Evening star., 1946-04-22

Resigns Under
Party Pressure
Step Held Necessary
To Stabilize Politics
After Election Split
BY the Assoeioted Press

TOKYO, April 22.-Premier XII.
juro Shidehara and his cabinet
resigned in a group tonight un-
der pressure from the leading po-
litical parties, who were expected
to join the deposed leaders ir
forming new cabinet.
All ministers agreed to the resig-
nation after Shidehara and Cabinet
Secretary Wataru Narashi explained
that this action was necessary tc
Stabilize the political situation,
Narashi said in announcing the de-
cision.
Shidehara became premier six
months ago after series of political
shakeups which followed Japan's
surrender.
Next Regime Uncertain.
The action, predicted since NO
party succeeded in gaining a major
ity in the April IL election. came
after series of political maneuvers
so complex that they dazzled the
ordinary japanese and left the
makeup of the next government
obscure.
The 74-year-old premier took his
resignation to the Imperial Palace
shortly after 7 pm, Tokyo time 6
am. E. S. TD. Emperor Hirohito
accepted it in one-hour audience
but followed with the traditional
practice of asking Shidehara to re-
main in Office until his successor
could be appointed.
Foreign Minister Shigeru Yo-
shlda conveyed the resignation de-
clsion to Gen. Macarthur previously
through one of supreme headquar-
ter's staff officers.
The first full-time occupation cab
met, appointed soon after the sur
render, ended its six months reign
under fire from all but one political
party, all Tokyo newspapers, most
trade unions and other organiza-
tionS.
Criticized for Months.
Criticism has been almost con-
slant the last four months over
the cabinets failure to solve the
food problem and other difficulties
connected with living under re-
Mobilization conditions.
Blame for the livelihood prob
lens and growing distrust of what
was called do nothing" cabinet
were the basic factors in Shide-
hara's downfall. But organized po-
litical opposition finally forced the
resignations-evidently made &C.
cordlng to plan-after Shidehara
repeatedly announced he intended
to remain in Office until the next
Diet.
The Progressive party, of which
Shldehara is scheduled to become
president tomorrow, supplied the
final push to the cabinet which tee.
tered precariously in two other ma
Jor crises in the past few months
The progressives refused to accept
Shidehara as president until he re-
signed as premier.
Shldehara, as progressive Ga con-
servative party president, was ex-
pected to start individual confer
ences Immediately for a coalition
cabinet with Ichiro Hatoyama, pres
ident of the Liberals conservative
and Tetsu Katowyma, Social Demo
crat leader, Qeft of center). He
plans then to hold a combined con-
ference with them. On the basis OF
their meetings the next premier will
be named, providing the political
leaders can agree.
May Head New Coalition.
This will be the first party gov
ernment in more than 10 years.
Informed japanese said Hirohito
will have no part in actual selec-
ton of the next premier.
Many believe Shidehara will be
chosen to head a new coalition
cabinet.
japanese speculated that the Lib
eral party, which gained 139 seats
in the recent Diet election. might
be given four portfolios, and the
Progressives and Social Democrats
each three. The Progressives wol,
SO seats, the Social Democrats 81
The cabinet consists of eight regu-
lar ministries and a maximum OF
four without portfolio.
The biggest question mark is the
status OF Hatoyama. He has said
he wanted to be premier, but he still
Is under investigation by supreme
headquarters and the Japanese gov
ernment for possible disqualified
ton. He once wrote book express
ing admiration for Hitler and Musso.
lini.
Stabilizing Factor Sought.
Others mentioned in preliminary
speculation include Yukio Ozaki. 81
parliamentary veteran who was re-
elected as an Independent.
Narashi, explaining the cabinet
resignation, said, "the Shidehara
tSee JAPANESE, Page A-14)