The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 1

Metropolitan FORECAST Fine, mild; freshening winds. ALL SKIN SCALP AILMENTS uctrwHrmi.v treated nv "KLEXEMA" Methods ECt.MA AUNB SEUOKKIHE.t a DANUHUFr I'SUKIASIS AI.OI'KIIA VAItlCUSt ULCfcltS FALLING UAIK UAUV ECZEMA Conmliailon frf. Booklfl Pftsifd. RLEXEMA ItOOMS, Hank ot AutraUila-tuildlnc. 159 RWANSTON-RTBFKT.

MM.HOl'RNK. r.l. Phr.n Cfnl. 013 Comtfrv Cnir'si-ondi'ii'- InvitM. KLtXTMA SISTKR VUH' niTLOSO.

THI'HSIIA V. AUGIST 10. 111. A. Al Onlta! Hail, Rntfititf t.

1 1 1 POSTAL ADDRESS, 833 COLLINS-STREET, C.l. PHONES: UD1731 (Ten Lines): CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING, 9 8 1 1 (Ten Lines). mm PRICE 2d. Reilitered at a. P.O., Melbourne torx Tiuumlulen by put a Newpipr.

10 PAGES MELBOURNE. WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 15. 1045 c'nnri awa ffHTicirh japan: Hraaupf.y'ti TOKIO PROMISES IMPORTANT' STATEMENT TO-DAY il Mil WORLD TENSION CONTINUES LONDON, AUG. 14 (A.A.P.) SWISS RADIO HAS ANNOUNCED THAT JAPAN HAD ACCEPTED THE ALLIED NOTE THIS IS DENIED BY REUTER'S CORRESPONDENT IN ZURICH.

HE SAYS THE SWISS FOREIGN OFFICE IS STILL STANDING BY AWAITING THE JAPANESE REPLY TO THE MESSAGE. The Swiss News Agency is reported to have received from the Japanese News Agency a report stating that a message from the Emporor will shortly be transmitted in which the Potsdam declaration will be accepted. THE POTSDAM DECLARATION PROVIDED THAT JAPAN MUST GIVE UP IX TERRITORY OUTSIDE ITS OWN ISLANDS, BUT COULD RETAIN, UNDER SUPERVISION, ITS OWN GOVERNMENT, WHICH MUST BE CnOSEN BY A FREE VOTE OF THE PEOPLE." The Department of Information listening post in Melbourne annunced at 1130 last night that it had picked up a Japanese broadcast ndicating that the Japanese reply to the Allied demands would be given at noon to-day Tokio time (1 p.m. Eastern Standard time). Domei News Agency said the statement to be broadcast then was of unprecedented importance and gravity, and that all Japanese must listen to it.

This huge crowd galhered In Age" Office last night to read came to 1 BOTH SIDES AWAIT "STOP" SIGNAL Air, Sea Land Battles as Tokio Hesitates "The Age" Special Correspondent ond A.A.P. PACIFIC H.Q., August 14. Until orders are received to the contrary the air, sea and land operations against Japan will be continued. While Japan fails to comply with the Allied surrender demands, no let up among the fighting services will be permitted, said a spokesman at head quarters. CORINTH CANAL ATHENS British Treasury is lending Greece 120,000 for reconstruction of Corinth A convention is to be made between Britain and Greece fcr further loan ot 200,000 for enlargement of cauul, iu nilit'i British shipping will enjoy rights with the Greeks, SHIPS MAYBE A Domei broadcast announced: "There will probably be something important at 9 p.m.

Tokio time." Another Domei transmtter gave the tme as 10 p.m. Both transmissions were in Japanese to occupied Asia Another report stated that Japan had accepted the Allied surrender terms, and the Domei News Agency as saying, "An Imperial message accepting the Potsdam proclamation will be forthcoming so No mention was made of the Allied stipulation regarding Hirohito. Collins-street outside "The the latest bulletins as they hand. on Sunday, and "continued their daily devastating strikes. The biggest attack was Miyazaki, on the west coast of lSyut-hu, where over 160- aircraft- ploughed up aerodromes, set fire to buildings, and left the city's lactory area a mass ot names.

Kushikino, on Kyushu, was plastered with bombs and Incendiaries by Invaders and Bostons, resulting in buildings, fuel dumps and small craft in the harbor being set on fire. Forty buildings were destroyed or severely damaged when bombers concentrated on Helte, in Formosa. Four squadrons of Liberators smashed Teinan aerodrome, also on Formosa. n1 OQ 1 rn 1 VJt aOiI it. Commenting as to how things came to this pass, the newspaper said: "Naturally everyone has his own opinion, but discussions on past developments are unavailing, and under present circumstances might lead to fatal dissension.

