711.945/1251: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Bancroft) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 22—5:53 a.m.]
10. As indicated in my telegram number 9, January 21 [20], 11 p.m.71 Foreign Minister made today before the Diet a fair and judicious statement regarding immigration question as follows:
“As for our relations with the United States, it is evident that the two nations should live in cordial friendship for all time and cooperate with each other in the great mission of promoting the peace and security of the Pacific Regions and of the world. We are confident that the views are shared by the vast majority of the American people.
With regard to the discriminatory clause against Japanese in the Immigration Act of the United States of 1924, which we regret, I explained in the last session of the Diet the circumstances attending the insertion of that clause and the views of the Government on the subject. The question still remains unadjusted. It should however be remembered that a law cannot be modified except by law and that under the constitutional system of the United States the legislature is entirely independent of the Executive. It is obvious therefore that the continuance of discussions between the two Governments at this time will not in itself serve any useful purpose. What is really important in the final analysis of the question is that the American people shall come to have a correct understanding of our people and of our points of view. Impetuous mood or impassioned utterances will not conduce to international understanding. There is no doubt that the same love of justice that kindled American independence still continues to inspire the minds of the American people. The day will come when this fact will be fully demonstrated.”
- Not printed.↩