Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, Japan, 1931–1941, Volume II

711.94/1326: Telegram

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

[Extract]

Tokyo, October 28, 1939—7 p.m.
[Received October 28—9:15 a.m.]

560. Our 555, October 26, 5 p.m.¹⁹

1. According to the press the Foreign Minister made the following statement in regard to Japanese-American relations at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting:

“Recent opinion in the United States toward the China affair, both official and unofficial, is extremely unfavorable and in the course of the coming negotiations looking toward the adjustment of Japanese-American relations it is doubtful whether Japan’s wishes can be realized. Accordingly, the Imperial Government must anticipate that with the expiration on January 25 next year of the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between Japan and the United States, Japanese-American relations may reach the worst state possible and must take into consideration at once counter-measures with respect to imports and exports, plans for commodity mobilization and similar problems.”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grew

19. Not printed.