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Japan - Prime Minister Sato
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Japan - Prime Minister Sato
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The original documents are located in Box 3, folder "Japan - Prime Minister Sato" of the
National Security Adviser's Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders Collection
at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
TabA
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 10, 1975
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
Kei Wakaizumi has given me a copy of your Nobel address
delivered in Oslo on December 11, 1974. I want to express my
admiration for the wisdom and humanity which are so evident
in your address.
I remember that when we met in Tokyo on November 19, you
told me of your intention to urge further efforts to bring the nuclear
arms race under control. Your address did this admirably and
forcefully. The United States is strongly in sympathy with your call
for these efforts. We also believe strongly in the principle of inter-
national cooperation to develop the peaceful uses of atomic energy
while safeguarding against weapons proliferation.
Your reflections on Japan's role in the world are particularly
thoughtful and interesting. Your Nobel address, as well as your
whole career, are an example of moral leadership of a kind which
the world is sorely in need of today.
With my best wishes and highest esteem.
Warm regards,
Henry A. Kissinger
His Excellency Eisaku Sato
Tokyo, Japan
R
GERALD
Digitized from Box 3 of the NSA Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
11
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION
WASHINGTON
December 31, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
SECRETARY KISSINGER
FROM:
PETER W. RODMAN PUR
SUBJECT:
SATO'S NOBEL SPEECH
In Tokyo on November 19, Sato spoke with you about his forthcoming Nobel address.
He wanted to propose a five-power no-first-use-of-nuclear-weapons declaration,
and you enumerated the reasons why this wasn't a good idea. (Memcon excerpt
at Tab C.)
Kei Wakaizumi has now dropped off a copy of Sato's address as given in Oslo on
December 11. (Tab B.) Wakaizumi assured me Sato had followed your advice.
Sato's address, inter alia:
-- defends the Japan-US Security Treaty
urges Japanese ratification of the NPT
-- calls it "gratifying" that the US and Soviet Union have made
"a certain amount of progress" in SALT and hopes that gradual
reductions will follow.
-- urges the nuclear-weapons powers to assume their "heavy
responsibilities for assuring the peace and security of the world"
and to make further (undefined) "epoch-making progress in nuclear
arms control and disarmament."
praises the US-Japanese agreement on reversion of Okinawa.
calls for development of the peaceful uses of atomic energy as a
response to the food, energy and economic crises. He enumerates
three principles to govern this development: international safety
standards, international control of the exchange and allocation of
nuclear fuel, and international cooperation in R & D on nuclear fusion.
(His proposal for international control of nuclear fuel goes way beyond
the US position. It is also interesting that he does not otherwise
address the key issue of safeguards. )
reflects on the reasons for Japan's failure to make greater contri-
butions to world civilization.
Overall, it is a positive and thoughtful speech, and you may want to write a note
to Sato complimenting him on it. A draft is at Tab A.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you sign the note to Sato at Tab A.
GERALD
LIBRARY
GERALD
by
to
LIBRARY
18WE817
GERALD is
Editor's Note:-The following is the full text of a com-
Mainichi Daily News, Friday, December 13, 1974
memorative address delivered by former Prime Minister
Eisaku Sato in Oslo Wednesday night after he received the
1974 Nobel Peace Prize.
Japan
In
Nuclear
Age-
A.
OFFICE
In
Pursuit
Of Peace
State Of Isolation
Common Task
Though frequent turmoils
Excellencies, Ladies and
Great Change
vitiated life in other parts of
We, in the latter part of the
Gentiemen:
the world during the two and
Japan has changed greatly
20th Century, are, however, liv-
Having the exceptional honor
half centuries from the beginn-
during the 30 years since the
ing in the núclear age. I point-
to receive the Nobel Peace
ing of the 17th Century, Ja-
period of confusion following
ed out in a basic policy speech
Prize, rich in tradition and
pan managed to live in
defeat-rebuilding the nation's
delivered in the National Diet
honored throughout the world,
tranquility in a state of isolaton,
life and regaining its sovereign
in early 1968, that the common
before such a distinguished
neither threatening other na-
independence, with vigorous
task: confronting all countries
assembly, was, indeed, the most
tions nor threatened by them.
economic and social develop-
today is the question of how
memorable occasion of my life.
