711.94/2129
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State
The British Ambassador called at his request. He referred to the casual and unofficial conversations which I have recently had with the Japanese Ambassador in regard to the possibility of instituting negotiations for a peaceful settlement in the Pacific area. He was very much interested in the matter and desired to know how soon it might be before I would know whether there were any definite grounds for taking up such negotiations. I replied that it might be very soon; that, of course, as I said to the Chinese Ambassador here some days [Page 234] ago, and as I have said to my associates in the Department from the beginning, I would not think of entering into any discussions looking to an agreement without first having full and free conference with the Chinese representatives. I then added that the three basic points I am constantly keeping in mind relate to a satisfactory Chinese settlement, assurances that the Japanese will not go South for purposes of military conquest, and assurances that they will not fight for Germany in case the United States should be drawn into the war. I concluded by saying that everything naturally revolved around these phases. The Ambassador seemed to be pleased with this view.