The Japanese take the word "dear" literally, even at the start of a letter. Last week General MacArthur took care to begin his letter to Japan's Premier with a curt "Mr. Prime Minister."
The letter was as barren of endearments as the salutation. Shigeru Yoshida's Government, it said, had better take prompt steps to tighten Japan's economy and wipe out its black markets, or it could expect no help from the Allies.
As a victorious administrator of enemy territory and idealistic prophet of democracy, General MacArthur had long disclaimed any responsibility for Japan's economic welfare. But Allied policy had made...
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