790.5–MAP/2–2051
The Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for
International Security Affairs (Burns) to
the Deputy Under Secretary of State (Matthews)
secret
Washington, February 20,
1951.
Dear Mr. Matthews: The Chairman of the
Munitions Board1
has forwarded the attached draft memorandum to the Secretary of
Defense for his signature. The Munitions Board approved these
recommendations on 1 February 1951.
Before completing action on these recommendations I should appreciate
the reaction of the Department of State to these recommendations,
from the political point of view.
Sincerely yours,
[Attachment]
Memorandum for the Secretary of the
Army,2
the Secretary of the Navy,3
the Secretary of the Air Force,4
the Chairman, Munitions Board
Subject: Japan as a Source for Supply of U.S.
Military Requirements.
1. The Munitions Board has informed me that it recently
considered the utilization of Japan as a source for U.S. current
and wartime requirements for (1) the acquisition of supplies and
equipment for use of U.S. forces, particularly in the Pacific
area and (2) in support of proposed U.S. military assistance
programs in Southeast Asia.
2. It was the conclusion of the Board also that it would be in
the best interests of the U.S. to initiate industrial
mobilization planning in Japan with a view to utilization of
Japan as a supplemental source of supply for U.S. military
requirements in another world conflict. Such utilization would
(a) give the U.S. a logistics
advantage in supplying U.S. and allied forces in the Pacific
area, (b) result in a reduction in U.S.
dollar aid to Japan, and (c) conserve
U.S. resources.
[Page 888]
3. In recommending that planning be initiated for utilization of
Japanese industry, the Board recognized the availability of
extensive war production facilities and the existence of a large
force of skilled labor in Japan.
4. The Munitions Board believes that the success of any planning
and programs is contingent upon the placing of educational
orders in Japanese industry.
5. In view of the foregoing, it is requested that the three
Military Departments
-
a.
- Increase purchases of military equipment and supplies
in Japan to the extent practicable for use of U.S.
forces, particularly in the Pacific area.
-
b.
- Survey Japanese industrial capabilities further in
collaboration with the Munitions Board, with a view to
(1) maximum practicable utilization as a source for
equipment for U.S. forces and for military assistance
programs in Southeast Asia, and (2) full utilization of
Japanese industry in event of another world
conflict.
6. It is requested that the Department of the Army request the
Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers to initiate an
industrial mobilization planning program in Japan, which program
will be worked out in collaboration with the Munitions Board and
the Military Departments.
