711.94/2118: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 21—9:25 a.m.]
718. A highly placed Japanese informs me that a message was recently sent to Baron Hiranuma by several prominent Japanese of high rank that if a crisis should occur in Japanese foreign relations (obviously with the United States) he must immediately bring about the fall of the Cabinet. My informant says that he himself was asked to deliver the message but, as his own personal relations with Hiranuma are not good, another messenger was chosen. Informant states that not only the majority in the Cabinet but probably 90% of the intelligentsia in Japan wish to avoid trouble with the United States and the implication was clearly conveyed that they fear and are opposed to the policy of Matsuoka.