700.00116/354b: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
193. Department’s 192, June 11, 2 p.m. During the past several weeks purchasing by Japan in this country of military planes has steadily increased. On June 9 licenses were issued for the exportation of 14 planes. Moreover, Japanese interests recently approached an American company with a view to the immediate purchase of an exceptionally large number of bombers and there has been every indication that further very large purchases by Japan of military aircraft, including bombers, have been in contemplation. This situation is inconsistent with the abhorrence with which this Government and the American people view the current bombings of civilian populations and the attendant danger to Americans and American interests abroad, as consistently and repeatedly expressed by high officers of this Government.