R. Kennedy’s Mixed Reception In Japan

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29742, 8 February 1962, Page 10

R. Kennedy’s Mixed Reception In Japan

(N.Z. Press Assn. —Copyright) NEW YORK, Feb. 6. The United States Attorney - General, Mr Robert Kennedy, matched sharp words today with Japanese Socialist Party leaders who criticised the United States position on - China and disarmament, United Press International reported from Tokyo. Mr Kennedy challenged the Socialists, some of whom recently visited China, to get that country and the Soviet Union to agree to meaningful inspection of disarmament. Interrupted repeatedly, the Attorney-General shouted back at the Socialists and jabbed a finger, saying they would hear his views “whether you want to or not.” Later Mr Kennedy told

students at Nihon University that “-humanity is on the verge of an age of greatness.” He said the United States would defend its faith by arms if necessary. "We will defend our faith by affirmation, by argument, and if necessary—heaven forbid that it should become necessary—by arms,” he said. “It is our willingness to die for our ideals that makes it possible for them to live." Mr Kennedy was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws by the university during the second day of his week’s visit to Japan. He said the United States had no intention of trying to “remake the world in our image.” But, “we have no intention either of permitting any other state to remake the world in its image.” Later, on his second university visit of the day, thousands of enthusiastic students mobbed Mr Kennedy when he arrived at Tokyo’s Waseda University.

A small number of Leftwing students briefly delayed his speech with shouting. Several young men scrambled on the stage in the university lecture hall, but officials drove them off. Then a student quietened the shouters and Mr Kennedy was able to proceed with his speech.

The thousands of students who mobbed the AttorneyGeneral’s automobile on his arrival were friendly, shouting a welcome and carrying him up the stone steps of the lecture hall, the Associated Press reported.

Best Street Competition.— Massey crescent was placed first for the St. Albans and Shirley district in the best street competition of the Christchurch City Council. The name was incorrectly given as Murray crescent in the results published yesterday.