Press translations [Japan]. Political Series 0043, 1945-12-01.

Full Translation:

All parties have selected their representatives to act as interpellators on the Premier's address made on 28 November. SAITO, Takao; MATSUMURA, Mitsuzo and TANURA, Hidekichi were selected as interpellators for the Progressive Party. One of the following, MITAMURA, Takeo, KITA, Soichiro, FUKUYA, Shuichi will speak for the Independents; HATOYAMA, Ichiro, for the Liberals, and NISE[illegible]10, Suehiro for the Socialists.

Full Translation:

At the plenary session of the House of Representatives on 28 November Mr. SHIMADA,, Speaker of the Lower House, declared the session temporarily in recess at 1130 after 18 committeemen were nominated to draft a reply to the speech from the Throne. The session resumed at 1230 end unanimously approved a reply to the speech from the Throne as well as the report by Mr. DEI, Hyokichi, Chairman of the Drafting Committee. The session then recessed again.

With its resumption of business at 1630, the selection of a chairman for the entire House was left to Mr. SHIMADA, Speaker of the House. He promptly nominated Mr. NOBUTA, Ginemon (member of the Japan Progressive Party) as the chairman.

The speaker conferred with the House to elect standing committees and the following chairmen were selected: NAKAJIMA, Yadanji (Japanese Progressive Party), chairman of Appropriations Committee; NAGATA, Ryokichi (Japanese Progressive Party), Chairman of the Committee on Petitions; KATO, Tomomasa (an independent), Chairman of the Budget Committee; TAKIZAWA, Shichiro (Liberal Party), chairman of the Amendment Committee; CHI[illegible]TSU, Teikichi (Japanese Progressive Party), chairman of the Disciplinary Committee.

In addition, the Speaker proposed that the House approve a commendation for Mr. TAKAMI, Shitsu, a long-standing member of the House. His proposal was unanimously adopted and Mr. TAKAMI, in turn, made a speech of appreciation for it. The session .adjourned at 1730.

POLITICAL SERIES: 43 (Continued)

Extracts:

Mr. HATOYAMA, president of the Liberal Party, recently went as a representative to Supreme Headquarters on the urgent food question and at the same time negotiated with the Progressive and Socialist Party to hold a Three-part Coalition Committee meeting for investigation of the food question. We obtained approval from both parties and is now going to select committeemen from each party for the purpose of drawing up a concrete plan for submission to the government. The personnel of the Committee are as follows: Messrs ANDO, [illegible]shizuka, and KATO, of the Liberal Party; Messrs NISKIO, Kirano, and KONO, of the Socialist Party. The Progressive Party members have not yet been chosten.

Summary:

In the convention of the Lower House held on 28 November, Mr. SAITO questioned Premier SHIDEHARA about the government's intentions on the Constitutional revision. The Premier answered as follows, showing the Diet the steps of the governmental investigation of the Constitution. Though the Premier did not refer to national problems which were the object of SAITO's question, it was clear from his answer that he believed the development of democracy would not be hindered by revision of articles and paragraphs in the Imperial Constitution, Premier's answer:

It is not impossible to devise a way to employ the articles and regulations of the Constitution so as to keep up with the present situation. Many practical examples of revision exist. If considerable revision of some articles and regulations does not interfere with our progress toward democracy, and prevents abuse of power, let us hasten to make such revision, now."

Full Translation:

The present Diet, which held an opening ceremony the day before yesterday in new democratic attire, is now being eyed by the nation. What is the first impression regarding each member? Strange to say, whichever face we see, there is no change of expression visible. Isn't everyone assuming an entirely indifferent air? It is curious just what each member is meditating about.

On the evening of 27 November, after attending the opening ceremony of the Diet, we can say, about the "essence of new politics" that, while some are ready to do anything for the country, the important thing is that they should not lose sight of their own positions. As far as war responsibility is concerned, it is easy enough to point to others as guilty ones. "Oppression by the military and bureaucrats" is the alibi. Did those who excused themselves thus ever oppose the military and bureaucrats with might and main? Now many persons can we count who were actually put into prison as the result of having their swords broken and arrows exhausted? These representatives had batter give up being candidates. We are surprised at their indifferent air. It would be better to put such irresponsible, dishonorable members where the can do no harm.

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POLITICAL SERIES: 43 (Continued)

Full Translation:

The throbbing sound of democracy seems to be echoing high above the clouds. Three Imperial princes made their appearance in sack-coats, not at the seats for the Imperial Family, but in the gallery of the House of Peers. We refer to Princes TAKEDA, HIGASHIKUNI, and KAYA, Junior. The scene was the plenary session of the House of Representatives on the afternoon of 28 November.

The first way to acheive the purpose of sweeping away militarism may be a change of costume. Looking over the fully-packed assembly-hall, the only person in military costume was YONAI, Minister of the Navy, sitting stiffly. There was one nun in the seats for women, accompanied by two girl students in sailor suits.

The sounds of turning news-cameras streamed over the hall like cicadas' songs, and then with the radio announcer's explanation, flowed into the ears of the public through the microphone. In the midst of many sounds white handkerchiefs were waved all through the room.

There was SHIMOMURA, Minister of the Army in a black sack-coat, standing on the platform with his head down. Lo! the representative of the Army, who commanded the people for the past many years, is now apologizing to the nation! He dares not raise his voice any more. There was a storm of cheers through the hall when Mr. SAITO asked him to give his opinion on "the last day of the Army".

The eyes of the whole audience were on him as he said, " . . . . . above all, it cannot be permitted that the Army authorities participate too much in politics . . . . . . It is much to be regretted that the nation has come to such a miserable state, I must apologize, deeply to the whole people." The black sack-coat he wore was like mourning clothes.

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