794.5 MSP/6–1754: Telegram
No. 770
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
Japan1
2808. Limit distribution. Parsons only from Allison. Had hour talk with Stassen yesterday morning re FOA Mission Tokyo. Talk preceded by one with Secretary in which he indicate belief economic situation Japan so critical and so important that U.S. must have best possible talents available and that every possibility of help should be explored.
During discussion Stassen pointed out FOA has tools State does not possess and that possibility of their use had not been thoroughly considered. He also maintained that FOA Mission Tokyo would enable us get better and quicker action in Washington on such matters as OSP, defense production base (your letter June 2) etc. My position was that our desire was only to do right thing in right way and that I was not yet convinced (1) that time was ripe for setting up FOA mission with Minister in charge or (2) that job to be done now was one which could not be done with present Embassy staff with some augmentation from FOA. In any case I made clear that I could not agree to assignment of an FOA Minister to Tokyo until and unless my Deputy had equivalent rank.
However we cannot be placed in position of merely negative obstructionism. I therefore suggested that Clarence Meyer (whom FOA wish to appoint as Mission Chief Tokyo) be detailed to make detailed survey in cooperation with Embassy with view to submitting recommendations in not more than three months as to what can and should be done by US to aid Japan economically and what type if any FOA mission is required.
I have long acquaintance with and highest regard for Meyer and believe this is best solution at this time for our problem. Baldwin2 and NA agree. Stassen spoke in high terms of Waring and expressed strong hope he would be able work with Meyer on survey and if FOA mission should be decided on that Waring would accept Deputy’s position. I expressed doubts that he could be persuaded but said I had no objection Stassen trying. I think we do not yet need to cross that bridge but I wish you would discuss whole matter frankly with Waring and personally show him this message. If possible for him to delay his departure six to eight weeks to assist in survey it would be most helpful. (I realize how difficult [Page 1662] this will be.) Stassen offered this morning to send Waring to London, Paris and Spain at FOA expense if it would help in showing Waring how FOA missions operate and perhaps persuade him of importance and possibilities of Deputy position. Needless to say whatever results of survey I should be most reluctant lose Waring’s extremely valuable and efficient services.
I understand Meyer would be available for survey almost immediately. I shall wish discuss whole matter immediately on my return.