Press translations [Japan]. Political Series 0013, 1945-11-16.

ITEM 1 English-Type Monarchy - Asahi Shimbun - 11 Nov 45. Translator: T. Kitayama.

Summary:

English-Type Monarchy

A Long Time is Necessary for Revision of Constitution Premier SEIDEHARA Says.

(At Special dispatch) Premier SHIDEHARA interviewed Mr. Glan BAPP, Chief of Foreign Information Section of the Associated press. His statement concerning the government system of future Japan is as follows:

General Douglas MacARTHUR, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, has stopped Japan's militarism, and is now carrying out plans to establish democracy in a fair and effective way. There are many Japanese who are anxious to see General Mac [illegible]efforts for bringing permanent and peaceful freedom to JAPAN prove successful. When we consider that American occupation of JAPAN is the result of [illegible]our crushing defeat, it is inevitable that we should go through hardships and difficulties. Though this is apparently a misfortune, I hope it proves, to the contrary, a boon. There are indeed terrible, dark prospects ahead, but we can look forward to a brighter and more hopeful period in the distant future. I wish to inspire the Japanese nation with courage. I believe that the nation has somewhat recovered from the depths of despair to which it was hurled by its defeat. The loss of the war was a tremendous calamity, but that is war in its true light. I hope that this will teach us a lesson and lead us to a better future.

I hope the present Cabinet will live through the coming general election, or at least to that time. We had a democratic government under the present Constitution in the nineteen twenties. There were harmful elements in government and they brought this democratic government to its present end. But now that they have been swept out, we are able to reestablish democracy. I don't say that the Constitution should not be revised, but I believe that we can carry out democracy without the revision of the Constitution. I'm sure you all understand that American democracy is not the only democracy. We should not be forced to adopt American democracy. English monarchy is rather suited to our country. This will enable us to defend the Emperor under a constitutional monarchy. In the third article of the present Constitution, it is stated that "the Emperor is sacred and inviolable." This is quite the same as the English "The King commits no mistake."

The revision of the Constitution is now committed to State Minister MATSUMOTO. The investigation will take a long time, and it will not be finished before the general election at the beginning of next year. It is uncertain whether General MacARTHUR and the governments of the Allied countries will be satisfied with such slow investigation.

POLITICAL SERIES: 13 (Continued)

ITEM 2 The Abolition of Corrupt Custom of the Imperial Court System - Yomiuri Shimbun - 10 Nov 45. Translator: S. Kawasaki.

Extracts:

The Abolition of Corrupt Custom of The Imperial Court System.

Notwith-standing the fact that he is a person of royal birth, H.I.K. the Prince has felt his responsibility keenly for the end of the war, and has determined to relinquish his titles. Prince HIGASHIKUNI's principal residence at TORII-SAKA, AZABU-KU, was destroyed by fire during a raid. He is now living in the barracks built in a section of his premises. His thoroughly simple way of life together with his plain character make him an object of the highest admiration. H.I.H the Prince invited the correspondent of the YOMIURI SHIMBUN into his temporary barrack-type dwelling and revealed his intention as follows: "After resigning from the Prime Ministership, I did much thinking as the result of which I determined to relinquish my title and. assume the responsibilities of a common subject. I revealed my intention to the Minister of the Imperial Household several days ago. Properly speaking, Imperial rule is lofty, so the corrupt custom of the responsible Imperial Court system should be broken down and directly united to the Emperor and the people. Japan should use this opportunity and establish a real, beautiful union between the ruler and the ruled.

We Japanese must contribute to the world's peace in harmony with various countries of the world. When I am granted an Imperial sanction and decend to the status of a subject, I wish to become a commoner defending our country and Progressing along the way of permanent peace together with my 80 million people.

ITEM 3 Abolishment of Conscriptional Law - Asahi Shimbun - 10 Nov 45. Translator: J. Kitayama.

Full Translation:

The abolition of an Imperial Ordinance Concerning the Conscription Law was decided on at a Cabinet Meeting on the 9th.

