740.00119 PW/8–1845: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 18—2 p.m.]
2948. Press August 18 published Tass statement which follows:
New York Herald Tribune published statement of London correspondent Columbia Broadcasting System Murrow25b to effect that Molotov and Harriman exchanged very sharp words regarding appointment of MacArthur as Supreme Commander of Allied Occupation Troops. Soviet official circles considered that Supreme Commander in Chief must be representative of Red Army. In conformity with instructions received from Washington, Harriman refused not only to compromise but even to consider the Soviet demand. Two hours after conclusion of prolonged and hot arguments, USSR withdrew its demand and agreed to accept American Supreme Commander in Japan.
According to precise information at disposal of Tass, above cited Herald Tribune story does not correspond to facts. In reality following took place:
US Govt through its Ambassador on August 11 presented for consideration of Soviet Govt a draft reply to statement of Jap Govt regarding capitulation. In Soviet Govt’s answer transmitted by V. M. Molotov agreement of USSR with this draft was expressed. At same [Page 677] time it was proposed in this reply that Allied powers should agree among themselves regarding candidature or candidatures of those persons who would be commissioned on behalf of Allied Supreme Command to prescribe to Japan terms of surrender. After exchange of opinions between Molotov and Harriman, condition was made that consultation must take place between the Soviet and US Govts regarding appointment of above representative of Allied Supreme Command. On part of Soviet Govt there were no objections to candidature of MacArthur. Appointment of MacArthur took place after consultation with Soviet Govt.
Thus Herald Tribune story to effect that Soviet official circles considered Supreme Commander must be representative of Red army and that allegedly such a demand was presented by Soviet Govt to US Govt is fabricated.
- Edward R. Murrow.↩