893.01 Manchuria/992
The Ambassador in Japan ( Grew ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 29.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a memorandum2 of an interview which the Counselor of the Embassy held with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs on the subject of the proposed coronation of Pu Yi as “Emperor of Manchukuo”. The Department will note that the Japanese regard it as a measure for regularizing the present situation as it will confirm the fact that the region is definitely separated from China and is not to be considered Japanese territory.
Only time can tell the effect of this move. It may be well, however, to review briefly the reasons, from the Japanese point of view, which have led to the establishment of “Manchukuo” and to estimate from these premises what the next development is likely to be. The primary [Page 3] purpose of Japanese action has been to separate Manchuria, where the greatest Japanese interests are located, from the political intrigues and military operations which have caused such confusion in China. Failure to keep out of intramural China finally resulted in the expulsion of Chang Hsueh Liang from Manchuria. The present step appears to be calculated to emphasize unmistakably the complete political divorce of this area from the Chinese Republic. The coronation will be accompanied, I understand from reliable sources, by a new treaty between Japan and “Manchukuo” which will give extensive powers to Japan in respect of “Manchukuo’s” foreign relations. Assuming the validity of Japanese objections to political connections between China and Manchuria, this grant of power to Japan will mean that the Japanese are determined to maintain the definite separation which now exists. Apparently any new negotiations which Japan may contemplate with the Chinese will be distinct from and unrelated to the question of Manchuria.
Other portions of the Vice Minister’s remarks, while containing much that is controversial in character, are interesting principally as indicating the point of view of at least one person in a responsible position in the Government here—that Japan has the responsibility for the peace and order of the Far East. This point of view is widely held in Japan, and with it goes a corollary—that Japan is to be consulted on any question affecting China which is of more than local importance.
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