740.00119 PW/8–1645
The Swiss Chargé (Grässli) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the Japanese Minister in Berne at 18.15 Swiss Time today requested my Government to transmit to you the following communication destined for the United States Government and the Governments of the three other Allied powers:
“The Japanese Government would like to be permitted to state to the Governments of America, Great Britain, China, and the Soviet Union what they most earnestly desire with reference to the execution of certain provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation. This may be done possibly at the time of the signature, but fearing that they may not be able to find an appropriate opportunity they take the liberty of addressing to the Governments of the Four Powers through the good offices of the Government of Switzerland.
“Primo—In view of the fact that the purpose of occupation as mentioned in the Potsdam Proclamation is solely to secure the achievement of the basic objectives set forth in the said Proclamation, the Japanese [Page 669] Government sincerely desire that the Four Powers, relying upon the good faith of the Japanese Government, will facilitate discharge by the Japanese Government of their obligations so as to forestall any unnecessary complications. It is earnestly solicited that:
In case of the entry of Allied fleets or troops in Japan proper the Japanese Government be notified in advance so that arrangements can be made for reception.
The number of the points in Japanese territory to be designated by the Allies for occupation be limited to minimum number, selection of the points be made in such a manner as to leave such a city as Tokyo unoccupied, and the forces to be stationed at each point be made as small as possible.
“Secundo—Disarming of the Japanese forces being a most delicate task as it involves over three millions of officers and men overseas and having direct bearing on their honour, the Japanese Government will, of course, take utmost pains. But it is suggested that the best and the most effective method would be that under the command of His Majesty the Emperor, the Japanese forces are allowed to disarm themselves and surrender arms of their own accord. Disarming of the Japanese forces on the continent be carried out beginning on the front line and in successive stages.
In connection with the disarming it is hoped that Article 35 of the Hague Convention8 will be applied and the honour of the soldier will be respected, permitting them, for instance, to wear swords. Further, the Japanese Government be given to understand the Allies have no intention to employ disarmed Japanese soldiers for compulsory labour. It is sincerely hoped that shipment and transportation facilities necessary for the evacuation of the soldiers to their homeland will be speedily provided.
“Tertio—Since some forces are located in remote places difficult to communicate the imperial order, it is desired that a reasonable time be allowed before the cessation of hostilities.
“Quarto—The Allies will be good enough quickly to take necessary steps or extend us facilities for the shipment of indispensable food stuffs and medical supplies to Japanese forces in distant islands and for the transport of wounded soldiers from those islands.”
To this note the Japanese Minister added verbally that his Government expresses the most urgent hope that their wishes be respected, as this would be also in the interest of the Allies. He emphasized most particularly that this message and its contents should be treated under all circumstances as strictly confidential and that in no way should it be allowed to be published, because the effect on the Japanese people would otherwise be catastrophic.
Accept [etc.]
- Convention respecting the laws and customs of war on land, signed October 18, 1907, Foreign Relations, 1907, pt. 2, pp. 1204, 1213.↩