694.001/8–2851: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser to SCAP (Sebald)
priority
Topad 342. FYI and communication to FonOff at your discretion, Dept planning fol re handling Jap Del:
- 1.
- Jap Del to be seated with other dels on floor from opening conference.
- 2.
- Allied Dels to be arranged alphabetically by country, followed by Jap Del.
- 3.
- Jap press reps to be seated in press galleries.
- 4.
- Jap Del to be invited to all official receptions.
- 5.
- In accordance recent gen practice not contemplated that formal calls be exchanged between heads of dels. For purposes protocol US Del reception immed fol welcoming ceremony evening Sept 4, to which Jap Del will be invited, considered sufficient to provide for usual exchange of courtesies.
- 6.
- Not anticipated that Jap Del will formally participate conference until final stage when PriMin will be accorded opportunity to speak.
While Japs will not formally participate until close of conference, their informal conversations with other Dels and statements appearing [Page 1300] in press attributed to them may have strong influence on success in obtaining maximum nr signatories. Apart from question of degree effectiveness of Sov divisive efforts, Jap Del shld fully understand that acceptance of invitation to conference in case of several non-Commie countries by no means assures they will sign treaty. This particularly true Indo to whose sig US attaches greatest importance. To cope with these problems and anticipated Sov tactics will require highest degree dipl skill of entire Jap Del on whose coop and assistance US Del will be heavily dependent, particularly in connection with other Asian Dels. For example, in any informal discussions with such dels as Indo and Phil re Art 14 it will be utmost importance that Jap attitude be responsive.
To facilitate handling these problems, consider it particularly desirable that Jap Del establish press relations section which will handle all public statements by all members Jap Del. US Del press section will be pleased assist and, if desired, advise Jap press section.