The Joint Chiefs of Staff have been requested to take appropriate
action to implement this policy, at the appropriate time.
[Enclosure]
top secret
Washington, August 28,
1951.
Dear Mr. President: The Joint Chiefs
of Staff have recommended that I obtain your approval on the
following policy respecting the arming of Japanese-manned ships.
Current policy decisions of the Far Eastern Commission prohibit
the arming of coastal patrol ships that are Japanese-manned. The
Joint Chiefs of Staff have now informed me that the depletion of
the occupation forces in Japan has created a situation in which
the internal security of the islands and the security of the
occupation forces may be seriously threatened.
Consequently, the Departments of State and Defense have
reevaluated the political and military aspects of this new
situation and have jointly agreed to a new policy which will
permit the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP) to utilize Japanese forces
adequately armed for defense and the maintenance of internal
security. This new policy, which I recommend for your approval,
is as follows:
“In view of the radically changed conditions and the
increased need to insure the security of Japan, the Supreme
Commander for the Allied Powers is authorized to establish a
Japanese-manned coastal security force, organized and
equipped along normal coast guard lines, composed of vessels
with appropriate armament and speed, and under SCAP operational control, to
be operated in waters contiguous to the Japanese
islands.”
This represents the appropriate interim policy statement for the
period between the signing of the Treaty of Peace with Japan and
the coming into effect of the Treaty. When Japan regains her
sovereignty and the right to provide for her own defense, a new
United States policy, in connection with the Japanese security
forces, will be appropriate.
It is the understanding of the Departments of State and Defense
that the coastal security force established by SCAP would be placed under the
direct operational control of American officers, and that the
[Page 1331]
vessels would
carry armament appropriate for coast guard craft. The Secretary
of State has concurred in this proposed policy statement on the
understanding, which the Joint Chiefs of Staff and I confirm,
that this coastal security force will be organized along normal
coast guard lines; the armament and speed of the vessels will be
that of normal coast guard character; the force will, in
general, be constituted so as to provide no valid basis for an
assumption that it is in fact the nucleus of a revived Japanese
navy; and that no action will be taken looking toward the
reestablishment of a Japanese navy without approval at the
highest levels of this Government.
The Secretary of State has recommended, and the Joint Chiefs of
Staff and I have concurred, that the proposed statement of
policy be presented to you for approval with the understanding
that it will not be implemented until after the signing of the
Treaty of Peace with Japan. The Secretary of State has informed
me that, if this proposed policy meets with your approval, he
will inform certain friendly members of the Far Eastern
Commission of the implementation of this action at the
appropriate time.1
With great respect,
Faithfully yours,
