740.00115 P. W./8–2646: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 2—5:32 p.m.]
383. Subject is relief for and repatriation of Japanese nationals from Manchuria and Soviet-controlled areas.
Reference SCAP tel to WARCOS for State Dept and AmEmbassy Moscow number C 62607 14th July, our dispatches 492, July 9th and 517 July 12th [24th],83 WDSCA EF number W 98151 and CINCAFPAC radio C 64545 26th August to WDSCA ES.
Japanese are showing ever increasing apprehension and unrest concerning fate of nationals in Soviet-controlled and Communist Manchuria areas. An increasing number of petitions signed by many thousands interested relatives as well as heavy daily mail of personal letters are being received by General Headquarters and Chairman Allied Council. On August 20th Special Committee from Japanese Diet made personal call on me to solicit assistance of United States Government in solving this problem. They stated pressure upon Diet members has reached point where situation is almost beyond control. Japanese press continues to reflect growing Japanese public concern regarding effects upon Japanese nationals during approaching cold season.
Culminating this widespread concern, Japanese Government has recently submitted to SCAP petition on repatriation of nationals from Manchuria and Siberia. According to Japanese records, over 1,000,000 Japanese still in Manchuria and 700,000 in Siberia. Given present condition of movement to coast and limited port facilities made available, Japanese Government now estimates that some 570,000 nationals in Manchuria alone have no prospect of being repatriated before next spring unless ports other than Hulutao are made available. Japanese Government estimates number deaths of nationals last winter in 11 districts in Manchuria from lack of fuel and food and from epidemics was 111,250 and points out that conditions will be infinitely worse this coming winter due exhaustion fuel, food, clothing; lack of medical supplies, bedding, etc.; and generally poor physical condition of the people. It urges that if repatriation cannot be effected necessary relief measures be taken.
General Headquarters points out that facilities of ports within the area of Manchuria under Soviet control will be needed to effect early repatriation as well as agreement and positive action by Soviet Government in bringing Japanese nationals to accessible ports.
[Page 307]In addition to action proposed by Department and reported in W 98151 from War Dept to CINCAFPAC, and that proposed in CINCAFPAC C 64545, it is suggested that as partial amelioration this urgent problem from the viewpoint of the occupation, Dept may wish, as interim measure and because of humanitarian considerations, to (1) request Chinese and Soviet Governments to render all practicable relief and assistance to Japanese nationals in their respective areas and (2) request governments concerned to allow (subject to censorship, if necessary) mail communication between Japanese nationals in their areas and Japan proper. Maybe Soviet action is to embarrass U.S.
- Despatches 492 and 517 not printed.↩