693.001/389: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
389. Your 732, November 16, 3 p.m. I shall await with keen interest the Japanese reply to our note of October 6 concerning American interests in China and the reports of your and Dooman’s contemplated conversations with the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs.
[Page 90]I am sure you realize that the Department desires to be as helpful as possible and to take advantage of every favorable opportunity to bring home to the Japanese Government this Government’s principles of policy and broad objectives in the Far East. I question, however, whether the Department will wish to issue instructions or to comment in regard to the Japanese reply to our note of October 6 or in regard to the conversations with the Foreign Minister before it has had time thoroughly to study the Japanese reply and the statements which the Foreign Minister may make to Dooman and to you. It seems probable, therefore, that in your conversation with Arita, unless there should develop before that conversation some urgent question which demands immediate action, the Department will want to rely upon your sound discretion exercised against the background of this Government’s policy as indicated in the Department’s 212, June 25, 4 p.m.,29 and 339, October 1, 2 p.m., and other instructions sent you from time to time. In this connection, if your conversation occurs on Monday as scheduled and if the Japanese reply to our note of October 6 is made before that time, you may wish to indicate to Arita that the short time that has elapsed since the receipt of the Japanese reply renders desirable a continuation of your conversation with him at some early future date.
The Department feels that it might be well for you on any and all occasions when and as opportunity presents and when the Open Door policy, the Nine Power Treaty and such matters come within the field of discussion, to emphasize to high Japanese officials the fact that the principle of equality of commercial opportunity has been a fundamental principle of the foreign policy of the United States ever since this country came into existence; that treaties relating to the Far East to which this country is a party and in which provisions relating to that principle appear were in all instances concluded with a view to decreasing and avoiding frictions which had developed or which might develop in international contacts in the region or regions under reference; that the American Government and people believe with conviction that the principles and the provisions are sound, in the interests of all concerned; and that adherence to, respect for and observance of those principles and provisions will make for peace and general prosperity whereas contrary courses would inevitably make for friction and consequences injurious to all countries including those which pursue such courses.