It was only in the mid-19th
ment complemented by scienti-
we are to survive this nuclear
I believe that it is not upon
Century that Japan, faced with
fic and technological progress
age.
me alone that this rare honor
the growing presence of Eu-
in the sixties. In the meantime,
I established three non-
has been bestowed; the Jap-
ropean powers in Asia, aban-
our people made certain im-
nuclear principles as a policy
anese people share it with me.
doned its policy of isolation,
portant choices.
of the Japanese Government
and opened its doors to the
The first among them was
All through the years since
after deep reflection on the
outside world, and, with the
the spontaneous formation of
World War II, the Japanese
course Japan should take as a
a national consensus not to be
people have; I am convinced,
Meiji Restoration; began to
country which will not possess
made strenuous efforts to pre-
move towards the creation of
armed with nuclear weapons.
nucear arms. This policy states
a modern nation state.
It has often been pointed out
that we shall not manufacture
serve and promote world peace,
Subsequently, the Japanese
that, with the rise in the level
contributing to the progress and
nuclear weapons, that we shall
prosperity of mankind.
people experienced a variety of
of economic activity and the
not possess. them and that we
It is, therefore, on behalf of
vicissitudes and were involved
great strides made in science
shall not bring them into our
in international disputes, even-
and technology, Japan has the
country. This was later reaf-
the Japanese people as well
tually, for the first time in
capacity to produce nuclear
firmed by a resolution of our
that I respectfully express my
arms. However, it is, in spite of
Diet. I have no doubt that this
profcund gratitude to the Nobel
their history, experiencing the
horrors of modern warfare on
Japan's potential, or precisely
Committee of the Norwegian
policy will be pursued by all
Parliament for their decision to
their own soil during World
for that reason, that our people
future governments.
have, on their own initiative,
award this prize to us. It was
War II. Japan is the only coun-
It was also during my tenure
made the firm choice not to be
with great pride as a Jap-
try in the world to have suffer-
of office that the Japanese Gov-
armed with nuclear weapons.
anese and with deep humility
ed ravages of atomic bombing.
ernment agreed to the conclu-
This is also the firm policy of
sion of a Nuclear Non-Prolife-
as an individual that I accepted
That experience left an indelible
mark on the hearts of our
the Japanese Government. I
ration Treaty and signed it,
this prize.
people, making them passion-
wish to take this opportunity
pursuing a policy in harmony
I have held the post of Prime
Minister of Japan for one-third
ately determined to renounce
to declare this again un-
with the avowed desire of the
of the 22-year period since the
all wars
equivocally, and beg that my
people. Under the terms of our
distinguished audience will
Constitution, the assent of the
San Francisco Peace Treaty
Fully conscious of the bitter
bear this fact in mind
Diet is required before ratifica-
entered into force. It seems to
lessons of defeat in 1945, and
It is only natural that for
tion procedures can be com-
me that this is an appropriate
unswervingly determined to
any statesman at the helm of
pleted; it is my desire to see
opportunity to look back upon
seek an enduring peace, our
people revised the old Constitu-
any government the question
these procedures completed
the Japanese people's opting for
peace, and the efforts they have
tion. The new Constitution is
of his country's security should
with the least possible delay,
be a concern of the utmost im-
Thermonuclear energy, used
made to give substance to that
founded on the principles of
portance.
as a means of warfare, has
decision.
the protection of human rights
Upon assuming the reins of
terrifying potential for destruc-
If the attainment of peace is
on the one hand, and the re-
nunciation of war on the other.
government, I adopted, always
tion. In fact, the proliferation
the ultimate objective of all
conscious of the importance of
of nuclear weapons may well
statesmen, it is, at the same
Article 9. of the Japanese
the role of the United Nations,
jeopardize the very survival of
time, something very ordinary,
Constitution stipulates as fol-
a policy of following a formula
mankind. Nuclear disarmament
closely tied to the daily life
lows:
of collective security based on
has now become a matter of
of each individual. In familiar
"Aspiring sincerely to an
the Charter of the United Na-
the utmost urgency. Conse-
terms, it is the condition that
international peace based on
tions for the maintenance of
quently, it is gratifying that
allows each individual and his
family to pursue, without fear,
justice and order, the Japa-
my country's security in the
the Strategic Arms Limitation
nese people forever renounce
prevailing international sitúa-
Talks between the United
the purpose of their lives. It
is only in such circumstances
war as a sovereign right of
tion. In the light of the circum-
States and the Union of Soviet
that each individual will be
the nation and the threat or
stances in which my country
Socialist Republics have made
the use of force as means of
was placed, this meant the
a certain amount of progress.
able to devote himself without
the loss of hope for the future
settling international dis-
maintenance of the Japan-U.S.
