740.00119 PW/6–2149
The Ambassador in New Zealand (Scotten) to the Secretary of State
No. 150
[Received June 28.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to the Department’s telegrams of May 8, 1:00 a. m.1 and 2:00 a. m., instructing me to present to the [Page 783] Foreign Minister an aide-mémoire on Japanese reparations and level of industry, and to transmit herewith a copy of an aide-mémoire dated June 162 from the Secretary of External Affairs setting forth the views of the New Zealand Government on these matters.
It will be noted that the New Zealand Government, primarily because of anxiety concerning the long term security interests of all the Allies, doubts whether the United States policy with respect to conversion and scrapping can prove an adequate substitute for a removal program.
The preoccupation of the New Zealand Government with long term security in the Far East here expressed has been noted frequently by officers of the Embassy in conversations with officials of the Ministry of External Affairs. They are deeply concerned over the rapidity of developments in the Far East and feel that there is an urgent need for counter measures. In considering the problems involved, however, they feel frustrated by what they consider to be the lack of a United States Far Eastern policy.
The Department will also note that the Ministry has taken this opportunity to reiterate indirectly its conviction that matters relating to Japan should be handled through the Far Eastern Commission by means of broad policy directives rather than through any other channels.
Respectfully yours,