The Daily Alaska Empire

Crackdown On Jap Bullying By U.S. Troops

Misconduct by "Objectionable Minority" Hit by Occupational General

TOKYO, July 13. — The crackdown by Lt. Gen. Robert L. Eichelberger on the "drunken bullies" of the American occupation forces in Japan highlights a subject which has been a major disturbance to occupation officials—the behavior of American soldiers in Japan.

Indicative of the proportions of the disturbance is the fact that the Eighth Army Commander saw fit to release his letter for publication after having made the subject a part of his Fourth of July address to assembled troops.

Majority Above Reproach

It was stressed that the conduct of the majority of the occupation personnel has been above reproach, but the objectionable minority have assaulted women, maliciously beaten Japanese men, stolen, engaged in black market operations and by their "deliberate bullying attitude" have made the Japanese suspicious of the democracy which our troops are supposed to represent.

In the words of Eichelberger:

"One drunken, slovenly bully can neutralize the good impression made by a dozen fine soldiers."

Wives Distressed

Not only the Japanese have been distressed with the performance of the objectionable minority. American wives who have arrived recently have been sharply critical of troops who subject them to whistles and howls when they appear on the streets. The sight of American troops openly fraternizing with Japanese women likewise has been censured by the American women.

In this connection, it should be noted that not only enlisted men are seen in the company of Japanese women. Officers of high rank may be seen driving kimonoed Japanese women in their cars.

Huge Property Thefts

There is no way to check the theft of government property by soldiers, but some idea of the merchandising activities of the occupation forces can be gained from the fact that $35,000,000 more dollars have been sent to the United States by troops in Japan than has been paid to the soldiers in wages.

The sale of American rations, clothing and automobile supplies on the black market is not uncommon.

Some officers have attempted to excuse the troops' misconduct on the grounds of youth. According to headquarters records the average age is about 23 years.