File No. 861.77/518

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Morris)

[Telegram]

Your October 24, 3 p.m. Department’s views will be met if word “appointed “is changed to “confirmed.” It is desired that Stevens have authority from military commanders and work in close cooperation with them; it should not however appear that he undertakes his duties solely as an agent of the military authorities. With this understanding I hope to hear at an early date that your efforts have been successfully concluded.

I will telegraph you the text of a note on the general subject which I am addressing to the Japanese Ambassador here.

Lansing