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Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–12, Documents on East and Southeast Asia, 1973–1976

Chapter V: Japan: Document List


Document 165: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, January 4, 1973, 5:40 p.m.

Kissinger criticized the Japanese government’s Vietnam message and discussed the state of U.S.-Japanese relations with Ambassador Ushiba.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 538, Country Files, Far East, Japan, January–June 1973, vol. 9. Secret; Sensitive. The meeting was held in Kissinger’s office. On January 3, John Holdridge provided talking points for Kissinger’s meeting with Ushiba and attached telegram 232944 to Tokyo, December 28, 1972, which contained the text of a message that Ushiba gave to U. Alexis Johnson on December 27, 1972, appealing to the United States to resume Vietnam peace negotiations as quickly as possible. (Ibid.)


Document 166: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, January 24, 1973.

Togo and Sneider discussed U.S.-Japan Security Relations and Sino-Japanese relations.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–1973, DEF 4 Japan-US. Secret; Noforn. Drafted by Sneider.


Document 167: Conversation Between President Nixon and John B. Connally, Washington, January 31, 1973.

Nixon and Connally discussed Japanese politicians and relations between the United States and Japan.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Tapes, Oval Office, Conversation No. 845–11. No classification marking. The editor transcribed the portions of the tape recording printed here specifically for this volume. The President’s Daily Diary indicates that this discussion occurred as part of a larger conversation between 4:52 and 6:13 p.m. (Ibid., White House Central Files, President’s Daily Diary)


Document 168: Editorial Note


Document 169: National Security Study Memorandum 172, Washington, March 7, 1973.

Kissinger instructed the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, Commerce, and the CIA to review U.S. policy toward Japan.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–197, NSSM Files, NSSM 172 (2 of 3). Secret. Copies were sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs. NSSM 122, on policy toward Japan, is scheduled to be published in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, Volume XIX, Part II, Japan, 1969–1972.


Document 170: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, March 9, 1973, 1430–1500.

Richardson and Ushiba discussed relations between the United States and Japan, especially within the context of improving relations with the People’s Republic of China.

Source: Washington National Records Center, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 330–76–117, Japan, 333, 1973 January, March 13, 1973. Secret. Prepared by Doolin and approved by Eagleburger. The conversation took place in Richardson’s office.


Document 171: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, March 27, 1973, 10:30 a.m..

Kissinger, Aichi, and Ushiba discussed trade and monetary issues. Nixon joined the conversation near the end.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Far East, Box 538, Japan, volume 9, January–June 1973. Secret; Nodis. The conversation took place in Kissinger’s office. In a briefing memorandum to Kissinger, March 26, Hormats described the “object of the meeting” as strengthening Aichi “at home” and expressing appreciation for recent Japanese measures to liberalize trade and revalue the yen. (Ibid.)


Document 172: Memorandum From Robert Hormats of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, April 12, 1973.

Hormats summarized economic data on trade between the United States, the European Community, and Japan.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 538, Country Files, Far East, Japan, volume 9, January–June 1973. No classification marking. Sent for information. Kissinger initialed this document. Peter Flanigan sent these trade statistics to Kissinger under a covering memorandum, March 8.


Document 173: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, May 21, 1973, noon.

Nixon and Ohira surveyed international developments, including the naming of a new U.S. Ambassador to Japan.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 4. Secret. The conversation took place in the Oval Office. The President’s Daily Diary indicates that the meeting lasted from 12:07 until 12:57 p.m. and included, in addition to the persons listed on the memorandum of conversation, Yasukawa, Okawara, Numata, and the Japanese and American interpreters, Sadaaki Numata and Manabu Fukada. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Central Files, President’s Daily Diary)


Document 174: Memorandum From John Froebe of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, June 6, 1973.

Froebe recommended that Kissinger approve a cable instructing Embassy Tokyo to broach a U.S.-Japan Environmental Agreement.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 538, Country Files, Far East, Japan, volume 9, January–June 1973. Confidential. Sent for action. Concurred in by Elliot and Fairbanks. Kissinger initialed his approval of the recommendation on June 11, and an NSC staff member notified the Department of State by telephone on June 12.


Document 175: Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) and the President’s Assistant for International Economic Affairs (Flanigan) to President Nixon, Washington, July 2, 1973.