At the regular Cabinet meeting on Friday the 9th, the following items were decided upon:

Based on the imperial orders issued at the time of the acceptance of POTSDAM Declaration in the 542nd Imperial Ordinance of the 20th year of Showa, the Conscription Law, and other Imperial Ordinances which will become unnecessary on the completion of military demobilization, should be abolished.

Based on the imperial orders issued at the time of the acceptance of the POTSDAM Declaration in the 542nd Imperial Ordinance of the 20th year of Showa. Imperial Ordinances for the expropriation and usage of requested materials as well as for the usage of land and buildings should be issued.

Materials returned to the Imperial Government by the Allied Supreme Commander should be lent, or given, without compensation.

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POLITICAL SERIES: 13 (Continued)

ITEM 4 Bill for Expropriation of Land - Asahi Shimbun - 10 Nov 45. Translator: J. Kitayama.

Full Translation:

A Bill Concerning the Land - Expropriation Law Presented at the Extraordinary Diet Session.

In order to secure agricultural areas sufficient to meet the execution of schemes for the reclamation of waste land, it has been decided, as mentioned in another paragraph, that legal measures should be taken for the application of the Land-Expropriation Law and the Law of Land Using Rights, without the consent of the landowner. A bill necessary for this is to be presented at the extraordinary session of the Diet in December.

Measures for increasing rice-production in the season from 1945 to 1946, are included in the schemes for reclaiming waste land, and the necessary directives have already been issued to the provincial governors.

ITEM 5 Reformation and Abolishment of Ministries and Bureaus - Asahi Shimbun - 10 Nov 45. Translator: J. Kitayama.

Full Translation:

The reformation and abolishment of offices and bureaus requested at the Parliamentary Ministers' Conference.

At the conference of parliamentary ministers on the 9th (Friday), the following decision was reached concerning administrative readjustment.

The dismissal of officials, based on the horizontal deduction system which has hitherto been used, is of no value because those dismissed may later be restored to their positions. At this time, a fundamental reformation and abolishment of offices and bureaus should, be made. Personnel must be shifted in accordance with changes made, and also should review better treatment than they have in the past. In this way, administration will become much more effective. The government will be requested to act immediatly in carrying out these proposals.

ITEM 6 300 More Japanese Sought as War-Criminals - Mainichi Shimbun - 10 Nov 45. Translator: H. Kato.

Full Translations:

According to the Foreign Liaison Bureau, Headquaters of the Allied Supreme Command, on 8, November, 1945 ordered the Japanese Government to take prompt action in handing over some 300 Japanese war criminal suspects who are alleged to have committed, astrocities and other offenses against citizens of the United Nations during their confinement in war prisoner camps, interment camps or hospitals in JAPAN. The persons designated must be delivered into the hands of the commanding General at OMORI Prison at the earliest possible date. Most of the listed suspects are Japanese junior army officers and men. It is also learned, that several civilians are involved in the list.

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POLITICAL SERIES: 13 (Continued)

ITEM 6 (Continued)

The Headquarters of OMORI War Prison (TOKYO): FUJI, Hiroshi ([illegible]); ITO, Hiroshi ([illegible]); KANO, Yukichi([illegible]); KATO, Tetsutaro ([illegible]); KIMURA, Kenzo([illegible]); KOBAYASFI, Minosuke([illegible]); IMANO, Kiyoshi([illegible]); KURIYAMA, Michio([illegible]) SAKABA, Kaname([illegible]); SHIMODAIRA, Mumihiko([illegible]); USEIO, Sachihiko([illegible]): WATANABE, Matsuhiro([illegible]) YOSHIDA, Masahito([illegible]);

