894.00/5–1746
The Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
No. 423
[Received May 29.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of a written protest by the Japan Communist Party,2 dated April 19, 1946, against the general election held in Japan on April 10, 1946, addressed to Premier Shidehara Kijuro, with copy forwarded to the United States Member of the Allied Council for Japan.
The protest is couched in the exaggerated language usually employed elsewhere in Communist Party propaganda and to some extent resembles an article by I. Plyshevski on Japanese elections published in Red Star on April 18 wherein the author charges, inter alia, that the Japanese “reactionaries” halted at nothing in the conduct of the electoral campaign, that “reactionaries” attacked democratic candidates, that tens of thousands of displaced voters were not registered, that the haste with which the elections were held was clearly to the advantage of “reactionaries”, and that victory went to “reactionary” parties because of the support of the anti-democratic Shidehara Government.
It is also significant that as early as April 5, Lieutenant General K. Derevyanko, Member for the U.S.S.R., referred to the same general subject at the first meeting of the Allied Council for Japan held on April 5, 1946 as follows:
“The general situation in Japan and increasing activity of the reactionary forces during the election campaign undoubtedly have possessed stronger positions and have more advantages than the progressive forces give the reason to presume that the reactionary parties, contrary to the Potsdam Declaration and contrary to the interests and true wishes of the Japanese people, may have an overwhelming majority and occupy the decisive positions in the new Diet. …”3
At a second meeting of the Council held on April 17, 1946 the Soviet Member stated:
“… It is necessary to draw attention to the fact that certain persons formerly removed from their leading posts in public organizations and political parties are continuing their activities in leading and even extending financial aid to these parties as if they remained their leaders …”
Comparison of the subject matter and language employed in the Japan Communist Party’s protest with articles appearing in the Soviet press and the points raised by the Soviet Member at Council meetings strongly suggests that the Japan Communist Party’s line is directed from Moscow.
Respectfully yours,