893.102 Tientsin/415: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Dooman) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, August 3, 1939—6
p.m.
[Received August 3—9:05 a.m.]
[Received August 3—9:05 a.m.]
386. Department’s 238, August 2, 8 p.m.15
- 1.
- I called on the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs this afternoon and spoke as authorized on the broad aspects of the questions discussed in the current Anglo-Japanese conversations. I began by saying that so early as June 19 I had informally indicated to the Minister for Foreign Affairs the likelihood of the American Government being concerned if the negotiations over the Tientsin situation were permitted to embrace broader questions; I referred to the several statements made to the press by the Secretary in which reference was made to broader aspects; I made mention of the various conversations which I had with him and other Japanese along similar lines; and I made the statement authorized in the Department’s telegram under reference. I concluded by saying that if action were taken by Japan to implement any currency measures adverse reaction in the United States must be expected.
- 2.
- In reply to the question whether I were acting under instructions, I said that the statements which I had made to him had been made with the prior knowledge and approval of my Government.
- 3.
- Sawada made no comment other than the possibly significant one that he assumed that the American Government had no objection to the broader aspects being discussed but would object if any arrangement relating thereto were carried out without the prior assent of the American Government.
Repeated to Peiping. Peiping please repeat to Chungking and Tientsin.
Dooman