THREE-POINT POLICY

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

THREE-POINT POLICY

NEW JAPANESE PREMIER ORDER TO LAY DOWN ARMS ADVICE FROM EMPEROR (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received, August 18, 1 p.m.) NEW YORK, Aug 17 The new Japanese Prime Minister Prince Higashi-Kuni in his first official act ordered Japanese forces to lay down their arms and refrain from outbursts of emotion, says the Tokyo radio. The new Cabinet after its first meeting announced a three-point basic policy—respect for the constitution, control of the military and maintenance of order. It added that the policy was personally given by the Emperor when he called on Prince Higashi-Kuni to form a cabinet. Prince Higashi-Kuni in a broadcast after the meeting ordered the people to guard against emotional outbursts and live up to the letter and spirit of the Imperial Rescript. He promised that free speech and fair public opinion would be encouraged and liberty of sound association would be endorsed. Efforts would be made to put into practice the Imperial order to maintain friendly relations with the rest of the world. The greater sufferings and hardships the Japanese must endure the more glorious would be the new Japan emerging from the present national crisis, the Prince said. SURRENDER AWAITED JAPANE6E IN BOUGAINVILLE NO RESPONSE YET MAI3E (R.N.Z.A.F. Special News Service) BOUGAINVILLE, Aug. 16 Up to a late hour today no Japanese move towards surrender had been made on Bougainville. Correspondents who waited at the Mivo River ford, South Bougainville, for the arrival of a Japanese envoy saw only Australians cheerfully and confidentally relaxing while waiting for someone to cross the much foughtover river waving a white flag. A Royal Australian Air Force plane dropped leaflets giving instructions to a Japanese envoy to wade across the river and receive surrender terms. This action was supplemented by a broadcast by a Japanese-speaking linguist from the most forward Australian position. He told the Japanese troops facing the Australian front line to lay down their arms immediately and wait for orders from their officers. Clashes Occur Even after the surrender broadcast there were several clashes on Bougainville. Yesterday 12 Japanese were killed when about 60 attacked a native patrol. In another area about 100 well armed Japanese were encountered but they offered no fight and.went unmolested. These were apparently a party separated from their main body, and first news of the surrender will come to them from the leaflets. In Northern Bougainville Japanese artillery shelled Australian positions while the news of the surrender was coming over the radio. No damage was done. On Sohara Island, which had not received any leaflets. Japanese antiaircraft guns opened up and were silenced by Australian 3.7 guns. New Zealand Corsair operations are limited to non-offensive patrols. CRASH INTO BUILDING WAR DEPARTEMENT FINDING NEW YORK. Aug. 16 The crash of the Army bomber into the Empire State building on July 28 was due to unfavourable flying conditions and to misjudgment by the pilot and ground personnel. This is the finding of the War Department after an investigation of the accident.