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  4. Document 83

793.94/6588: Telegram

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

Tokyo , April 20, 1934—8 p.m.
[Received April 20—11:50 a.m.]

72. My 71, April 18, 5 p.m.

1.
I have today received so many conflicting interpretations of the reasons for Amau’s enunciation of Japan’s policy concerning foreign “interference” in China that I do not yet feel in a position to clarify the matter to the Department. There are those who report “on reliable authority” that the announcement was made without the authorization or knowledge of Hirota who is reported to be angry and distressed at Amau’s action, said to have been taken to please the military with whom Amau is now working in an endeavor to emulate Shiratori.30 I know [Page 116] definitely that Shidehara and other liberals have called on Hirota and have registered their strong disapproval of the statement, which appears to run counter to the latter’s conciliatory policy of cultivating better relations with China and other nations. On the other hand, the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs told Fleisher today that the announcement accurately represented the policy of the Government.
2.
The enunciated policy is of course open to broad interpretation and in view of all present circumstances it is my opinion and that of most of my colleagues that it will not, at least for the present, be enforced in a way liable to create friction with other countries. It seems to me to be highly probable that the statement has been made with a view to building up Japan’s position in the eventual conversations preliminary to the coming Naval Conference.
3.
The only certain method of obtaining a correct interpretation of the announcement is to seek an explanation from Hirota himself. If I should seek an interview at the Foreign Office it would be attended by wide publicity. Hirota has, however, offered to receive me at his residence without publicity if I should at any time so desire. I shall take no action unless instructed by the Department.

Repeated to Peiping by mail.

Grew
  1. Toshio Shiratori, former spokesman at the Japanese Foreign Office.↩