National unity is the only way Japan can cope with the situation. Fortunately his Majesty's decision on any matter, whether civilian or military, Is final and the best. One must readily and unquestionably obey the final word spoken from the throne, even If such a command should not be in line with his own Individual desire," Experts In Oriental affairs suggested that there are two Sossible reasons for Japan's clay squabbling In the Japanese Cabinet and consultations with Held commanders, to determine whether Tokio could guarantee their surrender. The possibility that Tokio might be consulting the Japanese commanders Is suggested by the fact that the Allied terms said the Emperor would be used to Issue orders to lay down arms. Some military experts In RIOTOUS CROWD IN CANADA Forces Disperse Thousands OTTAWA, Aug.

14 (A.A.P.). In Victoria to-day police, helmet marines and a navy shore-patrol dispersed a crowd of several thousands which converged on a liquor store and hurled rocks through the windows. The crowd then moved towards another liquor store, but was checked by a strong force of murines brandishing truncheons. Civilians, dockyard workers and sailors earlier celebrated In riotous fashion in Victoria. Reuter's correspondent in New York says the Japanese News Agency, reporting the Office of War Information, stated: "The Japanese Government accepts the Allied surrender formula embodied in the note dispatched to Tokio by the United States Paris Radio, quoting a lasi-minutc message from Berne, said the Japanese reply (o the surrender terms had hcen transmitted to Switzerland for relay to the Allies.

Reporting that the Japanese answer had been received in Switzerland, Paris Radio said he Japanese answer was rather a voluminous message. It was thought the document would be handed to the American and Chinese Ministers this A French press agency report states that the Japanese reply will probably reach Washington this afternoon. Cabinet met immediately on receipt of the late last night. The announcer added that the Japanese reply would probably be available soon as the legal procedure was completed. monitors have reported that Japanese radio stations have begun to contact all Japanese ships at sea.

The Japanese are using the call letters "MAM," which are used by the Imperial Government to contact ships in emergencies. New York morning newspapers at 3.45 a.m. proclaimed that the Japanese Radio had reported Japan's surrender. However, the usual Times-square crowds were undemonstrative, and were presumably awaitiing confirmation from the White House. PETAIN'S FATE Appeal to Jurors The Age" Special Correspondent In Paris.

trnnm hie fnt.P t.O- nlght-whether he is to be cleared ot tne cnarge oi u-ennuu and nerhans meet a trai tor's death. Stony-Iacea. some oi wiem smilingly cynically, the jury yes-terrfav heard counsel read tri butes to Petaln. Petain's senior counsel. Ferdinand Payen.

even read a telegram wmcn ne saia ne reucivcu a doctor. Aline Lion, of Keswick. Cumberland, offering to give evidence that the French armistice with Germany was considered in iionaon as lnevuaoie. M. Paven said Britain did not blame France for signing the armistice, and was satisfied nothing else could be done.

The old marshal listened to his defenders with the silence maintained during the fortnight of the trial. Sometimes he fingered the bottom button of his tunic, sometimes half turned to listen to counsel speaking behind him. In a quiet voice. M. Payen.

himself elderly, said: "It is with immense sadness I speak to-day. It is an old man who is brought before this court for condemnationan old man to whom death is already drawing near." Heated Scene The jurors listened In silence. It was impossible to tell from their expressions whether the words, appeals, gestures or documents of the defenders would have the slightest effect on the verdict they were planning for to-night. A heated scene marked the close of the session, when several Jurymen asked for an early adjournment to-day to enable them to attend the Socialist party congress. Protests were raised that this would prolong the trial, and It was eventually decided to meet earlier to-day and sit until a verdict was reached.

Paris newspapers, which have been exceeding their newsprint quotas during the trial to publish the evidence, may not be in a position to announce the verdict. Their quotas have been exhausted and the Government refuses to make more available. DuKllnolinn nf htVi mnmlnff anrl evening newspapers may temporarily cease as from this morning's issues. THREAT TO HARBIN Advance by Russians LONDON, Aug. 14 fA.A.P.).

The battle for Harbin, in Central Manchuria, Is taking shape. Russian troops north of the city have made a rapid advance down the Sungari River, as well as spreading out into the vast territory between the Sungari and Ussurl rivers. Front-line correspondent state that the resistance Is stiff on the Manchurlan Plain, where advanced mobile units are probing the Japanese positions. Marshal Malinovsky's Trans-Baikal army Is extending its front, and is using more mountain passes. General Meretzkov's forces are approaching the plain from the east, and spreading southward as well as eastward along the Par Eastern railway.

