221. Telegram From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State1
1361. Re Deptel 1255.2 In accordance with instructions I called on Shigemitsu at 12:15 pm at House of Councillors. He expressed appreciation of United States efforts to obtain Japan’s admission to United Nations and said he had no objection to press release concerning my call. Verbatim text of statement released to press 1:00 pm Tokyo time in my immediate following unclassified telegram.3
Shigemitsu said he and government had been subjected all morning in House of Councillors to vigorous attack as result of Soviet Union veto. He and Prime Minister are being held responsible and Shigemitsu said there was real danger that he might not be able to remain in office. Government is being attacked for too much dependence on United States and for stubbornness in negotiations with Soviet Union which, according to Socialist opposition, is cause of Russia’s veto. He said Government would remain firm in its position and it realizes that Soviet action had been taken for deliberate purpose of causing trouble between friends and putting pressure on Japan to speed up negotiations. I have never seen Shigemitsu look as worried as he did this noon and I believe there is [Page 454] real substance in his fears that he may be forced to assume responsibility and have to leave government.