702.9411/10–2149: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Sebald)
529. (1) Further FEC discussion of establishment Jap offices abroad performing trade and quasi-consular affairs appears desirable before taking steps proposed urtel 417.1 Such a course of action would broaden other countries’ understanding of need for Jap overseas offices, wld offset resentment on part certain countries toward course of US action claimed to be unilateral, illegal; might influence certain FEC countries enter similar bilateral arrangements with Japan.
[Page 881](2) FEC Subcomite discussions on FEC–339 have progressed to point where several countries appear willing accept a policy decision along these lines:
“The FEC decides as a matter of policy that Japan, with SCAP approval, shld be permitted to enter into bilateral arrangements with other countries for the purpose of establishing in those countries Jap offices charged with trade promotion, econ reporting and, to the extent deemed necessary by the parties concerned, with handling matters affecting the civil status and property rights of Jap natls residing in the areas in which these offices are located. The precise extent and nature of the activities to be undertaken by these offices shall be determined by agreement between the parties concerned with SCAP approval.”
(3) Dept therefore believes we may have to look for division of FEC–339 into two separate policy decisions, one dealing with Jap attendance at Internatl conferences, and other with estab of Jap overseas offices; that such division of FEC–339 is logical and wld permit FEC focus its attn at this time on more urgent problem of establishing overseas offices, but without suggesting to FEC that US is any way abandoning Internatl conferences aspect of FEC–339.
(4) Dept is further of opinion that, if as result these FEC discussions, a policy decision were proposed along lines set forth in (2) above, US cld scarcely refuse support it, although it might deem it advisable read into record statement pointing out that in US opinion SCAP already possesses auth to authorize such arrangements.
(5) On other hand, if after several more weeks FEC consideration this question there is no likelihood agreement, Dept proposes proceed without FEC sanction with exchange of notes with Jap Govt along lines suggested urtel 417. This is step which will probably not be taken without first bringing to attn other Govts at high Dipl level and in convincing manner reasons for our proposed action and requesting other countries fol our lead this matter.
(6) Dept appreciates initiative taken by PolAd and SCAP in this matter. It agrees with limitations SCAP proposes place on Jap overseas offices and with proposed locations of offices initially to be established in US. Certain reservations are held, however, over use of terms “consul” or “consular’ in describing Jap overseas reps or their offices. Since latter are to perform only certain consular-type functions, wld appear desirable, if possible, avoid these terms which it is believed wld occasion unwarranted alarm among other countries.
(7) Foregoing coordinated with Dept of Army.
- October 14, not printed.↩