GROUNDING ENEMY PLANES

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23287, 24 August 1945, Page 5

GROUNDING ENEMY PLANES

Order Relaxed (7.30 p.m.) MANILA, Aug. 22. General MacArthur has relaxed the order grounding all Japanese planes. Replying to the Japanese request last night, General MacArthur authorised Japanese forces to employ to the maximum extent possible unarmed aircraft marked with red pennants for urgent requirements in connection with the execution of the surrender terms. A Dome! broadcast announced that various political elements, particularly among Parliamentarians, were urging an immediate session of the Diet to formulate emergency measures ’to meet the new situation as well as a reconstruction programme. It is considered that the Diet can display to the world Japan’s good faith, if a special session is held, the electoral law will be revised, after which a general election will be held to carry out completely the new political plan. Planes Assemble The greatest fleet of four-engined Skymaster transport planes assembled on one field spread over two square miles of Kadena aerodrome, as the Army Transport Command concentrated airliners from all over the world for an unannounced mission—presumably the carrying of Allied occupation troops to Japan. Scores of big, silver aircraft are parked double in stands along the service aprons and runways where MajorGeneral James Doolittle’s SuperFortresses were to be based for aerial offensive operations. Each incoming plane brought not only its own five-man crew but another crew and a half as spares, also five ground force personnel. There was a sudden concentration of 2600 fliers, 1000 mechanics and 150 or more administrative men to be fed, sheltered and supplied. All Air Transport Command planes returning to their proper stations are resuming world services as soon as the mission is completed. A Manila correspondent estimated that there are 32,000 Allied prisoners in the Japanese home islands. The Japanese have asked General MacArthur’s permission to send food to their starving garrison on Marcus Island, which will be completely foodless on August 27.