711.94/2133: Telegram
The Ambassador in Japan (Grew) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 212:10 p.m.]
757. For the Secretary and the Under Secretary. Embassy’s 743, May 27, 2 p.m. A Japanese friend in whom I have entire confidence conveyed to me the substance of a statement made to him today by an important personage who is being consulted in connection with the conversations taking place in Washington, [as] follows:
On May 30 the German Ambassador called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and asked for an explanation of statements attributed by the American President [press?] to members of Congress in direct touch with the President to the effect that the President’s views with regard to the Far East were undergoing a change in the direction of conciliation. The Minister thereupon undertook to issue a public statement emphasizing Japan’s solidarity with the Axis and he did in fact release such a statement the following day (I have cabled the Department the text thereof).18
- 2.
- Mr. Matsuoka has now been informed of the tenor of the Washington conversations.
- 3.
- High officials here to whom Ambassador Nomura is reporting on the conversations are gravely concerned over the appearance of [Page 248] statements such as those attributed to the Congressmen under reference, and over subsequent speculative discussions in the American press ascribing whatever approach which might have been made by Japan to fear of the United States, the breaking down of Japan’s economy and the rapid deterioration of Japan’s military strength. The continuation of speculative discussions along such lines, along with further suggestions by presumably responsible persons in American public life with regard to the trend of the President’s thoughts, would make the position of the favorable elements here extremely difficult.
- 4.
- Informant expresses the view that the potentialities for a successful outcome of the Washington conversations will decrease in direct ratio to the delay incurred in reaching an agreement and the resulting opportunity for harmful public speculation.