740.00119 Control(Japan)/10–3045: Telegram
The Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 31—6:40 a.m.]
77. Following translation from Yomiuri-Hochi, October 30.
“Foreign Minister Shigeru Yoshida at 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon called on General Douglas MacArthur and conducted with him a formal talk regarding the directive for the closing of Japan’s overseas diplomatic organs and withdrawal of Japanese diplomats abroad.
On the occasion of the talk, it is understood, the Foreign Minister desired the withdrawal of the directive, if such was possible at all. [Page 811] However, the same directive was issued through the Washington Government as result of consultations held among the Four Powers, the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and China. Immediately after the end of the war similar demand was made to our Government but the Japanese Government implored the withdrawal of the demand. Since then, no reply had been received. Two months after that the foregoing directive has been issued through the MacArthur headquarters in the name of the High Command of the Four Powers. Such being the case, withdrawal of the directive is regarded as impossible.
Due to the forthcoming closing of the diplomatic organs abroad and the withdrawal of Japanese diplomats from abroad, the diplomatic functions of our country will be virtually suspended. Hereafter the business of the Central Liaison Office and various investigation work will become the main work of the Foreign Office. As a result, the structure of the Foreign Office will inevitably be compressed.”