740.00119 PW/9–2045: Airgram
The Minister in New Zealand (Patton) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 3—7 p.m.]
A–225. Reference Legation’s confidential telegram 401 of August 13, 2 p.m.3 regarding views of New Zealand Department of External Affairs on surrender terms to be imposed upon Japan.
In a conversation today with an officer of the Legation, an official of the Department of External Affairs stated that even though no public statement on the matter had been made, the views of the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) on the policy adopted by the United Nations for the occupation of Japan were similar to those of Australia. [Page 720] According to this official, the views of the Prime Minister, as expressed in a confidential communication to the United Kingdom Government, are as follows:
There should be no soft peace. Japan should be occupied by Allied troops as long as is necessary to eliminate its war potential and to establish a democratic government responsible to the people. The Emperor should be tried as a war criminal. Although it is realized, in accordance with General MacArthur’s present policy, that a light hand must be used until the Japanese forces are completely disarmed and Allied control effectuated, the New Zealand Government is worried lest the present soft policy be continued.
According to the official of the Department of External Affairs, the New Zealand Government is prepared to make its contribution to the onerous task of occupying Japan by sending a brigade of troops to assist in the occupation. Nevertheless, when the question of New Zealand’s contribution to the occupying forces is discussed by the New Zealand Government with the United Kingdom Government the latter has always intimated to the New Zealand Government that the United States does not desire that substantial numbers of British Commonwealth troops be used in the occupation.
In my opinion, this is an instance of the disadvantages, in so far as the United States is concerned, of New Zealand receiving information on American policy exclusively through British Government channels.
[A statement on “United States Initial Post-Surrender Policy for Japan”, was prepared jointly by the Department of State, the (War Department, and the Navy Department (adopted September 21 as SWNCC 150/4/A). It was approved by President Truman and released to the press by the White House on September 22, 1945. For text, see Department of State Bulletin, September 23, 1945, page 423.]