PEACE MOVES

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 19, 23 July 1945, Page 5

PEACE MOVES

MADE BY JAPANESE

PERSISTENT REPORTS

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright, i

LONDON, July 22,

Sensational diplomatic and military developments in the war against Japan are now fully expected by diplomats in London as a result of the Potsdam talks, says the "Sunday Express" diplomatic correspondent. There are persistent reports that the Japanese asked Generalissimo Stalin to put forward peace proposals on their hehalf. The Columbia Broadcasting System's commentator at Washington said today that he understood a statement by the Big Three from Potsdam within the next few days would offer Japan more liberal surrender terms, including freedom of religion and the right to choose whatever form of government desired, and leaving open the question of retention of the Emperor. President Truman took the drait terms to Potsdam, hoping that Generalissimo Stalin would sign them, "not necessarily as a belligerent," it was said. DRAFT OF U.S. TERMS. The "Army and Navy Journal" says: "President Truman carried to the Big Three conference a, draft of the surrender terms for Japan as favoured by the State, War, and Navy Departments. "The terms call for the total loss to Japan of what remains of her fleet and air force as well as for other military disarmament, loss of territory outside the home islands, destruction of war industries, and complete control of her economy by the United Nations, and the surrender of designated war criminals. "The interest in Potsdam revolves round the question of whether Emperor Hirohito will be declared a war criminal and punished accordingly When President Truman left the United States the question had not been decided. Liberals and New Dealers were Remanding that he should be executed, while others felt that the war lords rather than he had been responsible for Pearl Harbour and that, as the status of emperor did not involve our security, the war would be prolonged if we sought to fight and destroy Japan's religious and political systems. . - ■ CONFERENCE WITH MOLOTOV. I "Rumours of Japanese peace feelers I find no official support in Washington, iyet this has not removed completely 'the possibility that Generalissimo 1 Stalin may have been entrusted witn a serious peace formula by the Japanese. It may not be without significance that on the eve of his departure for the Big Three meeting the Japanese Ambassador in Moscow conferred with Mi. MolotOV." „ ~ n a~ Broadcasting in Japanese as the official spokesman of the United States, Government and directly addressing the Japanese leaders, Captain E. c Zacharlas, of the United States navy, said- "You face two alternatives—the virtual destruction of Japan followed by a dictated peace, or unconditional surrender with its attendant benefits as laid down by the Atlantic Charter. "The latter alone, which is a humanitarian gesture of great constructive value, can bring peace and prosperity. "Surrender is a time-honoured formula. Japanese armies have surrendered in the past. "If Japan surrenders without delay it can be assumed that the United States will enforce the formula and ensure peace, but if there is delay we will hold you responsible for the criminal prolongation of a lost war.

"There are still some influential persons in the United States who would not like to see the destruction of Japan, but our patience is rapidly running out. Are Japan's leaders sp shortsighted that they cannot'see the possible complications they may face if they fail to act promptly?"