Fraternization Equation

General MacArthur's command decided to make a fresh start on a fraternization policy for U.S. occupation troops in Japan. Indoctrination material prepared in advance of the surrender had contained sharp warnings against fraternization (TIME, Aug. 27); this was squelched last week.

The experience of commanders in the European Theater was a guide for MacArthur's advisers. G.I.s might not want to fraternize with Japanese men, but it was a foregone conclusion that they would find Jap children cute; as for Japanese women, they have appealed strongly to most westerners who have lived in the country. When doughfeet crossed the Rhine, they went from countries where they had enjoyed the attentions of Allied women; many of those crossing the wharves of Yokosuka would be going from miserable, womanless mid-Pacific "rocks."

G.I.s arguing among themselves were as divided as the high-command councils. Some thought there should be an immediate ban, which might be lifted "when we see how we get along with the Japanese." (It had been that way in Germany, and the Allies had wound up looking ridiculous.) Whatever it decided, the command would be criticized. Politics, military discipline and biology were hard to balance in one equation.

The Japanese Government had a policy. Its strict orders to all its subjects, male & female: no fraternization.

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