740.00119 Control (Japan)/1–546

The Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State

No. 166

Sir: I have the honor to transmit copies in quadruplicate of two directives, both dated January 4, 1946, from the Supreme Commander to the Japanese Government on the following subjects:

1.
Abolition of Certain Political Parties, Associations, Societies and other Organizations.20
2.
Removal and Exclusion of Undesirable Personnel from Public Office.21

The directives are too long to permit brief summarization. It is believed, however, that the titles are self-explanatory and that the Department will be familiar, through the press, with their general contents.

There is also enclosed in duplicate a press release issued by General Headquarters, SCAP,22 simultaneously with the release of the directives, which provides a certain amount of background comment and explain the motives behind their preparation.

This Mission was consulted in the preparation of these important directives, generally spoken of as the “de-nazification program”, and concurred in their final form.

[Page 95]

Political repercussions in Japan following upon the enforcement of these directives will be reported by telegram.

Respectfully yours,

George Atcheson, Jr.
  1. Scapin–548, January 4, Political Reorientation of Japan, p. 479.
  2. Scapin–550, January 4, ibid., p. 482.
  3. Ibid., p. 489.