694.001/8–451
The United States Political Adviser to SCAP (Sebald) to the Secretary of State 1
priority
Topad 257. ReDeptel 173 Aug 2 rptd info Taipei 89. Although Yoshida still determined defer opening overseas agency Taipei until [Page 1240] after peace conference (Mistel 175 July 25),2 I have today sought and received orally from Iguchi categorical assurance that Jap Govt will open such agency once treaty is signed. It is hoped this assurance will prove helpful to Dept in meeting situation outlined reftel. Iguchi stated further that appointment Kawada as financial adviser Chi Nationalist Govt awaits only his depurge which expected shortly.
Re possible further action suggested reftel, it wld appear to us from here that any additional steps taken at this late date to bind Japan publicly to Nationalist China wld tend to have dangerously negative effect on our efforts to encourage India and other countries which have severed ties with that regime to join us in signing treaty. It seems to us that during period from now until treaty is signed we wld have immeasurably more to lose by alienating such nations than we wld stand to gain in terms of increased domestic bipartisan solidarity, importance of which wld seem in any event to be greatest during later period prior to submission of treaty for ratification.
Also, in view apparent Brit determination prevent opening overseas agency Taipai or other overt action at this time on part of Jap Govt in favor Chi Nationalists, we doubt whether further pressure on our part wld result in anything but modifying demonstration to Japan of US–UK disunity on China issue.
In view reiterated assurances Japan will enter into relations with Chi Nationalist Govt and collateral reasons set forth above is recommended entire problem be to maximum extent possible held in abeyance until after peace conference. I shall of course, do everything possible in interim to influence Yoshida and others along lines Dept’s thinking.