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Newspaper
Lawton Constitution
Location
Lawton, Oklahoma, United States of America
Date
Aug 16, 1945
Page
1
President Truman proclaims next Sunday a day of prayer and thanksgiving for Allied victory in World War II. He distinguishes it from V J Day and urges Americans of all faiths to give thanks, remember the dead, and dedicate efforts to peace and a better world.
The army air forces cancelled projected production of 31 000 planes as part of a 23 500 000 000 yearly reduction, slashing bomber and fighter output. Major cuts hit B 29 Superfortresses, A 28 Invader, P 47 Thunderbolt, P 51 Mustang, and jet F 80. Some experimental crafts remain in production to aid aviation progress.
United Press survey finds free floating Japanese balloon bombs a dud with about 225 balloons reported reaching North America. Six deaths and minor damage blamed on attacks aimed to retaliate for B 20 raids. Balloons traveled 30 000 to 49 905 feet for five to six days with automatic release devices. Several balloons reached Detroit and Grand Rapids Michigan with bombs found nearby in dispersed reports.
President Truman said the War Labor Board would likely vanish soon but remain part of the government for a limited time. He indicated no plan to repurpose the WLB into a postwar labor disputes instrument and noted the Labor Department is studying the situation.
Emperor Hirohito ordered Gen. Prince Naruhiko Higashi-Kuni to form a new cabinet after Suzuki's resignation, aiming to satisfy Allied demands. The premier designate moved to set up headquarters in Tokyo, with reports that former ministers and others may join. Public surrender news described with grave emotion and resolve to obey the emperor.
The army aims to release 5,000,000 soldiers as civilians next year if conditions allow and draft rules hold. The Navy could free 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 in 12 to 18 months under a new point system. Marines apply the army system, but no count is given. Secretary Stimson says the priority is ensuring Japan surrenders in good faith before broader releases. The War Department has 473,000 men with 85+ points awaiting discharge. An order directs releases for enlisted and female personnel over 38 who apply in writing, with immediate release if replacements exist and within nine days if not. Maj. Gen. Stephen G. Menry notes further details on page 6.
London reports quote Winston Churchill telling Commons the atomic bomb forced the sudden end of Japan’s war and saved about 1 million American and 250 000 British lives from invasion. Attlee later warned the world would be reshaped by atomic discovery and international relations. Churchill mentioned Potsdam plans and secrecy around the bomb.
Chinese communist troops reportedly clashed with central government guerrillas near Tsugtao and Tientsin as Maoist leaders rejected Chiang Kai-shek’s order to stay put. Chiang awaited Mao’s reply to a possible Chungking conference while warning of urgent national issues. Greenlight to seize Peiping and other targets was reported but unconfirmed.
Washington foresees end to most rationing by Christmas except sugar butter and other fats with cheese and canned fish likely removed from rationing by month end. Gasoline fuel oil canned fruits vegetables and oil stoves already made point free, while meat rationing to ease after early October.
President Truman pushes to smooth postwar change by promoting harmony between business and labor and backs a full employment bill in Congress. He plans a capital labor conference once Congress reopens and will extend the wartime labor board as needed while reconversion shapes policy.
New York dispatch reports Gen. Douglas MacArthur accepted Tokyo's explanation for the delay in sending surrender emissaries. He asked the Japanese to dispatch envoys as soon as practicable using a Mitsubishi MC-22 or similar plane and to ensure their plane's safe passage.
Military sources say General MacArthur may require Japan’s high command to sign surrender papers in Tokyo’s imperial palace with Hirohito present. Plans include airborne and seaborne forces to secure Tokyo, while Manila hosts talks with Japanese reps. Truman rules out separate zones. Allied occupation aims to merge under MacArthur. Russians expected to occupy Manchuria and northern Sakhalin. main Japan islands to be mostly American and allied, with Formosa and Korea also involved.
President Truman announced he will ask Congress to enact a peace time military training program that will not be conscription. He said the recommendation will come after Congress returns on September 5 and added the draft will continue to supply replacements for occupation forces.
Insects burrow into the skin causing irritation and sores. Remedies are offered to treat the condition quickly. Mosquito lotions help keep malaria carrying insects away.
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