393.115 Tung or Wood Oil/248: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Dooman) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 13—8:45 a.m.]
470. Our 422, August 21, 5 p.m. The following is our translation of Yoshizawa’s reply to my letter: [Page 455]
“Tokyo, September 8, 1939.
My Dear Dooman: I have carefully perused the contents of your letter of August 21, 1939 concerning the shipment of the wood oil which has accumulated at Hankow and which is owned by American commercial concerns.
I note from your letter that the opinion is held that this accumulation of wood oil was caused by the ‘continuing unwarranted interference of the Japanese authorities’. Such an opinion, indicating a misunderstanding of the true motives underlying the action taken in regard to this question by the Japanese authorities is greatly to be regretted.
In the first place, the question of the right of navigation of the Yangtze river is one which must be considered in connection with the rectification of such discriminatory relationships as the Concessions, extraterritorial rights, et cetera, which exist in China. Leaving aside, for the time being, this general discussion, it is to be noted that the present closing of the Yangtze river is being carried out for strategic reasons; that is, expediting the transportation of men and military supplies for Japan’s armed forces, protection of the secrecy of military actions, elimination of one route of assistance to the Chiang Kai Shek regime, maintenance of peace and order, consideration of the effect of the removal of the blockade upon the popular mind, et cetera. Japanese nationals, as well as others, are suffering a great deal from this blockade.
Nevertheless, Japan has been following a policy of giving just consideration to specific problems and of making efforts to reach a practical solution of as many of these problems as possible. Consideration was given to the possibility of some special treatment in this case owing to the change in the position of wood oil and to the small amount involved. At the same time in view of the favorable impression received by Japanese authorities at the front because of the fact that since the beginning of the incident American nationals have, compared with nationals of other third powers, taken an attitude which is somewhat appreciative of the position of Japan in relation to the prosecution of military activities, and for other reasons, special consideration has been given since last spring to this question also by those locally concerned. At the present time special negotiations are being carried on in an effort by some arrangement to reach a solution of this question.
In the meantime, however, the American Government suddenly abrogated the treaty of commerce and navigation between Japan and the United States. Considering the time, method, and motive of the above action, the Japanese Government must consider it an undiplomatic and unfriendly act. Accordingly, Japan has had to reexamine its general relations with the United States, and under these circumstances, the solution of this question also was suspended for the time being.
As I have stated, progress has already been made under a policy of seeking a practical and convenient settlement. The local Japanese authorities have been, as heretofore, entrusted with the disposition of the question of the wood oil. At present the appropriate local Japanese authorities are devising some method of shipment in so far as it does not violate the military objectives for which the Yangtze river was closed. They are exerting particular efforts to offer accommodations [Page 456] as a special friendly treatment limited to this instance and utilizing extra space available in the holds of ships used for military purposes. This is limited to wood oil which at the present time is clearly determined to be and to have been for some time past American property.
It is a matter for congratulation that some more progress, as I have pointed out, is being made in the actual conversations among the individuals concerned with regard to this problem of the wood oil. It is to be regretted that your Government should adopt an attitude towards this problem, which is difficult of solution without practical and friendly consideration, of persisting in theoretical arguments using such words as ‘unwarranted interference, etc.’ I must bring to your attention the fact that such an attitude does not contribute to the solution of the many problems arising out of the critical conditions at present prevalent throughout China.
Very truly yours, Seijiro Yoshizawa, Director, American Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Eugene H. Dooman, Esquire, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States of America, Tokyo.”
Shanghai please repeat to Chungking, Hankow, Peiping.