793.94/6591: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Bingham)
156. Your 187, and 188, April 21, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. We have received neither in Tokyo nor in Washington any communication from Japanese Government. Thus far, Department has declined to discuss or comment upon Japanese Foreign Office statement.
We believe that the essential facts with regard to the issuing of the statement and its substance are now known; that the issuance of such statement naturally causes in the United States and in the other countries which possess rights and interests in the Far East feelings of amazement; and that all such powers would wish in the light of those facts to express views and to make such decisions with regard to action individual or concurrent as they may deem appropriate. For example, we are considering the making by the American Government, for the benefit of the American people, of a statement containing reference to international law and treaties and declaring, with or without detail, our attitude and position, but we have not decided definitely that this will be our procedure. In the light of Sir John Simon’s approach to you, we would give careful consideration to any suggestions or proposals which the British Government might wish at an early moment to make.
You may inform Sir John Simon of all of the above and say to him that, in acting for the safeguarding of our own interests, we are willing to do our part toward the safeguarding of the common interest, but not to do more than our part and that we will welcome any indication which he may be disposed to give us, in confidence, at his earliest convenience, of the British Government’s thought, or intentions, in the premises.
A separate telegram follows giving additional data information which you may, in your discretion, use in connection with the above.