Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, China and Japan, Volume XIV, Part 2

693.94/1–1552: Telegram

No. 474
The Secretary of State to the Office of the United States Political Adviser to SCAP (Sebald)¹

secret
niact
emergency

Washington, January 15, 1952—10:27 a.m.

Topad 1965. Sebald from Dulles. Assume and recommend letter be released without comment other than statement suggested in second sentence, first para our 1952, Jan 11.

FYI Senators worried that Japan may be seduced by Commie Chi trade promises and think advisable avoid any interpretations or qualification of letter which would increase this concern.²

Acheson

1. Drafted by Dulles and cleared in FE with Allison.

2. In Topad 1991 to Tokyo, Jan. 16, marked “Sebald from Dulles”, the latter asked Sebald to deliver to the Prime Minister a reply to the letter of Dec. 24, 1951, and to inform him that Dulles intended to make this reply public at noon EST, Jan. 17. Text of the reply reads:

   “I acknowledge the receipt by pouch of your letter of Dec. 24, 1951 in which you express the intention of your govt with ref to China. This clear statement shld dispel any misapprehensions which, as you suggest, may have arisen from statements, separated from their context and background, made during the course of debate in Japan on the ratification of the Jap Peace Treaty and the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty.

   “I am grateful to you for your letter and I respect the courageous and forthright manner in which you face up to this difficult and controversial matter.” (694.001/1–1652)

   This letter was released on schedule.