Nevertheless, this progress
of mankind, to the education
putes.
Mutual Security and Coopera-
represents only a- freezing at
tion Treaty which took effect
present levels. It is the earnest
of his children, to an attempt to
Such a declaration renounc-
in 1960, This treaty is not
hope of our people that the
leave upon the history of man-
ing the use of force in the set-
directed against any country
kind the imprint of his own
world may see the day when
tlement of international dis-
but rather seeks to establish
all nuclear weapons are
creative and constructive achi-
putes, incorporating the philo-
the basic conditions prerequisite
abolished. If I may, however,
evements in the arts, culture,
sophy of the Kellogg-Briand
for the maintenance of peace.
be allowed to put this in more
religion and other activities
pact, has been made by peoples
This is the meaning of the
realistic, if more modest,
fulfilling social aspirations. This
other than the Japanese. It is
treaty.
terms, the nuclear powers,
is the peace which is essential
noteworthy, however, that a
with the United States and
for all individuals, peoples, na-
major power like Japan should
the USSR taking the lead,
tions, and thus for the whole
have persevered in this direc-
should at least, cease their
of humanity.
tion by national consensus and
quantitative and qualitative
be determined to retain this
attitude in the future.
By that time, Okinawa had
come to occupy a key strategic
Foreign Relations
nuclear arms race, and sincere-
Nevertheless, the guiding
position in Asia in the frame-
In the area of foreign rela-
spirit of equality and mutual
ly explore effective and practi-
work of the Cold War. Never-
tions, I have always sought to
cal means. for the gradual re-
advantage and the realistic ap-
theless I declared soon after my
maintain friendly relations with
proach of seeking to establish
duction and international con-
assumption of office as Prime
all countries, indeed to improve
trol of nuclear arms.
friendship with close neighbors
Minister my conviction that:
them further. Prince Shotoku,
first proved effective. In Janu-
In this context, I wish to
"Until Okinawa is returned,
who lived from the end of the
ary 1966, the Treaty on Basic
point out to the five nations
Japan will not have complete-
6th century to the 7th century,
Relations between Japan and
which at present possess nu-
ly emerged from her postwar
was a distinguished political
the Republic of Korea and the
clear weapons that they have
period." For I had come to
leader of ancient Japan as well
related agreements became ef-
especially heavy responsibilities
the conviction that to leave
as a great religious leader of
for assuring the peace and
Okinawa in such an anomalous
fective, thus solving a major
the period when Buddhism was
security of the world. The
pending issue in postwar Jap-
state would create greater ten-
introduced into Japan, Japan's
anese diplomacy.
Japanese people hope most
sion in Asia because of the
first constitution, established by
Now to look at Southeast
earnestly that constructive. ef-
very important position of this
Prince Shotoku begins with the
Asia in the 1960s. The econo-
forts will be made by these
group of islands and that to
nuclear powers with a view to
realize the reversion of Oki-
declaration "Harmony is the
my developed over the entire
bringing about some epcch-
nawa would contribute to a
basic principle to be respected."
area at a comparatively steady
making progress in nuclear
stable peace- in the Western
This spirit is a national and
pace, despite the grave prob-
arms control and disarmament.
Pacific.
popular ideal which has run
lem of the Vietnam War which
I came to be convinced that
through Japanese history.
fortunately did not spread be-
between countries like Japan
As for myself, I have ex-
yond the Indo-China Peninsula.
