Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1936, General, British Commonwealth, Volume I

500.A15A3/1854: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Bingham) to the Secretary of State

London, December 16, 1936—8 p.m.
[Received December 16—4:17 p.m.]

618. My 617, December 16, 6 p.m.⁴⁰ Foreign Office states this afternoon Japanese Ambassador orally informed them that Japanese Government is giving favorable consideration to the two proposals in question; (1), as regards “C” class cruisers, (2), Japanese Government to escalate to retain submarines.

Yoshida explained this really meant complete acceptance but before formal Japanese reply can be made it must be passed by Cabinet.

Craigie says First Lord⁴¹ will make statement in Parliament tomorrow in this connection stating in substance that exchange of views has taken place with United States and Japan. United States has replied if Britain has recourse to escalator clause they have no objection and British Government has reason to believe Japanese Government’s reply will be favorable.

Yoshida has agreed to above.

Bingham

40. Not printed.
41. Sir Samuel Hoare, First Lord of the British Admiralty.