Letter from Douglas MacArthur to Prime Minister, dated 6 February 1947

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

I believe the time has come for a general election. Momentous changes in internal structure, in economic outlook, and in the whole fabric and pattern of Japanese life have occurred since the last general election nearly a year ago. It is necessary, in the near future, to obtain another democratic expression of the people's will on the fundamental issues with which Japanese society is now confronted. In this way we will once more advance in the process of democracy which now governs this state. The exact time and details are matters which I leave to the discretion of the Japanese Government, but the election should take place as soon as practicable after the close of the present session of the diet so that a new legislative body may initiate and synchronize with the introduction and effectivation of the new Constitution. The past year has been one of accomplishment. I look with equal confidence to the future.


The Prime Minister of Japan,
Tokyo, Japan.