894.6363/254: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)

30. Your 64, March 9, 5 p.m. Department has received from New York office of Standard-Vacuum text of its cable to Japan of March 7.

Based upon such information as is now available, Department is of the opinion that the proposal outlined in the company’s cable under reference merits careful consideration by the Japanese Government. Therefore, although concurring in your opinion that it would not be advisable for Embassy to participate directly in proposed conference, Department would suggest that, unless you perceive objection, you and your British colleague orally and informally make known to appropriate Japanese officials the desire of the foreign oil interests to present and discuss a plan designed to meet the needs of both parties. You may also express the hope that there will flow [Page 790] from the negotiations under contemplation a solution of this problem which will prove mutually satisfactory to all concerned.

Hull