811.5294/130a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Charge in Japan (Bell)
401. From Ambassador Morris.
I have concluded my unofficial conversations with the Japanese Ambassador. We do not differ much although we do not yet completely agree. I am persuaded by my talks with the Ambassador that it is possible to settle the California issue fairly. When it is completed, I will send you copy of the full report I am writing for the Department. Here is the foundation of the agreement I am preparing:
- (a)
- Conclude a new understanding with the Japanese Government that their working people shall be absolutely excluded, the United States to reserve right by act of Congress to put regulations into force upon arrival of immigrants in this country;
- (b)
- Persons of Japanese nationality not American citizens to have equality in civil rights with other foreigners but not the right to be naturalized, which is political. It is intended to put this provision in a treaty clause;
- (c)
- Double allegiance of Japanese holding citizenship in the United States to be done away with by Japan through change in her existing laws regarding citizenship;
- (d)
- Japanese consuls not to have supervision over such persons.
If you do not think it best you need not deliver any or all of the private messages I am sending for some Japanese with whom Vanderlip and Alexander had conferences. Indications are that the land law submitted to a referendum vote in California will receive a very large majority. Complete telegraphic reports of how the news of this vote is received by the Japanese will, I am sure, be appreciated by the Department. Morris.