Kissinger and Flanigan forwarded Secretary Rogers’s memorandum about the upcoming ministerial meeting with Japan. Nixon approved the proposed agenda.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 539, Country Files, Far East, Japan, July 1973–December 31, 1974 (sic), vol. 10. Confidential. Sent for action. Nixon initialed his approval of the recommendation. Rogers’s memorandum, June 22, is attached Tab A, but is not published.


Document 176: Memorandum From John Froebe of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, July 5, 1973.

Froebe recommended that Kissinger ask for an interim response to NSSM 172 focusing on Japan’s regional and global role.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–197, NSSM Files, NSSM 172 (2 of 3). Secret. Sent for action. Concurred in by Kennedy, Eagleburger, and Hormats. Both recommendations were marked approved with handwritten notes that read, “HAK per phone call from Jon Howe to RTK. 7/7/73.” In a memorandum to Kissinger, June 30, Froebe noted that the Department had delayed NSSM 172 by requesting Presidential affirmation of the primacy of the U.S.-Japanese alliance before considering other aspects of the study. Kissinger commented in the margin, “Stupid theological point.” (Ibid.) On July 12, Scowcroft sent a memorandum to Eliot asking the NSC Interdepartmental Group for East Asia to prepare an interim study. (Ibid.) On July 27, Richard Sneider, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Group for NSSM 172, submitted a paper titled “US-Japan Cooperation on Multilateral Problems of Mutual Concern” in response to Scowcroft’s memorandum. (Ibid., NSC Files, Box 1056, NSC Institutional Materials, NSC Institutional Papers, July 1973 [1 of 3])


Document 177: Memorandum From Robert Hormats of the National Security Council staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, July 19, 1973.

Hormats described the recent ministerial talks held in Tokyo between the United States and Japan.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 539, Country Files, Far East, Japan, July 1973–December 31, 1974 (sic), vol. 10. Confidential. Sent for information. Concurred in by Froebe. Kissinger initialed the memorandum on August 8.


Document 178: Memorandum From John Froebe of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, July 30, 1973.

Froebe asked Kissinger for guidance on conceptual aspects of the draft joint statement to be issued at the end of Tanaka’s visit.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 927, VIP Visits, Japan PM Tanaka’s Visit, July 31, 1973 [1 of 3]. Confidential. Sent for action. Concurred in by Hormats. A draft of the joint draft statement is attached as Tab A. Kissinger initialed his approval of all four recommendations on August 1.


Document 179: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, July 31, 1973, 11 a.m..

Nixon and Tanaka talked about an exchange of state visits, U.S.-Japan trade, nuclear capabilities, educational exchanges, Sino-Soviet relations, the Soviet-American summit, superpower security relations, the New Atlantic Charter, and press guidance.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 927, VIP Visits, Japan PM Tanaka’s Visit, July 31, 1973 [1 of 3]. Secret; Sensitive. During dinner conversation on July 31, Nixon and Tanaka briefly discussed the likelihood of an Imperial visit to Washington, U.S.-Japanese joint development of Siberia, Tanaka’s planned visit to Western Europe and the Soviet Union, and the prospects for getting the Japanese government’s legislative program through the current session of the Diet. (Memorandum of Conversation, July 31, 1973, 8 p.m.; ibid.) Nixon’s talking points for his meetings with Tanaka are ibid., [2 of 3].


Document 180: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 1, 1973, 9:30 a.m.

Nixon and Tanaka discussed the trade balance, Korean issues, Asia, Sino-Soviet relations, energy, U.S.-Japanese consultative organs, the Mutual Security Treaty, and development activities in Siberia.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 927, VIP Visits, Japan PM Tanaka’s Visit, July 31, 1973 [1 of 3]. Secret; Sensitive.


Document 181: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, September 24, 1973, 5–5:30 p.m.

Kissinger and Ohira discussed the Declaration of Principles, future visits to Japan, technology transfers, and Japanese relations with China, the Soviet Union, and the Vietnams.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 539, Country Files, Far East, Japan, July 73–Dec. 31, 1974 (sic), Vol. 10. Secret. The meeting was held at the Waldorf Towers in New York City. During a meeting three weeks earlier, Yasukawa gave Kissinger a draft declaration of principles. Kissinger scanned it, noted that he wanted to study it more closely, but remarked, “My initial reaction, however, is that it is not concrete and not a very important document.” (Memorandum of conversation, September 4, 1973, 11:15 a.m.; ibid.)