SHINAGAWA Hospital: FUJINO, Kiden ([illegible]); KAWATE, Harume([illegible]); The First Branch: EMORI, Hidetoshi([illegible]); SAITO, Katsujiro([illegible]); SUZUKI, Keizo([illegible]). The Second Branch: HAYASHI, Zyunzo ([illegible]): MIYAZAKI, Hiroshi ([illegible]); MIZUNO, Torao ([illegible]); TSUCHIYA, Tatsuo([illegible]). The 4th Branch(in NAOETSU) ([illegible]) AOKI, yuji([illegible]); ISHIKAWA, Tsuneo([illegible]); KATAYAMA, Kengo ([illegible]); KAWANO, Hiroaki ([illegible]): OTA, Seitoku([illegible]); (SHIBANO, Tadao ([illegible]) The 7th Branch(in HITACHl)([illegible]): KODAIRA, Yoshio([illegible]). The 8th Branch: OZA, Saburo([illegible]). The 12th Branch: NAKAJIMA, Sukeo([illegible]). The 13th Branch: SUMIKI, Masao ([illegible]); YOSHIMURA, Torataro([illegible]). The 14th Branch: TANAKA, Ryohei ([illegible]); NAKAMURA, Tomoyoshi([illegible]). The 16th Branch: HIRAMATSU, Sadaji ([illegible]); KUMO, Tatsuo ([illegible]); UCHIDA, Kanematsu: ([illegible]) The 1st Front Sub-Branch: CHIZUWA, Takeichi([illegible]); IKEBA, Sukenobu ([illegible]); ANADO, Shonosuke([illegible]). The 3rd Section: BABA, Kensaku([illegible]); NAKAMURA, Tomoki SATO, Susumu([illegible]). The 5th Front SUB Branch (in KAWASAKI): ISHIGE, Michiharu([illegible]) KANEKO, Koici ([illegible]); KONDO, Shogo([illegible]); NUMANO, Kojiro([illegible]); UMITA, Kyozo([illegible]). The 9th Front Sub-Branch: MIMURA, Masuzo ([illegible]). The 10th.Front Sub-Branch: ([illegible]): SUZUKi, Kiyoshi ([illegible]); KAMIMORI, Masanae ([illegible]). The 19th Front Sub-Branch: KANEAMI, Byugo([illegible]).

NAGOYA: The 1st Branch: HOSOI, Sotoemon([illegible]); SUGEHATA, Hidekichi([illegible]) KADOYA, Unosuke([illegible]); NAKASAI, Matsujiro([illegible]). The 2nd Branch(in NARUKI): KAMEOKA, Yoshio([illegible]); KATO, Yakumi([illegible]); KAWAI, Giichi ([illegible]); KIMURA, Yochiichi([illegible]); TANAKA, Hiroshi. The 3rd Branch( in FUNAZU): FURUSHIMA, Chotaro([illegible]); HORI, Yoshiro ([illegible]); KAMIYA, Fumibaryotatsu([illegible]). The 7th Branch (in TOYAMA): NEGISHI, Masaichi([illegible]); OTAKE, Michiji([illegible]) The 9th Branch: ICHIKAWA, Masaharu([illegible]); ITO, Akira([illegible]).

SENDAI: The Headquarters of SENDAI War Prison: KITAJIMA, Riichi([illegible]). The 1st Branch: CHISUMA, Takeichi([illegible]);HONDA, Hiroji([illegible]); TSUDA, Koju([illegible]). The 2nd Branch: NINOMIYA: OZAWA, Shoji ([illegible]); WAKAMATSU, Manzo([illegible]). The 3rd Branch: ISHIZAWA, Katsuo([illegible]) KOBAYASHI, Tetsuo([illegible]); TANASGO, Izutada([illegible]). The 4th Branch: IWABUCHI, Seimi ([illegible]); KANADA, Kazuyu([illegible]); NAGANUMA, Seiki([illegible]); SHIODA, Hiroshi([illegible]). The 5th Branch: INAGI, Makoto([illegible]). The 6th Branch; ASAGA, Akinori([illegible]); HOTTA, Yoshinosuke([illegible]); ITO, Seiichi([illegible]); MATSUMIYA, Isao([illegible]);SAITO, Seizo([illegible]); SATO, Masakatsu([illegible]); SHIMUZU, Masatsugu([illegible]); TAKAHASHI, voshiro([illegible]). The 7th Branch: SATO, Mesakatsu ([illegible]); SHIMUZU, Masatsugu([illegible]); TAKAHASHI, Yoshiro ([illegible]). The 7th Branch: SATO, Masashi ([illegible]); SHIKAGA, Matsusaburo ([illegible]). The 8th Branch: HATAKEYAMA, Iseo([illegible]) ; KURATO, Seinosuke([illegible]); MIUR, Soichi([illegible]); SAITO, Suematsu([illegible]). The

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POLITICAL SERIES: 13 (Continued)

ITEM 6 (Continued)

10th Branch: ONODERA, Masaji([illegible]). The 11th Branch: SHIBANO, Tadao([illegible]).

