161. Telegram From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State0
3825. Eyes only for Secretary. Deptel 2763.1 I have considered carefully the factors relating to President’s visit to Japan contained in your 2763. The considered judgement of myself and key members of Embassy staff is that it would be great mistake for President to take [Page 304] initiative in postponing his visit to Japan. We feel that for us to propose postponing visit would give appearance of bowing to Communist and leftist threats and pressures in Japan and would be portrayed as victory for pro-Communist anti-American forces here. Furthermore, for us to take initiative in proposing postponement would probably be generally considered by Kishi’s opponents within Conservative Party and by press as evidence that we think Kishi is finished and we are disengaging from him. This could be mortal blow for Kishi who is in real trouble.
In light of foregoing my recommendation to you and President is to authorize me on “purely personal basis” to approach Kishi at once and ask him whether, in light of present domestic political situation, from GOJ viewpoint postponement of visit would be desirable. When we have Kishi’s answer we would be in substantially better position to assess this possibility. If there were a postponement of visit it is of utmost importance that the initiative be that of GOJ.
If approach to Kishi on “personal basis” is authorized would appreciate reply soonest since I would like to put this to him soonest. It is of utmost importance that there should be no public indication at this time that we are wavering on visit.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.11–EI/5–2560. Confidential; Niact.↩
- Document 159.↩