JAP ACTION OVERRULED

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 79, 1 October 1945, Page 7

JAP ACTION OVERRULED

BANNING OF NEWSPAPERS

TOKIO, September 29,

The Japanese Home Ministry suspended the newspapers "Asahi," "Yomiuri," and "Mainichi" for publishing the "New York Times" interview with Emperor Hirohito. This action, says the Associated Press, was apparently taken without consultation s with the American censorship authorities. It is understood that Japanese officials had warned the newspapers against publishing the interview. The National Broadcasting Company's correspondent said that the ban was obviously designed to keep the information from the Japanese people. The Home Ministry confiscated copies of the newspapers carrying the interview, on the ground that the "articles and the Emperor's quoted words were too awesome and would have a bad effect on the Japanese people." When General Mac Arthur learnt of the suspension, he ordered the Japanese Government to cease immediately its efforts to censor, suppress, or control all forms of public opinion, whether spoken or written. In addition to Press and radio, the order freed mails, telephones,'telegraphs, cables, and movies. It stated that only such restrictions as are specifically approved by Allied headquarters will be permitted. The order adds: "No punitive action will be taken by the Japanese Government against any newspaper, or publisher, or employee, for whatever policy or opinion they may express, unless ordered by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, on the basis of publication of false news or reports disturbing Sublic tranquillity. The power of ie Government to revoke permission to publish, or to arrest without prior approval of the Supreme Commander, Jo impose £nes on publications, .and to

curtail paper supplies as a punishment for editorial comments, shall not be exercised. Compulsory organisations of publishers and writers will be discontinued. Voluntary organisations will be encouraged. No Press bans will be issued by any Government agency. No pressure, direct or indirect, can be exerted on Any medium to compel it to conform to any editorial policy which is not its own. Steps will be taken to repeal such parts of existing peacetime and wartime laws as are inconsistent with the Supreme Commander's directives. The newspapers 'Asahi,' 'Mainichi/ and 'Yomiuri' will resume publication immediately." REPEAL OF OLD LAWS! Lieutenant-General Sutherland said: "Immediately we learnt that these papers were suspended, we started an inquiry. The Home Ministry told us it was done under a 1906 statute which forbids the publication by newspapers of anything relating to the Imperial Family. Well, we are operating under the framework of Japanese laws, but there is more than one way to do these things. So today headquarters ordered, the immediate repeal of the old law and of all other laws hamstringing the freedom of the Press." The Associated. Press comments that this action shattered with one blow the Japanese Government's long-prac T tised "thought control" programme, whereby the people were held under the Government's thumb. High Allied authorities consider the seizure of copies of the newspapers is a prime political blunder, because the Home Ministry is reported to have also objected to pictures of General Mac Arthur and Emperor - Hirohito together. Millions of copies of the. banned newspapers containing the report of the Press interview with the Emperor Hirohito and also photographs of Hiro--hitb and General Mac Arthur were distributed after General Mac Arthur annulled the suspension order. Japanese civilians commented on the photographs: "It is as clear as any we have ever seen of the Emperor or of General Mac Arthur, but we can see why the bureaucrats did not like it. First, it shows General Mac Arthur towering over the Emperor Hirohito, whereas no one is supposed to look down on the emperor; secondly, the emperor is standing awkwardly, at attention in a cutaway coat and striped trousers; and, thirdly, it shows General Mac Arthur- in the Imperial presence without a necktie and with his hands on his hips."