740.00119 Control (Japan)/5–2848: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Sebald)
201. State Department resumes herewith cable series on weekly developments in the Far Eastern Commission. At meeting May 27 U.S. submitted following proposal on attendance at inter-govt conferences as FEC 300/8 in substitution for last U.S. position FEC 300/7 and as amendment to New Zealand proposal FEC 300/3.
“FEC decides as a matter of policy that:
- 1.
- Upon receipt of an appropriate invitation SCAP may appoint members of his staff as observers at inter-govt conferences, attendance at which he deems to be in the interest of the occupation.
- 2.
- Members of SCAP’s staff attending an inter-govt conference on invitation as provided in Par. 1, may be accompanied by Japanese technical personnel when deemed necessary by SCAP, and when the attendance of Japanese personnel is acceptable to the country acting as host to the conference.”
This new proposal was believed necessary in view position majority members making impossible obtain agreement U.S. proposal FEC 300/7. U.S. proposal regarded completely adequate meet present requirements SCAP and insistence FEC countries for policy covering present attendance by SCAP at inter-govt conferences. In presenting [Page 795] proposal Acting Chairman Saltzman read statement making clear U.S. proposal is limited to attendance by SCAP in non-voting capacity and does not represent policy one way or other on attendance by Japanese govt in any capacity or by SCAP in representative capacity. Statement makes clear these questions left open for future determination in light of developments.
U.S. proposal very well received, apparently mollifying considerable irritation previously evidenced by nearly all members at former insistence U.S. on policy specifically providing for attendance by SCAP in both observer and representative capacity. New Zealand representative stated gratified U.S. efforts resolve difference of opinion. He inquired whether possible insert statement in policy to effect SCAP would report to FEC invitations received attendance conferences representative capacity or alternatively U.S. declare would inform FEC upon receipt such invitations. Saltzman replied U.S. would consider suggestion. Separate cable being sent SCAP ref this matter.
Chinese representative stated probably relinquish position insisting conferences be limited to technical ones and that U.S. proposal goes a long way toward reconciling difference. Netherlands stated support. Following meeting Australia stated would recommend acceptance to Canberra.
No action taken other matters agenda.