Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VII, Part 2

740.0011 PW (Peace)/5–1049

Memorandum by the Acting Political Adviser in Japan (Sebald) to the Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs (Butterworth)¹

secret

[Washington,] May 10, 1949.

In my last interview with General MacArthur prior to leaving Tokyo, among other subjects discussed was the possibility of General MacArthur’s returning to the United States on a visit or for other reasons. In response to my question on this subject, he said that I am authorized on his behalf to state as follows:

“It is General MacArthur’s purpose to remain in Japan until his job is completed. He considers that the job will be completed upon the signing of a treaty of peace.”

1. Submitted on May 11 to the Secretary of State by Mr. Butterworth as “of interest”. Mr. Sebald was on a brief consultative visit from Tokyo.