Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Japan, Volume XXIII, Part 1

125. Letter From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Sebald) to the Ambassador in Japan (MacArthur)¹

Washington, March 25, 1957.

Dear Doug: I want to pass on to you the main points which emerged in a briefing received by John Steeves and FE representatives on March 20 from representatives of the Department of Defense on the outline plan for the disestablishment of CINCFE.² This is the first opportunity which we have had to see the complete text of this plan,³ but I understand that it was sent to CINCFE several weeks ago so that it has probably come to your attention. If not, please let me know and we will send on the text which we expect to receive from Defense in the next few days.

In the section dealing with Japan, we have the most questions about the new relationship which will obtain between the subordinate Unified Commander in Japan and the Ambassador and also by the position which the Chief of MAAG/J will occupy. The plan as now worded authorizes the Unified Commander to conduct direct negotiations with appropriate representatives of the Japanese Government on certain matters. Although the argument was made by Defense representatives that in context this would be clearly understood to refer to dealings by United States Forces with their counterparts in the Japanese military establishment, we expressed the view that it would be better to state clearly that the 1952 Presidential Directive⁴ will be rescinded and Embassy–Command relationships will be conducted in accordance with existing Presidential directives, referring specifically to Circular 58 of July 24, 1956.⁵ It was agreed that representatives of the two Departments would look into the matter and decide whether to recommend that the Presidential Directive of April 23, 1952 should be rescinded. On the question of the position of MAAG/J in the new setup, Defense stated that they did not have a final position on this since they were awaiting comments from CINCPAC and CINCFE.

With regard to the Ryukyus, we pointed out the desirability of having the Governor in the islands rather than in Hawaii. It was agreed that further discussion of this matter should await the conclusions of the State–Defense working group that is now reviewing our whole position in the Ryukyus. We have already sent Outer⁶ a copy of John Steeves’ paper⁷ on this subject which will form the basis for these discussions. It was agreed that we should move ahead rapidly with this study and point for May 1 as a completion date. Since we plan to introduce this study as an NSC action, higher echelon consideration may well extend beyond this date.

We pointed out that we have not discussed plans for the disestablishment of CINCFE with the Japanese or the Koreans since last July when the press release was checked out with them. Defense representatives agreed that it was desirable to authorize you and General Lemnitzer to inform the Japanese Government of progress that has been made in planning for the changeover. By now you should have received authorization to do this. Similar action will be taken in Korea. It was agreed that instead of telling the Japanese and Koreans after the fact we should have as full an exchange as possible before final decisions are taken by the United States. We promised such at the time the press release was discussed.

I would appreciate receiving your views on the outline plan for the disestablishment of CINCFE and any comments you may have on the foregoing.

Sincerely yours,

William J. Sebald⁸

1. Source: Department of State, FE Files: Lot 59 D 19, MacArthur, Douglas, II. Secret; Official–Informal. Drafted in NA.
2. This was scheduled to take place July 1, 1957, as part of the reorganization described in Document 82.
3. Not found.
4. For text of the Presidential Directive issued April 23, 1952, see the attachment to the memorandum from Secretary of State Acheson and Secretary of Defense Lovett, April 22, 1952, in Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, vol. XIV, Part 2, p. 1243.
5. In this circular telegram, the Department forwarded to all Chiefs of Mission an instruction, approved by the President, outlining the relationship between the Chiefs of Mission and the representatives of other agencies, and stating that representatives of all agencies were subject to the supervision of a Chief of Mission “in connection with any of their activities which in his own judgment affect relations between the United States and the country to which he is accredited. (Department of State, Central Files, 120.171/7–2456)
6. Outerbridge Horsey.
7. Not found.
8. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.