Press translations [Japan]. Editorial Series 0070, 1945-12-08.

Extracts:

Every phenomenon in the world has two aspects, its bright side and its dark side. This is remarkably shown by the present crisis. For instance, the military officers and men, and even the policemen, in the execution of their duties, were once the object of gratitude, but with the exposure of their corruptness, they have become hated by the people.

Farmers, who showed sincere co-operation in delivering rice to the Government, even at the sacrifice of individual needs, were admired by the public, but in their black market dealings they have profited greatly to the extreme displeasure of the masses. In order to attain democratization of our country we must endeavor to eliminate the dark side, as much as possible, through the power of FUDOMYOO, who is a symbol of mighty power in Buddhism, and who abolishes all evil; and with the benevolence of JIZO, who represents charity in Buddhism, we should unite in perfect harmony and abandon individualism.

Extract:

The abolition of controls on perishable goods is generally construed as the replacement of a controlled economy by a free economy. However, we have never had a controlled economy in the true sense of the word. The controlled economy of the war was never a controlled economy but a free economy, in spite its appearance. The industrialists, with government funds, indulged in black market dealings in competition with each other more freely than in a free economy. The Government, on its part, had neither complete or accurate statistics nor a strong control. The factors characteristic of a controlled economy were only unreasonable oppression and red tape by the bureaucrats, which did nothing more than hinder production and distribution.

We do not expect the old laissez-faire economy, which under the prevailing conditions would bring every one to bankruptcy. But in this time of shortages, a free economy in the proper sense of the word should be allowed to work at least in production. The Government should abolish all controlling laws and regulations at this time and bring in a real free economy.

EDITORIAL SERIES: 70 (Continued)

ITEM 3 (Continued)

Extract:

The revival of silk manufacture is sorely needed for reparations and exports now that the war is over. However, we must realize that it will take some time before silk becomes suitable for export in repayment for imports. The reasons for this are as follows:

• 1.Most of the silk manufacturing factories were abolished or diverted to other manufacture during the war.
• 2.It is very difficult to supply machines quickly.
• 3.We cannot expect a rapid increase in the quantity of cocoons.
• 4.It takes about half a year for an operator to become skilled.

Thus, we find that the revival of silk manufacture has many obstacles. However, it must be effected as soon as possible, both to solve the food problem and to rebuild the economic power of our country.

Extract:

New departments, called the Price Bureau of the Finance Ministry, and the Board of Foreign Trade, which is connected with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, have been established. Establishment of these bureau or boards, however, cannot solve the price or foreign trade problems, and will not reduce the responsibility of the Government on solving these problems.

It is said that the presidents of these new institutions will be elected from the general public. We advise that the appointment of ordinary citizens as presidents will not result in shifting responsibility on the public. A few ordinary citizens, among many officials, will not reform officialdom.

Full Translation:

Premier Shidehara, replying to the query of Mr. KAWAZAKI at the Budget Meeting of the House of Representatives, stated, whether or not the Cabinet will resign e[illegible]masse as the result of the coming general election depends upon the circumstances at the time, and I cannot give an opinion on this at present. This is an astonishing reply. The entire Nation hopes that the general election will be held as soon as possible, merely because they expect that it will result in replacing this bureaucratic, transient Cabinet with a new one based upon the people's will. The Nation is not entirely optimistic about the results of the coming general election; they doubt whether any new Cabinet will be an ideal one. Nevertheless, the people long for a general election and a new Cabinet because they believe that our policy necessitates such a course for our improvement. Moreover, the people believe that general elections should be held several times, and the Cabinet changed often, before it is possible to have an ideal election or an ideal cabinet.

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EDITORIL SERIES: 70 (Continued)

ITEM 5 (Continued)

The Prime Minister replied to a further query of the Budget Committee with his political theory, in which he suggested how the support or opposition of the Diet to the policies of the Government is related to the dissolution of the Diet or to the resignation of the Cabinet. He quoted the cases of European countries in his explanation. But the situation is quite different with the SHIDEHARA Cabinet, for in those quoted cases the political party Cabinet systems have already been established. Then, no problem is left for the SHIDEHARA Cabinet regarding the manner in which political powers are to be given to the next Cabinet. It has only to carry out the general election as soon as possible and give the political powers to the next Cabinet, composed of the political party which has its roots in the Diet.

The Premier cannot recognize even such simple matters. He might well be accused of desiring to preserve the privileged bureaucratic Cabinet and to protect the ruling classes which have led us to ruin. Assuming that the Premier does not have such reactionary intentions, if he wants to be authorative on politics until such time when a better election will be held and a better Cabinet will be born, then his self-centered ideas are incomprehensible. We can only imagine that he supposes such results as: 1. The coming general election will not reflect the true will of the people; or, 2. Many minor parties are born as the result of the election, and the majority party is not sufficiently strong to take the reins of Government; or, 3. The SHIDEHARA Cabinet will not lose the confidence of the Diet after the general election.

In regard to the first case, it is probable that the Premier assumed this, for he once stated that he would dissolve the Diet as many times as might be required if a "good" election were not held. But the election should be held as a responsibility to the Nation; we need not be influenced by a bureaucratic Cabinet any more. As to the second case, it is possible that many minor parties will be elected. But the next Cabinet need not always be formed by the majority political party; that is, the associated Cabinet should also be taken into consideration. Moreover, it is irrational to imagine that the political situation will be stabilized by the coming general election; it should be considered as only a start toward democracy. What is necessary is that it should be started as early as possible. The Premier must know that the stabilization of the political status will be delayed as long as he holds to his present position. As for the third case, the Premier stated that if the Government proposes certain important bills in the Diet after the general election, and the Diet opposes these bills, it may be possible that this body will be dissolved again. But the Cabinet will be requested to resign before the Government proposes such "important "bills." These are the necessary results of the constitutional political system. Moreover, if we take into consideration what measures the Government has taken to relieve the masses of people in distress, we think the attitude to be taken by the Government is self-evident.

Full Translation:

The proposal for the collective resignation of Diet members is absurd unless they actually decide not to stand for re-election. But have they such a determination? They are reported to have stated

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EDITORIAL SERIES: 70 (Continued)

ITEM 6 (Continued)

that, among the three major bills, the election bill alone must be passed because its enactment is the principal reason for the present Diet session and that it is the prerequisite for the Diet's dissolution. They stated that the other two bills do not necessarily require deliberation in the present Diet, but, rather, that it is more natural that they should be considered in the next Diet, which, from its nature, will reflect the desires of the general public. But, considering the circumstances under which the cabinet has been obliged to submit these bills, we cannot understand why they should try to shelve them. The Land Reform Bill, for instance, is closely connected with the urgent problem of food, and will have great influence upon the morale of the farmers. This problem must be settled in the present Diet.

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