M’ARTHUR CALLS FOE’S ENVOYS; CABINET QUITS; ‘GAS,’ OIL RATIONING ENDS, BUSINESS BANS EASED (8/16/45)

Microfilm-New York Times archives, Monterey Public Library | 8/16/45 | George E. Jones, Arnaldo Cortesi, Brooks Atkinson, W.H. Lawrence, Frank L. Kluckhohn, Jay Walz, more

[PeterPrinciple]

Regarding the transfer of personnel, would the space be needed on the Missouri for dignitaries for the surrender ceremony?

[henkster]

It helped a lot that once they acknowledged the surrender, the Japanese willingly disarmed and became relatively docile. They were polite hosts, and it made cooperation much easier. They are after all, a very homogenous, orderly and disciplined people, even if during the strain of defeat some of their more hot-headed leaders lost their minds.

[Hebrews 11:6]

That makes sense, thanks. It’s a good thing we always have a few hot-headed leaders to blame.

[PAR35]

I would think not. The berths for the enlisted men in the landing parties wouldn’t be deemed suitable for the dignitaries. MacArthur and his party were quartered on shore after flying in. McCain probably needed accommodations on the ship - he could hardly stand on his own by that point. But some fairly senior officer would be bumped for him.