68. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon1

SUBJECT

  • OKINAWA REVERSION—form of Congressional Participation

Discussion:

I recommend that the Administration seek the advice and consent of the Senate to the Okinawa reversion agreement. I base this on considerations both of law and of our relations with the Congress. A decision should be made now because of two factors: the status of reversion negotiations with the Japanese and the need to begin consultations with the Congress.

As you know reversion negotiations have proceeded quite slowly. The Japanese have been resistant on some issues we consider essential to reversion. A decision to seek the Senate’s advice and consent should help to stimulate a more responsive Japanese attitude.

Senate action in 1971 is essential if we are to accomplish a smooth reversion by mid-1972, which is the goal of both governments. Assuming that the negotiations can be completed by that date, we should submit the reversion agreement to the Senate by May 1, 1971, to ensure that the Senate will complete its procedures before it adjourns this year. As a first step in this process, consultations with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should begin soon. You earlier agreed that the Administration would consult with the Senate both on the form of its participation in the agreement and on the substance of the agreement.

A discussion of the factors involved is enclosed.2

The Secretaries of Treasury and Defense concur with this recommendation.

Recommendation:

That you authorize the initiation of consultations with the Senate based on the position that the Administration is prepared to seek the advice and consent of the Senate to the reversion agreement.3

William P. Rogers
  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 554, Country Files, Far East, Okinawa, Vol. II, 1971 and 1972. On March 6, Kissinger forwarded this memorandum to the President under a covering memorandum for action prepared by Herbert Levin and John Lehman of the NSC staff. (Ibid.)
  2. Attached but not printed.
  3. Nixon approved Rogers’ recommendation.