CONTINUATION WANTED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26229, 13 August 1946, Page 5

CONTINUATION WANTED

OCCUPATION OF JAPAN RUSSIA THE ALTERNATIVE (Rec. 8.30 p.m.) TOKIO, Aug. 12. The Japanese Premier, Mr Shigeru Yoshida, Stated that the Japanese Government is apprehensive lest the United States speeds up the evacuation of troops, ending evacuation at an early date. Japan wishes to return to her more prosperous pre-war life, but with peace and world responsibility. Mr Yoshida expressed the opinion that this will take a longer occupation than most Americans realise. He declared: “ It is either this, or Russia takes us over. You have your choice. The Emperor is like a father in our family. We need him.” He added that any change might bring uncertainty. Mr Yoshida estimates that there will be 5,000,000 unemployed by the end of the year, including many soldiers. He said, “ If Britain and. America permitted, we could make cheap cotton foods and other useful articles for the ar East at the right prices for Asiatics. On the other hand, if Britain and America try to sell these articles their high prices will boost inflation in China and South-East Asia.”

REDUCTION IN NAVAL FORCE

(Rec. 1 a.m.) TOKIO, Aug. 12. Vice-admiral R- M. Griffin, commander of American naval activities, said all the navy’s major tasks in Japan would be largely completed by June 6, 1947, and reductions in the navy personnel could be expected, although some must remain as long as Allied occupation continued.