740.00119 FEAC/10–2445: Airgram
The Chargé in New Zealand (Childs) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 9—1 p.m.]
A–264. Reference Legation’s airgram no. A–225, September 20, 1945 regarding view of Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) on allied policy for occupation of Japan.
Legation informed that Department of External Affairs recently transmitted a directive to New Zealand Minister in Washington (Mr. Berendsen) for his guidance at forthcoming meeting in Washington of Far Eastern Advisory Commission. Mr. Berendsen is New Zealand representative on Commission.
Legation understands that New Zealand Government substantially agrees with United States policy as set forth in statement of general initial policy relating to Japan approved by the President on September 6.73 An official of the Department of External Affairs said to an officer of the Legation, however, that New Zealand Government considers United States policy towards war criminals, as set forth in [Page 782] statement of September 6, as too general and fears that American policy will err on lenient side. New Zealand Government feels that careful investigation of Japanese political leaders in power since invasion of Manchuria, in addition to military leaders, should be made with objective of possible trial as war criminals. Moreover, New Zealand Government thinks that Emperor should be brought to trial if investigation indicates that he was in any way responsible for Japanese policy of aggression.
Department of External Affairs is agreeable to the establishment of Advisory Commission. New Zealand Prime Minister, however, is inclined to advocate establishment of a Far Eastern control commission composed of representatives of all countries who participated in war against Japan. Indications are that if establishment of control commission shown to be impracticable New Zealand Government will accept commission with advisory functions only.
- For revised text in SWNCC 150/4/A, September 21, see Department of State Bulletin, September 23, 1945, p. 423.↩