894.6363/163: Telegram

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

1. Embassy’s 286, December 29, noon.68

1.
Walden,69 Parker70 and Goold71 of Standard-Vacuum Company arrived today from Shanghai and conferred with me this afternoon. They are prepared for conference with Japanese authorities as soon as it can be arranged, probably early next week.
2.
Parker asked my advice as to whether the Standard and Shell representatives should enter the conference together. He favors this procedure fearing that otherwise the Japanese, following their usual methods of negotiating, will try to drive a wedge between the American and British interests.
3.
In this emergency the American and British Embassies are cooperating but not acting jointly. As to the procedure of the companies, I said that I was not able to give advice on this point, at least without further thought.
4.
A united front and solidarity between the companies would be manifested by their seeking simultaneous and joint conference with the Japanese authorities. I see no objection from this angle.
5.
Does the Department care to express an opinion on this point and/or instruct me, (a) to advise affirmatively or, (b) to advise negatively or, (c) to withhold advice?
Grew
  1. Ibid, p. 798.
  2. G. S. Walden, chairman of the board of directors, Standard-Vacuum Oil Co.
  3. P. W. Parker, president of the Standard-Vacuum Oil Co.
  4. J. C. Goold, general manager for Japan of the Standard-Vacuum Oil Co.