182. Telegram From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State 0

4265. Embassy telegram 4264 repeated Manila 238.1 For President and Secretary. Fujiyama has just telephoned me to say that special Cabinet meeting has just decided that President’s visit should be postponed.

[Page 364]

In view of great tension and fact that Cabinet decision is already beginning to leak, Kishi feels it imperative to announce to Japanese people at 5:30 p.m. tonight Cabinet decision and reasons for it. Kishi hopes you will understand why it just was not possible in terms of his great difficulties here to clear his announcement in advance or give you more notice.

Fujiyama has asked me to come to see him at once and I will report immediately following my return.

MacArthur
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.11–EI/6–1660. Secret; Niact. Repeated to Manila.
  2. Document 181.