762.94/275: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
33. With reference to your telegram No. 73 of February 8, 4 p.m., we leave to your discretion the form and substance of any further approach on this subject, but in our opinion whatever approach you make should be on your own responsibility. We agree entirely with [Page 163] you that it is desirable that Japan should not enter into the proposed alliance. As regards your mention of the desirability of good relations with all countries, especially the United States and Great Britain, we suggest that you merely say with all countries, among which the United States is important. If you think best, you might emphasize the conviction that mutually beneficial and friendly relations among the nations of the world and the general adoption of policies which will serve as a basis for broadening rather than narrowing such relations will serve the best interests of all nations, including Japan. Naturally you will take care not to say anything implying that the United States might give any specific compensation to Japan for giving up the idea of entering the proposed Axis alliance.