Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East, Volume VI

740.00119 Control (Japan)/2–2847

Memorandum by General of the Army Douglas MacArthur to the Japanese Government ³⁸

AG 014.33 (25 Feb 47) LS–L
(Scapin 1543)

[Tokyo,] 25 February 1947.

Subject: Registration of Chinese Nationals.

1. The Chinese Mission in Japan has undertaken the registration and documentation of persons in Japan who claim Chinese nationality and has issued registration certificates similar to the sample copy inclosed herein.

2. Legitimate bearers of these registration certificates will be presumptively considered as Chinese subjects and hence United Nations Nationals for purposes of the exercise of criminal jurisdiction by the Japanese authorities.

For the Supreme Commander

John B. Cooley

Colonel, AGD
Adjutant General

38. Copy transmitted to the Department in despatch 885, February 28, from Tokyo; received March 12. In the despatch, Mr. Bishop stated: “There is every reason to believe that with the completion of the registration of Chinese citizens (including Formosans) in Japan, many of the vexatious problems concerning treatment of Formosans by Japanese police authorities will be obviated.” (740.00119 Control (Japan)/2–2847)