Gareth Jones

Transcribed by Margaret Colley

Saturday February 9th, 1935

Arrived at dawn at Yokohama, saw the top of Fuji.

Japan Times - "A severe typhoon was responsible for the 24 hour delay of President Coolidge, the captain said it was the worst storm they had fought in 25 years of seamanship".

Great attention paid to me when the immigration official learned I was a journalist, asked what papers I wrote for etc. etc.

Walked with Bob Ames and Perkins Bass and the Ramsey’s past the SS Roypitana to the customs.

Had had to fill in every pamphlet and book I had, but the customs official was not very careful, just looked at Asobi Aetyapanimbe Novellen.

Everything very modern except for the Rickshaw men shouting and following us. To us very persistent, by bus from Yokohama to the Imperial,[ hotel] many lightly built wooden houses, scrappily built, not so clean as America.

Children, children, children everywhere, very picturesque, many in the padded old costume, looking very fat, all look very well fed with plump cheeks. "Rice is good food" they said.

Imperial Hotel

The yellow brick is not pleasing, the overhanging stones are good, but there is same effect as a big railway station. Room with bath 10 yen, without 6 yen.

Telephoned Amau, and went to see him at the Foreign Office, his office in a terrible wooden shack, like huts in Buttrils during the war. Lot of black hair, roundish face with big glasses, rather serious.

Evening - Went out with Gordon Jorgenson, Ames, Ramsay and Perkins Bass, and our host from the American Embassy - Cooper. to a Japanese Restaurant, took off shoes, Geisha girls. Next door students celebrating, thin partitions which they opened and shouted in "excuse me", then they grabbed hold of us and made us dance with their Geisha girls.

We danced with ours, who were very young, just kids, petite and doll like. The most popular song sung at the Japanese restaurant and danced to by the Geisha girls was ‘ When the moon shines bright on Charlie Chaplin’, reminded me of a pantomime in 1915.

Then we went to the Florida dance hail, very modern, American band, danced several times with Ayame. The police are very strict, when you dance with a girl, she leaves you immediately and rushes to her place. The ballroom is lined with seats where very cheerily dressed girls sit.

The police stop cars if they see a man driving with a girl. Very modern tunes, jazz, all the Japanese girls danced beautifully, good lines.

Then to Saiceria - Naomi.

Dance halls stop at 11 o’clock, Tokyo goes to bed early, Dance and Bars close at 12.30, one girl dressed in old Japanese clothes.

Sunday February 10th

Spent day at the Jorgensons, remarkably kind, visited the Shinta Shrine and Military Museum. Guns and Aeroplanes in the Museum.

Great stress is being laid on military propaganda now in Japan.

China is further away from unity than ever.

Stayed to sandwich supper at the Jorgensons, good library, fine people.

Monday February. 11th

Went to Nikko, amusing time in train, friends with the Japanese, they have a huge sense of humour and laugh all the time. Got on well in conservation, Temples of Nikko are fine, motored home with the Tilsons.

Masses of children everywhere, surprised at the number of old costumes maintained. Most wear the sandals and the wooden sandas also with 2 pieces of wood underneath.

Back to Tokyo, dined with the Tilsons.

Tuesday February 12th

Press conference - F.O Amau, met Cox, Reuters and Bass of the Times.

Amau - introduced young Japanese diplomats, very embarrassed, bows to the journalists, some go to English and some to American.

Question on Naval policy?

When will negotiations go on? More negotiations, what's the point?

No reason why the Soviets should be involved.

1924 - agreement respecting the territorial integrity of China. Under protocol, we are responsible for the defence of Manchukuo.

Discussion on Outer Mongolia with Tass correspondent.

In the evening, Theatre with Julie Weigle, Japanese chorus girls very attractive. Japanese dance.

Met Young I.N.S went to Rengo, met manager Mr Cox of Reuters, very kind took me around.

Tokyo 1st day, demand from Income Tax in Cardiff for £6 Os l1d

Wednesday

Lunched at the Rotary Club with Young (I.N.S), met Ito, Okura and Ashida.

Afternoon, talk with Amau. Dined Olympic with the Ramsay’s, Bass and Ames. Went to bed, but Ames came in about 11. 30 and dragged me out about town.

Thursda.y February 14th

Was interviewed by the Japanese Advertiser, Shimanouchi.

Believes change in Japanese policy to moderation, away from Militarism. He introduced me to Fraulein Burger (Fritzi) the Austrian skater (Vienna). He described the return of the Japanese to the old culture. Reaction against the West. Kodo.

Lunched with Cox at the American Club.

That evening after Young’s reception, I went with Barbara Wertheim to the New Grand. Then moved to the Honcho, but found no sheets, towels, pillows or restaurant, I was supposed to supply everything.

Trams made a terrible din, hard to sleep, borrowed cushion and blankets, and put coat over me. Read poetry and tried to go to sleep, but very hard. Woke early with the noise of the Trams.

Met Gunther Stein outside the Imperial.

Friday 15th

Had coffee with tiny Japanese. Next to the Embassy (50 yen taxi), read Peter Fleming’s articles in the Times on Russia, moderately good.

Rotary Lunch

Next to Mamura, we talked about hotels and self - sufficiency. Now it would be much cheaper to supply hotels because formerly a number of things had to be imported from the U.S.A ie beds. But now the beds can be made in Japan of the same quality. Silverware was imported to the Imperial Hotel from Mappin and Webb, terrific duties. Now it can be made in Japan. They put a tariff on the breakfast ware (silver) because they were called luxury goods, although I can’t see that it’s a luxury to eat breakfast.

They had to import laundry machines from the U.S.A, now they can be made in Japan.

A pupil of F. L Wright is building the new hotel in Changshun (Hsinkiang). How many families has Fr. L. W got now?

