500.A12/70: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Neville) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 24—11:30 a.m.]
176. Reference to Department’s telegram inquiring newspaper comment on President’s press statement.22 His remarks were not widely carried, none of the vernacular papers featured the news item prominently; only a few of the metropolitan papers printed condensations in their news columns; an account in English appeared in Japan Advertiser. There has been no editorial comment. There has been some discussion of effect that could be expected from the Locarno Agreements.
I am informed that Japan would prefer to see settlement as far as possible of all the outstanding obligations arising out of Washington 1922 Conference before considering new commitments; that for the present moment the country is content with its armament situation and would not welcome further conference on armament until Chinese situation shows some sign of clarifying and until relations with Russia are placed upon more secure foundation than at present exists.