Press translations [Japan]. Editorial Series 0145, 1945-12-23.

Summary:

This year's result of rice production is worse than was feared, and NIIGATA-Ken which sets itself up as a granary for JAPAN, offered only 50 per cent of the alloted quantity although the best time for rice distribution has passed. It is natural for all farmers not to offer the entire allotted amount but to get by with 70 or 80 per cent this year. They have shrewdly sold only 50 per cent and are now unwilling to offer any more. How much more they will sell hereafter is the main question in regard to this year's rice production. The prefectural authorities are admitting the farmers' unwillingness to sell rice and also are pointing out the indefinite preparations and actions of the government. They are not, however, making any positive efforts to solve the present difficult situation. Under these circumstances, the present difficult situation in distribution, is understandable.

The fate of the Japanese Nation depends upon this year's result of rice sales by farmers. At the- Ken Assembly, Governor HATAKEDA declared that out of 1,850,000 koku in this ken, the alloted quantity for this year, 1,200,000 koku, must be secured as provisions for the people in this Prefecture.

The farmers are reluctant to sell their rice, but on the other hand the tendency toward illicit transactions in rice is even more remarkable. The quantity which is removed from this Prefecture to others amounts to an average of 2,000 koku daily, yet no preventative measures have been taken. Although the police authorities have brought disgrace on themselves by seizing rice from black market dealers, if they do not try to prevent such illicit transactions, it is very obvious that irreparable damage ill result in the supply of rice. Under existing circumstances people will be led to ruin by the food shortage. Now we can only advise the authorities to excute resolute measures to meet the present situation. With all their knowledge they are wasting time doing nothing, For that reason, we have frankly expressed our impatience in this column.

Full Translation:

At the end of the Pacific hostilities, during the Prince HIG .SHIKUNI Cabinet, it was rumored that high-ranking members in political circles would be quickly discarded. The appearance of the SHIDEHARA Cabinet has completely shattered the expectation, and it appears

EDITORIAL SERIES: 145 (Continued)

ITEM 2 (Continued)

that the actual situation has gone to the opposite extreme.

The choices of Goal Board Chief KOBIYAMA, war-time minister, and the Trade Board President MUMKAI, director of the MITSUI EAIBATSU, were quite contrary to the wishes of the people. Nomination of aged General SUZUKI, Kantaro, as president of the Privy Council was quite suprising.

In the 89th special session of the Diet, Prime Minister SHIDEHARA stated that former Prime Minister SUZUKI had not mode any effort to pushahead the war. This is a serious problem. How do we interpret former Premier SUZUKI's speeches, which he often made during his tenure of office, to presue the war. It is of no use to argue about it. He resigned from the office only, because he thought it greatly regretable that he had made the Emperor worry. But now after the abolition of the Lord-Keeper of the Privy Seal, why does the President of the Privy Council become more responsible thin ever? We want to ask, who approved of General Suzuki's appointment and who recommened him for the presidency.

Undemocratic decisions concerning the personal affairs of the highest personages hare been our chief fault in politics. This is easily recognized by all the people. Democratic politics must first clear away those faults. Notwithstanding this, what thought has Prime Minister SHIDEHARA, who chose such men? There may be understanding by the Allied Powers, but not by the majority of the people. The people of JAPAN today are no longer as they were yesterday. It is clearly evident that they pay no attention to the appearance of old MACHIDA, the new leader of the Progressive Party. Members of the party might have elected him the leader to suit their own ends, but no excuse can be allowed by the people. The Americans are becoming vexed to see such slow progress in the reformation of JAPAN, and they are expressing much dissatisfaction with the war leaders, who are still trying to keep their positions. We say their dissatisfaction is as sincere as ours.

Full Translation:

The Government has no political acumen, and the people have no self - control. Therefore, society of late has progressively degenerated. Every individual by having his own way, has forgotten the social integration that is essential for democracy.

