740.00119 Control (Japan)/11–1049: Circular telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Offices 1
ReDepcirtel Apr 22, 9 a. m. Reps of FEC countries were invited to call individually at Dept for purpose explaining to them US reasons for wishing press forward with estab, in countries willing receive them, [Page 896] of Jap overseas offices for handling trade promotion, economic reporting and, where necessary, civil status and possibly other limited consular-type functions. These Reps are being handed identic aide-mémoire,2 substance of which fols:
US Govt recommended to FEC last Apr that under SCAP’s supervision Jap be permitted attend internatl mtgs, conventions and adhere to and participate in such internatl arrangements as other countries might be willing conclude with Jap. At that time US Govt expressed hope that while SCAP already possessed sufficient discretionary powers under existing FEC policy decisions to permit Jap participation in internatl relationships, leadership in bringing Jap back gradually into the internatl community wld be taken by countries represented on FEC.
FEC subcommittee considering this question has focused its attention on two aspects overall problem: First dealing with Jap’s attendance at internatl mtgs and second concerning estab Jap overseas offices charged with trade promotion and other affairs. Without in any way minimizing importance which US attaches to first aspect, US wishes to emphasize urgency taking early steps establish Jap overseas offices.
Benefits which accrue to a country’s internatl trade by maintenance trade offices in other countries are too well known to need repeating. Additionally, in countries where there are large populations there is pressing need for some Jap agency handling civil status and other functions undertaken on practical basis for its natls resident those areas. Lack of competent Jap authorities to perform notarial services on behalf of countrymen abroad and advise them in matters Jap domestic law is confusing legal rights and depriving many persons of citizenship rights and property. Overseas offices wld also serve as agency for bringing to attention Jap residents abroad all SCAP directives and Jap laws and regulations with which they might be immediately concerned. Precise scope of activity overseas offices wld presumably have to be worked out on bilateral basis through SCAP between Jap and other country concerned.
SCAP has recently suggested to US Govt that it enter into arrangements with Jap Govt, through SCAP, for establishing Jap offices in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. SCAP added that if requests shld be received from other countries for establishing similar Jap offices SCAP wld give them sympathetic consideration on same basis.
US Govt therefore urges other FEC countries join in course of action designed improve facilities for handling trade and other matters of common concern to them and Jap. US, for reasons cited above, believes it must shortly respond affirmatively to SCAP’s msg, [Page 897] but it continues hope other FEC powers will also agree upon desirability such action.
Foregoing summary of aide-mémoire for your info in case matter raised by Govt to which you accredited.