In the Imperial we can always see when a guest is in or not, when he locks the door from the outside, a red light appears, when he locks the door from the inside, another light appears. (Ames pulling leg, bed, red light, tremendous bill for electric light)

Amau February

Japanese policy to China is to maintain peace and friendly relations.

‘Benefit to Japan if peace is maintained in East Asia and the policy of Japan to keep peace in East Asia, Japan has been standing like a watchdog in East Asia.

We fought several times for that. Other powers have interest in China, but our interest is more vital. Chinese question is to us a question of life or death.

British have considerable interest, which is not necessarily vital. The U.S is interested but economically and commercially.

China is a vast country. At the beginning of the Washington conference, Brian asked "What is China?" China failed to answer. 9 Powers Traditions, what is China today? In 1920 Soviet compiled a Treaty with Outer Mongolia, by which each control ports in respects of recognising benefits Government. Since then Outer Mongolia sent Ambassador to Moscow and Moscow sent to Korea government reps.

1924 - Government Commanded Treaty at Peking and Mukden with China authority, by which Gov respected terr.. integrity of China.

Government was helping the Sun Yat Sen Government in Canton.

Borodin represented the Government in Canton, dealt with Canton Government independently. Therefore at that time Canton was the Facto authority. Actually had an **** to Soviet independence, from Peking.

1920 Mongolian Conclusion treaty with Soviets. 1924 Peking Concluded treaty with Government. 1924 Mukdon Concluded Treaty with Gov. (Karokhan in Peking, another Mukden)

Today, Sinkiary is virtually under the influence of the Soviet Outer Mongolian - Govt visa necessary.

Other day Chinese Consul in Novostrik was returning home to China and had to apply for visa to the Soviet authorities.

In Tsarist times there was a conference in the presence of the Tsar and they discussed to find the way of penetration to the Far East and ungroup port.

3 ways planned: -

1) Sinkiary at Womho and Heijo.

2) Verchre Udinsk - Chita - Kalpan - N. Peking -Shantung

3) Siberia, Manchuria - Flabin - Dairen - Port Arthur.

They decided to execute the 3rd plan, find a route in Manchuria and come to the South of Port Arthur and stair built branch and we had to stand last invasion of Korea. Independence of Korea was threatened. That was a menace to Japan. We fought in 1905.

1895 - fought with China for the lease of Liaotung, Pen. But we had to remember the interview. 3 powers.

1895 - 1905 China had concluded secret alliance with Russia.

China promised the materials for the building of the Russian Court. The Russians promised to help China in war between China and Japan.

We have been endeavouring to maintain peace in East Asia. China - Civil war - 25yrs, we desire China restored some day.

Best way is to leave China alone.

We expect equal opportunities for foreign powers.

L. O. N attacked Japan, because Japan close door on China to make the China Sea a closed sea. It is not Japan, but the League of Nations who closed doors to Japan.

At the time of the Manchu incident (Feb 24, 1932) it was resolved at the League of Nations meeting, that China boycott since Sept 18, 1931 is recognised as reprisal. Reprisal is legal - internal law. Therefore China boycott is legalised by the League of Nations decision.

When the League of Nations closed market to Japan. Principle of Open Door was closed to us.

Jap. so near to China, that if doors are opened, Japan can compete with any country, even in England we are competing with your goods. No reason why we should close the doors on China, but the League of Nations resolved that the Chinese boycott was legal. It was instigated by the Euro American powers. As a result Japan had to find a market outside of China, that is the principle reason why we are competing with  goods even in British Dominions.

We are confident that if China is left alone, she will repair her house, therefore we object to any interference of other powers. Financial?

Tactics of China to use one power against another, and to have friendly relations with distant countries to prepare against nearest enemy. Using U.S.A against Japan, Soviet against Japan. But what result? No benefit to China, China depended upon England, U.S, League of Nations, Russia, result undefined.

Recently since Kuomintang is organised under Sun Yat Sen they have hoisted fighting banners on which it was inscribed :-

1) Abolish unequal treaties

2) Anti - imperialists out

Principles to be radically introduced.

Sun Yat Sen - awakening of China - awakening of Asia.

Sun Yat Sen established the Government of Canton in 1922 and advocated Asianism and asked Japan to help awakening of China. Chinese revelations were assisted by the Japanese.

Some of the adventurous Japanese were killed, Sun Yat Sen fled the severe times to Japan as a refuge. When political refugee he was called Nakayama.

Chiang Kai Shek was student in Japan. Chiang Kal Shek.

They have great connection with Japan, but they complained that Japan did not help them, China was divided into 4 powers: Peking government - Tsau Kory

Manchu - Tshi So Lian

Nanking - Loo

Canton - Sun Yat Sen

Sun complained that Japan was exercising imperialist policy over Europe and Am.

1922 - 3 Then I was a Rep of Japanese Govt. in Canton.

Symbolised that China sick man suffering from stomach ache, but has rice dishes before him ie.

1) Abolish extra territories

2) Unequal Treaties

Two ways - eat these dishes at once, or wait until stomach is better. Soviets will give dishes now, we say wait.

Fund Ideas Sun Yat Sen: -

Awakening of Asia, Ascan

1925 Sun died, Kuom has started rev. diplomacy. We are sympathetic to China because we have abolished ourselves the unequal treaties but China has not put house in order.

Chinese demanded abolition of unequal treaties before  joining.

The more we made concessions, the more argumentative they were, I spent nearly 9 years in China.

Now Kuom begins to realise that fight against Japan is racial suicide. ~ are coming back to the old principle of Sun Yat Sen. So we will help China, without auta**** to other powers.

No territorial designs. Moral:

1) But China must stop boycott. Chidren are educated by Government, Kuom to boycott Japanese products, and to hate the Japanese.

2) Chinese commercial guilds are boycotting Japanese foods. They must show their sincerity.

