740.00119 Control (Japan)/6–148: Airgram
The Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Sebald) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 9—8:05 a. m.]
A–114. During the course of an informal conversation with Sir Alvary Gascoigne, Head of the United Kingdom Liaison Mission, Sir Alvary said that in his opinion the Allied Council for Japan has outlived its usefulness. He termed the Allied Council “a redundant body” which has been grafted upon the Supreme Commander as the executive authority, and linked with the Far Eastern Commission as the policymaking body in the regime of control of Japan.
Sir Alvary stated that since the inception of the Allied Council for Japan he has consistently tried to advise the British Commonwealth Member not to take too active part in the discussions, as to do so would only lead to ill-will, misunderstanding, and a worsened political atmosphere. In the case of Mr. McMahon Ball, Sir Alvary stated that it was difficult to advise, as Mr. Ball preferred to argue and to appear in the [Page 796] limelight at the Council meetings. In the case of Mr. Shaw, however, it is possible for him to give advice and to influence the behavior of the British Commonwealth Member. On the other hand, Dr. Evatt being a very positive individual, Mr. Shaw at times has difficulty in convincing his own Government of the inadvisability of raising objections or even discussions in the Council.
Sir Alvary expressed the opinion that the interests of the Allied Powers would best be served by abolishing the Allied Council, but unfortunately the Council having been formed by agreement among the major Allies, it would be impracticable at this late stage to change the terms of reference. In consequence, Sir Alvary felt that the less discussion entered into by the Council members, the better it would be for the Occupation as a whole. He hoped that I, as Chairman, would continue to hold merely pro forma meetings or at most, to limit discussion to the bare essentials.