751G.94/14a: Telegram

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

[Paraphrase]

293. News agencies have carried reports that Japan has made secret demands on France regarding French Indochina. As reported, these [Page 290] demands include right on part of Japan to move armed forces of Japan through that French possession, the right of armed forces of Japan to use air bases at certain points there, etc.

The statements given by the Secretary of State to the press on April 17 and May 11, 1940, set forth this Government’s belief that (1) intervention in the domestic affairs of the Netherlands East Indies, or (2) any alteration, by other than peaceful processes, in their status quo would be prejudicial to the cause of security, stability, and peace in the entire Pacific area, not just in the region in question. Also, there was set forth the observation of the Government of the United States that the belief restated in the preceding sentence was based on a doctrine of universal application and that it is a doctrine unequivocally supported by this Government. The same belief and the same observation naturally apply to French Indochina likewise. This Government is seriously perturbed, therefore, over the démarche which it is reported that the Government of Japan has made to the French authorities.

If no objection is perceived, it is my desire that at your early convenience you call upon the Minister for Foreign Affairs and that you express to him, as under instruction from your Government and along the lines above indicated, the concern felt by the Government of the United States regarding the reported developments.

Welles