794.5 MSP/7–1053: Telegram
No. 661
The Ambassador in Japan (Allison) to the Department of State
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95. United Press bulletin published in afternoon papers here dated Washington July 10 begins as follows:
“Secretary of State John Foster Dulles said Thursday that an immediate goal of ten divisions is envisaged for the Japanese defense forces in the new Japanese budget and indicated United States funds are needed to help Japan to reach that goal”.
Remainder of story gives substance of Secretary’s testimony before Senate Appropriations Committee on MSA.
Above statement will obviously be taken up by opposition here and used to castigate government which has firmly maintained no intention to increase present strength of national security forces (which now approximates four divisions). Embassy is at loss to understand statement that “ten divisions is envisaged” in new Japanese budget as such is definitely not the case. In fact Progressive Party is pressing for reduction of 20 billion yen from present budget which is based on assumption of barely maintaining current strength of 110,000 men. Embassy has repeatedly taken public position that United States is not forcing extensive build up in defense force numbers. Indications from Foreign Office are that Yoshida was planning some increase in strength of between 25,000 and 40,000 men during present fiscal year but obviously it will be impossible for Japanese Government to do so if it appears this is being forced by United States.
[Page 1460]Request urgent clarifying statement by Secretary which believe could be to general effect that ten divisions is ultimate rather than immediate goal and that press statement is based on misunderstanding. It would be extremely helpful if public statement could be made prior to opening of MSA negotiations which is hoped for next week or if that impossible that I be authorized to make in my opening statement clarifying explanation on behalf of United States Government. I believe it extremely important that American officials refrain in connection with MSA discussions from referring to Japanese constitutional problem. This is matter of great internal interest in Japan and while privately we can use our influence to obtain revision any public expressions can only do harm.