Tanaka, Giichi

Tanaka, Giichi

(gē-ē`chē tä`näkä), 1863–1929, Japanese statesman and general. He is famous as the alleged author of the so-called Tanaka Memorial (1927), purporting to set forth Japan's plans for foreign conquest. Although proven to be a forgery, its similarity in part to the subsequent course of Japanese military expansion convinced many of its authenticity. He was war minister (1918–21, 1923–24) and backed the Siberian expedition. He became president of the Seiyukai party in 1925. As prime minister and foreign minister (1927–29) he pursued an aggressive policy in China, including military intervention in Shandong in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent Chiang Kai-shekChiang Kai-shek
, 1887–1975, Chinese Nationalist leader. He was also called Chiang Chung-cheng.

After completing military training with the Japanese Army, he returned to China in 1911 and took part in the revolution against the Manchus (see Ch'ing).
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 from unifying China. At home, his cabinet suppressed radicals and manipulated an election. Although it failed to win a majority, it remained in office. The downfall of Tanaka was hastened by his failure to control army extremists who assassinated the Manchurian warlord Chang Tso-linChang Tso-lin
, 1873–1928, Chinese general. Chang was of humble birth. As the leader of a unit of Manchurian militia he assisted (1904–5) the Japanese in the Russo-Japanese War. He held various military posts under the Chinese republic.
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, and by the charge that signing the Kellogg-Briand PactKellogg-Briand Pact
, agreement, signed Aug. 27, 1928, condemning "recourse to war for the solution of international controversies." It is more properly known as the Pact of Paris. In June, 1927, Aristide Briand, foreign minister of France, proposed to the U.S.
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 "in the name of the people" infringed the sovereignty of the emperor.