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

794.5/7–2952: Telegram

No. 583
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Japan¹

top secret
priority

Washington, July 29, 1952.

307. Eyes only Murphy. Urtel 329.² Dept assumes that you have seen CINCFE’s C 52588, Jul 26³ in which he states that Okazaki has stated to General Hickey that Jap Govt wld like issue of heavy equipment to JNPR to begin during Diet recess, shortly after Aug. 1 and requests specific authority to issue such equipment at early date and under finan arrangements as favorable to Jap as can be made under law. In view ur comment last para urtel 660⁴ Dept assumes this action agreeable to you. If otherwise, pls advise Dept immed. Dept wishes be sure any effect on Jap domestic situation recognize here.

Re legal authority issuance heavy equipment to JNPR, in view fact there is no approved statutory program, at this time for transfer heavy equipment to Jap on grant aid basis, Defense is seeking authorization of President in accordance with his authority as President and Commander-in-Chief Armed Forces to make loan as a matter of mil necessity. Presidential authorization expected within few days at which time advantage can be taken of Diet recess to initiate transfer on basis memo receipt.

In addition to possible polit reactions in Jap, such release may have polit repercussion in various interested friendly countries particularly in FE. Therefore, upon receipt Presidential authorization Dept planning call in reps Austral, Canad, Fr, NZ, Phil, and UK (those govts which in Nov 1951 were consulted re estab Japmanned coastal security force and rotation JNPR in US bases Jap for training in use heavy equipment) and inform them of US intention to transfer heavy equipment to Jap Govt for use JNPR. Anticipated that FonMins of Austral, NZ will be similarly informed in course ANZUS meeting Honolulu.

Present view here is that transfer shld not be confirmed officially for security reasons. However as transfer must be expected shortly to become public knowledge, Dept considering advisability issuance press release. Dept urgently requests ur comments as to advisability issuance press release, treatment of subj, locus of issuance—Tokyo or Washington and by whom—CINCFE, yourself, State or Defense.⁵

You may wish discuss this tel with Clark. Defense informed in substance.⁶

Acheson

1. Drafted and approved for transmission in NA; cleared in L/SMA and by Johnson and Allison in FE.
2. Document 581.
3. Not printed.
4. Document 574.
5. In telegram 407 from Tokyo, July 30, marked “Eyes only for Allison”, Ambassador Murphy stated that he had seen C 52588 and that the action contemplated in it was agreeable to him. Although the program would be “approved” by Japanese public opinion, it should be gradually initiated. If possible, knowledge of it should spread “very gradually”. There should be no press release and consultation with other governments should be avoided or postponed. General Clark concurred in all these views. (794.5/7–3052)
6. In telegram 347 to Tokyo, Aug. 1, the Department reported that the President had granted authorization for the transfer of heavy equipment to the JNPR and that the Departments of State and Defense were agreed that such transfers should begin immediately. (794.5/8–152)