132. Telegram From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State1
2547. At Diet committee meeting yesterday, Kishi, modifying past stand, testified that Japanese constitution does not bar possession of nuclear weapons “for defensive purposes”. Press quoted Kishi as stating “I do not think so-called nuclear weapons are prohibited entirely by constitution. In view of progress of science, we must have effective power to carry out modern warfare within scope self-defense.” Kishi however assured Diet committee he had no intention of arming Self-Defense Forces with nuclear weapons or reversing opposition to US stationing of nuclear units in Japan. He did not on other hand express “doubt that opposition to nuclear weapons will continue to apply although it is hard predict future because nuclear weapons are progressing.”
Responsible Foreign Office official commented to Embassy officer today that Kishi’s statements to Diet represented his personal views on problem as expressed inside Foreign Office; presumably Kishi anticipated interpellations on this question since Socialists have publicized their intentions to do so; Socialists had been agitated about April 25 statement by Defense Agency chief Kodaki that it might be proper for JDA have “nuclear weapons to minimum extent necessary for sake of defense.”
Initial press comment adverse, interpreting Kishi’s statement as switch from past attitude absolutely rejecting nuclear weapons. Comments also warned against possibility of concessions to US viewpoint during Kishi’s visit to Washington.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.5611/5–857. Confidential.↩