people who have been successful in reconstructing their city, which was devastated by the 1923 earthquake, visited the city today. - An extraordinary session of the Tokyo Municipal Assembly was held today and formally elected Mr. Z. Horikiri by an overwhelming majority. 1929.04.24 — His Majesty has decided to send one of his naval aides-de-camp to visit the officers and men of the First and Second Squadrons and of the Port Arthur Naval Radio Station. 1929.04.25 - Mr. Z. Horikiri, the new Mayor of Tokyo, made his first appearance at the Municipal Office since his assumption of the mayoralty. - Honours for distinguished service at the time of the Tsinan incident, to Major Namba and 31 other victims were announced today. 1929.04.26 - It was the principal day of the extraordinary spring festival of the Yasukuni Shrine, dedicated to the souls of fallen soldiers and sailors, today. His Majesty the Emperor proceeded to the Shrine at which he worshipped. - Mr. Isoo Abé, M.P. and leader of the Socialist Peoples' Party, with Mrs. Abe, left Yokohama for America, to visit various socialistic institutions. 1929.04.27 — Dr. Edna Leonard, a well-known pro-Japanese American missionary, arrived in Japan today. 1929.04.28 — Protocols in reference to the revision of the existing Sino-Japanese Treaty were exchanged this morning at the official residence of the Japanese Consul-General in Shanghai by Mr. K. Horiuchi, Japanese 1st Secretary of Legation in Peiping, and Mr. Chou Lung-kang, Director of the Asiatic Affairs Bureau of the Nanking Government. 1929.04.29 — The first anniversary of His Majesty's birthday since his formal Enthronement was celebrated today. A solemn ceremony was performed at the Three Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace and His Majesty reviewed troops at the Yoyogi parade ground. At noon the State Ministers and many dignitaries, Japanese and foreign, attended luncheon in the Homeiden Hall of the palace. 1929.04.30 — The Cabinet today decided to appropriate Yen 55,000 out of the Government's second reserve found as expenditure for the reception of H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester. 1929.05.01 - The noon-gun, which has been fired from the ancient Hommaru in the Imperial Palace grounds every day for the last sixty years, since the Cabinet passed an ordinance authorizing it, on September 4, 1871, was replaced by sirens today, installed at Marunouchi, Shiba, Honjo and Koishikawa. - The tenth May Day was observed by over 30 labour bodies in Tokyo, some 15,000 men and women participating in a parade from Shiba Park to Tsukijima. 1929.05.02 — H. R. H. Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, arrived with his suite at Yokohama at 9:30 this morning, on the mission to confer the Order of the Garter on His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on behalf of King George V. of England. He reached Tokyo Station at 10:33, where he was received by His Majesty, and they shook hands for the first time since nine years ago. At 10:40 the Royal guest, accompanied by H.I.H. Prince Chichibu and Baron Hayashi, head of the reception Committee, drove to the Kasumigaseki Palace, his residence while a State guest, in an open carriage, along streets lined by troops and thousands of citizens with British and Japanese flags in hand. In the evening he was entertained by Prince Chichibu at dinner at his palace in Omote-cho. 1929.05.03 - This morning the solemn ceremony of the investiture of His Majesty with the Order of the Garter by the British Royal Envoy was performed in the main hall of the Imperial Chiyoda palace. Upon returning to the Kasumigaseki Palace, H. R. H. Prince Henry wired to His Majesty King George V, his father, that his important mission had been fulfilled. - To thank him, His Majesty the Emperor made a formal call on the Royal visitor at the Kasumigaseki Palace, and invested him with the Neck Pendant of the Order of the Chrysanthemum, the highest order of the Imperial Japanese House. In the afternoon H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester visited the Princes of the Blood. At night he attended a grand banquet given in his honour by His Majesty the Emperor in the Homeiden Hall of the Imperial Palace. 1929.05.04 - This morning the Royal visitor visited the Tokyo Imperial University and transmitted to President Onozuka the Shakespeare gold medal from the Japan Society of London. Later he attended a luncheon given by the Navy Minister at the Naval Club, a garden party at the Shinjuku Imperial Garden held under the auspices of the Japan-British Society, and a banquet at the British Embassy. - Chang Tsung-Chang, a Chinese reactionary general arrived at Moji this morning from Dairen aboard the Osaka Shosen Kaisha steamer Hongkong-Maru, to seek refuge in this country. He was received by General Wu Kuang-shin, one of his associates, and went to Beppu hot springs. 1929.05.05 - H. R. H. the Duke of Gloucester worshipped at St. Andrew's Church, Azabu, Tokyo, this morning; at noon attended a luncheon given in his honour by the Cambridge and Oxford old boys in Tokyo at the Tokyo Club; at 2:30 p.m. presented to the Tokyo Boy Scouts the flag of the Australian Boy Scouts, at the Kasumigaseki Palace; at 3 p.m. worshipped at the Yasukuni Shrine and Meiji Shrine; at 4:30 p.m. was present at the Rugby football game between the Tokyo Associated Students' team and that of the crew of the British cruiser Suffolk; at night attended a banquet at Baron Mitsui's mansion held in his honour by that millionaire and much enjoyed the subsequent No-dance entertainment. - Fencing and judo tournaments in the presence of His Majesty the Emperor, a rare event, held in commemoration of the Imperial Enthronement, took place in a newly erected hall in the grounds of the Imperial Palace. Contests were held preliminarily on the previous day among 166 men chosen from throughout the country. The final victors of the tournaments were S. Mochida, fencing instructor of the Government-General of Chosen, and T. Kurihara, judo, as specified champions, and E. Yokoyama, a student of the Fukushima Commercial School, (fencing) and H. Kihara of the Government Steel Works, Yawata, (judo) as prefectural champions. - Tsinan Castle was handed over by the Japanese garrison to the Chinese authorities today. 1929.05.06 - The Duke of Gloucester went to the Narashino Cavalry School in Chiba Prefecture today; was present at a luncheon given by the Minister of War at the school; and at night attended a banquet at the British Embassy. - The Foreign Office today gave publicity to the official documents exchanged between the Japanese and Chinese authorities regarding the Nanking and Hankow incidents. 1929.05.07 - In connection with the forthcoming visit of His Majesty the Emperor to Kansai districts, the Department of the Imperial Household announced today that His Majesty would leave Tokyo on May 20 and return to the capital on May 31 after making a tour of Osaka, Hyogo and Wakayama Prefectures and Hachijo-jima and Oshima Islands. - The Duke of Gloucester paid homage this morning at the Tama Mausoleum of the late Emperor Taisho. At noon he attended a luncheon at the mansion of Prince Tokugawa, given by the Prince in his honour, followed by old-fashioned Japanese wrestling contests. In the afternoon he was present at a garden party held in his honour at the British Embassy by the British residents, and at night attended a banquet given in his honor by Baron Tanaka, Premier and Foreign Minister. 1929.05.08 - The Duke played golf at the Komazawa links, gave a luncheon at the Kasumigaseki Palace, in honor of T. I.H. Princes and Princess Chichibu, other Prince and Princesses and of the Blood, and the reception committee and other dignitaries, and at night attended a ball at the British Embassy. - Mr. K. Yoshizawa, Japanese Minister to China, returned to Tokyo today. 1929.05.09 — The Duke of Gloucester proceeded to the Imperial palace this morning to bid farewell to the Emperor and Empress on the termination of the period of his visit of State, and at noon was entertained at luncheon by His Majesty. In the afternoon the Emperor returned his call. His Royal Highness was present at a banquet given by H.I.H. Princess Higashi-Fushimi, and then attended the Kabukiza Theatre to see the Japanese dramas as presented there. 1929.05.10 - The Duke of Gloucester left Tokyo for Nikko. - A party of twelves American journalists, under the auspices of the Carnegie Peace Foundation, arrived at Yokohama this morning. An enthusiastic welcome, both official and private, has been planned for them. - Dr. Rabindranath Tagore, the noted Indian poet, arrived here from the United States. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-01-01) --- (covers 1942.12.19 to 1942.12.23) 1942.12.19 — The War Ministry issues a communique stating that it has been brought to the attention of His Majesty the Emperor that stations were issued by Lieutenant-General Masaharu Honma, Supreme Commander of the Army Forces in the Philippine Area, on June 26, to the Sato Unit and Iida attached thereto, the Hashi Air Unit, Guida attached thereto and Ueda Cooperating with the same Air Unit, and to Lieutenant Yasuhide Enochi, commander of a ramping belonging to the Sato Unit, for outstanding achievements in the campaigns of Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor Island fortress. 1942.12.19 — Memorial services are held at the Kurokuso Stadium for war heroes of Japan and the Axis Powers who sacrificed themselves for the cause of their respective States and for the establishment of a new order in East Asia and Europe. 1942.12.19 — The German High Command reveals that on the North African front all important strategic points have been practically destroyed in the enemy hands. In the Caucasus area a bastion the Russian front a large-scale Soviet counter-offensive in the middle stretches of the Don River ends in complete failure. 1942.12.19 — Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler holds important conversations with Italian Foreign Minister Count Galeazzo Ciano, Marshal Ugo Cavallero, Chief of the Italian Army General Staff, and Premier Pierre Laval of France. 1942.12.20 — President Wang Ching-wei arrives in Tokyo accompanied by high officials of the National Government of China to extend his felicitations for the brilliant Japanese victories and to discuss the possibility of achieving closer collaboration between Japan and the Republic of China. 1942.12.20 — The formation of an Iberian Bloc between Spain and Portugal is announced. 1942.12.20 — Mamoru Shigemitsu, Japanese Ambassador to Nanking, arrives in Tokyo to conduct a more thorough detailed exchange of views with the home Government leaders and to commit to them the views of the authorities on the spot. 1942.12.20 — A party of 12 students who were interned in the Negros Island in the Philippines by the enemy at the outset of the War of Greater East Asia, and later rescued by the Nippon Forces, arrives in Tokyo, Taiwan. This party includes the nephew of Premier Luang Pibul Songgram of Thailand, Bancho Khramanghe. 1942.12.20 — Japanese Army warplanes carry out their first bombing of Calcutta. Simultaneously, Chittagong is once more subjected to intensive Japanese bombing. 1942.12.23 — Japan and Thailand observe the first anniversary of the Japan-Thai Offensive and Defensive Alliance. 1942.12.23 — The Board of Information announces that imperial sanction having been granted on December 2, the Nippon-Thailand Cultural Agreement was ratified and goes into effect from today. 1942.12.23 — The Foreign Office discloses that according to the International Red Cross at Geneva, eight Japanese internees have died in Australia. 53 Japanese nationals were additionally interned in the United States and 28 Japanese internees in the United States were freed, 20 of whom were released on oath. 1942.12.23 — The German High Command announces in its communique that on the North African front Axis forces successfully repulsed all enemy counter-offensives in Tunisia. 1942.12.23 — The German authorities announce that in the days from December 1 to 20, German land and air forces accounted or captured 1,790 Soviet tanks on the Eastern Front. 1942.12.23 — The United States Department of State announces that E. H. Donman, former Counsellor of the United States Embassy in Tokyo, has been appointed Counsellor of the American Embassy at Moscow. 1942.12.22 — His Majesty the Emperor graciously receives in audience President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government of the Republic of China. 1942.12.22 — His Majesty the Emperor graciously presents President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government of China with the Grand Order of the Chrysanthemum with the Grand Cordon. 1942.12.22 — Lin Pai-sheng, Minister of Publicity of the National Government of China, states in an interview with a group of newspapermen that China's moving is permanently linked with Japan's. 1942.12.22 — The German High Command states that the British-American forces in the entire North African front are now in serious difficulty as their supply routes are being constantly bombed and their supply ships sunk by Axis planes and submarines. 1942.12.22 — His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince celebrates his ninth birthday. 1942.12.22 — The Navy Ministry announces that it has been brought to the knowledge of His Majesty the Emperor that on October 16 Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, awarded a citation to the United Special Landing Party of a Certain Fleet Led by Commander Tanaka and the Union that Participated in the Campaign in Recognition of their outstanding military exploits in the initial stage of the War of Greater East Asia on December 22, 1941. 1942.12.22 — Syrhosurpa Tomokazu Hori of the Information Board, summing up world events, points out how Anglo-American illusions in North Africa are being rapidly shattered. 1942.12.22 — The inaugural ceremony of the Dai Nippon Association for Service of the State through Speech and Press is held. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-01-21) --- (covers 1943.01.09 to 1943.01.18) 1943.01.09 — The National Government of China formally declares war against the United States and Great Britain, and makes a joint declaration with Nippon to unite in co-operation for the successful prosecution of the war. Nippon agrees to the retrocession of concessions in China and the relinquishment of Nippon's extraterritorial rights in China. 1943.01.09 — Dr. Heinrich Stahmer, newly-appointed German Ambassador to Tokyo, expresses deep satisfaction with Nanking's declaration of war against the United States and Great Britain, in Shanghai. 1943.01.09 — Tomokazu Hori, Spokesman of the Board of Information, describes President Roosevelt's message to Congress as "childish" and "pointless" and that Roosevelt's assurances, promises and boasts are nothing more than "an empty gesture." 1943.01.09 — German submarines sink 12 enemy oil tankers totalling 115,000 tons in the neighborhood of the Azores Islands. 1943.01.10 — Two United States P-39 fighters are brought down by Japanese anti-aircraft batteries over Changsha in central Hunan Province. 1943.01.10 — A gubernatorial conference opens in Nanking with a view to discuss various measures to cope with the dramatic situation following the Nanking Government's declaration of war against the United States and Great Britain. 