225. Telegram From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State1
1385. UN membership question continuing to dominate Japanese attention. Yesterday issue was focal point of Diet and Cabinet discussions, and received heavy press play and editorial comment in almost every paper. Russians receiving harsher criticism but Soviet vetoes have not brought wave of indignation.
Diet debate yesterday keyed to Socialist-sponsored non-confidence motion against Shigemitsu which defeated in straight party line vote 259–135. Shigemitsu during Diet interpellations stated Soviet veto placing great pressure on Japan but stressed government intends follow original policy in London talks and not make any major concessions, sticking to demand for Southern Kurile return and consideration of Northern Kuriles and South Sakhalin by international conference. Shigemitsu also said “Japan was victim of unlucky side blow thrown during wrangling between USSR and US in UN Security Council”, held membership developments not require change in Japanese policy toward US.
According press, Shigemitsu also took strong line at Cabinet meeting, pinning entire blame for failure to gain UN entry on USSR and specifically absolving Nationalist China. Shigemitsu warned Cabinet that Soviet veto part of strategy gain bargaining leverage not only at London treaty talks but also with respect seating Commie China in UN. Hatoyama, however, reportedly pushed for new, bipartisan approach in treaty negotiations. Cabinet decided to reach full policy agreement on Soviet talks prior departure of Ambassador Matsumoto for London—now scheduled in early January.
[Page 458]Press comment yesterday reflected general bitterness, moderate indignation against Russians, and continued undercurrent of resentment against Nationalist China; editorials pointed to need for reassessment of Japanese diplomatic strategy for admission. All papers cited pressure on London talks. Mainichi, Tokyo Shimbun and Sanlcei Jiji also viewed Soviet veto as leading to possible deal on seating of Commie China in UN in exchange for Japanese membership. Yomiuri called for Japan to follow example of Asian-Arab bloc in carrying out policy in face of US and Britain (this approach also strongly recommended in Diet and in press comment by right-wing Socialist diplomatic expert Eki Sone). Tokyo Times was only paper to question openly continued reliance on US although others implied as much of suggestion of other diplomatic courses of action. Influential columns in Yomiuri and Tokyo Shimbun expressed admiration for “brilliance” of Soviet tactics and contrasting lack of skill on part USG.
Asahi which withheld comment yesterday devoted lead editorial (“Japan abandoned”) today to UN membership question. Paper’s speculation centered around West’s proposal 15th that Japan be admitted next session, vetoed by USSR, and latter’s proposal linking Japan and Outer Mongolia, which defeated as result West’s abstentions. Asahi appreciated West’s support, but said gratitude greatly diminished by West’s rejection Soviet plan. Paper also sharply condemned USSR, which it noted had used veto three times since 13th to block Japan’s admission. Essence of Asahi’s criticism however was that West and particularly Soviet utilizing Japan’s UN membership as bargaining weapon to promote own diplomatic ends, ignoring needs of Japanese people. In this connection Asahi said that, though Soviets apparently intended relate UN membership to negotiation Japan-Soviet settlement, Japan should not let Soviet pressure this issue influence her stand in negotiations. Asahi also deeply wounded by fact small nations which originally sponsored 18-nation package deal were ready to drop Japan without making serious effort in her behalf. Asahi brooded about this, said not only memories World War II but Japan’s callous treatment small Asian countries in post-war era responsible for fact that when chips down no one was ready to rush to Japan’s aid. Asahi’s conclusion was that Japan must radically improve relations with small countries, and be on guard in future against danger of being used as tool of great powers.
Asahi today also featured report by Washington correspondent Nakamura analyzing US reactions. Nakamura said US officials’ public comments confined to reiteration charge that USSR solely responsible for Japan’s rejection; no one would speculate about future developments. However, on basis information gathered from “informed sources”, Nakamura drew following conclusions: [Page 459]
- A.
- US recognizes Japan’s admission tied to admission Commie China, not Outer Mongolia.
- B.
- US probably will try prevent special Assembly session in spring, in any event will make all-out effort to block seating Commie China (Eden-Eisenhower meeting first move in this campaign2).
- C.
- Fact 1956 is Presidential year will exercise determining influence on US strategy in UN.