Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East, Volume VIII

894.00/4–1846

Memorandum by Mr. William J. Sebald, of the Office of the Political Adviser in Japan⁶⁶

[Extract]

confidential

Tokyo, April 17, 1946.

Political Parties in Japan: Developments During the Week Ending April 13, 1946

Summary. The press devoted considerable space to the election campaign immediately prior to election day on April 10, emphasizing the necessity of keeping abstentions to a minimum, the desirability of voting party tickets, and urging voters to avoid independents. Prime Minister Shidehara also published a statement which included a direct quotation of the Emperor’s expressed desire that “all people …⁶⁷ vote according to their free will.” It is estimated that some 72% of all eligible voters went to the polls. Particularly noteworthy were the large number of women who voted throughout Japan and the election of 38 women, indications that women voters were largely independent in their selections of candidates. As of the time of writing, the Liberal Party has elected 141 Diet members, the Progressive and Social Democratic Parties 94 each, the Cooperatives 14, and the Communist Party 5.⁶⁸ Some criticism arose regarding incomplete registration lists in many places throughout Japan, but there is good reason to believe that only a small percentage of incomplete registrations is attributable to negligence on the part of election officials. The election has demonstrated that a majority of the Japanese people are inherently conservative, but a number of intangibles undoubtedly affected the trend of voting throughout the country. The huge vote polled by the Social Democrats, however, demonstrates an under-current of desire for change on the part of many people, despite the somewhat radical economic proposals espoused by this party. The problem of whether to resign en bloc or to continue in power has somewhat divided the Shidehara cabinet. Japanese political observers envisage three possible courses of action: (a) the formation of a coalition cabinet, with either Mr. Hatoyama Ichiro, President of the Liberal Party, or Baron Shidehara as Prime Minister; (b) the formation of a new “Government” Party comprising the Progressive Party, elements of the Liberal and Social Democratic Parties, independents, and minor party members, the new party to support Baron Shidehara as Prime Minister; and (c) the establishment of an opposition centering about the Social Democratic Party, a course advocated by left-wing Social Democrats who contend that only in this manner can the Party continue in existence. The efforts to form a new party by Ministers Narahashi, Ishiguro, and Mitsuchi is severely critized by many on the ground that it represents a continuation of pre-war “wire-pulling” tactics. The political situation should be greatly clarified after the general meetings to be held by the three major parties during the next ten days. End of Summary

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66. Copy of memorandum transmitted to the Department by the Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson) in his despatch 379, April 18, 1946; received April 26.
67. Omission indicated in the original memorandum.
68. In a circular telegram of May 2, 1946, 9 a.m., the Department reported: “Campaign expenses three Jap parties and seats won: Liberal 741724 yen 141 seats, Communist 665114 yen 5 seats, Social Democrats 65209 yen 93 seats.” (740.00119 Control (Japan)/5–246)