Page:Economic Reform Policy by Envoy Dodge (Dodge Line).pdf/17

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GENERAL HEADQUARTERS FAR EAST COMMAND Public Information Office

The following statement on the Japanese budget was made public today by the Honorable Joseph M. Dodge, Financial Adviser to the Supreme Commander:

Introduction


 * Every element of the budget problem can be discussed and amplified almost indefinitely in any direction. It is not my intention to do this but to make comments on its more important aspects which will suggest appropriate analyses and conclusions. I already have observed keen interpretations of the economic implications of the budget in the press.

General Comment

The creation and implementation of a balanced budget is the first requirement of the Nine Point Stabilization Program. As such it is the unqualified obligation of every political party and every individual. It should have been made an integral part of each party platform. It is a Japanese national problem, not a political party problem. It is essential to establishing a sound foundation for further economic reconstruction and the effective use of U.S. appropriations made for the benefit of the Japanese economy.

The stabilization program requires of the Japanese government what the former Allies of the United States, who are receiving its aid, have agreed to do in formal contracts with the U.S. government.

There seems to be astonishingly little comprehension among the Japanese people of the real situation of their country. Nothing should have been expected as the