The Russians are not revealing details of their campaign in Korea, but It is believed in Moscow that the Red Army Is pursuing the Japanese down the coastal roads southward. The Russians have not confirmed the Japanese report of landings on the southern halt of the Island of Sakhalin. A Moscow communique stated that troops of the Second Far Eastern; Command In Manchuria on Monday advanced from 10 to 30 miles, and captured the towns and railway stations of Hulln and ShoybUldzy, and the rail Junction of Denifou. Continuing their offensive between the Sungari and Ussurl, Red Army troops advanced from 15 to, 25 miles, and occupied Halmti. Troops of the Trans-Baikal command captured Halun and Annan, forced passes across the Khlngan mountain range, and captured the rail stations of sholun and Zamllnao.

Other hroops advancing along the Khai- lar-Harbln railway occupied Menduka, xers 8 SCRAPPED U.S. Navy Plans "The Age" Special Correspondent in Washington. Ml United States Navy war snips and auxiliary vessels now being built that are not 50 per cent, or more complete may be scrapped, or at least Mt In their present state in view of the current war situation, according to navy circles. In some cases work mnv stopped on vessels that are over 50 per cent, complete. These ships are additional to the 95 capital ships and lesser craft on which the navy announced construction work would be halted.

In order to complete the "Five-ocean navy programme" inaugurated on July 9, 1942. a total of 223 combatant ships remains to be finished. Officials are not prepared to say how many of these vessels will be finished, but said It would save American taxpayers millions of dollars if those which are not at least hall finished are abandoned. The navy nowadays is not so much worried about ships as the likelihood of Congress paring navy appropriations. The United States Navy to-day consists of over 100.000 ship's manned by over 3,000.000 men.

There already has been serious talk of cutting down the navy to one-sixth Its present size after the war. In these circumstances no further ship building will be necessary. Elaborate arrangements for putting parts of the fleet In storage through de-humidification and other rust-preventative processes have been devoloped. Excluding 95 vessels on which work has already stopped, vessels still on the ways include 1 battleship, 7 carriers, 2 carriers, IS escort carriers. 1 large cruiser, 12 heavy cruisers, 9 light cruisers, 27 destroyers, 16 destroyer escorts and 36 submarines.

PALESTINE AS JEWIS IISTATE Zionist Appeal to Britain LONDON, Aug. 14 (A.A.P.). The World Zionist Conference has appealed to the Government to Implement without delay re- 3uests that Palestine should be eclared a Jewish State. It has also asked for an international loan for the transfer of the first 1,000.000 Jews and for reparations in kind from Germany. U.S.

PLAN FOR JAPAN Limited Trade Permitted NEW YORK, August 13. The Washington correspondent of the "Herald Tribune" says that the United States Is preparing for submission to Britain, Russia and China a preliminary plan for the economic and political treatment of Japan, which is strikingly similar to Germany's, except that WHEN HOLIDAYS BEGIN CANBERRA, Tuesday. V-P Day will begin with the official announcement by the Prime Minister (Mr. Chiflcy) that Japan has accepted the sur-rundcr on the terms stipulated by the Allies. V-P Day is not necessarily contingent on the actual signing of the surrender document.

If the news Is received before noon, that day and the following day will be observed as holidays throughout Australia. If the announcement Is made In the afternoon, the two following days will be holidays, but if during the week end the following Monday and Tuesday will be observed as holidays. Japan would be permitted to carry on limited trade with other nations, thus obtaining products vital to her sustenance, particularly iron ore, coal and textiles. The United States has discarded proposals which contemplated placing an iron ring of military might around Japan, as It would have meant death for several millions from starvation and the whole population would eventu-all be under-nourished. The United States also rejected a proposal for an economic blockade, with rehabilitation agencies like U.N.R.R.A.

to supply internal insufficiencies. The American plan for the political treatment of Japan requires complete disarmament, demilitarisation and removal of all heavy Industries. 0 1 A statement from the Strategic Air Forces head quarters on Guam said Super-Fortresses would continue to attack Japan until final official announcement of her surrender was received from Washington. Super-Fortresses resumed the offensive, attacking Marlfu railway yards in southern Honshu, also shipping south-west of Kure to-day. The Super-Fortresses numbered at least 660 and dropped 5000 tons I of demolition bombs.

Returning pilots reported the attacks were successful. This was the- first daylight attack usainst railway yards, and marks the opening new phase of the Super-Fortress campaign against enemy transportation lines, which were previously hit only incidentally or by carrier and tactical planes. To-day's railway target is 14 miles south-west of Hiroshima. Admiral Lord Louis Mount-batten has returned to S.E.A.C. head quarters from conferences in Potsdam and London.

