Evening star., 1949-12-31
Text of Gen. MocArthur's New Year Message

when political maturity, social
justice and economic self-sufa-
cheney will make of Japan sturdy
and highly respected member OF
the society of free nations.
This synopsis of the present
etches the pattern Of the future.
It reflects the steady, answering
progress of a people who, with
backs to discredited past, see
lofty goal ahead and are de-
termined to achieve it. 1t gives
unmistakable answer to those
voices of men, the uninformed or
misinformed; the informed but
pathological cynic; the indoctrinee
of Japan's old and discredited
order, so blind that he will not
see; and the subversive who would
sabotage the peoples faith raised
during the four years and more Of
occupation in self-ordained ON
niscience to foremost from time
to time with Unsuitable persis-
tence the imminence of economic
disaster, the re-emergency Of
political reaction, the widespread
absorption of the Communist
hypocrisy, and the social convul-
sions inevitable from any effort to
integrate Western ideals with
Eastern culture.
1t is to the credit of both the
American and Japanese peoples
that these prophets Of gloom have
had their say without marring IN
the least the pattern Of steady
progress.
2 Basic Problems Remain. =
AS we enter the new year, two
basic and yet unresolved problems
cause concern in every japanese
mind: The global theological
struggle brought close to Japan by
the Communist roll over China.
and the international procedural
conflict delaying call of a Japanese
peace conference. Such concern
is indeed most natural. But the
solution of these problems does
not lie within Japan's present
capability, and should not direct
ly be drawn within the orbit Of
Japan's internal politics. Pend
ing such solution. however. Ja-
pans road ahead is clearly de-
lineated. She must continue
steadfastly and invincibly for
ward along the course so well
charted by the constitutional pre-
cepts. To do so is not only to
strengthen Japan's own free in
stitutions, but by example TO
strengthen the free institutions Of
others, as well.
Some contemporary cynics de-
ride as visionary Japan's constitu-
tional remuneration of the concept
of belligerency and armed secur-
ity. Be not overly concerned by
such detractors. A product Of Jap
anese thought, this provision is
based upon the highest OF moral
ideals, and yet no constitutional
provision was ever more funda-
mentally sound and practical.
While by no soph1stry of reason
ing can 1t be interpreted as COM
plete negation of the inalienable
right of self-defense against un-
provoked attack, it is a ringing
affirmation by a people laid pros
trate by the sword. Of faith in the
ultimate triumph Of international
morality and justice without resort
to the sword.
It must be understood, however,
that so long as predatory inter-
national banditry is permitted to
roam the earth to crush human
freedom under its avarice and vio-
lence. the highest concept to
which you are pledged will be
slow in finding universal accept
ance. But it is automatic that
there must always be a nrst In
all things. In this historic decision,
you are the first. The opportunity.
therefore, is yours to exemplify
before mankind the soundness Of
this concept and the inestimabls
benefit resulting from the dedica-
ton of all energy and all resource
to peaceful progress.
In due course other nations will
join you in this dedication. but
meanwhile you must not falter.
Have faith in my countrymen and
other peoples who share the same
high ideals. Above all. have faith
in yourselves.