740.00119 Control (Japan)/12–1148
Memorandum by the Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs (Butterworth) to the Acting Secretary of State
There is attached as Tab A a draft telegram to General MacArthur replying to his two telegrams (Tab B) of December 4 regarding the implementation of NSC 13/2.1
[Page 924]The Department of the Army (Mr. Draper) does not wish to include in this telegram Part Four on the “purge”, but would like to send a separate telegram on the purge in which there would be, presumably, full and detailed directives to MacArthur regarding the measures to carry out the principles outlined in NSC 13/2. The only mention of the purge which the Army would like to make in this telegram would be a brief statement that the question is being studied and that MacArthur may defer implementation in the interim.
Our draft is along the lines which Mr. Kennan and I discussed with you the other day and in general is acceptable to the Army except as mentioned above. We feel that a full reply to MacArthur’s telegrams must be sent and that omission of the statements which we propose regarding the purge would seriously detract from our reply. We also feel strongly that at least for the time being and as a matter of principle we should avoid in so far as possible giving to General MacArthur orders which contain detailed measures setting forth the ways in which he is to carry out the general purposes of NSC 13/2, without at least first allowing General MacArthur to express his own plans for implementation.
I hope that I shall be able to handle this matter with the Army and that you will not have to be bothered with it. I am sending you this memorandum, however, because Mr. Draper might call you directly.