Evening star., 1945-10-07
u. 5. Plans 10 Modify
Radically Japanese
Emperor Institution
By GARRETT d. HORNER.

BY GARNETT ID. HORNER.
American policy calls for the
japanese Emperor institution to be
radically modified" If not abolished
in order to "democratize" japan, it
was disclosed last night.
The program includes ending
Shintoism--the Emperor and ances-
tor worship basis for blind obedi-
ence to japanese militarists-as a
state religion.
These disclosures were made in
a radio discussion of occupation
policy by State, War and Navy De-
partment officials who stressed that
Gen. Macarthur is receiving full
Washington support in carrying out
policies shaped here.
Economic Reduction Planned.
They also made it clear that
Japan will be reduced economically
to largely farming and fishing"
nation, and possibly deprived of a
merchant marine, with industrial
lists who shared war guilt to be tried
as war criminals.
Participants in the discussion,
broadcast by NBC, were Maj. Gen.
John H. Hilldring, director of civil
affairs of the War Department;
John Carter Vincent, director of the
State Departments Office OF Far
Eastern Affairs, and Capt r. l..
Dennison, Navy Department repre-
sentative on an occupation policy
co-ordinating committee.
Mr.. Vincent said there was "abso-
lutely no basis" for reports Of a
strained relationship" between the
State Department and Gen. Mac
Arthur, who, he said, lis receiving
our support and assistance in carry
ing out very difficult assignment"
as Supreme Commander in Japan.
MacArthur's Task Outlined.
"One of Gen. MacArthur's tasks, "
Mr.. Vincent said, "is to bring about
changes in the constitution of Japan.
Those provisions in the consti-
tuition which would hamper the es-
tablishment in Japan Of a govern
ment which is responsible only to
the people must be removed.
THE institution of the Emperor
If the Japanese do not choose to
get rid of twill have to be radio
ally modified"
Matter of Timing.
Capt. Dennison added that effect
ing desired changes in the Japanese
government system is largely a
matter of timing" and Mr.. Vincent
said I'VE shouldn't try to hustle
the East or hustle Gen. Macarthur
too much" because only time and
encouragement will bring about the
emergence OF sound democratic
leadership"
Mr.. Vincent pointed out that
directives to Gen. Macarthur imply
that the Japanese may even use
force" to achieve democratic polit-
ical ends
Gen. Hilldring added that occu-
patton forces would protect all
democratic groups against attacks
by military fanatics" declaring that
we're prepared to support the
development of democratic govern
ment even though some temporary
disorder may result.
Japs May Abolish Emperor.
The speakers indicated they be-
lieve there is good chance the
Japanese people will do away with
the Emperor system of government
and permanently turn to democratic
ways in perhaps 'less time than you
think" due to concerted education
program through schools, press and
radio, SLS@tsS~t teTt1
Capt. Dennison said he believed
that once the japanese people have
a taste" Of real civil liberties they'll
never want to 60 back to their old
ways
Taking cognizance Of recent con-
troversy over whether Gen. MacAr-
thur is in Japan as free agent" or
as an instrument Of policy formu-
lated here, Gen. Hilldring made it
clear that questions ''of basic i'm
portance" are decided here and,
after approval by the President,
transmitted as directives to Gen
Macarthur by the joint chiefs of
staff.
MacArthur's Work Satisfactory.
Gen Macarthur lis charged with
the responsibility of carrying them
out" he said, adding land we think
he is doing it very we'll"
Gen. Hilldring dodged, and the
other speakers did not clarity, the
extent to which Russia, China,
Great Britain and other Allies may
share in making the occupation
policy.
Mr.. Vincent pointed out that Sec
retary of State Byrnes had an
nounced that an Allied commission
would be established for the formu-
lation of policies for the control of
Japan" but did not say whether the
United States is prepared to with
draw previous insistence that its
policies shall govern in event of dis
agreement among the Allies.
Shintoism Must Go.
In discussing Shinotism, Mr.. Vim
cent said it will not be interfered
with as a religion of Individual
japanese" but that as q state re-
igion it will CO."
He explained that there will be