Lot 54 D 423
Memorandum of Conversation, by the United States Political Adviser to SCAP (Sebald)
Subject: Calls by Prime Minister Yoshida upon Certain Asiatic Delegations
| Participants: | Kumao Nishimura |
| Ryuji Takeuchi | |
| Ambassador Sebald |
Messrs. Nishimura and Takeuchi called at my request. I referred to yesterday’s remarks by the Secretary on the question of the need for the Japanese to approach some of the Asiatic nations for the purpose of winning over those delegations which might be wavering regarding signature of the treaty. I said that the most difficult problem is that of Indonesia, but rather than single out Indonesia, it might be well if the Prime Minister were to make courtesy calls upon Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan and Ceylon, in that order, if possible. The Associated States might be left for the time being.
In his conversation the Prime Minister should attempt to stress two principles: (1) that the present treaty is desired by and is entirely acceptable to the Japanese people who wish to have this treaty which they consider liberal in its terms; (2) the question of Article 14 (reparations)—the Prime Minister should reassure the delegations and especially the Indonesians that Japan is interested in seeing that the provisions of this Article are carried out in the best of good faith, that the formula devised really means something, is workable, and that it [Page 1318] will become the vehicle for re-establishing good relations between Japan and the country concerned. I stressed the fact that it is necessary that the Indonesians are convinced that there is “something in” the treaty for them.
I further suggested that if the Indonesians should raise various economic questions the Prime Minister might be well advised to reassure them that he appreciates the importance and complexity of these problems and that every effort will be made by Japan to resolve these questions by appropriate negotiations at the earliest opportunity after the signing of the treaty.
Messrs. Nishimura and Takeuchi assured me that they would carefully explain my remarks to the Prime Minister and felt certain that he would act accordingly.