Press translations [Japan]. Economic Series 0261, 1946-02-05.

Full Translation:

Question: "We urge that the so-called Farmers' Union Law he formed in the same manner as the Labor Union Law, thereby protecting farmers from the feudalistic oppression of landowners, and at the same time contributing to the former's enlightenment what do you think about that?"

Mr. SUEHIRD: "I think you are right. But I am afraid it is impossible at the present tire, for matters concerning farm problems are at the sole disposal of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and not the Ministry of welfare which handles all problems regarding labor union movements. So I hope the Employees Union in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry initiates a movement to make the law advantageous to the farmers. At the same time, I think farmers in their turn should endeavor to improve their social position, even if they cannot expect legal aid. By this, I mean farmers should [illegible]whatever is possible at present."

Question: "In case of farm disputes, hew about farmers occupying the Agrarian Association or village office?"

Mr. SUEHIRO; "They may not do so."

Question: "Is it also impossible in such cases to occupy these establishments in the same way as strikers occupy factories as their headquarters to carry out labor disputes?"

Mr. SUEHIRO: "No, because they do not work in such establishment as in the case of factory strikers."

Question: "Why is the right to manage production not given to strikers, whereas they are given the right to strike?"

Mr. SUEHIRO: "Just as I have said, while the right to strike is approved, the right to manage production is also virtually given to workers. I think no further detailed enactments in this respect are necessary."

Question: "By saying that, do you mean the taking over of management by strikers can be regarded as an act connected with the right to strike?"

Mr. SUEHIRO: "Yes. For instance, in cases where the law prevents strikers from stopping production, they can strike, by taking over the management of production."

Question: "How about strikers taking over management and living upon the revenue of the company?"

ECONOMIC SERIES: 261 (Continued)

ITEM 1 (Continued)

Mr. SUEEIRO: "Needless to say, they may not have recourse to such acts. For the management of production only means the continuance of production by strikers, but this does not give them the right to dispose of what belongs to the company."

Question: "We think it preferable to borrow money for funds in order to carry out a strike, because we can claim the sum spent during a strike from the company when the dispute is settled, and even if we cannot obtain the sum directly from the company, we can claim it through the Arbitration committee."

Mr. SUEHIRO: "If you have recourse to such a means, I am sure you must be punished for embezzlement."

Question: "At present, it is the only means we have!"

Mr. SUEHIRO: "I understand what you mean, but it is the law that prevents you from so doing."

Question: "As to the collective contract, how about organizing a single labor union in every industrial field, thereby making a collective contract with capitalists throughout the country just as in the case of the YOMIURI HOOHI Newspaper Publishing Company?"

Mr. SUEHIRO: "I think it is possible."

Question: "I think, if the capitalists organize themselves into a single body in accordance with the organization of single labor unions in every industrial field, there will not be a frequency of labor strikes in the future. Don't you think so?"

Mr. SUEHIRO: "Yes, I am of the same opinion. I think nothing is more effective for settling labor disputes than a collective contract between capitalists' groups and single united labor unions in every industrial field."

Question: "What we hope for in this respect is an immediate appearance of a single labor union among workers in all industrial fields and a single capitalist body, therby carrying out collective bargaining between them. In addition, the Labor Committee must consist of delegates truly representing the workers' interests. And I think it is up to the Federation of Labor Unions, consisting of single labor unions in every industrial field, to elect suitable delegates for the Labor committee. Don't you think the organization of the Federation of Labor Unions or the single united labor unions in every industrial field is quite necessary at present?"

Mr. SUEHIRO: "Yes, I do. But you must remember that such an organization cannot be completed over-night, because there are quite different interests among workers in every industrial field, which will cause considerable difficulty In organizing themselves into single unions, is such, there are many disparities between your plan and its realization."

Question: "Don't you think it better to organize by persuading thorn to reach an agreement upon such matters as wage increases and reduction of working hours?"

Mr. SUEHIRO: "Yes, that is better. Besides, I think there are other means than those which you have just proposed, such as revising the laws concerning labor union movements and enforcing them so as to improve the social position of all workers."

(To be continued)

- 2 -

ECONOMIC SERIES: 261 (Continued)

Full Translation:

The stock "breeding bureau of the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry, in line with the land development enterprises, has been drawing up plans to encourage stock breeding. The Government plains to control stock farms in order to give facilities to civilian stock breeders and farmers, and at the same time enlarge the accomodations of the present state stock breeding experimental farms and stud-farms.

Cattle thus raised will be distributed among development farms to be kept for the benefit of agricultural management, and some will also be sold to individual farms. The Government, by this plan aims to improve agricultural management and encourage stock breeding by formers as a side line.

Since stock breeding has much to do with the fodder, the Government will make the concrete program known, before starting on the project, after it has become certain that it is supported by the people concerned.

Full Translation:

The establishment of so-called second companies was first advocated by some financial circles soon after the war. The plan by the Industrial Bank (KOGIN) and the "second company plan" of the Iron end Steel Manufacturing Company (NITTETSU) came into the limelight, and the Ministry of commerce and Industry is said to be taking positive steps.

Although it is gaining the interest of financial circles, the establishment of the Second Company makes little progress in fact. No progress has been seen as projected in the FUJI Industry Company (FUJI SAKOYO), and a. considerable time will be consumed in establishing the second NIPPON Iron and steel Manufacturing Company. The main causes for this are:

• 1.Their establishment is fundamentally restricted by commercial law. The law provides that approval by creditors is required for the transfer of the assets of munition companies and the companies cannot act as freely as desired.
• 2.Banks which are creditors to munition companies, are mostly of the opinion that the establishment of such second companies is premature.
• 3.The majority of the munition companies who intend to establish second companies are likely to become the object of reparations, and the companies will be obliged to rebuild their industries.
• 4."The matter is still to be contemplated" prevails throughout financial circles, for the majority of capitalists desire to utilize existing installations to the fullest extent.
• 5.Many installations are made that the operation of only a part is economically unfavorable.
• 6.There are many difficult matters connected with credit and debt and personnel affairs between the second company and the former company.

The Enterprise Resumption Plan Committee (KIGYO SAIKAI TAISAKU IINKAI) of the Combined Association of Economic Organizations (KEI-DAN-REN)

- 3 -

ECONOMIC SERIES: 26l (Continued)

ITEM 3 (Continued)

has deliberated the matter, with representatives of banking institutions attending, and has made the following announcement; Every possible effort will be made towards the establishment of second companies along with the Government Plan or the Industrial bank's Plan, but temporary measures will be devised as far as possible for the continuance of enterprises by existing organizations until banking institutions are arranged for the purpose. To give assistance in the establishment of second companies, it is necessary to create a new bank, or an adjustment account in all banks to absorb the loan account to munitions companies, or an Adjustment Bank to absorb all munition companies' accounts. As another measure, the revision of the Commercial Law, or the enactment of a new law pertaining to the establishment of second companies is desired.

DISTRIBUTION "X"

- 4 -