711.9412B/12: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 10—11:30 p.m.]
155. Referring to my 154, October 11, 10 a.m.64 Trial balloons probably emanating from the Foreign Office have on several occasions appeared in the Japanese press to the effect that the Government has it in mind to propose negotiations with the United States for a treaty of arbitration. Viscount Ishii on his return from abroad is reported as stating:
“I personally believe that conclusion of an arbitration treaty with the United States will go a long way toward improving relations between the two nations.”
I am not aware whether Hirota expects eventually to broach this subject but it seems possible that he may do so. I shall take no [Page 748] initiative in the matter but if approached I presume such a project should be discouraged on the ground that the present is not a propitious time to consider such a treaty.65
- Not printed. For the Department’s reply, No. 97, October 14, 4 p.m., see Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. i, p. 126.↩
- The Secretary of State in his telegram No. 94, October 12, 8 p.m., stated, “I approve.”↩