893.01 Manchuria/332: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
143. Your 190, July 18, 4 p.m. and previous. I have followed with interest and solicitude your reports and the news despatches relating to contemplation by the Japanese Government of recognition of “Manchoukuo”, the action of the British Ambassador in relation to that subject, and reputed efforts of the League Commission to discourage precipitate action by the Japanese in relation thereto.
I have carefully considered whether the American Government, in the light of the facts as understood here, should take any action at this time in relation to that question. I have concluded that we should not at present volunteer an expression of our views but should be prepared to express them immediately if at any moment they are called for.
Therefore, if any responsible officials raise with you the subject of contemplated recognition by Japan of “Manchoukuo”, I desire that you inform them that the American Government would deprecate such action by Japan.
Also, if they raise with you the subject of action which has been taken by the “Manchoukuo” authorities and Japanese authorities in the disruption of the Chinese Customs service in Manchuria and sequestration of the Customs revenues in that area, I desire that you inform them that the American Government looks with disapproval upon those acts.