GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
SUPREME COMMANDER FOR THE ALLIED POWERS

APO 500
9 September 1949

AG 430 (13 Aug 49) ESS/PD
(SCAPIN-2043)

MEMORANDUM FOR	JAPANESE GOVERNMENT.
SUBJECT	Price and Distribution Controls over Potatoes.

1. The supply of grains in Japan is considered to be sufficiently adequate to make unnecessary the continuation of price and distribution controls over sweet and white potatoes in 1950. The Japanese Government may, therefore, eliminate price and distribution controls over these commodities in 1950. For purposes of implementing SCAPIN 1978, 3 March 1949, subject, “Measures to Strengthen the Staple Food Rationing System,” staple food may be defined as excluding potatoes subsequent to their decontrol.
2. This action is not to be construed as lessening the need for controls over grains. The supply of grain now or in the foreseeable future is insufficient to permit the relaxation of price and distribution control measures. It is expected, therefore, that the removal of controls over potatoes will be accompanied by a strengthening of grain collection and distribution controls.
3. The elimination of potatoes from the staple food ration will require an adjustment of the staple food ration level. For this purpose, direct communication between the Economic Stabilization Board and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Japanese Government and Economic and Scientific Section, General Headquarters, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, is authorized.

FOR THE SUPREME COMMANDER:

R.M. LEVY,
Colonel, AGD,
Adjutant General.