Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, The Far East, Volume IV

711.942/454: Telegram

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

Washington, January 8, 1940—6 p.m.

12. 1. The New York Times of January 7 carries an item under Washington date line January 6 in which there occur inter alia, statements as follows: “Means of arriving at a modus vivendi under which Japan would receive most-favored-nation treatment by the United States when the joint trade treaty⁹⁸ denounced by this country⁹⁹ expires January 26 were discussed today at the State Department by Secretary of State Cordell Hull and the Japanese Ambassador.”¹ “That such an arrangement would be reached to allow more time for negotiations …² in Tokyo and conversations in Washington was regarded as almost certain.”

The New York Herald-Tribune of January 8 carries a United Press despatch under Tokyo date line January 7 in which it is stated that, according to the Japanese press, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs³ intends to invite you to visit him this week to continue the discussion of Japanese-American trade relations; and that the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs “would press for a formal opening of trade negotiations, in the hope of concluding at least a temporary agreement to replace the commercial treaty of 1911.”

2. We cannot but regard these press stories to the effect that the conclusion of a modus vivendi is probable as inspired by the Japanese Government. We consider unfortunate the publication of such stories as they are calculated to give rise to unwarranted expectations.

3. In case the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs asks you to call and brings up again the subject of treaty relations between the United States and Japan, including the question of concluding a modus vivendi, the Department suggests that you refer to these press stories and say that we deplore them as likely to give rise to unwarranted expectations. The Department suggests that you refer also to the statement which you gave the Minister for Foreign Affairs on December 22,⁴ especially the statements contained in paragraph numbered 6 (see Department’s 402, December 18, 2 p.m.⁵), and say that we are awaiting “evidence of the steps which the Japanese Government is taking toward giving practical effect to its attitude.” Please indicate again that in existing circumstances we prefer to leave open the question of concluding a modus vivendi and that we consider that we should await developments.

Hull

98. Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, signed at Washington, February 21, 1911, Foreign Relations, 1911, p. 315.
99. See note from the Secretary of State to the Japanese Ambassador, July 26, 1939, ibid., 1939, vol. iii, p. 558.
1. Kensuke Horinouchi.
2. Omission indicated in the original telegram.
3. Adm. Kichisaburo Nomura.
4. See telegram No. 699, December 22, 1939, 9 p.m., from the Ambassador in Japan, Foreign Relations, 1939, vol. iii, p. 627.
5. Foreign Relations, Japan, 1931–1941, vol. ii, p. 190.