462.00 R 296/783: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Kellogg)
483. Telegram received today from Ambassador Bancroft indicating that he, not having understood our position in regard to [Page 116] alien property, has inadvertently made incorrect statements to Japanese Foreign Office in carrying out Department’s instructions to him of December 14 to enlist Japanese support for our position on claims. It appears that impression may have been given Japanese Government that Government of the United States is prepared to apply alien property fund against our claims, and some statement has also been made regarding reduction in American claims.
I am cabling our position fully to the Ambassador and am instructing him to correct at once any misapprehension that may have been created. He has also been instructed to ascertain whether Foreign Office has telegraphed his statements to Japanese Missions in Europe and, if it has, to endeavor to correct any misunderstanding at once. I have pointed out serious embarrassment which might arise in London or Paris were our position on these points to be misunderstood.
I do not see that you need take any action unless it appears that our position has been incorrectly communicated to Japanese Missions in Europe or to other Governments, or unless you think it advisable, should you have suitable opportunity, to make plain in informal way our position to your Japanese colleague, but not referring to situation just described. Repeat to Logan as Department’s L–176.