740.00119 FEAC/4–2949: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Sebald)
171. Subj: Summary FEC Mtg Apr 21, 1949.
Japanese Membership in International Convention of Telecommunications ( FEC–334)
Chi member stated from legal standpoint auth to permit Jap’s adherence inter-governmental convention shld remain with FEC. Thought FEC policy Attendance Inter-Governmental Conferences wld reasonably meet Jap’s needs under present circumstances. Neth member stated all aspects of Jap’s Fon relations are in hands of powers who are going to sign peace treaty and majority these powers can decide that for certain specific purposes Jap shall resume full internatl status, but only for these specified purposes. He concluded from looking at special protocol Internatl Telecommunications Convention that it was generally recognized Jap’s accession would be of general advantage and therefore necessary agreement of nations which eventually are going to sign peace treaty was obtained and SCAP was from that moment on fully authorized to tell Jap Govt that they could accede. As to future cases he thought it would be advisable for Jap resume her seat among other civilized nations when majority eventual signatory powers agreed that she should join such convention. UK Member insisted that although Jap could adhere to convention she could not be member. US Member indicated that there has been no case in history ITU since establishment in 1865 in which state which has acceded to Telecommunication Convention has not been recognized as member of Union. Also pointed out that both Administrative Council of ITU and SYG have acted in manner to recognize Jap as member ITU. Indian member thought that question issuance of invitation shld be left to Fr Govt. As to broader question of SCAP authority re Jap external relations his Govt took view fact that power in domestic field had been expressly conferred on SCAP implied that such powers re external relations continued to be vested in FEC. Referred to reply of USDel at Atlantic City Convention which indicated that “Control Committee (SCAP)” mentioned in protocol was the “responsible auth” and stated that he thought responsible auth referred to was FEC and not SCAP. He added that nothing said or done in Atlantic City Convention could take away from jurisdiction of FEC. He pointed out that his Govt considered time had come when Jap shld be permitted [Page 724] adhere to ITU and he wld be glad to support proposal to that effect. US member reiterated view that SCAP was responsible auth referred to. He pointed out that there was no doubt in minds members USDel but that Jap Govt delegation shld attend Paris conference, that it was position US in view of expressed intention signatories Atlantic City Convention which provided means whereby Jap cld adhere to Convention and in view fact SYG ITU has accepted accession Jap and has communicated info members ITU, issuance invitation by Fr Govt, acting as host, shld be, in opinion of his Govt, a pro-forma matter of automatic nature.
Priority for Patent Applications in Japan ( FEC–333/7)
USSR member requested discussion legality issuance interim directive this subject. No comments.
Under other business, US member submitted statement and proposed policy Jap participation in internatl relations substance of which was transmitted Toyko Depcirtel Apr 22, 1949.