127. Memorandum From Secretary of Defense Laird to President Nixon1

SUBJECT

  • Meeting with Prime Minister Tanaka

Your meeting with Prime Minister Tanaka may present an opportunity to raise the issue of our increasing concern over signs which indicate a decline in Japan’s support and cooperation in the conduct of US military activities in Japan. This untoward mounting trend has reached a point where it is undermining the purpose of the Mutual Security Treaty, the cornerstone of peace in Asia.

Although most Japanese may appreciate the importance of the US-Japan security relationship for peace in Asia and the world, they must not take for granted a continuation of such benefits which are threatened from within by irresponsible opposition-led strikes, demonstrations and impediments. Both governments must act vigorously to overcome these forces and preserve a cooperative security relationship that is vital to Asian security.

The United States remains dedicated to the cause of Asian security and has pledged to uphold its security commitments. Effective utilization of bases in Japan will continue to play an important role in our forward deployment concept which is necessary to deter aggression or provocation. Recent harassments and public opposition in Japan to US bases and activities seem to reflect a serious gap in understanding about the importance of a continuing American presence to Japanese and regional security. We would hope that the new Tanaka administration will take the necessary initiative on this issue to bring about a consensus of support for a long-term US presence in Japan and East Asia.

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A continued and measured US military presence in Japan should not preclude gradual development of Japan’s more autonomous defense capability without modification or termination of the Mutual Security Treaty. Our common interest is to avoid the twin specters of a defenseless Japan in the face of a nuclear threat, or a necessity for a nuclear armed Japan. In this respect, the US and Japan must convince China that the treaty does not constitute a threat to China and that there is no necessity for Japan to produce a nuclear deterrent; thus, the obstacle to a Japan-China rapprochement may be removed.

The full support by the people and government of Japan of actions necessary to attain our mutual objectives in Asia cannot help but strengthen the bond of the Mutual Security Treaty.

Mel Laird
  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 926, VIP Visits, Tanaka Visit (Hawaii) 31 Aug–September [1972] [1 of 4]. Secret. Another memorandum from Laird to the President, August 21, stated: “Your meeting with Prime Minister Tanaka may present an opportunity to convey to him our position concerning a number of defense issues which affect the US-Japan security relationship. These include the need for close cooperation under the terms of the security treaty, US military operations from bases in Japan, and our security relationships with the Republic of China and the Republic of Korea. Although these issues have been the subject of past discussions, I believe that a reiteration of our intent to uphold our security commitments in the Far East, and the attendant continuing need for bases in Japan, would be appropriate.” (Ibid.) In addition to this memorandum, Laird sent talking points for Nixon to use in his meeting with Tanaka. (Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OSD Files: FRC 330–77–0094, Box 62, Japan, 300–399)