740.00119 Control (Japan)/10–1245
The Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 25.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a list of 11 questions submitted to the Supreme Commander by the Japanese authorities on October 7 [Page 750] concerning the treatment of foreign diplomats in Japan together with a copy of my memorandum of October 11, 1945 to the Chief of Staff embodying general suggestions for a reply to the Japanese.40
The tone of the Japanese communication shows the persistence of the Foreign Office in trying to maintain that it is still in a position of authority in its dealings with foreign officials. Reference is made in this connection to my telegram 13 of October 2, 1945, in which it was suggested that the Japanese Government be directed to conduct its relations with neutral diplomatic missions only through Allied Military Headquarters.
The problem of relations of foreign diplomats with the Foreign Office will largely resolve itself if the neutral diplomatic missions now in Japan are repatriated. These missions include the Swedish, Swiss, Turkish, Roumanian, Spanish, Siamese and Portuguese. Most of these missions have already asked for facilities and it is recommended that arrangements be made with their respective governments to expedite their repatriation and that representatives of all diplomatic missions remaining in Japan, whether neutral or Allied, be asked to conduct all formal relations with the Japanese Government through the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander.
Very respectfully yours,
- Neither printed.↩