894.6363/163: Telegram

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

2. Your 1, January 4, 5 p.m. Department is inclined to the opinion that British and American oil interests should use every opportunity to impress upon the Japanese Government the fact that they are in complete accord and that they are in this case acting unitedly. Department therefore believes that the special representatives of the American and British oil interests should endeavor to arrange for joint conferences with the Japanese authorities.

[Page 878]

If you concur, you may inform the American oil interests in the sense of the foregoing, emphasizing, however, that decision in regard to this matter rests with the oil interests and not with the American Government.

Hull