Document 182: Editorial Note


Document 183: Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, January 5, 1974.

Kissinger tasked the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, Commerce, and the Central Intelligence Agency to complete the response to NSSM 172.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1061, NSC Institutional Materials, NSC Institutional Papers, January 1974 (2 of 2). Secret. Copies were sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs. Sent to Kissinger under a covering memorandum, December 21, 1973, from Froebe and Donald Stukel of the NSC staff, which stated, “In June a long and rather rambling draft was completed and a copy sent to the NSC Staff. At that point further work bogged down due to uncertainty among the drafters as to how current events were likely to impact on US/Japan long-term relations and due partly to our call in July for an IG special report on regional and global issues in support of Prime Minister Tanaka’s visit.” (Ibid.)


Document 184: Minutes of the Secretary of State’s Staff Meeting, Washington, January 7, 1974.

Lord presented on U.S.-Japan planning talks. The discussion focused on energy policy and the trilateral declaration.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Transcripts of Secretary of State Kissinger’s Staff Meetings, 1973–1977, E5177, Box 2. Secret. In this meeting, Lord orally presented the contents of a paper that he had sent to Kissinger on December 22. Lord’s paper is ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Far East, Box 539, Japan, July 1973–December 31, 1974 (sic), vol. 10.


Document 185: Memorandum From the Director of Defense Program Analysis and Evaluation (Sullivan) to Secretary of Defense Schlesinger, Washington, January 22, 1974.

Sullivan summarized an analysis of defense related balance of payments with Japan.

Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–78–0011, Japan, 123, 1974 January 22. Confidential. The memorandum is stamped, “Sec Def has seen. 13 Aug 1974.” The analysis is attached but not published.


Document 186: Memorandum From W.R. Smyser of the National Security Council staff to the Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, February 8, 1974.

Smyser informed Kissinger that Japan basically supported the U.S. position on energy matters.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 539, Country Files, Far East, Japan, Vol. 11, 1 January 1974–. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Sent for urgent information. Kissinger initialed the memorandum. On January 14, Smyser produced a similar memorandum, which Kissinger initialed, that stated, “the Japanese, though subject to some constraints, are prepared to react positively to our proposals for an Energy Action Group and for greater cooperation among the oil consuming nations. Their position arises from the general desire to work with us as well as from their awareness that they can be destroyed more quickly than anybody else if the oil producers get the upper hand.” (Smyser and Froebe to Kissinger, January 4; ibid.)


Document 187: Memorandum of Conversation, Paris, April 7, 1974, 10:15 a.m.

Nixon and Tanaka discussed trade issues, Siberian development, relations with China, and the role of the United States in Asia.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1028, Presidential/HAK Memcons, 1 March 1974–8 May 1974 [2 of 4]. Secret; Sensitive. The conversation took place in the residence of the American Ambassador. A briefing memorandum for the meeting is in the Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Brent Scowcroft Daily Work Files, 1973–1977, Box 7, Chronological File A, April 5–7, 1974 (Paris Trip).


Document 188: Key Judgments from Research Study OPR-4 Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, May 1974.

A CIA study predicted continuity in Japanese policy during the next few years, but anticipated that more dramatic changes would be possible during the 1980s.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 539, Country Files, Far East, Japan, Vol. 11, 1 January 1974–. Secret; No Foreign Dissem. A notation on the correspondence profile, August 14, reads, “No further action necessary—will be incorporated into Japan trip briefing papers for Pres.” (Ibid.) In a letter to the President, dated May 17, Colby wrote that the study was a response to Nixon’s desire for a “look ahead” into the future of Japanese policy. ( Central Intelligence Agency, OPI 10, Job 80M01048A, Box 4, Fold. 1 )


Document 189: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, May 21, 1974, noon.

Nixon and Ohira discussed the U.S.-Japan alliance, the Middle East, Sino-Soviet relations, Siberian development, and India’s nuclear test.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1029, Presidential/HAK Memcons, 1 June 1974– [8 August 1974] [3 of 3]. Secret; Sensitive. The conversation took place in the Oval Office. On May 14, Yasukawa sent Nixon a memorandum stating the Government of Japan’s position regarding Siberian development. (Ibid., Box 1337, NSC Unfiled Material, 1974, 1 of 9) Springsteen suggested that no response to the Japanese memorandum was necessary, but recommended that Nixon refer to it during his May 21 meeting with Ohira. (Memorandum from Springsteen to Scowcroft, May 17; ibid.)


