740.00119 Control(Japan)/11–845: Telegram
The Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 11—4:45 p.m.]
103. Revision of Japanese Constitution. Reference penultimate sentence of Department’s 38, Oct 17 [16], instructing us to continue discussions and keep Department informed.
Following a request from Konoye that we discuss with him several draft articles prepared by his group, Gen. MacArthur has advised that we not associate ourselves in the matter further. Gen. MacArthur feels that Konoye would make political capital out of further association and that, as the Japanese Govt has been directed by the Supreme Commander through the Prime Minister to initiate a constitutional revision, none of us should be involved until Japanese Govt itself formally submits something on the matter. We are, of course, following Gen. MacArthur’s wishes and will refrain from further participation.