Norman Becomes Tutor to Japanese Prince Mikasa
TELETYPE
![[ Norman, General Douglas MacArthur and Lt-Gen. R. L. Eichelberger, US 8th army ]](../../images/site/365978_3.jpg "[ Norman, General Douglas MacArthur and Lt-Gen. R. L. Eichelberger, US 8th army ]")
Norman, General Douglas MacArthur and Lt-Gen. R. L. Eichelberger, US 8th army, Unknown, 1949, University of British Columbia Library, Rare Books and Special Collections, BC2124-105, Norman, the quintessential civilian, found himself surrounded by military men during the occupation of Japan
From THE CANADIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES
To THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, CANADA
WASHINGTON, September 30th, 1946.
Following received from Norman, Tokyo, Begins:
TOKYO, September 26th, 1946.
No. 29. September 26th. Secret.
I met President of Imperial University, Professor Nambara, September 26th, and to my surprise I was told that he and another Professor there, whom I have known for years, were considering the choice of an English tutor for Prince Mikasa, third son of the Emperor, and that they wished me to undertake this task. I replied that I would have to take time to think about the matter before giving an answer. Personally I view the prospect with mixed feelings, although in balance it will probably be useful in gaining some insight into court circles. The work should not be too onerous, consisting of two hours once a week. If I accept, it would have to be on the basis of
- No remuneration, and
- A purely private unofficial arrangement without a press announcement.
I should be most grateful to have your advice on the matter as soon as possible, particularly as I have considerable doubts as to propriety of one in my position accepting such a request.
Norman.
CANADIAN AMBASSADOR
TELETYPE
From THE CANADIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES
To THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, CANADA
WASHINGTON, September 30th, 1946.
Following received from Norman, Tokyo, Begins:
TOKYO, September 30th, 1946.
No. 31. September 30th. Secret. My telegram No. 29 of September 26th.
I thought it only proper to inform General MacArthur, through his deputy Mr. Atcheson, of the request I had received to instruct Prince Mikasa. I have now received word through Mr. Atcheson that not only does General MacArthur approve of idea, but is quite enthusiastic about my undertaking it. This would make refusal of request perhaps somewhat embarrassing. Although I still have doubts expressed in former telegram, I shall be guided entirely by your views on the question. Norman.
CANADIAN AMBASSADOR
TELETYPE MESSAGE
To: THE CANADIAN AMBASSADOR — WASHINGTON
From: THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS — OTTAWA
Following message for transmission to Norman, Canadian Liaison Mission, former Canadian Legation, Tokyo, from External, Ottawa, Begins:
No. 27. Your telegrams No.29 of September 26th and No.31 of September 30th. It is felt that, in view of General MacArthur’s enthusiastic endorsation of the proposal that you should instruct Prince Mikasa, you should accept this assignment on the basis indicated in your telegrams. Ends.
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS.