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

216. Telegram from the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State¹

Tokyo, September 4, 1957–6 p.m.

658. Re: Embtel 561.² Pass Defense. This is joint message from Ambassador MacArthur and Admiral Stump. Japanese-American Committee on Security held second meeting on morning September 4. Atmosphere was friendly and meeting was constructive.

Highlights were:

1. Cordial reception accorded Admiral Stump;

2. Admiral Stump’s review of Far East military situation;

3. Provision of additional information on US plans for troop withdrawal and return of facilities.

Following is summary of meeting. Full report follows by pouch.

I

After Foreign Minister Fujiyama opened meeting by warmly welcoming Admiral Stump, Admiral Stump made presentation on agenda item no. 1, “Discussion of Military Situation in Far East in Relation to Defense of Japan”. Admiral Stump reviewed in considerable detail Communist threat and military strength in Far East, pointing out broad range of tactics presently used by Communists in effort to achieve their expansionist objectives. He noted strength of US and other free world forces in area opposing Communists, expressing view that free world at present stronger than Communists. Admiral Stump, however, stressed that Communist threat imposed heavy requirements on free world nations, particularly need to prepare own defenses and work together. In this connection, he mentioned continued US willingness to contribute to collective defense through disposition of our forces in Far East and assistance to free nations in area. Admiral Stump concluded his detailed presentation by emphasizing the particularly important role of Japan both as natural target of Communist threat and as nation capable of playing major part in own defense as well as defense of entire region.

Following presentation by Admiral Stump which was well received, Ministers Fujiyama and Tsushima expressed appreciation for his interesting and illuminating statement and asked questions related mainly to current Communist intentions. Fujiyama also inquired whether, in event of hostilities in Middle East or other area outside Far East, US forces in Far East would be deployed to these areas and thus weaken free world position in Far East. Admiral Stump replied that, while specific US actions would depend on situation at time, US could not afford to leave Far East area uncovered.

II

Vice Minister Ohno next summarized status of consultations regarding relationship between Security Treaty and UN Charter. Ohno reported two governments had been in consultation, and had agreed on procedures for exchange of notes, with hope that announcement can be made prior to September 14 departure of Foreign Minister.³ Ambassador confirmed Ohno’s report.

III

Defense Agency Director General Tsushima opened discussion of third agenda item on prospective withdrawals of US forces in Japan by expressing appreciation for information and explanations previously received on US planning. He reiterated desire for full advance coordination with Defense Agency on release of facilities and requested consultation, whenever necessary, outside committee between JDA and USFJ. Admiral Stump gave further assurance that US understands need for timely consultation and will continue current procedures for coordinating release of US facilities with Japanese agencies concerned. He then gave committee list of facilities projected for release prior to 30 June 1958, which had been previously furnished procurement agency by General Smith. He pointed out list excludes facilities for which needs of JDA or capabilities to take over at this time are still under study.

Admiral Stump informed committee of current US planning for reduction of forces in Japan. Using June 1, 1957 strength of 100,000 as reference figure, he estimated withdrawal to amount 40–45,000 leaving approximately 55–60,000 US military personnel in Japan on 30 June 1958. He emphasized projected strength figures are tentative, subject to modification and cannot be construed as US commitment. He also indicated considerable planning required before specific details on withdrawal are available but Japanese Govt will be given earliest possible advance notification as additional details become known. Both Fujiyama and Tsushima expressed gratitude for information on troop reductions, stating information will enable Japanese Govt to prepare measures to cope with situation. Fujiyama also inquired whether, in reply to Diet interpellations, government may now say US withdrawals will leave 55–60,000 troops in Japan rather than 80,000 which figure government has been using until now in Diet. Admiral Stump had no objections to use of 55–60,000 figure and it was agreed that General Smith and Ambassador MacArthur would discuss with Tsushima general terms of Diet reply to be used by Japanese Government.

At request of Japanese representative, Admiral Stump briefly explained organization of his command.

IV

Committee agreed to press release in Embtel 644.⁴ It was also agreed that, in answer to any press inquiries, both sides would stick to text of press release and make no explanations.

At the conclusion of meeting, it was agreed that committee would not meet again before Foreign Minister Fujiyama departed on September 14 and that Ambassador MacArthur would consult with Foreign Ministry on plans for next meeting.

Passed COMUS Japan by other means.

MacArthur

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 794.5/9–457. Secret; Priority. Repeated priority to CINCPAC for POLAD.
2. See footnote 2, Document 213.
3. Foreign Minister Fujiyama visited the United States to attend the opening on September 17 of the Twelfth Session of the United Nations General Assembly and to talk with U.S. officials. He met with Dulles on September 23; see Document 229.
4. Dated September 4, not printed. (Department of State, Central Files, 794.5/9-457)