AMERICAN INFLUENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26456, 9 May 1947, Page 7

AMERICAN INFLUENCE

CONSOLIDATION IN JAPAN DEFENCE AND TRADE TIES Rec. 11 p.m. NEW YORK May 7. General MacArthur’s reported assurance that the United States would guarantee Japan’s protection emphasises how completely these islands have moved into the American orbit, says the Tokio correspondent of the Associated'Press. American predominance in the occupation has tied Japan to the United States economically, psychologically and diplomatically. The Japanese recognise this and generally welcome it. The Prime Minister, Mr ¥oshida, voiced a prevalent opinion when he said: "The United States aims are identical with Japan’s now." He meant that the United States needs a defensible, stable and democratic Japan as a bulwark just as the Japanese need American support to reach that position. Many American officers, eyeing the archipelago as a military and political springboard to the Pacific and Southern Asia, agree. General MacArthur’s recent recommendation for an early peace treaty with Japan and a speedy withdrawal of military forces thereafter, was not inconsistent. Many officers believe that the islands could be defended adequately by American air power from Centra] Pacific bases. The correspondent continues that American influence has been an important factor in General MacArthur’s continuing battle against Communism and the solid front of American spokesmen from President Truman to General MacArthur’s labour officials had a perceptible effect in cutting the Communist vote in the April elections bV 1.000,000 On the other hand, American officials have made it plain that their interest in the American style of the democratisation of Japan will outlast the occupation. Taking their cue from General MacArthur. they have consistently minimised the influence of the other Allies in the occupation. A balance is being maintained, but it is plain that American business men are seeking that inside track on Japan’s future trade. This seems assured by the size of Japanese orders for American products already received. A Government mission will fly to Tokio to-morrow to discuss with General MacArthur the resumption of private trade between the United States and Japan.