1943.01.10 — The United States Navy Department announces that nine Supermarine F-9 to December 31 last year, the casualties of the navy members of the United States merchant ships were 491 dead and 2,735 unaccounted for, making a total of 3,226. 1943.01.11 — President Roosevelt announces to Congress that the United States war expenditures for the fiscal year of 1943-44 will amount to $100,000,000,000. 1943.01.11 — Lieutenant-General Sukichi Tada, chairman of the Society for the Mobilization of Science, tells members of the press that a triumph has been issued by Nippon science over British science in the discovery of important mineral deposits in Burma, Malai and Java. 1943.01.11 — The German High Command announces that the German future infected, repulsed or destroyed a total of 418 Soviet tanks on the Eastern Front during the period from January 3 to 10. 1943.01.12 — Imperial Headquarters announces that Imperial Army Air Units shot down or otherwise destroyed 25 enemy planes in the South Pacific between late in December and the present. Our losses were 29 planes including those which blasted themselves against the enemy and those not yet returned. 1943.01.12 — Ambassador Shigeru Kuriyama, in the capacity of Secretary-General to the Ambassadorial Office in French Indo-China, discloses that Nippon and French Indo-China come to an agreement of view regarding the export of rice and corn from French Indo-China. 1943.01.12 — The Nippon Military Administration in Hokkaido announces that a-ctive measures designed to protect the Southeast Key-point will be affected to make amends against the sweeping decisions by seven political forces in the Philippines. 1943.01.13 — The report of the Supreme National Defense Council opens in Nanking under the Chairmanship of President Wang Ching-wei. 1943.01.13 — Spokesman Tomokazu Hori of the Board of Information reiterates that Nippon's adherence of her "Immutable policy" of Nippon's loyalty to her ally is "most courteous courteous over Cairo. 1943.01.13 — The British Embassy in Washington announces that commencing July 1 this year the nation of all military and civil persons serving in the British war organizations. 1943.01.14 — The Foreign Office announces the appointment of Harazo Hosoya, Minister Plenipotentiary to Sweden, concurrently as Minister to Denmark. 1943.01.14 — Chancellor Adolf Hitler's Headquarters announces that on January 14, Chancellor Hitler conferred with Premier Marshal Ion Antonescu of Rumania on important matters. 1943.01.15 — Imperial Headquarters announces that Imperial Army Units shot down or otherwise destroyed 27 enemy planes in the South Pacific between late in December and the present. Our losses were 29 planes including those which blasted themselves against the enemy and those not yet returned. 1943.01.15 — Foreign Minister W. Wichit Wathakan, and Nai Kanung, Secretary to the Nai Kanung arrive in Tokyo. 1943.01.15 — Francisco Maria Taliani de Marchio, Italian Ambassador to Nanking, formally notifies President Wang Ching-wei that the Italian Government has decided upon the retrocession of the Italian concessions in China to the National Government of China at Nanking and also in the relinquishment of extraterritorial rights. 1943.01.15 — An agreement for exchange between Nippon Indo-China and Germany is signed in Hsinking. 1943.01.15 — Japanese military authorities in Shanghai return eight factories which were under the control of the Japanese Forces to the rightful Chinese owners. 1943.01.18 — The Board of Information announces that the Japanese Government has sent to Dr. V. Ba Maung, chief Civil Administrator of Burma, a relief fund for the Burmese people who have suffered from indiscriminate enemy bombings. 1943.01.18 — The Japanese Government decides to present a bill calling for the disposal of Japan's funded debts totalling in the foreign currency, exclusively in dollars and pounds sterling, to the current Diet session. 1943.01.18 — One second Kochikoro-Honda conference for the discussion of working trade arrangements for the Iyotri coast of the Nippon-French Indo-China, the agreement is held at Saigon. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-02-11) --- (covers 1943.01.30 to 1943.02.05) 1943.01.30 — The Navy Ministry announces that a citation was issued by the Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet to the Assioma Attacking Corps, which on January 31, 1942, made a bombing landing on Ambohir Island and reduced it. 1943.01.30 — Kiwao Okumura, Vice-President of the Board of Information, expresses the felicitations of the people of Japan to the people of Germany on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Fuehrer Adolf Hitler's accession to power. 1943.01.30 — The inaugural meeting of the Japan-Bulgaria Society is held at the Imperial Hotel for the purpose of furthering the friendly relations between Japan and Bulgaria. 1943.01.31 — The German High Command announces that German submarines sank nine British cargo ships, totalling 47,000 tons in the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Arctic Ocean. 1943.01.31 — The first anniversary of the fall of Manchuria is celebrated in Manchuria under the auspices of the propaganda section of the Japanese Military Administration. 1943.01.31 — More than 1,600 Chinese and Japanese youths march in a jubilant parade through Nanking to commemorate the close cooperation between Japan and China in their joint prosecution of the war. 1943.02.01 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that the Imperial Navy Air Force sunk two enemy battleships and three cruisers, damaged one battleship and two cruisers and shot down three planes in waters east of Rennell Island of the Solomon on January 29. 1943.02.01 — Prime Minister Hideki Tojo tells the House of Peers that he is confident in his conviction of ultimate victory in the War of Greater East Asia. 1943.02.01 — The United States Navy Department reveals that Imperial Air Forces bombed the positions of the American forces in the Solomons on January 29. 1943.02.01 — The British Government announces that a new agreement was concluded between Britain and Turkey as the result of the recent conference between Prime Minister Churchill and Turkish President Inonü. 1943.02.02 — Lieut.-General Fumio Oyama Director of the Judicial Affairs Bureau of the War Ministry, reveals that the Japanese Forces have taken 300,000 war prisoners, excluding those captured in the China Affair, since the outbreak of the War of Greater East Asia. 1943.02.02 — The United States Government announces that a military agreement was concluded between the United States and Cuba. 1943.02.02 — German air forces shot down 29 enemy planes in the air over the Mediterranean during the period from January 25 to 31, it is announced by German military authorities. 1943.02.02 — Japan is now a greater "have" country than the United States and Britain, Prime Minister Hideki Tojo declares in the meeting of the Lower House Budget Committee. 1943.02.03 — Spokesman Tomokazu Hori of the Board of Information declares that the Churchill-Inonü conference at Adana will have no effect on Turkey's policy of maintaining neutrality. 1943.02.03 — Finance Minister Okinori Kaya reveals that the national income of Japan for 1943 is estimated at Y30,000,000,000 in a statement before the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives. 1943.02.03 — Hostilities in the Stalingrad sector have ceased, it is announced by the German High Command. 1943.02.03 — Prime Minister Winston Churchill, accompanied by British Ambassador Sir Miles Lampson to Egypt and counter-members-in-chief of land, air and naval forces, confers with King Farouk I of Egypt on important matters. 1943.02.03 — President Roosevelt calls the Pacific Military Conference at the White House which is attended by British Ambassador Lord Halifax and Ministers from Australia and New Zealand. 1943.02.04 — In honor of the brave Axis soldiers who defended Axis positions in Stalingrad to the last man, Dr. Joseph Goebbels, Reich Minister of Propaganda issues a decree closing all forms of entertainment throughout Germany from the 4th to the 6th of February. 1943.02.04 — Dr. Heinrich Georg Stahmer, newly appointed German Ambassador to Tokyo, presents his credentials to His Majesty the Emperor in the Phoenix Hall of the Imperial Palace. 1943.02.04 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that the Japanese Naval Air Force on February 1 instantaneously sank one enemy battleship, damaged another cruiser in waters south of Ysabel Island in the Solomons group, and also shot down 33 enemy planes over the waters around New Georgia Islands. 1943.02.04 — General Kenjiro Hayashi, former Prime Minister and president of the Asia Development League of Japan, passes away at his Setagaya home, Shibuya-ku. 1943.02.05 — Spokesman Tomokazu Hori of the Board of Information ridicules America's reluctance in disclosing the naval damage suffered by the United States navy. 1943.02.05 — Japanese submarines shell the coast solar eclipse at Kumbye, Namaya, Oruhau and other localities in Burma. 1943.02.05 — A three-day program starts in Bangkok, Maulmein, Rangoon and Mandalay, all of Burma in commemoration of Prime Minister Hideki Tojo's statement relative to Burmese independence issued before the Imperial Diet. 1943.02.05 — Prime Minister Tojo, in a session of the Committee for Special Wartime Administrative Bills, declares that the population of Japan is on the increase despite the war and our military strength is more than enough. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-02-18) --- (covers 1943.02.06 to 1943.02.12) 1943.02.06 — Kiwao Okumura, Vice-President of the Board of Information, reveals in the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives that Japan's thought war against the enemy has been remarkably successful. 1943.02.06 — The United States Navy Department announces that the American position in Guadalcanal Island was bombed by the Japanese Air Forces on the night of February 4. 1943.02.06 — The National Government of China will not issue another bond during the year, it is announced by Chou Fo-hai, president of the Central Reserve Bank. 1943.02.06 — Enemy property is removed to the National Government of China by the Japanese Naval Attache's office at Nanking, carrying out the order of Admiral Bongo Yoshida, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Fleet in China Waters. 1943.02.07 — German submarines sink one British cruiser, 28 oil tankers and transports and also seriously damaged three more ships, it is announced by the German High Command. 1943.02.07 — Junzo Iiyama, Director of the Censorship Publications Board of the United States Government, announces that a rationing system for shoes will be immediately enforced in the United States. 1943.02.07 — The Italian Government announces that Count Galeazzo Ciano, former Italian Foreign Minister, has been appointed Ambassador to the Holy See. 1943.02.07 — Joseph Clark Grew, former United States Ambassador to Tokyo, warns that the Japanese really mean to dictate peace terms in the White House in Washington. 1943.02.08 — Necessary procedure for the transfer of control of the National Government of China of more than 1,000 principal items of enemy property which has been under Japanese armory since the outbreak of the War of Greater East Asia has been concluded, it is announced by the Board of Information. 1943.02.08 — The people of Nanking observe the East Asia Defense Memorial Day with mass festing and renewed determination. 1943.02.08 — War casualties suffered by the United States Army forces since the outbreak of the War of Greater East Asia up to February 8 totalled 10,048, it is announced by the United States War Department. 1943.02.09 — The Japanese Army and Navy Forces operating in the South Pacific area, especially in the Guadalcanal sector, have inflicted casualties of more than 23,000 on the enemy, and shot down or otherwise destroyed over 230 enemy planes, according to a communique by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.02.09 — The extraordinary arms budget for the next fiscal year, amounting to Y27,000,000,000 is unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives and sent to the Upper House. 1943.02.09 — The city of Manauco greets the first anniversary of the entrance of Imperial troops into the city with elaborate memorial and services. 1943.02.09 — The first Memorial Day in observance of Japan's participation in the War of Greater East Asia of the National Government of China on January 9 is observed in Nanking with great ceremonies. 1943.02.10 — Japanese Navy Forces sank 13 enemy warships, consisting of two cruisers, one destroyer and 10 torpedo boats, and shot down 36 enemy warplanes over the waters of Ysabel Island of the Solomon group between February 1 and 7, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.02.10 — The promotion to full General of Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita, who commanded the Japanese Army Forces in the Malai Campaign, is announced by the War Ministry. 1943.02.10 — The Office of the Attorney-General, Mexico, demands the sentence of 30 years' imprisonment for the members of Leon Trotsky. 1943.02.11 — Numerous commemoration ceremonies are held in Tokyo as Japan greets the second Kigensetsu since the outbreak of the War of Greater East Asia. 1943.02.11 — An agreement of amity and cultural collaboration between Japan and Bulgaria for the purpose of strengthening their already existing mutually friendly relations is concluded, according to an announcement of the Board of Information. 1943.02.11 — The third granting of post-humous awards to Navy officers and men as well as civilians employed by the Navy who were killed in action since the outbreak of the Greater East Asia War is jointly announced by the Bureau of Decorations and the Navy Ministry. 1943.02.11 — The Army Press Section of the Japanese Expeditionary Forces in China announces that the number of dead abandoned by the Chungking forces in their engagements with the Japanese Forces during 1942 reached a total of 260,803. 1943.02.12 — Submarines of the Imperial Navy sank six enemy vessels off Newfoundland and the east and west coast of Australia to-ward the middle of January and the early part of this month, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.02.12 — The general budget for the next fiscal year and various special accounts are unanimously passed without dissenting vote by the plenary session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee. 1943.02.12 — Four enemy strategic points in Kwangtung Province are hit by large formations of Japanese bombers. 1943.02.12 — The Zenshoji Provincial Legislature resolves to demand the national dismiss release of Mahatma Gandhi in an open-air meeting. 1943.02.12 — The Iranian Cabinet resigns en bloc, due to the attempt of the Premier, Ahmad Ghawam Salameth, to pass an edict, enabling the measure relative to the power of the American advisor a right to make decisions made by the Cabinet. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-04-08) --- (covers 1943.03.27 to 1943.04.02) 1943.03.27 — Details of the spectacular raids on Sydney Harbor and Diego Suarez Bay on May 31, 1942 by the Second Special Attack Flotilla are made public by the Navy Ministry. 1943.03.27 — Japanese Air Forces raided the Port Airfield on March 21 and 23 and set ablaze or damaged 32 enemy planes on the ground, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.03.27 — The firm determination of the entire Burmese nation to fight the War of Greater East Asia to the bitter end is reiterated by Prime Minister Ba Maw of Burma in a radio broadcast. 