Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, China and Japan, Volume XIV, Part 2

693.941/4–1952: Telegram

No. 556
The Chargé in the Republic of China (Rankin) to the Department of State¹

secret

Taipei, April 19, 1952—11 a.m.

1334. Last night Foreign Minister confirmed to me reports mytel 1331, April 18, Tokyo 237,² Kawada has not communicated with him again but sent junior staff member Nagata to call on Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hu at his residence. Nagata left taxi at distance from house and came on foot as he said to avoid reporters. He indicated Kawada thought Tokyo had let him down again and was greatly discouraged. Not only had Japanese FonOff refused accept Kawada’s recommendation re scope application and property of collaborationist regimes but had also raised about five additional points which everyone here assumed settled.

Foreign Minister himself expressed discouragement. Although he did not advance it as his view, he indicated there was speculation in Chinese official circles whether latest development reflects shift Japanese govt position due (1) imminent coming into force San Francisco treaty, (2) possibility early armistice Korea (3) prospects trade with Chinese Communists encouraged by Moscow economic conference.

Foreign Minister further commented he understood cliques to exist in Japanese FonOff. Kawada as personal friend Yoshida reportedly disapproved of by professional level in FonOff. He thought this might explain some of current difficulties.

Rankin

1. Repeated for information to Tokyo.
2. In this telegram the Embassy reported that negotiators for the Republic of China and for Japan had on Apr. 16 tentatively reached agreement on treaty terms but that Kawada had received new instructions which appeared to jeopardize the conclusion of a treaty. (693.941/4–1852)