794C.0221/8–653: Telegram
No. 670
The Ambassador in Japan (Allison) to the Embassy in Korea1
priority
12. For the Secretary. Reference Tedul 10 to Seoul,2 repeated Tokyo 329 from Department. At request of Chief of Staff Far East Command, Admiral Hanlon has expressed to me their unhappiness, which Embassy shares, with final sentence in Department’s suggested statement. In our opinion this could give too much encouragement to irredentist activity.
Prior to receipt reference telegram Embassy had also prepared draft announcement. Admiral Hanlon and I have discussed matter with General Weyland and we have agreed on following text which combines certain parts of Department’s text and Embassy draft, as follows:
“I am pleased to be able to make in Tokyo the following announcement which I have just communicated to His Excellency, the Prime Minister, on behalf of the United States Government.
“The Government of the United States desires to relinquish its rights under Article 3 of the peace treaty over the Amami Oshima group in favor of the resumption by Japan of authority over these islands as soon as necessary arrangements can be concluded with the Government of Japan.
“With respect to the other islands included under Article 3 of Japanese peace treaty, it will be necessary during the present international tensions in the Far East for the United States to maintain the degree of control and authority now exercised. The United States will thus be able to carry out more effectively its responsibilities under the security treaty between the United States and Japan to contribute to the maintenance of peace and security in the area. Meanwhile, the United States will make increased efforts to promote the welfare of the inhabitants both locally and in their relationship to Japan.
“The prospective reunion of the Amami Oshima group with Japan, reuniting its inhabitants with their homeland, is a source of gratification and pleasure to the Government of the United States”.
Subject to Secretary’s wishes and Washington concurrence, we would propose release foregoing at 7:30 p.m. Tokyo time August 8. Yoshida will see Secretary at Embassy at 6:30 and unless he objects, which is unlikely, release will be made as soon as he is informed. This procedure will obviate risk of leak which delay till Sunday morning3 might entail. More importantly it will eliminate possibility of Japanese effort to modify announcement in such a way as to make it appear that return of Amami group is concession obtained by Yoshida from Secretary in Tokyo.
Embassy will flash Department as soon as Secretary decides whether to proceed with announcement. I appreciate prompt action Washington this matter.