MANILA TALKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25287, 22 August 1945, Page 7

MANILA TALKS

AIR OF ENEMY CO-OPERATE INFORMATION YIELDED PARTY BACK IN TOKYO fßerd. 11.10 p.m.) MANILA, Aug. 21 The conference in Manila with the Japanese surrender envoys dealt with questions of an airport and other facilities as a preliminary to General Mac Arthur's entry into Japan, says the Associated Press. General Mac Arthur is remaining aloof until he meets an envoy of similar rank during the formal peace signing in Japan. The envoys at Manila were flatly told throughout the conference what the Japanese duties would be under Allied occupation. The occupation arrangements comprised the bulk of the discussions, in which the Japanese gave the required information necessary for a triumphal Allied entry. Not Sean by Mac Arthur The'envoys spent less than a day in Manila, during which time General Mac Arthur did not once see them. They Jeft on their return with 25 pages ol detailed occupation instructions. At le Shima one ol the two Japanese planes carrying the envoys on the second lap of their journey home ran into a ditch while preparing to take off. The seven occupants were not hurt, but the plane was forced to remain overnight for a check-up. The other plane took off alone. A later message says the Japanese emissaries have arrived back in Tokyo. The Japanese news agency says that General Kawabe was given full powers by the Emperor to make arrangements for the landing in Japan of the first group of the Allied occupation forces. A spokesman at Allied headquarters in Manila said the members of General Mac Arthur's staff were pleased with the Japanese co-operation and apparent sincerity. The envoys wore not empowered to bargain, hut merely to accept and to transmit to .Japanese Imperial Headquarters General MacArthur's occupation terms. The Japanese yielded much secret data. The lender of the delegation. LieutenantGeneral Kawabe, and Major-Genenil Amamato seemed particularly humiliated and despairing during the talks, but they co-operated fully and apparently sincerely wanted to enforce the peace. Courtesies Exchanged Some of the early precise formality broke down as the sessions divided into meetings between American army, naval and air officers and their Japanese counterparts. There was no indication of friendliness, but the atmosphere was businesslike without frills. At the end of the conference General Mac Arthur's Chiof-of-Staff, Lieutenant-General 11. K. Sutherland, and the remainder of the American delegation rose. The Japanese then stood up. General Sutherland said: "I appreciate your co-operation fid I wish yon a safe journey home." General Kawabe replied: "I deeply appreciate the many kindnesses you have shown. I feel them sincerely." ALLIES' INTENTIONS iTOKYO press seeks hint (Herd, ij.io p.m. LONDON, Atifc. 21 Comment in the Japanese newspapers broadcast by the Tokyo radio .shows that the Japanese are still fishing for - a hint of how the Allies will interpret > the Potsdam declaration when the surrender is signed. They are telling the Japanese people that the defeat is a ; shameful and bitter pill to swallow, hut express the hope that the Allies will not be as tough with them as with Germany. Entertainments are being opened up , Japanese by order of the Emperor | to keep the people's spirits up. I BLIND FOLLOWERS ; < JAPANESE ADMISSION i (Reed. 730 p.m.) NEW YORK, Aug. '->(> ' The Tokyo radio says the newspaper 1 Asahi has urged the people to reflect seriously on the grave mistake made in ' jbe past in following Government ' leadership blindly. If urged all Jap- v anese in future to take part in the r Government, as that was the only way out of the present darkness and despair < into a world of hope and construction. , The Ma iuichi said the Japanese l People after studying past errors, knew <• their leaders were not suitable for g T>rptent. J c