NEW JAPANESE GOVERNMENT

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25440, 11 March 1948, Page 7

NEW JAPANESE GOVERNMENT

mr Ashida Declares policy “FAITHFUL OBSERVANCE OF POTSDAM” (Rec. 12.10 a.m.) TOKYO. March 10. He and, his Government would pledge their utmost effort towards faithful observance of the Potsdam Declaration, said the new Japanese Prime Minister (Mr Hitoshi Ashida), dfter the swearing-in ceremony before the Emperor Hirohito. “Democratisation is the most important prerequisite for thb spiritual and economic reconstruction of Japan,” he skid. '‘The present grave political situation necessitates a middle of the road policy. The occupation policy has been executed with a spirit of benevolence and generosity unparalleled in history. I hope this assistance will continue, for without it the speedy recovery of Japan will be impossible.” Mr Ashida announced the completion of his Cabinet last night. He is president of the Democratic Party, and was Deputy-Premier and Foreign Minister in the Government of Mr TetsU Katayama, leader of the Socialist Party, who resigned on February 9. Mr Katayama’s Cabinet consisted of seven Socialists, seven Democrats, ahd four members of the People’s Conservative Party. Mr Ashida’s new Cabinet consists of eight Social Democrats, two members of the extreme Left Wing Party, and seven Democrats. Mr Katayama did not accept office in Mr Ashida’s Cabinet, but Mr Ashida has made Mr Siiehiro Nishib. former Chief Secretary and the reputed “strong man” of the Katayama Cabinet. his Deputy-Premier.

The Liberals, under Mr Shigeru Yoshida, will continue in opposition.