894.00/869: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Dooman) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 31—7:20 a.m.]
449. Our 448, August 30, 4 p.m.91
- 1.
- The statement mentioned in paragraph 3 of our telegram under
reference was given to the press and broadcast to the nation over
the radio by the Prime Minister92 last night. It was vague and repetitious in
character. A summarized translation of that section dealing with
foreign relations is as follows.
“World affairs are now full of event and change, and the present situation is extremely significant. The establishment of a new order in East Asia is Japan’s immutable policy, and the adjustment of international relations to this end is of immediate urgency. In coping with the complicated and rapidly changing international situation I intend to preserve an independent position for Japan and proceed on a basis of carrying out our own convictions. We shall cooperate as friends in the promotion of the fortunes of the world with those powers who understand our position and who cooperated unstintingly with us. Those powers who do not cooperate shall be dealt with with firm determination. Japan’s policy with respect to the present incident is already determined and immutable, and the Government, with a united nation, intends to put this policy into effect.”
- 2.
- This morning the vernacular press confesses that there is little that is new or concrete in Prime Minister Abe’s statement but declares that the circumstances attending the change of Cabinet make such a statement inevitable. After all, the press goes on, the real question lies in how the new Prime Minister’s convictions are to be given concrete expression. The press is still at a loss to know how Abe will proceed to deal with the present situation and continues to be somewhat skeptical of his ability to do so.
Repeated Peiping. Peiping please repeat to Chungking.