“The Supreme One” for Better or for Worse

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 191, 14 August 1945, Page 5

“The Supreme One” for Better or for Worse

NEW YORK, August 12. The Domei (Japanese) news agency broadcast the following communique, but shortly afterwards retracted it without explanation i ' *ln response to an Imperial command to defend the empire, the Imperial army and navy began an offensive on all fronts against enemy allied armies.’' The Japanese people are busily and eagerly engaged in their daily tasks, leaving everything in the hands of the supreme One for better or for worse,” said Mr Isamu Onouye overseas chief of the Domei agency, in a broadcast to Japanese in North America. “There is D ° Badoglio in Japan, because we have the Supreme One above us. The people are looking upon the Supreme One and according to his will they will settle all problems, even if their very lives are at stake, without the slightest regret.” Mr. Onouye urged the Japanese in North America not to worry, and added: “The people of your fatherland win continue to live and continue to light, be it in peace or in war ” He contended that while the inhuman effects of the atomic bomba were not as great as the Americans reported, the number of deaths was unexpectedly small contrasted with the extent of the damage. Tokio radio broadcast editorial ex-

tracts from Japanese newspapers. The Yomiuri said all wishful thinking must be eliminated. The Shimbun said that all Japanese should share the responsibility in the present crisis and not blame each other. The Nippon Sangyo Kelzai commented that the Japanese must not sacrifice the future of their race by being swayed by transitory sentimental feelings. The Mainichi, in an article mentioning the importance of the Royal Housa, said: “All share the fervent desire to ease his Majesty’s mind by quickly accomplishing whatever is troubling the Emperor.” Tokio radio says that the article in the Mainichi was written by Dr. Hozumi, a nephew of Baron Shigeto Hozumi, Lord Steward to the Crown Prince. The Associated Press reports that the Crown Prince has been paid much attention in the Tokio Press during the last few days. The Japanese Cabinet was in session for two hours today, Tokio radio says. Every Japanese newspaper, according to the radio, is stressing the importance of the Imperial family, calling it the “head and heart of the Empire.”