Chiang has fought enemy involved - communists - with Stalin and Trotsky - Kameren - struggle

Now tactitions - invite Asia****** to Moscow. (Kudobe)

There were at least 1000 Chinese students, at the Sun Yat Sen dinner in 1930, but they disappeared gradually in 1931 - 2 to Sun Yat Sen units and closed. At the same time Communism became rampant.

Chiang Kai Shek tried to fight by weapons but failed.

2. Chiang started building roads, used motorised transport, which was not very successful in Uiten.

Now Chiang Kai Shek has found another method - ie - Blockades to stop the supply of salt.

Chinese Government invited the Japanese Consul to see the cities which were occupied by communists, salt was so short that they tried to prise out of the wall pieces of salt. That was one of the reasons why they invaded Fukien. Now the communists are in Syechuan Province.

Another danger, "Those who occupy Syechuan Province can control China". Very difficult to attack, plenty of salt, plenty of rice, to the west through ‘No Man’s Land’ easily connected with Sinkiary Province. Therefore Chiang has to face more difficult jobs, but now Chiang was very enthusiastic to fight the Communists. But China must exterminate the communist connection with Sinkiary which is nearly Sovietised.

There was an Indian, member of 3rd Internat., directs the nat, Rominatz, Chiang. Guiding on behalf of 3rd Inter. On his advice they began to retreat to Syechuan.

Pol. .We are concerned about any communist presence in East Asia, but we have no intention of Interfering with Chinese internal affairs, China’s own task.

Communists in Syechuan, there is no other way of transporting government troops but by ships, but beyond Hankow, Chinese Government has no ships. Therefore Nanking Government asked.assistance of foreign Shipping Companies - I Murdeston, Butterson and Swine, Jardine and Matherson have agreed to help, and a

Japanese company has agreed to transport Chinese Soldiers as.passengers, not commandeered.

Mongolia

I think Manchu will be a barrier to the Communists.

Am. Com pamphlets - Manchu, will separate Sov. China, Sov. Russia.

Soviet Union

Peace at any cost, we estimate 200,000 soviet troops on Manchu border.

We have no intention to fight, but if Soviet interferes with Manchu affairs, we’ll fight, we must defend Manchu.

Non - Aggressive pact - famous story.

31 Sep. 1930 - Yoshisiawa (the then Ambassador to Paris) was recalled Mukan (son in Car)

Sign Keely Pact. Proposed for propaganda, we have never broken any treaties, once we sign we must remain faithful to treaties.

Soon we will begin negotiations on the setting up of a frontier communism to deal with frontier disputes.

We fought Russia in 1905 as result of war - Portsmouth Treaty. Russia had better sign it.

By P. treaty we agreed to prohibit fortification venture in Korea and Russia, and on the island of Sakhalin. Therefore it is a nice idea in order to promote peace, to extend the spirit of non-fortification Keturel, Soy, and Manchu.

Suffer worst fight with Russia, if we occupy East of Baital. Russia will not suffer, but we can suffer a lot.

Solve the pending question gradually, rather than conclude. Non-aggression, probably great danger.

CI ER will probably be solved in March.

Brit Doms.

3 Exports

1.Thought

2. Men

3. Things

1. Thought, we have no idea to conquer the world like the 3rd Internat.

2. Men, over population, back power of Manchu is result of Japanese development.

You closed your doors. You have a vast area, Australia, Canada, USA.

But you interfere and try to shut out the Japanese from other areas. You don’t accept Japanese people into Australia, Canada, because the standard of living is wrong.

While you are playing golf, we are working in the factories, we have studied scientifically, we have made improvement after improvement. Our goods are welcomed by natives because they are cheap.

We ask Brit pol. to check Japanese mt.

Japanese Olympic meeting 1940 - Muss. has converted Tokyo.

The po1. send help for the backward race. You speak with the Gospel of peace, but only as far as your interests will not suffer. Now we are more friendly with China, what is the use of Lytton appearing?

Thursday. February 14

Moved to Bunka apartments. Party at the Young’s W.S. Tea with Mrs Lambkin, (mother of violinist son and dancer daughter) very proud mother.

Lunch at American Club with Jimmy Cox, Reuter, Massey, Limborg, Uramatsin. Note conversation on China.

Aman - Economic res in China

Extra - Territoriality in Mau.

Manchukuo’ s, Nanking.

(Chamberlain, things Japanese - Denning, The Life of Hidegoshi)

Siberia. Japanese advance

Hsinking(?), Feb 14. It is learnt that the Soviet authorities have decided to order the death penalty for any Soviet flyer who has deserted his duties and escaped over the border into Manchukuo. In the event the offender is not arrested, punishment will be extended to his family in the Soviet Union.

The order is believed to have been issued in view of an increasing number of Red Army fliers in the Far East fleeing into Manchukuo.

Fast pursuit plans will be sent to the Far Eastern Frontier and some of the Soviet’s best army airmen will be in charge of them, in a move to check the escape of fliers.

Saturday, February 16, 1935

I think that we acted very wisely in the negotiations in London. We succeeded in not antagonising the Japanese, while maintaining friendship with the U.S. I disagree with the Sonut’s [??Smuts] and Lothian’s standpoint. Now take Lothian’s article in Observer. It’s dangerous to talk of Anglo -American alliance, because it antagonises Japan, makes her more nationalistic, increases her fear and her militarism. Sonut(?) and Lothian have never been in the Far East, they do not know the Far East mentality.

You can divide British public opinion into 2 categories:-

1) Sonut - Lothian - Chat house - L.N.U Cecil group, anti - Japanese tendencies.

2) Pro - Japanese, for alliance.

It’s fortunate that the 1st group exists, because it counterbalances the Pro - Japanese, and leads to a policy which is between the two. Thus we do not antagonise America and maintain good relations with Japan.

The economic mission did a great deal of good, although commercially it did not lead to much. It reversed the grievances of the Japanese against Britain. Ever since we denounced the alliance at Washington, which was a bitter blow to the Japanese, we have been causing them grievances.

