Japan asked USA for warships according to the Australia Station Intelligence Summary dated 7 November 1956

An item reported that the Japanese Deputy-Director of the Defence Agency Mr. Keikichi Masuhara [13 January 1903 Uwajima-11 October 1985?] asked the USA to supply on loan under the Military Aid Programme: one 10,000-15,000 tons cruiser to replaced 50 I.S.S.L.’s earlier leased but to return to the USA, 2-4 1,600 tons destroyers, Nike surface-to-air missiles and techical support for buildig submarines. The commander of the sea-going fleet possessed no larger warship than a destroyer to act as his flagship.

Source

Website Royal Australian Navy, Sea Power Centre.