793.94/14653: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan ( Grew ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 30—11:25 a.m.]
51. 1. The following is a condensation of a report which in various versions appeared simultaneously in the papers this morning:
“Pressure against and restriction of Japan’s ‘new order in East Asia’ on the part of England and the United States have become more and more apparent. In one section of the United States particularly there has been recently an intensification of the tendency toward anti-Japanese feeling. The former Secretary of State, Mr. Stimson, is the chairman of a committee organized for non-participation by the United States in Japanese aggression. The Committee is making vigorous efforts to have Congress pass a bill prohibiting the export of oil, iron, et cetera, to Japan. Further, with the Communist Party as the central figure, anti-Japanese propaganda is being spread among [Page 496] the people. These and other movements are to be very carefully watched for their effect on the attitude of the United States towards Japan. It is said that England is engaged in the study of concrete plans for economic sanctions against Japan with the cooperation of America. France also is to enter this arrangement. These and other factors make it necessary to pay very careful attention to the movements of the democratic countries as they are directed against Japan.
Prime Minister Hiranuma and Minister for Foreign Affairs Arita have frequently since the opening of the Diet set forth their opinions concerning the policies of the Japanese Government with regard to the above situation. They have stated that the Japanese Government has made complete (dans for successfully coping with economic sanctions of any sort which may be undertaken and they have made clear their determination to proceed apace with the realization of Japan’s aims. Further, the Imperial Government anticipating, in view of recent international conditions, that economic sanctions may soon be imposed on Japan, is engaged in the establishment of thorough going plans to meet every exigency.
It seems that at the five-Minister meetings held on the 25th and 26th various important consultations particularly in regard to this point were held, i. e., the Imperial Government on its part, even if economic sanctions of any sort by Great Britain and the United States should become a fact in the future, will not waver in the slightest degree in its determination and established policies and rejecting all interference will forge ahead rapidly in the establishment of a new East Asia”.
2. There are persistent rumors that a conference before the Emperor was held a few days ago on an unknown subject.