694.001/6–2851: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser to SCAP (Sebald)
Topad 1844. For Allison from Dulles. Pentagon has expressed some concern lest 14 (b) involving waiver of claims of Allied Powers for “direct military costs of occupation” might be claimed by Jap to require waiver of advances for food and medical supplies for population because Art 55 Geneva Convention, Aug 12, 1949 calls on occupying power to insure food and medical supplies of population. We do not believe that this is a possible interpretation of 14(b). Also Geneva Convention referred to not ratified by US and indeed not in existence during most of period. However, it wld be helpful if you put us in position to assure Pentagon no such claim will be made by Jap.1
Foregoing shld not be interpreted as involving any change of policy re scaling down GARIOA debt but Pentagon feels obligated maintain claim intact until scaling down actually accomplished. [Dulles.]
- In telegram 13, from Tokyo, July 5, marked “Dulles from Allison,” the latter reported being informed by Mr. Iguchi that Japan would state in writing that it did not interpret Article 14 (b) as requiring the United States to waive claims for advances under GARIOA appropriations for food and medical supplies furnished Japan prior to the time the treaty should come into force. (694.001/7–551)↩