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

761.5622/11–1152: Telegram

No. 613
The Ambassador in Japan (Murphy) to the Department of State

top secret
niact

Tokyo, November 11, 1952—1 p.m.

1513. Urtels 1158¹ and 1192.² We take serious view of position of US weakness presented to Japan and Far East generally by recent press stories reporting American failure to take strong action against Sov overflights of Jap territory. Following as it does on recent loss of B–29 which apparently was shot down by Sov aircraft,³ obviously questions arise in minds of thinking Japs as to the firmness of our intentions to defend Japan under Security Treaty. Naturally picture of US as weak and unreliable power is one of chief Commie objectives in this area.

While I concur in Gen Clark’s recommendations re action to be taken by FEAF, I wish to provide Dept with better analysis than we have thus far prepared re Jap reactions to previous overflights etc. Thus far as Dept is undoubtedly aware, info re these overflights has been very closely held and Jap public is not conscious of number of violations committed by Sov aircraft. There is, of course, some small sentiment that the very presence US Forces in Japan is provocative and this prevails as would be expected in left circles. It is my opinion that the bulk of Jap opinion would welcome an indication of firm action on US part. It is also my opinion that Jap reactions actual engagement or shooting down Sov aircraft would be favorable from our point of view and also would stimulate Jap support of rearmament program. I discussed this question informally with FonMin and he agreed.

Re dipl steps which Japan and USG should take in this connection this will be treated in subsequent tel.

There is no question in my mind of the desirability of citing US–Jap Security Treaty as basis for these or similar measures.

Murphy

1. In this telegram, dated Nov. 1, the Department asked for the Embassy’s comments on a proposal by General Clark (in CX 57735 to the Department of the Army, Oct. 25) that he authorize the engagement of Soviet or Soviet-allied aircraft over Japanese territory. The Department indicated that it would be inclined to concur in such action, but that Japanese attitudes in the matter were not entirely clear. (761.5622/11–152) CINCFE’s CX 57735 is attached to a memorandum from McWilliams to Kitchen, neither printed. (794.54/1–3052)
2. Dated Nov. 10. This message was the Department’s request for immediate attention to the questions raised in telegram 1158. (761.5622/11–452)
3. On Oct. 7, 1952; for documentation on this incident, see volume viii.