Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, Japan, 1931–1941, Volume I

793.04/6729

The Japanese Ambassador (Saito) to the Under Secretary of State (Phillips)

Washington, April 25, 1934.

Dear Mr. Secretary: In accordance with my promise yesterday, I am sending you a careful translation of the documents referred to in my conversation. I marked Mr. Hirota’s instruction to the Japanese Minister in China as confidential since it was not written for the purpose of publication but simply as guidance for him in his negotiations. The phraseology would have to be more carefully selected, if it were to be made public.

With best wishes, I am [etc.]

Hirosi Saito

[Enclosure 1]

Translation of the Statement Made by Mr. Amau, Chief of the Information Bureau of the Foreign Office, to Foreign Correspondents on April 20, 1934

1. Japan has no intention whatever of impairing China’s independence or her interests but sincerely wishes that the integrity, unity and prosperity of China be secured. However, the integrity, unity and prosperity of China are things that can be brought about principally by China’s own awakening and natural development.

2. Japan has no intention whatever to infringe upon any interest of a third party in China. The economic and commercial transactions of a third party with China can be of much benefit to that country and Japan welcomes promotion of such contact. Japan is not only desirous that China should not act in violation of the principle of the Open Door and equal opportunity but she will fully observe herself all the international agreements relating to China.

3. Japan, however, opposes any joint action on the part of foreign Powers that tends to militate against the maintenance of peace and order in Eastern Asia. As to the maintenance of peace and order in Eastern Asia, Japan wishes to share responsibility with China and other Powers in that region and she cannot tolerate the judgelike attitude of foreign Powers or the League of Nations in relation to the Chinese question which is often motivated by the self-interest of the Powers concerned.

[Enclosure 2]

Translation of Mr. Hirota, Minister for Foreign Affairs’ Instruction to the Japanese Minister in China

1. In relation to the Chinese question Japan had to differ with other Powers in her views and standpoint and was obliged to withdraw from the League of Nations. Thereupon Japan has come to feel the necessity of exercising her best efforts to carry out her mission in Eastern Asia regardless of the attitude or opinion of other Powers.

Needless to say Japan will take the most conciliatory attitude toward all Powers and will earnestly seek friendship with them by coordinating interests. However, as to the maintenance of peace and order in Eastern Asia the recent developments of affairs have brought about a situation in which Japan will have to undertake it upon her own responsibility and even single-handedly. Japan is determined to fulfill this mission.

2. In order to fulfill that mission Japan desires to share with China the responsibility of maintaining peace in Eastern Asia. Japan therefore most earnestly desires that the integrity, unification and order of China should be secured. And that this can only be attained through the awakening and endeavors on the part of China herself has been clearly demonstrated by history. From this point of view Japan will always endeavor to defeat all of China’s maneuvers to utilize foreign Powers through her traditional policy of “using barbarians to control barbarians”, as well as of anti-Japanese movements.

3. In view of the situation prevailing after the Manchurian and Shanghai affairs, if foreign Powers are to take a joint action vis-a-vis China, no matter what form it may take, financial, technical, or otherwise, it will surely come to bear a political significance and the result will be to introduce unfortunate impediments to the awakening and integrity of China, if not directly entailing the international control of China, her partition or the establishment of spheres of influence. Japan has to oppose such joint action in principle.

4. It goes without saying that all Powers are free to negotiate with China separately from the economic and commercial points of view, even if their actions should become of practical aid to China, so long as they do not militate against the maintenance of peace and order in Eastern Asia. If, however, these actions were of a nature to prejudice peace and order in the Far East, for instance, the supply of military aeroplanes, the establishment of aerodromes, the supply of military advisers or political loans, Japan will have to oppose them.

5. From the points of view above stated we think our guiding principle should be generally to defeat foreign activities in China at present, not only those of a joint nature but those conducted individually, in view of the fact that China is still trying to tie Japan’s hands through using the influence of foreign Powers.