Document 190: Study Prepared by the NSC Interdepartmental Group for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Washington, undated.

The NSC Interdepartmental Group for East Asia and Pacific Affairs prepared a paper, on U.S. policy toward Japan, in response to NSSM 172.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–197, NSSM Files, NSSM 172 (2 of 3). Secret; Noforn. Scowcroft received the study under a covering letter, June 26, from Springsteen. The annexes to the report, on Japanese domestic political constraints, the policy background, traditional problem areas in U.S.-Japanese relations, and Japanese economic trends, are attached, but not published. Davis forwarded the report to interested departments and agencies on June 29. (Ibid.)


Document 191: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, June 27, 1974, 1520–1530.

Hodgson and Ellsworth discussed military issues involving the United States and Japan. Schlesinger joined the meeting for the last ten minutes.

Source: Washington National Records Center, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 330–77–0054, Japan, 333, July 5, 1974. Confidential. Prepared by Barrett and approved by Ellsworth. The conversation took place in Schlesinger’s office. Schlesinger’s talking points, dated June 26, are ibid.


Document 192: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, July 9, 1974, noon–12:25 p.m.

Hodgson met with Nixon before assuming the position of Ambassador to Japan.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 4, July–September 1974. Secret; Nodis. The conversation took place in the Oval Office.


Document 193: National Security Decision Memorandum 262, Washington, July 29, 1974.

Kissinger modified NSDM 251, relating to the use of U.S. bases in Japan in the event of aggression against South Korea.

Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 364, Subject Files, NSDMs, #145–264, 1972-1974. Top Secret; Sensitive. Copies were sent to the Director of Central Intelligence and to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rush’s memorandum, April 27, offered three options: “1. Negotiate a new agreement as provided in NSDM 251. 2. Let the Korean Minute formally lapse and depend on the Nixon-Sato Communique. 3. Not raise the Korean Minute issue directly with the Japanese Government and seek to leave the issue in essence unresolved.” Rush recommended option three. (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, NSC Staff for East Asia & Pacific Affairs, Convenience Files, Box 3, Japan 1974 [3])


Document 194: National Security Study Memorandum 210, Washington, September 11, 1974.

Kissinger instructed the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, the CIA, the Atomic Energy Commission, and the Departments of the Treasury, Defense, and State to review U.S. policy toward Japan in preparation for the President’s visit.

Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–13, Institutional Files, Meetings (IFM), SRG Meeting, Japan, November 11, 1974 (3). Secret; Exdis. Copies were also sent to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Counsellor to the President for Economic Policy, and the Executive Director of the Council on International Economic Policy. Smyser sent Kissinger the draft NSSM under a covering September 4 memorandum. (Ibid., Box H-32, NSSM 210, Review of Japan Policy for the President’s Visit to Japan [2])


Document 195: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, September 21, 1974.

Ford and Tanaka discussed U.S.-Japanese relations and Ford’s anticipated trip to Japan.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 6. Secret; Nodis. The conversation took place in the Oval Office. Drafted by Wickel. As a correction, on page 2, an unknown hand wrote “Kennerly” in the margin, a reference to David Hume Kennerly, Gerald Ford’s White House photographer. A less detailed version of the same conversation, prepared by Scowcroft, is ibid. Kissinger’s briefing memorandum with talking points for Ford is ibid., Presidential Briefing Material for VIP Visits, 1974–76, Box 1, 9/21/74, Japan, Prime Minister Tanaka.


Document 196: Memorandum From John Froebe and Robert Hormats of the NSC Staff to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, November 9, 1974.

Froebe and Hormats summarized the response to NSSM 210 and laid out the issues for the upcoming Senior Review Group meeting on Japan.

Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–13, Institutional Files, Meetings (IFM), SRG Meeting, Japan, November 11, 1974 (1). Secret. Sent for action. Concurred in by Kennedy and Elliott. There are no markings indicating that Kissinger saw this memorandum. Talking points, an analytical summary of the NSSM response, and the NSSM itself are attached but not published.


