File No. 893.00/2610
Chargé Wheeler to the Secretary of State
Tokyo , June 12, 1917, 6 p.m.
Asahi to-day editorially discusses the alleged text of American note to China which it published yesterday. Other newspapers do not accept the report and their comment today is less unfriendly, criticism being directed rather against the method than the good faith of [Page 62] United States. There is substantial agreement that the latter’s action since it ignored Japan’s position as regards China is of grave concern to the Japanese Government and should not be passed over.
There are indications that pressure is being brought to bear upon the Foreign Office to utilize the incident to press the United States for an assurance which will virtually admit Japan’s special and paramount position relative China.