798.94119/524a: Telegram

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

84. The Department has received information to the effect that the Japanese, alleged to be desirous, in the light of developments in Europe, of negotiating a settlement with the Chinese Government, have made an approach (perhaps through a go-between) to a prominent Chinese; that in the approach, liberal terms have been hinted at, Ugaki33 has been mentioned as behind the move, as being influential offstage, and as being in position to come out to handle negotiations; and that the Chinese thus approached has replied that a Chinese and Japanese settlement can come only as a part of a general international settlement.

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It is assumed that the Embassy has received Chungking’s 211, March 27, 11 a.m.,34 which Chungking indicates was mailed to you and which also mentions the subject of a possible early move by Japan to endeavor to negotiate a settlement with China.

Hull
  1. Gen. Kazushige Ugaki was Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, May–September, 1938.
  2. Not printed.