711.008 North Pacific/299: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew)
Washington, March 11, 1938—5
p.m.
84. Your 162, March 11, noon.
- 1.
- The statement we have proposed represents the only present method of averting possible serious trouble. At this time there is debate in Congress in regard to legislation that may be enacted, and failure of the present discussions might lead to quick action by Congress.
- 2.
- Public concern over the salmon fishery situation has rapidly increased, and the Department is constantly receiving press clippings and letters from widely separated parts of the country objecting to Japanese fishing activities. Moreover, a certain amount of restraint [Page 179] has undoubtedly been exercised by affected interests out of consideration for the Department’s efforts. The situation might easily become exceedingly dangerous.
- 3.
- The Department cannot well conceive of less that might be done by the Japanese authorities in this situation than is outlined in the draft press release which, it should be noted, makes no material departure from the assurances and statements of the Japanese Government. The American Government regards the assurances in question as representing the minimum that would prove acceptable, even temporarily, to affected interests and to those urging legislation, and regards as very unfortunate the fact that the Japanese Government is having difficulty, with attendant delay, in arriving at a decision to accept and assent to publication of the clear statement in the draft under reference of the assurances which that Government has already given.
- 4.
- I thoroughly approve of the action you have taken and the future course you have in mind as indicated in paragraph 3 of your telegram under reference.
Hull