811.3362i/16: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 28—7:27 a.m.]
163. At the request of the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Counselor of the Embassy called on the Vice Minister to discuss certain questions that had been broached by the Ambassador to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. One of these questions related to the possibility of the visit by the Alden to ports in the Japanese mandated islands. This call was the only opportunity that presented itself for discussion of the matter since the visit of the Ambassador on July 8.
The Vice Minister stated that the suggestion of the Ambassador had been referred to the Ministry of Overseas Affairs but that no reply had been received. He further stated that there would probably be consultation with other government departments. In response to a query by the Counselor, he expressed the fear that the Foreign Office had no way of expediting the reply.
The manner of the Vice Minister was friendly, but it indicated that the Foreign Office could do nothing further.