Office of the Historian

694.001/8–851: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser to SCAP (Sebald)1

secret
Washington, August 8, 1951—6 p. m.

Topad 206. Urtels 155 July 22 and 269 Aug 7.2 Dept agrees your view that Clutton suggestions wld introduce further complicating factor into situation and that action this regard shld be postponed until after signature. However, believe assoc of Emperor with proceedings from beginning in every possible manner consistent with [Page 1249] Constitution desirable especially from view developing favorable Jap public opinion toward treaty. This might be achieved through fol steps:

1.
Broad interpretation provisions Art 7 of Constitution concerning Imperial attestation credentials Ambs and Mins to cover credentials Jap Del.
2.
Granting of Imperial audience to Del prior departure San Francisco and upon return.
3.
Inclusion of Matsudaira or other suitable person close to Imperial Household in Del.

If you believe foregoing points wld be helpful and can be accomplished without undue complications suggest you discreetly discuss with FonOff on opportune occasion.3

Acheson
  1. Drafted by Douglas W. Overton of the Office of Northeast Asian Affairs and cleared by, among others, Mr. Allison on behalf of Mr. Dulles.↩
  2. Neither printed. In the latter, Mr. Sebald had reported in part that Mr. Clutton had inquired (under instructions) whether it would be possible to induce the Emperor to issue some form of public statement in support of the peace treaty. (694.001/8–751)↩

  3. In telegram 301 from Tokyo, August 11, Mr. Sebald reported in part that he had been assured by the Foreign Office that the Emperor would attest the credentials of the delegates, grant them an audience prior to departure for San Francisco, and perhaps receive them again upon their return to Japan.

    “Inclusion of Matsudaira or other person close to Imperial household believed most difficult in view Jap desire not involve Emperor or Imperial household in what they consider is essentially polit matter. In view Jap sensibilities this regard I am not pushing this suggestion, but Yoshida aware my views and still giving consideration.” (694.001/8–1151)

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