Evening star., 1945-09-14

Japan. We can also count as one
reason lack Of courage on the part
of the Japanese people to defend
justice. so they were unable to corr
rect the mistaken guidance Of mill
tarists and bureaucrats.
Then, also, our army leaders mis-
calculated the actual strength Of
the United States.
But the question boils down to
this: Looking at it from all angles.
Japan fought so she could not
but lose, and America fought SO
she could not but win.'
Higashi- said that vast
changes in all phases OF life were
in prospect for Japan.
1T is my belief" he said, that the
new Japan which will emerge will
be shorn of militarisrn and will be
as peace-loving as the United
States"
Pledges Freedom Of Speech.
Under the imperial throne, "de.
mocracy in its true sense, I believe,
will be realized in all phases of
political, economic and social life
under Americas sagacious guild
ance."
The Premier said the necessary
steps would be taken las soon as
possible IN order to insure freedom
OF speech. But, the people have been
subjected SO long to oppression Of
free expression that think it will
take some time for the entire ma
ton to practice freedom of speech,
and then only slowly, step by STEP"
Asked If the forces for peace" in
Japan could maintain sufficient
strength to prevent recurrence of
the recent militarist era, the Premier
said, Il think they can"
He said the Japanese, freed from
the strong armed leadership of the
militarists, will once more regain
their original peaceful inclinations, !"
which he said was reflected by the
fact that the people live in unlocked
wooden houses
of course" he added, I'VE are
considering steps to abolish laws that
might In any way hinder freedom
OF speech and, on the other hand.
deal severely with those who may
use force against freedom OF express
sion, so that peace-loving elements
may gather enough strength"
Regretted" China War.
The latter observation was in ref
erence to the patriotic societies and
gendarmerie whose terrorist activ-
tiles were instrumental in silencing
all opposition to the militarist pro-
gram.
The prince said he personally "re-
gretted" the China war and that in
l94l, as private individual, he ex-
pressed "the fervent hope" that
American and Japanese problems
could be settled peacefully.
Higashi-Kuni expressed the belief
that true democracy" within Japan
was one necessary prelude for re-
establishment of American and jap
anese friendship. Economically, he
added, I'VE are looking forward to a
continuous inflow Of American cap
ital and technique" and hope for
full collaboration among America,
Japan and China.
Real friendship cannot be created
unless the people of the United
States and Japan can come together
and be friends. Diplomacy should
not be left entirely up to the diplo-
mats. There must be direct inter-
course between the peoples con-
cerned."
AS a prelude to that the Premier
said he had asked Toyohiko Kagawa,
noted Christian leader, to serve un-
officially ito help raise moral stand
ards, do away with hatreds and
establish friendly relations with the
United States and other countries.
Counts on Power Of Religion.
The Premier said he counted con-
siderably on the power of religion" :"
Referring to the task of under
taking compliance with Potsdam
terms without internal confusion,
Higashi-Kuni said: Il am taking
great pains to achieve this and
hope that the United States as well
as other Allied powers fully under
stand the difficulties of my work and
assist me in this task"
The Premier emphasized the i'm
portance of Immediately securing
food, which I'VE, of course, must
make all efforts" to do. For that
reason, he started a back-to-the-
land movement under the slogan:
Every citizen a farmer"
But, he added, Il hope people of
the Allied powers extend a helping
hand to the japanese people. who
now are completely exhausted"