Bab 337: Chapter 337: Rich Is the Father
"Mr. Hardy, on behalf of all the cabinet members, I warmly welcome you to Japan," said Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida, beaming with respect.
The news of Hardy's visit had generated considerable excitement. It was known that Hardy had managed to persuade the U.S. government to allocate $570 million from the sale of military assets to aid Japan's economic recovery. This significant sum had captured everyone's attention and hope.
The Japanese government, having previously been dissatisfied with how Hardy handled the sale of Japanese assets, now viewed him with newfound respect. The prospect of receiving such a substantial amount of money was seen as a lifeline in Japan's dire economic situation. The funds promised not only to rejuvenate the economy but also to potentially create jobs by revitalizing the seized assets.
"Hello, Prime Minister. Allow me to introduce Mr. John Jay, the Vice President of Manhattan Bank from the Rockefeller Consortium," Hardy said.
"Hello, Mr. John Jay. Welcome to Japan," Prime Minister Yoshida responded, bowing and shaking hands.
The Rockefeller Consortium, known for its significant influence on U.S. politics and economics, commanded respect, and Yoshida was keenly aware of its importance.
"This is Charles Lee, the Vice President of Morgan Stanley Investment Bank from the Morgan Consortium," Hardy continued.
Yoshida bowed again in acknowledgment.
Hardy introduced the representatives from the seven major consortia, each well-known and influential. Their presence in Japan, accompanied by Hardy, underscored the gravity of the situation and their collective power.
Earlier, Hardy had promised to bring an investment team to Japan due to the severe downturn in the economy. The Japanese cabinet had come to view Hardy as genuinely committed to addressing Japan's economic challenges.
"Mr. Hardy, we have prepared a podium over there for you. The reporters are eager to hear from you. Would you mind addressing them?" Prime Minister Yoshida asked.
"Of course," Hardy agreed, stepping up to the podium.
The reporters, camera flashes blazing, captured Hardy's every move. Dressed in a sleek Italian suit, Hardy exuded calm confidence.
He had requested Prime Minister Yoshida to stand beside him, a gesture that Yoshida, though flattered, approached with modesty, standing slightly back.
Hardy glanced at the assembled reporters and began his address.
"Before my arrival, I requested information on Japan's current economic and living conditions. The data reveals that Japan's economy is in turmoil, facing a near-collapse. Many companies have shut down, unemployment is soaring, inflation is rampant, and food shortages are severe."
He turned to Prime Minister Yoshida. "Is this accurate, Prime Minister?"
"Yes, that is indeed the situation," Yoshida replied quickly, despite the awkwardness of the admission.
Hardy continued, his tone solemn. "This crisis is a direct consequence of the war. The conflict, instigated by imperialists and militarists, has left Japan in this dire state."
"Although those responsible for the war have been punished, the legacy of their actions has impacted the Japanese people. President Johnson and I have discussed Japan's situation, and it is clear that for Japan to reintegrate into the international community, it must fully reject imperialist ideologies."
The Japanese audience—Prime Minister Yoshida, cabinet members, reporters, and entrepreneurs—listened intently. The prospect of Japan's reentry into the international community sparked a glimmer of hope, as Japan was still considered an occupied territory.
Hardy's words seemed to offer a beacon of hope. Many in the audience looked at him with a renewed sense of optimism, eager for the chance to regain sovereignty and improve their economic standing.
Turning to Yoshida, Hardy posed a critical question. "Prime Minister, acknowledging the mistakes made during the war is crucial. It's a matter of attitude. Only by confronting these errors can Japan fully sever ties with its imperialist past and regain international recognition."
Shigeru Yoshida grappled with the question. Japan's reluctance to openly admit its wartime mistakes stemmed from its national identity and the legacy of Bushido. Admitting fault could undermine the nation's pride and unity.
Yet, faced with Hardy's pressure and the possibility of further alienation, Yoshida replied with sincerity. "Mr. Hardy, on behalf of Japan, I express our deep regret for the actions taken during the war. We acknowledge our mistakes."
The reporters' cameras clicked furiously, capturing the moment of repentance. The headline was practically written: "Japan's Prime Minister Admits War Mistakes."
Inside, Hardy smiled, knowing this was just the beginning of his strategy to reshape public perception and influence.
