JAP. WAR CRIMINALS

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 December 1945, Page 5

JAP. WAR CRIMINALS

EMPEROR ACCUSED. TOKIO, December 10. “Minpo,” the newest Tokio newspaper, caused a sensation by declaiing in a leading article that the Emperor Hirohito was responsible for the war and advocating his removal from politics through abdication. “Minpo did not, however, advocate abolition of the’Emperor system. “It is a clear fact that hostilities were started by an Imperial rescript declaring war, said the newspaper. “His Majesty cannot evade the responsibility for bringing about the situation in* which Japan finds itself to-day.” “Minpo” added that the Japanese Government had considered establishing a Regency shortly after the surrender, in order to provide for the Emperor’s eventual abdication, but no action was taken when the Government later came to believe that the Allied authorities would not be too severe on the Emperor. The Associated Press notes that the Emperor actually signed the war rescript eight hours after the attack on Pearl Harbour. INDO-CHINA. SAIGON, Dec. 9. Preparatory to evacuating IndoChina for occupation duties elsewhere, the British handed over virtually all guard duties to the French at Cholon. The withdrawal is expected to coincide with the completion of the movement of Japanese troops, some of which have already started to march from the Saigon area to Cape St. Jacques, where they may wait several months until ships are available for repatriation. Meanwhile, some Japanese garrisons will be maintained to protect the French stranded in.various areas. An Anglo-French communique reports further progress in occupying towns in South-west Cochine China, held by the Annamese. _—