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

740.00119 PW/9–545

Memorandum by President Truman’s Naval Aide (Pinney)

Washington, 5 September, 1945.

Mr. Connelly:²⁷ The President now has on his desk a paper delivered to him by the Secretary of State, entitled “A Post-Defeat Policy for Japan”. This paper contains a directive for General MacArthur, and its approval is of great interest to the State, War and Navy Departments. Admiral Leahy²⁸ spoke to the President about it this morning and was assured that it would be approved shortly.

Would it be possible for you to call the Admiral’s office and let us know when the President has formally approved it?²⁹

Respectfully,

F. L. Pinney, Jr.

Commander, U.S.N.

27. Matthew J. Connelly, President Truman’s secretary.
28. Fleet Adm. William D. Leahy, Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy.
29. Notation by President Truman: “Approved 9/6/45. Harry S. Truman”.