Editorial Note
In a memorandum dated February 3, 1951, titled “Observations on the Agreement Concerning Japanese-American Cooperation for Mutual Security”, the Japanese Government stated that the agreement had to be reached at an early date. It stated its desire that Chapter VIII be omitted because provisions envisaging Japan as an armed country or a belligerent were likely to cause complications within and without Japan. The Government stated also its belief that to avoid the impression that military occupation would continue, the powers the United States was to have in Japan should not be enumerated in detail in the agreement and facilities and areas for United States security forces should be strictly limited and should be determined by mutual agreement. The Japanese Government then suggested a number of detailed changes, additions, and deletions, most of which are incorporated in, or noted in the margins of, the draft supra. In conclusion the Government proposed that the Committee provided for in Chapter VII be made the central vehicle for the operation of the agreement. (Lot 56 D 527)
In another memorandum of February 3, titled “Initial Steps for Rearmament Program”, the Japanese Government stated that with the coming into effect of the proposed peace and security treaties it would be necessary for Japan to undertake a program of rearmament. The Japanese Government then briefly described the measures it contemplated. (Lot 56 D 527)