The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1945-10-09

fAANi WI VI AalAlDs
quarters announced that the
seized treasure will be held until
Allied governments send instruc-
tons on its disposition.
Allied officers said they were "as-
founded" to learn that the Japan.
csc army and navy have not ac-
counted to their government for
single penny of their expenditures
since 1887.
The finance ministry told us
that they had no records at all as
to what balances the army and navy
had, and the finance ministry did
not know that the army or navy
had a single ounce of precious met
ais" headquarters spokesman
said. A part OF the reserves were
found in army and navy buildings.
Other stores were located in
military arsenals and warehouses
of Tokyo and Osaka precious met
ais companies.
The seizure, made quietly and
without interference, was intended
to prevent possible disappearance
OF the treasure, headquarters said.
Included in the seized reserves.
headquarters said. we're those of
the Japanese government. army.
navy and bank OF Japan-plus re-
serves in the bank OF Japan be
longing to the bank OF Thailand
(Siam). bank OF Indochina, Federal
Reserve Bank OF China, bank OF
Italy, and bank Of Chosen (Korea).
Headquarters said that rounding
up of the treasure which began
with the recent closing OF banks,
continued today when U. s. Sixth
and Eighth Army troops surround
ed imperial army headquarters, the
navy ministry buildings, Tokyo mil
itary arsenals, and Tokyo and o.
aka precious metal companies
warehouses.
The Allies seized more than S.
100000 ounces Of gold bullion, sill
Syer bullion and gold coin, which in
itself is worth more than s250,000.-
000 In addition there were 81
400 ounces OF platinum. and 27.122,
AT japanese yen, in silver coin.
Actual location OF the reserves
was pointed out by responsible Of
ficials after detachment command
ers and other personnel entered
the buildings, the headquarters an
nouncement related. A heavy guard
was then placed around the build
ings to halt all movement in or out
until the treasurer was located and
the rest OF the building could be
reopened for normal business.
Japan's new premier told press
conference attended by some 40
correspondents that he thought
there were several regrettable
points" in Japan's share OF the Pa
cific war, but added that he was
mot prepared 10 discuss whether
Japan was guilty of starting the
hostilities.
Long an opponent OF Japanese
military aggression. Shidehara new
ertheless would not be drawn into
a direct discussion OF Pearl Harbor
OF his PERSONAL views on the war.
ut is not my position" he said.
ito criticize official documents Is
sued by the Japanese government
on the causes OF the war"
Shidehara said he believed the
ends sought by Japan through war
could be achieved through diplo-
macy.
The premier declared II was Ger
tainly within the rights of the AL
lied nations to arrest. try and pun
ish those (Japanese) who were war
criminals. but It's up to the Allies.
This contrasted with statements
OF his predecessor, Prince Higashi-
kuni. that Japan should be permit
ted to punish its own war criminals.
Shidehara branded as "rumors'
previous reports that Japan would
send an apologize envoy to China,
and said he had no intention of so
doing.
The newsmen were told the new
cabinet hadn't yet studied domes-
tic policy, but the government
might undertake reforms which IL
believes the occupation authorities
want, in advance Of any directive
from Allied headquarters ordering
the reforms.
Shidehara said that "as a prin-
ciple. my government is fully pre-
pared to recognize freedom OF
thought" which Macarthur has or
dered for japan.