1943.03.27 — Italian military authorities announce that its air forces in North Africa destroyed 63 aircraft and sank two merchantmen totalling 17,000 tons during the past two weeks. 1943.03.28 — Following three street fighting, German forces completely occupied Slovak, an important town northwest of Kursk, it is announced by the Fuehrer's Headquarters. 1943.03.28 — The Italian High Command announces that Italian torpedo planes attacked a large enemy convoy off the coast of Algeria on March 27 and sank three transports of 10,000 tons each. 1943.03.28 — Prime Minister Ba Maw and other High Officials of Burma leave Tokyo after a sojourn of 12 days. 1943.03.28 — The Soviet Information Bureau announces that the pages and circulation of newspapers will be further restricted starting April 1. 1943.03.28 — The United States War Department announces that the 104th Air Squadron of the United States army has been dispatched to the South Pacific. 1943.03.29 — Between March 15 and 26, the Imperial Navy in the South Pacific and North Pacific, destroyed 10 enemy planes, sank two transports, one destroyer, one patrol ship, four submarines, and heavily damaged one A-class cruiser, one B-class cruiser and one destroyer, it is revealed in the Imperial Headquarters' communique. 1943.03.29 — A total of 45 Anglo-American properties under the control of Japanese authorities in Central China are formally turned over to the Nanking Government's Commission for the Control of Enemy Assets. 1943.03.29 — The Italian Government decides to return its Peking Legation quarter to the National Government of China. 1943.03.29 — German military authorities announce that the Germans recaptured 1,350 cities, towns and villages in the recent campaign staged between the Don and Donitaiy rivers. 1943.03.30 — An elaborate luncheon commemorating the third anniversary of the return of the National Government to Nanking today is held at the Imperial Hotel under the sponsorship of the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo. 1943.03.30 — Japan formally returns its concessions and the Peking Legation Quarter to the National Government of China today. 1943.03.30 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese Army Air Units inflicted heavy damages on five 1,000-ton class transports and six 500-ton transports in the vicinity of Maungdaw and Cox's Bazar, 150 kilometers south of Chittagong on March 27. 1943.03.30 — A number of Imperial ordinances designed to give effect to the decision of the Council of Ministers to strengthen the diplomatic and consular establishments in China and the Southern Regions are promulgated today. 1943.03.30 — It is revealed that the Danish Government is ready to relinquish its extraterritorial rights in China. 1943.03.31 — With a view to improving its administrative and propaganda machinery, the Government decides to overhaul the setup of the Board of Information. 1943.03.31 — Joint naval funeral services are held at the Kure Naval Station for the 52 heroes of the Second Special Attack Flotilla and other Naval heroes who have fallen in the War of Greater East Asia. 1943.03.31 — The National Government of China at Nanking appoints Tsai Pei as new Ambassador to Japan succeeding Dr. Hsu Liang. 1943.03.31 — The bitter feeling among investors the United States and Britain as the result of the prominent American attempts to gain world domination in the guises of the British, is stressed by Tomokazu Hori, Director of the Third Division of the Board of Information, in a radio address. 1943.04.01 — The appointment of His Imperial Highness Rear-Admiral Prince Asakhira Kuni as the Commander of the X-X Command Air Corps of the Navy is announced by the Navy Ministry. 1943.04.01 — Prime Minister and concurrently War Minister General Hideki Tojo reaches Hsinking on an informal visit. 1943.04.01 — Mamoru Shigemitsu, Ambassador to China, arrives in Tokyo to report on prevailing conditions in China in Greater East Asiatic Affairs Minister Kazuo Aoki. 1943.04.01 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Units of the Imperial Army Air Forces, between March 26 and 30, shot down 10 enemy planes, sank one transport, heavily damaged four others and inflicted heavy damages on military establishments in eastern India. 1943.04.02 — Marquis Yorisada Tokugawa, civil adviser to the Japanese Army in the Philippines, in a press interview declares that it is necessary due to the brilliant achievements of the Japanese Forces that the Filipinos have come to trace fully the real strength of Japan. 1943.04.02 — The Imperial Japanese Army Air Units blasted airfields near Cox's Bazar in eastern India and shot down or damaged 19 enemy fighter planes, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.04.02 — Governor-General Rensuke Isogai of Hongkong gives words of encouragement to industrial workers while inspecting the Hongkong Mine in Kowloon. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-04-22) --- (covers 1943.04.10 to 1943.04.16) 1943.04.10 — Indispensable need for close collaboration among Japan, Manchoukuo and China is reemerged by Premier Chang Ching-hui at a dinner given in honor of Chou Fo-hai, Special Envoy of the National Government of China now visiting Manchoukuo. 1943.04.10 — Thai forces in Shan State suffered several losses with Chinese troops that were still operating in the territory but routed them every time inflicting heavy damages, it is announced by the Japan-Thai Joint Corniston Forces. 1943.04.10 — About 4,500 longshoremen of the port of Sydney go on strike, demanding a wage raise and improvements of working conditions. 1943.04.11 — Governor-General Admiral Jean Decoux of French Indo-China and 2,000,000 francs to his Home Government recently in relief funds for the victims of the Anglo-American indiscriminate bombings, it is revealed today. 1943.04.11 — The Italian Government announces that Premier Benito Mussolini conferred for four days from April 7 to 10 with Fuehrer Adolf Hitler, during the course of which a complete understanding regarding all steps to be taken for the execution of the war was reached. 1943.04.11 — It is announced that anti-Axis air forces have lost 196 planes in their raids on Western Germany since April 4, while the German losses were 16. 1943.04.11 — Lieutenant-General Shunkichi Tanaka, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Forces to the Philippines, on the occasion of the 1st anniversary of the fall of Bataan, urges the Filipinos to strive for their independence. 1943.04.12 — Japan's battle lines in East Asia are unshakable and no matter what the enemy may scheme or propagandize, all their attempts are doomed to ultimate failure, declares Spokesman Tomokazu Hori. 1943.04.12 — With special importance attached to the increase in productivity and the strengthening and confirmation of domestic systems, the regular four-day gubernatorial conference is convoked at the Prime Minister's official residence. 1943.04.12 — Dr. Choi Min-yi, Foreign Minister of the National Government of China, arrives in Tokyo to attend the second East Asia Medical Congress. 1943.04.12 — British enemy plans were destroyed while three enemy ships were sunk by the Japanese Army Air Units in attacking attacks on Maungdaw, in the Indo-Burmese border area, as well as on enemy bases located in East India, during the period from April 5 to 9, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.04.13 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Imperial Japanese Navy Air Units, in their raid over the Oro Bay area and Port Moresby on April 11 and 12, shot down 40 enemy planes, destroyed over a dozen more aground, sank one destroyer and four transports and damaged several other small war vessels. 1943.04.13 — Finance Minister Okinori Kaya announces at a Cabinet meeting that the national savings goal of the 1942-43 fiscal year, Y23,000,000,000, was completely made by the end of March. 1943.04.13 — Minister Ferruz Pasha, former Finance Minister of Egypt, submits a "Black Book" to King Faruk I, strongly attacking the Mustafa Nahal Pasha Cabinet for its policy which may force Egypt directly into the war, it is revealed today. 1943.04.13 — In close cooperation with Nanking troops, the Japanese Forces have completely encircled some 2,000 Chungking troops under the command of General Sheung Sher-shih's-keight, 600 kilometers northwest of Triangle, it is reported today. 1943.04.14 — Four hundred and sixty-five enemy aircraft suffered either shot down or destroyed, 31 enemy vessels either sunk or heavily damaged, while the enemy aircraft losses numbered 1,800 aircraft in the operations in the X-X Union of Akyab to April 10. It is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.04.14 — The Navy Ministry announces that a citation was issued by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, to an unidentified submarine of the "Yes-X" class for its daring attack on a British aircraft-carrier of the Yorktown class immediately after the fierce battle of Midway Island on June 7, 1942. 1943.04.14 — The absolute determination to continue fighting until final victory is attained, was again confirmed by Chancellor Adolf Hitler and Rumanian Premier Ion Antonescu in their recent conference held on April 12 and 13, it is announced by the Fuehrer's Headquarters. 1943.04.15 — The Fuehrer's Headquarters announces that German high-speed boats sank 12 British destroyers, one tanker of 4,000 tons and several high-speed boats, patrol boats and motorboatships on April 10 off the port of Falmouth on the south-southwest university of the British mainland. 1943.04.15 — The regular gubernatorial conference which was opened on April 12 is brought to a successful close. 1943.04.15 — In a speech celebrating Pan-American Day, Foreign Minister Enrique Ruiz Guinazu of Argentina declares that Argentina is determined to protect her sovereignty no matter what happens. 1943.04.16 — It is announced by the Imperial Headquarters that Imperial Naval Air Units, on April 14, swooped down on the enemy supply base at Milne Bay, at the eastern extremity of New Guinea, and the Rabi airfield, and sank 13 enemy transports and destroyed at least 54 enemy planes. 1943.04.16 — Kazuo Aoki, Minister of Greater East Asiatic Affairs, leaves Tokyo for South China and various other countries in the Southern Regions. 1943.04.16 — Foreign Minister Francisco Gomez Jordana of Spain declares that Spain will always confine Italiannism, the world's greatest enemy. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-05-20) --- (covers 1943.05.08 to 1943.05.16) 1943.05.08 — Having completed the object of his visit to the Philippine Islands, Prime-General Hideki Tojo arrives in Fukuoka. 1943.05.08 — The Bank of Japan attempts to give levels to the Bank of Mongolia released in the amount of Y100,000,000. 1943.05.08 — Japanese Army Forces in Central China completely occupy Anhsiang, important stronghold of the Chungking forces, north of Tungting Lake in Hunan Province. 1943.05.08 — The Italian High Command announces that Italian submarines have recently sunk four anti-Axis merchantmen, totalling about 39,500 tons, in the Caribbean Ocean. 1943.05.08 — British Home Secretary Herbert Morrison declares that the decrease in child birth rate in England had brought a serious problem to the population question. 1943.05.09 — The Government-General of Hongkong decides to celebrate the use of the Hongkong dollar as from June 1, thus making the military scrip the sole legal currency. 1943.05.09 — Continuing his tour of inspection of the Japanese occupied Southern Regions, Minister of Greater East Asiatic Affairs Kazuo Aoki and his party arrive in Davao. 1943.05.09 — Imperial Japanese Units swooping on the northern shores of Tungting Lake against the Chungking 28th army away reduce Hseuh-tsu-mon, headquarters of the 209th Army. 1943.05.09 — An enemy submarine shells a pasture in the vicinity of Horobetsu village in Hokkaido. 1943.05.10 — The occupation of Parichchaeel in the upper reaches of the Mayu River in Arakan by Japanese Army Forces on May 6 is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.05.10 — A conference of British military, political and diplomatic representatives in West Asia is opened at Cairo under the chairmanship of Richard G. Casey, Middle East Minister of the British War Cabinet. 1943.05.10 — The Fuehrer's Headquarters announces that the Axis forces have finally stopped resistance in the area south of Bizerta. 1943.05.10 — To strengthen its wartime structure, the Government-General of French Indo-China issues a decree for the establishment of a military academy of equal standing with those in France. 1943.05.11 — The Government plans for national monetary mobilization and the establishment of daily necessities are adopted by the Cabinet. 1943.05.11 — Embarking on his recent visit to the Philippines at a Cabinet conference today, Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo states that the people of the Philippines were just so bad expressed. 1943.05.11 — Wang I-tang, former chairman of the North China Political Affairs Commission, arrives in Tokyo to express thanks to Japan for the great support given him. 1943.05.11 — The United Mine Workers' Union of America declares that the miner workers in the United States of West Virginia are determined to show strike again simultaneously with the ending of the truce of suspension on May 14. 1943.05.11 — British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrives in Washington accompanied by leaders of the British Army. 1943.05.13 — The casualties caused by the bombing of German air forces on England during April reached 172 dead and 398 wounded, the British Air Ministry announces today. 1943.05.13 — The new Chinese Ambassador to Japan Tsai Pei arrives in Tokyo accompanied by Hu Cheng. 1943.05.13 — It is reported that Field Marshal Sir Archibald Wavell, commander-in-chief of the British forces in India, successfully Prime Minister Churchill in Washington. 1943.05.13 — The Uruguayan Government announces that with the return home of the Uruguayan Chargé d'Affaires from Paris, diplomatic relations will be severed with the French Government. 1943.05.13 — An Axis hospital ship is again attacked by anti-Axis air forces in Tunisian waters. 1943.05.15 — Tomokazu Hori, spokesman of the Board of Information, highly lauds the heroic stand made by the gallant surrounded defenders Axis forces in Tunisia, which enabled the Axis nations to arrange the fortification of Europe. 1943.05.15 — Koso Inoue is appointed to the post of counsel secretary to the Japanese Embassy in Turkey. 1943.05.15 — Japanese Air Units again bomb Port Moresby on the night of May 12. 1943.05.15 — Axis forces which had been continuing heroic resistance on the Southern Tunisian front finally cease fighting today. 1943.05.16 — The Imperial Forces which began advancing in Hunan Province yesterday, toward the last of April, annihilated about four enemy divisions in the mountainous district on both Lake Tungting, it is announced by the Headquarters of the Japanese Expeditionary Forces in Central China. 1943.05.16 — Powerful American forces started to land on the island of Attu in the Aleutians, but their intention was frustrated by the Japanese garrison and a severe battle is now going on, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.05.16 — Completing his extensive inspection trip in the Southern Regions of more than one month, Kazuo Aoki, Minister of Greater East Asiatic Affairs, returns to Japan. