Japanese Disapproval Of Reported Position Surprises Reischauer

Edwin O. Reischauer, professor of Japanese History, declared last night that he was surprised by the Boston Globe report that conservative Japanese circles are blocking his appointment as ambassador to Japan.

According to the Globe, Japanese conservatives are opposed to Reischauer's appointment for two reasons: they fear he is too progressive, and they object to having the American Embassy run by a Japanese woman. Mrs. Reischauer is Japanese.

But Reischauer declared "that attitude is restricted to a small group of Japanese," and contended that he wasn't conscious of any violent opposition to his views while he was in Japan last year.

Nevertheless the article lists ex-Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida among those who fear Reischauer's appointment. It explains that conservatives are worried that his appointment will give aid and comfort to pro-Communist leftwing intellectuals opposed to the United States-Japan security pact.