He continued, "According to recent surveys, Japan's unemployment rate stands at 13 million, a figure not including women and children. Inflation has driven prices up twentyfold compared to pre-war levels. Economic experts predict it could take a century for Japan to recover if these conditions persist."
The gravity of Hardy's statements weighed heavily on everyone present.
"I am here to devise a comprehensive economic plan for Japan. This plan includes abolishing outdated economic practices, implementing demilitarization reforms, and shifting towards an export-oriented economy," Hardy elaborated.
"For instance, establishing TV manufacturing plants to supply the U.S. and Europe with affordable televisions, developing the textile industry using imported raw materials, and focusing on various other industries such as clothing, auto parts, and electronics."
"I have secured approval from President Johnson to introduce advanced American technology and production equipment to Japan. Although I delayed my visit to understand Japan's problems better, I am now prepared to use external support to aid recovery."
Hardy gestured to the seven consortia representatives. "I invite the California, Rockefeller, Morgan, Cleveland, Texas, DuPont, and Mellon consortia to invest in Japan. Their involvement will streamline construction and sales."
Applause erupted from Prime Minister Yoshida, cabinet members, and the entrepreneurs. The prospect of receiving such vital investment was a welcome development.
"In addition, I plan to use the $570 million from the sale of military-industrial assets for aid and economic development in Japan," Hardy concluded.
The applause grew louder, reflecting the audience's appreciation for the tangible support. The promise of substantial funds had stirred a sense of optimism and gratitude, reinforcing Hardy's influential role in Japan's economic revival.
Bab 338: Chapter 338: MacArthur’s Wrath
Hardy led the economic guidance team of over forty people from the airport to the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
The Imperial Hotel Tokyo, established in 1923, is one of Japan's premier hotels. When MacArthur first arrived in Japan, he resided here. Later, when the Allied Forces headquarters was moved to the First Building, MacArthur was given a Japanese-style manor and moved out of the hotel.
For security, Hardy had HD security personnel dispatched to Japan two months in advance, setting up an HD security branch with over 200 staff members. These personnel were responsible for the safety of the Economic Guidance Group. The government covered the expenses, as Hardy's mission was officially sanctioned.
After more than ten hours of flight, the delegation was exhausted and had a day off. The Japanese government's welcome reception was scheduled for two days later.
Meanwhile, reporters returned to their offices to cover the day's news.
Hardy's arrival and speech at the airport provided substantial information for their reports.
The next morning, headlines featured the Economic Guidance Group's arrival in Tokyo and Hardy's speech.
**Yomiuri Shimbun**:
"Yesterday, the U.S. Economic Guidance Group arrived in Tokyo to guide Japan's economic development. At the airport, Special Envoy Hardy delivered a speech…"
The article included excerpts from Hardy's speech, emphasizing statements such as: "President Johnson stated that Japan must entirely eliminate the influence of imperialism and militaristic ideologies before rejoining the international community."
Commentary followed, noting, "Special Envoy Hardy's words suggest that Japan still has a chance to reintegrate into the international community. The obstacle remains those who waged war; their imperialism and militaristic ideas have plunged Japan into crisis, still hindering its recovery."
**Nihon Keizai Shimbun**:
"Special Envoy Hardy has introduced new aid and is focused on eliminating the military industry in favor of robust civilian production. If Japan can transform into an industrial hub, it will create millions of jobs and swiftly restore the economy."
The Global Times, Hardy's newspaper, also saw considerable growth in Japan. Unlike other newspapers under profit pressures, the Global Times enjoyed subsidies that supported its rapid development. It presented perspectives often avoided by Japanese media, including:
"Special Envoy Hardy has reiterated his criticism of Japan's wartime actions, insisting that Japan must acknowledge its mistakes and sincerely apologize to break away from its imperialist past and fulfill the United Nations' transformation goals."
A photo of Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida bowing appeared alongside the report, noting Yoshida's public repentance for Japan's wartime actions.
The reports generated a significant reaction in Japanese society. With the economy in shambles, many Japanese were struggling to meet basic needs, with some facing starvation. They welcomed Hardy's arrival as a potential lifeline. His efforts to sell unneeded military enterprises for cash were seen as a positive step.
Many Japanese viewed Hardy as a savior, transforming waste into valuable resources and revitalizing the economy. Hardy's plans to transition Japan from military to civilian industries, reduce heavy and military industries, and focus on economic recovery were broadly supported.
