711.945/1213a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Japan (Caffery)
152. Associated Press despatch from Tokyo published this morning states:
“The strong frank tone of Ambassador Hanihara’s immigration note to the American Government in which the term ‘grave consequences’ was used was due to the insistence of Secretary of State Charles E. Hughes who wanted a note ‘with teeth’ Bishop Charles F. Reifsnider said today in an address before the Tokyo Rotary Club”.
When this was shown to me I said that it was absurd and that there was no truth in it. I did not discuss the despatch as it seemed unworthy of further notice. I send this for your information and guidance and not for the purpose of provoking discussion.