894.628/128: Telegram

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

118. Embassy’s 1298, May 14,61 fisheries. As the Russo-Japanese fishery negotiations are likely to be protracted, I suggest that authority might now be given the Embassy to discuss informally with the Foreign Office our wishes in regard to the Bering Sea activities of Japanese fishing interests. Progress will probably be slow, but it may be desirable to have the Government here aware that we regard the matter seriously and wish to have legal restrictions placed upon Japanese fishing vessels operating off the coast of Alaska at as early a date as possible. The Embassy cannot judge the situation accurately without some discussion and feels that a tentative approach might be made now, even if the prospects for speedy settlement do not appear bright in view of the Japanese Government’s preoccupation with the Russian fishery question.

Grew
  1. Not printed.