Diplomatic Policy of Kazushige Ugaki : Centering on Showa 15

Abstract

Throughout the Pre-war Showa period, Kazushige Ugaki (1868-1956) was regarded as a potential candidate for the Prime Minister. (In fact, in Showa 13 (1938) according to an imperial order he began to form a cabinet, but this soon failed due to opposition from the Army.) Very little research has been done on Ugaki during this period. In this work, using previously available documents as well as some new documents released by his family, the author analyzes Ugaki's views on foreign relations in the period centering on Showa 15 (1940). Through this analysis the author hopes to clarify Ugaki's position in the political world of the time. Here the author analyzes 3 points. The first is the relation between Ugaki and the arguments of Takao Saito, who was dismissed in Showa 15 (1940) from the House of Representatives after he criticized the government and army over the "China Affair". Second using the series of his written statements of opinion which he began to write in Showa 11 and thereafter frequently revised, the author analyses Ugaki's opinions about the policies he felt Japan should take towards the war in Europe. Third through these opinions to analyze his thoughts on racial competition. Through this analysis the following points were clarified. In opposition to the idealism expressed in Konoe's declaration of Showa 13 (1938), Ugaki viewing the "China Affair" from the standpoint of power politics, urged its quick resolution and so supported Saito. He also viewed the war in Europe from the standpoint of power politics ; the Soviet Union through its Non-aggression Pact supporting Germany, the United States standing on England's side and at some point being expected to join the war, where Japan remaining non-alligned and capable of playing an important role in international relations. Also he was strongly, opposed to acting ideologically in concert with Germany and Italy. (In this respect he was strongly opposed to Konoe's "New Order".) Finally although he was not ideologically opposed to Japanese expansion into the South, he vehemently warned that it would bring on strong American and English opposition. Because he feared that it might prove an opportunity for a coalition of Caucasian world powers, he was strongly opposed to the military argument of the time for southern expansion. (In the respect of fearing a coalition of Caucasian powers he had a strong resemblance to Aritomo Yamagata.) Because he held the above opinions, it was natural that he was the focus of the hopes of the conservative "status quo" faction, which was in opposition to the reformist faction centered in the military. In the early Showa period Ugaki had planned to form his power base on a coalition of the established parties and gain the reins of government, and even at this late point he had the support of "Genro", senior statesmen and the financial world, but by this time the "status quo" faction had lost power and not only was it unable to put Ugaki up for the Prime Minister position, but furthermore Ugaki himself seems not to have been capable to determine to actively make this faction his Foundation.