740.00119 FEAC/9–2646
Memorandum by the Acting Chief of the Division of Japanese Affairs (Borton) to the Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs (Vincent)
[Extract]
secret
[Washington,] September 26, 1946.
At a special meeting of the Far Eastern Commission on September 25 the following main topics were discussed:
- A.
- Revision of the Japanese Draft Constitution. General MacArthur had cabled that in deference to the views of other governments he had persuaded the Japanese Government to insert “universal adult suffrage is hereby guaranteed” in Article XV and “Prime Minister and Ministers of State shall be civilians” in Article LXVI. He further stated that the House of Peers is expected to complete its action on the Constitution this week. The acceptance of the above changes by SCAP created a favorable atmosphere at the Commission meeting and resulted in the Chinese Delegate approving the Constitution without reservation except a desire to see the Constitution in final form.
- B.
- Review of the Constitution (FEC–031/36). This paper was postponed awaiting Soviet instructions on the revised version of the first paragraph.
- C.
- Soviet Proposals Concerning Draft Constitution (FEC–087/6). [Here follows summary of discussion reported in excerpt from minutes of 28th meeting, printed supra.]
- D.
- Inter-Allied Trade Board for Japan (FEC–089). As the Philippine Delegate had not yet received instructions on the paper, its consideration was postponed until the next meeting but it seems likely that the Commission will approve the establishment of an Inter-Allied Trade Board to provide easy and rapid means of consultation between the United States Government and other governments on the FEC, regarding the disposition of exports available for Japan and the furnishing of imports required for Japan.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
H[ugh] B[orton]