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Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23281, 17 August 1945, Page 5

Japanese News Agency Report Occupation Plans Under Way By Telegraph—N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright (Received 11 p.m.) LONDON, August 16. THE Japanese News Agency says that the Emperor Hirohito has issued an order to end hostilities. General MacArthur says that Japan has not yet replied to his order to advise a date for the cessation of hostilities, although several Tokio radio stations acknowledged its reception at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, says a New York message. The Manila correspondent of the “New York Times” says Genera! MacArthur has so far acted with characteristic decisiveness. He had plans ready for the speedy occupation of the Japanese homeland within 48 hours of the Japanese submitting their first peace bid. Japanese Asiatic ports must be cleared of mines and obstacles to carry out the programme, and docks and warehouses must be prepared for the entry of Allied warships and merchantmen. The significance of Manila as the meeting place will not be lost on the enemy. The Philippine Islands, envisioned by Japan as the cornerstone of her Greater East Asia Empire, become instead the hallmark of her defeat. Immediately following the meeting, late on Friday or Saturday, the occupation of Japan and other Asiatic sectors will presumably begin. The details of surrender and occupation constitute a staggering task. It should be obvious to everyone that the suddenness of the Japanese collapse forced on General MacArthur the necessity of putting into action almost without notice a complete programme for the occupation of all Great East Asia. It goes without saying that no chances will be taken. General MacArthur must obtain guarantees of good faith from the Japanese mission, also assurances that the Tokio Government is able to maintain authority and prevent possible outbreaks by hotheads and diehard militarists.

Presumably General MacArthur’s authority extends to Manchuria, where the Russians have slashed deep into enemy-held territory. He must designate commanders and troops to occupy such ports as Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. There is no anticipation that the policy of our military government of Japan will be soft. Sternness with justice is expected, but such a policv to be effective must be instituted quickly.

President Truman kept in close touch with General MacArthur throughout the first day of the Japanese surrender period, says the Washington correspondent of the “New York Herald-Tribune.” The general feeling in Washington’s diplomatic and military circles is that Japan must be treated with a stern hand as a precautionary method of dealing with its traditional flair for trickery.

This attitude was intensified when reports were received that two suicide planes attacked Ihya Island, injuring several American soldiers. Moreover, Tokio broadcasts seemed to blame the atomic bomb alone for Japan's losing the war and exhorted the Japanese troops to face defeat bravely. One broadcast, conceding that Japan had lost the war, asserted: “But this is temporary.”

Occupation Forces Ready British and American air and land forces will take steps immediately to occupy strategic points in Japan, says Reuter’s military correspondent. ■ Royal Navy and the United States Navy ships will sail into the main Japanese ports after minesweeping has been carried out. All military precautions will be taken to prevent an orgy of frightfuiness by any recalcitrant Japanese troops as they retire into areas specified by the Allied commanders.

The release of war prisoners, estimated to number 135.000 and the capture of war criminals have high priority. Japan has a heavy bill to face for

the damage and suffering in China, Burma, Malaya, and the Dutch East Indies, and reparations in labour and kind wifi be exacted. Japan, administered under Allied supervision, will become a small Power stripped of stolen colonies and possessions without war industries. The correspondent of the Associated Press in Chungking states that Chinese experts on Japanese psychology unanimously urge that Japans surrender ceremony must include the yielding of Samurai swords, which have a profound traditional significance. These swords are customarily yielded only on death.

Surrender at Sea The form of the Japanese capitulation will take in the sea depends on General MacArthur, from whom Instructions are awaited. The Australian Associated Press correspondent says it is understood the pattern mav be that the Chief of Staff will confer with his Japanese opposite number and arrange details after which the Supreme Commander will receive the Japanese theatre commander’s sword on behalf of sei eral hundred thousand Japanese in Burma, Malaya, Sumatra. Java and Thailand. The senior commander is FieldMarshal Count Terauchi. who is believed to be in Thailand. Where the surrender will take place is not clear, though Singapore seems the most appropriate in view of the happenings there in 1942, when the positions were reversed. Plans for receiving the Japanese troops in Burma who lai’ down their arms are well advanced. Leaflets giving the full text of the Potsdam terms and the news of their acceptance were dropped in thousands. Cages and reception areas have been prepared, but the prisoners will have to build their own shelters and attend to sick and wounded.