Sebald, William J., Capt., USNR (Ret.)
(1901–1980)
Volume I covers the early history of Ambassador Sebald, his Naval Academy days, his language study in Japan, his subsequent study of law, and his practice of law in Japan; his wartime duty as a reserve officer, first with the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) and then in a special section of Combat Intelligence on the staff of Admiral E.J. King; his subsequent duty with the State Department and with General MacArthur in Japan where he became Ambassador, Chairman of the Allied Council, and political advisor to Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP).
Volume II continues with the Ambassador's tour of duty in Japan during the occupation (1947-1952). There are accounts of the peace treaty with Japan; of the Security Treaty and the Administrative Agreement. There are also significant remarks about General Douglas MacArthur, General Matthew Ridgway, Secretary John Foster Dulles, Prime Minister Yoshida, and other governmental officials in Japan. The volume concludes with an account of the two years (1952-1954) that Captain Sebald spent as U.S. Ambassador to Burma. That part of the story recounts the struggles and problems of a newly independent country and the resultant demands placed upon the diplomatic representative of the United States.
Volume III picks up his career in 1954 when he was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Far Eastern Affairs under Secretary of State John Foster Dulles. He relates dealings with SEATO, the McCarthy era and influence on the State Department, his familiarization tour of countries in the Far East, and quotes excerpts from his diary of the events and notable people with whom he was involved. In 1957 he was appointed Ambassador to Australia. He tells of his trip to the Antarctic, the visit of the British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan and the discussion of a summit meeting with Russia. Also the visit of the queen mother in 1958. After his retirement he published With MacArthur in Japan--a personal history of the occupation of Japan
About Volume I
Based on seven interviews conducted by James Plehal from March 1977 through May 1977. The volume contains 569 pages of interview transcript plus an index. The transcript is copyright 1979 by the U.S. Naval Institute; the interviewee has placed no restrictions on its use.
About Volume II
Based on five interviews conducted by James Plehal from May 1977 through June 1977. The volume contains 505 pages of interview transcript plus an index. The transcript is copyright 1979 by the U.S. Naval Institute; the interviewee has placed no restrictions on its use.
About Volume III
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Based on five interviews conducted by James Plehal in July 1977. The volume contains 516 pages of interview transcript plus an index. The transcript is copyright 1980 by the U.S. Naval Institute; the interviewee has placed no restrictions on its use.