NEWS OF THE WEEK
HE Moscow decision to establish a Far Eastern Commission in Washington, and an Allied Control Council in Tokyo, on each of hich the USSR is represented, recognises Russia's vital interests n the Far East and her right to have a large share in determining he future development of Japan. In the United States Mr Byrnes as been criticised for making this concession at Moscow, though t is difficult to see how it could have been avoided without wrecking the conference ; in reply, however, he has explained the agreement n terms which leave some doubt whether the Commission and the ouncil will in fact have an effective share in shaping central policy. He appeared to be satisfied that except in a limited number of subjects the United States Government and the Supreme Corn- ander, General MacArthur, would remain in effective control. r. Byrnes' satisfaction on this point will not be entirely shared either inside or outside the United States ; for the policy carried sut by General MacArthur has caused general uneasiness, which is ertain to be reflected in the Commission and in the Council. The upreme Commander has until now been happy to enforce the urrender terms and the governmental reforms required on Japan hrough the same governmental machine and the same ruling class tat were previously employed in furthering Japan's ambitions of orld conquest. There is no indication that either he or his overnment recognise the need for a fundamental reconstruction of apan's social and political system ; it appears to be enough for eneral MacArthur that the Emperor should declare that he is not god. This attitude is likely to provoke considerable opposition he Commission and the Council ; and it is interesting that the 'hers of the Council each have the right of veto on all questions :erning "fundamental changes in the Japanese constitutional icture."
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