Cabinet using a sudden stress on friendship with the Axis as a chess move to take the wind out of the sails of the opposition, which is close to us and to save its own existence." 144 With the desire of Germany for a more pro-Axis Cabinet and the formidable opposition of the Army, the accused General HATA occupying the important post of War Minister, the days of the YONAI-ARITA Cabinet were numbered. On 5 July 1940, an unsuccessful attempt at mob violence directed against Premier YONAI and others was made by the MAY3DA political faction. On the same day, KIDO and KONOYE conferred "regarding the prospect of the campaign to strengthen the new political structure and the measures to be taken in case of a cabinet change." On 7 July 1940 HIRANUKA sent a message to KIDO to the effect that at that time when rumors of a political change were rife there was no other person as suitable for appointment as head of a new cabinet than Prince KONOYE. 145 When the YONAI Cabinet was formed on 16 January 194-0, the Emperor called General RATA who was a carry-over as War Minister from the ABE Cabinet and asked him whether the Army was willing to cooperate with YONAI. Upon receiving a favorable reply, the Emperor signified his approval. The events recited prove the futility of EATA1s promise to the Emperor and the occurrences in July 1940 show that the accused, or their leaders, in association with the military were working desperately to 144. Exhibit 531, TP 6,239. 145. Exhibit 532, TP 6,240. 146. Exhibit 532, TP 6,248.