893.0146/706: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Bullitt)
1180. Your 2263, September 30, 7 p.m., last paragraph, second and last sentences. It was not intended to imply in the Department’s 1109, September 29, 6 p.m.,71 that the Department entertains any feeling of confident optimism with regard to the attitude of Japan. We do not know precisely what Leger or Chauvel had in mind in their remarks to you, but it may not be inappropriate to observe that so far as this Government is concerned we continue to believe that whatever action we may take must be consistent with our traditional policies. We would perceive no advantage but rather considerable disadvantage in the adoption of any policy or the taking of any action which would involve any waiver or signing away in Japan’s favor of existing rights. We see no reason for assuming at this time that the conflict in China has been resolved or is sure to be resolved in Japan’s favor; and we see ample reason for refraining from action or steps based on any such assumption.