Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East, Volume VIII

894.628/8–246: Telegram

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

secret

Washington, August 2, 1946—6 p.m.

426. Des. 481 from PolAd July 1, 1946. Russians have raised FEC objection to extension Jap fishing and whaling areas. Informal minutes being transmitted airmail.⁵⁵ Following desired by FEC Subcommittee:

(1) Will any additional catch fish be used for export?

(2) To what extent could additional fish be substituted for foods now imported or which otherwise would have to be imported?

(3) What is current annual fish consumption Japan in relation total caloric intake?

(4) Is there possibility increasing catch substantially in formerly authorized areas without using larger vessels?⁵⁶

In addition, Dept wishes info and analysis current fisheries programs in terms current needs and objectives, particularly reference boat building program and extension fishing areas. Dept informed basis extension fishing areas and building program is domestic need fishery products.

Please confirm, indicating place of fish in total domestic food availability. Dept desires comment on basis decision build additional fishing vessels of types proposed in relation need other shipping and other use for materials. What if any significance need for employment and foreign exchange in relation fisheries program? Observations current status export program fisheries production will be helpful.

From Russian representative FEC and other sources appears Russia desires urgent expansion domestic fisheries program and acquisition fishing and whaling vessels. Is negotiating with American firms construction various types deep sea fishing and whaling vessels. Russian interest fishing operations elsewhere in Pacific also indicates possible Russian intention assume position re Pacific fisheries held prewar by Japan.

Acheson

55. Instruction 215, August 5, not printed.
56. Replies to these questions were transmitted in a telegram of August 28, 1946, from Tokyo. They were negative as to 1 and 4; the importance of fish in the Japanese diet was emphasized as to 2. Question 3 was answered thus: “Current annual fish consumption forms approximately 4.8% of the total caloric intake and from 90% to 94% of the total animal protein in Japanese diet.” (894.628/8–2846)