JAP EMPEROR MAY NOT BE TRIED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 301, 21 December 1945, Page 5

JAP EMPEROR MAY NOT BE TRIED

QUESTION OF ABDICATION MACARTHUR RE DEFINES POLICY OF OCCUPATION Recd. 9 p.m. Tokio, Dec. 20. It is learned that General MacArthur will not name the Emperor as a war criminal, or force his abdication unless evidence of Hirohito’s guilt develops, or MacArthur is compelled lo act by directive from higher authority, says the “New York Herald-Tribune’s correspondent. However, if the Emperor wishes to abdicate —according to some reports he has been asking MacArthur's sanction to such a move—that is something which the Government and the people must work out for themselves.

MacArthur, who considers the first major phase of the occupation concluded with the directive abolishing of the state of Shinto, has re-delined the occupation policy in instructions to his commands which, according to a staff release, “are set forth with striking clarity. Opportunity is being afforded a completely vanquished enemy to correct the error of its ways.” The instructions emphasised again the determination to keep a firm hold of the Japanese people, but the Government and people must be given every opportunity to carry out the Supreme Commander’s orders without compulsion. The Supreme Commander will continue to control Japan through Hirohito and other suitable means, but the final form of Government must be one supported by the freely expressed will of the people. MacArthur cautioned the commanders that respect for, and confidence in, the United Nations and thenrepresentatives will be developed by example and demonstration and by safeguarding individual rights.