694.001/7–2351: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser to SCAP (Sebald)
Topad 102. From Allison. Reurtel 151, July 21.1 UK has not yet completed study of draft legis and hence was unwilling to alter language Art 15(a). However, we are discussing this matter urgently with UK Emb here with view to having language altered in Aug 13 draft. UK still believes far more satis for Art 15 to refer to substantive Jap law rather than to a draft but it is believed here they will accede to our suggested language.2 Pls inform Iguchi of our appreciation of efforts Jap have made in this respect and that through you we will attempt to keep him currently advised. Some Jap press statements noted here have referred to possibility of extraordinary session of Diet prior to signing Treaty. Shld this eventuate UK wld presumably insist on having draft legis passed at such session. What is your assessment this possibility?3 [Allison.]
- Not printed.↩
- In telegram 413, from London, July 20, the Embassy had in part reported that the Foreign Office had stated it had previously understood that the law would be passed before signature of the peace treaty. (694.001/7–2051)↩
- In telegram 176, from Tokyo, July 25, the Mission reported learning that the Government was planning to call an extraordinary session of the Diet for the sole purpose of obtaining approval of the appointment of certain Diet members to the peace conference, and that the Government felt that any broadening of the session would lead to a debate on the peace treaty itself, “with possible undesirable repercussions.” (694.001/7–2551)↩