GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
SUPREME COMMANDER FOR THE ALLIED POWERS

2 January 1946

AG 370.05 (2 Jan 46) GC
(SCAPIN - 537)

MEMORANDUM FOR	IMPERIAL JAPANESE GOVERNMENT.
THROUGH	Central Liaison Office, Tokyo.
SUBJECT	Repatriation of Okinawans.

1. Reference is made to the following:
a. Letter to this headquarters, C.L.O. No.971(5.1), dated 8 December 1945, subject: "Petition Pertaining to the Okinawa People."
b. Memorandum from this headquarters, file AG044 (Dec 45) GD, dated 8 December 1945, subject："Relief and Welfare Plans."
c. Memorandum from this headquarters, file AG 130(22 Sep 45)ESS, dated 22 September 1945, subject: "Control of Financial Transactions."
2. Contents of reference 1a above and additional petitions of a similar nature received by this headquarters indicate lack of adequate food, shelter and clothing. The general picture is that of a sub-marginal standard of living which may result in numerous deaths during the coming months.
3. The Imperial Japanese Government will notify the Okinawans:
a. That for the present the Island of Okinawa remains closed to repatriation as a matter of military necessity. The feasibility of return to Okinawa of the Okinawans is still under investigation.
b. That the request of the Okinawans for the dispatch of an investigating committee or committees to Okinawa cannot be granted at this time (reference 1a supra).
c. That the negotiation of financial instruments, as requested by the Okinawans in reference 1a above, is prohibited (reference 1c supra).
4. Under the provisions of reference 1b above the Imperial Japanese Government will, without delay, provide adequate food, shelter, medical care, bedding and clothing for destitute Ryukyuan refugees.
5. The contents of this memorandum have been transmitted to the appropriate United States Military authorities.

FOR THE SUPREME COMMANDER:

H.W.ALLEN,
Colonel, A.G.D.,
Asst Adjutant General.