File No. 763.72/2575
The Ambassador in Japan (Guthrie) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10.30 a. m.]
Baron Sakatani, Japanese envoy to Entente economic conference, leaves for Paris last of month. He tells me confidentially that he does not favor the suggested economic alliance between Entente powers to regulate trade after war as its effect would be to divide commercial world into three hostile camps: the Entente nations, the Germanic allies, and the neutrals, unless the last two unite. He considers Japan’s economic interests are with Great Britain and America, and that if any alliance is to be made, it should be between them. He asks me if I can make any helpful suggestion. What, if anything, shall I say? I think he sincerely desires to promote trade between Japan and America and that it would be advisable for our representatives in Paris to get in touch with him.