894.52/2–1648
The Acting Political Adviser in Japan ( Sebald ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 25.]
The Acting Political Adviser has the honor to enclose1 five copies of a directive from this Headquarters to the Japanese Government (Scapin 1855 of February 4, 1948) directing that prompt and vigorous action be taken against persons who obstruct the implementation of land reform measures. The land reform program in Japan is based on revisions enacted in 1945 and 1946 of the Agricultural Land Adjustment Law of 1938. The directive emphasizes that implementation of the program is essential to the creation in Japan of a free and democratic society.
Copy of a press release dated February 10, 1948 issued by the Public Information Office of this Headquarters in explanation of Scapin [Page 662] 1855 is also enclosed. The press release notes that in most parts of Japan the land reform program has moved ahead smoothly with the cooperation of all concerned.
- Enclosures not printed.↩