92. Memorandum From the Country Director for Japan (Sneider) to the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (Bundy)1

SUBJECT

  • Ryukyus/Bonin Reversion Memorandum
1.
Dr. Halperin, ISA, has just informed me that Secretary McNamara has approved the draft action memorandum for the President on the Ryukyus/Bonins subject to review of the JCS position and several modifications in the recommendations.
2.
He preferred that the advance commitments sought from the Japanese be set forth in the following terms:
(a)
Japan will support our use of the Islands for our military purposes and support of our Pacific commitments;
(b)
Japan will agree to new special arrangements in which they will give us political support for conventional military and other activities in the Ryukyus;
(c)
To enlarge its regional political and economic role in Asia and provide over the next several years a substantially greater economic contribution to the development of Asian countries;
(d)
To agree to our retention of the whole island of Iwo Jima as a military base.
3.
There is attached for reference purposes the text of the recommendations as set forth in the memorandum sent to Secretaries Rusk and McNamara.2

[Omitted here is a listing of the original recommendations.]

  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 19 RYU IS. Secret; Nodis.
  2. See Tab A to Document 91.