893.01 Manchuria/379: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 9—4:40 a.m.]
206. It is today officially announced that General Nobuyoshi Muto has been appointed to the triple position described in my telegram 203, July 29, 5 p.m. His diplomatic appointment is as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary with orders to proceed to Manchuria and he has not been accredited to Manchukuo. However, the Tomiuri Shimbun reports that the Vice Foreign Minister upon instructions orally stated that the appointment of an Ambassador in Manchuria is a basic preparatory step to recognition in accordance with Japan’s previously decided policy. The Military Attaché reports that General Muto is believed to represent the aggressive military element.
Lieutenant General Honjo has been relieved of his command and appointed a member of the Supreme Military Council.
Repeated to Peiping.