893.01 Manchuria/1096: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
Received May 22—8:02 a.m.
97. The Consul General of Salvador today told the Belgian Ambassador that he had learned only on May 12 that his Government had recognized “Manchukuo” on March 3. It was not made clear how the recognition was originally extended or why it was not sooner given publicity, but it is announced in the Japanese press that the Consul General has now addressed a note to the Minister of “Manchukuo” in Tokyo informing him of the fact of recognition.
The Consul General has told the local correspondent of the Associated Press that he believes the step was taken by his Government with a view to trade considerations, especially to increasing the sale of Salvadorean coffee to Japan. He further showed to the correspondent his instructions which expressed the belief that the recognition of “Manchukuo” by Salvador might react unfavorably upon the relations between the United States and Salvador or the United States and Japan and directed him to endeavor to allay any ill feeling which might result.
Repeated to Peiping by mail.