693.001/486: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan ( Grew ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 20—6:30 a.m.]
31. Our 16, January 9, 8 p.m. My French colleague has handed me a copy of note which he presented yesterday to the Japanese Government along the same general lines as the British and our notes. As I understand that the text has been cabled to the United States by the press, I shall send a copy by mail.
The French note refers to Japan’s new policy and states that it has engaged the special attention of the French Government; that it believes the provisions of the Nine Power Treaty to be still valid and that it could not recognize any modification of existing conditions in China established under treaties in force without prior consultation and agreement by the interested powers. The French Government refuses to believe that the Japanese Government intends unilaterally to denounce the treaties and in case the latter believes that the present course of events warrants an adjustment of the provisions of the Washington Treaties it should communicate any suggestions deemed opportune. These will be closely examined by the French Government.