2nd Achievement
and the United States, each
pressed this spirit of harmony
This progress was the fruit
The second achievement dur-
with a democratic system and
in the words "magnanimity
of the unceasing initiatives and
ing my tenure of office that I
and harmony," making it one
efforts made by various coun-
a high standard of living, it
should like to refer to was
would, by means of peaceful
of the guiding principles of my
tries under the wise leadership
Japan's attainment of the re-
negotiations, not be at all im-
political life. There is a favo-
of their leaders. I believe that
version to Japan of the Ogasa-
possible to avoid a confronta-
rite saying of mine: "Here I
Japan was also able to make
wara and Okinawa Islands.
tion, even given considerable
stand and there stand you; but
some contribution to this pro-
The international order estab-
differences of interest. The
we remain friends." It is only
gress. Japan was in the fore-
lished at the end of World War
negotiations on the reversion
natural that people should dif-
front of the nations participat-
II could certainly have been
of Okinawa did indeed present
fer Nevertheless, all should
ing in the establishment of the
accept these differences with
Asian Development Bank in
worse. However, this order
a challenge. Fortunately, ow-
did contain certain factors
ing to the wisdom and fore-
tolerance and seek a way in
1966, took an active part in the
which bore within them the
sight of its drafters, Article
which they can live. together
convening of the first Ministeri-
seeds of instability. The divid-
in peace through mutual
al Conference for the Econom-
3 of the San Francisco Peace
ed countries provide the most
Treaty left us with ways to
understanding. This indeed, is
ic Development of Southeast
vivid example of this situation.
obtain a readjustment.
the moral principle which has
Asia, and also participated in
Moreover, the fact that the
guided me in the reality of
the Asian and Pacific Council.
In the light of the mutually
majority of the divided coun-
politics. I am happy to say that
She, thus, made every effort to
shared basis of friendship and
tries in the world are in Asia
trust in the soundness of Ja-
it has the support of many
further the development of
indicates how global tensions
pan-U.S. relations, and with
people of good will in Japan
regional cooperation and mutu-
might concentrate in that con-
the purpose of relaxing tensions
and elsewhere.
al solidarity. The leaders of
tinent.
in Asia, with the ultimate aim
Southeast Asia rate highly the
This spirit, when applied in
Under the Japanese Peace
of achieving a stable world
role our country has played in
the fields of external relations,
Treaty, signed in San Fran-
the non-military areas of the
peace, I sought from the Unit-
can develop into policies for the
cisco in 1951, Okinawa and
ed States the return of Oki-
economy and technology. I be-
maintenance of peaceful and
lieve we must continue this
Ogasawara, integral parts of
nawa in the form of a peace-
fraternal relations, whatever
our national territory, were
ful alteration of the then
cooperation ever more actively
differences may exist among
placed under the administra-
prevailing situation.
in order to achieve tangible
countries whose ideologies,
It cannot be said that these
results In addition, the ac-
tion of the United States, with
social, systems and policies
Japan retaining residual
negotiations were easy. How-
tivities of the Youth Overseas
differ
Cooperation Corps, whose mem-
sovereignty. The fact of de-
ever, the United States, as a
friendly country, lent a willing
Prompted by this spirit, I
bers devote themselves to
feat obliged our country to
emphasized first and foremost
acquiesce in this arrangement.
ear to the Japanese request
working hand-in-hand with and
Finally, the great achievement
the development of good-
However, with the passing of
sweat alongside the local peo-
time, the world gradually mov-
of realizing the return of ter-
neighbor diplomacy in Asia.
ple for the improvement of the
ritory through diplomatic
Depending on the countries and
ed towards stability and pros-
standard of living in developing
the problems involved, there
perity, while our country re-
negotiations, an event rarely
countries, not only in South
were occasions when it was
witnessed in world history, was
east Asia but throughout the
gained sufficient economic and
achieved.
not easy to put this policy into
developing world, greatly in-
diplomatic potential to contri-
practice. However, I never
As a result of this political
creased during my premiership.
bute to the progress and devel-
adopted a policy which meant
solution, peace and stability in
I like to believe that, thanks
opment of the community of na-
that we looked upon a foreign
the East. Asian region sur-
to numerous opportunities for
tions. As these developments
country with hostility, and I al-
heart-to-heart talks with Asian
took place, the desire that the
rounding Japan have been
ways conducted myself with
leaders in order to deepen
arrangements I have mentioned
strengthened. Furthermore, the
the utmost sincerity, always be-
should be revised gradually
friendly relations existing be-
mutual understanding, I was
ing ready for dialogue.
able to contribute to the culti-
gained ground in our national
tween America and Japan,
which are the key to this peace
It was with this viewpoint in
vation of friendly and good-
consciousness.
and stability, have been placed
mind that I undertook, in earn-
neighborly relations in our
It was a clearly anomalous
est, negotiations to normalize
part of the world.
