Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1939, The Far East, Volume III

793.94/14697: Telegram

The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State

Tokyo, February 14, 1939—noon.
[Received February 14—3:17 a.m.]

88. Acting under instructions from their respective Governments the French Ambassador¹¹ yesterday and the British Ambassador¹² today inquired orally of the Minister for Foreign Affairs¹³ as to the purpose, character and duration of the occupation by Japanese forces of Hainan. The Minister replied that the purpose of the occupation was to intensify the blockade of the South China coast, that the character was military and that the duration would depend upon military considerations.

Arita added to Craigie that the occupation would not be permanent.

Grew

11. Charles Arsène-Henry.
12. Sir Robert L. Craigie.
13. Hachiro Arita.