JAPAN’S FUTURE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 57, 9 March 1946, Page 5

JAPAN’S FUTURE

NEW CONSTITUTION RADICAL CHANGES MADE Tokio, March 6. General MacArthur has announced a new and radically altered Constitution for Japan, in which war and its threat is for ever renounced. The document says the Emperor is a symbol of Stale, deriving his position from the sovereign will of tiie people, and limits the Emperor’s State functions to such specific acts as proclaiming elections and convoking the Die'.. It forbids the maintenance of land, sea and air forces, as well as other war potential, and abolishes the right of the State to make war. The document, in addition, includes an unprecedented clause for establishing a Regency. It provides for an end 1 o the peerage upon the death of those at present holding titles. It proclaims the people’s right, and duties and voices their desire for the blessings of line ty throughout the land, and resolves that “Never again shall we oe visited with .he horrors of war through the action of the Government.”

General MacArthur described th-.-Constitution as “an enlightened document which has mv full approval.’ He ernphasi ed that it renders Japan’s security and very survival subject to the faith and justice of the peaceloving peoples throughout the world.

Tiie document, which was formulated after intensive consultation with officials at Allied headquarters, was announced after a two-day Cabinet meeting. It will be submitted to the Diet, presumably after the general election.