In the U.S. and Europe, Hardy's approach was seen as sensible. The elimination of Japan's military industries was expected to align with United Nations requirements for non-aggressiveness.
Hardy's growing fame in Japan earned him the title of "Japanese New Economic Czar," a role that significantly impacted the Japanese economy.
However, his success displeased General Douglas MacArthur. Once responsible for all aspects of Japanese administration, MacArthur now found his control over the Japanese economy undermined by Hardy. MacArthur, previously the supreme authority, felt his power diminished by Hardy's influence.
MacArthur's frustration was compounded by Hardy's recent speech suggesting Japan's potential reintegration into the international community—a hope MacArthur had not previously offered. This shift in perception cast MacArthur as the antagonist and Hardy as the hero.
MacArthur's anger intensified when Hardy, after a day and night, failed to contact him. MacArthur, as the Allied commander-in-chief, expected respect and communication from Hardy, which he felt was lacking.
Puffing on his pipe, MacArthur ordered his adjutant, "Inform the personnel below that no one is allowed to dispose of the seized military industries without my authorization."
The adjutant was taken aback. "Commander, haven't those factories already been sold by the Economic Guidance Special Envoy?"
MacArthur snorted, "I am the commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces. I oversee all matters in Japan. Everything must pass through me. Even if Congress approves, my permission is required. When Hardy arrives, inform me. I need to inspect the troops."
The adjutant realized that MacArthur's decision to withhold approval was a deliberate obstacle.
"Understood, Commander."
The adjutant proceeded to notify the personnel guarding the factories.
---
After a day's rest, the delegation adjusted to the time difference. They had booked the conference room at the Imperial Hotel for meetings with representatives from the seven major consortiums to discuss next steps.
The agenda included:
1. **Accepting the Purchased Military Enterprises**: Assign management teams to assess these enterprises and prepare for their resumption if feasible.
2. **Acquiring Japanese Private Enterprises**: Finalize acquisitions or capital injections in various sectors, including banking, finance, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, and more.
The seven major consortiums aimed to control Japan's economy comprehensively without necessarily owning every asset, focusing on leadership to maximize benefits. Hardy's strategy was to expand civilian production, reduce military and heavy industries, and shrink Japan's industrial capacity in line with current U.S. policy.
Hardy had brought teams of lawyers, financial experts, and managers from Wells Fargo Bank and the Hardy Group to oversee the transition.
At the meeting, Hardy instructed the team to use American materials and contracts to take over the military enterprises.
Upon returning to his room, Hardy received a telegram from Han Yezhen in Hong Kong, expressing a desire to visit or have Hardy visit Hong Kong once his schedule permitted. Hardy planned to go to Hong Kong after the initial busy period, noting the proximity.
The hotel had a special report room catering to distinguished guests. The Japanese Foreign Minister arrived to deliver an invitation for a welcome dinner at the Prime Minister's residence the following night.
Hardy accepted the invitation, agreeing to attend with his team.
Later, Hardy learned from his vice president that the military personnel guarding the factories refused to release them without MacArthur's approval. Hardy decided to request a meeting with MacArthur to resolve the issue.
However, the vice president soon reported that MacArthur was out inspecting the base and would meet Hardy upon his return. Hardy was skeptical, remembering that Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida had mentioned MacArthur was in Tokyo just the day before.
Suspecting MacArthur was deliberately obstructing him, Hardy decided to investigate further. He contacted Duncan, the intelligence operative, to locate MacArthur and assess the situation.
Duncan confirmed MacArthur was headed for Yokosuka base, reinforcing Hardy's suspicion of MacArthur's deliberate interference.
Hardy smiled, unfazed by MacArthur's antics. Despite MacArthur's efforts to undermine him, Hardy knew his role was primarily economic, and MacArthur's actions, while frustrating, would not derail his mission.
Hardy planned to address the issue by continuing his meetings and waiting for MacArthur's return. He convened another meeting with the consortium representatives, informing them of the situation and their options.
The consortium members expressed frustration but understood the need to wait. Hardy, meanwhile, found MacArthur's behavior to be consistent with his notoriously difficult personality.
After the meeting, Hardy asked Duncan to investigate MacArthur's dealings, including potential bribes and misuse of national interests. Duncan agreed to undertake the task thoroughly.
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