New Samurai

To the honored ranks of the warrior classes last week were admitted the little people of Japan, the ragged and hungry factory workers. It was an admission that this was total war, and all Japan was told that Bushido was not an exclusive spiritual cloak for those who fight; it was also for those who produce. Said Tokyo radio: "Step by step and moment by moment [the enemy] is approaching our mainland. . . . To support the spirit and follow the souls of the 4,500 men [on Tarawa and Makin] who preferred death to dishonor is the best way to fight. . . . The 100 million people [of Japan] must arouse themselves and must follow the glory of the 4,500 heroes."

The Ambassador Speaks.

To shy, imperturbable Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura, Japan's pre-Pearl Harbor Ambassador to the U.S., went the task of reassuring Japan's laborers of ultimate victory. But the Admiral, who well knows U.S. capabilities, thinly disguised his misgivings. In his speech to Kawasaki laborers three points could be discerned:

1) Japan fears collapse of her supply lines to the conquered territories;

2)Japan hopes for a compromise peace;

3) Japan has abandoned the offensive, is now desperately waging a defensive war.

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