FUKUOKA: The 1st Branch: HATA, Masando([illegible]); HASHIRA, Takee ([illegible]); OKI, Yasushi([illegible]); SAKAMOTO, Arihichi([illegible]); The 2nd Branch: AKIYAMA, Fukujiro([illegible]); DANNO, Kazuo([illegible]); NOZAKI, Motonora([illegible]). The 3rd Branch: ARATA ([illegible]): ASANO, Ukio([illegible]); KAWASAKI, Gan ([illegible]); KITA, Takoo([illegible]); MINENO, Genji([illegible]); NAGAKURA, Shozo([illegible]); NAKAMURA, Hideji([illegible]); NISHIMURA, Kishiro([illegible]); URATA, Torajiro([illegible]). The 4th Branch: IKEDA, Yoshiuki([illegible]); MOYO, Morio([illegible]); SAITO, Yoichi([illegible]); SAKAguchi, Kiyofusa([illegible]); TAKANO, Masashi([illegible]). The 8th Branch: FUJIKWA, Yoshinobu([illegible]); KATO, Suno([illegible]); TAKATO, Shuichi([illegible]). The 14th Branch: MATSUSHITA, Chiemaro([illegible]); NAKAJIMA, Takeero([illegible]); SAITO, Shinseburo([illegible]). The 17th Branch: FUJIWARA,([illegible]); TAKAHAMA, Koichi([illegible]); YURI, Kei([illegible]) The 23rd Branch: ANDO, Tatsuo([illegible]); FURUSHO, Tsukasa([illegible]); HIRATA, Takeharu([illegible]); NAKAKURA, Takuso([illegible]); SAKAHAMI, Genichi([illegible]); KODOISHI, Shigenari([illegible]).

HAKODATE: The Headquarters of War Prison: AONO, Shigeru([illegible]); EMOTO, Shigeo([illegible]); HATAKEYAMA, Suno([illegible]); HIRANO, Ryuma([illegible]); KATWANO, Zenzo([illegible]); NAGANUMA, Seiki([illegible]); SAKANO, Sadao([illegible]); SHIWA, Tsutomu([illegible]) TANAKA, lunichiro([illegible]). The 1st Branch: ARAKI, Kuniiehiro([illegible]); ENDO, Toshiaki([illegible]);HIBATE, Kaichi([illegible]); ITO, Fumitaro([illegible]); KARIYA, Yoshiaki([illegible]); WATANABE Masaharu([illegible]). The 2nd Branch: TENDO, Jiro([illegible]); YASUDA, Katsuhiro([illegible]). The 3rd Branch: NAKAO, Unesaku([illegible]); NIIZUMA, Kinsaburo([illegible]); TAKEDA, Nobumasa([illegible]).

HIROSHIMA: HARA, Shigeichi([illegible]); IWAMATSU, Fumiji([illegible]); KONNO, Tamae([illegible]); NAGAMORI, Masaji([illegible]); OKAMOTO, Masaki([illegible]); SAITO, Hiroshi([illegible]); SUGIYAMA, Hironari([illegible]). The 2nd Branch(NIIHAMA): MIYAWAKI, Yoshitatsu([illegible]); OKADA, Haruo([illegible]); SAITO, Kyosuke([illegible]); TANIMOTO, Shuichi([illegible]). The 3rd Branch: NAKAJIMA, Hidemaro([illegible]). The 4th Branch: ISHIMATSU, Matasuke([illegible]); YAMAJI, Koseki([illegible]). The 5th Branch(INOJIMA) ([illegible]); NOMOTO, Akira,([illegible]). The 6th Branch: NISH[illegible]Noboru([illegible]); SAKAI, Ken([illegible]) The 7th Branch(UBB)([illegible]): FUTIMURA, Yoshimoto([illegible]); HARATA, Asaichi([illegible]); INOUE, Yoshiuki([illegible]); TAGUCHI, Yo([illegible]) . The 8th Branch: ASADA, Shigeri([illegible]); GOTO, Kozo([illegible]); KODAMA, Noboru ([illegible]); MARUYAMA, Shinji ([illegible]). The 8th Branch(GENZAN) ([illegible]): MURAKAMA, Tetsuya([illegible]) NAGAWA, Chiyozo([illegible]). The 9th Branch(KOHAMA)([illegible]); FUKUHARA, Yuo([illegible]); YAMAMOTO, Hiroshi([illegible]).

