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

148. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Japan⁰

Washington, February 4, 1960, 7:54 p.m.

1852. For Ambassador from Parsons. Your 2441,¹ 2506.² We recognize number of important considerations must be taken into account by Kishi re decision on early dissolution of Diet mentioned reftels. We particularly concerned, however, by implications of early dissolution on schedule for treaty ratification.

As you know we plan to seek formal Senate ratification of treaty following Diet action although Foreign Relations Committee consideration of treaty in Executive session would precede final Diet action. Given pressure for early Congressional adjournment this year, it would be very risky to schedule full Senate consideration of treaty much later than beginning of June. Diet dissolution would however involve up to 40 day break in Diet’s session and would appear to us make Diet ratification of treaty by late May extremely doubtful. Thus there would be distinct risk which we wish to avoid if at all possible of carrying over Senate consideration of treaty to next session.

In addition, we are concerned by possibility of pressure on Kishi developing in course election campaign or as result his formation new government to revise certain aspects treaty arrangements. We have confidence Kishi fully prepared live up to treaty arrangements as signed but our fears stem from political maneuvers which inevitably present in Japan election picture.

Should Kishi discuss Diet dissolution with you, you might wish bring to his attention problem posed by early Congressional adjournment this year although of course recognize decision in last analysis one for Kishi alone make.

Herter

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 794.00/2–460. Confidential; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Sneider, cleared in H and S/S, and approved by Parsons.
1. Telegram 2441 from Tokyo, January 29, reported that the Kishi faction was giving serious consideration to the possibility of early Diet dissolution. Kishi himself however had not reached any decision. (Ibid., 794.00/1–2960)
2. Document 147.