Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The British Commonwealth, The Far East, Volume VI

Staff Committee Papers

Summary of United States Post-Defeat Policy Relating to Japan⁷³

SC–138a

[Washington,] June 27, 1945.

The Problem

The problem is to determine the Department’s attitude toward a report (Annex I) on the above subject prepared by the State-War-Navy Coordinating subcommittee for the Far East.

Background

This report was prepared in reply to a request from the Civil Affairs Division of the War Department “that the Department of State furnish the Civil Affairs Division with a short policy statement with respect to the treatment of Japan, which statement should have the Presidential approval to the end that civil affairs planning for Japan may proceed.” “We have in mind a statement for Japan similar to the statement as approved by the President with respect to the treatment of Germany.”

[Annex I]

Summary of United States Initial Post-Defeat Policy Relating to Japan

[Here follows text as printed in annex to SWNCC 150, June 11, page 549, except for revision of paragraph II as follows:]

II. Unconditional Surrender or Total Defeat

Immediately upon the unconditional surrender or total defeat of Japan, the supreme allied commander will exercise supreme authority over the domestic and foreign affairs of the Japanese Empire. Simultaneously, the powers of the Emperor and the powers and functions of all instrumentalities which participate in the formulation or consideration of national policies shall be assumed by the military government.

73. As approved by Staff Committee meeting on June 26.