Office of the Historian

145. Memorandum of a Telephone Conversation Between the Secretary of State and the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Robertson), Washington, May 21, 1957, 2:35 p.m.1

Washington, May 21, 1957, 2:35 p.m.

TELEPHONE CALL FROM MR Robertson

R said he talked with Radford and he agrees we made an agreement and made [it] with them in good faith and we should stand by it and he will do what he can. It would be catastrophic to welsh on it. R thinks the message2 should not go out. It is unilateral and will produce all the bad results. The Sec was not absolutely sure of this and read the last part re without prejudice etc. R mentioned the message to MacArthur.3 We should hear from him before the other goes. The Sec will write to Brucker.

  1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, General Telephone Conversations. Drafted by Bernau.↩
  2. See footnote 2, Document 147.↩
  3. Apparent reference to telegram 2570 to Tokyo, sent niact at 3:45 p.m. on May 21. It reads as follows:

    “Defense desires unilaterally rescind agreement reached Joint US-Japanese Committee permitting Japan try Girard. Department greatly concerned impact of such action in Japan. Desire niact your assessment reaction Japan and impact US-Japanese relations such course action.

    “In view strong Congressional feeling, it has been suggested as alternative to abiding decision reached Joint Committee matter be referred to Governments through Diplomatic channels in accordance Article XXVI paragraph 3 Administrative Agreement. Desire your appraisal feasibility this course action. (Department of State, Central Files, 711.551/5–2151)

    This telegram was prompted apparently by a suggestion of Robertson’s. See footnote 2, Document 147.

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