FAR EASTERN COMMISSION
2516 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N. W.
WASHINGTON 8, D. C.
The attached is certified to be the official text of a document unanimously adopted at the eleventh meeting of the Far Eastern Commission, held at 2516 Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest, Washington, D.C. on 13 May 1946.
Samuel S. Stratton
Samuel S. Stratton
Executive Secretary
Washington, D.C.
13 May 1946
CRITERIA FOR THE ADOPTION OF A NEW JAPANESE CONSTITUTION
The criteria for the adoption of a new Constitution should be such as to ensure that the Constitution, when finally adopted, is, in fact, a free expression of the will of the Japanese people. To this end, the following principles should be observed:
a. Adequate time and opportunity should be allowed for the full discussion and consideration of the terms of the new Constitution.
b. Complete legal continuity from the Constitution of 1889 to the new Constitution should be assured.
c. The new Constitution should be adopted in such a manner as to demonstrate that it affirmatively expresses the free will of the Japanese people.