REBECCA ABBOTT

OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

MAR. 2 2023

MEMORANDUM FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ALEX SMITH BEFORE

DEPARTURE FOR VISIT TO JAPAN

SUBJECT: PREPARATION OF DISCUSSIONS ON US-JAPAN RELATIONS

As presidential candidate Alex Smith prepares for their departure to Japan to meet with Prime Minister
Fukio Kishida to discuss upcoming US-Japan foreign policy changes, attention has to be focused on one
aspect of US interest: security.

Japan is a significant partner of the US in many different aspects, specifically security and military
accessibility, that range from the modernization of the Chinese military to the ongoing threats from North
Korea. The US-Japan Military Alliance, agreed upon in 1952, ensures that the US can hold bases on
Japanese soil, even after the occupation of Japan had officially ended. As arranged, the US pledges to
protect Japan. It is of uppermost importance that Smith acknowledges this alliance and ensures Japan’s
accountability for years to come.

I. BACKGROUND
In 1910, the Imperial Japanese Army invaded Korea, establishing the country as an addition to Japan’s
growing empire. This was in an effort to gain more influence across Asia, as Japan was constantly looked
over on the Western front. Throughout 1931 and continuing into WWII, the Imperial Japanese Army
forced many women, mostly Korean women, to engage in sexual activity with Japanese soldiers as part of
a system of brothels in its occupied territories. These women are denoted as “comfort women,” which is
important to note that it was not until 1992 that the Japanese officially acknowledged the acts of the
Imperial Army
In addition to Korea, Imperial Japan also invaded China. Since the first Sino-Japanese War in 1894, China
and Japan have had limited relations with one another. On September 18, 1931, Japan blew up a section of
railroad track that they owned in Manchuria. This was to cast blame onto the Chinese to provide a reason
for the Imperial Japanese Army to invade China. In December 1937 the Japanese marched into the city of
Nanjing and committed incredibly violent acts of war. The hostility only amplified during WWII.
In 1931, the Japanese government attempted to implement the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.
The intent and implication was to promote Japanese superiority over its imperial conquests.
In July 1945, the Potsdam Declaration was signed by the US, Great Britain, and China. This was to ensure
that Japan would surrender unconditionally. They would also agree to an occupation of Allied forces to
ensure that their imperial conquest would not happen again. This served to functionally guarantee
structural changes of government.
II. US-LED ALLIED OCCUPATION
As agreed upon in the Potsdam Declaration, the US occupied Japan to ensure the structural changes
would be thoughtfully employed throughout the government. This occupation was led by Gen. Douglas
MacArthur, who was named the Supreme Commander for the Allied Power (SCAP). His most important
change was the 1946 Constitution. This pacified Japan structurally, forbidding them from forming a
military of their own for the purpose of international intervention. They also guaranteed access to basic
human rights, which was lacking before. Most importantly, the constitution serves to connect the Japanese
people better to their government and their country.
In 1951, it was decided under the San Francisco System that the US would no longer formally occupy
Japan. However, they were to be severely monitored and would continue to allow the US to hold bases on
Japanese soil.
III. IMPORTANT NOTES

● Japan views their treaties within the San Francisco System as well as the development of the
Peace Constitution as reparation for their war crimes. Discussing the “comfort women” or the
Rape of Nanjing, along with any other criminal act committed prior to the end of WWII, would
be unwise.
● The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has held leadership almost consistently since its
development. Only briefly did the LDP lose to the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).
● Japan holds a very vulnerable position, close to China’s coast. Under the San Francisco System,
the US agreed to protect Japan. In 1971, Nixon went over to China to discuss an economic
alliance with China and that greatly startled the Japanese government.
● Discussion of the Yasukuni Shrine would not be recommended. That is a highly controversial
subject, of which the US should play no part.