740.00119 Control (Japan)/7–3146

Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State (Hilldring) to the United States Member of the Far Eastern Commission (McCoy)

top secret

In accordance with instructions of July 31, 1946, from the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee59 there is enclosed a statement of United States Policy regarding Publicity Aspects of Proposed Instructions by SCAP Authorizing Japanese Research in Technological Subjects, comprising the conclusions of SWNCC 52/20, which was approved informally by the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee on July 31, 1946.

The United States Member, Far Eastern Commission, is requested to introduce the United States views on Publicity Aspects of Proposed Instructions by SCAP Authorizing Japanese Research in Technological Subjects into the Far Eastern Commission with a view to obtaining from the Commission a policy decision on the subject.

J. H. Hilldring
[Annex]

Draft Statement Approved July 31 by the State–War–Navy Coordinating Committee

Statement of United States Policy Regarding Publicity Aspects of Proposed Instructions by SCAP Authorizing Japanese Research in Technological Subjects

7. It is concluded that:

Basic research and academic instructions in Japan in the field of nuclear physics should be permitted subject to such surveillance as is [Page 284] necessary to prevent adaptation of possible new discoveries to war purposes.

All research or development in Japan which has for its purpose the production of fissionable atomic species in more than minute quantities used for research purposes should be prohibited.

All research or development in Japan which has for its purpose the separation or concentration of fissionable species of atomic isotopes from the naturally occurring isotope mixture of a chemical element should be prohibited except when such isotope separation is in minute quantities to be used for research purposes only.

All research, development, or construction in Japan which has for its purpose the utilization of atomic nuclear energy for weapons of war or the operation of war industries, or the operation of power producing installations which might easily be converted to warlike purposes, should be prohibited.

The mining, processing and refining of radioactive materials in Japan for authorized uses should be permitted only in instances specifically approved by SCAP and should be under such surveillance as necessary to prevent stockpiling of such materials for war purposes.

  1. SWN–4637, not printed.