BID FOR POWER

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 289, 5 September 1945, Page 7

BID FOR POWER

Japanese Political Rivalry NEW EPOCH OPENS (Uv Telegraph.—--Press Assn.—Copyright,-) (Received September 4„ 8,40 p.m.) . NEW YORK, Sept. 3. The correspondent of the Associated Press of America at. Yokohama says that Japan, has begun a new political epoch, w.th the influence of the militarists wiped out and industrialists and politicians resuming the struggle for power which they shared with 'the militarists till the early 1930 s. » . r Some Japanese newspapermen Predict a revival of Lom munism, which was spreading in the early 1920 s tdl the militarists and other groups stamped out the trend. The so-called Democrats propose a monarchal system akin to Britain s but with the Emperor also as spiritual head. —....— .

The Dome! news agency reported that Emperor Hirohito today ally informed his imperial ancestors of the Japanese defeat. Clad in ceremonial robes, the Emperor worshipped at three sanctuaries in the palace, attended by the Empress and also, a representative of the Dowager Empress, and the Princes Mikasa, Takamatsu, and Higashi-kuni (Prime Minister), General Umezu, and other high officials. . A spokesman for the Home Ministry, in a broadcast oyer Tokio radio, explained the meaning of "weapons under the surrender terms. He said that swords were close to the Japanese souls, but henceforth they would be regarded as objects of ancient art and cutlery. However, the Allies would determine whether hunting rifles and daggers were considered to be weapons. Tokio radio reported that. ) iceAdmiral Matsuo Morizumi committed hara-kiri yesterday. The Diet is to meet tomorrow and on Wednesday, and then will dissolve. The Government, has begun taking a census and other preparations for a general election. The Cabinet, which is viewed, as a temporary surrender Government, is expected to resign as soon as possible. Landing in Kyushu. ■ The Japanese report that the Americans have begun the occupation of Kyushu, the southern island' of the Japanese mainland, and are dropping airborne troops at Kanoya airfield, which was once a nest for suicide planes. They also report the occupation of Chiba City, iu Tokio Bay. The Americans have occupied lour more airfields near Tokio, and also a road junction middway between Atsugi airfield and Tokio, which commands three entrances to the capital. General MacArthur has ordered the troops to refrain from disarming the Japanese, who are yielding their arms to their own police.

Naval occupation forces were instructed today to use a firm hand with the Japanese, but to avoid needless oppression. The instructions indicate an official desire to abolish the holiday tourist attitude displayed by some of the occupation forces. Many Americans ashore arc obviously Bent on sight-seeing, shopping for ' souvenirs, and welcoming opportunities to converse with Englishspeaking Japanese. The new instructions direct that the Japanese will not be- allowed to forget that they are defeated, and that they are paying the penalty for aggression and treachery. Property rights Will be respected, and looting and acts contrary to the standards of human decency will not be 'tolerated. • _. Men from the Duke of York and King George V will take part in the march into Tokio.