1) Denunciation of the Alliance

2) Shanghai - 1927, when we sent battleships without even consulting Japan.

3) 1930 - A mission of Second rate Businessmen came, knew nothing about Japan, and made a very bad impression.

4) Manchurian incident, (add the exclusion act - Am)

But now the Japanese feel that at least there is a reversal. Piggott was born in Japan. Seligimann was a good shrewd Jewish Banker, Locock had 15 years with the Foreign Office and knew what to do and what not to do in international relations, while Barnly, although knowing very little about Far East, had charming manner and got on wonderfully. Barns denied his talks of an Anglo - Japanese alliance.

So relations are remarkably bright considering the naval negotiations.

Stimson was very stupid in his policy.

I note a great change in Policies:

1) U.S

2) Australia

3) Canada, no change

1) Q? At last the American’s are realising that really they have no deep interests in the Far East. Lipperman points out that U.S interests are 1/6th of the British interests. They are with-drawing from the Far East, of course they are doing mad things, foolish to have those Admirals shouting all the time, and boosting the Air defences etc. and in Arizona, some tough’s are bombing absolutely peaceful hardworking Japanese citizens.

2) Australia On top of world. They suddenly see that Japan is buying about £9 - 10 million of wool per annum, and only sending about £3 million worth of goods. So they are pro - Japanese now and they are sending a trade commissioner. They’ve changed completely.

Then they see that we are building up Singapore, and they are happy about that.

3) Canada Diametrically opposite to Australian point of view. I talked to Bennett and he referred with contempt to the little Japs. There’s the point of view that they are cunning and shirk - in Ottawa. In the West fields is not so bad. The gentleman’s agreement is working well. The Japanese have their job’s ie. they control the fishing, and they have the best fruit shops, so they have their place in the community. But Canada insists on a very strong Pro - American Policy.

Japanese Foreign Policy

They are now going to show that they are a peaceful, co -operating with China and with Russia.

Soviet Russia - Amazing change. I received invitation from the Soviet Ambassador with "To dine with Prince Kanin" amazed. He’s the Commander in Chief. I don’t think there’s been a Commander in Chief, or someone of that rank fraternising with the Russians since Isvolsty’s day before the Anglo - Japan alliance. I can’t believe my eyes, it will be in 6 weeks time.

They’ll settle the reckoning soon. Then the outstanding questions are fisheries and oil - Sakhalin.

The Japs want a demilitarised zone along Manchuria, of course the Russians won’t give that. The Japs say that perhaps after settling problems they’ll have a non - aggression pact.

Hirota - keen for policy, realises that he must have the army behind him. Shidehara did not realise that, and I think that the army is behind him in Chinese policy, because of the army’s need for raw materials.

Hirota sees that the world is shutting out Japanese goods (ie New South American restriction), and that the market is China. Japanese policy is sincere, peace, but they cannot find a loan. Era of co-operation begun. Financial reason is powerful.

The Russians are more expert in oil, they are going to set up an oil refinery in Kharatorovik for their own use in the Far East to refine Sakhalin oil. This may hit our oil interests.

I was in Persia. Japanese fear of communism. Communists now in Syechuan, they are afraid of them joining with the communists in Sinkiary.

After talk with ambassador, went to lunch with Hugh Byas (Times), Mrs Byas, Mr and Mrs Sansome and Pickering, Liberal MP.

Then walked through streets, saw fine Temple, people taking off their shoes and going in. I looked in, reverent, took off shoes and followed some women, but was stopped and told to go in through the other door. Took off my hat, was given a piece of wood (praying stick I thought) and went in. It was a number of people taking a bath!

Evening and with Kurosaura, dined Tempura, then Asakusa park, 10 yen music hall, terrible chorus girls, bow legged and clumsy. Bot little trees with flowers.

Sunday. February 17.

Read in the morning, lunched with Gunther Stein in Margrit Gantenbeu’s room.

Evening, dined with the Ambassador, Sir Leslie Wilson, Governor General of Queensland, Captain Vyvian, Colonel James and Ladies. Sir Leslie Wilson was Chief Whip of the Conservatives, and broke with L.G. Now in Australia. Believes Japan wants peace. Fantastic to think that Japan wants to attack Australia. Australia can’t defend herself, but what on earth could the Japs do? Ridiculous that they want to attack Dutch East Indies or India, all nonsense. What the Japs want is trade and good relations with China.

Talk of alliance with America is nonsense, America won’t have alliance. Against speeches of Lytton, Sonuts and Lothian. They do a lot of harm, Lytton is hopeless. I knew him when I was Governer of Bombay, absolutely the wrong fellow for the job. Madness to make him Chairman of the Chinese Exhibition in Burlington House, because the Japs just won’t co - operate.

Ambassador and Times correspondant and I had a conversation.

Amb.  "Lytton is the wrong fellow, knew him well. we both tried the Foreign Office exam together and both failed, he was too old next year. I tried again and got in. He’s lecturing in America, but it’s probably to make money, because he’s always hard up.

Japan can’t do anything practical to help China economically. they can’t give a loan. It’ll go on very slowly. Hirota’s China policy is backed by the military. The Japs do not want the Philippines. They want to supply the Chinese market.

Very disappointed in Manchuria, resources not so rich as they imagined. It’s mainly strategical against Russia.

Hayashi has common sense and calms the others. Takahashi is a wonderful old boy. Great opposition to the Sonut’s policy. The diet’s never been so feeble as it is at present.

Lipperman’s (Check Spelling) article on America’s retreat from the Far East is a wonderful argument for an Anglo - Japanese alliance. The Americans cannot be relied upon, le they won’t join the world court and they want to stick out of Europe.

Araki is now in the background, but he is still revered by the young officers.

(Japanese woman who put Xmas pudding in bed, thought it was to heat it)

(Don’t forget rich widow (Mrs Shanks) who tried to make me gigolo).

