MAY BE MODIFIED

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 90, 13 October 1945, Page 7

MAY BE MODIFIED

HIROHITO'S POWERS

REVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION

(By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright.) Kec. 9 a.m. TOKIO, October 12. With General Mac Arthur's consent, the Marquis Kido, the Emperor's most intimate adviser, has appointed Prince Konoye to the key post of revising the Constitution along "democratic lines," with the retention of the Monarchy. The Prime Minister, Baron Shidehara, is reported to be bitterly opposed to the appointment,. on the ground that it will reduce the Cabinet to a rubber stamp. The Constitution might be clarified to take nearly all the power from the Emperor and establish a constitutional monarchy, said Prince Konoye in an interview with the correspondent of the National Broadcasting Company.

Asked if the change would force Hirohito to abdicate, Prince Konoye replied that his Majesty was seriously concerned about the matter. Prince Konoye added that the first step would be to decide the position of the. Cabinet, because the existing Constitution did not specify whether the Ministers were responsible to the Diet or the Emperor. The proposed changes would make the Ministers responsible to the Diet.

Prince Konoye indicated that the proposed revision was suggested by Emperor Hirohito himself. Allied headquarters announced that the Japanese Government has set aside 3000 million yen for the use of the Allied occupation forces during the next three mbnths. The money will be used to pay the troops and meet other expenses. The Japanese Government has asked General Mac Arthur's permission to retain a military headquarters in Korea to assist in the repatriation of 300,000 Japanese and protect them against certain Koreans. General Mac Arthur is studying the request. The Japanese Government has asked General Mac Arthur's permission to import 120,000 tons of oil from the United States, irx exchange for 46,000 bales of raw silk.