793.94119/385: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 15—8:50 a.m.]
31. Our 29, January 14, 7 p.m. At a conference today of the Government and Imperial Headquarters a draft statement on Japan’s policy toward China to be issued shortly by the Government was examined. According to unconfirmed reports the draft was approved.
The German Ambassador called yesterday on the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The press states that he communicated the views of the Chinese Government on the Japanese peace terms and that these views were in the nature of a refusal to discuss the terms. Several papers forecast that the official statement on policy will:
- (a)
- Stress China’s persistent refusal to negotiate for peace;
- (b)
- Express Japan’s determination to crush the Chinese Government and other Chinese elements hositile to Japan;
- (c)
- Express hope that there may develop a government in China prepared to cooperate with Japan;
- (d)
- Indicate Japan’s intention to support such friendly government.
Repeated to Peiping for relay to Johnson.