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

790.022/10–1452: Telegram

No. 605
The Ambassador in Japan (Murphy) to the Department of State

secret

Tokyo, October 14, 1952—7 p.m.

1226. I called on Yoshida today, accompanying Admiral Radford. During conversation Radford referred to letter of Sept 2, 1952¹ addressed by Yoshida to Radford re return to Trust Territory of Japan nationals and resumption of trade. Radford explained that it is impracticable for him to concur in Jap desires because under terms of Trusteeship² such an arrangement wld of necessity be open to all members of UN including Soviet Union. Japan not yet even member of UN. Radford wld be unwilling to see territory opened to Soviet Union. Therefore, he regretted inability to concur in Yoshida’s suggestion.

Yoshida referred to 100,000 Japs who formerly resided those islands and to natural aspiration of many to resume residence and commerce. Radford mentioned his understanding that islands had never been productive during Jap occupation but rather had constituted economic burden. Yoshida seemed to accept Radford’s position philosophically and did not urge further consideration at this time.³

Murphy

1. Not found in Department of State files.
2. For text of the Trusteeship Agreement for the former Japanese-mandated islands, approved by the Security Council of the United Nations Apr. 2, 1947, and by the United States July 18, 1947, see TIAS No. 1665.
3. In telegram 1046 to Tokyo, Oct. 23, the Department in part replied: “Dept unaware existence Yoshida ltr to Radford prior receipt reftel and is requesting info this matter from Def Dept. Wld be interested in receiving copy if available Emb. Dept questions desirability Jap communicating directly with CINCPACFLT this matter which affects US relations not only Jap but all Members UN. Request Emb inform Jap in appropriately discreet manner that normal dipl channels shld be followed matters this type.” The Department stated that the question of access to the trusteeship area was under consideration and that terms of the Trusteeship Agreement did not provide legal basis for the argument that entry of nonmembers of the United Nations would necessarily open the territory to the Soviets. (790.022/10–1452)