Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1938, The Far East, Volume IV

693.001/357: Telegram

The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State

Tokyo, October 12, 1938—2 p.m.
[Received October 12—7:35 a.m.]

659. Our 640, October 3, 4 p.m.

1. My British colleague yesterday had an interview with Prince Konoye, privately arranged, and approached the general subject of British interests in China along the lines of my own representations concerning American interests on October 3. The Foreign Minister gave him the same assurances regarding the maintenance of the Open Door and equal opportunity as he had given me, stating that the new China Board would ensure stronger control over the Japanese authorities in China by the Government in Tokyo and adding that he would study the various points and issues which the Ambassador had raised. Craigie asked him to consider the situation in Shanghai and the navigation of the Yangtze as the two most important issues in connection with Anglo-Japanese relations.

2. Prince Konoye will formally receive the diplomatic Chiefs of Mission tomorrow and has let it be known that he will continue to hold the portfolio of Foreign Affairs for the present.

Grew