Office of the Historian

169. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Japan1

Washington, June 5, 1957—6:03 p.m.

2709. Eyes only Ambassador from Secretary and Robertson. Girard case has set loose a wave of anti-Japanese sentiment being stimulated by certain organizations such as the American Legion. Speaker Rayburn has urged that Kishi should defer his visit somewhat and preferably until after trial has occurred.2 However, President and ourselves doubt this is desirable but President has suggested you should diplomatically alert Kishi to possibility there may be some sporadic manifestations which we hope he will understand, taking [Page 343] into account that if US decision had been otherwise there would probably have been some anti-US demonstrations in Japan.3

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.551/6–557. Confidential; Priority. Drafted and signed by Dulles.↩
  2. Bernau’s notes of a telephone call from Dulles to Rayburn at 5:45 p.m. on June 5 read in part: “They spoke re Kishi and R seemed to agree re his coming. They jocularly agreed people might take the decision out on the Sec or Wilson but not Kishi.” (Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, General Telephone Conversations) Apparently this conversation took place after the telegram was drafted, but before it was sent.↩
  3. MacArthur responded to this message in telegram 2876 from Tokyo, June 6, marked eyes only for the Secretary and Robertson. The Ambassador stated that Kishi had expressed deep appreciation for the U.S. decision in the Girard case and that he, MacArthur, had mentioned to Kishi the possibility of anti-Japanese manifestations during the forthcoming visit. (Department of State, Central Files, 711.551/6–657)↩