740.00119 Control (Japan)/11–645
Report by the State-War-Navy Coordinating Subcommittee for the Far East
the problem
1. To determine the policy of the United States with respect to food supply in Japan with particular relation to agricultural production.
[Page 748]facts bearing on the problem
2. See Appendix “A”.38
discussion
3. See Appendix “B”.38
conclusions
4. It is concluded that:
- a.
- The responsibility with respect to formulating and executing food and agriculture programs should be placed on the appropriate Japanese authorities subject to the approval of the Supreme Commander.
- b.
- Production of food crops should be maximized. However, tea and mulberry plantations should not be converted to food crops except for those areas whose trees or bushes are over age or for other reasons non-producing, and except for those areas which would be especially productive for food.
- c.
- Supplies of fertilizers should be made available, particularly for this winter’s crops. Night soil is an important source of fertilizer and its use should be continued. Surveys should be instituted of facilities and raw materials available for the production of fertilizer in Japan. The importation of fertilizer and of essential spare parts and raw materials for fertilizer plants is authorized to the extent required to meet deficiencies in local supply. Imports should be procured as far as possible from sources in proximity to Japan.
- d.
- The production of farm tools and implements in short supply should be encouraged.
- e.
- To the extent practicable, stock from the army remount depots should be distributed to areas most dependent on animal power.
- f.
- Steps should be taken to insure an equitable distribution of farm produce. Such measures should include price control, rationing, control of black markets and such other measures as are directed toward full employment of resources, including labor. Attention should be given to the production and sale of such incentive goods as are in demand by food producers and can be produced locally.
- g.
- The production of synthetic vitamins should be encouraged to supplement the probable inadequacies of diet during 1945–46, especially for the ill and for children and expectant and nursing mothers.
recommendations
5. It is recommended that:
- a.
- This report be forwarded to the Joint Chiefs of Staff for comment from the military point of view;
- b.
- Upon the approval by the State-War-Navy Coordinating
Committee of the conclusions in paragraph 4 above:
- (1)
- this paper be transmitted to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and to the State, War and Navy Departments for their guidance, and where appropriate for implementation;
- (2)
- the “Conclusions” in paragraph 4 above be communicated by the Department of State to the Governments of the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, China, France, the Commonwealth of the Philippines, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Netherlands;
- (3)
- after having communicated with our Allies according to subparagraph (2) above, the Department of State, at its discretion, release the “Conclusions” to the press, and
- (4)
- this report be classified “Restricted” until such time as it is released according to paragraph 5 b(3) above.