situation for one million Jap-
on an even firmer foundation
anese people to be still under
A situation had been created,
relations with the Republic of
By an interesting coincidence,
moreover, which would serve as
Korea soon after my assump-
foreign domination more than
my life began in 1901, the year
tion of office as Prime Min-
20 years after the termination
the basis for a gradual relaxa-
in which the first Nobel Peace
tion of tension with China
ister. These negotiations en-
Prize was awarded. For, 74
of hostilities: The desire to see
It is my belief that the return
countered numerous difficulties,
years the Nobel Prize has
Okinawa returned to Japam
of Okinawa is a shining example
due largely to national feeling
witnessed the bright and dark
developed into a broad national
consensus among our people.
of a peaceful modification of
on the part of both the Jap-
phases in the quest for world
the status quo and that it also
anese and Korean peoples, at-
peace During my life time, I
tributable to the historical fact
contributed to the relaxation of
have also shared the same ex-
GERALO
BRANY
tension in Asia, and towstabili-
of the past domination of Ko-
periences. Therefore, feel
ty in the Western Pacific re-
rea by Japan and to the reality
that I might be allowed to
gion. As for Japan, the return
of the Korean Peninsula being
venture some observations on
of Okinawa has served as a
divided into two camps.
one of the subjects confronting
major factor in fostering
our contemporary civilization.
political stability.
-3-
Had the Nobel Prize been
established a thousand years
That subject is none other
However, I am entirely in
test minds of the world, the
ago, the first recipient of the
than the problem of the utiliza-
favor of the peaceful utiliza-
time required to bring nuclear
Prize for Literature might well
tion of thermonuclear energy.
tion of nuclear energy. That
fusion into practical use might
have been a Japanese woman.
One of the aspects of thermo-
is why I wish to express here
be considerably shortened, as
Also, had Japan take part in
nuclear energy is its massive,
today three views on the peace-
against present predictions that
the life of the international
and potentially destructive,
ful uses of this energy.
such a breakthrough may re-
community several centuries
power. For this reason, this
quire another 20 to 30 years.
earlier, Japanese recipients of
energy source could clearly
Int'l Safety Standards
the physics, chemistry, biology
pose a dire threat to humanity,
Japan has reached an ad-
and economic science prizes
depending on the manner in
First of all, we need the
vanced stage in science and
might well have been numer-
which it is used. Another
creation of international safety
technology. I have no doubt
ous. At present, the Japanese
aspect which cannot be denied
standards. I believe that re-
that, should an international
recipients of Nobel Prizes, in-
is that it is a source of potenti-
search and development in the
research facility be created,
cluding myself, number only
ally limitless energy which
peaceful use of nuclear energy
young and able brains from
five. To me, it seems, this of-
could well open up new vistas
should be carried on under
among us will gladly volunteer
fers food for thought
for the civilization of tomorrow.
common worldwide regulations
to participate in its work.
I say this because Japamese
that take environmental prob-
lems into account. One of the
Three Points
history and culture have follow-
Difficult Challenges
ed very unique paths. It is a
basic requirements for this is
Today, humanity faces diffi-
the establishment of interna-
I would like to state the three
fact that, because of our long
cult challenges in such problems
tionally unified safety stan-
points I have referred to as the
isolation from other nations, we
as population, food, natural re-
Three Principles for the Peace-
suffer from social awkwardness
dards. I hope to see early pro-
sources, energy. and the en-
gress in the establishment of
ful Uses of Nuclear Energy."
and we as a people have been
vironment.
such standards by the Interna-
For a considerable time now,
unable to contribute actively to
These are grave problems
warnings have been given of
world civilization in a measure
tional Atomic Energy Agency,
which could destroy. peace. in
which is contributing effective-
an approaching fossil fuel-
commensurate with our poten-
this world, should we make
ly towards the promotion of
energy resources crisis In spite
tial. We should, I think, reflect
mistaken choices in our efforts
of these warnings, only in-
deeply on the unfortunate in-
the peaceful uses of atomic
to find solutions. The discord
adequate progress has been
adequacy of our efforts to in-
energy.
