The Japanese people have not been told how long the Allied
occupation or control will continue. In my view this ignorance of
Allied intentions causes obstructions to successful application of
Allied policy. The hope that occupation will be short encourages
militarists and reactionaries now in obscurity to plan for
restoration of their power as soon as the Allies move out. The
fear that occupation will be short deters radical and liberal
people from transferring to open initiative and leadership lest
when occupation ends the former leaders acquire power and treat
them as quislings.

I believe it is urgent that an authoritative Allied statement
should be made forthwith expressing without equivocation the
Allied intention to maintain control of Japan for a generation,
say 30 years. I would suggest that there is an important
distinction between long occupation and long control.

Military occupation on the existing scale is only o[ne] of a
number of methods by which the Allies might exercise control. The
techniques of control may well be altered to meet changes in
circumstances. The successful completion of a most important phase
of occupation policy may make desirable the shifting from military
to civilian control.

I would suggest that this statement should make two things clear.

Firstly that reduction or withdrawal of occupation forces does not
mean the end of control. Secondly that control will include not
merely prohibition but a positive programme to foster a democratic
way of life. [1]