033.9411/10–2853: Telegram
No. 708
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
Japan1
priority
1009. Pass CINCUNC. Further discussions with Ikeda group indicate they not willing enter into definite understanding re amount Japanese defense budget in subsequent fiscal years. Re ground forces buildup best Japanese suggestion so far is 24 thousand Japanese fiscal year 1954 and 46 thousand additional by summer 1956.
Ikeda says he does not want argue amount GARIOA settlement but insists timing agreement before end of year disastrous and definite possibility Diet would refuse authorization to Japanese Government to incur this debt. Says also settlement while reparations under negotiation very likely increase reparations claims. He willing agrees negotiate in near future but with timing left vague.
No important issues other points. Secret memorandum/understanding and joint press communiqué in preparation. Robertson and Ikeda will discuss key points defense buildup and GARIOA again October 29. According present plans Ikeda leaves Washington Friday, October 30.
Urgently request Embassy evaluation political implications GARIOA settlement this year. Also request Embassy and Command comments what timetable on buildup ground forces is worth trying to get in writing in present talks whether in writing in secret memorandum/understanding or public communiqué. Specifically which of following would be acceptable and what would be Embassy and Command judgment re order preference? (1) Omit entirely (2) include US expression of desirable goal of 325 to 350 thousand with Japanese noting and indicating general willingness move that direction (3) 180 thousand goal reached by March 31, 1956 through 35 thousand increments Japanese fiscal years 1954 and 1955 (4) Japanese proposal cited above.
- Drafted in NA and concurred in by the Defense Department.↩