BACKGROUND PIECE ON JAPAN

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A001000050002-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 9, 2008
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: September 9, 1958
• Content Type: BRIEF

-- ---
Approved For Release 2008/07/09: CIA-RDP79R00890A001000050002-9 ---`
NSC BRIEFING
r
9---Sep~'tember 1958
~~ d~ ~ y a - 3
Dale: 25X1
BACKGROUND PIECi ON -- ___...-
I. Foreign Minister Fujiyama is in Washington for discussions on 17S-
Japan relations, some aspects of which have assumed major importance
in the Kishi government's efforts to maintain popular support.
A. The foremost item on Fujiyama's agenda is a new security treaty
to replace the present treaty which most Japanese consider
"one sided" and imposed as a price of a peace treaty in 1952,
B. Japanese proposals for a new pact include:
1. Provision for consultation and mutual agreement before
nuclear weapons are brought to Japan.
2. Provision for consent of the Japanese Government before US
forces based in Japan are sent to areas outside the country.
This stems from widespread Japanese fear that such action
will involve them involuntarily in hostilities.
3. A written guarantee that the US will defend Japan against
attack and an understanding on a joint operations plan
for American and Japanese forces in defense of Japan.
4. Provision giving Japan some control over the disposition
and use of American forces in Japan itself.
C. Second item on Fujiyama's agenda is a Southeast Asian economic
development program.
1. The Japanese are seriously concerned about Communist
penetration of their markets in Southeast Asia and are
most interested in President Eisenhower's proposals to
strengthen the World Bank and establish an international
development assodation as a means for countering this
development.
Approved For Release 2008/07/09: CIA-RDP79R00890A001000050002-9
 Approved For Release 2008/07/09: CIA-RDP79R0089OA001000050002-9
2. Fujiyama will seek understanding on multilateral assistance
for Southeast Asia, financed primarily by the US but
with an initial Japanese contribution of approximately
$14 million.
3. He may propose a plan for stabilizing raw material prices
in Southeast Asia.
D. Finally, Fujiyama will make a general plea for an opportunity
to expand Japanese markets in US.
II. Prime Minister Kishi's position was strengthened in the general
elections in May, but he believes continued popular support requires
satisfactory solutions of problems connected with US relatbns,
as well as on trade and political problems with Communist China.
A. Japanese people and press, which in past have denounced
security ties with the US, are now expressing support for
such ties if Japan is given greater voice in the arrangement.
B. Kishi says he is in an increasingly lonely position by
maintaining a "wait and see" attitude during the trade
impasse with Communist China.
1. Practically all elements in Japan are clamoring for
government action to break the deadlock.
2. Kishi is asking the US to support Southeast Asian economic
development in order that Japan can increase its markets
in that area to compensate for those theoretically "lost"
on the China mainland.
3. He believes that otherwise he will be forced into government-
to-government discussions with Peiping.
Approved For Release 2008/07/09: CIA-RDP79R0089OA001000050002-9
 Approved For Release 2008/07/09: CIA-RDP79R0089OA001000050002-9
III. Domestically, the government faces no critical issues, but is
concentrating on weakening the widespread leftist influence
spearheaded by the Socialist Party and labor.
A. Kishi is attempting to keep election promises by reducing
taxes and is very gradually relaxing his "tight money" policy
which has corrected a severe international payments imbalance.
B. The government is waging a campaign to undercut leftist
influence among Japan's 645,000 primary and secondary school
teachers who are controlled by the Communist-dominated Japan
Teachers Union.
1. This union is a nucleus of the three million member Sohyo
labor federation which forms the heart of anti-government
and anti-US activities in Japan.
2. A major confrontation is expected between labor and the
government beginning 15 September when Sohyo, led by the
Teachers Union, has scheduled nationwide strikes and rallies,
-3"
Approved For Release 2008/07/09: CIA-RDP79R0089OA001000050002-9