LETTER TO WALTER B. SMITH FROM M. B. RIDGWAY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R004000130052-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 1, 2005
• Sequence Number: 52
• Publication Date: April 14, 1952
• Content Type: LETTER

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Approved For ReleAse~ 2005/0 /0#e0%Ah PB 1676R0040 0130052-9
GENE A EAD 'ltTER9
FAR FAST COMMAND
OFFIOE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-ORS
PERSONAL
25X1
As Ja an approaches sovereignty, I want to pass on to you some of m
thou hts
could strengthen or weaken the relations of our
military forces with the Japanese Government and people.
In Japan we have been aiming at establishing a military intelligence
system which can continue to operate effectively even after japan becomes
a sovereign nation. With this in mind we have established 91' of 25X1
forthright integrity in our dealings with the Japanese, su~the
acquisition of intelligence within Japan to the establishment of harmonious
working relations with the embryo Japanese military forces
14 April 1952
The next few months will be critical ones. The regaining of complete
sovereignty after seven years of foreign occupation will require a tremendous
readjustment of outlook and thinking, despite our past efforts to make the
transition gradual, The new government, the military and the people them-
selves will continue during this period to depend on us for guidance, but
they will at the same time feel their new position as partners in a joint
effort. They will be hypersensitive to any signs of Occupation carry-overs.
Anti-U.S. factions will be trying by every conceivable means to compromise
our position; criticism will be unrestricted. Clever and well-directed
Communist propaganda playing on the theme of a U.S. dominated Japan has
been increasing in volume and intensity; agitation by Communist elements
in Japan, although so far ineffective, has been assuming an increasingly
dangerous pattern, and even the non-Communist population is by no means
unanimous in welcoming us as Security Forces. We must guard against any 25X1
action which might provide a basis for further propaganda or doubt as to
our intentions.
T-jP SECRET
Army review( AbpU ?of2elease 2005(06/08 : CIA-RDP80
VQj.214r
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I believe that the Occupation, by painstaking efforts, has built up a
large fund of trust and confidence among the Japanese people. In order to
retain it, it is essential that we convince them that our interests are
coincident with theirs, and that we do nothing which would weaken or destroy
this relationship, or cause them to view us as other than allies against a
common threat of aggression.
Approved For Release 200
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Approved For Release 2005/0 /08 : CIA-RDP80B0 676R0QQ?p00130052-9
Security Informatlo.
I would appreciate any comments you may have.
Faithfully,
M. B. RIDGW,AY
General, United States Army
General Walter B. Smith
Director of Central Intelligence
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington 25, D. C.
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Approved For Release 20 5/06/08: CIA-RDP
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