He Is ready to convert his invasion forces into occupational troops and accept the surrender of Japanese in South-east Asia and East Indies. Naval Attacks On Sunday United States light cruisers and destroyers bombarded installations on Matsuwa Island, Kurabu Cape, Sulrbacht Bay and Paramushiro. There was some opposition from shore batteries on Kurabu Cape. Tokio Radio said Japanese I suicide planes attacked American fleet units off Honshu on mono ay nignt, ana ciairaea mat a carrier and cruiser were heavily damaged and set ablaze. Another broadcast said the Japanese air force carried out attacks on four enemy aircraft carriers 25 miles east of Kashi-manada on Monday.

Underscoring General Kenney's determination to hit Japan until victory, a mighty force, exceed- 7 MILLION U.S. UNEMPLOYED 1 Likely Aftermath of War WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (A.A.P.) Federal economists predict that if peace comes soon there will be 7,000,000 unemployed by Christmas. The unemploved In 1948 may total 9,000,000, as against 13,000,000 in the depths of the depression of 1032. lng 600 planes, based on the Ryukyus, delivered powerful blows at aerodromes and Indus- I tries on Kyushu on Mondav.

I One force over Tsushima Strait dropped a string of 24 500-lb. bombs on a destroyer, which swerved and escaped, but bombs hit a heavy cruiser which was spotted- alongside at that moment. The cruiser, reported to be one of the enemy's largest, was left "dead" In the woter. According to General Mac-Arthur's latest communique. 400 bombera and fighters ranged over the Japanese home islands FRENCH PRISON GUARDS ARREST Smuggling Arms to Prisoners LONDON, Aug.

14 (A.A.P.). One of the guards at Fresnes prison, where Laval and other alleged collaborators are awaiting trial, has been arrested and charged with attempting to smuRgle arms to prisoners. The guard was arrested on the out skirts of the city while trying to i escape, Washington are not sure whether troops on by-passed Islands and In isolated strongholds would not fight on fanatically. The Emperor's reputation as a supreme being might be distinctly tarnished if he could not get the commanders to obey his order to quit. Tokio Radio, in a message dated August II and radioed by Domei to Japanese occupied territories, said: "Field -Marshal Prince Norimasa Nashl-moto, President of the Japanese Imperial Reservists' Association, and chief priest of the Grand Shrines of Ise, has called on the Empire's reservists to 'ultimately destroy completely the enemy on both fronts, guard and maintain the prosperity of the Imperial throne and consummate the purpose of this holy way.

I now command every member enduring hardships and privations to increase his fighting strength'." A message expressing Hiro-hito's "extreme concern" for the "calamity caused by United States" was transmitted to Japanese editors in the Orient by Domei to-day. A summary picked up In San Francisco said the Emperor's message was addressed to people assembled before the bridge leading to the grounds outside the Imperial palace in Tokio, where the Japanese gather In times of unusual events. It said the Emperor's concern had existed since the grant of the Imperial rescript In 1941, when war was declared on the United States and Great Britain. (Ml While President Truman, as spokesman fnr the Allied Powers, is still awaiting Japan's reply there Is Increasing; talk in hlfrh Government quarters that the Japanese may be stalling for time. Through a series of negative statements his secretary indicated that the President was resolved to exhaust every possibility and give the Japanese the benefit of every doubt before giving a signal to release more atomic bombs.

Meanwhile White House and State department officials are wondering whether the Japanese Government might be contemplating national suicide. It has been learned authoritatively that serious thought had been given to setting a time limit, but it was ultimately decided that bombs and bullets should be the final answer without further warning. The New York "llerald-Trl-hune" says the patience of the United Slates is fast approaching breaking point as a result of Japan's failure to answer the Allied surrender note and her obvious attempt to stall. II was reliably reported, although not officially confirmed, that President Truman was consulting others of the "Big Four" this morning. If the Japanese reply was still not received It la believed that one of two courses will be followedeither a new ultimatum ettlr.g a time limit or an all- out assault launched without warning.

Nearly 60 hours have elapsed since the Allied note was de spatches, and more than 42 hours have passed since the Japanese confirmed Its reception. Tokio Radio lo-day quoted "Shlmbun" newspaper, which Issued a warning against a fatal Internal split and admitted that the worst had eome to the worst. It urged every Japanese ui obey whatever d. llon the Emperor may make. JUSTLY PROUD VICTORIANS are rightly proud of their native land, land amply blessed by Nature whose physical characteristics have been richly embellished by ipan-made improvements.

The beauty of our parks ond gardens the chorm of our tree-girt roads and boulevards the oir of mounting prosperity oil contribute to make the Stafe the pleasing ond livable place it is to-day. And throughout the land, the State Savings Bank of Victoria' with its 224 branches ond 376 agencies, claims a proud ond prominent place In the estimation of the people. Its past record of achievement is a confident guarantee of progressive service in the future. STATE SAVINGS BANK OF VICTORIA Make Tbit Bank YOUR Bank The war news last night delighted these six uniformed girls as they marched six abreast among the happy city throng..