033.9411/10–1854: Telegram
No. 815
The Ambassador in Japan (Allison) to the Department of State
priority
928. Reference Embassy telegrams 8651 and 913.2 Prior to his departure for America, Aichi called for final discussion on Washington talks. He was accompanied by Miyazawa, right-hand man of Ikeda, who it developed had done the main drafting of statement forwarded our 865.3 Aichi gave me another paper, see immediately following cable,4 he said was preliminary statement of present thinking of Japanese on what is needed to put United States–Japan relations back on road to real cooperation and joint action. This is most interesting statement revealing as it does Japanese official belief that United States pressure for defense build-up has been counter-productive. Essence of statement is that if pressure is [Page 1749] relaxed and priority given to raising standard of living of Japanese that this will in end result in Japanese Government being able to create sound self-supporting defense force with consequent reduction in need for maintenance large United States forces in Japan. Aichi will undoubtedly wish to discuss this statement in Washington. He made clear that final phrase of statement to effect that coming visit of Yoshida is “last chance” does not refer to possibility of Yoshida’s retirement but to fact that if United States and Japanese Governments cannot now agree on something along lines of statement anti-American feeling in Japan will increase and United States–Japan cooperation will be jeopardized.
I expressed appreciation for frank statement of Japanese opinion and said I would be equally frank. I pointed out reasons for previous stress on military build-up as result of Korean war and generally threatening Communist attitude throughout world. While on surface it may now appear that tension has relaxed, I point out there is no indication Communist objectives have changed and, therefore, necessity for free world to be strong remained. I hope that Aichi did not mean that Japanese leaders wished to cut back their defense effort as I believed this would not only be dangerous in itself but would create such misunderstanding and antagonism in United States administration and Congressional circles that any aid program for Japan would be prejudiced. I expressed personal opinion that what was necessary was maintenance and some increase in present defense effort but agreed that increased attention should be given to problem of Japan’s economic stability. I expressed opinion that economic and defense programs should advance hand-in-hand, that if we had neglected economic aspect perhaps that should have temporary priority to bring it up to defense level, but that in meantime there should be no slackening in latter. I stressed again vital importance of Japan taking steps on its own if United States aid was to have any meaning. In discussing this statement in Washington, I believe we should make clear that Japan cannot expect lasting higher living standards unless there is improvement in basic economy of country and that this is, in first instance, Japan’s job. Aichi said he understood my argument and would take it into account in presenting his thoughts to United States officials. He agreed there should be no cut-back in defense program but made no commitment about any increase.
I urge that most serious consideration be given Aichi’s statement and that it not be brushed off as simply Japanese attempt to get United States agreement to relaxation of effort. I sense a growing restiveness in government circles here at what they interpret as American pressure, if not dictation, and certainly press has given public idea that United States is using Japan for its own ends without [Page 1750] regard to needs or desires of Japan itself. Aichi’s statement is expression his idea of how this situation can be met and remedied. To use a favorite Japanese expression, I believe Aichi is “sincere” and our reaction should be guided accordingly.