694.001/4–451: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser to SCAP (Sebald) to the Secretary of State
Topad 1750. For Dulles. Substance tentative comments contained Deptel 1408, Mar 29,1 conveyed orally to Iguchi Apr 4.
[Page 961]At same time Iguchi left with us memo dated April 4 setting forth his govt’s comments on draft treaty handed Yoshida Mar 27. Text fols.
“1. Jap Govt highly appreciates thoughtfulness on part of Govt of US in sending to it provisional draft for Jap peace treaty. While welcoming present draft, which is calculated to enable her and Allied Powers to estab relations as sovereign equals and cooperate in friendly association to promote their common welfare, Jap Govt desires suggest slight modifications of draft text with respect to fol points.
“(a) Chapter III, 4.
“Ryukyu Islands south of 29 degrees north latitude.
“It is suggested to have phrase revised to read:
“Nansei Islands south of 29 degrees north latitude.
“Amami Island group, which belongs not to Ryukyu Islands but to Satsunan Islands, lies south of 29 degrees north latitude, while Nanseim (south-Western) Islands include both Satsunan and Ryukyu groups, that is, all islands between Kyushu and Formosa.
“(b) Chapter VI, 14.
“‘The Allied Powers recognize that Jap lacks the capacity to make payments in bullion, money, property or services’.
“No mention is made of payments from current production. It is not clear whether omission has any significance. But in any case, Jap Govt desires consideration be given to advisability of adding ‘current production’ to the enumeration.” End text.
Re para 1 (a) above, it appears historically correct that according Jap usage “Ryukyu Islands” not coextensive with “Nansei Islands”, former term applying only to those islands formerly included within Okinawa prefecture (Okinawa and Sankishima sub-groups, including Daito and Sento Islands).2
- Ante, p. 950.↩
- In a memorandum of April 5 to Mr. Allison, Mr. Fearey stated in part that he had consulted in this matter Samuel S. Boggs, Special Adviser on Geography, “He thought that ‘Nansei’ was the more accurate term and should be used. I pointed out that ‘Ryukyu’ was a much more familiar name and that it was possible that the Japanese had suggested ‘Nansei’ because it was a Japanese word (‘Ryukyu’ is a derivation of the Chinese ‘Loochoo’) and might serve as a reminder in future years of Japan’s ownership. Mr. Boggs nevertheless said that ‘Nansei’ was technically more accurate.” (694.001/4–551)↩