761.5622/11–1152: Telegram
No. 534
The Ambassador in Japan (Murphy) to the Department of State
niact
1513. Urtels 11581 and 1192.2 We take serious view of position of US weakness presented to Japan and Far East generally by recent press stories reporting American failure to take strong action against Sov overflights of Jap territory. Following as it does on recent loss of B–29 which apparently was shot down by Sov aircraft, obviously questions arise in minds of thinking Japs as to the firmness of our intentions to defend Japan under Security Treaty. Naturally picture of US as weak and unreliable power is one of the chief Commie objectives in this area.
While I concur in Gen Clark’s recommendations3 re action to be taken by FEAF, I wish to provide Dept with better analysis than we have thus far prepared re Jap reactions to previous overflights etc. Thus far as Dept is undoubtedly aware, info re these overflights has been very closely held and Jap public is not conscious of number of violations committed by Sov aircraft. There is, of course, some small sentiment that the very presence US Forces in Japan is provocative and this prevails as would be expected in left circles. It is my opinion that the bulk of Jap opinion would welcome an indication of firm action on US part. It is also my opinion that Jap reactions actual engagement or shooting down Sov aircraft would be favorable from our point of view and also would stimulate Jap support of rearmament program. I discussed this question informally with FonMin4 and he agreed.
[Page 1063]Re dipl steps which Japan and USG should take in this connection this will be treated in subsequent tel.
There is no question in my mind of the desirability of citing US–Jap Security Treaty as basis for these or similar measures.