893.01 Manchuria/988: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan ( Grew )

7. Your 12, January 22, 11 a.m. Hornbeck spoke on the subject “Principles of American Policy in Relation to the Far East.” He made no such statement as is attributed to him in quotation in first paragraph of your telegram and in news despatches from Tokyo. Nor did he do what is alleged in the first sentence of Amau’s statement as quoted in your telegram and in press despatches. Text is being sent you.

Department notes that Amau is also criticizing speeches made by Ambassador Bullitt13 and Mr. Herriot.14 Various conjectures may be drawn.

Department appreciates having your comments and suggestions and, sharing completely the views expressed in your numbered paragraphs, has had and will have in mind the points which you suggest, but neither action nor utterances can be formulated with a view exclusively to ensuring none but pleasant reactions in Japan.

You may in your discretion inform Hirota that the spirit and the letter of Hornbeck’s statements have evidently been subjected to distortion either in the process of their being brought to the attention of or in the consideration of them in the Foreign Office.

Hull
  1. William C. Bullitt, Ambassador to the Soviet Union, temporarily in Washington.
  2. Edouard Herriot, former President of the French Council of Ministers.