Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, China and Japan, Volume XIV, Part 2

894.245/9–2454: Telegram

No. 807
The Ambassador in Japan (Allison) to the Department of State

confidential

Tokyo, September 24, 1954—8 p.m.

712. Pass AEC. Reference Embassy’s 704.¹

1. Lieutenant Colonel J.L. Hansen, FEC General Medical Laboratory, and past president Japan-America Pathology Association, who observed Kuboyama autopsy and examined case record last night made following report to me today:

2. Although findings cannot be conclusive until microscopic analyses made, Kuboyama died apparently of hepatorenal syndrome accompanied in terminal stages by upper lobar pneumonia and diffuse pulmonary edema.

3. This syndrome characteristic of serum hepatitis which patient developed ninety days after first six blood and dried plasma transfusions. Patient had jaundice in his own youth, and cause of death of two brothers officially listed as hepatitis.

4. During course autopsy, no significant radiation effects observable, although some residual depilation and scar tissue externally visible. (These were repeatedly photographed by reporters and press cameramen who packed autopsy chamber.) Bone marrow was healthy and generative; red blood corpuscles in femur area more than normal for man younger than patient; cranium and spinal column unaffected. All organs were measured by Geiger counter and no significant readings obtained.

5. Hansen asked for tissue specimens. Doctor Tsuzuki thought this possible later, but last night “too many reporters present”. Hansen believes he can obtain specimens on personal basis. He will make full report his findings to me.

6. For our own information, would appreciate information whether blood or plasma transfusions given exposed Marshallese with or without jaundice history.²

7. Despite AP report, Hansen has given no statement to press and under my instructions will not issue statement without prior Embassy clearance.³

Allison

1. Dated Sept. 23; in it the Embassy reported that Dr. Masao Tsuzuki, the physician in charge of the Fukuryu Maru patients, had requested (with the endorsement of the Foreign Office) that an American physician be present at the autopsy of Aikichi Kuboyama, a crewman of the vessel who had died that day in Tokyo. (894.245/9– 2354)
2. In reply the Department transmitted in telegram 695, to Tokyo, Sept. 29, a message from Dr. Bugher, which reads in part: “When Dr. Tsuzuki visited us, I advised repeated small transfusions being given Fukuryu Maru patients would probably result cases infectious hepatitis after period of few months. He was aware danger but thought it unlikely. He was also told we were doing no transfusions or plasma injections in case Marshallese and would not use such methods except situation great urgency. Our care nearly 300 Marshallese and Task Force personnel did not involve any use whole blood or blood fractions. All patients recovered completely by all examinations recently completed. There have been no cases jaundice or other evidence liver involvement.” (894.245/9–2554)
3. In telegram 665 to Tokyo, Sept. 25, drafted in FE/P and cleared in NA and S/AE, the Department replied: “While information provided may be useful confidential negotiations re compensation later on agree Embassy view public release this information by US sources will generate serious adverse reactions Japan. Any public implication by us that he could have been saved by different treatment also considered dangerous. Department also confining all public comment expression sympathy and regrets for some time to come.” (894.245/9–2454)