740.00119 Control(Japan)/11–545
The Secretary of War (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: Governmental policy which is the present basis for action by the War Department and the Joint Chiefs of Staff on matters connected with the use of Allied forces in the occupation of Japan is contained in SWNCC 70/5,3 approved by you 18 August 1945. It envisages participation of Allied forces, but not in such numbers as to prevent U.S. control of the implementation of policies regarding enforcement of the surrender terms. Based on this policy the Joint Chiefs of Staff have already accepted in principle British participation in the occupation of Japan and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek has already discussed with the Commanding General of the China Theater the provision of a Chinese Army of three divisions for Japan.
It is understood from the remarks of the Secretary of State at the meeting of the Committee of Three3a on 30 October that there is now some question about the continued validity of the policy in SWNCC 70/5. If this expressed policy is no longer effective, it is requested that the Secretary of State inform the War Department and the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the proposed revisions in this policy so that the proposals and commitments of the War Department for troop strength may be modified accordingly as soon as possible.
Sincerely yours,