Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI, Part 1

694.001/6–2851: Telegram

The United States Political Adviser to SCAP (Sebald) to the Secretary of State

secret
priority

Tokyo, June 28, 1951—6 p. m.

Topad 2261. For Dulles from Allison. Sebald and I have just finished conversation with Yoshida, Iguchi and Nishimura which in our opinion quite satisfactory. We had given Iguchi this morning text of bilateral security; agreement forwarded Deptel 1810, June 25¹ and explained reason for changes. We were informed this afternoon that Jap only had minor textual changes to suggest, that these wld be given us tomorrow, but that in substance present text is agreeable.

Yoshida expressed concern about formula for Chinese participation and it is obvious Jap are most reluctant have decision left to them. However, not believed there will be any serious difficulty this point. With respect to Japan agreeing that assets in neutral and ex-enemy countries shld go Red Cross for POW’s benefit, Yoshida stated he wld like to enter official protest but laughingly admitted this was for internal consumption in Diet and that obviously if US did not wish consider his protest there was nothing Japan cld do.² Iguchi had given Yoshida full account our previous talk and apparently had impressed him with difficulties confronting US in other countries with result Yoshida expressed great appreciation for work accomplished in obtaining agreement treaty text.

In addition to text of bilateral we also gave Iguchi this morning text of several articles of treaty such as 11, 12, and 15 which seemed contain most significant changes from previous text seen by Japan. Both Iguchi and Nishimura implied there wld be no serious difficulty any these points although (Nishimura did say he feared there wld be considerable post-treaty difficulty for Japan in negotiating arrangements concerning property questions and claims in ceded territories and said it wld be necessary for Japan receive strong diplomatic support of US if satisfactory arrangements were to be concluded. At my request he agreed provide memo³ giving details of type difficulties he foresaw.

Yoshida raised question what wld be nationality persons in Ryukyus and Bonins shld trusteeship be obtained and also whether it wld be possible for them retain close econ connection with Japan. He said it was desired in econ matters give them natl treatment and inquired whether any of these problems were being considered by US. I replied that naturally all these points were of interest, that as you had pointed out in Feb, question of future of Ryukyus was only for allied determination but that I was certain US wld be willing receive Jap suggestions regarding practical details and that if he or his experts had any comments these matters I was prepared receive them. He said that prior my departure memo⁴ on these points wld be furnished.

Am meeting with [garble] and treaty experts tomorrow to discuss points raised Deptel 1826, June 26,⁵ and tomorrow afternoon Fraleigh is meeting with SCAP and Jap experts to consider in detail legislation on compensation for allied property.

As result mtg this afternoon it is my opinion Japs are in fact relieved that treaty retains in such great degree spirit and content of original draft and that as far as Japanese Govt concerned we will obtain acquiescence all essential points.

Re your 1831, June 27⁶ just recd believe it will be possible obtain final Jap views by Saturday⁷ Tokyo time. Am convinced, however, Jap suggestions will be more in regard detailed wording than substance and largely for the record. [Allison.]

Sebald

1. Not printed; see footnote 4, p. 1154.

2. In telegram 1845, to Tokyo, June 28, marked “For Allison from Dulles,” the latter stated: “Pls personally urge Yoshida refrain from protest Art 16 as this wld utterly destroy psychological value which cld be external asset far more important to Jap than the relatively minor monetary amts involved.” (694.001/6–2851)

   In telegram 2272, from Tokyo, June 29, marked “For Dulles from Allison,” the latter replied in part: “Have just had further talk with Iguchi who assures me Jap protest re art 16 on neutral assets going to Red Cross will not be a public one by Yoshida but merely his private protest to us. This shld obviate danger of creating internatl ill will.” (694.001/6–2951)

3. See telegram 14, from Tokyo, July 2, as annotated, p. 1171.
4. See footnote 5, p. 1173.
5. Ante, p. 1151.
6. Marked “For Allison from Dulles.” In it the latter had in part inquired whether Mr. Allison wanted the Department to delay clearing the “final text” of the peace treay with the United Kingdom until Mr. Allison could cable his further views. (694.001/9–2751)
7. June 30.