794.5 MSP/12–552
No. 627
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State for Far Eastern Affairs (Allison) to the Secretary of State
Subject:
- Determination of Japan’s Eligibility to Receive Military Assistance
Problem
Advisability at this time of requesting a determination of Japan’s Eligibility to Receive Military Assistance.
Discussion
Mr. Lovett, former Secretary of Defense, in his letter to Mr. Acheson of December 5, 1952 (Tab A)1 referred to a recommendation of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in which he concurred that “Japan be considered eligible for grant and reimbursable military assistance in accordance with the provisions of the Mutual Defense Assistance Act of 1949, as amended, and of the Mutual Security Act of 1951, as amended,” and requested that you forward to the Director for Mutual Security a joint recommendation by the two Departments to that effect if you concurred from the political point of view.
Section 511 (a) of the Mutual Security Act of 1951, as amended, provides in substance that no aid authorized pursuant to this Act (other than reimbursable assistance provided under section 408 (e) of MDAP) shall be supplied to any nation unless the President finds that such assistance will strengthen the security of the United States and that country has provided certain assurances.
[Page 1381]While FE is in complete accord with the ultimate intent of the proposal, it questioned the advisability of requesting a determination under Section 511 (a) at this time since (1) Japan is not scheduled to receive grant military assistance under the Mutual Security Program during the current fiscal year; (2) at present military assistance to Japan is being financed by funds appropriated to the Department of the Army to which the Mutual Security Legislation is inapplicable; and (3) transfers of military equipment on a reimbursable basis are specifically exempt from the requirements of Section 511 (a). Therefore, no purpose would be served by such a determination at this time.
As a result conversations were held with officers in the Department of Defense with a view to clarifying the proposal contained in Mr. Lovett’s letter. It has been agreed by the two departments that the proposed recommendation is premature and that no action should be taken at this time.
There is, therefore, attached for your signature a proposed letter to the Secretary of Defense formalizing this understanding.
Recommendation
It is recommended that you approve and sign the attached letter to the Secretary of Defense. (Tab B).2