500.A4/286: Telegram

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

[Paraphrase]

390. In a conversation by appointment today with Prime Minister Takahashi in his official residence, we discussed the attitude of the Japanese Government toward the proposals of the United States. He said his Government had approved formally the proposal relating to limitation of armament in its general aspects, but had instructed its delegation in Washington regarding some details, some clauses as to ships to be scrapped and ships to be kept in commission. Replying to a direct question as to whether the Japanese Government was content with the proportions allotted to the three countries, he said that it was, with slight modifications. I asked Takahashi if there is any great difference in opinions to adjust and he said no, there remain only some details for experts.

I informed Prime Minister Takahashi that I had talked with Hara57 about China and Siberia, and I asked if any new instructions on Far Eastern questions would be given. He said no, that he agreed with Hara’s policies, that he was prepared to make an agreement for free and equal opportunity for trade in China, wanted to assist in helping her, and in general favored the open-door policy and would agree to put practical inauguration of the principle into effect. I asked if he felt there would be much difficulty in finding a common policy on Far Eastern problems and he said no. His thoughts constantly turned toward the financial aspect. He mentioned the great saving to be brought about by the sweeping character of the proposals and stated that he would be [pleased?] if economic questions would be considered after the other problems were disposed of. He talked at length on these questions.

The press discussions continue to be very favorable and opinions of the leading men are very satisfactory. I am to talk with Uchida58 tomorrow afternoon.

Warren
  1. Takashi Hara, formerly Japanese Prime Minister.
  2. Yasuya Uchida, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs.