394.115 Panay/200: Telegram

The Ambassador in Japan ( Grew ) to the Secretary of State

683. Department’s 376, December 26 [25], 3 p.m., Panay incident. Note delivered to the Minister for Foreign Affairs at noon today.

After I had read the note aloud, Hirota said to me: “I heartily thank your Government and you yourself for this decision. I am very, very happy. You have brought me a splendid Christmas present.” The Minister added that the Japanese Government has taken and will continue to take all possible measures to prevent the recurrence of such an incident.

Grew