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

856E.00/1–1546: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Netherlands (Hornbeck)

restricted

Washington, January 18, 1946—6 p.m.

45. Urtel 23, Jan. 8; and 53, Jan 15.³¹ Following is Combined Chiefs of Staff’s published statement Jan 6:

“Since participation of United States forces in the India-Burma campaign has ended and the United States does not envisage participating in the future operations incident to the disarmament of Japanese troops and the restoration of civil government in the territories under SEAC, the Combined Chiefs of Staff consider that it is no longer necessary from the military point of view for Admiral (Lord Louis) Mountbatten (Supreme Allied Commander), to retain a fully integrated British-United States headquarters.

Therefore, United States representation at SEAC will henceforth be limited to inter-theatre liaison.”

Dept informed this was implementation of decision taken last Sept, was natural development in area where have been no US combat forces since last June. Dept has no explanation for delay in announcement, but no significance attached to announcement coming at this time.

Acheson

31. Neither printed.