our political objectives in the Far East.” Given Stalin’s recent backsliding on the political independence of Eastern Europe, they should be wary of Soviet ambitions in the Far East. Forrestal asked: “Do we desire a counterweight to that influence? And should it be China or should it be Japan?” If the latter, the United States must have a plan to rebuild Japan’s economic power and regional standing. In subsequent meetings, the cabinet considered the future status of Korea, Hong Kong, Indochina (Vietnam), and Manchuria. Entries in Forrestal’s diary leave the impression that these questions were
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