Document 197: Minutes of Senior Review Group Meeting, Washington, November 11, 1974, 11:06 a.m.–12:02 p.m.

The Group discussed the response to NSSM 210 and Kissinger asked the relevant departments to prepare briefing materials for the President’s upcoming trip to Japan.

Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–23, Institutional Files, Meetings (IFM), Meeting Minutes, SRG, Originals, November 1974–January 1975. Secret; Sensitive. The text of Colby’s briefing is attached but not published. The briefing material that the Departments of State, Defense, and Treasury produced in response to Kissinger’s tasking is ibid., Box H–13, Institutional Files, Meetings (IFM), SRG Meeting, Japan, November 11, 1974 (3).


Document 198: Memorandum of Conversation, Tokyo, November 19, 1974, 11 a.m.

Ford and Tanaka discussed security issues, agricultural trade, aid to South Vietnam, energy, and the mutual security treaty.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 7. Secret. The conversation took place in the Guest House. Drafted by Wickel. For public remarks, toasts, and the joint communiqué issued during Ford’s trip, see The Department of State Bulletin, Vol. LXXI, No. 1852, December 23.


Document 199: Memorandum of Conversation, Tokyo, November 20, 1974, 10 a.m.

Ford and Tanaka discussed Korea, South Vietnam, the Middle East, China, the Soviet Union, Siberian development, over-fishing, and the joint communiqué.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 7. Secret. The conversation took place in the Tokyo Guest House. Drafted by Wickel.


Document 200: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, March 25, 1975, 1415–1440.

[3 pages not declassified.]

Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–78–0058, Japan (000.1–293), 091.112, 8 Apr 75. Top Secret; Eyes Only.


Document 201: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, March 28, 1975.

Kissinger, Hodgson, and Habib discussed U.S. relations with Japan.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P–820123–1082. Secret; Exdis. The meeting was held in Kissinger’s office.


Document 202: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, March 29, 1975, 11 a.m.

Ford and Hodgson discussed U.S.-Japanese relations.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 10. Top Secret. The conversation took place in the Oval Office. The talking points that Ford received from Kissinger are ibid., Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 7, Country File, Japan [5].


Document 203: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, April 11, 1975.

Kissinger and Miyazawa discussed Vietnam, Japanese politics, the Middle East, and other issues touching on U.S. relations with Japan.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P–820125–0547. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Sherman and approved by Covey. On May 27, Kissinger and Miyazawa met in Paris at the U.S. mission to the OECD and discussed Southeast Asia, China, and the Middle East. (Ibid., P–820125–0295)


Document 204: Memorandum From Peter Rodman of the National Security Council Staff to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, July 25, 1975.

Rodman informed Kissinger of a Japanese proposal for a new type of communiqué.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Advisor, Presidential Briefing Material for VIP Visits, Box 12, 8/8–9/75, Japan, Prime Minister Miki [4]. Secret; Nodis. Sent for action. Kissinger initialed his approval on July 31, 1975.


Document 205: Memorandum From Secretary of State Kissinger to President Nixon, Washington, August 2, 1975.

Kissinger sent Ford a briefing paper for his meeting with Miki.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Advisor, Presidential Briefing Material for VIP Visits, 1974-76, Box 12, 8/8/75, Japan, Prime Minister Miki [8]. Secret. A note on the first page reads, “The President has seen.”


Document 206: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 5, 1975, 8:45 a.m.

Kissinger, Habib and Hodgson discuss the upcoming summit with Miki.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P–820123–1980. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Sherman and approved by Covey.


Document 207: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 5, 1975, 10 a.m.

Miki and Ford discussed the terrorist attack in Kuala Lumpur, the CSCE, arms control, Sino-Soviet relations, and Southeast Asia.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 14. Top Secret. Drafted by Wickel. According to the President’s Daily Diary, the conversation took place in the Oval Office from 10:05 until 11:25 a.m. (Ford Library, Staff Secretary’s Office, President’s Daily Diary)


Document 208: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 5, 1975, 7 p.m.

Ford and Miki discussed domestic politics, economic conditions, the French proposal for a five-power economic conference, and U.S.-Japan cooperation.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 14. Top Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Wickel. The conversation took place in the White House. The next day, Ford told Kissinger and Scowcroft, “The private conversation wasn’t much. I think he wanted it mostly for prestige.” (Memorandum of Conversation, August 6, 9:50–10:05 a.m.; ibid.)


Document 209: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 6, 1975, 10 a.m.

Miki and Ford discussed the terrorist attack in Kuala Lumpur, the Five Power Economic Summit, Korea, energy, the Middle East, mutual defense, food, and press statements.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 14. Top Secret. Drafted by Wickel. The conversation took place in the Oval Office. According to the President’s Daily Diary, the conversation took place in the Oval Office from 10:06 until 11:35 a.m. (Ford Library, Staff Secretary’s Office, President’s Daily Diary)


Document 210: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 29, 1975, 11 a.m.

Schlesinger and Miki discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula.

Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–78–0058, Japan, 091.112, 17 Sept 1975. Secret; Exdis. Prepared by Abramowitz. The conversation took place in the Prime Minister’s Office. A stamped message reads, “Dep. Sec. has seen.”


Document 211: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, August 30, 1975, 1145.

Schlesinger and Miyazawa discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 7, Country File, Japan [9]. Secret; Exdis. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s residence.


Document 212: Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Ford, Washington, September 19, 1975.

Kissinger recommended that Ford sign a NSDM governing U.S.-Japanese space cooperation.

Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–61, NSDM 306, U.S.-Japan Space Cooperation. Confidential. Sent for action. The President initialed the “Approve” option, and the recommendations became NSDM 306 on September 24. (ibid., Box H–69, NSDM Originals (2 of 2), NSDM 301-NSDM 315). The report of the Under Secretaries Committee is attached but not published. It arrived under a covering memorandum, May 5, by Ingersoll.


Document 213: Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford, Washington, October 19, 1975.

Scowcroft forwarded Kissinger’s report on his October 19 meeting with Miyazawa.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Trip Briefing Books and Cables for HAK, Kissinger Trip File, Box 15, 10/19–23/75, People’s Republic of China, TOSEC (5). Secret. Ford initialed this memorandum. A memorandum of conversation of Kissinger’s meeting is in National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P-820123–2431. Kissinger stopped in Tokyo en route to a meeting with Mao in Beijing.


Document 214: Memorandum of Conversation, Tokyo, October 24, 1975, 8 a.m.

Kissinger met with Miki following his visit to the People’s Republic of China.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P–820123–2324. Secret; Nodis. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence. Drafted by Gleysteen and approved by Covey. On October 23, Kissinger met in Tokyo with Miyazawa, who primarily asked Kissinger questions about his trip to Beijing; a memorandum of conversation is ibid., P–820123–2455.


Document 215: Memorandum of Conversation, Tokyo, December 8, 1975, 8:30 a.m.

Kissinger briefed Miyazawa following Ford’s visit to the People’s Republic of China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P–820123–0631. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Gleysteen and approved by Covey. The meeting was held at the Foreign Ministry Guest House.


Document 216: Memorandum of Conversation, Tokyo, December 8, 1975, 11 a.m.

Kissinger and Miki discussed the international scene.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P–820123–0771. Secret; Nodis. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Residence. Drafted by Gleysteen and approved by Covey.


Document 217: Letter From President Ford to Japanese Prime Minister Miki, Washington, January 15, 1976.

Ford replied to Miki’s letter about fisheries legislation in the United States.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders, Box 2, Japan, Prime Minister Miki (2). No classification marking. Miki’s November 4, 1975 letter expressed concern about Congressional legislation to unilaterally establish a 200-mile exclusive fishery zone. (Ibid.) The memoranda of conversation from the meetings, November 15–17, between the leaders of the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, are ibid., Memoranda of Conversation, Box 16.


Document 218: Letter From Japanese Prime Minister Miki to President Ford, Tokyo, February 24, 1976.

Miki asked for Ford’s assistance in disclosing the names of officials involved in the Lockheed scandal.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders, Box 2, Japan, Prime Minister Miki (2). No classification marking. The Subcommittee on Multi-National Corporations of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee had exposed alleged bribes by the Lockheed Corporation to high officials of the Japanese government.


Document 219: Letter From President Ford to Japanese Prime Minister Miki, Washington, March 11, 1976.

