740.0011 PW (Peace)/8–2547: Telegram

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

secret

344. Dept contemplated extensive use of Atcheson’s advice as well as any comments he was bringing from Supreme Commander in its consideration of treaty in relation to our immediate and future objectives for Japan and place of Japan in Far East and the world.

We are anxious to obtain Supreme Commander’s views as soon as possible (Deptel 319, Aug 19 [13]). In view of tragic accident to Atcheson37 which removes possibility of obtaining results of his personal discussions with Supreme Commander we hope it may be possible for Supreme Commander to set forth his views adequately by radio. If considered this method inadequate we would, if Supreme Commander feels he can be spared, welcome despatch of member of his staff to present his views here.

Treaty draft prepared by working group in Dept has only recently been completed and is now receiving consideration by higher officers of Dept who feel that it will need considerable revision. In order to expedite consideration and enable other interested Departments and officials to develop their views on problem copies of this working paper have been informally handed to War and Navy Depts and copy was given Kades38 just prior to his departure. As this working paper may [Page 503] be of interest to Supreme Commander in this connection please obtain Kades copy and make it available to Supreme Commander emphasizing its preliminary and tentative nature and need of considerable revision.

Lovett
  1. See Acting Secretary Lovett’s statement on August 20 following the loss at sea of Mr. Atcheson while flying to Honolulu from Japan, Department of State Bulletin, August 31, 1947, p. 437.
  2. Col. Charles L. Kades, Deputy Chief of Executive Group, Government Section, GHQ, SCAP.