File No. 763.72/296
The Ambassador in Japan (Guthrie) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, August 10, 1914, 7 p.m.
[Received 3 p.m.]
[Telegram]
German Ambassador says England has called on Japan for assistance under alliance. He was unable to communicate with the Minister of Foreign Affairs but had an interview with the Vice Minister yesterday. He could get no assurance as to action contemplated by Japan. He says Japan’s fleet has been mobilized and he believes it is Japan’s intention to seize Tsingtao and all German possessions in the Far East. German forces will resist but resistance is hopeless. He asserts that elimination of Germany from the Far East and the transfer of her possessions to Japan would be prejudicial to American interests and requested me to call on Foreign Office for information as to Japan’s purpose. I declined to do so but at his suggestion promised to communicate with the Department. Ambassador is ready to leave at a moment’s notice and desires to place German affairs in our hands.
Chinese Minister has called to know whether American Fleet would be used to protect China and preserve peace in the Far East. On the 8th local newspapers published report that I had been instructed by Department to inform the Foreign Office that our Atlantic Fleet was on its way to Far East. This report was made positively and caused considerable excitement and comment here. It was probable cause of call from Chinese Minister. In answer to many requests for information I denied the story. It was also denied by the Foreign Office.