Foreign News: Task and Taskmaster

Five hours after Emperor Hirohito broadcast to the nation, the Suzuki Cabinet resigned. "The new situation," said the aged departing Premier, "requires new men with fresh ideas."

The Emperor summoned his kinsman, pug-chinned Prince Naruhiko Higashi-Kuni, 57, to form a new Government. The appointment was doubly notable: it was made without the customary consultation between throne and elder statesmen; it was the first time ever that a member of the royal house had become Premier of Japan.

The Leader. The new Premier had scant background in politics or statesmanship. But his royal presence at...

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