I. B. 99
JULY, 18, 1941
Memorandum for the Chief of Staff:
Subject: New Japanese Cabinet.
1. A United Press dispatch from Tokyo dated July 18, 1941, states that Prince Konoye has selected the key men for a new and highly militaristic Cabinet. Vital posts are reported as follows:
Premier ............................ Prince Konoye
Minister ........................... General Tojo
Navy Minister ...................... Admiral Oikawa
Home Minister ...................... Baron Heranuma
Foreign Minister ................... Admiral Toyoda
2. The first four named above are hold-overs from the former Cabinet. Admiral Toyoda replaces former Foreign Minister Matsuoka.
3. Admiral Toyoda was a protege of the former Admiral Baron Saito (assassinated in 1938 while Premier) and is regarded as a moderate. He is known as a clever, able officer, a specialist in Ordnance, and as having had considerable experience in diplomacy, particularly with the British.
4. The new Cabinet may be regarded as strongly nationalistic, and while probably more moderate and conservative than would have been the case had an Army Officer been given the portfolio as Foreign Minister, it may be that added impulse will be given to Japan's Southward Advance. In this connection, it must be remembered also that Admiral Toyoda has just completed a tour as Minister of Commerce and Industry, and is fully aware of the deplorable condition of Japan's foreign trade and internal economy. He may be expected, therefore, to take steps, as Foreign Minister, which will improve foreign trade conditions since such trade is the life blood of industrial Japan.
SHERMAN MILES
Brigadier General U. S. Army
Acting Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2.
Distribution:
Secretary of War
Chief of Staff
War Plans Division
GHQ
ONI
General Embick
Mr. McCloy (Record Section)
(EXHIBITS
OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE, PHA, PT. 14, EXHIBIT NO. 33 MILITARY INTELLIGENCE
ESTIMATES PREPARED BY G-2, WAR DEPARTMENT)