711.94/1432: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 29—8:58 a.m.]
147. Replying to an interpellation in a committee meeting of the Lower House yesterday afternoon, the Foreign Minister made a statement with regard to Japanese-American relations of which the following is reported to be the substance:
“Even though the United States does not understand the object of Japan’s Holy War with China, opposes the establishment of a new order in East Asia on all fronts, and even though the United States should insist upon carrying through its demands, the Japanese Government is not afraid of the future. The situation has not reached that stage, however. With respect to the problem of opening the Yangtze to navigation, the Japanese Government, as I have repeatedly stated, does not entertain for a moment the idea that a new commercial treaty can be had in return for the opening of the Yangtze River. The question of the opening of the Yangtze and other problems pending between the United States and Japan which are capable of settlement will be dealt with appropriately, that is to say, they will be handled in accordance with Japan’s ‘independent’ policy which is, after all, what we mean by ‘Imperial way’ diplomacy. To leave unsettled those problems which are capable of being settled and to employ them to obtain advantages in dealing with other problems is a policy contrary to the spirit of the Imperial way. We do not know precisely what the American Government has under consideration, but if it is determined to ignore completely the object of Japan’s Holy War and to refuse to lift a finger, Japan should display an attitude of resolution. The purpose of Japan’s Holy War is clear: it is the establishment of a new order in East Asia. From whatever angle this may be viewed it is open and aboveboard. With respect to the American attitude there is some misunderstanding among the Japanese people. The United States contends that Japan has ignored the Nine Power Treaty, etc., but the Japanese Government does not admit this contention. Neither the Japanese Government nor the Minister for Foreign Affairs have recognized this contention from the outset. If an attempt should be made to get Japan to recognize this contention by force of arms, a real problem would arise. As it is plain that Japan would not yield to the United States under such circumstances, I think it is a little early to argue that the Foreign Minister is yielding to the United States.”
Cipher text by air mail to Shanghai and Peiping.