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

894.011/8–646: Telegram

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

confidential

Washington, August 6, 1946—5 p.m.

430. CINCAFPAC C 63473⁵⁷ “For Secretary of State” extremely valuable and useful both Dept and US delegation FEC. Substance immediately made available FEC.

FEC Committee on Constitution gratified that attempts secure amendment present draft would be made as indicated (B) and (C). The question was raised FEC meeting July 25 concerning method by which SCAP would inform appropriate officials Jap Govt of FEC policy decision on basic principles for Constitution. Chairman Pro Tern General Hilldring assured Commission SCAP would take such steps as he might deem appropriate and that informal inquiry would be made of SCAP to ascertain what action had been taken. We have assumed here that where appropriate SCAP has communicated FEC policy with respect Constitution in form of suggestions to appropriate Jap officials so that any necessary changes might be incorporated into draft before its final passage by Diet.

Further comments this matter would be helpful US delegation.⁵⁸

War Dept advises no answer yet received tels W94644 and W94701.

Acheson

57. Ante, p. 279.
58. In a memorandum of August 22, 1946, the Department informed the Secretary General of the Far Eastern Commission that Mr. Atcheson had “assured the Department that where appropriate SCAP has communicated Far Eastern Commission policy with respect to the Constitution in the form of suggestions to appropriate Japanese officials, so that any necessary changes might be incorporated into the draft before its final passage by the Diet.” (894.011/8–1046)