111. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Japan0
1318. Personal from Parsons for Ambassador. Embtel 1699.1 Japanese proposal for agreed minute on treaty review seriously disturbs me. In light Kono’s pressures for cutting back duration of treaty minute will be interpreted as vitiating 11 year duration which essential quid pro quo for US commitment aid in defense Japan area. Our principal objective in current treaty negotiations has been achieve basis for long term association with GOJ and strengthen our ties through treaty which has permanent character in contrast to transitional character present Security Treaty. Proposed minute on treaty review casts considerable doubt on permanence new relationship. Furthermore proposed minute represents open invitation for reopening treaty to every new Japanese government taking office or in event difficulties arise between US and Japan. We also confident Commie bloc would seek exploit minute to maneuver Japanese government into commitments for treaty review. We anticipate serious Congressional objections to proposed minute on treaty review for above reasons as well as reluctance ratify new treaty which highly susceptible to early review and revision.
GOJ proposal furthermore goes beyond NATO commitment in Article 12 which provides for review only after 10 years. Mutual security [Page 238] treaties in Far East have no comparable provision. Would anticipate serious Congressional objections to even NATO formulation. In view above I am personally not inclined press for GOJ proposal although Kishi’s desires satisfy Kono and other anti-mainstream elements understandable. Desire your views soonest.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 794.5/11–3059. Confidential; Limit Distribution; No Distribution Outside Department. Drafted by Sneider and approved by Parsons.↩
- Document 110.↩