Cablegram 13, TOKYO, [12 August 1946]
MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET
(1) On 7th August S.C.A.P. authorized the resumption of Antarctic whaling by Japanese under the following conditions.
(a) Fleets limited to two factory ships, 12 whalers, 7 carriers.
(b) This authorization does not establish any precedent.
(c) No vessel must approach within 12 Miles of land.
(d) Vessels must leave and return to Japan between 1st November, 1946, and 30th April, 1947.
(e) Japanese must observe International Whaling Convention.
(2) S.C.A.P. announces that oil produced will be distributed to the needy countries by International Emergency Food Council. There is an acute world shortage of whale oil.
(3) This authorization was made without consulting Allied Council.
It is quite distinct from action taken on 12th June with approval of Chinese and British members of the Council to authorize a temporary extension of fishing grounds in waters near Japan.
[4] Since Derevyanko likely to raise this issue at the next meeting please instruct me earliest.
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[AA:A1838/238, 482/1/7]