793.94/16763: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 31—9:19 a.m.]
1141. At 9:30 this morning the senior aide to the Minister of the Navy called on the naval attaché and, under instructions from the Minister of the Navy, orally expressed the regret of the Navy for the damage done to the United States ship Tutuila by the Japanese naval air forces in raid on Chungking on July 30, and, after giving assurances that the bombing was accidental, stated that the Japanese Navy is prepared to make full reparations for any damage. As he was leaving, the aide stated that the Minister of the Navy was very much worried over this latest bombing incident and had told the aide that the Japanese Navy would do everything possible to prevent a war between the United States and Japan.
Please inform Navy Department.