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Memorandum by Mr. Eugene H. Dooman, of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs, of a Conversation With the Counselor of the Japanese Embassy (Yoshizawa)

Mr. Dooman referred to the inquiry which Mr. Yoshizawa had made yesterday with regard to the identity of the officer of the Department whom he should see to inquire about the attitude of the American Government with regard to the situation rising out of the issuance of the Italian decree affirming the extension over Ethiopia of the sovereignty of Italy. Mr. Dooman also referred to the communication which he had made yesterday by telephone to Mr. Yoshizawa that the Department regards the Japanese Embassy’s inquiry as having been made and that reply would be made in due course.

Mr. Dooman then stated that he had been directed to make to Mr. Yoshizawa an oral reply, and he read aloud to Mr. Yoshizawa a written statement, as follows:

The Italian Ambassador here called on the Secretary of State on May 12 and read to the Secretary the Italian decree to which the Japanese Embassy refers. The Secretary of State refrained from comment. This Government is observing developments in the situation with regard to which the Japanese Embassy inquires and will deal with practical questions relating thereto when and as they arise.

A copy of the written statement was then handed to Mr. Yoshizawa.

Mr. Yoshizawa thanked Mr. Dooman, and made no further reference to the Ethiopia situation.