Tues Carreg

Military circles are thinking of annexing Manchukuo, because of the present difficulties, econ. Manchukuo has different exchange, is on silver and export credits from the Japs are difficult to give. Possible that the Japs will send Pu Yi to Peking and he is said to be clever and interested and not satisfied and happy in Manchukuo alone. Perhaps independence mt. calling for return of Emperor will be started within North China.

Visit of Doihara is significant, he plays a big part, was important in Manchukuo.

Read the 21 demands, that is the clue to what Japs want in China.

The restriction of Jap immigrants are strictest in S.Af. In S.Af, even a consul had the greatest difficulty in entering a restaurant and in finding a hotel. Australia, very much better, as regards references on entry of Japanese people there is no change, and we expect no change on immigrants.

What we want is free entry of Japanese merchants, we don’t want to send labour to compete with Australian labour.

They’re afraid of coming wool trade and because they now realise that Japan is not going to invade Australia, the Japanese bogey has disappeared.

We want to increase our trade with Australia and dispel fear of Jap intentions. Balance of trade with Canada and Australia is in favour of Canada and Australia, but their restricting the trade of Japan.

Australia competes under Jap treaty with England in advantages, but have no obligations. Now we’ll conclude Comm treaty with Australia. Near the home market we compete with you. Near China we are in a geographically better position, thus we should not close doors on East Asia.

Lytton’s speeches are interfering with the friendly relations with Japan and China, they’re afraid of these friendly relations.

Revival of the Stimson doctrine means - not really desire friendship with China and Japan.

Chiang Kai Shek promised to control anti Jap movement, while the broadcast advocated anti Jap movement, they said - mistake and apologised.

We must increase wealth of the Chinese, we must encourage agriculture there, we cannot expect sudden economic co-operation, it will take a long time. Must stop Aut - Japanese education.

Germany - In Far East, we compete not with America, but with German goods, especially toy manufacturer’s and Sundry goods. We import more from Germany than we export.

Germany is restricting Japanese goods, and in banking and shipping they have a number of regulations by which they impose many different conditions on the Japanese traders (Shipping) eg currency.

Germany proposes to buy Soya Beans from Manchu and wants to sell more to Japan. Triacular, don’t know if it is workable.

Boss - entering US. business.

No political arrangement with Germany.

League of Nations not sufficient to maintain peace in Europe, coming back to the balance of power in alliances. Hard for the Japanese to follow the quick changes. and foreign relations change suddenly, relations change so swiftly. Only momentary effect on Asia. Relations of Asia with Europe have changed. So not so much effect as recently, eg it’s always changing.

Amau, "So sorry I can’t see you tomorrow, I’ve got to go on an Imperial Duck Hunt!"

Tuesday. February 19

Lunched at Embassy with Mr & Mrs Cunningham, Clarke and Mr & Mrs

W.C. Davies, consul (Mrs D is from Newport, Mr D from Carmarthen). Had lovely brisk walk from Bunka to Embassy, about two miles, wonderful trees along the moat.

Afternoon, went to see Amau. See pages back. Then Satow who put me in touch with Kumisarki who speaks English well. He broke a leg muscle by stopping car too quickly, thus saving life of a little boy.

Had tea with Lon. in the Imperial and mapped interviews etc.

Went to see the Sec. of Economic federation, Takashima, then to see Kushida, who is the Prime Minister of Mitsubishi. He was very difficult to question, little fellow who bobbed up and down when he walked, white hair.

"Chinese co - operation?" "It will be slow"

"Manchukuo? Raw Materials?" "er, er, development will be slow" Got nothing out of him at all.

But Kumasaki was pessimistic, business doing very badly he said, people afraid of the future, no improvement at all.

I went to read John Berry’s letter in the American club, and to write letters.

Matusakata called for me at 7.15 and we motored to dine at Iwanaga’s, head of Rengo. He was once a station master on the S. Manchurian railway.

There were present Matsuoka, stocky, determined, hair jutting up in bristles, big block of black, jutting moustache, small in height, but broad chested, Asano who represented Jap industrialists in the L.O in Geneva.

Matsuoka "We must abolish political parties, they have brought the corruption and hypocrisy of Western democracy into Jap life. We must go back to the real Japanese democracy, which is based on the rule of the Emperor.

We Japanese approach the throne trembling, we think of the Emperor as you westerner’s think of God. But the parties are not thinking enough of the Emperor.

"Look at the cost of elections, we have to pay for votes. My first election cost 100,000 yen, and the Members of Parliament have to recoup that in a very short time."

"I joined the Seyukai in order to study parties from within. I have since my return from Geneva been lecturing in the countryside to the young people, and telling them ‘Get rid of the parties’, and I have had a wonderful response".

"I’m not telling Tokyo yet, that will come later".

"The Japs are now suffering from mental dishonesty, we’ve lost our fine characteristics. What’s the use of saying we have not violated treaties, of course we have". "Each election costs about 30 million yen, it’s got to be made up somehow.

We made a great mistake in copying the British constitution.

In theory all our ministers are directly responsible to the Emperor, but in practise, they are responsible to the Prime Minister. That’s bad, we should have copied, if we had to copy anything, the American system, in which the Ministers are not necessarily members of Dict.

"I have succeeded in abolishing parties in a number of villages and towns, I don’t tell them what my political programme is, I say abolish parties and have faith in me".

But I am not a Fascist, a Mussolini or a Hitler would never succeed in Japan. We have the tradition of fighting against authority. Europeans don’t realise it, they think we are disciplined, but we are not.

Our history shows that we struggle against authority, we would not submit to press censorship, we must have the ability to express criticism here.

No where are the attacks on the Government and the Prime Minister so bitter as in Japan.

