STRUGGLE IN JAPAN

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 54, 1 September 1945, Page 7

STRUGGLE IN JAPAN

REALITIES OF DEFEAT

NEW YORK, August 31. "It is evident from what we have been told that a terrible struggle is occurring among the Japanese people as they try to face the fact of having been defeated before their powerful armies were' sent into action," says a "New York Times" correspondent in Japan. "Many are reported to be committing suicide because they feel they cannot live in face or hunger and with their country occupied by the American soldiers. Others told interviewers that they feared the Americans would exact a terrible vengeance for Pearl Harbour and the subsequent bloody battles. "However, it is clear that the Japanese generally do not realise the completeness of their defeat nor their guilt in the series of war crimes from the outbreak of the war up to last Wednesday night, when guards were still beating Allied prisoners. "Japanese officers insist that as the surrender has not yet been formally signed the present period comprises a 'truce,' during which they are not obliged to do more than the minimum." Another correspondent says that the Japanese Government, while the Allied occupation forces gather, is still putting out statements on what it intends to do as far ahead as January, including its plans for a General Election. The Japanese Prime Minister, Prince Higashi-Kuni, has appealed to the people for suggestions on how to administer the Government, reports the Domei news agency. "I want to get letters direct from the people," he said. "The letters may be personal or official, and they may voice complaints against the Government. The people may write about anything they please, because I want to get the real feeling of the public."