793.94/6619: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 26—2:10 p.m.]
78. Department’s 55.60 Instructions carried out at earliest possible moment today. Hirota replied that only Amau could answer my inquiry as to whether Fleisher’s telegram was a reasonably correct translation of Amau’s statement because the latter’s statement was oral (see my telegram 7761). The Minister’s only comment was that Amau had indulged in “high flown language” which as he had told me yesterday had not had his own approval. The Minister, however, added that he himself had approved the supplementary and explanatory statement made orally by Amau in the press conference of April 20, the substance of which was cabled to the American press on that day.
It has been impossible to locate Amau until this evening. He said that his statement of the 17th was oral and informal and did not have the approval of Hirota; that he issued no official text, either in Japanese or English; and that he can authorize as official and authentic only his statement of the 20th referred to above. He refused to verify as a “reasonably accurate” translation of his first statement, the version telegraphed to the Herald Tribune.
The following was sent to me late this evening by Hirota as the gist of what Amau “said or should have said” on the 20th. The Minister conveyed to me the message that this represents his true policy towards China and that it may be given any publicity deemed desirable.
(Translation) “Japan has not infringed upon China’s independence or interests, nor has she the intention to do so. In fact, she sincerely desires the preservation of territorial integrity of China and her unification and prosperity. These ends should, fundamentally speaking, be attained by China herself through her self-awakening and voluntary efforts.
Japan has no intention to trespass upon the rights of other powers in China. Their bona fide financial and commercial activities will redound to the benefit of China which is quite welcome to Japan. She, of course, subscribes to the principles of the open door and equal opportunity in China. She is observing scrupulously all existing treaties and agreements concerning that country.
However, Japan cannot remain indifferent to anyone’s taking action under any pretext, which is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order in East Asia for which she, if only in view of her geographic position, has the most vital concern. Consequently, she cannot afford [Page 141] to have questions of China exploited by any third party for the execution of a selfish policy which does not take into consideration the above circumstances.”
Repeated to Peiping.