PLANS FINALISED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 268, 23 August 1945, Page 5

PLANS FINALISED

ALLEGED LANDING IN JAPAN. MACARTHUR ISSUES ORDERS. SAFEGUARDING OF PRISONERS. (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.) (Rec. 11 a.m.) MANILA. Aug. 22. General MacArthur announced that the Japanese surrender document would be signed in the Tokio area on August 31. He is landing in Japan on August 20. Naval and Marine forces would land at Vokosuka naval base on the same day. The statement adds that Allied airborne forced would land at Atsugi aerodrome on August 26. The Japanese Government had been ordered to) into effect General MacArthur s directives at 6 p.m. on August 24. AH Japanese planes must remain on tne ground until the Allies notify the Japanese of Allied dispositions. All Japanese merchantmen in Japanese waters must be maintained .without damage, and must undertake no movement. Vessels at sea must immediately throw overboard all explosives. Coasters under 100 tons engaged in civilian supply work are exempt from the no-movement order. All Japanese ships away from Japanese waters must report their positions immediately to the nearest British, American or Soviet radio station, and then proceed to the nearest Allied port or one specified by the Comman-der-in-Cbief of the United States Fleet. Japanese or Japanese- controlled submarines will remain surfaced, flying a black pennant and showing lights. Submarines must proceed under instructions to designated 'ports in the Pacific Islands or f the Philippines. The safety and well-being of all United Nations’ war prisoners and internees must he scrupulously observed, and they must be adequately provided with food, shelter, clothing and medical care until General MacArthur takes charge of local delivery. American supplies dropped from the air must he assured. General MacArthur has directed the removal of all mines, minefields and other obstacles to the safe movement, by land, sea or air into Tokio Bay, by 6 p.m. on August 25. All navigational aids must be re-established and maintained, and a piloting service must be provided. The duties of naval and other personnel concerned in the operation of ports must continue. Breechblocks must be removed from all coastal defence anti-aircraft guns and artillery within the Tokio area. All craft of whatever type in the Tokio Bay area and approaches must he disarmed and immobilised, and all weapons in the area of the initial evacuations must he rendered inoperable.