740.00119 Control (Japan)/10–1945: Telegram
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:40 p.m.]
10953. Re Dept’s 9100, October 13, Secdel 171. At request of Mr. Dunn, Embassy took up with Foreign Office British desire to send political representative to Japan at an early date. This morning Sterndale Bennett told us that while British deem it extremely important to have a political representative and staff in Japan as soon as possible, they have no desire to cause embarrassment to either General MacArthur or US Govt. For this reason British feel it might not be advisable to bring up matter before Far Eastern Advisory Commission as Dept suggests inasmuch as this might result in all other nations represented holding out for immediate political representation in Tokyo.
According to Sterndale Bennett, Foreign Office has not reached final decision on matter but has under consideration possibility of suggesting additions to staff of General Gairdner, who is at present attached to General MacArthur’s staff, as personal representative of Prime Minister. British feel this should not raise any questions as General Gairdner already has recognized status and whether his staff consists of 3 or 12 officers raises no new issue of principle. British feel it urgent that they attach to staff of General Gairdner a few officers from their Foreign Service and economic and financial staffs so that British Govt may receive its own first-hand reports of conditions [Page 761] in Japan. Additional staff is also needed to take care of problems of indigent and other British subjects who may still be in Japan and need normal consular assistance for whom there is no provision at present. However, British will take no steps in this matter until they have been in touch with State Dept again and will naturally at that time give full details as to number of people it is desired to send and scope of functions to be performed by them. Mr. Bevin’s letter to the Secretary regarding this matter was not meant to be a final request but merely a statement of British desires so that Dept would be informed and could be considering matter.