The Joint Staff Mission at Washington have reported to us that the
United States Chiefs of Staff have communicated to General
MacArthur an exposition of his authority as Supreme Commander for
the Allied Powers. This document has been approved by President
Truman and is in the following terms.

(a) The authority of the Emperor and the Japanese Government to
rule the state is subordinate to you as Supreme Commander for the
Allied Powers. You will exercise your authority as you deem proper
to carry out your mission. Our relations with Japan do not rest on
a contractual basis, but on an unconditional surrender. Since your
authority is supreme you will not entertain any question on the
part of the Japanese as to its scope.

(b) Control of Japan shall be exercised through the Japanese
Government to the extent that such an arrangement produces
satisfactory results. This does not prejudice your right to act
directly if required. You may enforce orders issued by you by the
employment of such measures as you deem necessary including the
use of force.

(c) The statement of intentions contained in the Potsdam
Declaration will be given full effect. It will not be given
effect, however, because we consider ourselves bound in a
contractual relationship with Japan as a result of that document.

It will be respected and given effect because the Potsdam
Declaration forms a part of our policy stated in good faith with
relation to Japan and with relation to peace and security in the
Far East.