611.9417/178a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
154. Plans are complete for a private committee representing the American cotton textile industry to sail for Japan on December 24 [Page 937] on the Chichibu Maru, arriving in Japan January 8. It is understood the group will call upon the Embassy immediately and will not begin discussions with the Japanese until January 11. This project was initiated entirely by leaders of the American industry, and although this Government has taken no part in formulating the plans, it heartily approves the general purpose. It is understood that the group will confer directly with representatives of the Japanese industry.
The American group will include Dr. Claudius T. Murchison, President of the Cotton Textile Institute, Donald Comer, President of Avondale Mills, Birmingham, Alabama, and President of the American Cotton Manufacturers Association, Cason Callaway, Chairman of Callaway Mills, LaGrange, Georgia, Harry L. Bailey, President of Wellington Sears Company, New York, and Hervey Kent, Treasurer of Exeter Manufacturing Company, Exeter, New Hampshire.
Full instructions will follow by mail.