894.5018/3–1646: Telegram
Mr. Max W. Bishop, of the Office of the Political Adviser in Japan, to the Secretary of State
[Received March 16—6 p.m.]
Following message to Anderson, Secretary of Agriculture, and Clayton, Asst Secretary of State, from Harrison:39
“Have investigated carefully basis for computation of food requirements for feeding Japanese civilians as reported in radios C 58445 and CA 58100. Particular investigation has been made of the following points: (a) Reduction in ration level, (b) Use of foodstuffs for non-food purposes, (c) Food stocks on hand, (d) Procedure for gathering in rural areas, (e) Control of black marketing and hoarding. (f) Action taken to increase indigenous production, especially fish and early maturing crops, (g) Action taken to obtain food from other areas in orient, (h) Show extent to which Army and Navy surpluses, Pacific area, are being utilized, (i) Spoilage and wastage of [Page 179] foodstuffs. (j) Accuracy of crop estimates, past and present, (k) Percentage of extraction in milling processes.
As a result of these investigations we are convinced that stated requirements reflect conservatism, are realistic, and have been arrived at after maximum allowances for all available resources, economics and production increases. Long range plans relating to all points listed above have been well developed and are being vigorously executed.
Fully recognizing the worldwide food shortage and desiring to cooperate to the maximum extent possible in its alleviation, SCAP has agreed to reduce the basic ration to the Japanese, which is already 20% below recognized subsistence level, to the lowest possible level. It is believed that even this level cannot be maintained unless cereals are shipped in the amount of 200,000 tons for the months of March, April and May, with any shortfall in any month carried over to the succeeding months, making a total shipment for the next 75 days of not less than 600,000 tons. To the extent that they are available, oats and dried white potatoes of equal caloric value may be substituted for cereals. It must be recognized that the lowered basic ration necessitated by these reduced shipments will have an adverse effect on reconversion and production in all vital industries, especially textiles, mining and fishing. It must also be recognized that if this reduction proves to have been too great, subsequent shipments of foodstuffs will have to be increased to reestablish basic ration at a higher level. SCAP estimates this quantity of grain will only provide a total caloric intake of approximately 800 to 900 calories per day for non-self suppliers during most critical period. Your attention is invited to the following facts,
- (a)
- 1946 food shipments to Japan from USA, exclusive of those for direct relief, through first half of March have total only 24,600 tons.
- (b)
- Food shipments of 200,000 tons per month for March, April and May as requested, represent a decrease from previous requests for these months of approximately 162,000 tons per month or a reduction of 44%.
Documented written report will be airmailed for action on this request cannot be delayed pending its receipt. Request that this quantity of grain or suitable substitutes be given highest shipping priority and no efforts spared to get it aboard ship at the earliest possible moment. Also request that you radio immediately if you concur in the quantities requested and will make them available per above schedule. Firm commitment on quantities and shipping schedule absolutely imperative for ration planning and publicity campaign at a later date. Absolutely no publicity or information on allocations should be released at Washington at this time. To do so will have adverse effect here on anti-hoarding campaign.
Further investigation will cover requirements for balance of year. This investigation will include visits to rural and urban areas now reported in deficit status. Upon completion, radio recommendations will be submitted and written report airmailed. It is anticipated that this investigation and preparation of final report will require approximately 2 weeks. [”]
- Col. R. L. Harrison, Assistant Administrator for Fiscal and Inventory Control, Production and Marketing Administration, Department of Agriculture.↩