741.94/75
The Chargé in Japan (Dickover) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 16.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a translation52 of the essential portions of an article which appeared in the Kokumin of October 29, 1936, [Page 370] in which it is indicated that the Japanese Government has now given up the idea which has been favored in certain political circles of entering into a political arrangement with Great Britain for cooperation.
It is not known what the authority of the Kokumin is for the views attributed to the Japanese Government, but as the Kokumin often voices the opinions of certain groups in the Japanese Army, it is possible that the views expressed can be attributed to military sources. There is no doubt that the view is widely held in Japan, especially among the more chauvinistic elements, that so long as Japanese goods are subjected to restrictions in British territory an arrangement for cooperation with Great Britain would be a one-sided affair of little benefit to this country. Although there is a liberal element which recognizes the disadvantages of international isolation and the value from the point of view of national prestige which association with Great Britain would afford, these considerations apparently do not appeal forcibly to the military group, which, however, might be disposed to make concessions to Great Britain in return for some form of recognition of Japan as “the sole stabilizing force in East Asia”.
Respectfully yours,
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