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-06-10) --- (covers 1943.05.29 to 1943.06.04) 1943.05.29 — The War Ministry announces that the Matsui Unit and the Jmaatoe Transport Unit were granted citations by an Army Commander for their distinguished exploits during the second Changsha operation in Central China in 1941. 1943.05.29 — Lieutenant-General Shigenori Kuroda has been appointed Supreme Commander of the Imperial Forces in the Philippines, succeeding Lieutenant-General Shizuichi Tanaka who has been transferred to a certain important post, it is announced by Headquarters of the Imperial Army Forces in the Philippines. 1943.05.29 — It is reported that Admiral William Standley, American Ambassador to Moscow, in a personal letter to President Roosevelt, has signified his intention of resign. 1943.05.29 — The anti-Axis Army Headquarters in the southwest Pacific reveals that formations of Japanese Air Units bombed military facilities in North Australia yesterday. 1943.05.30 — All officers and men of the Imperial Forces on Attu Island are believed to have died a glorious death after making a daring assault on the enemy on May 29, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.05.30 — A clash takes place between Soviet troops and Iranians in the northeastern part of Iran. 1943.05.30 — It is officially announced that the French Government has decided to mobilize youths born in 1922 and depart them for labor in Germany. 1943.05.30 — Arriving at Algiers, General Charles de Gaulle immediately holds a preliminary conference with General Henri Giraud. 1943.05.30 — It is reported that Soviet forces in the Kuban bridgehead have conducted a submarine salvage and retreated as a result of the complete of the German armored supportive in this district. 1943.05.31 — Imperial Army Air Units shot down 14 enemy planes and blasted six others aground during an attack on the Chittagong airfield on May 29, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.05.31 — It is reported that an invitatory desire to have been made in connection with the assessments of the Chinese Executive Art, now under consideration by the Immigration Committee of the Lower House of the United States Congress. 1943.05.31 — The Chungking authorities are still withholding the formal announcement of the death today of Lin Sen, President of the Chungking regime. 1943.05.31 — The Egyptian Government decides to resume diplomatic and economic relations with the Soviet Government. 1943.06.01 — With the termination of the period of truce at midnight, May 31, 500,000 coal miners resume their strike in the four states of Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. 1943.06.01 — The Government decides at its regular Cabinet meeting not to hold the elections for prefectural assemblies scheduled for this fall. 1943.06.01 — The Thai Government announces that the Thai Council of Regency has conferred the Special Order of the Sacred Elephant to the late Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. 1943.06.01 — Edward Stettinius, Lease-Lend Administrator, declares before the United States House Budget Committee that 89 per cent. of goods sent from the United States to England under the Lease-Lend consisted of foodstuffs. 1943.06.02 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that in the districts opposite Ichang and in the area west of Tungting Lake in Central China, the Enemy abandoned approximately 10,000 bodies on the battlefields while 8,500 or their Forces were taken prisoners. 1943.06.02 — German naval and air forces sank 76 enemy ships, totalling 430,000 tons, and damaged 24 others in May, the Fuehrer's Headquarters announces today. 1943.06.02 — About 1,000 German planes intensely bomb Kursk, Soviet stronghold in the central sector of the Eastern Front. 1943.06.02 — Twenty thousand coal miners in Illinois join the coal mine strike which now extends throughout the Eastern States of America. 1943.06.02 — The Imperial Air Force raids the positions of the anti-Axis forces in Kiska, 170 miles northwest of Fort Mowatty. 1943.06.03 — Japanese Ambassador to China Masayuki Tani declares that North China is fully discharging its important mission of contributing as share in the establishment of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. 1943.06.03 — The much-publicized anti-Axis First Conference, which opened at Hot Springs, Virginia, on May 18, adjourns. 1943.06.03 — It is reported that President Roosevelt in an address to the miners from the White House ordered them to return to work by June 7, failing which he was exposed to take drastic steps. 1943.06.03 — Joseph E. Davies, President Roosevelt's special envoy to Moscow, calls on Roosevelt at the White House and provides President Josef Stalin's reply. 1943.06.04 — Exhorting every Japanese to heed the heightened sense for the determination of the sacrifices of Prime Minister and concurrently War Minister General Hideki Tojo, delivering the first address of the Imperial Rule Assistance Political Association, declares that greater results be taken more and rose into any way wanted second and... 1943.06.04 — The foremost statesman and naval leaders of Japan's allies address messages of condolence to the Japanese people over the radio on the eve of the State funeral for the late Fleet-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. 1943.06.04 — Martial law is proclaimed in Baghdad, capital of Iraq, due to the attempted assassination of Nuri Said Pasha, Prime Minister of Iraq, on June 1st. 1943.06.04 — United States Secretary of War Henry Stimson announces that the number of American soldiers taken prisoner by Axis forces since the beginning of the present war totaled 17,505. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-07-15) --- (covers 1943.07.03 to 1943.07.09) 1943.07.03 — Japanese submarines claimed a toll of 11 enemy vessels during June, Imperial Headquarters announces. 1943.07.03 — The United States Navy Department announces that Japanese bomber-fighter units bombed the position of United States forces at Rennell Island yesterday. 1943.07.03 — Arriving at Port de France, Martinique Island, Vice-Admiral John Hoover, commander of the United States Yreka Naval Fleet, immediately confers with Governor-General Admiral Robert. 1943.07.04 — Subhas Chandra Bose, foremost leader of the Indian independence movement, calls on Indians throughout the world to rise and fight instantly for the freedom of their enslaved motherland at a rally in Shonan. 1943.07.04 — General Nobuyuki Abe sends a telegram of congratulations to Ramon Chandra Bose on his assumption of the Presidency of the Indian Independence League. 1943.07.04 — Strong bombing returns to Chungking by air after an absence of seven and a half months. 1943.07.05 — Imperial Army and Navy Air Forces attacked Bendora Island on July 3 causing confusion by raids made up the entire landing area of the enemy and also shot down four enemy planes, Imperial Headquarters announces. 1943.07.05 — It is revealed in a joint communique issued by the Japanese and Thai Governments that agreement has been reached between Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo, who arrived in Thailand on July 3, and Thai Premier Phibun Songkram for including the states of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Trengganu in the northern part of the Malai Peninsula and the Shan States of Kentung and Mong Pan in Thai territory. 1943.07.05 — The Board of Information announces that Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo arrived in Shonan today. 1943.07.06 — Imperial Headquarters announces that Imperial Army and Navy Air Units again attack at the enemy that had made a landing at Bendora Island, on July 4, sinking 13 large and small enemy vessels and shooting down 36 of the enemy aircraft as well as setting fire to enemy positions on Biu Island. 1943.07.06 — Francis Ambassador Henri Conon arrives in Nanking to open negotiations with the National Government concerning retrocession of the French concession. 1943.07.06 — During one year from July of last year to the present, the Chungking army has caused 987,000 casualties, while 150,000 were taken prisoner by the Imperial Japanese Expeditionary Forces in China, Imperial Headquarters announces. 1943.07.07 — On the occasion of the sixth anniversary of the China Affair, Spokesman Tomokazu Hori of the Board of Information declares that Japan has resolutely pursued its inviolable policy of bringing freedom and equality to the millions in East Asia. 1943.07.07 — Imperial Headquarters announces that fighting between the Japanese and American forces is now raging at several points on New Georgia Island following the landing of the American troops on the Island. 1943.07.07 — It is reported that thousands of heavy and light German tanks pierced Soviet defense lines in the central front sector in the morning of July 6, driving a wedge averaging 800 metres behind the Soviet lines. 1943.07.08 — Imperial Headquarters announces that American forces, which landed on Bonaa Bay on the southwestern area of New Guinea on June 30 and the Australian army which had been advancing from the Wau front, were crushed on July 3 by the offensive drive conducted by the Japanese Garrison troops stationed in the neighborhood of Slaninare, New Guinea. 1943.07.08 — From February 22 of this year to the present, crack units of the Imperial Japanese Navy raided the positions of the Chungking troops in the northwestern part of Hainan Island and killed 9,300, while 3,600 surrendered to the Japanese Forces, Imperial Headquarters announces. 1943.07.08 — The Indian Independence League concludes the session that an Indian National Army has been organized as an arm of the League. 1943.07.09 — Imperial Navy Air Forces attacked Brooks Creek, Nemis and Darwin in the Australian area to the 5th and 6th causing strong damage while heavy bombers do not succeed, Imperial Headquarters announces. 1943.07.09 — French Ambassador Henri Conon and Nanking Foreign Minister Chu Min-yi reach an agreement regarding the return of the French Concession at Shanghai to the National Government of China. 1943.07.09 — It is revealed that citizens of Teheran, Iran, staged a large-scale demonstration on July 2. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-07-29) --- (covers 1943.07.17 to 1943.07.23) 1943.07.17 — The Anti-Axis Headquarters for the Southwestern Pacific announces that the Imperial Air Forces bombed anti-Axis positions on Lake Island along a radio of four miles, 300 air forces. 1943.07.17 — Frank Knox, United States Secretary of Navy, discloses that all official announcements concerning war developments in the Southwestern Pacific area will hereafter be made by the Anti-Axis Southwestern Pacific Headquarters. 1943.07.17 — The Bengal Provincial Legislature passes a resolution demanding the immediate release of Mahatma Gandhi, Madame Abul Kalam Azad, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and other leaders of the Indian Congress. 1943.07.19 — Up to July 17, Anti-Axis forces lost 214 warships and transports, totalling 863,000 tons, according to Karl Frsipert, DND correspondent, in reporting the Sicilian campaign. 1943.07.19 — Anti-Axis air units attack the residential quarters of Amsterdam killing 128 civilians and wounding many 150. 1943.07.19 — Anti-Axis Headquarters of the Southwestern Pacific announces the landing of anti-Axis forces in Eastern New Guinea by a large number of Japanese warships. 1943.07.19 — It is reported that Nerus fighting has again been resumed in the major area of Mycordis-Kuk, and also Stalingrad, with the German and Soviet forces locked in severe engagements. 1943.07.20 — The first gubernatorial conference following the establishment of the new administrative system opened at the Prime Minister's official residence. 1943.07.20 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Imperial Japanese Navy Air Forces attacked Vanbetima, Vanikane, Santa Cruz, Tolod and Guadalcanar Islands for three days beginning July 10, and blasted a number of enemy warships, besides inflicting damage to military installations and military facilities. 1943.07.20 — The United States War Department announces that American bomber-plane units raided Rome this morning. 1943.07.20 — The War Ministry announced that His Highness Lieutenant-General Prince Lina Ari was appointed Commander of the Air Forces subduing Lieutenant-General Kumazo Ieuazaki. 1943.07.20 — The appointment of Rensai Sawada, former Ambassador to France and Senior Foreign Vice-Minister, as Ambassador Plenipotentiary accredited to Burma is made public by the Greater East Asiatic Affairs Ministry. 1943.07.20 — The first liaison conference between the Japanese Government and the chairmen of the nine Regional Administrative Councils is held at the Prime Minister's official residence. 1943.07.20 — The Fuehrer's Headquarters announces that the Fuehrer conferred with Premier Mussolini on July 19, at a certain city in Northern Italy, and discussed various military problems. 1943.07.21 — The Italian High Command announces that German high-speed boats sank two enemy destroyers, one 5,000-ton merchantman and torpedoed a middle-sized merchantship in Sicilian waters. 1943.07.21 — It is revealed that Pope Pius XII dispatched formal notes of protest to the American and British Governments immediately after the bombing of Rome by anti-Axis air forces. 1943.07.21 — King George VI resumes General Henri Giraud. Commands of the "French Committee of National Liberation" in Washington Palace. 1943.07.21 — It is reported that 2,500 workers engaged in manufacturing airplane motors in the River Rouge plant of the Ford Motor Car Company, went on strike today. 1943.07.22 — Hachiro Arita, former Foreign Minister, and Dr. Tadao Yamakawa, member of the House of Peers, are appointed advisers to the Foreign Office. 1943.07.22 — An agreement respecting the retrocession of the French Concession in Shanghai is signed at Nanking by Chinese and French delegates. 1943.07.22 — Three thousand box drivers and drum air operators in Los Angeles go on strike, paralyzing the transportation facilities in the entire city. 1943.07.22 — United States Secretary of Treasury Henry Morgenthau announces that the United States Treasury Department will float a third wartime bond issue, totaling $12,000,000,000, next week. 1943.07.23 — Units of understanding concerning the retrocession by Italy of its administrative rights in the International Settlement at Shanghai to the National Government of China are signed by representatives of the two countries. 1943.07.23 — Imperial Forces landed at Hongyuan, the air base from which the American air force in China bombed to conduct an air attack on Japan. 1943.07.23 — The Fuehrer's Headquarters announces that in the Mystic Front, Roman forces lost 200 tanks in one day, while the German air forces shot down 105 enemy planes throughout the same front on July 22. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-08-05) --- (covers 1943.07.24 to 1943.07.30) 1943.07.24 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Imperial Navy Air Forces attacked Bendova Harbor on July 21 and sank two large destroyers, one transport, over 10 landing vessels and damaged two large transports. 1943.07.24 — Colonel Ernst von Hammel, D.N.B. war correspondent in reporting the war developments along the Eastern front declares that the Soviet forces are beginning to feel the effect of physical, spiritual and material exhaustion. 1943.07.24 — Anti-Axis air units in Nakata, inflicting by many buildings, causing fatal and killed seventeen people more than three hours. 