Ford replied to Miki’s letter about the Lockheed scandal and suggested that both governments work together to reduce corruption.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders, Box 2, Japan, Prime Minister Miki (2). No classification marking. Ford received this letter under a covering memorandum, March 10, from Scowcroft. (Ibid.) A Japanese diplomatic note, March 12, conveyed the Japanese cabinet’s decision to accept the President’s proposal for sharing information relating to the Lockheed scandal. (Decision of the Cabinet on March 12, 1976; ibid.)


Document 220: Memorandum From Peter Rodman of the NSC Staff to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, April 6, 1976.

Rodman informed Kissinger of Miki’s desire for information on whether powerful Japanese politicians were implicated in the Lockheed scandal.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 7, Country File, Japan [10]. Secret. Sent for action. Kissinger did not mark either of the options.


Document 221: Talking Points for Peter Rodman of the NSC Staff, Washington, undated.

Rodman was instructed to tell Miki’s confidential adviser that Kissinger could not provide information to Miki about the Lockheed scandal outside the channel established via the Department of Justice.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 7, Country File, Japan [10]. Secret; Nodis. At the end of the talking points, Kissinger wrote, “The Department of State has no access to these records + could not obtain access without upsetting all established procedures.” Written notations by unknown hands at the top of the document indicate that Kissinger approved the talking points on April 10 and Rodman received them through Kissinger’s special assistant Paul E. Barbian. They were presented to Hirasawa at 4 p.m. on the same day.


Document 222: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, April 22, 1976.

Kissinger and Togo discussed the Lockheed scandal.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P – 820117 – 1955. Confidential; Nodis. Drafted by Sherman and approved by Collums.


Document 223: Telegram 6615 From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State, May 6, 1976, 1015Z.

The embassy analyzed Japanese domestic politics.

Source: National Archives, Record Group 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated to the Embassies in Moscow, Seoul, Taipei, to the Consulate in Hong Kong, to the Liaison Office in Beijing, to CINCPAC in Honolulu, and to COMUS Japan in Yokota.


Document 224: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, May 14, 1976.

Kissinger and Saito discussed the Lockheed scandal.

Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P – 820117 – 2339. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Sherman and approved by Collums.


Document 225: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, June 30, 1976, 10:30 a.m.

Miki and Ford discussed international affairs.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 20. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Wickel. The conversation took place in the Oval Office. Ford’s briefing information is ibid., Presidential Country Files for East Asia and the Pacific, Box 7, Country File, Japan [9]. Ford’s and Miki’s luncheon conversation concerned China and non-proliferation among other topics. (Ibid., Memoranda of Conversation, Box 20)


Document 226: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, July 1, 1976, 3:30 p.m.

Scowcroft and Hodgson discussed U.S.-Japanese relations.

Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 20. Confidential. Eugene V. McAuliffe, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, praised the Japanese Government’s Defense White Paper of June 4. (Memorandum from McAuliffe to the Secretary of Defense, June 22, 1976; Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–79–0049, Japan, 092, 1976 June 22)


Document 227: Telegram 11294 From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State, July 27, 1976, 0910Z.

The Embassy reported on the arrest of former Prime Minister Tanaka.

Source: National Archives, Record Group 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated for information to COMUS Japan in Yokota, to CINCPAC in Honolulu, to the Embassies in Manila, Seoul, Taipei, The Hague, Rome, and to the Liaison Office in Beijing.


Document 228: Telegram 16298 From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State, November 2, 1976, 0620Z.

The Embassy analyzed the handling of the defection of a Soviet pilot to Japan with his MiG-25.

Source: National Archives, Record Group 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. Confidential. Repeated for information to the Secretary of Defense in Washington, to the Embassy in Moscow, to COMUS Japan, and to CINCPAC in Honolulu. Also transmitted to CINCPAC for POLAD.


Document 229: Telegram 19002 From the Embassy in Japan to the Department of State, December 30, 1976, 0800Z.

The Embassy analyzed Japanese politics.

Source: National Archives, Record Group 59, Central Foreign Policy Files. Confidential. Repeated for information to the Embassies in Bangkok, Bonn, Canberra, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, London, Manila, Paris, Rangoon, Rome, Seoul, Taipei, Vientiane, to the Consulate in Hong Kong, to the Liaison Office in Beijing, to CINCPAC in Honolulu, and to COMUS Japan in Yokota.