HC Deb 10 December 1947 vol 445 cc997-8
41. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that there is evidence in Japan of a movement to re-introduce Emperor worship; and whether he will instruct the British representative on the Far-Eastern Commission to press for immediate action to prohibit activities of this nature.

Mr. McNeil

Since the answer to the first part of the Question is, "No, Sir," the second part would not seem to arise.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that when Hirohito went to Hiroshima recently he was received with wild acclamation by at least 50,000 Japanese citizens? Is not that a most undesirable development?

Mr. McNeil

I think there is a confusion of thought here. Neither we nor anyone else can prevent subjects paying what tribute they think fitting to their crowned head. It is, however, important that there should be no recurrence of Emperor worship in Japan, and there is an ordinance, a regulation, to take care of that.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this can only be handled by long-term education, and that it is no good trying to pass Bills or laws, or enforcing these things on a short-term basis?