740.00119 PW/11–2745

The Secretary of State to the Australian Minister (Eggleston)

Sir: I have the honor to refer to your note no. 517/45 dated November 27, 1945, concerning the reported destruction of cyclotrons in Japan by order of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers. The Department of State is making inquiry concerning the reported action and will reply in full when the facts are in hand.

The Department is in agreement with the expressed view of your Government that all practicable steps should be taken to preserve scientific and industrial equipment in Japan pending inter governmental negotiation of a reparations settlement.67

Accept [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:
Dean Acheson
  1. On January 20, 1946, the Department further replied by note that “the action taken by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers was in accordance with a specific order from the War Department. This order, however, was issued without the matter having been given the thorough consideration which the subject deserved and the action is a matter of regret on the part of my Government.” (740.00119 P.W./11–2745)