500.A15A5/839: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
151. An instruction, No. 1141 of November 16, 1936, was sent to you with regard to 14–16 inch guns. In view of publicity regarding new capital ships here it has become most urgent for the Navy Department to have this matter clarified at the earliest possible moment. Please, therefore, telegraph your conclusions as soon as possible after receipt of above-mentioned instruction so that the Department may determine the course which should be followed. You should, however, take no action in the matter pending the receipt of instructions.