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

794.5 MSP/7–2253: Telegram

No. 664
The Ambassador in Japan (Allison) to the Department of State

secret
priority

Tokyo, July 22, 1953—11 a.m.

218. Department distribution only. Re Department telegram 196, July 21.¹ I am shocked at Defense estimate of MAAG complement and local currency requirements as indicated in reference telegram. As Department points put this would mean Japan would have largest MAAG complement in world Whereas Formosa has complement of 772 persons to deal with Defense establishment of between 300,000 and 500,000, Defense proposes 1,489 for Japan where total Defense establishment over next two years, at most optimistic estimates, will not exceed 200,000. Japanese are extremely sensitive on whole problem of MAAG and this was made clear in first detailed Japan-United States talks on MSA held yesterday. While separate telegram is being forwarded regarding these talks, it is pertinent here to point out that Japanese negotiators immediately picked on Article 5 United States draft and raised question of overall control of MAAG. Japanese made definite statement that if MAAG were under CINCFE control it would not be acceptable. United States reserved its position on this for time being, although, at instance of Admiral Hanlon,² pertinent provisions of law i.e. Section 507 were read to Japanese.

In my opinion Defense estimate is completely unacceptable. I do not believe Japanese Government will accept MAAG of more than 500 men and even this is doubtful. Political situation in Japan vis-à-vis American bases and American troops here is such that instead of largest MAAG in world, Japan should have absolute minimum consistent with carrying out purposes of act. Japanese have tentatively proposed several annexes to MSA agreement, title of one of which reads “concerning status of the MAAG to be sent to Japan under Mutual Security Program”. In this annex Japanese Government will attempt to obtain agreement I am convinced not only as to overall control of MAAG but as to size. If anything like present Defense estimate is presented it could well kill chances of reaching overall. Above are my personal preliminary comments on Department telegram 196. Embassy will prepare as soon as possible detailed comments along lines requested in reference telegram.³

Allison

1. The Department in this telegram informed the Embassy that the Department of Defense estimated that the projected MAAG in Japan would need a complement of 1489, and that in FY 1954 it would require $2,320,360 (dollar equivalent) in local currency. (794.5 MSP/4–1053)
2. Rear Adm. B. Hall Hanlon, in charge of the Civil Affairs section (J–5) of both FECOM and UNC.
3. No telegram of this description has been found in Department of State files. In telegram 254 from Tokyo, July 25, the Ambassador reiterated his opposition to a large MAAG complement and added that General Clark had sent a message to the Department of the Army stating that MAAG could function effectively under the control of either the Ambassador or of CINCFE. (794.5/7–2553) General Clark’s message was CX–63994, dated July 25, not printed. (Department of Defense files) In telegram 277 from Tokyo, July 29, Allison reported on a conversation with General Clark, in the course of which the latter had stated that 500 persons seemed a more appropriate MAAG complement. (611.94/7–2953)