The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-09-21

Bowles warned that if price con- trol is eliminated too soon because of the demands of what he called a minority of businessmen, the av- craze American citizen is likely to lay the blame for any economic col- lapse that may follow "squarely on the doorstep of all business"  been delivered to the American oc- cupation forces yet, MacArthur said:
 "Yes, and all arms and munitions are being assembled for destruc- tion."
 Thorough Job
 Asked for the ultimate objective of the military occupation of Japan, he said: Complete execution of terms imposed by the Allied powers is the ultimate objective. This is expected to take many years"
 None whatsoever" he said when asked whether there had been any incidents" since landing which would indicate that Japan had @ tendency to become truculent.
 why was the Japanese diet per- mitted to meet?" asked.
 "The diet was permitted to meet as the representative group of the people for the purpose of dissem- mating the surrender terms and directives."
 MacArthur said that progress of the occupation surpasses his expec- tations.
 Asked whether he would refer to 1t as an invasion or as a pacifica- ton he replied, Neither. It Is the occupation of a conquered country by the forces which defeated It."
 Asked If he believed that Japan would ever become a world power again, MacArthur said emphatically, Never again when the terms of the surrender have been accomplished" |" asked the supreme commander whether he anticipated visiting the United States in the near-future and he replied, No, reget to say. I feel the situation here will require my personal presence for some time to come"
 End Of Career
 I asked, Now that the war is over have you any political aspirations?" MacArthur replied, none what soever. have never entered politics and never intend to do SO. I have stated before and reiterate now that I started as e soldier, and shall fin- ish as one. I am on my last public assignment, which, when concluded, will mark the definite end of my service"
 "What has been the conduct of American troops in Japan, Gen. MacArthur7" l asked.
 He replied, "rhey have been mag nihcent in every way. They have acted with dignity, with flrmness and with a self?restaint that has been admirable. Wherever they go, they are Americas finest diplomats. Responding to an inquiry as to whether Japan's industries were generally operative, MacArthur said, Japan industrially, commercially militarilly and in every other way is in @ state of complete collapse.
 Her resources of every kind are absolutely exhausted. Her food sup- plies ae scant and she faces con- ditions in this emergency that may become catastrophe. Her punish- ment for her sins, which is just beginning, will be long and bitter"
 Asked whether any fraternization Is developing between American troops and the Japanese civilian population, MacArthur said, None. The general aloofness of the Amer ican soldier, based upon his innate self-respect, is one of the most no- ticeable characteristics of the occu- pation."
 CTS Want Home
 Asked whether he thought our troops enjoyed the occupation, Mac- Arthur replied, T believe the pre-. dominant interest of our officers and soldiers is to do their duty wherever and however 1t may occur. Within this limitation, their burning desire is to return home"
 General, will the war criminals be brought to trial within reason- able length of timef" i asked.
 "Yes," he said trials will com- inence very shortly" vis
 As MacArt4Iur tA4ked, he walked the floor and gestured as he concen- trated on his answers. Occasionally he fell silent to mediate, but mostly the answers came instantly.
 He senses the questions before the phraseology has actually been com- pleted.
 From his anteroom there is an excellent view directly into the em- peror's palace grounds which stand seemingly untouched and parklike.
 "Will all Japanese munitions and munition manufacturing plants be Abolished" I asked.
 The answers came almost before the words were out of my mouth: "Yes, entirely so. Many were de- stroyed during the war. All will be eventually"
 Tn. conclusion l asked Gen. Mac- Arthur whether the policies which governed Q defeated Japan would be determined by him or by higher authority.
 He replied, "All major policies will be determined on the highest governmental level by the Allied powers and will be executed by me as their agent, as I may be direct ] cd"