740.00119 FEAC/11–2345

The Secretary of State to the Chairman of the Far Eastern Advisory Commission (McCoy)

My Dear General McCoy: The Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan has stated that he will welcome a visit to Japan by the Commission as such a visit would not only give the Commission an opportunity to see at first hand actual current conditions but would permit of consultation from which he looks for greatest possible aid.42

I am pleased to know that the Commission is desirous of making such a visit and feel that, pending settlement of the questions relating to the terms of reference, it would be very useful for you to go to Japan for the purpose of gathering information on the spot for coordination and assistance in your functions.

In view of the relations established by the surrender document between the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers and the Japanese Government, dealings by the Commission or members of the Commission with the Japanese Government and its agencies would, of course, be entirely through the medium of the Supreme Commander.

I hope the trip will be of profit and value to the Commission in the performance of its important functions.

Sincerely yours,

James F.Byrnes
  1. See press release of November 26, Political Reorientation of Japan, September 1945 to September 1948, appendix F:8, p. 743.