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

56. Telegram From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State¹

Tokyo, October 6, 1955—10 p.m.

Secun 14. Visit Tokyo though necessarily short has been most interesting. No major substantive discussions have been held with Japanese or with US military. Your Unsec 1² noted but had no opportunity to look into subject deeply. Lemnitzer position is that Japan can afford economically to make defense expenditure of 155 billion yen in view fact this represents only 2.3 percent gross national product, which is less than any European country putting up for defense. Agreed Allison and Lemnitzer will send joint cable this subject when latter returns from Korea. Initial position for bargaining purposes might well be DOD position reaching compromise with Japanese on lower figure.

Exchange views on wide range subjects has been most useful. Separate cable has been sent on my talk with Prime Minister.³ At Foreign Minister’s dinner October 5, opportunity developed to discuss number of subjects with Shigemitsu and Kono separately. Kono brought up following subjects:

1. Establishment agricultural training school in Japan for Asian region. He did not mention money. I simply indicated familiarity with proposal and referred to Hollister and ICA Mission for further discussions.

2. Conservative Party merger conversations have been proceeding with various factions. Merger may be expected by end of year or shortly thereafter. I emphasized we had no concern with Japanese internal affairs but were aware of vital importance of stable political base in meeting Communist threat. Kono expressed vigorous agreement.

3. Defense plans. Meeting of Defense Subcommittee of Cabinet had been held at which it was agreed Japanese Government wished to follow lead US Government in this regard and most anxious to be informed as to our plans. I observed we felt we had identity of interest with Japan, that we both had same goal in mind—to see Japan able to stand firmly on its own feet. In discussion defense problem with Kono, I took occasion to say General Lemnitzer regarded as one of US most competent military leaders, that he had complete confidence of Washington top level and Japanese officials could discuss with him frankly any matters whatever. To Kono’s query as to how to get in touch with Lemnitzer, I suggested Ambassador Allison be contacted and he would arrange.

Conversation with Shigemitsu touched on most of subjects covered with Prime Minister and Kono. In confirming favorable outlook for Conservative Party merger, he commented that there was virtually no difference between left wing Socialists and Communists in attitude on international issues. On defense matters, Shigemitsu’s principal comment was that defense forces agreement should be concluded soonest. When he brought up subject of Japanese-Russian negotiations, I observed that experience had taught us to remain firm and patient and related the Austrian experience as illustration.

Foreign Minister also referred to Colombo Plan meeting,⁴ indicated its importance from Japanese viewpoint and said they would like to cooperate with us fully and would await our lead. I expressed appreciation, and indicated that many proposals had been made on which we had not yet taken final position.

Re Korea, Shigemitsu said Japan was most anxious to develop better relations but anything they did was misinterpreted. He said they would make no further gestures until climate improved. I said I understood the problem but hoped Japan would stand ready to cooperate with Korea when opportunity presented itself. Shigemitsu was most friendly and cooperative and seemed sincere. His posture on many questions seems to have been greatly influenced by new viewpoints acquired in trip to US, in fact, all Japanese have been friendly and frank. Tani and others have counseled us to be “patient”, repeating that while it will take time they are hopeful working out their problems. Considerable interest shown in economic matters, and Hollister and I have taken every opportunity to stress importance of contribution that can be made by foreign investment. We had most satisfactory conference with Board of Governors of American Chamber of Commerce on tax problem.⁵ They appreciated efforts of Embassy and Department their behalf and general feeling seemed to be that Japanese would “work something out”.

Although I have refrained from pushing hard on any particular point I have emphasized throughout conversations strong US attitude regarding Communist bloc.

Allison

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 110.12–HO/10–655. Secret.
2. Document 54.
3. Supra.
4. The Ministerial Meeting of the Consultative Committee on Economic Development in South and Southeast Asia (Colombo Plan) took place in Singapore, October 17-21, 1955. Documentation on the Hoover–Hollister East Asian trip, including Hollister’s participation in the meeting as U.S. Representative, is in Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 59 D 95, CF 534–541. For Hollister’s address before the meeting on October 20, see Department of State Bulletin, November 7, 1955, p. 747.
5. Reference is to the then-pending termination of special income tax rates on foreign businessmen and their replacement by new, higher rates, which took place January 1, 1956.