740.00119 Control (Japan)/10–1045
The Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 23.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of our memorandum of October 10, 1945 to the Supreme Commander32 suggesting a program for the comprehensive dissemination in Japan of world news from American sources. Specifically, it is recommended that world news and related services formerly provided by OWI33 in foreign countries (China, as example) be prepared by former OWI personnel inducted into the Department and be forwarded by the Department to General Headquarters here for handling by the Headquarters Information and Education Section.
There is obviously a very definite need here for a comprehensive news service, such as that suggested, for Japanese newspapers. We have daily been struck by the dearth and poor handling of American and world news in general. As an example, there is enclosed a copy of the Osaka Mainichi, English language edition, for October 8.34
We believe that the program suggested to General MacArthur is along the lines of one contemplated by OWI officials except that the service in question would be furnished by the Department and this would not necessarily involve the sending to Japan of Departmental (former OWI) personnel except possibly such personnel as might be requested by Headquarters for induction into, and full control by, the Information and Education Section of General MacArthur’s command.
Respectfully yours,