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

894.628/5–2047: Telegram

The Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State

secret

Tokyo, May 20, 1947.

132. Cite C 52805. Reourtels 107, May 1⁷⁶ and 69, March 25.

1. Notwithstanding considerations mentioned in British aide-mémoire, April 30, 1947 (similar note May 16, 1947 received from local Australian Mission) and recent press reports opposition New Zealand and Australia to another SCAP sponsored, Japanese manned whaling expedition, we are most reluctant for considerations mentioned in reference telegrams as well as those detailed below to abandon plans for expedition during 1947–1948 season. Department’s handling of this difficult question is greatly appreciated but it is hoped in view of food shortage here that satisfactory solution can be found to make another expedition possible.

2. Views here are that United States Government has never given clear-cut commitment which would prohibit another operation and it is believed that minimum consultation with interested governments, with primary emphasis upon security aspects of expedition, would fulfill any partial commitments made such consultations (even assuming proposed policy paper in opposition has been filed with Far Eastern Commission by United Kingdom or other interested government) would clear way for interim directive to be issued to SCAP by United States Government ordering whaling expedition on grounds of urgency of food situation in Japan and maximization of Japanese resources.

3. It is apparent that a whaling expedition affords most efficient employment of indigenous Japanese resources by use of available ships, trained crews, supplies, and readily obtainable petroleum products. Not to take advantage these resources would be tantamount deliberately wasting opportunity profitable employment and result in void which American taxpayer would be called upon to fill by supplementing critical shortage protein foods in Japan.

4. There is also involved question of United States and SCAP’s prestige vis-à-vis the Japanese people. Previous whaling expedition has been so successful in Japanese eyes that abandonment of proposed expedition would strongly suggest to Japanese that SCAP and United States are unable to withstand selfish and venal pressure of governments which, in fact, are making little if any direct contribution toward attainment allied objectives in Japan and whose main objection is based upon desire to maintain monopoly of whaling industry and profit therefrom at our expense.

5. It is appreciated that United States as signatory to Whaling Convention may be criticized for pressing for Japanese manned whaling expedition to possible detriment in catch of other signatories. In positive sense, however, no material gain would accrue to United States by its proposed action, except that burden on United States of feeding Japan would be eased by amount of additional food and foreign exchange thereby brought to Japan. Even among signatories, competition is free and no undue advantage would accrue to the Japanese, nor would American sponsorship be inconsistent with United State world policy of opposing monopoly in all industries, including that of whaling. It is also submitted that ultimate determination of Japanese right to whale in Antarctic or question of Japan’s admission to convention are questions which do not presently arise. Likewise, ultimate use and disposition of Japanese whaling fleet are matters for appropriate determination peace treaty.

6. Note from Australian Mission in Japan of May 6, 1947 states Australian observer (Mr. King J. Coonan) with last Japanese whaling expedition stated that expedition was conducted in accordance with international whaling convention except in one particular, which was “the discarding of certain poor oil bearing bones during processing, since the facilities of the factory ship did not permit this to be done and at the same time ensure a maximum recovery of whale meat”. The facilities of Hashidate Maru, the factory ship in question, would be modified to permit necessary processing in complete conformity with convention and assurance is given that Japanese will observe all regulations of convention during proposed expedition.

7. Although the economic and food aspects of the 1947–1948 expedition have been commented upon in our 107, it may additionally be observed that previous expedition produced about 46.5 million pounds meat amounting to 34 per cent of total Japanese meat consumption from farm sources in 1946 and having protein equivalent of 122 million and 75 million pounds of rice and wheat respectively. Prior to war soy beans accounted for much of Japan’s protein foods, a supply not now available and therefore necessarily substituted by meat products.

8. In view of probable difficulties obtaining appropriate agreement, it may be possible for Department to effect compromise whereby in consideration for agreement 1947–1948 expedition, United States would commit itself to agree to no further Japanese manned whaling expedition to Antarctic without previously having obtained approval of Far Eastern Commission. It appears to us that anticipated critical food situation in Japan during ensuing year would be partially ameliorated by this compromise. At same time, problem of agreement concerning future Japanese whaling would be matter for determination at Peace Conference which we envisage will probably meet prior to another whaling expedition being proposed. Compromise proposal to above effect would be acceptable to SCAP and there would be no objection to such compromise plan being given appropriate publicity at time of its acceptance.

9. As intimated our 107, time is of essence and Department’s decision is urgently requested.

Atcheson

76. See footnote 54, p. 197.