JAPAN’S SET-UP

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21964, 7 March 1946, Page 7

JAPAN’S SET-UP

RADICAL CHANGES

EMPEROR/S POWER DRASTIC LIMITATION ALL FORCES FORBIDDEN (11 a.m.) TOKYO, March 6. General MacArthur, Supreme Allied Commander in Japan, announced a new, radically-altered constitution for Japan in which war and its threat are forever renounced. The document says that the Emperor is the symbol of the State, deriving his position from the sovereign will of the people, and limits the Emperor’s State functions to such specified acts as proclaiming elections and convoking the Diet. It forbids the maintenance of land, sea and air forces as well as other war potential, and abolishes the right of the State to make war. Proposal for Regency The document, in addition, includes an unprecedented clause for establishing the Regency, and provides for an end to the peerage upon the death of those at present holding titles. It proclaims the people’s rights and duties, voices a desire for the blessings of liberty throughout the land, and resolves “never again shall we be visited with the horrors of war through the action of the Government.” General MacArthur described the constitution as an enlightened document “which has my full approval.” He emphasised that it renders Japan's security and very survival subject to the good faith and justice of the peace-loving pennies throughout the world. The document, which was formulated after an intensive consultation with Allied Headquarters officials, was announced after a two-day Cabinet meeting. It will be submitted to the Diet, presumably after the genera! election.