740.00119 FEAC/5–549: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Sebald)
181. Subj is Summary FEC Mtg, Apr 28, 1949.
Review of Jap Constitution ( FEC–326/26)
Re interpretation time limit Para 2 FEC policy decision, Review of Jap Constitution,1 US Member stated position his Govt that review provided be completed prior termination two-year period; since pendency review specifically called for by this decision unsettling factor Jap polit life, US opposed to any extension allotted period for review; this position, like provision policy decision Oct 17 without prejudice continuing jurisdiction FEC at any time to consider Jap constitution, but any review constitution subsequent May 3 must stand on own feet and not be review provided in this policy decision. As to paper before Steering Comite prepared within allotted period, US no objection deferring final vote this paper for week to enable reps receive instrs. Chi member considered it adequate review be initiated within two year period. Indian member thought extension period in order. UK thought three items paper before Steering Comite be dealt with in week. Fr, Canad and Austral members associated themselves with UK view. Chairman ruled, without objection, that Steering Comite consider subj review Jap constitution at next mtg and any proposals forwarded Comm at that time be acted by Comm on May 5.
Agrarian Reform in Jap ( FEC–335/8)
USSR Member again introduced proposal SCAP provide Comm with materials and info re fulfillment agrarian land reform program in Jap. Proposal defeated by vote 8 opposed, 1 favor, two abstentions (Chi, Phil). FEC–335/8 approved by vote 10 favor with one abstention (USSR).2
Jap Membership in Internatl Convention of Telecommunications ( FEC–334)
Fr Member stated re conference to be held Paris May 18–19, Fr Govt instructed its Mission in Tokyo inform Jap Govt, since no policy decision [Page 728] been taken this respect by Comm, Jap be invited to conference only as observers; accordingly, SCAP observer will attend conference accompanied by two Jap technicians for whom visas have been granted by Fr Govt.
Phil Member stated he wld present views his Govt at next mtg.
Jap Participation in Internatl Relations ( FEC–339)
UK Member inquired if phrase “progressive resumption by Japan of its normal internatl responsibilities” referred to one of controlling documents or to policy of Comm. US Member stated he wld take question under advisement.
Priority for Patent Applications in Jap ( FEC–333/7)
USSR Member reiterated position that issuance by US this interim directive violated terms of reference FEC. NZ member stated action US this instance entirely in order. US member gave statement to SYG setting forth its position this question.
- FEC–031/40, October 17, 1946, Department of State, Activities of the Far Eastern Commission, p. 67.↩
- For policy decision on agrarian reform in Japan, see Department of State Bulletin, May 22, 1949, p. 670; the text was released to the press on May 6 and embodied in directive serial 103, May 4, to SCAP for implementation.↩