FUTURE OF JAPAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 228, 26 September 1945, Page 5

FUTURE OF JAPAN

VIEWS OF EMPEROR WAR SHOULD BE RENOUNCED AS A POLICY CHANGES BY PEACEFUL MEANS Recd. 10 p.m. New York, Sept., 24 In an interview with the New York Times Tokio correspondent, Emperor Hirohito declared he favoured ending war as an instrument of policy, and pledged that any social changes in Japan would be made by constitutional means. The Emperor stated that food and housing were Japan’s two paramount problems. Once the people were fed and clothed he insisted It would be comparatively easy to carry out needed reforms within Japan, which he was of opinion would make for general world peace. Hirohito asserted that he had no intention of having this war rescript employed as To jo used it when Japan launched a sneak attack on Pearl Harbour. Hirohito had expected Tojo to declare war in the usual format manner.

The correspondent had submitted a list of written questions and the Mikado had answers prepared. Japan’s social and educational syztem should be changed and for ideas as to the future of Japan Hirohito expressed himself in favour of a constitutional monarchy like the British. He said it was his earnest desire that necessary changes be carried out in line with the general will of the people expressed through constitutional procedure. The Mikado confidently hoped tha r t Japan in due course, would regain what he termed her rightful place in the community of nations, through peaceful contributions toward the enhancement of culture and civilisation.

The Emperor expressed gratification that no mishap of importance marred the occupation of considerable areas of the Japanese homeland.

Asked if the latest weapons had not made thoughts of future wars intolerable, he replied he did not believe enduring peace could be established and maintained at the bayonet point, or by the new use of other weapons of war. The solution to the problem of peace would lie in reconciliation of free peoples, both victor and vanquished, without recourse to armaments.

He added that he had no doubt his people would prove themselves capable of making the necessary changes in order to bring Japan again into concert with other nations, and eliminate the possibility of future wars.