740.00119 FEAC/3–2647
The Assistant Secretary of State (Hilldring) to the Assistant Secretary of War (Petersen)
My Dear Mr. Petersen: General McCoy, Chairman of the Far Eastern Commission, has taken up with me55 two matters which he believes are closely related to the question of improved liaison between the FEC and General MacArthur. General McCoy states that it is a generally held opinion among the members of the Far Eastern Commission that the Commission suffers in its work because of poor liaison between it and the Supreme Commander. General McCoy suggests that there would be much to be gained if he were authorized to inform the Commission at an early meeting that the United States Government will be prepared to facilitate the sending of one or more representatives of the Commission to Tokyo for the purpose of consulting with the Supreme Commander about matters of mutual concern. General McCoy realizes that any such offer should be conditioned by requiring each Government concerned to defray the cost incurred by any representative of that Government in making the trip. I should very much appreciate your comment concerning the feasibility of authorizing General McCoy to issue such an invitation on the condition stated.
General McCoy also points out that members of the Commission, including himself have felt that considerable value could be derived from closer contact between members of the Commission and persons on the Staff of the Supreme Commander who visit Washington from time to time. If you agree, I think it might be worthwhile for the War Department to impress upon visitors from General MacArthur’s Staff who happen to be in Washington that they should make a point of meeting with the Chairman of the Commission and perhaps visit the Commission while they are here. This suggestion has been made several times to General McCoy’s Civil Affairs adviser and I am advised that he is quite sympathetic to the idea.
Sincerely yours,
- Letter of March 12, not printed.↩