“STOP ARGUING: GET ON WITH SURRENDER”

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22690, 18 August 1945, Page 5

“STOP ARGUING: GET ON WITH SURRENDER”

TOKYO ANNOUNCES ENVOY TO LEAVE ON SUNDAY SURRENDER OF ARMIES IN MANCHURIA BEGINS MANILA, Aug. 17 Before it was announced from Tokyo that the Japanese envoy to Manila had been chosen and would leave Tokyo on Sunday (Tokyo time), General MacArthur told the Japanese to speed up the surrender arrangements. He said: “Stop arguing and get on with the surrender at once.” The Japanese had asked for more information. General MacArthur replied: “My directions were clear and explicit. They are to be complied with without delay.” Ten Japanese fighters and anti - aircraft guns attacked four American bombers which were on a photographic mission over Tokyo today. Two Japanese planes were probably destroyed. One of the American bombers was heavily damaged. Tonight’s Soviet communique says the Japanese have begun to surrender in Manchuria. Troops on several sectors, mainly Kwantung Army men, have begun to surrender, a total of 20,000 officers and men have been captured. The Russians were just over 100 miles from Harbin. The beginning of surrender follows Marshal Vassilevsky’s ultimatum to the Japanese in Manchuria to surrender by Monday. This order was broadcast by the Japanese controlled radio in Manchuria today. Tokyo radio says the Japanese supreme commander in North China has ordered his men to stop fighting immediately. The envoys to Manchuria and North China left Tokyo today. Three Allied missions have arrived at Manila. Two generals head the Americans, General Blarney the Australians, and Admiral Lord Mountbatten has sent nine representatives. Vice-Admiral Rawlings announced that a British token force would land marines and sailors shortly for occupation duties in Japan. The Australian Prime Minister, Mr Chifley, said that Australian occupation forces would include two army brigades, with air and naval units. He emphasised that these should operate under an Australian commander. The Australian Government considered that the Dominions’ war effort had not been sufficiently recognised in the surrender arrangements with Japan, and the Cabinet wanted to ensure that Australia was given a status that would match her contribution to the defeat of Japan.