740.00119 Control (Japan)/4–2749
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Harold W. Moseley, Special Assistant, Division of Northeast Asian Affairs
| Participants: | Mr. Max W. Bishop, Chief, Div. of Northeast Asian Affairs |
| Mr. Harold W. Moseley, Special Assistant, NA | |
| Dr. Tan Shao-hwa, Minister, Chinese Embassy | |
| Mr. J. O. Reuchlin, Minister, Netherlands Embassy | |
| Mr. J. F. Ford, First Secretary, British Embassy | |
| Mr. H. W. Bullock, Second Sec’y., Embassy of Australia | |
| Mr. Ralph E. Collins, Second Sec’y., Embassy of Canada | |
| Mr. F. H. Corner, First Sec’y., Embassy of New Zealand | |
| Mr. S. N. Banerji, India Delegation, FEC | |
| Mr. Faustina Lozada, Philippine Delegation, FEC |
Members of the FEC delegations as indicated above were invited in at Mr. Bishop’s request in order that he might present to them the proposed policy with respect to Japanese participation in international relations in advance of the formal introduction of the policy in the FEC by the United States. A copy of the proposed policy is appended to this memorandum.1
Mr. Bishop explained to the representatives present that it was the feeling of the U.S. Government that since a democratic and responsible Japanese Government has been established, it was now time that the FEC countries should take leadership in supporting the gradual and progressive assumption by Japan of its international responsibilities under the guiding hand of SCAP. He indicated that it is our view that a realistic approach to this matter is now necessary in view of the peace treaty delay and the lapse of almost four years time since the surrender of Japan. Mr. Bishop pointed out that SCAP has informed the United States that such a policy will further his objectives in the occupation of Japan.
He invited attention to the FEC Basic Post-Surrender Policy in which the FEC countries agreed to help Japan develop economic and cultural intercourse with other countries and bring Japan into permanent peaceful relationship with all nations. He also pointed out that one of the ultimate objectives agreed upon in this FEC policy was to establish a democratic and peaceful Japanese Government which would carry out its international responsibilities and would respect the rights of other states. Mr. Bishop went on to point out that the [Page 722] proposed policy was in line with the aforementioned FEC Basic Post Surrender Policy.
The reaction of the representatives present was in general one of reserve regarding the details of the proposed policy but was favorable to the principle of allowing some resumption of Japanese participation in international relations. They all indicated, however, that it would be necessary for them to obtain the views of their governments before they could discuss the proposal in the FEC. Mr. Bishop emphasized that we of course did not expect them to be able to express more than their personal views before hearing from their governments.
Some of the representatives present said that the proposed policy raised several legal questions in connection with an exchange of official representatives between Japan and other countries. Mr. Bishop indicated that it was our hope that the subject would not be approached from the standpoint of legal technicalities, but rather that it would be accepted from the standpoint of the broad political implications of the situation in Japan and in the world at large. He emphasized that the proposal was purposely drafted in very broad terms, and that it should be borne in mind that before Japan participates in international relations she must (1) be invited to enter into such relationships, (2) SCAP must approve, and (3) SCAP must consider such participation to be in the interests of the occupation.
Mr. Bishop said that Japan needed the benefits and guidance of direct contacts with other governments and people, and furthermore other countries would benefit by gaining a direct knowledge of the new Japan. He indicated that we envisaged a gradual resumption by Japan of its participation in international relationships. He noted that there were many routine, but nevertheless important, functions of an international character which the Japanese can and should immediately assume in regard to such matters as trade, property, and citizenship.
Mr. Bishop emphasized that in introducing in the FEC this proposed policy the United States Government does not deviate from its position that under the terms and purposes of the Basic Post Surrender Policy Japan can resume participation in international relations under the guidance of SCAP, and that there is no other specific FEC policy controlling on this point. Nevertheless, we recognize that relations between nations and peoples are a two-way street and it is believed that the time has arrived when the governments represented on the FEC should give positive indication that they will welcome increasing Japanese participation in international relations. The time has come when we should remove all barriers which stand in the way of a revival of mutually beneficial exchanges. It is only by such action that the vestiges of hatred and bitterness which are the inevitable [Page 723] aftermaths of war and which still exist in many countries can be removed.