Detroit evening times., 1945-12-23

people, almost overnight, could
change from enmlty 10 amity. II
seems so incredible that many out
side this country declare II IS
hypocrisy and camouflage But
II is neither hypocrisy nor cam
outage,
II is an absolute fact. Such a
transformation could not happen
anywhere but in Japan. simply
because nowhere else m the world
is there nation that reveres IT'S
sovereign as the Japanese revere
and obey their emperor.
CREDITS M'ARTHUR
Here is seen precisely the
unique craftsmanship Of Gen.
Macarthur Others, unfamiliar
with the Japanese declare their
veneration Of the emperor is an
outWorn myth, a retarding OBJ
stacle 10 their democratic de-
velopment,
But Macarthur has recognized
in this Vcnerauon a practical in
Strument for his own use; and he
is using it Splendidly for the
benefit not only of the Japanese
people. but OF the occupation
troops as well.
We who have been in Japan
during these weeks of transition,
have seen three different faces
upon the Japanese people, express
sive of their hearts emotions.
FEAR AND GLOOM
First before the landing, there
were fear and gloom.
The peace terms had been set
tied in principle; the emperor was
not 10 be disposed. but how would
II work out in practice; the Japa-
nese were afraid it would not
work out
Obedient to the emperor, they
had laid aside their arms. they
were ready 10 work for peace: /:
hut there was a real and serious
fear that the Americans would
come to plunder and dcspoil, and
that consequently the emperor
be subjected TO indlgnitY4--
If so. then 10 cease fighting was
mistake, far better to struggle
10 the last. The situation was ripe
for extremists TO start rioting and
anarchy.
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
Second, there were wonderment
and hope. II seemed too good 10
be true. The actual landing was
made. and the nation was aston
ished at the speed and the weight
and the power OF It.
But the power was controlled;
/ il operated smoothly. There were
no serious disturbances; not one
1 life was lost in the banding and
placing of 100000. %
There were no insults 10 the
emperor: there was nothing Ia
offend those who deeply revered
him. On the contrary, special
guards were stationed by the
l Americans 10 protect the lmPeFia
grounds and the famous Shrines
Third. came the last change-tC
smiles, 10 cheerful cooperation
Much of the initial uneaSines'
has gone The youngsters are be
ginning 10 grin, to shout Salute'
TO passing GIS.
SEEK NO ESCAPE
The people and the new gov
ernment are awakening TO tn,
reality of their chances unde
MacArthur'S direction of tn
ttoccupation. Their respect for hin
is already Solidly grounded; 81
long as he is Al the reinS, the!
are quite willing 10 meet tn
Potsdam terms; they are ready L
face the toilsome march ahead.
The Japanese people anticipat
no escape from their obligations
but the feel safe from unreaSon
able demands. from imposition
mot Included in the Potsdam arti
cles. Above all, they feel tina
their emperor is safe that n,
harm. no insult or indignity. vii
come to him from the Americans
With this confidence in thei
hearts. they are grateful; the,
will more than meet Macarthur
half way, and the generals pro
gram will hasten along with in
,crease momentum. with
minimum Of friction, and TO
speedy ending.