Agent Extraordinary

General MacArthur had his say last week. It was about time. The left-wing U.S. press (abetted by odd allies such as the New York Herald Tribune) had been yelling its head off that he was giving Japan a "soft peace," that he was playing politics with Hirohito, that he was playing politics wih the U.S. voters, etc., etc. In a revealing question-&-answer session with U.P.'s smart President Hugh Baillie, the General answered a spate of home criticism and gave the best account yet of his plans and purposes in occupied Japan.

Asked Baillie: Were the Potsdam terms being enforced to the letter?

"Absolutely, yes."

How about reports that Japan would be permitted a standing army for police purposes?

"There is no fabric of truth in this statement. The Japanese Army is being completely demobilized by Oct. 15 and absolutely abolished."

What of the Navy?

"All of it will be destroyed except minor specimens which may be retained for scientific or museum purposes."

Do the Japanese realize that they have been defeated?

"Completely, although there will always be [those] . . . who will present their own arguments. An educational campaign is planned further to drive home the realization. . . ."

How long would the occupation continue?

"I am sure it will take many years to fulfill the terms of the surrender."

Would the U.S. put demobilized Japanese soldiers to work?

"They will be a responsibility of the Japanese themselves. They will be absorbed into the normal, civil population."

Had Japanese arms and munitions actually been delivered to the U.S. forces?

"Yes, and all ... are being assembled for destruction."

What about the Emperor?

"His retention during the surrender and demobilizing steps is serving its full purpose. An untold saving in American lives, money and time has resulted."

What of complaints that the Japanese were treated too kindly?

"The Japanese are not being treated with brutality, but every step provided by the surrender terms, no matter how harsh, is being enforced. Their humiliation, their despair, and the hardships which they face cannot be overestimated."

Why had the Japanese Diet been allowed to meet?

"The Diet was permitted to meet as the representative group of the people for the purpose of disseminating the surrender terms and directives."

Would Japan ever again become a world power?

"Never again, when the terms of the surrender have been accomplished."

Would he visit the U.S. soon?

"No, I regret to say. I feel the situation here will require my personal presence for some time to come."

What of war criminals?

"Trials will commence very shortly."

Who determines occupation policy?

"All major policies will be determined on the highest governmental level by the Allied powers and will be executed by me as their agent, as I may be directed."

Did the General have political aspirations?

"None whatsoever. I have never entered politics and never intend to do so. I have stated before and reiterate now that I started as a soldier and shall finish as one. I am on my last public assignment, which, when concluded, will mark the definite end of my service."

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