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Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs (Hornbeck)33
The explanation given by the Japanese Ambassador, as recorded in the paragraph which begins at the bottom of page 2 of the memorandum under reference,34 of the assassinations which occurred in Tokyo last week is altogether too “easy” and tends to throw the whole matter out of perspective. Economic factors unquestionably contribute to the feeling among certain large classes in Japan of discontent and unrest, as well as to the feeling of antipathy toward the commercial giants and their associates which notoriously is widespread in Japan. But these factors are, as regards the occurrences of last week, background factors. Extreme chauvinism exists in the Army and has been by no means confined to one regiment or to the so-called younger officers. The chauvinistic element in the Army has resented the moderates’ policy of restraint, for which the influences around the Emperor were considered (by them) responsible. The chauvinistic element in the Army believes, apparently sincerely, that the policy of restraint is not in the best interests of the country. In this view it has widespread support throughout the people of Japan. Political assassination is, in Japan, a well recognized—one may almost say a time honored—method of expressing political resentment and disposing of officials who are felt to be pursuing a mistaken policy. The perpetrators of last week’s assassination were expressing a view and making a political move which was not original with or exclusive to them. They represented the desire of many people, in many walks of life, that the restrictions on the military favored by such men as, for instance, Takahashi, be done away with, and the views of the military be given the ascendancy.