Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1948-01-11
Japs Are Eager
For Autonomy
Confidence Grows That
Self.Rule Will
Come Soon
By Russell Brines

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new year with growing confidence
that they are on the verge of re-
gaining their autonomy and with
faith that their economic and polit-
ical pauperism is near an end.
There is increasing evidence that
many Japanese believe the occupa-
ton is almost completed and the
need for it Diminishing.
Only infrequently does the for
eigner hear the once-familiar ex-
preston: American troops must re-
main to preserve order"
Under the stimulus of restless
politicians, the people generally
seem to be increasingly anxious to
try their wings to regain position
of international equality.
Politicians Maneuver
The foremost wish among Japa-
nese is for an early treaty and the
Iightest possible Allied control there
after. The treaty and the men who
will represent Japan at the confer
ence will be basic domestic issue.
Behind the scenes. the politicians
maneuver in a quest for power at
the time when they believe auton-
omy will return to Japan.
Most active are the conservatives,
who are expected to step up their
attack on the social democratic gov
eminent. At the other extreme, the
Communists Are active in the labor
unions, whose wage demands are in
creasing monthly.
Most Japanese seem to have con-
vinced themselves that economic
conditions will improve almost over
night when the treaty is concluded.
Newspapers already proudly report
Japan's slowly rising trade with
Oriental neighbors and term this
country 'the workshop of Asia. y
Ofdcials at Gen. MacArthurs
headquarters, however, say the in
creased trade still Is far short of
making Japan even basically self
sufficient.
Hope for Concessions
Spokesman in China and in the
British Commonwealth have voiced
opposition to restoring strong
competitive economy to Japan.
In the Philippines, however, opin-
ion recently was reported supporting
a move for only limited removal OF
reparations equipment on the
ground Japan's economy must be
strong for the good of the Orient.
japanese industrialists watch
these long-range debates closely
From them they hope to draw con-
cessions, particularly since the
United States backs the view that
a self-supporting Japan is essential
to the Far East.
Industrialists showed keen inter-
est In recent United States senate
rial demands for an investigation OF
the occupations economic policy in
Japan on the grounds it was head
ing toward Specialization"
The powerful in Japan naturally
are opposed to recent legislation for
decentralization of some industries
with too much economic power.
Their influence stalled a bill in the
Diet until supreme headquarters
officials forced it to a vote.
Want u. S. Business Aid
Signs are clear that the industrial
lists hope for American business sup
port in opposing any further break
down Of the economic structure.
Supreme headquarters officials say
the current program is part of the
original Potsdam order for eliminat-
ing the monopolistic influence of
Japan's leading families.
A reaction toward old customs and
former national pride can be ex-
pected to increase in 1913.
Against this background, there is
Hideki Tojo's insistence at the inter-
national war crimes trial that Japan
was right in her Asiatic campaign
and the Pacific war. The story was
spread across the country's news
papers.
Tojo's declaration that a fedora
ton Of Asiatic states under Japan's
leadership is still necessary to pre-
vent western domination" may
start many Japanese to thinking
wrong again.