Matsuoka - I still can’t understand why Britain suddenly deserted us. Sir John Simon was on my side up to the very last. Why the Irish free state, they said was against us because they thoughtbBritain was for us, then the sudden change. they say that America used pressure on the war debts question, I don’t know.

When I came through America, they asked me anxiously, "when will you return to the L. O. N?" I asked then why they didn’t join.

We will not go back to the league for many years if ever. I tell everybody not to bring up the Manchu question all the time, drop it and it’ll be forgotten.

Iwanaga - It isn’t such a bad thing that US hasn’t recognised us. Suppose they were at Hsinking and saw how we intend to box the ars of some Chinese officials, then the news would go forward to America.

Cox in private. They’re certain to annex Manchukuo. They’ve got only old Manchu’s in big positions there. There are no young Chinese being trained. They want definitely to control North China.

Japan advance came out with interview with one on front page on New Commonwealth.

Matsuoko - on future of China. China will have to decide whether all Russian influence - communism or ourselves.

St Therry China is a void,

a) Communism,

b) Jap Control

c) Western Democracy

Welsh portion

Conversation led me to believe that the co-operation between Japan and China is almost impossible. "In this the army isn? against Hirota, army is very pessimistic about co-operation with China".

"What the army wants is to have possession of N. China".

"They want Pu Yi to go to Peking. Peking could be taken in a day. Defensively they could say that they are helping the Manchu’s to their rightful empire. Then that whole area would be Japan’ s".

Of course it would be foolish, but the Japanese military are in that mood. They have never been outside in the world. They are mad. They think they can do anything.

"How can co-operation succeed? Chinese hate the Japanese more than ever".

"Of Course there’ll be underground movements against the Government if they co-operate with Japan."

"About boycotting Jap goods. That’s the cheek of the Japanese to command us like that. Of course the young Chinese resent the command"

"We have quite as much right to say "Buy Chinese" as you have to say buy British".

Canton and Nanking are now very close together.

I don’t think the campaign appeal of the communists will really end in May. You might get a chance of going through in June and seeing anti - communist raids.

Japanese are really aiming at domination of the Philippines.

They wanted a proposal that they should send the military advisers to help us fight against the communists.

"We don’t want their military advisers. The military think that they’ll let us try out this co-operation business and if it fails they’ll try and conquer N. China".

The Russians can help the communists in Sinkiang and we are afraid that Syechuan communists will join up.

It’ll be very hard to dislodge the Syechuan communists, because the country is like Switzerland, very hard to attack, also communists in Hupel.

China is being united by hatred of Japan. If Japan hadn’t aroused the hatred of China and unified China, she would never have been able to get rid of communism in Kiangsi so quickly. There would have been more internal bickering".

When I described Germany, hypocrisy, unwisely life etc, he said ‘just like here.’

Student movement in China, good thing it’s calmed down. Tti.j did no work and it destroyed real culture.

Inhibition days, man comes ashore with bag, "Ship’s cat" oh yeah "It’ll run away" open, cat runs back, man follows, fills bag with liquor, officer salutes.

Sat Feb 22/21

Tokyo to Myanoshita in mountains.

Baths; hot springs, Geisha - 15 obi room in Japanese Inn; drawings of fat man 16 hrs Wed

Walk - Nagoa - Kofe, great view of Fuji, then Lake Hakone, boat. Chinese with girl, looked 14 - 15. "This is my wife" quite a child. "Have you a wife?" "No" "I’m very sorry" look of deep sadness, (I had feeling of remorse).

Shrines on the way -

Fudo (?) God of War, girl did not know whether it was Buddhist or Shinto, then little monuments.

Amau - Dennis articles - Aviation

Office museum; Shrine Shinto, branch of Shinto Shrine on roof dedicated to those who sacrifice life to the cause of aviation.

Different situation than England and US, owing to Mountains, atmosphere and conditions. Character of Japanese youth, not true that Jap not suitable, most of Jap youth quite suitable for pilots. To learn to be a pilot, and to buy engines is very dear, and Japan is not so rich, great obstacle, but we make effort to rapid progress.

Aviation, and the Army and Navy has made great progress. One of the 5 largest aeronautic powers. But Civil very poor, but gradually progressing.

In Japan, civil pilot finds it difficult to find occupation, some in Europe. Japan has 600 civil pilots with licence, but some out of jobs.

Aerial Transport Co exists and have plans to extend the route throughout the country.

Education Many civil aviation schools - Tokyo, Nagoya, the latest in Napoya, league of student pilots of universities and college, exercise every Sat and Sun in Haneda (league - Asahi, Shumbun sec L)

Osaka - For Lerr school, 20 clubs, colleges and universities.

See Japan Year Book

None as in Oesoawiakha

October - New route to Formosa will be tested from Fukoka. Coming year - regularly to Formosa. Govts arriving at line to is lands. China - recommending to open line from Fukoka to Test Flight.

Now one to Manchuria, Japan Aerial Transport Company is planning regular course to Shanghai, doubtful.

Germany will Comm. in this year - Berlin to Athens - Baghdad, India, Siam and Canton.

The natural extension of Japan’s airline is to the Philippines not ****.

Japanese made industry about seven big ones.

1) Nakajima

2) Mitsubishi

have aeroplane factory, Japan is out to produce ourselves, we’ve fewer now.

Nishi Nishi - Asahi - each have about 10 aeroplanes. Mr Hahito -chief pilot.

Asabi - Kalvachi - famous pilot, who flew to Paris via Siberia.

1) Jap communism much developed, everywhere good railways, buses, steamers. Osaka - go - just spend night on the train.

2) Too many mountains, atmospherics changeable.

3) Lack of money.

Veade.

Tokyo and Osaka are in the range of aeroplanes, same as Tokyo to Sevirl.

Japan - very difficult to find landing places, because of over cultivation. Manchukuo - aviation getting on very rapidly because there are plenty of landing places and the atmospherics are good.

