Cable No. 705, Ambassador Shimazu (Taipei) to the Foreign Minister, 'Visit of Chiang Ching-kuo to Japan'

Visit of Chiang Ching-kuo to Japan

No. 705           In Code           Special Secret

With the visit to Japan of Minister of National Defense Chiang Ching-kuo fast approaching, the press in this country is reporting a movement to block his trip, one with organizations of individuals involved in trade with the Chinese Communists at the center of it. Even so, since there have been no serious warnings from the security authorities, opposition demonstrations should not be significant and his security should not be an issue of concern. However, there is apprehension over the Chinese Communists taking some sort of retaliatory measures, either during this trip or afterwards, against the negotiations over the LT Trade Agreement (although I think that, due to common sense, they would not take such drastic steps as the severing of economic ties). Therefore, just as I took a very cautious approach at the time of Prime Minister Sato’s visit to this country in regard to the contents of the joint statement and the itinerary (such as, for example, cutting from the schedule Mrs. Sato’s visit to the Chinese Women’s Anti-Aggression League), doing everything possible so as not to give the Chinese Communists any room to make any accusations regarding the trip, so I think that the same kind of posture and effort are necessary for this trip. This is why I have made ample efforts to remove Diet Member Tamaki Kazuo’s reckless program from the official itinerary. The aim behind our invitation to Minister Chiang is not to conduct a diplomacy of following after the National Government but to make Minister Chiang aware of the actual state of affairs in Japan and to deepen his understanding of Japan’s domestic affairs and foreign policy. It seems that awareness regarding this point is still lacking, so it may even be necessary to let out smartly some information to the media in advance. In addition, knowing that there will be press or NHK television conferences in the schedule, I believe that this trip holds the potential of triggering an unexpectedly serious incident, so careful consideration is necessary. Therefore, even though I am sure that you are being thorough, I offer my humble view for the sake of caution. Please let me know the final itinerary as soon as it is confirmed. (End)