CARDINAL FOUND HIROHITO A HUMBLE RULER

Chronicle (Levin), 16 January 1947, Page 4

CARDINAL FOUND HIROHITO A HUMBLE RULER

Cardinal Gilroy, who returned o Australia by plane from Japan recently, eommented on the 'humility and gentlemanly bearng" of Emperor ' Hirohito. who granted him a special audience, says the Sydney Sun. "The Emperor asked me numerous " questions about social lif e in Australia, and expressed a wish to see cordial relations with Japan firmly established, to the benefit of both countries," said Cardinal Gilroy. The Emperor, he added, was living in great simplicity in a secdon of the Japanese Ministerial household. ^ The Japanese seemed anxious tc win back tlie favour of the Australian people, said Cardinal Gilroy. . The civilians were highly impressed . by the excellent condUc. of the occupatioii forees, particularly the Australians. Children in Japan were being -brought up tc respect and harbour kindly feelings for the Australian people, he added. "Wherever I went I was greeted by lovable children and was touched by the courtesy and goodwill whick was shown to me by young and old.'' Cardinal Gilroy said there was no -real shoi'tage in Japan, and nobody was s'tarving. The oecupation troops were being well looksd after. Amenities were being provided more liberally, and troops appeared to be more satisfied with their lot. Referring to improvements in camp conditions of the Austrab ;n forees, Cardinal Gilroy said the soldiers were being transferred from old. uncomfortable hutt tp buildings which had many comforts, including central heating.