The Waikato Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 1945 DISILLUSIONMENT OF JAPANESE

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22689, 17 August 1945, Page 2

The Waikato Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 1945 DISILLUSIONMENT OF JAPANESE

In the welter of peace news several points stand out clearly. The Emperor and the Prime Minister of Japan attribute the downfall of Japan’s ambitions to the atomic bemb. In passing on the news of the surrender to the fighting forces the Tokyo raido said: “We have lost, but tnis is only temporary. Japan's mistake was lack of material strength, scientific knowledge and equipment. This mistake we must amend.” There can be no doubt that the atomic bembs struck the fatal blow. Only two were dropped but they were sufficient to shake the resolution of the enemy. They were in the end a mercy and probably saved thousands of lives.

Of Japan’s suggestion that her military mistakes must be amended there will be varying opinions. It might have been that the Japanese Government was merely attempting to soften the news of surrender. For three and a-half years it had been the proud boast that Japan was invincible and that in any case the Japahese would fight to the last man. Surrender would never even be contemplated. An unvarnished announcement of surrender would have come as a stunning blow to the nation’s hundred million people. Therefore the radio sought to create the impression that the reverse was only temporary and that Japan would resume the policy of patience which she had pursued for many generations, waiting for another favourable opportunity to strike.

This was at best a grave mistake in tactics. It was tantamount to a public warning against giving Japan the chance to rebuild her military strength. If Japan imagines that the peace settlement will leave her with the power to prepare for further mischief she is due for a rude awakening. Has she so misjudged the temper of the United Nations? Has she failed to realise the effect of Pearl Harbour, Singapore and all the other great incidents of her aggression, her inhuman cruelty and treachery? Are men like General MacArthur, Admiral Halsey, Lord Mountbatten and the countries which they serve likely to forgive and forget and allow Japan to again loose her terrors on the world? Let there be no mistake that in predictable time Japan will be rendered harmless if not penitent. Many people still do not realise how deep is the resolve that the horrors of the past few years shall not be repeated. Some will refer to history to show that wars have never taught the lesson which it is now claimed has been learned. But there has been no other war like this, nor has any other been ended with the crash of an atomic bomb. Even the Emperor of Japan,* to whom war is a legitimate and favoured instrument, admits that the bomb might lead to the extinction of human civilisation. The road ahead is not yet clear but it is certain that the mighty forces which proved themselves capable of smashing the great military machine of the Axis Powers are determined that the common people of the world shall be rid of the nightmare of war. Their unity will ensure success.