Fraser May See Truman

Northern Advocate, 18 February 1946, Page 5

Fraser May See Truman

(Rec. 1.10 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Feb. 17 Mr. Peter Fraser is expected here next week-end from London for a three days’ visit. He may meet President Truman and Mr. Byrnes but no arrangements will be made until the exact date of his arrival is known. He will, confer with the New Zealand Minister (Sir Carl Berendsen) about the result of Sir Carl's visit to Japan with other members of the Far Eastern Commission, and is expected to discuss New Zealand’s policy for meetings with the Far Eastern Commission here. Upon his return from Japan on Wednesday, Sir Carl told the United Press that he felt that “General MacArthur has made an excellent beginning in the job of ruling Japan. I notice that the Japanese Government and people are giving General MacArthur substantial co-operaticn, but I fear that these beaverlike people, with American ‘knowhow’ giving drive and assistance, might, in the long run. benefit more than the peoples of liberated countries. PERIOD OF OCCUPATION "I would think it is as important to decide and announce the period of occupation and control as what you are going to do on policy. "There is no doubt that some Japanese genuinely want to see democratic institutions in Japan, but are afraid that if they declare themselves they might be marked down by extremists I when the occupation ends." Sir Carl said he went to Japan with an open mind and was impressed with the fullest co-operation that General MacArthur gave the mission members. Also it was remarkable to see everywhere not the slightest sign of trouble. MacARTHUR POPULAR He said he found that General MacArthur had made a deep impression on the Japanese people and was becoming a legend with many of them. He said General MacArtbur’s popularity was shown by the large crowds around his offices. “Nobody can gauge the impact of 3.000.00 C Japanese soldiers yet to be repatriated to Japan and may be some of the officer class might try to stir up trouble, hut there is no significant sign so far,” he added. I ROBLEMS AHEAD He said the problems ahead include further removal of the grip of wealthy industrial families on the finances of Japan and a lessening of their feudal industrialisation. He gained an impression that the Japanese diet has a higher calory content today than before the war and apparently they were consuming thenfood stocks too quickly, especially in view of foreseeable stocks and the present world food shortage. Sir Carl said the black market was flourishing and was encouraged by the fact that soldiers and industrial workers received bonuses on discharge. Sir Carl recalled that the Japanese police had always been an instrument of oppression and it would be a great task f o make them guardians instead of oppressors of the people.