STARS AND STRIPES IN TOKIO

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 215, 11 September 1945, Page 3

STARS AND STRIPES IN TOKIO

MACARTHUR S ARRIVAL FULL OCCUPATION OF CITY BY TUESDAY. New York, Sept. 7. The Stars and Stripes were raised over the ancient city of Tokio when General MacArthur formally established his authority over the battered capital in the name of the United Nations, says the New York Times : correspondent. The historic ceremony was Simple. Accompanied only by a squadron of the 7th. Cavalry, General MacArthur was driven with his Chief of Staff and other aides to the compound of the United States Embassy. The only formal march was a brief one by the Cavalry Squadron from th? Diet building to the Embassy.

Standing alone in front of General whose army is garrisoning Tokio, General MacArthur said: “General Eichelberger, have our country’s flag unfurled and in Tokio’s sun let it wave in its full glory as a symbol of hope for the oppressed and the harbinger of victory for right.” General Eichelberger saluted, repeated the order and a band played the National Anthem as a guard of honour presented arms. The flag went slowly up the pole from which it can be seen from much of the small part of Tokio that is left intact. The Ist. Cavalry chaplain gave the Benediction and the ceremony was over. General MacArthur’s headquarters announce that the occupation of Tokio is expected to be completed on Tuesday. The formal investigation of war crimes against prisoners has been launched with the appointment of an “atrocity officer” and assistants to visit each camp. Japan officially surrendered the Ominato navax base to Vice-Admiral F. J. Fletcher, commander of the North Pacific Fleet. No ground forces were put ashore from 60-odd war, ships and none will be sent ashore for several days. Admiral Fletcher sternly warned the Japanese that he expected the occupation to proceed with the same discipline and ease shown elsewhere. He wanted no “incidents,” which would increase the Japanese people’s sufferings. The surrender document was signed by ViceAdmiral Kenji Ugaki, the base commandant The Americans will take over the Sasebo naval base on September 22, says the Tokio radio. Rakayama, the steel city 30 miles south-west of Osaka, will be taken over on September 25, Yokkaichi, the oil refining centre, 60 miles north-east of Osaka, on October 2, Aomori, the north Honshu port, on October 3, and Hollaido on October 4.

American Army officers will go to Kyoto to arrange for the occupation of Japan’s ancient capital.