393.115/1049: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21—6:10 a.m.]
1345. Reference Embassy’s telegram 1337, December 18, 5 p.m.60 It needs but little study of Mr. Matsuoka’s oral statement, which purports to be a reply to our various requests for alleviation of the difficulties under which our rights, interests and individuals in occupied China are laboring, to see the spirit by which the Japanese Government is now actuated. I can perceive not one line which reveals a disposition on the part of the Government to alleviate the conditions complained of; the document is, on the contrary, an example of Japan’s newly acquired attitude of “toughness” and assertiveness. It is argumentation by denial and counter allegation and is discouraging to say the least.
The time may be approaching when it may be necessary fully to inform the American public through the press in detail of the extent to which American rights and interests are and have been trampled upon by Japanese and to lay before them for their judgment the [Page 562] intransigent attitude adopted by the Japanese Government toward our restrained and reasonable representations.
Sent to the Department via Shanghai. Shanghai please repeat to Chungking, Peiping.
Sent to the Department, repeated to Chungking and Peiping.