Evening star., 1945-10-22
.Japs Break Up
Fami|yContro|
Of Economy
Leading Tokyo Paper
Calls Move Mere
Reorganization
By the Associated Press.

Reorganization
By the Associated Press.
@r TOKYO, Oct. 22.-The building
of a democratic Japan, both
financially and politically, oc-
cupied the center of the occu-
patton stage today as govern
ment officials announced the
powerful zaibatsu would be
broken up of their own accord
and gave the Emperor's blessing
to development of a stronger
Diet.
The announcement that Zaibatsu
the family financial giants of Japan
would liquidate themselves brought
blast from one of Tokyo's leading
newspapers. Asahi Shimbun charged
that the breakup, announced by
Finance Minister Keize Shibusawa
was merely reorganization in dis
guise," an attempt to step from
under responsibility for supporting
Japanese militarists in the past.
Prince Fumimaro Konoye, one OF
the japanese senior statesmen, q
many times Premier and career dip
lomat who is one of Emperor Hiro-
hito's close advisers, said the En-
peror is anxious that the revision
OF the constitution provide the ma
tion with Diet strong enough to
be q guiding influence in the ma
tion's politics.
Emperor who followed Gen. Mac
Arthurs wishes in the matter, is
working on draft of revised con-
stitution.
Unite in Arguments.
Asahi declared the Zaibatsu
among whose leading members are
the houses of Mitsui, Mitsubishi and
Sumotomo, did their utmost to
contribute to Japan's war effort"
No one can rest assured" the
newspaper said, that there is no
danger of their embarking again on
war ventures at some opportune
moment in the future"
Asahi said big family concerns
argued in common that:
/. Their contributions to the war
effort were forced by the military.
2. Results of their cooperation
were Insignificant.
8. They are prepared to enter into
full cooperation on postwar recon-
struction.
4. War profits were made not by
the "old zaibatsu" but by new
wartime organizations.
Asahi said the zaibatsu was "ex-
tremely monopolistic" and that
"ideologically, it counters democ-
racy."
Shortly after Gen. Macarthur rec
commended characterization of eco
nomic institutions of Japan, Zai-
batsu spokesmen announced they
planned to sell their stock in the
public market.
Statement by Shibusawa.
Shibusawa issued this statement
Jointly with Commerce and Industry
Minister Sankuro Ogasawara, imme-
diately after calling at the official
residence of Premier Kijuro Shide-
hara and the Foreign Liaison Office
with regards to the fundamental
policy of the Allied powers concern
ing liquidation of the Zaibatsu, the
imperial government has had no in
tention of raising objection to their
policy, nor will they (the govern
menD entertain such an idea in the
future.
I'm case Of their spontaneous liqui-
dation, we desire to take appropriate
measures consonant with the policy
expounded by the Allied powers"
.. Asked specifically whether this
was definite announcement of a
breakup OF. the huge financial group
topped by the houses of Mitsui,
Mitsubishi and Sumotomo-the FL
nance Minister said: "It is"
Will Eliminate Need for Clique.
Konoye, who said yesterday Gen
Macarthur had suggested that he
lead liberal political movement
stated in an interview today that
the necessity of senior statesmen
around the throne gradually would
disappear under the contemplated
constitutional revisions.
The Prince, thrice Premier OF
Japan and himself one of the most
influential of these senior states
men, said there was strong posi-
hility" that the Diet would elm
mate need for the powerful clique
in, the shadow of the throne. In
creased power of the Diet will be
one more safeguard against the fu-
ture misuse of the constitution,
he added.
Konoye, who was Premier wher
Japan opened its war on China ir
1887, already had said one question
tosbe pondered in remaking the con.
stitution was provision for abdica-
tion of an Emperor.
Undecided on New Party.
Konoye. conceded in high govern
ment circles to be the central figure
in the state affairs of Japan today
said that he had been approached
on the matter of forming and head
ing a new political party, but was
undecided.
The Prince said that in two recent
interviews with Gen. Macarthur he
had explained his official activities
since 1887, and the Allied comman-
der had said Sin a general way that
Isshould lead liberal movement in
Japan"
Gen. Macarthur opened the con-
versation with q very determined
statement that the constitution
needed liberalizing," Konoye said
"and then suggested that take the
lead in such a movement
The prince said he reported Gen
MacArthur's wishes to the EN-.
peror and Hirohito commanded hin
to- undertake the constitutional re-
vision. American officials will be
kept informed of all details of the
revision, which is expected to be
tnw'draft form by November, he
added.
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