214. Telegram From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State 0
3174. Depcirtel 1717.1 Presidential textile announcement featured prominently all Tokyo papers May 3 and 4. Articles cite seven point [Page 465] nature President’s program with most space devoted proposed international conference. Editorial reaction mixed. Mainichi takes favorable view (“let’s convene international conference”), while Yomiuri alleges Japan textile industry expressing “deep concern” over President’s plan, but deferring judgment on proposed conference to permit sounding out view other textile producing countries during international cotton federation meeting opening Osaka May 8. Nihon Keizai makes guarded observation that while “details U.S. plan not fully available no basis yet for pessimism.”
FonOff and MITI in preliminary reaction stated they very much appreciate U.S. decision not adopt unilateral import quotas. Government spokesman also expressed general approval to idea international conference although indicating detailed reaction could only be determined after learning proposed terms reference.
FonOff also stated it important that consideration Japan’s 1961 cotton textile quota increase request not be delayed. According textile industry, decision on 1961 quota levels must be reached by end of this month if Christmas orders for commodities such as velveteens and certain secondary products, e.g. gloves, blouses, knitted goods, trousers not to be adversely affected. Japanese Embassy Washington will be instructed by FonOff in next few days press U.S. for temporary quota increase pending final USG decision on Japan’s request for over-all 30 percent increase.