740.00119 Control (Japan)/10–1646: Telegram
The Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 16—5:15 p.m.]
469. 1. Following is excerpt from stenographic record of this morning meeting of Allied Council: [Page 341]
“The Chairman: The Soviet Member has made some very broad statements and allegations apparently based chiefly upon newspaper reports. I do not know whether it is his intention to show that the elections of April 10 were a failure or not. For my part, I consider that they were a great success. As a matter of fact, those elections conducted under the close observation of the occupying forces were remarkably free of major corruption or irregularity. As stated by the Chief of the govt section23 in his report of April 22, it demonstrated to the people of the world a free, honest and orderly election, such as few, if any, of the western democracies can boast to a more complete degree. Both the investigation of violations of the law and the action taken thereon were, of course, a matter of internal administration by the Japanese Govt. It is understood that as a result of the action by the Japanese Govt, the prosecution of approximately 1,000 such cases resulted in sentences ranging from fines to imprisonment. (…24) With 1,000 prosecutions arising out of the voting of 26,000,000 people, I think that the Japanese Govt can be proud of its record in the conduct of these elections. According to the reports received, not a single candidate was affected by irregularities at the polls. I concur with the view of the chiefs of the govt, section that in all probability in no country having free elections can a record of better efficiency in the conduct of these elections be shown. I may say that I often wonder at the continued allegations and charges made against the Japanese authorities in connection with their efforts under the occupation. They seem never in this Council to receive credit for the good work that they do. The occupation authorities are endeavoring to assist the Japanese people in building a new nation for membership in the world commonwealth under law which we envisage for all peace loving peoples. When a job is well done, I think that they merit some credit. I think for example that the Japanese Govt in carrying out the purge directive accomplished its task in a very admirable manner on the whole. In passing, in connection with the Soviet member’s mention of the election of members subject to purge, I would like to repeat what I have said a number of times here, that if any member has any evidence of illegal activities on the part of Japanese agencies or Japanese officials, the Supreme Commander would greatly appreciate receiving it without delay. And again, on the question of the activities of the Japanese Govt under the occupation, I would say that the occupation authorities, by their attitudes and policies and their ideals have obtained ready and willing Japanese cooperation. In fact, the time has come when Japanese aims have become virtually identical with Allied aims. It seems to me that if this Council is to have influence upon the Japanese and is to set an example to the Japanese, that we ourselves must always be just and fairminded men.”
2. It is understood some correspondents are playing up remark in regard to Japanese and Allied aims as a new statement of American policy. No statement of policy was made and none was intended. [Page 342] What was made was a statement of fact, as we in this headquarters see it, that the Occupation authorities receive willing cooperation from the Japanese because the Japanese have come to realize that the Allied objectives are in Japan’s interests as well as ours and that accordingly they are seeking the same goals.