Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Japan; Korea, Volume XVIII

144. Memorandum of Conversation⁰

Washington, January 19, 1960, 3:30–5:30 p.m.

SUBJECT

• Outer Space and Other Scientific Cooperation

PARTICIPANTS

• [Here follows the same list as Document 139.]

Prime Minister Kishi mentioned that among the areas the Japanese desired further cooperation with the United States are such scientific fields as outer space,¹ the exchange of meteorological information, and the study of typhoons and hurricanes. He mentioned that the recent typhoon which had struck the Ise Peninsula had particularly stimulated demands on the Japanese Government to safeguard Japan against typhoons. He understood and appreciated the efforts being made through diplomatic channels to work out cooperation between the United States and Japan in these various fields and hoped the United States would understand Japan’s desire for such cooperation.

Secretary Herter said that the United States was prepared to cooperate as closely as possible with Japan in all scientific fields. He expressed his sympathy for the loss of life and damage resulting from the recent typhoon in Japan. He said that the question of typhoons and hurricanes was a difficult problem but that we were working on various projects in an effort to divert them at an early stage.

0. Source: Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 64 D 559, CF 1584. Confidential. Drafted by Sneider and approved in S. See also Documents 139–143, 145, and 146
1. Documents on the subject are in Department of State, Central File 794.56301.