Less Hostile

Although the past week held many anti-American incidents, it was clear that hostile feeling aroused in Japan by the enactment of the U. S. Immigration Law (TIME, June 2) was dying down.

P:In Tokyo last week, Masahira Ota, new Chief of Police, issued a statement opposing the jingoists and their anti-American catcalls: "Incitement of violence and law-breaking by means of anti-American demonstrations must be prevented. Infringements of law will be strictly punished. We shall do our utmost to prevent rash or violent action, due to public speeches or demonstrations. The exclusion question is too important to be treated rashly. Japanese must behave in a manner in keeping with the dignity of a great nation." P: The ban on American films was reported to be breaking down in Tokyo, but it was still being enforced in western Japan.

P:The U. S. State Department supplied positive proof of the friendly attitude of official Japan by publishing a communication from the Japanese Government on the reported rush of emigrants from Japan who are trying to enter the U. S. before July 1 (date when new Immigration Law becomes effective). The statement read in part: "Most of the applicants for passage to the United States are persons who have been visiting in Japan and are anxious to return now to the United States in order to avoid any question as to their status as returning immigrants under the changed regulations which come into force July 1.

"The Japanese Government is giving the same careful scrutiny to all applicants for passports as in the past. The Japanese Foreign Office is afraid that this situation might be misconstrued to the effect that Japan was no longer observing the terms of the 'Gentlemen's Agreement,' and it desires, therefore, to emphasize the fact that the Japanese Government intends to abide by that agreement, at least until the new law becomes effective."