But the political struggle within Japan, even among its ruling circles,
was not settled by the Konoye government’s actions. On the contrary,
it continued as strong as ever. A characteristic “deal” indicated the
lines along which the struggle was being fought. The military-fascist
groups were unwilling to permit a general election, due in 1941, to
take place. On the other hand, the moderates opposed moves to revise
the Election Law and to strengthen state control over industry. In
January 1941, a deal was made in which the extremists agreed to drop
these moves, while the moderates consented to let the Diet run on
without an election for one year, and to support the government’s
program in the meantime.