740.00119 Control (Japan)/11–2448
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Marshall Green of the Division of Northeast Asian Affairs
Mr. Bullock and Mr. Davis called for the purpose of leaving with Mr. Bishop a note from the Australian Ambassador to the Acting Secretary of State.1 It was stated in the note that the Australian Government did not find it possible to maintain after December 31, 1948, an occupation force greater than one infantry battalion and one air force squadron, together with necessary maintenance units—a total of 2,750 men. It was further stated that the Australian Government had given notice of the proposed reduction in the Australian Ambassador’s letter of May 7, 1948 to the Secretary of State2 and that the reduction in BCOF troop strength therefore complied with paragraph 3(b) of the MacArthur–Northcott Agreement which permits BCOF withdrawals, in whole or in part, upon six months’ notice by either party.
Mr. Bishop observed that it was his understanding that the Australian Ambassador’s letter of May 7, 1948, had not been construed by those handling this problem in the State and Army Departments as a firm notice but as a proposal to reduce BCOF strength subject to US agreement. He went on to say that for this reason we would probably find ourselves caught off balance by the Australian action, but it was not possible to know what adjustments would have to be made until we had had an opportunity to obtain SCAP’s views.
Mr. Bullock replied that General Robertson had been instructed by his Government several months ago to consult with SCAP in regard to the problems arising from the BCOF reductions in force. Mr. Bullock therefore trusted that SCAP would not be confronted with a situation for which no preparations had been made. Referring to an inquiry made by Mr. Allison at a previous discussion of this problem, Mr. Bullock affirmed that the reduction of force would not result in the recall of General Robertson and that the BCOF would continue to be staffed by officers having rank commensurate with the responsibility and dignity of a BCOF mission.
Mr. Bishop said that a reply would be made to the Australian note in due course.