9. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, January 28, 19551
SUBJECT
- Various Japanese Problems
PARTICIPANTS
- The Secretary
- Mr. Sadao Iguchi, Ambassador of Japan
- G—Mr. Murphy, Deputy Under Secretary
- FE—William J. Sebald, Deputy Assistant Secretary
After the usual preliminaries, Ambassador Iguchi gave the Secretary a letter from Foreign Minister Shigemitsu.2 He said it had been [Page 13] hoped that the Secretary could visit Japan after the Bangkok Conference, but in view of the scheduled general elections in Japan it was of course understood that this might be undesirable. The Secretary agreed.
Ambassador Iguchi mentioned the recent approach to Prime Minister Hatoyama by representatives of the USSR at the former’s private residence. He said that Mr. Tani informed Ambassador Allison of the visit and hoped that close contact between us could be maintained on this subject. The Secretary agreed, and briefly reviewed the desirability of Japan bearing in mind the principle that existing treaty relations not be affected, pointing out that the San Francisco peace treaty contained an Article which was intended to protect Japan against making new treaties of peace more liberal in terms than those of the San Francisco treaty. He also mentioned the Habomai and Formosa problems. Ambassador Iguchi said that there is a distinction between the Soviet and Communist China problems, and that there is increasing pressure from Osaka businessmen for trade with the latter. In any event, however, Japan would not violate the COCOM regulations. The Secretary asked whether there is much trade with China. Ambassador Iguchi replied in the negative, said that Mr. Murata3 is now in Peking, presumably negotiating a trade agreement.
The Secretary then took up the various subjects mentioned in a number of informal memoranda which Ambassador Iguchi had handed to him.4 On the Formosa question, the Secretary stated that it is our main desire to stabilize the situation and to stop the fighting. On the other hand, we are determined in our own security interests that Formosa and the Pescadores should not fall into unfriendly hands asthis would undermine our entire defense position in the Far East and would result in weakening Japan, among other countries, with the result that Communist strength would be vastly increased. He explained that the Tachen Islands are indefensible except at great cost but that we did not wish to have these islands lost or evacuated without some psychological offset. For this reason the President had asked Congress for increased authority which included the right to attack any Communist buildup specifically directed against Formosa; Quemoy and Matsu Islands were points where Communist buildups could take place for such an attack. Another factor is that Chou En-lai in a recent statement had made clear the Communist determination to attack Formosa. For these reasons, we must be vigilant. Our policy, however, is not that we wish to stir up things, but rather to find ways and means to settle them.
[Page 14]Ambassador Iguchi asked whether a cease-fire is in the offing. The Secretary briefly explained the New Zealand approach in the Security Council scheduled for today at noon. Under the terms of the letter the CPR would be invited to attend the Security Council hearings. He felt, however, that Chou En-lai might not accept as he had already publicly committed himself to refuse to take part in a cease-fire procedure.
On the question of the Afro-Asian Conference,5 the Secretary said that he thought on the whole the Japanese Government should be represented, but hoped that the Japanese delegation would be comprised of high-caliber people. Ambassador Iguchi said that Mr. Tani’s name had been mentioned as Japanese representative, although Mr. Shigemitsu would like to go. The Secretary pointed out the possibility that the Communists, and neutralists led by Nehru, might press for anti-colonial resolutions. There is also the possibility that the doctrine of “Asia for the Asians” would be advocated. As to the former, the Secretary felt that while the US is not particularly involved it could cause difficulties to our friends the French and British. Regarding the “Asia for the Asians” doctrine, this would be intended to break the ties of Asian countries with the US. Under world conditions today there can be no balance of power unless the US throws in its weight. We would of course be glad if Japan could help in this regard but Japan is not yet strong enough to do this. As the Communist aim is to appeal to regional sentiments, as was done by Molotov at Berlin, the Secretary hoped that the Japanese delegation would include people who understand that this is one world and that to exclude US influence and ties from any continental area can only result in dominance by the Soviet Union.
On the question of defense, the Secretary said that he understood that Foreign Minister Shigemitsu is more positive on the question of re-armament. Regarding air fields, the Secretary expressed the hope that Japan would do what it can in its own interests to strengthen the fields as requested. Ambassador Iguchi said that this would depend somewhat upon the results of the local elections in April.
On the question of increasing Japan’s share of exports to the US, the Secretary said that we were doing all we can but that there is considerable opposition. Ambassador Iguchi said he understood this very well, but that many Osaka businessmen are using the tariff question as an excuse in pressing for increased China trade.
[Page 15]Ambassador Iguchi raised the question of war criminals and hoped that something could be done. The Secretary said that he desired to have this problem solved as urgently as possible. Mr. Murphy indicated that the principal difficulty arose out of the effects which any over-all action would have on the German war criminal problem and that the matter is presently being studied. Mr. Sebald said he understood that a staff study will shortly be presented to the Secretary for decision.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 794.00/1–2855. Confidential. Drafted by Sebald.↩
- Not found in Department of State files.↩
- Shozo Murata, Chairman of the Japan International Trade Promotion Association.↩
- Not found.↩
- For documentation on the interest of the United States in this Conference, held at Bandung, Indonesia, April 21–24, 1955, see vol. XXI, pp. 1 ff.↩