AUTHORITY OF MacARTHUR

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23315, 26 September 1945, Page 5

AUTHORITY OF MacARTHUR

Emperor Subordinate Position Clarified Bv Telegraph —N Z Press Assn —Copyritzht (7.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Sept. 24. The White House released a statement to General MacArthur on September 6 clarifying his authority. The statement said: “The authority of the Emperor and the Government is subordinate to you as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers. Our relations with Japan do not rest on a contractual basis, but on unconditional surrender. As your authority is supreme you will not entertain any question from the Japanese as to score. Moreover, the use of the Japanese Government does not prejudice your right to act directly, including the use of force.” Well-informed Japanese say that General MacArthur will grant an audience to Emperor Hirohito at the United States Embassy at an unspecified date. Sotaro Ishiwata, the Household Minister. said he knew nothing of the proposal, but well-informed circles declare that the Grand Chamberlain, Admiral Fujita, called on General MacArthur and arranged the meeting. General MacArthur has ordered the Japanese Government to remove itself completely from direct and indirect

control of newspaper news agencies which, previously, the ruling Japanese family clio.ue controlled. The directive s :irs the Domei Agency of special privileges and paves the way for new and free competitive agencies. Well-informed Japanese declare that General MacArthur vetoed Prince Konoye's recommended appointment <" Seibin Ikeda, former Finance Minister, as President of the Central Liaison Bf->rrl. Ikeda once Mitsui’s Under the economic directive issued from the White House, the manufapture of all types of war-making implements. arms, ammunition and a (’•'•raft parts and aeroplanes, including civilian, is prohibited. The Japanese must maintain in good condition plants formerly manufacturing prohibited items, also steel, chemicals, non-ferrous materials, synthetic rubber, oil, radio and’ electrical equipment, automobiles, merchant ships and heavy machinery. The sweeping edict prohibited any imports or exports except when approved.