500.A15A4 General Committee/611: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chairman of the American Delegation (Davis)
370. Your 722, September 28, 5 p.m. Your analysis of the general situation was particularly clear and helpful.
I have given very careful consideration to your observations on the attitude of the Japanese delegation. When you indicate that “we should constantly maintain pressure on Japan” I assume that you have reference not to the United States in particular but to all the principal powers. This Government should avoid the fact or the appearance of taking the lead in efforts which may be made to induce the Japanese to remain, against their own judgment, in a position of commitment with regard to armament which they may now or in the future consider injurious to their best interests.
Strong cases can be made both for and against letting the Japanese decide for themselves, without any advice or persuasion from others, in this matter. However, we shall proceed on the theory that everything possible and appropriate should be done by the other interested powers collectively to bring Japan into the disarmament treaty; but under no circumstances should this country act in that connection as leader or spokesman for the others. If there is any state which, at the present juncture, should bear the brunt of organizing and leading in combined persuasion of Japan in this connection, it is Great Britain, particularly since she is sponsoring the disarmament plan adopted by the conference as a basis. I therefore feel that we should be very cautious in dealing with the Japanese at the present state of negotiations and leave to others the initiative.