740.00119 Control (Japan)/4–1949: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Sebald)
153. Subj is Summary Steering Comite Mtg, Apr 12, 1949.
Agrarian Reform in Japan ( SC–335/4)
Austral member reiterated view that some expression by Comm as to desirability of program being carried out to its completion would be backing for SCAP in his attempts to overcome inertia of Jap and proposed fol as amendment to para 3 c “to these ends, the FEC approves the basic principles underlying the measures set forth in para 2 above and their strict enforcement by the Jap should be encouraged” Canad, UK and NZ members supported Austral amendment. US member requested postponement so that he could receive further instrs from his Govt.
Fishing and Aquatic Industries in Japan ( SC–271/10)
Canad member indicated he could accept SC–271/10 if words “has informed SCAP it” in line 5 of para 2 b were deleted. UK member gave notice that he would introduce amendment to para 2 a in near future. USSR member removed reservation in para 3 and called attn to proposed amendments to para 2 b and para 6, set forth in SC–271/11.
Japanese Assets in Neutral Countries ( SC–295/6)
Indian Member indicated he could support this paper. Retained on Agenda.
Labor Policy in Japan ( SC–318/17)
SC–318/17 provides that “the FEC bearing in mind that it is a matter for the occupation authorities in Japan to decide when strikes and other work stoppages should be prohibited as directly prejudicing the objectives or needs of the occupation, decides as a matter of policy that the provisions of FEC–045/5 (Principles for Japanese Trade Unions) should be applied to workers in Jap Govt enterprises.” Canad, Neth, UK, Austral, NZ indicated they were prepared to vote for paper.
USSR member insisted that members Steering Comm discuss in detail Sov proposals set forth in FEC–318/13.
[Page 713]Replacement, Lost Cultural Objects ( SC–272/12)
US Member stated it was view his Govt that matter of replacement cultural objects lost or destroyed as result of Jap aggression is one which, in contradistinction to restitution of cultural objects, cannot properly be dealt with during occupation. He added that it is US position that proposals for program of replacement cultural objects shld, as has been case in Europe, be considered on their merits if introduced at time of peace conference. He pointed out that US appreciates profound sense of injury of those of its Allies which suffered looting of their cultural heritage at Japan’s hands and that US position arises not out of lack of sympathy for these nations in their loss but only from consideration that proposals for partial redress of loss through replacement from Japan’s cultural store cannot properly be acted upon in advance of peace conference.
Chi member reserved right to comment on US position in future.
Removal of Aircraft and Private Munitions Plants from Japan ( SC–312)
Retained on Agenda.
Summary FEC mtg, Apr 14, 1949 contained in Dept’s 149 re ITU. Only other action was approval by Comm of FEC–330/7, reply to complaint against SCAP by deported Ger national.