762.9411/99: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 5—5:31 p.m.]
948. The Foreign Minister asked me to come this afternoon to his private residence informally and alone “for a cup of tea” and for two hours and a quarter he talked on a variety of subjects. His discourse was largely of a historical and philosophical nature but outstanding points will be reported in separate telegrams tonight and tomorrow.10 At the commencement of the talk Mr. Matsuoka communicated [Page 172] orally in English and handed to me the Japanese text of “a statement to the United States concerning the three-power alliance” of which our translation follows.
“A statement to the United States concerning the three-power alliance.
The recent three-power alliance is not aimed at any particular country. If Japan, Germany and Italy unite, the probability of being attacked by another country is decreased, the spreading of world disorder may be prevented, and in this sense the alliance contributes to world peace. By this treaty Japan has further clarified its intention to establish a new order in greater East Asia including the South Seas.
The construction of a new order in East Asia means the construction of a new order under which Japan establishes the relationship of common existence and mutual prosperity with the peoples of each and every land in greater East Asia, that is East Asia including the South Seas. In a position of equality with every other country, Japan may freely carry on enterprises, trade and emigration in and to each and every land in greater East Asia and thereby be enabled to solve its population problem. This does not mean these areas are to be exploited and conquered, nor does it mean these areas are to be closed to the trade and enterprises of other countries. Japan has long tried to solve its population problem through emigration, trade and enterprises abroad, but the various countries of Europe and America have nullified Japan’s reasonable and peaceful efforts concerning its population problem since those countries have turned back Japanese immigrants to their great territories and have obstructed trade and enterprise.
In the greater East Asia sphere of mutual prosperity, the endeavor is being made to abolish such unnatural restrictions on the free activities of mankind. It is expected that this endeavor will be accomplished insofar as possible through peaceful means and with the least possible undesirable change in the status quo.
Japan’s policy toward China forms an important part of the above endeavor. However, owing to the lack of understanding on the part of some Chinese people and to the attitude taken by England and the United States in not recognizing Manchukuo, which gave rise to Chiang Kai-shek’s hope of recovering Manchukuo, an unfortunate clash of arms broke out. This clash is, in fact, war and therefore it is impossible for the Japanese Army during its activities to avoid affecting rights and interests of the powers in China. This is particularly true when such rights and interests hinder the prosecution of Japan’s war against China. Accordingly, if the effects upon these rights and interests are to be brought to an end, it is most desirable to encourage and promote peace between Japan and China. This fact notwithstanding the powers are not only checking Japan’s actions through legalistic arguments and treaty pronouncements which have become inapplicable because of changing conditions, but are also oppressing Japan through such means as restriction on the exportation of important commodities to Japan and at the same time are giving positive aid to Japan’s enemy, the Chiang Kai-shek regime. These actions spring from hidden motives to keep the Orient under conditions [Page 173] of disorder as long as possible and to consume Japan’s national strength. We must believe that these actions are not for the love of peace and are not for the purpose of protecting rights and interests. Japan concluded a defensive alliance with Germany and Italy for no other purpose than to resist such pressure from the powers, and there is not the slightest intention to proceed to attack another country. If the United States understands the aforementioned conditions and circumstances and Japan’s intentions with regard to the establishment of a new order in East Asia, there will be no change whatever in the relationship between Japan and the United States following the conclusion of this treaty. Japan is determined to settle all pending question; 5 and to promote and foster friendship with the United States.”
- Not printed.↩