CLAIM THAT NOT ENOUGH TIME GIVEN

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22689, 17 August 1945, Page 3

CLAIM THAT NOT ENOUGH TIME GIVEN

JAPAN’S ENVOY NOT READY TO LEAVE

REPRESENTATIVE FOR MANILA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE MEMBERS OF ROYAL FAMILY LEAVING FOR FRONTS NEW YORK, Aug. 16 The Japanese Government says the Emperor has issued the order to cease fire. Members of the Imperial family are ready to leave for the Chinese and Manchurian fronts to see that the surrender order is obeyed. A third envoy will leave for Manila to receive the orders from General MacArthur. The statement claims that the Japanese have not been given enough time to send a representative to Manila by tomorrow, as ordered, but he will leave as soon as possible. It is also stated that on the various fronts it will take six to twelve days for the Emperor’s “cease fire” order to become fully effective. A correspondent in Manila says it is believed that the fall of the Japanese Government is delaying the execution of the surrender, also the fact that many high officers are already listed as war criminals. Prince Fumimaro Konoye, the former Prime Minister, and Admiral Koishiro Oikawa, who was his Minister of the Navy, are reported to be members of the new Government. Although Japan claims that her troops have ceased fighting in Manchuria, the Russians state that the Japanese today launched a counter-offensive, all attacks being smashed. Tokyo radio tonight is telling the Japanese commanders to get into touch with South-East Asia Command Headquarters. In China General Wedemeyer said’that many Japanese troops had already withdrawn to the outskirts of Shanghai before handing over the city, but he did not know whether Allied forces had occupied it. President Truman announced that Japan would not be split into zones. Troops of all the Allies would share in the occupation under General MacArthur. The American Press says that Japan’s Kwantung army has broadcast the following message to the Russian forces : “ Japanese first line forces have ceased all military movements. It is hoped that the Soviet forces will also cease attacks, especially in the vicinity of Mutankiang. Hereafter the Japanese intentions will be notified every hour. The Russians are requested to make similar communications via Khaborovsk. Radio communications should be established between the supreme field headquarters of the Russian and Japanese armies and should specify the wave length.