Office of the Historian

711.94/2123: Telegram

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

Washington, May 26, 1941—8 p.m.

301. For the Ambassador and Counselor only. In further reference to Department’s strictly confidential telegrams nos. 297 of May 24, 11 p.m., and 298 of May 25, 5 p.m.,98 please consult a strictly confidential letter of March 15 from an officer of the Department and the Department’s strictly confidential telegram no. 247 of April 24, 7 p.m.

The Department desires urgently an expression of your opinion whether it is likely that if the Japanese Government should in an agreement with the Government of the United States pledge itself to a policy of peace in the Pacific area, to concluding with China a peaceful settlement on a basis which is reasonably fair to all concerned and to a program of cooperation with the United States on a basis of non-discrimination in international economic relations, the Japanese Government could or would in good faith carry out such pledges. This Government would of course expect before concluding any agreement with Japan to sound out in confidence the Chinese Government in regard to the matter.

Also, what in your estimate would be the prospect that conclusion of such an agreement would contribute toward enabling Japan effectively to change from its present courses, including its relations with European countries, to courses in general harmony with the principles in which this Government believes.

If the letter of May 2 has not reached you please reply on the basis of this telegram and the other references contained herein.99

Hull
  1. Latter not printed.↩
  2. In telegram No. 746, May 28, 10 a.m. (711.94/2128), Ambassador Grew said he did not think he could “profitably expand the views set forth” in telegram No. 743, May 27, 2 p.m. (post, p. 231), which was based on the letter of May 2 (ante, p. 173.).↩