894.628/6–3047: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Political Adviser in Japan (Atcheson)
246. FEC 23. Japanese whaling. At FEC meeting June 26 Australian Ambassador made strong plea for adoption of UK proposal (see FEC 2210). He asserted inter alia that presence of Japs in Antarctic waters is threat to security of Australia; that past depredations of Japan have reduced whales now available; that Jap methods of whaling are wasteful resulting in less oil available to world; that Jap whaling vessels are ill equipped; that US has ignored offer of Australia to man ships to secure meat and oil for Japan; that US has not fulfilled assurances given in 1946 that Australia would be fully consulted re future proposals concerning Jap whaling; and that question of Jap [Page 244] whaling in Antarctic is matter for decision by FEC and not for unilateral action by one government. Sir Carl Berendsen supported Australian views asserting that New Zealand realizes US responsibilities re feeding Japan and is willing to share those responsibilities but wants no Japs in Antarctic. UK representative endorsed Australian views but expressed opinion that pushing matter to conclusive vote now when diplomatic conversations are proceeding would only complicate situation. Canadian representative stated would support UK proposal; Canada realizes economic difficulties of US occupation of Japan but regrets unilateral action of US. Netherlands Ambassador stated his Govt holds opinion that whaling should be free but considers Japan still enemy country; Jap whaling should therefore be restricted to absolute necessity for food and limited to two Antarctic expeditions. Chinese Ambassador stated that he appreciated need for food in Japan but that security aspect of whaling expeditions should also be considered. French delegate asserted that Jap Antarctic expedition is matter of international and FEC concern. US representative stated that position his Government had been made clear and that he had nothing to add. Other members had no comments to make at this time. In view of fact that interested Govts are taking up matter of expedition with US Government through diplomatic channels FEC decided to postpone further consideration of UK proposal.
Temporary Retention of Electric Steel Furnaces. FEC June 26 decided authorize SCAP continue utilization of electric steel furnaces; (see FEC 059/34) until July 31 pending decision by FEC on utilization for another year.11