740.00119 PW/9–645
Memorandum by the Secretary of State to President Truman
I am presenting for your approval a statement of United States Initial Post-Defeat Policy Relating to Japan (SWNCC 150/4) which has been prepared by the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee.24 The statement sets forth principles for the treatment of Japan and is intended to serve a similar purpose as regards Japan as the memorandum approved by President Roosevelt on 23 March did with regard to Germany.25
The statement has been reviewed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff who perceive no objections thereto from a military point of view. It has the approval of Secretary Stimson and Secretary Forrestal.
I recommend your approval.26
- Adopted August 31, not printed. For slightly revised text adopted September 21, see Department of State Bulletin, September 23, 1945, p. 423. The second sentence of paragraph 4, (b), Part IV—Economic, was a revision of the following in the earlier text: “Deliveries from existing stock or from continued production of goods urgently needed by United Nations who are victims of Japanese aggression and by liberated areas may be made prior to and without prejudice to determination by appropriate Allied authorities whether such deliveries shall be considered as reparations or as exports for which payments are to be made. In making such determination, the policy will be followed that payment should be made for such deliveries to the extent needed to enable Japan to defray the cost of approved Japanese imports.”↩
- Vol. iii, p. 471.↩
- Notation by President Truman: “Approved 9/6/45. Harry S. Truman”.↩