among the advanced industri-
made in the peaceful uses of
fluence, CT, rather, to commu-
alized countries, the countries
Next, an international agree-
atomic>>energy. One of the re-
nicate with, the peoples of the
possessing natural resources
ment on the exchange and al-
asons for this has been attri-
world. Especially in recent
and the developing countries is
location of nuclear fuel will
buted to narrow-minded na-
times, in our haste to absorb
growing greater. Unless this
have to be concluded. In views
tionalism. It is true that na-
Western civilization and cul-
difficulty is overcome by the
of the trend towards a world-
tionalism has played a role as
ture, we have been somewhat
promotion of new sources of
wide shortage of energy re-
a symbol of the freedom and
deficient, I fear, in our efforts
energy, especially- the peaceful
sources, there is the risk that
equality of each of the coun-
to let foreign nations know
use of nuclear energy,* which
at some time in the future an
tries which make up the com-
about our own civilization and
could assure a stable supply of
unbridled race for the acquisi-
munity of nations. Politically
culture.
energy throughout the world,
tion of nuclear fuel may devel-
speaking, the historical role of
Japan is basically a difficult
we shall come to an impasse.
op. Needless to say, such a
nationalism has not as yet been
nation to understand because
However, this peaceful utili-
development would be a threat
played out in the world.
the foundation of our culture
zation of atomic energy con-
to peace and detrimental to
differs so much from those of
the well-being of mankind.
However, it is clear that,
fronts us with problems such
when looked at from the point
the West and of other Asian
as the disposal of waste materi-
Therefore, I believe that effec-
tive steps should be taken now,
of view of enlarging the future
countries. Because this was so,
als and safety, and one has
of mankind. narrow-minded
we should have tried to make
the impression that its develop-
based upon a sound vision for
the future.
and near-sighted nationalism.
ourselves better understood. I
ment has come to a standstill.
does indeed hamper progress
cannot but admit that at a time
Such a standstill, however, is
In the light. of the above, it
in the peaceful utilization of
when international understand-
an unavoidable stage we must
would be most desirable to see
atomic energy. It certainly does
ing was required, our efforts to
accept until technological in-
the establishment of a system
not promote its progress. All
promote such understanding
novation achieves major
where, under the terms of an
peoples should be united in
were inadequate,
breakthrough.
agreement to be concluded for
positive efforts to make peace
When I think of the geniuses
I am convinced that so long
the exchange and allocation of
a reality and to strengthen the
and great men of our country
as We maintain an unshakable
nuclear fuel, such fuels would
foundations on which that
who failed to obtain interna-
confidence in the progress of
be placed under the control of
peace rests so as to secure for
tional recognition, I feel all the
science and technology, and
an international agency, which
all humanity progress and a
more fortunate to have been
provided the world's most
would see to it that countries
better life.
accorded this precious prize. At
brilliant minds are united in
needing fuel would be assured
I feel extremely fortunate to
the same time, I feel deeply
their efforts, humanity is capa-
of a stable supply. However,
have been awarded the Nobel
the need to increase our own
ble of building a new civiliza-
an immediate issue upon which
Peace Prize at this point in
efforts to promote better inter-
tion of untold possibilities for
the development of the peace-
time, as a result of the deci-
national understanding.
the future. However, research
ful use of atomic energy hinges
sion of the distinguished mem-
and development in nuclear
is an international agreement
I intend to make this award
bers of the Peace Committee. I
fusion-which is considered to
providing for, at the very least,
culturally meaningful. I, there-
am deeply moved, because this
be the cleanest source of nuc-
mutual accommodation with
fore, plan to use the prize I
means that my sustained efforts
lear energy-will face grave
regard to nuclear fuel needs.
received to further the links
for peace over the years have
problems when reaching the
between our country and the
Lastly. there is the problem
received international recogni-
stage of practical use, unless an
rest of the world.
of international cooperation in
tion. However, when I look
international system and organ-
ization for research and coope-
research and development work
back on Japan's history, I am
The intention of Alfred Nobel
on nuclear fusion. The rapid
inclined to think that there
in instituting the Nobel Prizes
ration is established.
development of a system for the
were people in my country be-
in his will was undoubtedly to
Several years ago, I set down
effective use of thermo-nuclear
fore me who worked for peace,
promote peaceful relations
the three non-nuclear principles
energy seems to be beyond the
whose achievements far exceed-
among nations. I should like. to
which gave concrete expres-
capacity of a single nation, no
ed my-own, and who might have
stress that for my part, fol-
sion to determination of the
matter how great its resources
been worthier than I to receive
lowing in Alfred Nobel's steps,
Japanese people to achieve
may be. I suppose that if we
the Peace Prize.