1943.07.24 — Japanese Air Forces, in a huge fighter-bomber formation carry out a daring attack on Lingling airfield shooting down more than 18 enemy planes in aerial combats. 1943.07.25 — Anti-Axis forces in Sicily suffered great damage in the Catania and Lentini sectors and received severely severely in the West Air attacks on anti-Axis forces, the Imperial Press Reports announces. 1943.07.25 — Japanese Air Forces again bombed American positions in Solomons, New Guinea, and anti-Axis facilities in Kunyil Mind, New Georgia Island, on July 24, the anti-Axis Southwestern Pacific Headquarters announces. 1943.07.25 — His Indian residents in Japan under the leadership of D. M. Sadhan, head of the "Yokohama Branch of the Indian Independence League, leave Tokyo to send their hot-inits the newly-organized Indian National Army under the command of Subhas Chandra Bose in Shonan. 1943.07.26 — King Vittorio Emmanuel III of Italy accepts the resignation of Premier Benito Mussolini and appoints Marshal Pietro Badoglio his successor. 1943.07.26 — Premier Josef Stalin, Commander-in-Chief of the Soviet forces, is reported to have departed for the front lines to take personal command in view of the serious situation of the Oeto battlefront. 1943.07.26 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese Air Units in China, in successive raids on July 23, 24 and 25, inflicted heavy damage on five advance bases of the American air forces in China shooting down 28 enemy planes. 1943.07.27 — Italian Ambassador Mario Indelli calls on Foreign Minister Shigemitsu and informs him, under the instructions of his home Government, that there will be no change in the policy of Italy on the attainment of the Three Powers' war objective, in spite of the Italian political change. 1943.07.27 — Direk Jaiyanama, Thai Ambassador to Tokyo, is host to Foreign Minister Togo at the official residence of the Thai Government at Presidential, a luncheon in honor of the new cabinet Shigemitsu was the Minister for Greater East Asiatic Affairs. 1943.07.28 — Anti-Axis forces in Sicily suffered great damage in the Catania and Lentini sectors and received severely severely in the West Air attacks on anti-Axis forces, the anti-Axis Southwestern Pacific Headquarters announces. 1943.07.28 — German military authorities announce that German forces reopened 212 Soviet tanks on July 26 on the Eastern front. 1943.07.28 — An Imperial Japanese submarine sank a cruiser of the San Francisco type in waters south of San Cristobal of the Solomons group on July 20, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.07.28 — It is revealed that the Thai Government has decided to dispatch its Foreign Minister W. Wichit Wathakan and eight others to tender Thailand's gratitude to Japan for the dispatching of the first Minister of Greater East Asia Kazuo Aoki to Thai territory. 1943.07.28 — Four workers of the auxiliary vessel Clamatri to warm union of the Government of the United States Navy, received upon request Marshal Pietro Badoglio, to escape assistance to the retirement of the Eternal Fleet. 1943.07.29 — The first transfer of enemy assets in South China to the National Government of China is duly completed at the Headquarters of the Japanese Forces in South China. 1943.07.29 — Imperial Japanese Navy fighter units shot down 22 of the enemy planes, attacked the attacked over Bougainville Island on July 25 and 26, it was announced by the Army and Navy in New Guinea Island on July 26. 1943.07.29 — President Wang Ching-wei, accompanied by high officials of the National Government, arrive in Shanghai to attend to various arrangements concerning the return of the Shanghai International Settlement and the French Concession in China. 1943.07.30 — The ceremony for the formal retrocession of the French Concession in Shanghai to the National Government of China is held at the Municipal Office within the French Concession. 1943.07.30 — It is announced that Grand Marshal Hermann Goering, German Air Minister, is now en route from the French front. 1943.07.30 — Colonel Albert Probing, D.N.B. war correspondent, reports that the German Iraq cross bombed Plavos took 30 enemy ships, totaling 10,000 tons and inflicted heavy damage on five more ships, totalling 30,000 tons in operations against the Atlantic in the last 24 hours. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-08-26) --- (covers 1943.08.14 to 1943.08.20) 1943.08.14 — Units of the Imperial Navy Air Force, on August 12, shot down 24 enemy planes that attacked Buin on Bougainville Island in the Solomons, the Imperial Headquarters announces. 1943.08.14 — Rome, the world center of Catholicism, is proclaimed an "open city" by the Italian Government. 1943.08.14 — It is revealed that German bombers sank 10 anti-Axis transports in a specific battle off Cape Palins, southeast of Cartagena, Spain, on August 13. 1943.08.14 — T. V. Soong, Chungking Foreign Minister, who has been conferring with British authorities since his recent arrival in England, announces that a new agreement has been concluded with the British Government in regard to the execution of the present war. 1943.08.15 — Premonent leaders from Malai and Sumatra arrive in Tokyo to inspect wartime conditions here. 1943.08.15 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Imperial Navy Air Units on August 14, sank three transports 1,000-ton size off Lunga and also shot down six enemy planes over Munda. 1943.08.15 — All anti-British mass meeting, sponsored by the Manila branch of the Indian Independence League, is held at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. 1943.08.15 — German army authorities announce that German torpedo plane units attacked an anti-Axis convoy off the serial port of Gibraltar and sank or damaged a total of 19 vessels, amounting to 170,000 tons. 1943.08.16 — The Second Grand Convention of Japanese, Manchoukuan and Chinese Organization for the Development of Asia gets under way at the Concordia Society Hall in Hsinking. 1943.08.16 — It is revealed that United States Secretary of State Cordell Hull and British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden will visit Moscow after the conclusion of the Quebec conference. 1943.08.16 — The anti-Axis Southwestern Pacific Headquarters discloses that Imperial Air Forces blasted anti-Axis positions on Kittima Island of the Trobriand group, northeast of New Guinea, and caused heavy casualties. 1943.08.17 — The Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that Imperial Navy Air Units, attacking enemy convoys on August 15 off Vella Lavella in the Solomons group, sank four warships, damaged 16 others and shot down 28 planes. 1943.08.17 — It is reported that the British-American joint headquarters has decided to reject the Italian declaration making Rome an "open city." 1943.08.17 — The Fuehrer's Headquarters announces in a special war report that the entire Axis forces made an orderly withdrawal from Sicily to Calabria Province on the Italian mainland. 1943.08.17 — The Soviet Government rejects the proposal of the Egyptian Government to conclude a provisional treaty of resumed non-interference in internal politics. 1943.08.18 — The Fifty Council at its plenary session, unanimously approves a draft Japan-Thailand Treaty. 1943.08.18 — General Dwight D. Eisenhower declares that the losses to men suffered by the anti-Axis forces in the Sicilian campaign are estimated at 25,000. 1943.08.18 — President Roosevelt holds a highly conference with Prime Minister Churchill at Quebec. 1943.08.18 — The Egyptian and Portuguese Governments sign a trade agreement to increase exchange of goods between the two countries. 1943.08.19 — Greater East Asiatic Affairs Minister Kazuo Aoki departs for China to conduct conditions there and to exchange views with President Wang Ching-wei. 1943.08.19 — The appointment of Finance Minister Thein Maung of the first Burmese Ambassador to Japan is formally announced by the Ba Maw, Head of State and Prime Minister of Burma. 1943.08.19 — An agreement is signed at Saigon between Kenkichi Yoshizawa, Japanese Ambassador and Vice-Admiral Jean Decoux, Governor-General of French Indo-China, regarding the supply of Japanese products to French Indo-China for the current year of 1943. 1943.08.20 — Formal conclusion of the Japan-Thai Treaty concerning the new Thai territories in Malai and the Shan region between Thai Premier Field Marshal Phibun Songkhram, and Japanese Ambassador to Thailand, Teiji Tsubokami, is announced by the Board of Information. 1943.08.20 — Heavy gratitude to of the Thai Government and proper reward Japan for her generosity as voiced in the incorporation of the new greater East Thai territory is expressed by Premier Field Marshal P. Phibun Songkhram of Thailand in a press interview. 1943.08.20 — Jose P. Laurel announces that a draft of the Philippine Constitution has been submitted to the plenary meeting of the Philippine Independence Preparatory Committee for deliberation. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-09-02) --- (covers 1943.08.21 to 1943.08.27) 1943.08.21 — The War Ministry announces that citations have been issued to the 43rd Cavalry Unit of the Aoki Corps and Subdepartment Tsuneo Tsukida of the Tokushinan Infantry Corps for brilliant services in Oriental China and North China respectively. 1943.08.21 — Three planes of the U.S. air force in China which attempted to raid the vicinity of Hunan are downed by the Japanese Army Air Forces. 1943.08.21 — German military authorities disclose that the Axis forces sank approximately 260,000 tons of enemy vessels during the week between August 15 and 21. 1943.08.21 — It is revealed that the Supreme Council of the Soviet Union has decided on the recall of Maxim Litvinov as Soviet Ambassador to Washington. 1943.08.22 — The withdrawal of the entire Japanese Garrison from Kiska Island of the Aleutian Group, which had been effected during the latter part of July without any enemy obstruction, is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.08.22 — Following his arrival from Nanking, Kazuo Aoki, Minister of Greater East Asiatic Affairs, pays a courtesy visit to Mayor Chen Kung-po. 1943.08.22 — The Preparatory Commission for Philippine Independence decides to resume discussions on the draft of the Philippine Constitution which had been submitted to its plenary session on August 19. 1943.08.23 — United States Ambassador to Moscow William Standley is expected to resume and return home, according to AP Bueno from Washington. 1943.08.23 — The German High Command announces that German forces at Kharkov withdrew from the city on August 22. 1943.08.23 — The Fascists, organ of the Communist Party, voices a demand for the formation of a Second front by anti-Axis forces operating from Britain. 1943.08.23 — Paul McNut, Chairman of the United States War Man-Power Board, reveals that 43,500,000 workers are now employed in America's war industries. 1943.08.23 — The Quebec Conference, opened on August 11, is brought to a close. 1943.08.24 — The Navy Ministry authorities declare that the safe arrival of the German auxiliary cruiser Thor in Japan is a proud princess of the fact that the anti-Axis comlo has not been able to secure complete sea power in any ocean of the world. 1943.08.24 — A Thai Military Mission headed by Lieutenant-General Pichit Krieng Sakpichit, Vice-Minister of Defense and Vice-Commander-in-Chief of the Thai Army, arrives in Tokyo. 1943.08.24 — A reshuffle in the Reich Cabinet is announced by which Heinrich Himmler, Reichsleader of the Storm Troopers and Chief of the German Police, was appointed as Reich and Prussian Home Minister as well as Chief of Reich Administration. 1943.08.25 — The second Greater East Asia Literary Convention convenes at the Imperial Theater. 1943.08.25 — An Imperial Headquarters communique discloses that the Imperial Forces are inflicting heavy damage on the enemy who are desperately attempting to reinforce its forces on New Georgia and Vella Lavella Islands in the Solomons group. 1943.08.25 — Prime Minister Winston Churchill is reported to have conferred with Chandlor Minister MacKenzie King regarding postwar problems of Canada's North Pacific base. 1943.08.25 — It is revealed that the Portuguese Government has decided to strengthen its defenses on Cape Verde Islands. 1943.08.26 — The Foreign Office issues a statement declaring that Japanese diplomats in Chile and a portion of the Japanese nationals detained in the American countries will be exchanged with officials of the United States and Chile and a portion of the American nationals now being detained in various parts of East Asia. 1943.08.26 — The Royal Household of Bulgaria announces that King Boris III has been seriously ill since three days ago with stricture of the heart. 1943.08.26 — The British Labor Ministry issues a proclamation ordering all boys and girls to register at their labor offices within the offices in the age of 18. 1943.08.26 — Walter F. LaGuardia of New York announces that the City of New York will employ cost-cuts for public labor from September 1 because of the labor shortage. 1943.08.27 — Deputy Spokesman Yaso Inoue of the Board of Information, in a press conference, declares that Japan's preparations and her ever-growing fighting strength, will shatter into oblivion any military and political designs made of Quebec. 1943.08.27 — President Roosevelt returns to Washington from Ottawa. 1943.08.27 — The Fuehrer's Headquarters announces that the Soviet forces lost a total of 231 tanks on the Eastern Front on August 26. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-09-09) --- (covers 1943.08.28 to 1943.09.03) 1943.08.28 — The War Ministry announces that citations have been issued to the Yamazaki Unit and to Colonel Takeru Yamazaki for their heroic deeds in Attu Island. 1943.08.28 — His Majesty King Boris III of Bulgaria passes away after a serious illness of short duration. 1943.08.28 — It is reported that President Roosevelt has dropped the resignation of Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles. 1943.08.28 — The Argentine Government announces that foreigners in Argentina will not be allowed to own real unsolicited land after the war. 1943.08.29 — It is revealed that the Japanese Forces shot down a total of 31 enemy planes in Chita between August 24 and 28. 1943.08.29 — It is revealed that Premier Josef Stalin, Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt will hold a series of talks together in Moscow. 1943.08.29 — The Commander-in-Chief of the German Forces in Denmark proclaims a state of martial law in the entire country in view of the increased activities of anti-Axis forces in the neighborhood of the Danish coast. 1943.08.29 — The Egyptian Government announces that it has no intention of recognizing the pullout French regime for the present. 1943.08.30 — President Eiji Amau of the Board of Information, in an interview with foreign correspondents, declares that the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere is forming steady progress in military, political, economic and cultural affairs. 1943.08.30 — Minister of Greater East Asiatic Affairs Kazuo Aoki arrives in Hsinking and is welcomed by Prime Minister Chang Ching-hui and other premiers of Manchoukuo. 1943.08.30 — It is revealed that Cho Hsiu-chi, commander of the Yin Guerrilla Force, has surrendered to Japanese troops at Chuhsien with 80 followers. 1943.08.30 — President Roosevelt holds an interview with Chungking Foreign Minister T.V. Soong. 