MacArthur Defends Policy

Northern Advocate, 15 September 1945, Page 5

MacArthur Defends Policy

Asks For Patience Until Military Security Assured

(Rec. 11.15.) TOKIO. Sept. 14. (GENERAL MACARTHUR TODAY VT DEFENDED THE METHODS lIE HAD USED IN THE OCCUPATION OF JAPAN. “OUR SURRENDER TERMS ARE NOT SOFT. AND THEY WILL NOT EE APPLIED IN KIDGLOVE FASHION,” HE TOLD CORRESPONDENTS. “Critics of my so-called soft policy in Japan have an erroneous concept of the preliminary programme which must continue until Japan is disarmed. The paramount consideration of withdrawing and evacuating former prisoners of war and internees, plus the necessity of getting our occupation troops into position without precipitating a calamity, prompted the occupation methods used. Demobilisation of Japan, the withdrawal of prisoners and placing of our occupation forces, will be completed by midOctober, but during the interval safety and complete security must be assured. “I have noticed some impatience in the American and Australian Press, based on the- assumption that our policy in Japan is soft. The first phase of our occupation must, of necessity, be based upon military considerations. That phase is now proceeding in an entirely satisfactory way. More than half the enemy’s forces in Japan proper have been demobilised and the entire programme will practically be completed by the middle of October. Full Enforcement. “When this phase is completed, other phases, as provided in the surrender terms, will infallibly follow. No one need have any doubt about the prompt, complete and entire fulfilment of the terms of surrender. The process, however, takes time. “It is easy to understand, in view of the atrocities committed by the enemy, that there should be impatience. This natural impulse, however, should be tempered by the fact that security and military expediency still require the exercise of some restraint. It is extraordinarily difficult for me at times to exercise,that degree of patience which unquestionably is demanded if the long-time policies which have been decreed are to be successfully accomplished without any repercussions which would be detrimental to the well-being of the world, but I am restraining myself to the best of my ability and am generally satisfied with the progress made."