711.94/1189: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Lockhart) to the Secretary of State
Shanghai, June 1, 1938—3
p.m.
[Received June 1—7:38 a.m.]
[Received June 1—7:38 a.m.]
746. Following from Tokyo:
“341. May 31, 8 p.m.
- 1.
- General Ugaki, the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, received the diplomatic chiefs of mission individually today. Apparently without knowledge of English, he spoke through an interpreter.
- 2.
- In our conversation he said that he desired to do his utmost to develop good relations with the United States, adding that having had no experience in diplomacy he is unused to the intricacies of that profession and that therefore he will always speak frankly. I replied that with 34 years of experience in diplomacy I had become steadily more convinced of the stupidity of indirection and that he could always count on complete frankness from me in our relations. We had therefore mutually arrived at the same conception by different roads.
- 3.
- I said that in reporting to my Government his intentions, as above stated, it would be helpful if I might at the same time say something about his attitude toward the protection of American interests in China. The Minister replied definitely that he would guarantee the protection of American interests in China and that if questions should arise in connection therewith he wishes me to inform him thereof.
- 4.
- At this initial and brief reception there was no opportunity to discuss detailed issues and cases.
Repeat to Hankow and to Department as our 341, May 31, 8 p.m. Grew.”
Lockhart