Strikes for higher wages in various quarters are one example. Strikers are, each in their own way, demanding an increase in wages of either 300 or 500 per cent, Needless to say, better treatment is necessary, and workers should be emancipated from slave wage condition. But, as seen today, separately competing for higher wages, in other words, a divided struggle for a new economy cannot bring substantial reforms. Those who say that the Labor Union Law is the signal for an economic struggle, and ignore social solidarity and devote themselves to bettering only their own interests are enemies of all workers.

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EDITORIAL SERIES: 145 (Continued)

ITEM 3 (Continued)

The unemployed filling the streets have wasted all their money and are facing grim prospects. The emancipation of the people has brought great hardship. For example, people are raising educational expenses for the three orphans of the late Mr. TOSAKA, Jun, who with no consideration for the welfare of his family, preferred death to dishonor. Such examples can be found often.

Should there exist a labor movement that neglects to support those who fell victim to the struggle for emancipation of the people? The only way to remedy today's serious situation is to develop social solidarity and to fight high cost of living by uniting as one. Toward this end the labor unions should help solve the problem by acting in co-operation with each other.

Full Translation:

The Allied Nations have been concerned with the problem of Shintoism since the end of the war, but it has now taken on a difinite shape. Shintoism was originally neither militaristic, oppressive, nor aggressive, but, since the MELJI Era it has been distorted and linked with political power, thereby running into its present wrong condition. If it, therefore, returns to its original form, it need not be placed under a ban. Such was the judgment of General Headquarters, and it is a just and proper interpretation.

Some scholars say that Shintoism was primarily a ritual originating from an ancient way of worship brought to JAPAN from the continent. It may, therefore, be related to Christianity. The arguments on the old Shintoism by MOTOORI, Norinaga, who grew up in the atmosphere of international commerce as a son of a wholesale dealer in cotton in MATSUZAKA on ISE, and who learned scientific methodology as a physician, contains revolutionary concepts for the destruction of feudalism. Shintoism was really handled incorrectly when the rulers used it as a means of oppression and aggression.

The representative of the Christian Federation who came from the U.S. recently, stated that the American Christians did not pray for the victory of their own country and the defeat of JAPAN, but prayed only that all mankind be led justly. During the war there were those who thought it inexcusable, if they did not utter prayers for victory when visiting shrines or temples. Some hung on the outside church walls signs on which were written such slogans as "Complete the War" or "Imperial Army's Certain Victory". Even the Salvation Army created in BRITAIN had disputes because of its Japanization. Recalling recent events, one finds that it is not only the Shintoists who should be shameful.

Summary:

Mr. Mackenzie KING, Premier of CANADA, recently argued in the Lower House as follows: "Since atomic energy has been discovered, the preservation of world peace will need some form of world government.

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ITEM 5 (Continued)

The more closely we examine the problems confronting the present world, the more convinced we become that the only solution is a partial abandonment of sovereignty on the part of every member of the world. The world government to be established, however, should be limited in its activities to the prevention of war and the maintenance of an international security system."

This address of Premier KING is similar to the resolution for the establishment of a world confederation which OZAKI, Gakudo presented to the session of the Diet. Mr. OZAKI's brilliant career as a Diet member is too well known to reiterate here. Moreover, he is one of the oldest members of representative assemblies in the world. what a great shame it is that the Diet should not have allowed him to uphold his sublime idea of a world confederation, in spite of his intention to do so at the advanced age of eighty. Since he had declared his retirement from the political scene, where he had worked for fifty years, his explanation of the resolution will have been his last speech in the Diet. The Diet should have paid special respect to him.

Mr. KING too is an old member of Parliament. We find it interesting in the current thought of the world that these two seniors advocated at the same time the establishment of a world nation. However, the Diet lost on opportunity to express our high sense of international morality. This is one of the greatest errors which the 89th Session of the Diet committed. A poor amendment of the Election Law, the dull deliberations of the Farm Land Reform Bill and the Labor Union Bill which invited an Allied warning were errors committed by the Diet. How conscious were Representatives of their own war guiet? What was the Progressive Party's reaction to the problem of their presidency? The Diet has committed too many errors to be counted.

In the forthcoming general election, the nation should pass a fair and rigid judgment upon those who will run for reelection.

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