TAKING NO CHANCES

Evening Star, Issue 25564, 17 August 1945, Page 11

TAKING NO CHANCES

GUARANTEES OF GOOD FAITH OCCUPATION OF JAPANESE HOME> LAND MAGARTHUR'S STAGGERING TASK (Rec. 8 a.m.) NEW YORK, Aug. 16. General MacArthur says that Japan has not yet replied to his order advising the date for the cessation of hostilities, although several Tokio radio stations acknowledged its receipt at 11 p.m. on Wednesday. The ' New York Times ' Manila correspondent says General MacArthur has so far acted with characteristic decisiveness. He had plans ready for the speedy occupation of the Japanese homeland within 48 hours of the Jap- , anese submitting the first peace bid. The Japanese Asiatic ports must be cleared of mines and obstacles to carry out the programme, and docks and warehouses must be prepared for the entry of Allied warships ; and merchantmen

The significance of Manila as the meeting place will not be lost on the enemy. The Philippines, envisioned by Japan as the cornerstone of her greater East Asia Empire, becomes instead the hallmark of her defeat. Details of the surrender and occupation constitute a staggering task, adds the correspondent. It should be obvious to everyone that the suddenness of the Japanese collapse forced on General MacAr,thur the necessity for putting into a'ction, almost without notice, his complete programme for the occupation of all greater East Asia.

It goes without saying that no chances will be taken. General MacArthur must obtain guarantees of good faith from the Japanese mission, and also assurances that the Tokio Government will be able to maintain authority and prevent possible outbreaks by hotheads and die-hard militarists. Presumably General MacArthur's authority extends to Manchuria, where the Russians slashed deep into enemy-held territory. He must designate the commanders, and troops to occupy'such ports as Shanghai, Hongkong, and Singapore. There is no anticipation that the policy of our military government of Japan will be soft. Sternness with justice is expected, but such a policy, to be effective, must be instituted quickly. Mr Hanson Baldwin, writing in the ' New York Times,' says the manner of the Japanese surrender and the broadcasts emanating from Japan are simple proof that the enemy is still uuregenerate and recalcitrant. "It is quite obvious that the Japanese are trying to preserve' and perpetuate the institutions and traditions that helped to bring on this war," he said. " The enemy insistence upon the Emperor's retention, the recent exhortation from a member of the Royal Family to destroy completely the strong enemy, and the declaration from the Tokio radio (' We have lost, bu>t- this is temporary') do not smack of a defeated nation willing to change its ways, but of a treacherous, slippery enemy still trying to escape the consequences of his own acts. These indications are all the more alarming because the Potsdam Declaration, which the Japanese accepted, gives them more lenient terms, at least initially, than Germany received. Now, more than ever, is the time to guard against treachery, both physical and mental.. The Japanese militarists are no less dangerous than the Nazis. Even more easily in the Pacific than in Europo wq can 'lose the peace if the resolution of the American people flags or our will weakens to seal the victory and accomplish the- purposes of peace."