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

State-JCS Meetings, lot 61 D 417

No. 813
Memorandum of the Substance of Discussion at a Department of State–Joint Chiefs of Staff Meeting, Held in Washington, October 15, 1954, 11:30 a.m.¹

top secret

Washington, October 15, 1954, 11:30 a.m.

[Here follow a list of persons present (25) and discussion of ANZUS and Indochina matters.]

3. Consultations with Japan on Strategic Matters.

Mr. MacArthur pointed out that State and Defense had concurred in a telegram of August 20² in the recommendation from the Embassy and the Far East Command that a joint consultative group be established at a high level with the Japanese to consider implementation of the Military Assistance Agreement and broad strategic questions. He said the question now was what kinds of things could be taken up in the committee which would improve Japan’s understanding of the world picture and thus improve their cooperation in security matters. He added that Mr. Murphy had suggested that this item be discussed in the JCS.

General Ridgway expressed that (the) opinion that existing channels of communication were adequate and that he had also been able to get to the Japanese leaders the kind of information which was needed. New instructions did not appear to be necessary.

Admiral Carney said that he saw three objections:

1. To be of any real use the questions discussed would have to be at a level that even an Ambassador or a General could not very well go into.

2. Such an arrangement might strengthen Japan’s demands for strategic information which we were not willing to give.

3. Such an arrangement might cause adverse reactions on the part of other countries in the area with whom such an arrangement did not exist.

Mr. MacArthur pointed out that we do, in fact, have such arrangements with other Asian countries in connection with our security treaties with them.

Admiral Davis³ expressed the view that there was no need to disclose classified information to the Japanese.

Mr. MacArthur and Mr. Drumright explained that there were many matters which were either not classified, or not highly classified, which could be discussed with the Japanese, and that they would carry much more weight if done at a high level than if they read them in the newspapers. They suggested, however, that the matter could await the actual establishment of the committee and views of our representatives in Tokyo before it had to be considered further.

It was agreed that no action would be taken for the present and that Ambassador Allison might wish to discuss it upon his arrival in the next few weeks.

1. A note on the title page reads: “State Draft. Not cleared with any of participants.” All of the Joint Chiefs except Admiral Radford attended; MacArthur led the Department of State group.
2. Telegram 393 to Tokyo, Document 793.
3. Vice Adm. Arthur C. Davis, Director of the Office of Foreign Military Affairs.