893.102S/2194: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
Tokyo, August 18, 1940—6
p.m.
[Received August 18—8:20 a.m.]
[Received August 18—8:20 a.m.]
710. Our 709, August 18, 5 p.m.—Shanghai defense sectors.
- 1.
- The official of the Foreign Office to whom the approach referred to in our telegram No. 709 was made has just called by telephone to say that he had conveyed the substance of our approach to the Foreign Minister who approved everything which the junior official had said during the conversation, including, he stated, the request that we cable the request that American troops not move into defense Sector B.
- 2.
- He further stated that the Foreign Minister had observed that the Japanese Government was at a loss to understand why the American Government chose to act in such a precipitate manner and that in the opinion of the Japanese Government such hasty action would not contribute to a solution of the existing difficulties. The Foreign Minister added that if the American troops should occupy defense Sector B anti-American feeling might well be aroused in Japan.
Repeated to Shanghai. Shanghai repeat to Chungking, Peiping and the Commander in Chief.
Grew