Page:Military Occupation and Military Government Relations of the Allied Forces in Japan - Press Release Dossier Vol. 11.pdf/24

 Every effort is being made to procure the necessary shipping to accomplish the scheduled return of eligibles under the WD program.

Previously announced priorities in release of men within the discharge categories will not be affected by this latest announcement. As previously directed, enlisted men with 23 months service as of June 30 will be the first to be released, and all non-volunteer fathers will follow, those with the most service getting priority. Length of service again will determine priority in the release of the remaining discharge eligibles.

-O-

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES, PACIFIC Public Relations Office

10:00 2 July 1946 Press Release:

SCAP TO RELEASE IMPORTED FOOD STAPLES TO MEET JAPANESE FOOD SHORTAGE

The food situation in Japan has reached what was described as the "critical point" as SCAP moved today to release imported staples in food deficit areas throught [sic] the nation.

Capt. H. F. Smith of the Staple Foods branch of the Price Control and Rationing division of SCAP's Economic and Scientific section said the Japanese government was authorized to distribute 47,450 metric tons of imported flour, wheat and rice.

Substantially the largest release of imported food yet authorized. Captain Smith said the food will provide "minimum rationed food needs during the next 10 days throughout the nation."

Food releases authorized range from 12,750 tons to provide rations in Tokyo for 9.4 days, to 100 tons which will provide 1.2 days rations for the city of Sendai.

Previous releases have been confined to Tokyo-Yokohama, and the Hokkaido area.

Captain Smith said the index of need in any city or prefecture is a minimum "basic staple food ration of 1,042 calories daily," plus supplementary rations for workers in critical industries. Today's food release will provide minimum needs in both instances, he added.

Future releases will be made to areas with the greatest deficit and will depend upon quantity of imported foods available.

Occurring almost 30 days later than first anticipated, the food crisis is expected to continue into September when large-scale harvesting begins.

Captain Smith said the "transfer of rice from producing to consuming areas postponed the food crisis in Japan."

"Now, shipments have virtually ceased,""he said, and release of imports has become a stark necessity."