SURPRISE IN TOKYO

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26394, 12 April 1951, Page 7

SURPRISE IN TOKYO

“Atmosphere Of

Shock”

(Rec. L.lO pjn.) TOKYO, April 11. General MacArthur continued hi» routine duties after Mr Truman relieved him.

The announcement apparently caught Tokyo General Headquarters by surprise. British quarters in Tokyo, who had been facing a storm of anti-Brjtish criticisms from General MacArthur’s supporters, were also taken by surprise. An atmosphere of shpek spread throughout United Nations Headquarters in Tokyo, where it was not expected that Mr Truman would be so drastic. A crowd of Japanese gathered on ths rain-soaked pavement outside the headquarters building as the news spread through Tokyo. Most of General MacArthur's senior officers and spokesmen, known in Tokyo as foe “palace guard,” were at a party given by the Japanese Prime Minister (Mr Yoshida) when the news reached Tokyo. The Australian Ambassador (Mr W. R. Hodson), who is the chief Commonwealth representative in Tokyo, refused to comment on foe news, A Canadian mission spokesman said it had not been expected that General MacArthur would be removed from the command at once. Senator Warren Magnuson said, after a lunch with General MacArthur, that he was stunned by the news, He added that General MacArthur had given no indication to him of his removal, and was cheerful and in the best of spirits. Observers in Tokyo believe that General MacArthur was caught off Wance by Mr Truman’s announcement. He was understood this afternoon to be preparing » statement in his own defence, It is not known in Tokyo exactly how the surprise change-over win be effected, but it is likely that General MacArthur will be called home e« quickly as possible. He has not been back to foe United States for more than 15 years, during which time he frequently refused invitations to make a visit. General Ridgway’s appointment is universally welcomed in Tokyo. Observers regard it as completing the breaking up of the "MacArthur Empire." The break-up began with General Ridgway's appointment to the Korean command after the death of General Walton Walker.