740.00119 FEAC/3–1849: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Sebald)
100. Summary FEC mtg, Mar 10, 1949:
W. W. Butterworth who had been designated act as Gen McCoy’s alternate in his absence was elected chairman.
Access to Jap Technical and Scientific Info in Japan (FEC–280/14)
US member requested this item be retained on agenda so his Govt might have opportunity study its implications.
Policy Toward Patents, Utility Models and Designs in Japan (FEC–284/17)
In view fact all members did not have instrs, item retained on agenda.
Recommendations Re Jap-Owned Patents, utility Models and Designs in Territories of Countries at War with Japan (FEC–311/7)
Action deferred.
Econ Stabilization in Japan
In reply to UK reference to inquiry as to initiation stabilization program, US member stated steps had been taken to obtain from Tokyo factual account of various steps taken in implementing and [Page 687] making a beginning of implementing measure and that info would be placed before Comite 2 which would be able choose most logical of what would necessarily be two or three rather arbitrary dates.
Labor Policy in Japan (FEC–318/13)
Question as to disposition Sov proposal discussed at length. NZ member stated Sov proposal not acceptable his Govt, but had no objection to reference matter to Comite 2 provided did not mean matter was going to be buried there. Austral member associated himself with NZ views. Sov member insisted subject be retained Comm level but did not object if some details discussed working Comite. Comm agreed refer FEC–318/13 to joint Comite of Comite 2 and 4 by vote 10 in favor with one (USSR) opposed. Chairman ruled motion was procedural and therefore carried. USSR member challenged Chairman’s ruling on ground Comm could not take action without concurrence USSR. A proposal to drop item from agenda of Comm was carried by vote 7 favor and 4 opposed (China, France, India, USSR). USSR member again challenged ruling of Chair that proposal was carried. Chairman’s ruling supported by NZ, Austral, Phil and Fr members. Chi member requested SYG to report precedents in Comm. Chair instructed Comites to consider subject. Sov member thereupon changed his negative vote on first proposal to abstention, but affirmed opposition recent proposal and legality of Chairman’s ruling contending purpose proposal to delay discussion and justify illegal actions of Gen MacArthur.
Level Economic Life in Japan (FEC–242/32, FEC–297/10)
USSR member pressed US to present its position.
Jap Membership Internatl Convention Telecommunications (FEC–334)
USSR member contended US position set forth Mar 3, 1949 that SCAP at his own discretion could engage in matters external affairs was unfounded. He argued reference in Basic Post-Surrender Policy for Japan to rights reserved for SCAP respect matters of domestic admin meant at same time matters of Japan’s external affairs fell outside his competence. It was his view since such matters could be decided only by FEC and since adherence Japan to ITU was matter of external affairs adherence as well as action of SCAP was illegal.
US member rejected suggestion any illegal action been taken.
Austral member stated his Govt saw no objection why Japan should not adhere to technical inter-governmental conventions. But from legal point view he considered two questions involved: (a) whether Jap Govt in existing circumstances is competent to perform act of adherence to internatl convention and respect responsibility carrying out [Page 688] its obligations under it and (b) whether SCAP himself has authority permit such adherence. As to first point, he contended all aspects Japan’s Fon relations must remain until peace conference in hands of responsible auth, which he considered to be FEC with SCAP acting as its agent. As to second point, he regarded FEC as appropriate auth to approve Japan’s adherence. He suggested FEC approve policy decision providing for Japan’s adherence, either specifically to ITU or to any other technical convention of a defined nature.