ITEM 7 Second Step to Investigate Constitution Revision Almost Completed - Asahi Shimbun - 10 Nov 45. Translator: A. Kido.

Summary:

Second Stage in the Study or Revision Roughly Completed. Question of Emperor System will not be touched, according to Minister without portfolio, MATSUMOTO.

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POLITICAL SERIES: 13 (Continued)

ITEM 7 (Continued)

According to Mr. MATSUMOTO, Minister without portfolio and chairman of the investigation committee on the question of constitutional revision, the first step of the investigation has by and large been completed. The investigation of the concrete issues will be taken up at the next meeting of the committee.

Following is an account of the interview with the Minister and Chairman MATSUMOTO on the question of determining what position the Lord Keeper of Privy Seal should take toward General MacARTHUR's recent declaration regarding KONOE's unfitness for dealing with constitution reforms. The interview further discusses how the investigation committee will be affected by alteration of the character of the committee, and by the discussion on the Emperor system.

Question: How is the investigation of constitution reform getting on?

Answer: Our work was begun with the question: is there any need for the reforms? Proceeding from that point we have determined the reasons for reform. Material is being gathered, and the investigation is making progress. Whether the revision bill will he submitted to the special session next spring is a political question. We need a little more time, though we are preparing to meet the Imperial requirement at any time.

Question: Does not the declaration on KONOE's incapacity mean a speedy ending of the constitution investigation by the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal?

Answer: Apart from the declaration I think the Investigation of the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal will soon he completed, for it will he in general form and therefore will not deal with specific questions.

Question: Is it intended to continue the investigation to the end with the existing committee? Should the machinery and committeemen be altered? Under what principles will such new machinery be reorganized?

Answer: Since the hoard of investigation has been proceeding with a purely scientific approach, we are going to continue with a jurisprudential attitude. It may also become necessary to institute another investigating body, for in the course of time questions relating to political affairs may appear. But this point is at present not under consideration. In the last stages of the constitutional reform, it is quite natural that the Political Problems will arise concommitantly. In such a case we will take apropriate measures. Until then we will follow a jurisprudential course, without making any political interpretation.

Question: How does discussion of the emperor system relate to the investigation Committee?

Answer: On that point, each member may have his own idea, but the Committee as such intends not to enter into the abolition question of the emperor system.

Question: Is there no need for strengthening the investigation committee?

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POLITICAL SERIES: 13 (Continued)

ITEM 7 (Continued)

Answer: I think it is quite adequate, but in order to make extensive investigations, we have requested, of the finance and justice ministries to assign specialists to the task.

Question: In the detailed discussion, what article, will be considered most carefully?

Answer: Every article will be carefully considered. However, Art 1, 3 and 4 will cause the greatest deliberation. Over matters concerning the army and navy, all the committee members are working hard.

ITEM 8 Japanese Lawyer Refused to Defend General TOJO - Yomiuri-Hochi - 10 Nov 45. Translator: S. Sano.

Full Translation:

Mr. RUSSEL BRIANS, an AP journilist, reported on 9th November that the Japanese government has named 17 lawyers who may be used, to defend the war-criminals if permitted, to do so by the Allied Powers.

Dr. SOMEI, Nosawa, president of MEIJI University and one of the best lawyers refused to defend General TOJO and said: "I would not defend General TOJO. He will have difficulties obtaining a Japanese lawyer. However, a fair trial must be conducted in view of its international importance. I will not defend any war-criminal who is personally guilty. Among the persons arrested by Allied Powers, there are some civil officials who may not be guilty of having pulled the nation into war."

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