In Tokyo there's an important development.
The cabinet has been discussing the Japanese response to the American oil embargo. In early September the army and navy agreed that the state of the oil reserves and seasonal weather conditions meant that any campaign in south-east Asia would have to start not later than December. This requires a political decision in October, and the cabinet is deadlocked. The Foreign Ministry wants one more attempt at compromise, the armed services want the go-ahead.
Today Premier Konoe is replaced by War Minister Tojo Hideki. This doesn't necessarily mean war, as discussions continue (see November 2), but it does make it more likely.
Source:
W. G. Beasley, Japanese Imperialism, 1987, 232
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