HC Deb 17 February 1947 vol 433 cc131-2W
103. Mr. Rees-Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken in accordance with Article 11 of the Potsdam Declaration, to render Japan permanently incapable of waging another aggressive war by the elimination or pruning of those industries which contribute directly and substantially to a war-making potential.

Mr. Mayhew

At the time of the surrender of Japan orders were issued for the immediate cessation of the manufac- ture and distribution of all arms, ammunition and implements of war. Capacity in the main war supporting industries which is in excess of Japan's peaceful needs has been defined by the Far Eastern Commission, and the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers has earmarked plant and machinery in this category for destruction or removal as reparations. The Commission is now studying the wider question of long-term controls over industry which are necessary to prevent Japan from being able to wage aggressive war again.