§ Lieut.-Colonel Sharpasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent national and local officials of the wartime Japanese Government have been replaced by those opposed to that regime; and whether he will take steps to guarantee long-term security against reprisals for co-operating with the Allies so as to encourage such men to come forward and assist in creating democratic institutions and government.
§ Mr. MayhewOn 4th January, 1946, the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Tokyo issued a directive to the Japanese Government entitled "Removal and Exclusion of Undesirable Personnel from Public Office." In accordance with this directive a comprehensive purge of the central and local administration in Japan has been carried out. General MacArthur's Headquarters report that by 29th July the screening of all holders of public office under the provisions of the directive had been completed. By that32W date 814 persons had been removed from high-ranking policy making positions and 186,000 had been excluded from the lower ranks of the Government service. The objective which the Allies have set before them in Japan is the establishment on a permanent foundation of a peace-loving, responsible administration from which men of good will shall have nothing to fear. It may be possible to institute certain safeguards, for a period after the occupation forces have been withdrawn, but nothing less than the fulfilment of the Allied aims can provide a sure guarantee against the dangers which my hon. Friend has in mind. It is my right hon. Friend's constant endeavour to further the attainment of these aims. In one year since the surrender great progress has already been made.