JAPAN YET TO LEARN LESSON

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22690, 18 August 1945, Page 4

JAPAN YET TO LEARN LESSON

Japan’s evident reluctance to obey the orders of the Allies following the surrender suggests the probability of a bitter clash of wills when the detailed terms are brought forward for signature. Does Japan realise the magnitude of her defeat, or does she imagine she is sending representatives to meet General MacArthur on an equal footing? Indications are not lacking that the real meaning of the surrender has not yet been driven home, and it is desperately important that not a doubt should be allowed to remain. Apparently the Japanese envoys objected to flying to the meeting in a white aircraft marked with green crosses. They will perhaps raise other and more serious objections before the instrument of surrender is signed. An unyielding attitude by the Allied representatives is imperative, and above all it is necessary that the occupation of Japan should be sufficiently impressive to prove to the mass t>f the Japanese that the country has been utterly defeated. Anything less effective would be a betrayal of those who have given their lives in the struggle, those who have suffered agonies at the hands of the enemy, and the generations yet unborn. Trouble in the future is certain if Japan is allowed to escape adequate retribution. Emperor Hirohito has told his people that he has “saved and maintained the structure of the Imperial State.” He urges them to “work with resolution so that they may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State and keep pace with the progress of the world.” This is scarcely the air of an Emperor whose empire has been smashed and whose people have been branded as sub-human saddists. There is no trace of contrition but instead a determination to march in the van of the world’s progress. A little honest discipline is due to Japan, and will be forthcoming.