AMERICA AS FOSTER FATHER

Chronicle (Levin), 9 May 1947, Page 5

AMERICA AS FOSTER FATHER

EXTENSIVE INFLUENCE IN JAPAN Received Thursdav, 7 p.m. NEW YORIv, -May /. General MaeArthur's reported assuraime that United -States will guarantee Japan's proteetion, emphasises how -ompletelv these islands have moved into the American orbit, savs the Asso ciated Press Tokio eorrespondeiit. American predominanee in the oeeupa tion has tied Japan to United Htates economically, psychologieally and diplornatically. The Japanese recognise this and generallv welcome it. Priine Minis ter Yoshida voieed a prevalent opinion when he said: "United States' aims are identical with Japan's now." He nieant that United States needs a de fensible, stable, democratic Japan as a bnhvark just as the Japanese need American support to reach that position. Many .American offieers, eveing the archipelago as a military and politieai springboard to the Pacific and Southem Asia, agree. General MaeArthur's recent reeommendation for an early peace treatv with .Tapan and speedv wit.iidrawal of military forces thereat'ter, was not inconsistent. Many offieers believe the islands could be defended adequately by American air power from Central Pacific bases, the eorrespondent eontinues. American influence has been an inv portant factor in General MaeArthur's continuing battle against Comnmnism The solid front of American spokesmen from President Truman to General MaeArthur's labour officials, had a perccptible effeet in eutting the Oommunist vote in the Aprii eleetions by l,fi00,000. On the other hand, American officials have made it plain that their interest in the American style ,of the democratisat ion of Japan will outlast the ocVupation. Taking the cne from General MacArtlmr, they have consistently minimised the influence of the other Allies in the occupation. A balance is being maintained but it is plain that American businessmen are seeking that inside track on Japan's future " trade. Tliis seems assured bv the size 'of Jap anese orders for American products alreadv received. A Government nussion will fly to Tokio tomorrow to discuss with General MaeArthur the resumption of private trade between United States and Japan.