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

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

Washington, January 26, 1955—6:56 p.m.

1491. Tokyo’s 1783² and 1791.³

1. Tell Shigemitsu or Tani:

(a) US appreciates prompt information and glad furnish any comments Japanese may find helpful on continuing basis

(b) Do not desire seek influence Japanese decision on Soviet demarche but recommend careful planning if decided accept.

2. You may wish your discretion discuss with Shigemitsu and Tani several important considerations:

(a) Would expect any arrangements Japan makes with USSR would recognize that Japan’s existing treaty relations no way affected. (We thinking particularly Security Treaty and Japan’s treaty with Nationalist China.)

(b) Any arrangements Japan makes with Soviets should not be inconsistent with San Francisco treaty. US continues support Japan’s claim that Habomais and Shikotan not part of Kuriles and remain Japanese territory. Suggest Japan might propose this issue be referred International Court Justice if Soviets oppose Japan’s claim.

(c) Does Embassy or Foreign Office think Article 26 of San Francisco Treaty⁴ may be factor in Soviet calculations? Soviets may wish obtain benefits Article 2(c) and other treaty provisions before Japan’s obligation under Article 26 expires on April 28, 1955.

(d) Recommend Japan obtain favorable agreement on fishing off Siberia and on release Japanese nationals detained by USSR.

(e) Hope Japan obtains Soviet commitment unconditionally support Japan’s UN application.

(f) Hope Japan will resist any Soviet attempts bring Communist China into discussions. Our position here remains as stated Department’s telegram 1386.⁵

(g) Expect Japan will ensure any arrangements with Soviets will minimize effects inevitable Soviet efforts extend espionage subversion and propaganda network Japan.⁶

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 661.941/1–2655. Secret; Priority. Drafted in NA and cleared with William Sebald in FE and, in substance, with Edwin Martin of CA. Also cleared in EE and L and approved by Murphy. Repeated to Moscow.
2. Telegram 1783, January 25, transmitted the text of a Soviet note of that day to the Japanese Government, in which the Soviet Union indicated a willingness to enter into negotiations for the purpose of normalizing Japan-Soviet relations. (Ibid., 661.94/1–2555)
3. In telegram 1791, January 26, Allison reported Shigemitsu had told him that while Japan would welcome “personal or unofficial advice which we might wish to pass on to him” concerning the Soviet initiative, the Foreign Minister had also said frankly that official or public comment could only be counterproductive. (Ibid., 661.941/1–2655)
4. For text of the Treaty of Peace signed by Japan and 48 nations at San Francisco, September 8, 1951, see TIAS 2490; 3 UST (pt. 3) 3169.
5. Document 4.
6. In telegram 1816 from Tokyo, January 28, Allison reported in part: “I saw Tani this morning and discussed with him substance Department telegram 1491. Tani stated that all of points made by Department were consistent with his and Shigemitsu’s thinking as to manner of dealing with Soviets. Tani expressed particular gratification at point 2 (e) and said it had been his own immediate recommendation to Shigemitsu that support for Japanese membership in UN should be demanded of Soviets.” (Department of State, Central Files, 661.941/1–2855)