I shall devote myself to in-
peace. As I said before, this
could bring together the grea-
I am thinking not only of
creasing still more my people's
was because the entire nation
contributions to peace in the
capacity to contribute to the
is against the use of thermo-
well-being of the international
narrow sense of the term. I
nuclear* energy as a means of
community, and to obtaining
killing their fellow men.
am convinced that our people,
GERALO
by dint of their ability and
the world's understanding for
such efforts.
efforts, are intrinsically capa-
ble of making a great contribu-
Thank you.
tion to world, civilization.
ALL,
2
avo'
LISAAR
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MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
Initial E.K.
Time:
4:30 PM, November 19, 1974
Place:
Guest House, Tokyo
Participants: Eisaku Sato - Former Prime Minister
Kei Wakaizumi
Secretary Kissinger
James J. Wickel (Interpreter)
Subject:
Prime Minister Sato Call on Secretary Kissinger
Distribution: S; S/S; WH (General Scowcroft)
Sato:
Thank you for taking the time to see me.
Secretary: It's always a pleasure to meet you Mr. Prime Minister; I
have a deep admiration for you as an old friend.
Sato:
President Ford's visit to Japan is indeed an historic
occasion, welcomed warmly by the Japanese people. Congratulations.
Secretary: May I congratulate you on being awarded the Nobel Prize.
Sato:
Thank you. Now we each have one. Do you plan to give
your address soon?
Secretary: Perhaps next summer, but it is so hard to find time to draft
remarks. Will you deliver your acceptance speech soon?
Sato:
Yes, I'm busy drafting my speech now. I expect to leave
for Oslo about December 6. However, I wish to exclude any comments which
might not coincide with the United States fundamental policy for peace
Secretary: It's highly unlikely there would be any variance, considering
how closely you have always cooperated with us.
CONFIDENTIAL
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DECLASSIFIED
State Dept. Guidelines state Review 9/16/03
E.O. 12958, Sec. 3.5
GERACO
Dy labs
, NARA, Date 3/6/121
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2
Sato:
Simply speaking, in my youth I found it shocking that
nations used poison gas and dumdum bullets in warfare, and therefore
was deeply impressed by international agreements to abolish their use.
Secretary:
Now the only people who use dumdums are the police.
Sato:
In one sense, perhaps, The Partial Nuclear Test Ban
Treaty resembles those agreements. They also remind me of the present
approach to the limitations on strategic nuclear weapons, which have now
taken firm root. Japan has no right to do so, of course, but if at all
possible I am thinking of proposing in my Nobel Prize speech that the
five nuclear powers meet to discuss an agreement to discuss the use of
nuclear weapons, and renounce first use.
Secretary: Frankly speaking, the United States would be the only
nation which refuses to take part in such a conference. We have had to
refuse similar Soviet proposals in the past; the Chinese have made public
similar proposals. Of the five nuclear powers, the British and French
combined don't have as many nuclear weapons as we have on one of our most
modern submarines. They do not have to promise publicly to refrain
from the use of nuclear weapons; sheer sanity would require it. The
reason we could not agree to such a proposal is that the Soviet Union
enjoys a disproportionately great advantage in manpower over the nations
of Europe, as does China over its neighbors, with the result that without
nuclear weapons, the Soviet Union could overrun Europe with conventional
forces; China could do the same to its neighbors. If we were to renounce
the first use of nuclear weapons, there would be a great danger for
Japan. Instead, our policy is to continue to maintain stability while
negotiating balanced reductions of strategic forces.
There are, for example, 460,000 Soviet troops in Europe,
compared to 200,000 American troups, with 20,000 modern tanks deployed
between the Urals and the Elbe River. The Soviet Union also has 1 million
troops in Siberia, and 16,000 tanks. We talk to the Soviet Union about
detente, but we are under no illusion that the Soviet Union maintains
these weapons for the purpose of being nice to US. Since the initial
SALT agreement, we have moved forward positively to negotiate additional
agreements; in any further SALT agreement, we are seeking to limit strategic
force deployments and reduce them to increase stability and open the door
to an end to the arms race.
However, anything else you might say in your speech to the
effect of bringing nuclear arms under control would be very helpful.
Before you leave, however, could you explain to me the
Japanese political situation.
FORD
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