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

Matthews file, lot 53 D 413: Telegram

No. 635
The Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Commander in Chief Far East (Clark)

top secret
priority

Washington, 10 March 1953—[3:08 p.m.]

JCS 933381. From JCS.

1. Views expressed in ur ltr 11 Nov 52, subj “Proposed FY 54 Mil Assist Program for Japan”¹ have been considered.

2. Because, as pointed out by you, “most immed and greatest single threat to security Japan lies in Commie air threat,” JCS feel that nucleus for Jap air forces shld be established and advice given Japs on plans their further development ASAP. This appears feasible light of ur comments and recommendations.

3. While recognizing there is considerable merit from economy viewpoint in establishment, initially, all air elements of Jap Natl Safety Force in single Service, discussions with Jap Prime Min will be framed to determine desires of Jap Govt re method integrating air elements of Jap Def Force into Natl Safety Agency.

4. Accordingly, recommendations contained in para 4 ur CX 58128² are approved subj to appropriate changes ur proposed general framework of ref to reflect substance paras 2 and 3 above.

5a. Fol info furnished in response to request contained in para 4 C of ur CX 58128:

(1) Sufficient jet aircraft have been included in current USAF program to equip two Jap Rons in first half FY 54 (on assumption that Korean hostilities end 30 Jun 53).

(2) $1,741,585 was included in USAFFY 53 budget toward purchase Ron equipment (less aircraft) for above two Rons.

(3) On 30 Oct 52 JCSfwdd Sec Def mil guidance for development detailed mil assist program for FY 54.

Major combatant force basis for Jap Air Force was as fol:

9 Interceptor Rons	(UE 25 a/c)
3 Interceptor (All-Weather) Rons	(UE 25 a/c)
6 Fighter-Bomber Rons	(UE 25 a/c)
3 Tactical Recon Rons	(UE 18 a/c)
6 Transport Rons	(UE 16 a/c)

(4) Def submitted illustrative FY 54 mil assist requirement for Jap mil forces to Office, Dir Mutual Security (ODMS) 26 Sept 52. This program totaled $521.7 million; breakdown as fols: $308 million Army, $30 million Navy, $183.7 million Air Force. As result Budget hearings, Pres US on 22 Dec 52 approved MSP budget which included sum of up to $300 million for Japan. Proposed FY 54 program, including $300 million Jap program, is now undergoing further review. JCS inter-service breakdown of Jap program, based on $300 million material program, is as fols: Army—tng support for 4 divs (equipped under Def appropriations): Navy—5 AMS; Air Force—3 Rons.

b. Info contained in subpara 5 a above, plus JCS force basis for FY 54, may be used as general framework of ref for discussions with Japs. These discussions shld not be restricted to build-up of Jap air forces but shld cover all Jap Def Forces since justification mil assist is largely dependent on overall def program. State sending simultaneous msg to Amb Murphy this matter giving policy guidance re discussions with Japs. Def has concurred in State msg. Further you and Amb are authorized, at such time as you both agree propitious, develop these discussions to lead to conclusion of bilateral mil assist agreement between United States and Jap Govt as required by MDA Act of 49, as amended. Draft “boiler plate” agreement will be furnished through State channels. Any substantive changes this draft agreement must receive clearance from State–Defense-ODMS.

Re ur desire, ur CX 60553, Dec 52,³ and Ambs msg 1475 to State, 6 Nov 52, for written commitment from Jap Govt covering expansion forces, such an agreement cld be classified annex to unclassified bilateral agreement. Timing conclusion such written agreements need not be before Congressional presentation, but is required by law before del material, services, or tng under MS Program. However, justification of FY 54 program for Japan to Congress wld be facilitated by at least oral statement intent to raise and develop forces to utilize equipment provided by FY 54 program.

It is emphasized that it is imperative that no commitments, either expressed or implied, be made to Jap Govt ref size and nature of possible future mil assist program or ref forces which such program wld support. Conversations shld be on order of magnitude and it shld be repeatedly emphasized that aid program figures are tentative and used as basis of discussion only.

1. Not found in Department of State files.
2. In this message, dated Oct. 31, Clark asked JCS authorization to discuss air defense measures with Prime Minister Yoshida. (Department of Defense files)
3. Dated Dec. 26, not printed. This message is quoted at length in telegram 2079 from Tokyo, Dec. 30, not printed. (794.5/12–3052)