Reischauer May Quit Post Japan and Return Here

Edwin O. Reischauer, United States Ambassador to Japan, and former professor of Japanese History, will resume teaching duties at Harvard next year according to an article in yesterday's Washington Post. The information was attributed to undisclosed state department sources.

Reischauer was appointed ambassador in 1961 by President Kennedy.

The article also named U. Alexis Johnson, deputy Under Secretary of State for political affairs, as Reischauer's successor in Tokyo.

At a specially-called news briefing yesterday, President Johnson denied the report. He had heard, he said, that "some kid" at the State Department had announced the chance in ambassadors. "I guess in the good old days that's how they named ambassadors but those days are gone and forgotten."

Reischauer in Tokyo declined to comment directly on the proposed change. He told a newsmen at a diplomatic reception, however, that he always wanted to return to academic life.

President Pusey and Dean Ford said they knew nothing about Reischauer's return. But Dean Ford added that it has always been generally known that Reischauer was welcome at Harvard whenever he wanted to return, and that "Harvard would rather have him here than anywhere else."

Circumstances and the President.

John C. Pelzel, professor of Anthropology who succeeded Reischauer as Director of the Harvard-Yenching Institute, said that he knew Reischauer intended to return to Harvard sometime but that "circumstances and the President would determining factors."

Peizel could not speculate on what Reischauer's duties would be if he were here next year. He has taught several courses in Japanese, history and languages. Along with John K. Fairbank '29, Francis Lee Higginson Professor of History, he originated a taught Soc Sci 111.

Reischauer is the author and compiler books on Japan including from Early Japanese Literature and Ennin's Diary: The Record of a Pilgrimage to Japan in Search of the Law.

Opposing Circles

Reischauer has been ambassador to Japan longer than any other man since Joseph C. Grew '02, who held the post from 1931-1941. When he was appointed in 1961, there was allegedly opposition from conservative circles who feared his progressive policies would encourage the left-wing in Japan.