War and Post-War Changes in Social Stratifications of the Euro-American Population

Abstract

hostilities in order to gain time for the rebuilding of new strength. Their apparent defeat can be made to appear as a strategic withdrawal until a favorable moment arrives for launching a new attack upon their enemies. Under such circumstances the necessity for suicide is evaded for they are needed to defend the Emperor and nation and prepare for another war. Here is a great dilemma the United Nations face as they concentrate upon ending the War in the Far East. On the one hand, insistence upon unconditional surrender will unduly prolong the war since the prevailing attitudes of the Japanese people make such a surrender unthinkable until their last resource is exhausted. On the other hand, a negotiated peace that would make sufficient concessions to save the face of those responsible for the war will leave Japan in a position to plan for future military aggression. Careful attention should now be given to the full implications of these two alternatives so that when the time for final decision arrives, our strength will not be impaired by divided counsels. The policy that is agreed upon as the basis for our peace settlement with Japan must not be dictated by vengeance. It must be formulated with the supreme purpose of ensuring a lasting peace in the Pacific.