1943.08.31 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that casualties of more than 5,000 killed and wounded were inflicted on the enemy by Japanese Units at waters fighting on New Guinea Island since June 30. 1943.08.31 — German military authorities announce that a South British unit attempted to land at a point southeast of Reggio de Calabria, at the southwestern tip of Italy, on August 29, but were immediately repulsed by the Axis forces. 1943.08.31 — It is reported that the Tokudi Cabinet has resigned en completion in King Christian X. 1943.08.31 — Prime Minister Winston Churchill, in a speech broadcast from Quebec, expressed the hope for a Churchill-Roosevelt-Stalin meeting in the near future. 1943.08.31 — The Fuehrer's Headquarters announces that German fighter planes shot down 51 planes out of 90 anti-Axis aircraft that raided Naples on August 30. 1943.09.01 — In a press conference on the occasion of the first anniversary of the European War, Spokesman Tomokazu Hori of the Board of Information, emphasizes the in-vulnerable position of the Axis Powers and Asian to both European and Asian. 1943.09.01 — Japan's unsurpassed appeals to Burma, which had made an auspicious start as an independent nation, is extended by Prime Minister-General Hideki Tojo in a radio address to the people of Burma. 1943.09.01 — It is reported that the Argentine Government has opened the British and American proposal regarding to investigation by Argentina of Axis violating rights violations of Argentine. 1943.09.01 — Pope Pius XII urges the authorities of belligerent countries to strive to restore peace. In his broadcast address delivered from the Vatican Broadcasting Station. 1943.09.02 — The eighth anniversary of revolutionary reform on Imperial Naval officers and men who fell suddenly in the War of Greater East Asia is announced jointly by the Navy Ministry and the Bureau of Decorations. 1943.09.02 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that the enemy forces that had been successfully invaded a 1,000 kilometers of Japanese Garrison forces on New Georgia Island, had, on November 2, landed at Barada Harbor, 60 miles southwest of Rendova Island. 1943.09.02 — The steps are for second exchange mission, the Swedish motorships Gripsholm, sails from New York for Murmagaon in Portuguese India. 1943.09.03 — Spokesman Tomokazu Hori of the Board of Information indicates that the present war has reached a critical phase where America by quick and fruitful action by Prime Minister Churchill has also stressed on the general situation. 1943.09.03 — Changshui site counts soon by Imperial Forces for sought in the Solomons as, with Vera Gorsida, Kulambangra and Vella Lavella Islands as the center of fierce fighting, accord that the enemy had lost 252 anti-aircraft guns. 1943.09.03 — Anti-Axis places drop numerous large and small bombs on the central settlement quarters, in Paris. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-09-30) --- (covers 1943.09.18 to 1943.09.24) 1943.09.18 — Three updotate types of Japanese aircraft, namely, the Shitei scouter, the Shunji bomber and the Shoki fighter which have become the terror of the enemy are made known to the public by the War Ministry. 1943.09.18 — The new Hungarian Premier Daniel Bárdossy declares that the new Cabinet will continue in conformity with the old, and its allies and adopt it strongly in ties with friendly countries. 1943.09.18 — Soviet passenger traffic between Kiev and Switzerland is suspended. 1943.09.18 — Several heavily damaged British warship enter the port of Gibraltar. 1943.09.18 — It is reported that a Badoglian Mussolinian conservative Foreign conference will be held shortly in Moscow. 1943.09.19 — The War Ministry announces that citations were granted to the Kinoshita Airfield Establishment Corps and Ito Squad, 2nd squadron of the 34th Air Corps for the outstanding military exploits of the Japanese Forces in the present war. 1943.09.19 — The Milan Chapter of the Republican Fascist Party is organized at a grand rally held at Milan. 1943.09.19 — Reich military authorities reveal that Italian warships in the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea have joined the Reich fleet. 1943.09.19 — It is revealed that the Germans have formed a new front in Italy by effecting a prearranged withdrawal from the Salerno line. 1943.09.20 — Japan relentlessly the 4th Aviation Day with many colorful events. 1943.09.20 — The second Japanese exchange ship, Tela Maru, leaves Shanghai for Murmagao. 1943.09.20 — The Royal Western King awards Marshal of Thailand greets the 39th birthday. 1943.09.20 — Secretary Shinkaburo Yokoyama of the Council of Information forward into Japan is duly prepared to meet all eventualities, including the expected large-scale attacks of the enemy. 1943.09.20 — Five hundred representatives of the British Labor Union and Conservative Party bitterly criticize the official existence of Prime Minister Winston Churchill demanding an interview with the Prime Minister for the formation of a second front. 1943.09.21 — A movement issued by German military authorities reveals that a big clash will shortly take place between the German troops and the Anglo-American invaders in South Italy. 1943.09.21 — It is reported from Calcutta that peasants are marketing in the mass starvation in the streets of Calcutta and adjoining areas and villages of Bengal. 1943.09.21 — The Nanking Government decides to appoint W.Y. Ku-cheng, Ambassador to Italy, as Foreign Vice-Minister to replace Chou Laug-heng who has been made Chief Secretary of the Executive Yuan. 1943.09.21 — Japanese Navy Air Units blast the enemy installations on Funafuti and Russell Islands in the Solomons group. 1943.09.22 — Over a nation-wide hookup, Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo reveals plans for national mobilization, for the perusal of the administrative machinery on a decisive war basis, as well as all out strengthening of national defense and adjustment and readjustment of the variant non-governmental organizations. 1943.09.22 — It is reported that the Ticket House Turkey and the Soviet Union have become particularly strained due to various inclusion incidents that have recently occurred. 1943.09.22 — It is revealed that Japanese Army Air Units, in China in the ten days between September 10 and 20, shot down a total of 71 enemy planes. 1943.09.23 — The Board of Information reveals that President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government of China arrived in Tokyo on September 22 and after concluding a frank exchange of questions with Government leaders returned to Nanking the following day. 1943.09.23 — The preparation enforcement of the military conscription system in Korea is revealed at a Cabinet meeting following a product on observing on the subject by Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo. 1943.09.23 — The Board of Information reveals that Prime Minister Tojo had sent a congratulatory message to Reichsfuehrer Adolf Hitler in connection with the rescue of Il Duce Mussolini through Ambassador Hiroshi Oshima, a reply was received from Fuehrer Hitler in Japanese through Ambassador H.G. Stahmer on September 23. 1943.09.24 — Japan observes Heiki Kenin Sai, festival of the enshrined mar names. 1943.09.24 — The Headquarters of the Japanese Expeditionary Forces in China announces that Japanese Army Air Units blasted various advance installations of the enemy in China or damaged more than 70 enemy planes of various class in aerial, and, aerial combat on Pohang, Nanyang, Juyuan, Yunfou and Lochow. 1943.09.24 — Japanese Ambassador to India Shinrokuro Hidaka, who arrived in Berlin, reveals that the Indian people are gradually awakening from their present "Peace dawn." --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-10-07) --- (covers 1943.09.25 to 1943.10.01) 1943.09.25 — Jose P. Laurel is overwhelmingly elected President-Elect of the future Republic of the Philippines at the historic inaugural session of the National Assembly. 1943.09.25 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese Army and Navy Air Units between September 22 and 23 attacked an enemy convoy making landing operation in a sector North of Finschhafen, New Guinea, and sank three enemy cruisers, two destroyers and one large-sized transport. 1943.09.25 — The Japanese Government donates Y1,000,000 in money and goods to the Burmese Government as a relief fund for the victims of the enemy's atrocities and bombs and is made a precursor after the fall of the War of Greater East Asia. 1943.09.25 — It is revealed that the Thai Foreign Minister, Wichit Wichit Wathakan, was appointed Ambassador to Japan on September 24. 1943.09.26 — The Board of Information announces that a treaty was signed between Japan and Burma in Rangoon on September 25 for the incorporation of the Shan States, excluding the two states of Kentung and Mong Pan, the Karenni States and the Wa Region into the territories of Burma. 1943.09.26 — Crack air units of the Imperial Army, in a large formation, again raid down American advance bases in Kwangei Province. 1943.09.26 — An agreement is concluded between the Chinese and the German Governments respecting the exchange of diplomats and residents. 1943.09.27 — Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu, in a radio broadcast on the occasion of the third anniversary of the signing of the Tripartite Pact, declares that Japan is absolutely clear that through the victory of the Axis Powers the great aim of our Alliance in establishing international justice will be attained. 1943.09.27 — Luigi Venturio, Italian Minister in Manchoukuo, called on Foreign Minister Li Shao-keng on September 21 and handed him a luncheon saying that all members of the Italian diplomatic organ in Manchoukuo are determined to give support to the new Fascist Republican Government which will carry on war along with Japan and Germany. 1943.09.27 — The Japanese Government, together the German diplomatic organ of their recognition of the Fascist Republican Government of Italy. 1943.09.28 — The Board of Information announces that a three-day extraordinary session of the Imperial Diet of Japan will be convened on October 25 for passage of budgetary estimates and legislative bills. 1943.09.28 — The establishment of a Munitions Ministry with a view to realize a speedy expansion of munitions production, particularly of aircraft, is announced by the Board of Information. 1943.09.28 — German military authorities announce that German units landed on the Island of Corfu on September 27. 1943.09.29 — The War Ministry announces that citations have been issued by the Army Commander to the Asaka (Chu)sai, Higashikuni, Fujino, and Adama Uji Infantry Units, and to the Kumagawa Patrick Mint, for their great honors gathered at the various fronts of the War of Greater East Asia, as the outstanding of examples of the outstanding operations. 1943.09.29 — Premier Haiti-Mohamed Slum Ba Maw of Burma, in a press conference held at his official residence, emphasizes that the only means for the Indian people to earn themselves from their present constant plight is to wait their influences from India. 1943.09.29 — It is reported that King Victor Emmanuel III, Marshal Pietro Badoglio, General Vittorio Ambrosio, Chief of the Army General Staff, and others have established a provisional government in Italy on the Adriatic coast of southeastern Italy. 1943.09.30 — Dr. Jose P. Laurel, President-Elect of the Philippines, accompanied by Jorge B. Vargas and Senigao Aquino, arrives in Tokyo. 1943.09.30 — Masayuki Tani, Ambassador to China, leaves Tokyo for his post in Nanking, after consultations with the Home Government. 1943.09.30 — German military authorities announce that Japan facilities at several cities completely destroyed by Anglo-American air raiders in their recent raids were either set ablaze or undergone further fatal anti-Axis raiders. 1943.09.30 — It is reported that the Hungarian Government has formally recognized the Fascist Republican Government of Italy. 1943.10.01 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese Army and Navy-borne Units engaged in furious fighting with the enemy in the Solomons area, shot down 340 enemy planes, and wrecked or others as well as sinking and damaged 11 warships and four transports during September. 1943.10.01 — The Japanese military administration in Burma announces that the beginning December 9, the period of anniversary of the outbreak of the War of Greater East Asia, the entire inhabitants of North Borneo will be permitted to participate in local government. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-10-21) --- (covers 1943.10.09 to 1943.10.15) 1943.10.09 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that the Japanese Forces in the Solomons area, on October 1 and 6, sank one enemy cruiser, four destroyers and three transports and damaged one transport. 1943.10.09 — The German military authorities announce that during the past 24 hours, German forces shot down 102 anti-Axis planes, while 11 which were such-manned planes. 1943.10.09 — Anti-Axis forces bomb the German Jedd hospital in Southern Italy killing 22 and seriously wounding. 1943.10.09 — The Office of War Information releases a joint statement by President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill which warns that places stored and vigilance soon expected against the reoccur German Ukina activities. 1943.10.10 — Dr. Thein Maung, Burmese Ambassador on a Special Mission, arrives in Tokyo to tender the thanks of the Burmese nation to Japan for the aid it gave that country in regaining its independence. 1943.10.10 — China observes the "Double Tenth," 33rd anniversary of the outbreak of China's national revolution, in a spirit of deep gratitude for the progress she has made with the help of her friends. 1943.10.10 — A unit of five Japanese Army planes attack Funafulati, New Guinea, and inflict heavy damage on the enemy base. 1943.10.11 — The Third Economic Agreement between Manchoukuo and Germany is formally signed at the Manchoukuo Foreign Office at Hsinking. 1943.10.11 — It is reported that the Government of Iran has decided to demand the withdrawal of American, British and Soviet troops from the country. 1943.10.11 — United States Representative W. Sterling Cole, Republican of New York, demands the immediate building of a counterattack to try Admiral Husband E. Kimmel, former Commander-in-Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet, and Lieutenant-General Walter C. Short, former Commander-in-Chief of the Hawaiian Army, who are held responsible for the Pearl Harbor disaster. 1943.10.12 — An Imperial Edict is issued for the convocation of the 83rd Imperial Diet for a three-day session on October 25. 1943.10.12 — The Chungking Government announces the retrocession of all agreements with the British Government concerning the Canton Leased Territory. 1943.10.12 — Japanese Navy Air Units carry out surprise raids on Ceylon and Madras. 1943.10.12 — It is reported that 120 Indians died of starvation in Calcutta hospitals on October 11. 1943.10.13 — Imperial chief of His Imperial Highness Prince Morihiro Higashikuni, first son of His Imperial Highness Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni, and His Imperial Highness Princess Shigeko Teru, first daughter of Their Majesties the Empress and Empress, are solemnly held before the Kashikodokoro within the Imperial Palace grounds. 1943.10.13 — The sixth and 10th conferments of posthumous honors upon the Navy officers and men who laid down their lives for the country in Pacific waters since January last year and August this year are announced by the Navy Ministry and the Bureau of Decorations. 