711.94/2187: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Japan ( Grew )
542. Your 1290, August 22, 6 p.m. You will observe from the Department’s 527, August 23, 11 a.m., which crossed your telegram under reference, that this Government has endeavored to make clear to the public the absence of any intention on the part of this Government to encircle or otherwise to threaten any country.
You may in your discretion indicate to officials of the Japanese Government that the character of recent American press comment in regard to the situation in the Far East represents a natural reaction to Japanese policies and courses of action adversely affecting American interests. The Department feels that positive action on the part of [Page 400] the Japanese Government responsive to this Government’s representations looking to respect by the Japanese Government for American rights and interests in the Japanese Empire and areas under Japanese control might be expected to contribute more to altering the trend of American public opinion to which the Director of the American Bureau takes exception than any statements which the American Government could make.