Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1934, The Far East, Volume III

894.6363/134: Telegram

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

Tokyo, November 6, 1934—7 p.m.
[Received November 6—9:30 a.m.]

244. Department’s 184, October 31, 7 p.m.

1. The foreign oil companies have today received letters from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry requiring them to submit their import and storage plans by November 15th. The letters conclude with a statement of which the following is a translation:

“In case you fail to respond to our request promptly, a smooth execution of your company’s business plan for 1935 might be interfered with.”

2. The foreign oil interests regard this as an ultimatum supported by a threat. Consultations are in progress and the foreign oil companies will telegraph their recommendations to their head offices within a day or two.

Grew