1943.10.13 — Firm determination of the Burmese nation to fight the current war to the last and never to allow any enemy to invade their country, is voiced by Dr. Thein Maung, Burmese Ambassador on a Special Mission, in his interview with the foreign correspondents. 1943.10.14 — Independence is proclaimed by the Philippines, and Jose P. Laurel is inaugurated as first President of the new Republic of the Philippines. 1943.10.14 — Lieutenant-General Shigenori Kuroda, Supreme Commander of the Japanese Forces in the Philippines's Area, invites Jorge B. Vargas of the Philippine Executive Committee and Four officers to his official residence, and notifies them of the abolition of the Japanese military administration of the Philippines which has been in force for one year and two months. 1943.10.14 — Dr. Ba Maw, Head of State of Burma, sends a message of congratulations to Jose P. Laurel, President of the Republic of the Philippines. 1943.10.15 — Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo delivers a message of congratulations over the radio to an audience of two-Brasidant President Jose P. Laurel of the Republic of the Philippines. 1943.10.15 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique announced that the total of 17 enemy planes were either shot down or damaged by Japanese Army Air Units and Army and Navy Ground Units when a formation of about 300 enemy aircraft came attacking Rabaul on New Britain Island on October 12. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-11-04) --- (covers 1943.10.23 to 1943.10.29) 1943.10.23 — The War Ministry announces that a citation has been issued by the Army Commander to the Oizumi Unit which since October, 1942 had rendered meritorious services in the Guadalcanal operations. 1943.10.23 — The appointment of Jorge B. Vargas, former Chairman of the Philippine Executive Commission, as the first Philippine Ambassador to Japan is announced by the Office of the Philippine President. 1943.10.23 — The Provisional Government of Azad Hind at its urgent Cabinet meeting at the official residence of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, decides on a declaration of war against Britain and the United States. 1943.10.24 — Subhas Chandra Bose, Head of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind, announces that the Burmese Government has formally notified him of its recognition of the Indian Provisional Government. 1943.10.24 — United States Secretary of State Cordell Hull, British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden, and Soviet Commissar Vyacheslav M. Molotov open their joint meetings. 1943.10.24 — The United States Office of War Information reveals that casualties of the United States armed forces since the outbreak of the war to date total 115,883. 1943.10.25 — The 83rd Imperial Diet is convened for a three-day session to canoning, and approve 14 Government bills, to enable the Government to meet with the urgent wartime situation. 1943.10.25 — Meeting leaders of Japan meeting at the Masonican Restaurant, Tokyo, adopt a statement pledging their full and unstinted loyalty to the Provisional Government of Free India. 1943.10.25 — The British Admiralty announces the loss of two new warships, the cruiser Charybdis and the destroyer Limbourne in a battle with German torpedo-boats in the English Channel on October 23. 1943.10.26 — Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo tells the Imperial Diet that the United States and Britain are frantically resorting to an all-out counter-offensive against Japan but that Japan's ultimate victory is certain. 1943.10.26 — War Minister General Hideki Tojo gives a detailed account of the existing war situation on the far-flung fronts before both Houses of the Diet. 1943.10.26 — Navy Minister Admiral Shigetaro Shimada, in his report to the Diet, declares that the Imperial Navy, with full confidence in its ability built of many years of intensive training, is prepared to intercept and annihilate the enemy at any time. 1943.10.26 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that the enemy have suffered the loss of 5,000 men in German tanks raiding in the northern sector of Finschhaffen, New Guinea. 1943.10.27 — Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu, in the course of his reply to interpellation on war aims at the Budget Committee meeting of the House of Representatives, declares that the mission of East Asia are determined to fight out this war for the emancipation of Asia and so restablish the world. 1943.10.27 — The Philip Hitachi reports that Prime Minister Winston Churchill is considering a reshuffle of the British Cabinet including the War and several other portfolios. 1943.10.27 — Reich military authorities announce that a large formation of German planes bombed Naples on October 24, scoring direct hits on the reserve stocks, causing 18,000 tons, and on vital harbor facilities. 1943.10.28 — Dr. Thein Maung, first Burmese Ambassador to Japan, presents his credentials to His Majesty the Emperor in the Phoenix Hall within the Imperial Palace. 1943.10.28 — A communique issued by the Imperial Headquarters reveals that Japanese Navy Air Units on October 27 sank one enemy cruiser instantaneously and damaged another 4, 2000 attack on the enemy warships near the landing point on Mono Island, located near the southern tip of Treasury Island. 1943.10.28 — The three-day session of the 83rd Imperial Diet ends with all of the three budgetary and 14 legislative bills passed by both Houses in their original form. 1943.10.29 — Italian Giudici, Director of the Publications Department, proclaims anti-communist Spokesman of the Board of Information, declares at the press interview with foreign correspondents that Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu's declarations at the Imperial Diet on October 27 may be called the first Axis definite point and a long decrease as an epoch-making declaration in the war of the War. 1943.10.29 — It is revealed that 37 of the 700 enemy planes, which came raiding in the Solomons area on Bakule Island, east of Bougainville Island, have shot down on October 28. 1943.10.29 — The Republic of the Philippines formally recognizes the Provisional Government of Azad Hind. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-11-11) --- (covers 1943.10.30 to 1943.11.05) 1943.10.30 — Masayuki Tani, Japanese Ambassador to Nanking, declares that there is no alteration of doubt that the signing of the Treaty of Alliance between Japan and China will virtually promote the great task jointly undertaken by the two countries for the completion of Greater East Asia. 1943.10.30 — The conclusion of the Alliance Pact with Japan is celebrated in Nanking amid a gala atmosphere. 1943.10.30 — The Washington Information reveals that the United States Government has notified that a general coal strike is now unavoidable and has started to adopt various emergency measures to meet the shortage of the coal supply. 1943.10.30 — It is reported that with his spread of cholera, the famine in Bengal Province has become particularly serious. 1943.10.31 — The Board of Information announces that Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Tokyo today to express his gratitude to Japan for its recognition of the Azad Hind Government. 1943.10.31 — Foreign Minister Chu Min-yi of the National Government of China calls Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu on the international telephone and expresses his thanks for the conclusion of the Japan-China Alliance Pact. 1943.10.31 — The Tela Maru, Japanese exchange ship, steams into Shanan with 1,500 Japanese repatriates aboard. 1943.10.31 — It is reported that the Fascist Republican Government will complete the propaganda in King Victor Emmanuel III, Marshal Pietro Badoglio and 70 other traitors of the Fascist Party, who former Premier Benito Mussolini to resign from his office on July 25. 1943.11.01 — Opening ceremonies of the new Ministries of Munitions, Transportation and Communication, and Agriculture and Commerce are held. 1943.11.01 — The National Government of China extends its recognition to the Provisional Government of Free India. 1943.11.01 — With the termination of the period of truce at midnight October 31, 250 miners belonging to the United Mine Workers Union of America are rapidly commencing to lay off work. 1943.11.01 — The great difficulties which now front the United States in solving its rapidly aggravating food problem are revealed by President Roosevelt's lengthy message to Congress. 1943.11.01 — Imperial Garrison Forces on Buko Island, situated north of Bougainville Island, shoot down 17 enemy fighters and bombers. 1943.11.02 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that Imperial Units operating in New Guinea Island caused the enemy to abandon 2,648 bodies in the Finschhafen area and blasted 10 enemy guns, ammunition dumps in two places and supply dumps in three places during the fortnight period ending October 29. 1943.11.02 — Subhas Chandra Bose, Head of the Provisional Government of Free India, in an interview with resident foreign correspondents, delivers a stinging denunciation which he told the world that the plot "Onward to Delhi" of spreading like wildfire among Indian foreigners in India and abroad India. 1943.11.02 — The spokesman of the Japanese Forces in Hunan Province reveals that the Japanese Forces in smopping-up operations against Chinese Communist remnants in Shansi and Chahar Provinces, from the latter part of September up to the present, have caused more than 2,000 enemy dodier abandoned on the fields and three others 6,000 as prisoners. 1943.11.03 — The Bureau of Decorations of the Cabinet announces that honorary were conferred on 175 persons who have rendered meritorious services in various occupational classes. 1943.11.03 — The local Chinese Society in Peiping donates $200,000 for a fund for the construction of Japanese fighter planes on the auspicious occasion of Meiji Setsu. 1943.11.03 — It is reported that United States Secretary of State Cordell Hull will join the conference to be held at Cairo between British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden and Turkish Foreign Minister Numan Menemencioglu. 1943.11.03 — The United States coal mine strike ends suddenly with the signing of a new wage agreement. 1943.11.04 — Representatives to the historic Assembly of Greater East-Asiatic Nations from China, Thailand, Manchoukuo, the Philippines and Burma are busy at their respective official dinner party at the Imperial Hotel held under the joint auspices of Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and the Minister of Greater East Asiatic Affairs Kazuo Aoki. 1943.11.04 — Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, former Japanese Ambassador to America, stresses the need of perennating on the part of the Japanese people for a long war, in a speech given at the Public Hall in Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture. 1943.11.04 — It is reported that the Argentine Government will follow a straight or neutral policy than ever. 1943.11.05 — The grand-inviting Assembly of Greater East Asiatic Nations is opened auspiciously at 10 a.m. solemn atmosphere in Tokyo attended by five Prime Ministers of Japan, Manchoukuo, and Burma, the Presidents of China and the Philippines, and by the representative of the President of the Council of Thailand. 1943.11.05 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that five enemy warships were blasted by the Japanese Navy Air Units near Mono Island. 1943.11.05 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that in the battle in the southwest Pacific which is daily mounting in fury, our Forces between the night of October 31 and the morning of November 2 sank or damaged 14 enemy warships, four transports and numerous smaller vessels off Bougainville and Buin Islands, and shot down 201 of them in an unprecedented feat over Rabaul in New Britain Island. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1943-11-18) --- (covers 1943.11.06 to 1943.11.12) 1943.11.06 — Japan's invariable desire to place under the jurisdiction of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are now under the occupation of the Imperial Forces, is declared by Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo, in the course of the second and concluding day's session of the Assembly. 1943.11.06 — The historic Assembly of Greater East-Asiatic Nations comes to a successful end after a two-day session. 1943.11.06 — Subhas Chandra Bose, speaking before the Assembly of Greater East-Asiatic Nations, declares that his failures to Azad Asia will go to war against their power enemy with the consciousness that fervent brave dawds are only the invincible origin of Japan but also the united war and great defection. Sons of the emancipated nations of East Asia. 1943.11.07 — Ultimate victory in the Shantung front raging in the Pacific is promised by Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo at the People's Mass Meeting for the Solidarity of Greater East Asia held at Hibiya Park. 1943.11.07 — Prime Minister Chang Ching-hui of Manchoukuo declares that Manchoukuo is prepared to do its utmost hard to accomplish her mission as her vanguard base in North East China. 1943.11.07 — Prime Minister Ba Maw of Burma, in a press interview with the Japanese and foreign press, declares that all Burma's national effort must be concentrated for the successful prosecution of the current war. 1943.11.08 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that Imperial Army Air Units destroyed 60 enemy planes by demolishing aircraft on the enemy's military bases on Madau, Malaui, and Marawasa, New Guinea Island on November 6 and 7. 1943.11.08 — A communique issued by the War Ministry discloses that a citation has been granted to Supreme Commander Masataka Kawabe of the Japanese Army Forces in the Burma area by the Kaga Army Corps for outstanding services in the Burma campaign early this year. 1943.11.08 — President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government of China, in a radio broadcast, declares that the Assembly of Greater East-Asiatic Nations opens up a new beginning not only the rebirth for Greater Asiatic Nations but for the permanent peace of the world. 1943.11.09 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that Imperial Navy Air Units, intercept power ful enemy convoys in the waters south of Bougainville Island from the morning of November 8, have sunk or heavily damaged four enemy battleships, more than eight cruisers, three destroyers, and five transports, besides shooting down more than 12 enemy planes. 1943.11.09 — Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu declares in a special press conference that the united will of East Asian peoples as manifested in the success of the Assembly of Greater East-Asiatic Nations will surely place a major factor for a glorious victory in the current war. 1943.11.10 — Revealing additional results in the battle off the south of Bougainville, an Imperial Headquarters' communique discloses that the enemy battleship which was previously reported as heavily damaged was sunk and that three more large-sized enemy cruisers were heavily damaged and another cruiser or large-sized destroyer damaged. 1943.11.10 — Subas Apolfo, Spokesman of the Board of Information, declares at a press conference that the results carried out by the Japanese Forces have caused been aligned by the ever-lasting Assembly of Greater East-Asiatic Nations. 