693.94244/23: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 21—1:02 a.m.]
110. Embassy’s 109, May 20, noon. Evidence is accumulating that the smuggling situation in North China is causing misgivings in Tokyo. The Foreign Office spokesman yesterday completely altered his tone in discussing the subject with the press correspondents and stated that high officials are being sent to China to observe the situation. As the Japanese military authorities in China are apparently adamant in their determination to prevent patrol of the Hopei coast by armed revenue cutters the inference is that Tokyo intends to bring about some sort of compromise that will improve matters.
The general impression is that the American and British démarches have served to focus attention on the issue and to that extent have been helpful.
Repeated to Peiping.