The New Freedom

One day last week, editors of 47 Japanese newspapers and wire services were summoned to SCAP's Censorship Division for some big news. After almost three years, censorship (already suspended for most of the Japanese press) was abolished; henceforth editors will have to figure out for themselves what is unfit to print. But they were warned that censorship might be restored, or editors suspended for not observing the occupation "press code."

This vague, sweeping document has given Japanese editors the willies. Among its provisions: 1) stories must adhere strictly to truth (and only the Army knows what that is) and make no destructive criticism of the Allies; 2) there must be no editorializing or propaganda. Most big Japanese papers issued secret monthly guidebooks to keep their staffs posted on the changing interpretations and taboos of the touchy U.S. censors. Sample advice: don't say that U.S. newsmen chewed gum at the opening of the Diet (they did, but the press must not present such an "unfavorable" picture of the occupation).

Because of the code, Japanese editors were afraid to exercise their new freedom. Some of them promptly appealed to General MacArthur for an "informal censorship" board to guide them.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.