1943.11.11 — A gracious Imperial Rescript is granted to the outgoing heroes in the Solomons area that has grown by the Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, it is revealed in a communique issued by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.11.11 — It is reported that Soviet and German diplomatic have broken out in Kurdistan as the ressentn the dissolution of the Chamber of Deputies by the rebel French authorities. 1943.11.12 — The new Thai Ambassador to Japan, Wichit Wathakan, arrives in Tokyo, accompanied by his family. 1943.11.12 — It is revealed, that Imperial Forces Navy Naval Air Units attacked the enemy ground positions on Ciranra Island as well as Cape Newa, Jones on the Bomerry on November 22 at night 11 and 11. 1943.11.12 — Imperial Headquarters' announcement that units on top of Lebanon, Lebanon has been indignant at the Lebanese people against the Syrian-French Governmental administration for proposing the Lebanese President's Bishara Al-Khoury and the entire Cabinet members. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1944-01-01) --- (covers 1943.12.18 to 1943.12.24) 1943.12.18 — One enemy cruiser and more than 20 transports and large landing vessels are sunk or destroyed by Imperial Naval Air Units in attacks on Arabic convoys off Cape Merkus, New Britain Island, on December 15, 16 and 17, it is announced by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.12.18 — The Navy Ministry announces that citations have been granted to four submarine units which served brilliantly in waters southwest and around the Solomons between August 7 and October 17, last year, and to the submarine unit which attacked the Lunga anchorage between November 7 and December 14, last year. 1943.12.19 — It is revealed that the Imperial Japanese Submarine Forces, since the outbreak of the War of Greater East Asia, have sunk or damaged a total of 24 enemy warships. 1943.12.19 — It is announced that fighting fighting is now raging on the southern bank of the Rong River, south of Finschhafen, New Guinea Island. 1943.12.20 — The Foreign Office announces that the Japanese Government has lodged a strong protest with the Government of the United States regarding the criminal clubbing of the Japanese hospital ship Buenos Aires Maru by an American Consolidated B-24 on November 13, 1944. 1943.12.20 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that the Imperial Naval Landing Party, at early dawn of December 15 made a surprise raid on American troops and landed on the northern coast of New Britain Island during that day. 1943.12.20 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that in repeated operations at a certain Imperial Air Units in the Bay of Bengal in recent months, the Japanese, sunk no small number of enemy transports, 24 larger ships along the enemy airfield efforts toward Chittagong during December 14 last year. 1943.12.21 — The new Bolivian President is inaugurated and Ambassador Alberto Villaroed, and members of his Cabinet, are installed in office, according to a Buenos Aires dispatch. 1943.12.22 — Mr. Teruo Hachiya, former Minister to Sofia, is appointed first Minister Plenipotentiary to the Provisional Government of Free India. 1943.12.22 — It is revealed that an aggressive vigorous fighting is going on in the waters opposite Coast off Finschhafen, in the Ramu River sector, central New Guinea, and the Arawa area of New Britain. 1943.12.22 — Fifteen American planes were shot down and 17 others damaged on the ground when formations of Japanese Army Air Units on December 18 and 19 carried out raids on the air bases at Kunming and Yunnan, according to an announcement of the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.12.22 — The Japanese military administration in the Shan States of Burma is abolished with effect of today following the signing of the Offensive and Defensive Alliance between the two countries. 1943.12.22 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that Imperial Naval Air Units sank nine enemy transports, 31 landing vessels, two cruisers or destroyers and two torpedo boats, and heavily damaged two destroyers, a submarine chaser and another transport as well as numerous landing vessels in an air attack on an convoy off Cape Merkus, New Britain Island, on December 21. 1943.12.22 — The confirmation of gubernatorial provinces is carried as the Prime Minister's official residence. Prime Minister Tojo, speaking at the opening, urges his lecturers to excel ever greater efforts toward the increase of aircraft production. 1943.12.22 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that units on the Imperial Army Air Force, on December 18 and 19, carried out a series of new destructive raids on enemy air bases at Kunming and Yunnan, shooting down 10 enemy planes and heavily damaging or setting ablaze 17 other planes on the ground. 1943.12.23 — His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince greets His 10th anniversary of His Imperial Highness' birthday. 1943.12.23 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese Army Eagles, on the afternoon of December 22, surprise raided Kunming airfield, blasting 40 enemy planes in aerial combats and in attacks on machines on the ground. 1943.12.23 — Imperial Naval Air Units, on December 21, effectively bombed the foe's bases and supply dumps in and around Cape Merkus and caused conflagration in all places, in one place and fires in eleven other places, it is disclosed in a communique issued by the Imperial Headquarters. 1943.12.23 — Lowering of the military conscription age by one year, to 19 for all males in Japan Proper is announced in a communique issued by the Board of Information. 1943.12.24 — An Imperial Rescript relieving the opening of the 84th session of the Imperial Diet on December 26 is promulgated in the Extraordinary of the Official Gazette. 1943.12.24 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Imperial Naval Air Unit's heavily damaged and set afire two enemy landing vessels and caused fires in eight places, on December 23 in their attacks on the enemy key positions in the vicinity of Cape Merkus, New Britain Island, and on Arawe Island. 1943.12.24 — The Supreme Commander of the Japanese Forces in the Burma Area announces that the Japanese military administration in the Shan States of Burma is abolished today. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1944-01-20) --- (covers 1944.01.08 to 1944.01.14) 1944.01.08 — The annual New Year's Military Review is held at the Yoyogi parade grounds with picked Army and Air Units, participating and witnessed by more than a hundred thousand people. 1944.01.08 — Imperial Naval Air Units shot down 20 enemy planes, including seven unconfirmed out of a formation of more than 270 attempting to raid Rabaul on the mornings of January 6 and 7, it is reported in a communique issued by the Imperial Headquarters. 1944.01.09 — Firm determination to fight on hand to hand with China until the day of inevitable ultimate victory is reiterated by Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo in an exchange broadcast with President Wang Ching-wei of the National Government of China on the occasion of the first anniversary of the National Government's entry into the war. 1944.01.09 — The anti-Axis Headquarters of the Southwest Pacific announces that the Japanese Air Units, on January 7, bombed American positions on Tuiwara Island. 1944.01.09 — The Ten Eagles of the Japanese Naval Air Force attack the enemy airfield in Mubli Island and succeed in destroy numerous direct hits before returning to their bases safely. 1944.01.10 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that Imperial Naval Air Units attack a heavy blow on the enemy air forces that have been raiding our base at Rabaul by shooting down 52 planes, including 19 unconfirmed, out of a formation of more than 130 on the morning of January 9. 1944.01.10 — The War Ministry reveals that citations have been granted by the Army Commander to the Maeda Battalion and the Kaji Squad in recognition of their distinguished exploits in the annihilation campaign in Khangal, in the summer of 1942. 1944.01.10 — Less than 200 members of the United States House of Representatives attend the opening of the second session of the 78th Congress. 1944.01.11 — Count Galeazzo Ciano, former Italian Foreign Minister, and four other members of the former Grand Fascist Council, who had betrayed Premier Benito Mussolini, are executed by a firing squad in Verona. 1944.01.11 — Reports disclose that the United States had requested the Chungking regime to draft 30,000 laborers as a measure to deal with the frequent uproars in America. 1944.01.11 — President Roosevelt, in a message to the opening of the second session of the 78th Congress, defensively undertake to introduce a general compulsory labor service regulation. 1944.01.12 — The Navy Ministry announces that a citation has been issued by the Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet to the seaplane units of the XX Unit for distinguished services rendered. 1944.01.12 — Yaso Inoue, Chief of the Century Publicity Section of the Board of Information, visits an absolutely able delusion to consequences and the Headquarters of Allround Land Lord, Mountbatten, commander-in-chief of the anti-Axis forces in Southeastern Asia that anti-Axis forces had occupied Maungdaw. 1944.01.12 — Subas Apolfo, Spokesman of the Board of Information, describes America's so-called Good Neighbor Policy as a mere sham to coincide and imbibe them to grasp world hegemony. 1944.01.13 — Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo, in his instructions at the First Conference of Munitions Supervisions Department, Heads, declares that every agent of officials, productivity expand must be devoted to the strengthening of the air forces and that the plane for spread over menaced on the firm line must be produced in the manner the planes alert. 1944.01.13 — Kenkichi Yoshizawa, Japanese Ambassador to French Indo-China, in a press interview, declares that the recent anti-Japanese outburst within the French community and community were not created entirely without some assistance of representation from the future of the campaign under the leadership of President Jose P. Laurel. 1944.01.14 — His Imperial Highness Major Prince Takehito Mikasa who has been a staff officer of the Japanese Expeditionary Forces in China since January, 1943, has been appointed an Army Staff Officer of the Imperial Headquarters, it is announced by the War Ministry. 1944.01.14 — Yaso Inoue, Chief of the Government Publicity Section of the Board of Information in a press conference the foreign correspondents declares that President Roosevelt's message to the 78th Congress represents the defensive choice which the Washington authorities, especially Roosevelt himself, are now faltering. --- Nippon Times Weekly (1944-01-27) --- (covers 1944.01.15 to 1944.01.22) 1944.01.15 — An Imperial Headquarters' communique reveals that Imperial Naval Air Units intercepted about 100 enemy planes that came attacking Rabaul on January 14 and shot down 40 of them, including 18 unconfirmed. 1944.01.15 — The British Air Ministry admits that German planes swept over London early last evening and inflicted damages as well as causing an undisclosed number of casualties. 1944.01.15 — Japan suffered a severe earthquake part of Argentina causing deaths to not less than 5,000 persons, and demolishing at least 50 to 70 per cent of the standing buildings in San Juan. 1944.01.16 — The Imperial Headquarters announces that Japanese Army Air Units in the New Guinea area blasted 50 enemy airfields and their installations at Madzab, Murawasa and Tenli and shot down six enemy aircraft besides damaging and setting afire 34 others. 1944.01.16 — Reports from London reaching Lisbon reveal that London papers hailed the proposal made by executive Polish regime for the conversation of a Sour-Polev conference to open the Polish eastern question as the best way of settling the Polish-Soviet dispute. 1944.01.16 — It is reported that Aducnilla, the world's foremost artist producing country, has finally been forced to put into effect a meat rationing system. 1944.01.17 — No less than 6,000 casualties have been suffered by the enemy around Cape Merkus and Cape Gloucester in New Britain Island in the short span of the late 25 to 30 days, reports the Asahi. 1944.01.17 — The Associated Press report circulated from Lisbon recently starting that the Japanese Minister in Bulgaria, Akira Tamuji, has been killed in an anti-Axis air raid on Sofia, is branded as completely false by Sadao Iguchi, Spokesman of the Board of Information. 1944.01.17 — The importance of French Indo-China to Japan as a strategic and supply base is stressed by Kenkichi Yoshizawa, Japanese Ambassador in Hanoi, in an interview held with newspapermen assigned to the Ministry of Greater East Asiatic Affairs. 1944.01.18 — Major-General Wolfgang von Gronau, Air Attache to the German Embassy in Tokyo, calls on Lieutenant-General Takuji Yasuda, Commander of the Imperial Air Headquarters, on the occasion of the third anniversary of the conclusion of the Japan-Germany-Italy Military Agreement, and expresses firm conviction on the ultimate victory of the Axis nations. 1944.01.18 — Of about 250 enemy planes that came attacking Rabaul on January 17, more than half of them, 130 aircraft, including 17 unconfirmed, were shot down by Imperial Naval Air Units, Surface Units and Ground Units, without any loss on our side except for two vessels sank, it is revealed in an Imperial Headquarters' communique. 1944.01.19 — A citation has been issued by the Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet to the decisive attack place of the Naval Air Unit under the command of Reverent First Sub-Lieutenants Yuji Abe who had attempted in the enemy commander's plane and thereby blasted the enemy's relations attack on Maruruar on June 23, 1943, it is revealed in a communique issued by the Navy Ministry. 1944.01.19 — Kazuo Aoki, Minister of Greater East Asiatic Affairs, expresses his gratitude toward the people of Manchoukuo for their efforts in producing abundant agricultural products during last year. 1944.01.19 — In view of the severe operation valued by various countries against the national mobilization plan proposed by President Roosevelt, the Army Committee of the House of Representatives decides to postpone for the present the consideration of the national mobilization bill. 1944.01.20 — The War Ministry reveals that a citation was issued by the Army Commander to Sergeant Sadaichi Asokichi for shooting down single-handed five enemy planes over Rangoon on October 9, 1943. 1944.01.20 — An additional creation of Y3,000 to made by the Japan-Argentina Red Cross and delivered on behalf of the victim in the recent earthquake which shook western Argentine and laid waste the city of San Juan. 1944.01.22 — The 84th regular session of the Imperial Diet is reconvened after the New Year holidays. 1944.01.22 — Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo, in his address before the Upper House of the Imperial Diet, gives a solemn review and forecast of the Government's program for direct efforts, to bring the War of Greater East Asia to a victorious conclusion. 1944.01.22 — Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu, in his address before the Diet, reveals in the assembled legislators, the wartime policy of the Japanese Government regarding relations with its war allies and neutral nations.