The Evening Star (May 2, 1946)
Japs ordered to destroy remaining major warships
TOKYO (AP) – The Japanese government was ordered today to destroy by April 20, 1947, the few major combat vessels of the Imperial Navy which escaped U.S. forces during the war.
Allied headquarters said it expected only eight aircraft carriers and cruisers would be available for immediate scrapping under terms of the order.
The headquarters memorandum specifies the destruction of all former surface combatant vessels larger than destroyers which are within the Japanese empire and which can be towed. Excepted for the present are ships employed by occupation forces or in reparation service.
The eight – carriers, light carriers, escort carriers and cruisers – total 100,000 tons. All were damaged beyond economical repair for reparation use.
Headquarters said other Imperial Navy combatant vessels now engaged in reparation work probably would complete the job by next November and then be available for scrapping.
The order was given in compliance with instructions by the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington.
Private Japanese contractors will scrap the ships affected.