711.945/1059: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Woods) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 22—9:34 a.m.]
79. With but few exceptions, Japanese press comment on the exclusion question is now maintaining dignified tone marked by an absence of the abuse which has characterized similar crises in the past but expressing the keenest regret and disappointment. Indicative of the present Japanese attitude of hopeful waiting are the resolutions passed separately yesterday by the leading political parties after consultation among leaders regretting the situation created by the Senate action but united in expressions of hope that in some way remedial action will be taken. The Seiyukai, the principal party of the opposition, while subscribing to these views, forwarded a separate resolution to the Foreign Office declaring the Government responsible for the present state of affairs. The joint resolution of the 15 principal Tokyo newspapers published this morning was likewise marked by a tone of restraint. It expressed the belief that the excluding vote did not represent the principles of the majority of the American people; that it was highly painful to contemplate any circumstance that would tend to weaken Japanese-American friendship, and that Japan was watching developments in America with the keenest interest. This afternoon Dr. Soyeda, president of the Japanese Emigration Society, left with me a resolution adopted by the society, expressing similar sentiments.
[Page 384]Despite the mildness of these resolutions and the tone of restraint in which the various comments have been couched, it would be entirely erroneous to assume that Japan is already resigned to the situation or to underestimate the bitterness of the feeling of her resentment over an act which rankles all the more because it is realized that if this exclusion legislation is enacted, there is no recourse or redress.