893.01 Manchuria/308: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 6—5:50 a.m.]
186. I learned only yesterday that on June 23rd my British colleague, while discussing with Arita the arrival of the League of Nations Commission, left with him textually the following two paragraphs of an instruction from the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in London concerning Japanese recognition of Manchukuo, which Lindley asks me to regard as confidential. He is under the impression that he told me of this action at the time it took place but through what appears to have been a genuine oversight he did not do so.
“I agree that recognition by Japan would prove a most unfortunate and undesirable complication and should be glad if you would ascertain what are real intentions in the matter of the Government to which you are accredited. Please report fully with regard to resolution said to have been adopted by Diet on June 14th.
You should impress on Minister for Foreign Affairs that, while Nine-Power Pact may not forbid Manchuria to declare her independence, it does impose an obligation on the signatory powers to do nothing to encourage such action, and particular care is necessary if Japanese Government wish to avoid giving the impression that they are acting contrary to their treaty obligations.”
Arita replied that the Japanese Government would not extend recognition [Page 129] to Manchukuo at least until the departure from Tokyo of the League of Nations Commission.
My French colleague without instructions and in a personal conversation with Arita yesterday urged against precipitancy in recognizing Manchukuo on the ground that such action would complicate the whole situation. Arita promised to inform Uchida of Mattel’s advice. Martel is of the opinion that the public statements of Araki and others expressing a determination for early recognition are purely for home consumption and that the Government will not act hastily.
On the other hand, vernacular press today states that Arita told Lindley that Japan would not recognize Manchukuo at least until the League of Nations Commission had submitted its report to the League of Nations and characterizes Arita’s statement as a careless slip of the tongue. Arita is reported to have explained that his statement was personal opinion. Jiji asserts that Arita flatly denies making such reply to Lindley. Press generally condemns Arita and expresses fear that League Commission will make use of his statements.
Repeated to Peiping.