711.942/374: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 15—7:25 a.m.]
635. With reference Peiping’s despatch No. 2337, November 2 concerning apprehension of local Americans over possible drastic American action after expiration Japanese commercial treaty on January 26, in conversation with a number of American citizens here in Peiping I find that apprehension referred to in the Embassy’s despatch appears to be fairly widespread. Apprehension seems to me to be due to following factors: (a) Reported statements by Japanese that present joint note expresses [policy of Japan?] definitely to discriminate in favor of American citizens would be replaced by anti-American feeling unless American attitude changes after January 26. (b) Tendency of Americans to confuse treaty issue with much publicized possibility of Congress passing legislation authorizing embargo of certain types of goods for Japan, (c) Apparent general belief that American Government contemplates some drastic action as a follow-up of Ambassador Grew’s speech29 and notice of termination of Japanese-American Treaty of Commerce. In conversation I endeavored to point out to Americans that issue regarding treaty and question of embargo are two separate and distinct questions, that termination of treaty does not imply further action by the United States Government as it will leave commercial relations upon a basis of domestic regulation in the two countries and in the case of the United States upon laws which have been upon statute books for a number of years and that further initiative rests not with American Government but with Japanese Government which presumably will wish to improve rather than worsen its commercial relations with the United States.
I have stated that personally I do not anticipate any worsening of situation regarding Americans in China except possibly as the result of actions by irresponsible Japanese military in the field; that I do not observe any reason now for issuing warnings to American citizens as to their conduct or as to possible evacuation from places in the interior. Statements of hostile attitude by local Japanese spokesmen or repeated from published items in Japanese press in Japan continue to be reported here, and to form subject to [of?] circulated gossip and speculation; personally I feel that these statements are intended more as bluff or as wishful thinking rather than as indicating any definitely conceived plans by Japanese authorities. Domei constantly carries reports intended to convey the idea that Japanese Minister resident Kato is pursuing me for purpose of conference and settlement of outstanding questions.
[Page 616]One cannot escape the feeling that some of this may be inspired by local Japanese military who appear to be anxiously endeavoring to appease American official attitude by attempts at local settlement of questions relating to American citizens. In short courtesy visit paid by Kato to me in Shanghai, no suggestion was made by him of any desire to substitute [discuss?] outstanding questions and I have no knowledge of any desire on his part to confer with me in regard to any question. No Japanese has thus far sought me out for purposes of conversation or otherwise.
I expect to spend the 15th in Tientsin, returning to Peiping December 16th. I expect to see and talk with Americans in Tientsin in the presence of Consul General Caldwell.
Repeated to Chungking, Shanghai, code text by air mail to Tokyo.
- Address of October 19, Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, Vol. ii, p. 19.↩