711.942/501a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
32. Department’s 26, January 19, 7 p.m.7 The Japanese Ambassador called today at his request. In view of the Secretary’s indisposition, the Ambassador was received by Mr. Berle.8 Following the call there was made available to press correspondents information not in the form of a release but for background as follows:
“The Japanese Ambassador asked three questions. He asked whether on the expiration of the Japanese treaty on Friday there will be any change in the import duties and tonnage rates. He was told that expiration of the treaty would not of itself bring about any changes. In reply to further inquiries by the Ambassador he was told that as this Government has made clear repeatedly, future commercial relations between the two countries will depend upon developments.
He asked whether there were any possibilities of an exchange of notes between the two Governments defining the status of treaty relations and was told that this would have to be held open and would presumably form a part of the discussions which have been taking place in Tokyo.
He asked the status of Japanese merchants who, under treaty provisions, have been doing business in the United States. He was informed that it has been decided that aliens who in the absence of treaty provisions within the meaning of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration [Page 197] Act of 1924,9 as amended, cease to have the status of ‘treaty merchants’ may be permitted to qualify as visitors temporarily admitted for business or pleasure under Section 3 (2) of the Immigration Act of 1924. In the absence of a treaty of commerce between the United States and Japan, it is expected that applications for admission of Japanese nationals who desire to enter the United States temporarily for business or pleasure will be considered in the light of the existing law and regulations applicable to visas for temporary visitors”.
A further account of the conversation will be sent you in a separate telegram.