A lot of rivalry between the war and civil aviatiors. W. almost discouraged civil aviation. Petty red tape. Jap flyer bought Russian Moth, and brought it to Japan. A non - licenced man taxied the aeroplane, and the military intervened, No licence, fuss, so much pettiness that the civil aviator gave up in disgust and offered his plane to the army.

German Consul

Manchukuo very disillusioned, iron ore poor quality. Money wasted, discontent of the peasants very great because of the situation of the Soya Beans. Banditry has increased because the bandits are now the peasants who are ruined. Hatred of the Japs tremendous. Partly nationalistic bandits.

Soya beans down because situation in Germany and Poland very bad. Soya beans - margarine, Cattle feed etc.

Consul- Reason why Great Britain suddenly changed at Geneva, was because threat of Chinese boycott of British goods. Mystical element in the Japanese.

Nanking Govt. might attack Canton any time to unify China, Cantonese and Nanking jealousy.

Jevani Air

Aviation 3 years ago flight to US. How many hours? Hours! 10 Days, get story straight, 18 stops. Via Atlantia, Alaska, Grand banquet at start - Cabinet ministers - speeches - start - landed and went no further.

Military aviation good, looks down on civil aviation. Only about the owner of private plane.

Has 20 planes, 1 Kawasaki monoplane, 1 Kawasaki Byplane, 1 English Monospar, 3 Puss Moths, 12 - 13 foreign planes but no

American planes, 1 Fokker, all others in England.

Fastest has top speed of 331 Kilometers (Kawasaki C5). This flyer made big flight from Tokyo to Peiping

Aviation department commenced in 1923, then in 1925 2 Breguet biplanes flew to Europe, arranged by the newspaper, belonging to the newspaper, Mr Kawachi.

Six of our aeroplanes have short wave radio for reporting purposes and they report straight from the aeroplanes to the newspaper, so can report fire etc. from aeroplanes.

1st reported from the air was the army and navy manoeuvres last summer. I was in plane, made article and the mechanism sent the article as the plane was flying.

Asahi started air route from Tokyo to Osaka. We transported all kinds of goods and then sold them to the Japan Transport Company.

1930 when American aviators came to Japan, we sent for Trans Pacific flight pilots.

When Col. Lindbergh came in 1931 the Asahi sent three planes to Hokkaido to welcome him and Mrs Lindbergh.

In Manchuria war we made 295 flights between Manchu and Japan and within Manchukuo to report. Always helping the military. 142,000 kilometres by the Asobi newspaper aeroplanes during the campaign.

We lost 1 pilot and 1 mechanic when reporting over Manchukuo.

Sept 15, 1932 - Japan and Manchu made treaty and at that time one of our Puss Moths, was lost in the Japan sea, first fatal accident.

Big fire and earthquake in N. Honcho and Japs flew here to report.

When last Olympics was held in L.A, we had newspapers fly to pick up newspaper photo’s from the Liners.

6 pilots, 20 mechanics and 1 radio engineer.

We organise students aircraft, in April 1930, there were more than 100 members.

Our reserve officers are preparing for attack from Vladivostok.

Only three to five owner pilots in Japan.

Army and Navy are not keen on civil aviators, banner, jealous.

Army in N. Av very much ahead, reached 400 kilometer’s.

In dept. ‘Communists’, the airways section is under the military. Now the Railway Dept is helped by the Dept. of Navy, and will develop air route to Manchu and the Navy will lend a flying fort.

Competition between the two.

Japan Transport Co is supported by the army. Now the Navy is going to develop aviation in the Railway Dept.

Pacific Aviation Co, which will be organised in June or July to fly from Tokyo to San Francisco, via Aleutia Islands and Alaska, will have Zeppelins, and will also open the Zeppelin route from Tokyo to Singapore.

An engineer from Germany’s Zeppelin Co came last year and went back to Germany after advising the Company.

Faith in airships, see Jap adv.

Zeppelin route from Tokyo to Hsingkiang, Tokyo to Singapore, perhaps to Batavia, Tokyo - San Francisco decided.

Airship, probably route from Hsingkiang to Singapore, perhaps.

See Jap Advertiser, Nov 5, 17, 18, 19 Saito’s articles.

Chinese Government very strict , and no permission is given, but new co-operation may change this. Perhaps lines over China.

Airship Disaster - Believe German engineering in Airship. Am. Trans - Pacific.

They will be used for military purposes in the event of a war, American Planes wiill inspire us to develop our own industry and to spread a network over the Pacific.

Organisation will be completed in July. Projecting to buy airships from Germany and beans from Manchu - not successful.

"That the Chinese people must take the initiative in a war against Japan is recognised by the majority of people as the sole fitting means at the present moment", Mme Sun Yat Sen.

Dined - Chamberlain ([Journalist] Chr. Sc. Mon) said that we should form a "We cannot go to Russia Club".

Heisiche. - Adv.

1) Not disillusioned in Manchukuo. It will be a great advantage. It has balanced it’s budget. They never expected so much.

2) The Financial situation is not so bad here, much better than in most countries. The Yen is sound, it fluctuates with the $ it is true, but it is absolutely stable compared to the £. The internal debt is only 9 million Yen.

3) They don’t want the Philippines. They want peace with China.

4) Manch. episode was not planned. It was the result of work of wild young officers. The F. 0. knew nothing about it here. Same with the Shanghai affair, not enough control over the young officers.

Prices have not gone up, there has been no inflation. This can go on for years with unbalanced budget.

The plan of the projected Air Transport Corp, is to use Zeppelins from Tokyo to Hsingkiang and other points, eventually across the Pacific, will not be abandoned. Conclusion of the Society for Nat. Aviation "It is presumed that the Macon disaster was caused by some defect in construction not found in dirigibles built in Germany. The Graf Zeppelin built in Germany and used regularly in the transport service between Europe and South America during the past several years, has had no mishaps so far. There is nothing to be feared in connection with the development of an airship service by Japan as long as German airships are employed".

