Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The British Commonwealth, The Far East, Volume VI

701.9400/8–1445: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to All Diplomatic Missions

Washington, August 14, 1945—8 p.m.

Immediately upon announcement of Japanese surrender you should, on behalf of United States, Great Britain, Soviet Union and China, request of FonOff and protecting power in belligerent countries custody of Japanese archives and property before they can be destroyed. You should request your British, Russian and Chinese colleagues where present to associate themselves with this request.

Department is communicating with British, Russian and Chinese Governments⁹⁴ requesting them to issue appropriate instructions to their diplomatic representatives.

Upon surrender the Japanese Government will be instructed to order its missions in neutral countries to relinquish diplomatic and consular property and archives to custody of Allied powers. Japanese Government will be instructed also to authorize governments protecting its interests to relinquish property and archives in belligerent countries.

Byrnes

94. Telegrams 6910, 1835, and 1258, August 14, 8 p.m., respectively, none printed.