2. Telegram From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State1
1605. During courtesy call on Shigemitsu by Admiral Radford,2 accompanied by General Hull and me, Foreign Minister took occasion to emphasize in strongest possible manner his belief that “fundamental basis” of Japanese policy was close and friendly cooperation with US.
In spite of press stories that Shigemitsu has requested $45 million reduction in Japanese contribution to United States forces in Japan, fact is that no figure of any sort was mentioned, that no request for reduction was made and that question of defense budget was not mentioned by Foreign Minister until brought up by me. Shigemitsu then contented himself with saying this was complicated matter which he was certain could be satisfactorily settled as result of discussion among ourselves and our experts.
There was some general discussion on reparations problem and Shigemitsu expressed belief that was one of most important problems to be solved before Japan could do its proper share in general economic buildup of Asia. He pled for United States consideration of this problem not as separate bilateral problem between Japan and Philippines and Indonesia but as part of overall Far Eastern economic problem. Shigemitsu said he was not asking for any direct United States aid but that Japan would welcome advice from American experts and hoped they would concern themselves with the matter.
[Page 3]Only two specific matters were mentioned by Shigemitsu and one of these, return of Japanese to Bonins, was not pursued at any length. Foreign Minister did make lengthy “personal appeal” on behalf of release of war criminals. This is subject of increasing importance in Japan and Shigemitsu expressed deep regret that Great Britain and United States, two best friends of Japan, continued to take what he described as “legalistic” approach to problem. He said he did not question legality of trials or correctness of decisions reached but ten years had passed and it is important to forget past and do everything possible heal wounds war. Continued incarceration of these men keeps alive war resentments, hinders full and complete collaboration between our two nations which is so essential and plays into hands of leftists and Communists who point to releases being made by Communist China and Soviets. It is not good to point to thousands Communists have not and never will release, important thing is that considerable talk and some action is evident from Communist side leading to releases. Shigemitsu requested Radford to pass on his concern to President with strong appeal for early favorable action. Admiral Radford said he would inform President and Secretaries of State and Defense of Mr. Shigemitsu’s views.
In my personal opinion which I know is shared by General Hull, there is little which we could do in Japan which would do more good for American-Japan relations than a decision for early release, on parole or otherwise, of remaining war criminals under United States jurisdiction.
Please pass copy this message to Admiral Radford.