Japanese May Not Welcome Eisenhower

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29220, 2 June 1960, Page 11

Japanese May Not Welcome Eisenhower

[From a Special Correspondent in New York)

President Eisenhower, humiliated in Paris and unwanted in Russia, is now “unwelcome” in Japan. Two weeks of steadily mounting hostility by Japanese Socialists, Left-wingers and Communists has culminated in the belief that the President may be asked to call off his visit to Japan, due to begin on June 19. The Japanese Socialist Party declared bluntly “We kelieve a visit to our country by Eisenhower at this time would be unwelcome."

The prominent newspaper, "Yomiuri,” pro-Western but often anti-Govemment, said a Presidential visit would “aggravate Japanese displeasure."

The rebuff came on the heels of rowdy demonstrations against the United States and Japanese Prime Minister, Mr Nobusuke Kishi. The hasty ratification in a surprise, early-morning vote of the United States-Japan 10-year security treaty triggered the demonstrations. It also touched off the severest political crisis Mr Kishi has faced in three stormy years in office. The treaty extends America’s lease on land, air, and naval bases in Japan for another 10 years and gives Japan an equal say in determining Far East strategy. Twenty thousand flag-waving Japanese marched on the United States Embassy in Tokyo, singing and yelling “Yankee, go home.” They stormed Mr Kishi's official residence clamouring for his resignation, new elections and repudiation of the treaty vote.

Socialists of both houses in the Diet unanimously adopted a motion demanding the resignation of Mr Kishi and his Cabinet, crying that their action on the treaty tended to “destroy the parliamentary system.” Another 150 Socialists chartered three buses and drove to Mr Kishi’s private home to present the demand. Newspapers almost unanimously called for Mr Kishi’s resignation and new elections. Tactics Shock Japanese Mr Kishi forced the ratification of the treaty through the Lower House with tactics that shocked most Japanese. His Government had summoned 500 policemen to remove rioting members of the Opposition parties who oppose the treaty. While they were absent, the favourable vote for the treaty was rushed through. With some ambitious, rival factions in Mr Kishi's own LiberalDemocrat Party pressing for him to step down, the Premier’s resignation is a distinct possibility. Mr Kishi said he would give “due consideration ” to the Socialists’ demands. “But,” said a top official, “no matter what happens the tension will not have eased by the time Mr Eisenhower arrived on June 19.” The crisis deeply concerns the United States because if Mr Kishi's warmly pro-American regime topples, it could be replaced by a Government unfriendly to the treaty and the United States. There is little doubt that the treaty will be ratified. Mr Kishi's party commands a two-to-one majority in the Upper House where the treaty now awaits a vote. If there is no vote within 30 days of the House action, the ratification is automatic.

Negotiations for the treaty began 18 months ago in complete secrecy. They set off heated opposition. riots and violent charges against Mr Kishi. While he insisted the treaty was “imperative” for Japanese security. Socialists claimed it would involve the country unwillingly in war. None of the treaty’s provisions were made public until the document was signed in Washington by Mr Kishi and Mr Eisenhower last January. To get to Washington for the ceremony, Mr Kishi had to make ian undignified and humiliating

exit out of Tokyo over back roads to the airport to avoid angry mobs who had smashed up the terminal restaurant the night before. The “New York Times” said: “If the present sentiment continues, there is acute apprehension in Tokyo that there will be critical demonstrations against Mr Eisenhower. An extreme Leftist student organisation has announced that it will rally thousands of members to keep Mr Kichi's private and official residence surrounded round the clock until he resigns. Another claims it will round up an anti-treaty petition with 10 million signatures. The newspaper, “Yomiuri,” said: “In view of the unsettled political situation prevailing in this country it might be wise to suspend President Eisenhower’s visit.”

A White House press spokesman said there had been no mention yet of any change in the President’s plans to visit Japan.— (Associated Newspapers Feature Service.)