But what about the cost? S.J

Lunch - Sansom’s, children spoilt in Japan, mothers practically never smack them. Then when they go to middle school, restraint and discipline descends upon them and they lose individualism.

Y Prydeimy - Fyddin

Of course they’ll make good fliers. They lack mechanical experience.

a) Army people come from the countryside, no machines, no traitors. American and British children are born with a spanner in their mouths, army type.

b)They lack good designers. They build own planes, but copies, imitations, so by the time they evolved a plane, the rest of the world has gone one better.

Often Airways here say that they have some brilliant fliers and they are fast to learn.

Silly to say that Orientals don’t make good fliers for that reason, it’s experience, they’ll learn. All new to them. American and British been air machines for ages, Sansom also said the same.

Ask re - young Officers, Mongols - Hsingkiang, discipline, Communism.

1) "What is your outlook on Communism in Asia?

2) What moral principles should guide the Japan of the tuture?

3) How can Japan help China to combat Communism?

4) What is the danger of air attack from Vladivostok?

5) What part should aviation play in Japan’s national defence?

6) What is your attitude towards Chinese/Japanese co-operation?

7) Some Chinese accuse Japanese military of planning the question of North China. What is your attitude to this?

8) What part is played by the "young officers" in Japanese political life? What do you think of their State Soc. Plan?

9) What should be done to defend the rights of the Mongols against the encroachment of Soviet influences?"

Rd 11 shorebase squadrons, exclusive

They had 2 replenishment plans for expansion, 14 by 1936, further 18 squadrons by 1937.

4 Aircraft carriers

Akagi, 26,900 tons, 28.5 knt.

Kaga, 26,900 tons, 23 knts, 20 cm guns

Hosho 7,470 tons

Ryujo 7,600 tons

Will probably build 2 new carriers.

Is bound to expand in the future, nobody knows when. Used to have 26 squad, no one knows how many in Manchu.

Since the Manchu and Shanghai troubles, the military flying corps improved greatly and enlarged their equipment. In the recent Jehol conflicts the corps took part in the Battle by bombing and carried ammunition to the advancing army. In the Jehol region, where the transport by land is very difficult, the supply of goods etc to the advancing army by the aeroplane is the only means available at this time.

Great emphasis is now laid on the experiment of night flight by fighting planes for air defence. The air defence manoeuver, on the largest scale ever known was conducted in summer of 1933 in the Kiwanto district.

Military Flying Corps - 8 aviation regiments, 1 balloon corps, planes belong to the Corps - Oct 1933 - 950 in total, 600 in active use, 350 in reserve. 200 planes now under construction. F regs - 26 squadrons, including 11 reconnaisance, 11 fighting and 4 bombing squadrons. Soon there will be 34 additions and 4 fighting and 4 bombing.

Flying: 1 factor - courage, guts. They have posthumous rewards, suicides known to get post rewards. Nat spirit, therefore aviation will go on, lack of experience, but they will learn.

Difficulties in Japan, crashes, because full of mountains, forests, rice fields and wire, hence crashes. Typhoons.

Zeppelins won’t get on, lot of talk, too experimental, they haven’t got the flyers, half of the military cutting off Foreign advice. Built one Jap Zeppelin, but scrapped it. Industry now produces all aeroplanes.

Russian attack not feared as much, air currents bad, used as propaganda. Cruisers will report, and fighting planes will meet invaders. Few will reach cities. WA can damage Korea and Manchukuo.

Fear of Americans also used as propaganda.

Dedicate anti - aircraft equipment. 5 Puss Moth aeroplanes and 2 flyers were dedicated by the people of Manchukuo, called "Aikoku go" (patriotism).

Aichi Co - before with watches - now aeroplanes.

1935 - more than 30 new aerodromes are to be built.

Regular service to the South Sea Islands, one route to be established to the Pelleir Island, and aerodromes will be built on some of the South Sea Islands.

Plans for future journey

Yoho sail March 15

Manchu. April 1 Mon

Sing 6 Sat

dep 12 Fri

Sing arr 14 Sun

dep 20 Sat

Sing arr 22 Mon

dep 25 Thurs

Bangkok arr 29 Mon

dep May 10 Fri

Hongkong arr 19 - 20 –

Sun/Mon 24

Singapore April May

Fri 12 19 26 3

Bataria - Sun 14 21 28 5

170 guiders return (E25)

May

Bataria 20 27 4 ii.

Sing 22 29 6 14

Fare — 100 fi (1st) 60f1 (2nd)

Royal Packet Naval Co

British India Steamer Navigation

$1 str = 1.30 yen

Singapore - Bangkok = fl$60 = 80 yen (~5)

Thurs April 25, Mon 29, Thurs May 2, Mon May 5

Chizia~ NavigatiQfl ~

Bangkok every Friday - 9 days

Hongkong Sun - Mon - week

Hongkong $140 (176 yen, £11)

I.N.S The Japanese Farmer, Am Farmer

Japan and China

The Famine Areas

Japan and the Air

Japan Film Industry

Suicides in Japan

Radicalism in Japan

Japan and Manchukuo

Smuggling of Goods Sold in the Far East

B.T Japan and China

Japan and Soviet Russia

Japan and Self Sufficiency

Radicalism in Japan

Military National Socialism

Addresses

Capt. Tayui Major 3. Saito

Navy Dept Press Bureau

Kaswnigaseki War Dept

Tokyo

Mr Takeo Noda Mr S. Takashima

do Dept of Commerce General Secretary of

& Industry Japan economic Federation

Kyobashi - Mo

(secretary to the Minister

of Commerce and Industry)

(on interviewing the minister, you will get introductions to business leaders)

Mr Chokyuro Kadono Mr Manzo Kushida

do The Okuragumi do Mitsubishi Bank

Ginza Marunouchi

Kyobashi Tokyo