711.94/6–3041
Statement by the Secretary of State on June 30, 194158
It may be said in the first place that there has thus far been no official confirmation of the reported statement of the Japanese Prime Minister. Naturally this Government in observing all developments in the Pacific area takes notice of all phases of information—both favorable and unfavorable—emanating from the Government of Japan at Tokyo. This applies to the statement of Prime Minister Konoe in all its different phases, especially as it relates to self-defense against aggression, [Page 287] peace, and friendly relations between our two Governments and our peoples.
The Government of the United States has consistently preached and practiced peace and friendly relations with other nations based upon the principles of law and justice and since the world-wide movement of conquest by Hitler this Government has also preached and practiced a policy of adequate preparation for national defense and the taking of every necessary step in carrying out the law of self-defense against such aggression. These three policies among others, always based upon the principles of law and justice and fair dealing, this Government continues earnestly to advocate and to pursue. It hopes that these high aims and purposes may be increasingly accepted by other nations.
- Notation on file copy: “Statement read over the telephone by Mr. Gray to Mr. Hamilton on behalf of the Secretary, June 30, 1941”; Cecil W. Gray was Assistant to the Secretary of State.↩