793.94/13870: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 13—6:51 a.m.]
596. I am told on fairly substantial authority97 that the Emperor has given his approval to plans for a move on Canton after the fall of Hankow. The same source of information indicates that an attack on Soviet Russia may likewise take place after the fall of Hankow.
I do not think that these reports should be accepted as certainly reliable but feel impelled to pass them on to the Department in view of the substantial character of the informant and in order that due consideration may be given in advance to the possibility that the reported plans may materialize.
It seems logical in this connection to consider the important influence which the present crisis in Europe must exert on Japanese policy both with regard to Great Britain and Soviet Russia and the probability [Page 288] that such policy and future decisions will depend in great measure on trend of European developments.
- Vice President of the Japanese House of Representatives.↩